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Autologic blames 'militant' unionists for misinformation
Page 14
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CAR TRANSPORTER firm Autologic is blaming "hardline" union representatives for attempting to derail its plans to reshape the business, by spreading unsubstantiated rumours.
A sharp downturn in car manufacturing has hit the automotive logistics sector, with new car sales down 30% last month, compared with March 2008.
Autologic has also had to contend with the loss of its largest customer, Ford the manufacturer decided to take its transport inhouse in November 2007.
The company says this contract loss and the economic downturn led to pre-tax profits plummeting £4m to just £600,000 for the year ending 31 December 2008. The company has appointed a new CEO and financial director in an effort to overhaul its business with a five-year turnaround plan, and it has been in negotiations with the Unite union for the past 12 months to reach an agreement on new working practices.
However, apparently leaked documents allegedly suggesting Autologic was demanding its 280 drivers gave up their union membership or face redundancy were threatening its relationship with Britain's biggest union.
The company insists that the contents were untrue and, following a meeting with Unite's assistant general secretary, Len McCluskey," to discuss recent press speculation': a joint statement has been issued, saying: "Both parties are pleased to confirm that there is full agreement between Unite and Autologic to work together for the long-term benefit of the company and all its employees. "Together, Unite and Autologic are committed to ensuring that the business is well positioned to manage the very difficult economic conditions. Additionally. Autologic would like to make it clear that it is not seeking union derecognition."
An Autologic spokeswoman adds: "There are hard-line, more militant elements running around spreading misinformation.
"In terms of driver numbers, there's no plan to make further redundancies. There's no plan to reduce pay either."