RR Donnelley staff to protest over conditions

Staff at two RR Donnelley sites in Gloucestershire are set to hold a protest later this week because of a dispute over changes to their terms and conditions.

The print and communications giant's Tewkesbury and Barnwood sites are planning drastic reductions in redundancy pay for more than 20 jobs that are currently under threat, according to the union Unite.

Unite regional officer Joanne Galazka said: “We are having major issues at present with the company attacking our members’ terms and conditions.

“There are also attacks on overtime payments, sickness entitlements, travel payments, shift premiums and other benefits.”

Unite is planning to hold a protest outside the site at Shannon Way, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury between 12pm and 2pm on Wednesday (23 March) to highlight what it claims is happening to the 350-strong workforce across the two sites.

RR Donnelley has not spoken on the issue so far.

Galazka said: “Despite our best efforts the company is point blank refusing to meet with us to discuss these important matters. We are in the 45-day consultation period over the job losses and should be talking to management.”

“Unite has had a presence outside the firm’s gates during the lunch breaks so that a large number of workers are able to come and join us, get advice and show their support. This is aimed at raising the issue with the wider Gloucestershire community about what this worldwide company is up to.”

She added: “In terms of the redundancy payments, the company is basically reducing it to the statutory minimum from a generous service-related package.

“About 180 staff could be losing out whether it is losing their jobs or seeing serious erosion to their terms and conditions. The attack on our members is nothing short of scandalous.”

Unite currently has no recognition agreement with the company for collective bargaining purposes. It has a membership of about 50, which is growing because of the dispute.

Galazka said Unite finds the situation ironic due to a claim on the company’s website that refers to its employees as "our greatest asset".

RR Donnelley has not yet responded to PrintWeek's requests for comment.