Workers at Fife factory start ballot for strike action over contract changes

Voting got underway today at hydraulic equipment supplier, Bosch Rexroth, and runs until November 20. Around 280 workers are involved.

It is being led by trade union, Unite which said the dispute was a result of the overwhelming rejection of German-ojned Bosch Rexroth’s proposed new contracts for the workers which are detrimental to existing terms and conditions. It claimed staff could lose up to £1000 per month

The union said changes include the company implementing short-time working without the negotiated agreement with Unite.

It said Bosch Rexroth proposes to impose an annualised hours system which “could put workers up to 70 hours in debt.” Unite said that, under this system, if a worker is paid for more hours than they have worked, an employer can recover the overpayment on a debt basis.

The claims were disputed by the company, and it criticised the union for “a number of factual inaccuracies” in its statement.

The company said all discussions regarding terms and conditions “have been conducted transparently and in good faith over a period of several months” and added: “No employee has been, or will be, forced to sign a contract that makes them financially worse off.”

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Our members will not accept take-home pay being slashed at Bosch which is a very profitable company, whose success has been achieved on the back of our members' hard work.

"Unite will completely back our members in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Bosch Rexroth engineers parts for the construction industry including gears and brakes, as well as parts for forklift trucks.

George Ramsay, Unite officer, added: “Bosch Rexroth is trying to railroad through drastic and unnecessary changes to terms and conditions which will substantially cut our members’ pay.”

“It is deliberately engineering this dispute, but they will soon understand that Unite will fight tooth and nail against any attempt to impose these shocking contract changes.”

A spokesperson for Bosch Rexroth said: “We continue to honour all existing commitments and remain engaged in open dialogue with Unite to find solutions that support both our people and the long-term sustainability of the plant.

“Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Their skill, dedication and commitment are essential to our success. The changes under discussion aim to support our customers’ demands, secure a competitive future for the plant by introducing more flexible working practices, strengthening its viability while ensuring continued opportunities for our workforce and community.

“Underpinning this commitment, we have made substantial investments and have recently launched an innovative new product. In addition, the management team has worked proactively to protect employment at the site.

“We remain fully committed to constructive engagement with Unite and our employees to achieve a sustainable future that benefits everyone.