22/08/2005

Rolls-Royce strike begins

Workers at a Rolls-Royce factory in Bristol are beginning strike action on Monday, in protest at the sacking of a union official.

Rolls Royce sacked Amicus union representative, Jerry Hicks, last month. The union claimed that Mr Hicks was dismissed from his job because of his trade union activities.

Ninety-six engineers responsible for testing engines for military aircraft at the site began strike action on Monday. Amicus warned that the strike will be for an indefinite period of time and would have an immediate impact on work at the site.

The union also said that it could not rule out the possibility that industrial action could spread.

Mr Hicks has rejected a cash settlement from Rolls Royce, Amicus said, and the union is campaigning for his full reinstatement.

Doug Collins, Amicus’ Deputy General Secretary said: “We believe that Jerry has been attacked because of his work as a union official and we and our members at Bristol are committed to do everything they can to get Jerry reinstated.

“This is an unnecessary situation, entirely of Rolls-Royce’s making and we are calling for them to act now to do the right thing by Jerry and avert a damaging strike at the plant.”

(KMcA/SP)

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