Sacked driver takes on UC • Parcels group United Carriers
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is to be taken to an industrial tribunal by a driver sacked from its Leeds depot as part of its move away from three-day deliveries to nextday traffic. At the end of February, UC told the Transport & General Workers Union that it would be laying off up to 70 drivers and other staff at depots nationwide. T&G officer Maurice Britton says five drivers lost their jobs at UC's Leeds depot, but only one has decided to go to tribunal to claim unfair dismissal and breach of contract.
T&G criticised UC's methods of changing terms, conditions and shift patterns as unacceptable and said the company told workers to "take it or leave it" (CM 26 Feb-4 Mar).
Britton is further angered by UC's reaction to news of the appeal. "I was told there was no right of appeal because the 'dismissal was as a result of a change in working practice, not a disciplinary proce dure," he says. He plans to raise this at the tribunal, which is due to be held within the next three months.
UC managing director Dave Edwards declines to comment on the claim or the tribunal.