Search for
Search for
Search forCuts fear at plant
Thursday, December 04, 2008, 19:00
Most of the 300 staff at TRW in Resolven are believed to have had their hours cut and been told the plant is closing eight days early for the festive break.
Workers say bosses have been locked in talks with union representatives.
Anxious employees contacted the Post to discuss their concerns.
One worker, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We understand workers at the plant are having their working hours and days reduced from a five-day, 37.5 hour week to a three or four-day working week.
"The factory was due to close on December 19 for the usual two-week Christmas shutdown, but this has now been brought forward to next Thursday."
One worker claimed that senior managers at the plant would receive their full pay with no losses, while middle management and shop floor workers would receive only statutory lay-off payment of £20.40 per day.
"Some workers have been losing either one or two days' pay per week since the beginning of October," said the worker.
"But senior management have lost nothing.
"The company cannot guarantee any upturn in work at the moment," she claimed.
"Workers are facing a very bleak Christmas.
And some will be lucky to take home £80 a week when they return after Christmas due to lay-offs.
"This comes on top of big pension blows which the company has introduced in the past six to eight months.
"Workers at the plant are now feeling uneasy in their jobs."
The Post contacted TRW and told them about the workers' claims and concerns.
A spokesman said that the company did not wish to comment.
The Unite union was also contacted but did not respond.
Comment on this story