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According to the BBC Devon site, no one from Epwin Group was available for comment.
Whenever the talks of strikes comes up, the accompanying argument of the principle of the thing is also debated. According to www.thewestsouth.blogspot.com the strike was approved by over 77%. Now that’s a positive response in any way you look at it. But is striking the right option?
To me, striking should only ever be the last resort, and I know this is the opinion of many others. I completely understand that they wish to be heard and want to stick up for themselves and their positions. But while taking industrial action, they should also consider that they are lucky enough to have a job (which is paid over the minimum wage) to strike over.
Personally, I wouldn’t be striking right now. It is no only the Epwin Group who cannot afford to raise wages at this current time, most businesses haven’t, and haven’t for the last few also. In fact most businesses have cut wages in order to reduce the wage bill to make sure of the continuity of the business. Striking will only alert the company to those who are most militant and wish to cause disruption in order to get themselves heard.
Negotiations are the most sensible route to take right now. Both parties need to get round the table to sort something out. With Epwin being such a large company, large enough to be recognized by the BBC, this sort of negative publicity will only serve to damage the name locally and nationally.
>I work for the epwin group and have voted yes to strike for several reasons. 1. No pay rise for 4 years not 3.2. During meetings with the management over the last 2 years we have been lied to as to the profits the group is making. We were told the group isnt making any profit. Then we find out off the internet that the group made 4.5million in profit last year. 3. Living costs in the south west are some of the highest in the country with some of the lowest wages in the country. Each year we become… Read more »
>Hi Anon
Thanks for your response as regards to the up coming strike. It would be good for my readers and the industry if you would be able to keep us all up to date on here with the progress of any negotiations and the upcoming strike.
I do hope that your situation is resolved before any strike actions has to take place.
Regards
DGB
>Hi Anon,
I heard there is a meeting next week. Any truth in this and what do you think it will take to prevent strike action.
Good luck with it all, hope its settled soon and with both parties relatively happy.
Cheers
>If you are not happy with your pay and employers why don't you leave and find a job that will meet your expectations. That's right you will struggle because unemployment is at a record high.
I've heard that The epwin group are opening trade outlets throughout the country which inturn will create jobs. But anon won't appreciate this because he only cares about number 1. Would he be happy if the epwin group made 5% of the workforce redundant to enable his payrise.
Get real and watch the news!
>There is a meeting next Thursday
>To the last anon.
"The Epwin Group is where it is now because of the hard work of its workforce" says Group Chairman Jim Rawson.
Epwin badly needs to invest in its largely discontent workforce.
I started at TWS in 2003 on £280 gross per week. In 2011 I now earn £277. All my pay rises wiped out by a pay reduction at the beginning of this year when the night shift premium was scrapped.
>Many Companies in manufacturing are struggling and unless they take swift and serious steps to keep costs to the bare minimum then they will not survive. As someone has already said, if you don't like where you are working go elsewhere. You are not under any obligation to stay. Jobs are not easy to come by so if you have to stay there, surely you would be best served to put all this strike planning energy to better use by helping to ensure the Company actually survives other wise you will be on the dole. Trust me the owners/managers do… Read more »
>To the last anonymous, who wondered why someone who is unhappy with their job stays for four years… Firstly, it's cumulative. Year one when there are no pay rises, you may be a little disgruntled but not enough to walk out. Year two, same thing happens … etc etc. After four years of effectively having less to live on (because prices rise while your wage doesn't), you're entitled to stand up and make your point. Especially when, despite the recession, Epwin have bragged about their growth and results. Secondly, the reason people don't instantly walk out when they don't get… Read more »
>As an ex Epwin employee this issue is very close to me.The real issue here is that everyone has lost out already. The negative publicity will do no one any good and the harm has already been done. The competition are waiting and watching.If the board will not speak to the Union in a meaningful way the members will have no other option.It has not only been a pay freeze for four years but for approx 40% it also meant a paycut of £60 per week at the end of 2010.Output levels have consistently improved at both TWS and DB… Read more »
>As a fellow Epwin group employee up in the midlands you fully get my support for the action you are taking
>Surely if you take this action in the south west, the Epwin group will look at the business units in much greater depths.i would bet if they moved operations to a more central location and updated production techniques these business units would become profitable, not least for transport saving costs. The profits they make elsewhere in other business units are used to help prop up the rest of the failing parts like TWS. poor quality and service from TWS has meant loss of customers and the workers are to blame. therefore strike action will only serve to upset your remaining… Read more »
>What was the proposal that was put forward at the last meeting?