Members of Unite employed as printers by Envases Liverpool Ltd will take 12 days of strike action next month following the dismissal of the union’s rep.

Unite believes that its rep John Williams was dismissed on false charges as a direct consequence of him standing up for the Unite members at the factory.

Envases had sought to use misleading information and a false statement to try to drive a wedge between Unite and another union at the factory. Mr Williams was dismissed after he exposed the company’s actions.

Envases produces tin plate containers and drums which are certified by the United Nations. The strike action will cause considerable disruption throughout the company’s production processes and will result in delays to customers receiving their products.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is disgraceful behaviour by Envases. The dismissal of a Unite rep is an aggressive, anti-union act so our members have no choice but to take a stand until their friend and colleague is reinstated.

“Unite does what it says on the trade union tin; it always fights for the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and the workers at Envases will receive the union’s total support.

“Envases has to stop behaving like a cowboy operator and start treating its workers with respect.”

Strike action will take place on the following dates 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 March.

Unite regional officer Gary Fairclough said: “Envases still has the opportunity to avoid strike action, which will inevitably cause enormous disruption, by returning to the negotiating table and agreeing to reinstate our member.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

During the coronavirus crisis Unite is working to keep workers and the public safe, to defend jobs and to protect incomes.

For more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 020 3371 2067 or 07802 329235.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Web: unitetheunion.org

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.