Continuous Strike Action to Begin at Rolls Royce Next Week

LONDON, August 19 --

The Auto Channel reported that Amicus members working at Rolls Royce in Bristol are to begin strike action on Monday (22nd August) in support of an Amicus union official at the plant, Jerry Hicks, who was sacked by the company last month.

96 engineers responsible for testing engines at the site will be striking for an indefinite period from Monday which, Amicus has warned, will have an immediate impact on work at the site.

Amicus say that Jerry has been dismissed by the company because of his trade union activities. The union also say they cannot rule out the possibility that the industrial action could spread.

Doug Collins, Amicus' Deputy General Secretary, said:

"We believe that Jerry has been attacked because of his work as a union official and we and our member's at Bristol are committed to do everything they can to get Jerry reinstated.

"This is an unnecessary situation, entirely of Rolls Royce's making, and we are calling for them to act now to do the right thing by Jerry and avert a damaging strike at the plant."

Jerry has rejected a cash settlement from Rolls Royce. He and Amicus are campaigning for his full reinstatement.

Hundreds of Rolls Royce workers and people from Bristol attended a rally in support of Jerry on Wednesday on College Green. Speakers at the rally included Tony Benn, and Bob Crow.

Rolls-Royce announced GBP269 million last month, a 54% rise on the previous half year.

For further information, please contact Catherine Bithell in the Amicus press office on +44-(0)20-7420-8909 or +44-(0)7958-473-224