1 March 2024

1st March 2024

The industrial action at PHINIA goes on, even in the strong winds and pouring rain. The worried yet determined striking workers made their point today in bold and strong fashion as they formed a picket line at the place of work. Medway Greens again joined them as a show of solidarity.

The action has been forced on the PHINIA workers by the management decision to both take away the paid lunch break, which had been agreed through previous negotiations, and introduce a fire and rehire policy to force people to sign new, worse, contracts.

In February 2024, the UK Government issued the first Statutory Code of Practice relating to ‘Dismissal and Re-engagement', aka "fire and rehire" Subject to parliamentary approval the Code will come into effect in 2024 across England, Wales and Scotland. The Code demonstrates that 'fire and rehire' should be a last resort following meaningful consultation with employees or their representatives.

Sadly there is no ban on this practice in the new statutory Code, there are plenty of identified risks to reputation and possible costly claims but PHINIA management appear to be oblivious to these facts and are showing no empathy for the emotional and financial impact their proposals have had on staff.

The workers will be making thier stand again on Monday, and in the following days and weeks, until at least the deadline set by the management, but are hoping that the company bosses rethink their approach and provide an offer that can be accepted by the workers.

The Green Party supports the right of working people to form and join free democratic and self-governing trade unions, without restriction by employer or government, and for workers to follow the processes for strike action and negotiation. We believe that having robust union and management partnerships enable the best for both the company and the staff.

The Green Party believes that working people should be paid a decent, living wage and, like every other citizen, be entitled to a sufficient level of economic security to meet their needs.

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