JCB and the GMB union have reached an agreement on new working arrangements designed to save 915 jobs across the UK
GMB members in Wrexham’s JCB plant are being consulted on new working arrangements after ‘intense discussions’ have led to a proposed new working agreement that could safeguard 915 jobs.
The new flexible working arrangements, which will be put to GMB members, aim to maintain the core workforce for the next 12 months and help avoid potential shop floor redundancies in Wrexham.
A ballot of GMB members is to be held next week on the new temporary agreement at factories in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wrexham.
The result is expected on 29 May and union members will cast their vote in person at the factory sites.
In recent weeks, a fall in demand has led to JCB releasing a number of its senior team and this temporary collective agreement aims to offer greater job security for GMB’s shop floor members throughout the period of instability resulting from of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Protect jobs
Alyn Thomas, GMB organiser said: “We’ve been working really hard with JCB throughout this crisis to protect the jobs of our members in Wrexham.
“This crisis has been tough for everyone, and JCB have already made one round of Job losses.
“We’re hopeful that this new flexible working arrangement can see the business through the worst of the economic turmoil and allows the company to quickly bounce back after the crisis.”
JCB chief operating Officer Mark Turner, commented: “We have held very constructive discussions with the GMB.
“It is very pleasing that we have found a way forward on production flexibility because we expect disruption from the Covid-19 crisis to continue until at least the end of this year.”
