Superdrug bosses threatening loss of severance packages if workers disagree with redundancy 'on the cheap'
Pontefract workers at the soon-to-be-closed Superdrug warehouse have been threatened with losing severance packages if they disagree with the company’s redundancy offer.
Superdrug is closing the distribution centre with the loss of around 350 jobs to cut costs.
Workers at the site, some with over 20 years’ service, are unhappy with the severance package offer put forward by the company. The offer was barely above the statutory minimum despite Superdrug last reporting pretax profits of £111.6 million and expecting these to grow.
In response, Superdrug supply chain director Chris Warn sent a letter to staff stating that any workers “who voted against accepting the company's enhanced redundancy pay offer will receive a payment in line with the statutory”.
He went on to say that “we would need to reconsider enhanced redundancy pay should industrial action be taken by anyone within a group eligible to receive an enhanced redundancy pay”.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Superdrug’s bully boy tactics are disgraceful. These workers have dedicated years of service to the company. But instead of putting forward a fair offer, the company is trying to make them redundant on the cheap with threats and attempts at union busting.
“All Superdrug is doing is dragging its reputation through the mud. Attempts at intimidation won’t work, they will just make this dispute worse. Superdrug can more than afford to put forward a fair offer and this is what needs to happen.”
The Superdrug Pontefract warehouse has been in operation for 34 years. The company is closing the site, where many staff have worked for decades, later this year to consolidate its distribution operations at its Dunstable warehouse.
Unite regional officer Phil Boyes said: “Superdrug’s Pontefract workforce are increasingly angry at the dismissive and derogatory attitude of the local management towards them.
"Industrial action causing severe disruption to Superdrug’s operations is increasingly likely. This dispute will continue to escalate until the threats stop and an acceptable offer is put forward.”
ENDS
For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.
Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org
Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.