Consultation over transfer of 180 Wednesbury jobs to Poland a 'sham' says union
Union leaders say bosses at a Wednesbury car parts factory are set on transferring the jobs of 180 workers to Poland, describing a consultation period as a 'sham'.
The union says workers at Car Parts Industries UK have expressed alarm over the plans, which would see brake calliper production moved to Poland.
The Western Way firm, which refurbishes steering units and brake callipers for cars and vans for the used parts market, has entered into a 45-day consultation period over plans which could see the 260 strong workforce reduced to about 80.
Unite says the company has so far refused to discuss is proposals with the union and says it fears the company is seeking to 'railroad' through the job cuts without looking at other options.
But CPI human resources director Adelle Joyce said: "The consultations are between us and our employees."
The company has said it is in consultation over restructuring at the business and insists there has been no decision on how many jobs may be affected.
Ms Joyce declined to respond to the Unite allegations.
Unite regional officer Natalia Stepnowska said: "This consultation is a sham and something we believe the company has secretly planned for some time. Workers are being made to pay with their livelihoods because of mismanagement and crude cost cutting.
"This move by Car Parts Industries goes against the grain with many car component manufacturers looking to re-shore production to the UK and invest in skills.
"The company needs to come clean, drop its 'fait accompli' proposals and work with Unite and the workforce to keep the jobs here in the UK."
