Corus workers vote on strike action over bonus payments
Wednesday, 28 Oct 2009
It is reported that workers at Corus' Orb steel plant in Newport claim they have not been paid bonuses, which can make up 20% of take home pay, by the UK steel giant. The move follows action by Corus workers in Corby and Hartlepool.
Trade union Community said that the Newport workers were furious. It said the business was violating more than 30 years of procedure, custom and practice.
Mr Roy Rickhuss national steel officer insisted members had taken a stand and would not let Corus rip up their contracts. He said that "We will not allow Corus to put a gun to our head and negotiate away our members’ terms and conditions under duress."
Mr Rickhuss claimed that management at the firm was using the recession as an excuse to drive down wages. He added that “The Community union will support our members as they seek to protect their families and their livelihoods."
Corus has written to staff explaining bonuses could not be paid for the last quarter because agreements with trade unions for 2009-10 had not been made.
Mr Robert Dangerfield spokesman of Corus said that "The issue about the lump sum bonus has been ongoing for quite some time now. The position of the business is that we want to settle. We are open to talks on the bonus and Corus is very supportive of a bonus being awarded."
