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5 December 2004 - STUC Concern over
Stockline Employers Withdrawal of Enhanced Sick Pay
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The STUC are
dismayed at the decision by Stockline employers to withdraw enhanced sick
pay payments to the injured workers from the Maryhill tragedy which occurred
in Glasgow on 11 May this year. The withdrawal of the enhanced
sick pay coincides with the workers entitlement to Statutory Sick Pay
providing a lack of Christmas cheer for the victims.
Communication from the Stockline employers to the STUC
states, that further discretionary payments will be paid whilst the benefit
entitlements are processed. However, the STUCs' concerns are
that latest communications from the employers to the workers was the first
since 29 June 2004.
Mr. Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary co-ordinating the
workers support group said:
"As far as we are aware the company have sent five
letters to workers since the tragic events of the 11th May, three between
the accident and the end of May, one on the 29th June advising of cuts in
pay arrangements and this latest letter that leaves the workers facing an
unhappy Christmas and a miserable New Year".
"We have made the effort to contact a number of
workers and it is clear that this increasing uncertainty has lead to
increased anxiety of the workers, all of whom continue to suffer from
physical and psychological injury".
"It is staggering that over seven months have passed
since the tragedy and the company have made no effort to engage with
workers on a personal basis. They rely on sporadic written
communication to enquire about the health and welfare of those most
directly affected by the events of 11th May".
"We would suggest that the Directors of ICL Plastics
should consider utilising any remaining funds in their own Hopehill Trust
to make ex-gratia payments to those who continue to suffer ill health and
injury following the disaster".
"We would also urge workers facing additional
hardship during the Christmas period to make application for grants to the
Grovepark Fund to which the people of Glasgow and further a field have so
generously contributed".
Article by Alexandra Johnston |
