Indymedia YorkNestle announce 645 job losses
Today Nestle announced that they are to cut 645 jobs at Rowntrees – this equates to approximately one quarter of the workforce at the York-based plant.
As ever, the need to remain competitive has been cited by senior management as the main driver to this decision, one that will prove devastating for those long-term employees of the company now facing the dole.
The GMB union has vowed to fight the job losses.
The Nestle decision comes on top of the recent notice by Norwich Union to cut 450 jobs, the announcement of British Sugar to cease production in York and the closure of Terry’s earlier this year.
There are also rumours that the Monkhill factory on Millfield Lane which produces confectionery for Trebor Bassett is also facing an uncertain future.
The manufacturing sector in York is fast disappearing with little or no future for those losing their livelihoods due to the lack of new job creation in the city.
Globalisation and the acquisition of once proud, local and strong industries by multinational corporations is proving disastrous for working people in York. As these organisations continually strive for greater profitability for their shareholders, it is certain that this trend will continue and the future of production in York looks extremely bleak.
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GMB & Amicus members lobby Labour over York job losses
GMB & Amicus members have been protesting at Labour Conference over the job losses at Nestle and Norwich Union, and the wider issue of job losses in York.
Today's York Press reports on a fringe meeting they had with local MPs Hugh Bayley and John Grogan and their attempts to lobby Ministers. Essentially they've got warm words and promises to 'look at' the issue - but as ever we'll have to see what that translates to in practice, if anything.
Meanwhile York Trades Council will be pressed to organise local action at their meeting next week.