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Mini talks over Saturday working

UNIONS and management at the Cowley Mini plant are in talks over Saturday working at the factory.

Unite union leaders say high demand for the car combined with the upcoming launch of the new Roadster model has meant a Saturday shift is operating every week rather than just occasionally as it had done last year.

They are keen to stress that there is no dispute with management.

Plant convenor Chris Bond said: “Because we have increased volumes we are going to have to work every Saturday until March.

“We are trying to examine the shift pattern to alleviate problems.”

He said Saturday working was made up from staff building up their working time allowance, where hours are banked to be reclaimed at a later date.

Mini parent company BMW scrapped the formal Saturday shift in 2010 with 140 agency workers losing their jobs.

Figures released earlier this month showed Mini had enjoyed its best-ever worldwide sales performance in 2011 with 285,060 vehicles finding owners, a rise of 21.7 per cent on 2010.

Plant spokesman Rebecca Baxter said: “Plant Oxford needs to ensure that shift patterns are able to match production with customer demand.”


Comments (7)

27/01/12

unitedwestand says...

Amazing, they fail to mention that working the Saturday's isn't choice but compulsory and those who are on a perminant day shift are working 52 hours a week for 3 months. It may not sound much but those who do/have worked here know that the shifts are to long, breaks are few and far between and with the lay offs everyone is having to do that bit extra work (what used to be work for 3 workers is now squeezed to work for 2 workers). It's ok for those sat in an office, they should get down to the shop floor and try what we are doing!!!

27/01/12

Pundit says...

What's the problem? They have a job and there are plenty of people who would like to be in that position. If they don't like their job they can always leave. No wonder the UK is a fifth rate countgry if people have this attitude.

27/01/12

DDOxon says...

If you think the UK is a fifth rate country, you are very welcome to leave.

The workers at BMW are pushed to the limit and the shift pattern that they have been FORCED to accept is affecting their health. The shift workers there look pale and ill and they often only get 12 hours to adjust from night shift to day shift.

And you ask what their problem is - why don't they leave. Reality check!!!! There aren't enough jobs out there - they CANNOT just up and leave a job because they are being treated badly. Many of the workers have mortgages and bills to pay and families to support. And actually all fairness to them - they could easily jack their job in and sit at home claiming off the state, but instead they work hard and pay taxes.

27/01/12

KRCross says...

Pundit you are so naive. You don't even understand the situation, so I would get a knowledge of this thing before you comment. They are treated like virtual slaves there, no choice on working the Saturday, and they are not paid for it. It goes as hours owed to them. Which the company then dictates when they can use, so its not a free choice. And they say its the best car sold in 2011, but they received no pay rise to match this. How are they meant to stay motivated when they have to work an extra day for nothing in return. Its a joke, the union needs to pull its finger out and make a stand. Otherwise why are people bothering to pay to be in a union when it'll just let them be walked over.

27/01/12

DDOxon says...

KRCross- here here! Well put. The Union seem to be trying to work on behalf of BMW rather than the worker. I think it might be time for an election!

28/01/12

fairenough says...

Funny how no-one mentions that these "slaves" get paid around £25,000 - £30,000 per year!!! Poor things, must be awful......

28/01/12

DDOxon says...

I get £25k a year by doing 35 hours a week 5 days. They have to work 45 a week for the same and that include their shift premium for work days and nights, so yes - it is awful for them. Try it for a few months and tell me if you feel the same

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