Why Little Chef staff should get themselves a union
I READ of the distress caused by the early closure of West Lynn’s Little Chef and was shocked to read that the staff had been told by management that “they couldn’t find new jobs in the meantime”.
It’s at times like this that union membership comes into its own.
Staff can’t be told they can’t find new jobs.
No one can dictate to a member of staff who knows they face imminent redundancy that they cannot find a new job.
A union rep would have advised staff that they had a duty to be consulted with and if they were not consulted as individuals (in cases of less than 20 employees in one establishment) their dismissal could be judged as unfair.
A union rep would have told the staff that their consultation should begin 30 days before the redundancies take effect.
But the main point a trade union rep would have been able to tell these staff was that while under notice of redundancy employees have the right to reasonable time off with pay during working hours to look for alternative work (provided they meet with qualifying conditions – having been employed for two years).
If an employer refuses this, employees can make a claim to a tribunal.
These employment rights are the very same that this government is seeking to reduce or take away from us.
My suggestion is that workers contact the TUC to find out what union is best for them to join.
JO RUST
Secretary – King’s Lynn
and District Trades’
Council
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Weather for King's Lynn
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
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Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
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