The protesters are complaining that Balfour Beatty has refused to recognise GMB union membership for 300 highway maintenance workers on a £25m council contract. The workforce was transferred from Ringway to Balfour Beatty in June 2013 under TUPE rules.
Wiltshire councillor Jeff Osborn has tabled a motion to full council which says: “In the tendering of any future contracts provided by the council a clear condition should be made that the council will only enter into a contract with organisations that make a clear and public commitment that they fully recognise trade union rights for their employees and will continue to do so.”
GMB regional organiser Carole Vallelley said “GMB will be handing out leaflets to councillors explaining the disgraceful anti trade union behaviour by Balfour Beatty and asking them to support this motion tabled by Councillor Jeff Osborn.”
She added: “Balfour Beatty went back on assurances given in pre-contract talks that collective bargaining rights would continue. Balfour Beatty is a ‘middleman’ working for the council and they must be told to by the council that this action is simply not acceptable.”
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
