Tetrosyl recognition dispute: Usdaw applies for a statutory agreement after the Rochdale based company fails to enter into talks

Usdaw is the trade union for staff working at car care products manufacturer Tetrosyl and Tetrosyl Express based in Rochdale. The union has been seeking talks with the company about a recognition agreement since late last year. Management has failed to engage, which has forced Usdaw to use the statutory process by applying to the Central Arbitration Committee.

Rab Donnelly – Usdaw deputy general secretary says:

Over half of Tetrosyl’s warehouse staff have now joined Usdaw and, under the terms of the legislation, recognition can be given to the union without the need for a ballot. We had hoped to reach a voluntary agreement with the company, but management has decided not to engage with us. We have made an application to the Central Arbitration Committee, asking them to make a determination.

There has never been a greater need for trade union representation in Tetrosyl, who are currently engaged in an immoral use of ‘fire and rehire’. At a time when the business was able to pay shareholders a dividend of £2 million last year, they have drastically cut terms and conditions of employment. Warehouse staff have lost between £4,000 and £7,000 per year, due to the removal of terms such as a shift supplement and paid breaks.

In response, our members voted overwhelmingly to strike, seeking to protect their livelihoods, and have so far taken six separate days of industrial action. The company have not only failed to recognise Usdaw, but also refuse to engage in dispute resolution. It is only fair that our members should be rewarded for their contribution to the profitability of the business and not be hit with a ‘fire and rehire’ penalty. They should be treated with dignity and respect, which can only be achieved with the representation of Usdaw.