The Jobless Crisis: Sacked staff in protest at Timex plant
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE TIMEX Corporation in Dundee was last night the scene of a mass demonstration by workers dismissed by the American multi-national this week after a two-week strike at the plant, writes James Cusick.
In the largest single mass sacking by any UK employer since the News International Wapping dispute of 1986, Timex on Wednesday carried out its threat to sack 300 assembly workers after they refused to agree changes.
Yesterday 12 newly recruited workers arrived at the Dundee factory to begin replacing those sacked. The company says that since it issued the 300 dismissal notices it has been inundated with applications from unemployed people in the Scottish east coast city. The unemployment level in Dundee published yesterday is 11.6 per cent, marginally above the overall Scottish average.
The dispute began shortly after Christmas when Timex said it intended to lay off half the 500 workforce. Although this was accepted by union representatives, they wanted a rota of lay-offs, rather than a block of workers taking the brunt of the cutbacks.
The AEEU, which represents the majority of the strikers, said Timex had demanded a wage freeze, cuts in pension and saving schemes, reductions in canteen benefits, a longer working week from 37 to 40 hours, and changes in shift patterns.
Timex said the dismissals were regrettable but it was 'committed to building a growing and profitable business and securing long-term employment at the plant'.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments