UK Workers at the JCB Tunstall depot in Stoke-on-Trent are facing a significant decision as the company offers a £5,000 incentive package to persuade them to relocate to a new warehouse in Derbyshire, 49 miles away. As JCB prepares to shut down its Tunstall World Logistics warehouse on Lowlands Road next year, the company has communicated a series of financial incentives designed to cushion the blow and encourage continued employment with the firm.
The proposed negotiated package includes a £2,000 “retention incentive” and an additional £3,000 in “travel support” to help offset the costs associated with the 98-mile daily round trip to the new site at East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park, located near the M1 and East Midlands Airport. This support will be provided over a six-month period, during which time employees can assess whether the commute is manageable or if alternative employment closer to home would be more suitable.
In addition to these financial incentives, JCB is offering improved redundancy terms, particularly for recent recruits, as part of their efforts to manage the transition smoothly. These measures come in response to concerns raised by workers about the challenges posed by the impending move, which many fear will significantly disrupt their work-life balance.
However, the situation is complicated by the potential for industrial action. Unipart, the national firm currently operating the Tunstall site on behalf of JCB, has cautioned that the incentive package may be withdrawn entirely if the dispute escalates. This warning has sparked anger among the workforce, many of whom have only just returned from their summer break.
In a letter to staff, Unipart acknowledged the workers’ right to take industrial action but clarified the implications such action could have on the retention bonus. The letter stated: “It is important to make sure you understand the position on the retention bonus. Our eligibility criteria relate to time absent from work, with a number of triggers which, if reached, would mean you would not be eligible for the retention bonus. One of these triggers is absence which is not authorized due to a strike and as such will put at risk your eligibility for a retention bonus.”
In response to the growing tensions, The Workers Union is urging a focus on communication, negotiation, and obtaining a resolution between JCB and its workers rather than disruptive strike action. By adhering to The Workers Union’s core no-strike policy, the organization believes a satisfactory outcome can be achieved for all parties involved, avoiding the potential withdrawal of the incentive package and ensuring a smooth transition for JCB’s operations.
The Tunstall site’s closure is part of JCB’s broader logistical strategy, which involves consolidating its operations at the new East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park. The new site will be managed by logistics giant Maersk, reflecting JCB’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and maintaining its competitive edge in the market.
While the proposed relocation presents significant challenges for the current workforce, the company’s efforts to provide financial support and better redundancy terms indicate a willingness to engage constructively with employees. However, the potential for industrial action remains a point of contention that could influence the final outcome.
As the situation develops, it will be crucial for both management and workers to maintain open lines of communication. The Workers Union stands ready to assist its members in facilitating dialogue and ensuring that any agreements reached are in the best interest of the employees, without resorting to strikes that could jeopardize the proposed benefits.
The Workers Union says…
“Effective individual communications, negotiations and an amicable resolution is key to resolving workplace disputes. We encourage all parties to focus on finding common ground to ensure that workers are fully supported through this transition while maintaining the company’s operational efficiency.”
