Nissan Management Refuse Talks with Amicus Union

LONDON, November 24 -- A ballot for strike action at the Nissan car plant in Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, starts today (Monday 24.11.03) after Nissan management refused to hold talks with the Amicus Trade union over compulsory re-location of the company's purchasing department. Balloting of workers in the purchasing department could mean that Nissan are faced with the threat of strike action for the first time in the plants history.

The strike ballot conducted by Amicus is over the threat of compulsory re-location of staff from the purchasing department to Cranfield in Bedfordshire. The Company made this decision without the consultation of the employees involved. Amicus have informed Management that they want proper consultation over the relocation issue and would like to hold formal talks but the Company has rejected this.

At a meeting held yesterday (Sunday 23.11.03) in Tyneside with Nissan Shop stewards Derek Simpson the General Secretary of the Amicus Trade Union gave full support to the Nissan workforce. He said

"The way that Nissan have treated their purchasing staff in refusing to even discuss with us their re-location is simply diabolical - we intend to fully back our members and call for the company to begin negotiations with us now"

The result of the strike ballot is expected on 8th December.

For further information contact: North East Regional Secretary - Davey Hall - Office +44 (0)191 2667116 - Mobile +44 (0)7802 912735. North East Regional Officer - Mel Barras - Office +44 (0)191 2667116 - Mobile +44 (0)7850 293798.