Union will challenge Nissan Redundancies

London, March 24 -- Derek Simpson the General Secretary of Amicus, the UK's largest car manufacturing union, will today meet with workers from the Nissan plant in Sunderland to discuss the company's announcement to cut 60 jobs from its production plant in Sunderland.

Derek Simpson said: "This is a significant decision by the Company to go public on redundancies that will create uneasiness amongst the workforce.

"We believe the Company has gone about this announcement in the wrong way by simply advising the Company Works Council when, in fact, they have a legal duty and responsibility to consult with Amicus.

"We are now in the process of seeking legal advice on the matter to see if we can challenge the method they used for redundancy selection."

Notes to Editors:

Derek Simpson, General Secretary of Amicus, will be visiting the Nissan Branch this evening in order to meet with the members and to obtain first hand information on the redundancy circumstances.

Amicus is the sole Trade Union recognised by Nissan, has been formally notified by Nissan Management of a redundancy situation.

Since the Company located its production plant in Sunderland this is the first occasion that Nissan has announced a redundancy that will terminate up to 60 workers' contracts.

It is believed that since the launch of the new Micra sales have not been as buoyant as expected and the Company's second main production car, the Almiera, has also slumped in car sales.

This linked to the Government's uncertainty to join the Euro, coupled with the strength of Sterling, has impacted upon the Company and results in the first ever redundancy announcement.

John Park, Amicus Media Officer, tel +44 (0)7813 841426 or Davey Hall, Amicus Regional Secretary, tel +44 (0)7802 912735