30.01.1997

VW-Audi embroiled in dockers’ dispute

Workers in Britain still cannot match international solidarity

Volkswagen Audi is facing a potential industrial dispute with drivers in Britain after awarding a contract to ECM, the only car delivery firm crossing dockers’ picket lines in Liverpool. Transport and General Workers Union drivers who have respected the picket lines are to lose their jobs when the contract is switched on February 16 and are now appealing to VW-Audi trade unionists to raise the issue with management in Germany.

The drivers are currently employed by Axial, a merger of Silcock Express and Toleman, forming part of the international logistics firm, Tibbet and Britten. Axial has held the contract to deliver VW-Audi cars imported through Sheerness in Kent. Other VW-Audi imports routed through Grimsby are delivered by ECM. Other delivery firms have rearranged contracts to steer clear of Liverpool since September 1995 when the dockers were sacked.

Mersey Docks also owns the port of Sheerness through Medway Ports Ltd. Axial drivers have respected dockers’ picket lines in Liverpool and also in Sheerness, when the Mersey dockers travelled there last year. In October 1996, the Axial drivers were told that their refusal to cross picket lines meant the firm was in danger of losing the VW-Audi contract.

In December, most of the Axial contract was switched to ECM. Drivers initially thought their jobs would be protected under Tupe, the Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment regulations which implement European legislation, the ‘Acquired Rights Directive’.

Currently, Axial management says Tupe does apply, while ECM say it does not and the drivers will lose their jobs on February 16.

Drivers are appealing for colleagues in the German auto giant to ask management the real question: why are VW-Audi choosing to work with the only car delivery firm crossing picket lines in the scab port of Liverpool?

Greg Dropkin