Dispute over production targets heats up at Glen Dimplex as workers continue strike action

Unhappy workers at Dudley brickmaking factory Glen Dimplex have been turning up the heat on their employer by continuing their walk-out over working conditions.

Employees at the Gornal site returned to the picket line this week after a three-day walk out last Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Workers downed tools once again on Tuesday June 23 for a further three-day strike that has been taking place outside the factory - despite the surging temperatures.

A kind-hearted member of the public dropped off ice lollies this morning to help keep the striking workers cool as they protested over imposed changes to their working conditions which have been branded a risk to their wellbeing.

The second walk-out, however, has been dialling up the temperature on bosses who have reportedly declined to negotiate over or reverse the changes which the GMB Union branded an ‘eye-watering’ 50 per cent rise in production targets.

Glen Dimplex has been contacted for comment about the workloads and strike action but no response has been forthcoming.

Regional organiser Stuart Perry, of the GMB Union, said: “This is the first time these guys have been out on strike in 40 years - you can tell the strength of feeling.

“They were offered an 18 per cent productivity bonus and workers still rejected it because of their welfare. Normally money talks in the realm of negotiations.”

He added: “What we want is for the employer to get back round the table and to listen to the workers.

“This is a welfare dispute. The work they do will harm them in later life and we need that to change right now.”

Dudley MP Sonia Kumar said she was concerned to hear about the strike action and added that she was standing “in solidarity” with the workers.

She said: “I am very concerned by reports that workers at Glen Dimplex Bricks in Dudley have felt compelled to take industrial action over proposed changes to their working conditions.

“The employees affected are highly skilled local workers who have contributed to the success of the business for many years, and they deserve to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

“No worker takes the decision to strike lightly, particularly at a time when many families are already facing financial pressures. It is important that concerns raised by employees and their union are listened to and addressed seriously.

“I hope meaningful discussions can take place to resolve this dispute and that an agreement can be reached which protects workers’ rights, safeguards jobs and provides certainty for the future.

“I stand in solidarity with local workers and will be following developments closely.”

The GMB Union said reps would be meeting ACAS (Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service) on Thursday (June 25) to try to find a resolution.

One of the workers at the business, who asked not to be named, said: “We just hope it gets resolved soon, we don’t want to be here as much as they don’t want it.”