Reports round-up: strike bearing down on bosses in Peterlee

“On strike for fair pay” – a large picket line in Peterlee (Picture: Unite North East, Yorkshire and Humber)

Around 200 workers at car bearing factories in County Durham are striking over pay. Strikes hit manufacturers NSK Bearings and AKS Precision Ball in Peterlee which is part of the supply chain for VW, Toyota and Renault.

The entire shopfloor workforce at the factories owned by NSK Europe will strike every Wednesday and Saturday for six weeks after a 1.6 percent pay offer. Strikes began last Wednesday.

Drivers hold up drink distribution

HGV drivers employed by DHL Tradeteam in Burton‑on-Trent are set to strike for 72 hours twice over unmanageable delivery routes. Strikes are set to begin on Wednesday until Friday of next week, and continue from next Sunday until the following Tuesday.

Workers are on the Molson Coors contract that delivers for lager company Carling. The strike was triggered by the company going back on a deal on pay and recruitment made last year.

Balls to Wimbledon overtime attack

Wimbledon parking wardens are making a “racquet” over plans to cut their overtime rates, their GMB union says.

Merton Council, in south London, plans to cut the overtime pay of those tasked with keeping the traffic moving during the Wimbledon tennis tournament fortnight. The union says industrial action is possible.

Gas ballot could ignite pay action

Up to 2,000 workers for gas supplier Cadent are voting on whether to strike. The ballot is set to close on Friday of next week, meaning strikes could begin as early as 22 April.

The members of the GMB union refused a pay offer of just four percent earlier this year. While workers suffer the company is still making sizeable profits. Last year alone the company made £901 million.

Meeting to discuss DWP jobs fight

Union reps in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) were set to meet on Thursday of this week to discuss a fight to save jobs. Bosses announced plans earlier in March to close some 42 offices where benefits payments are processed.

The PCS union warns at least 1,000 jobs at 13 sites could be at risk, with no option to relocate or transfer the workers affected.