“The proposed closure of this plant must be resisted. We simply cannot afford to lose this number of jobs." "The announcement to cut jobs in Andover and close the plant in North Shields can only be motivated by corporate greed, when Twinings and its parent company are highly profitable. The ability of employers to offshore work during the recession should act as a wake-up call to government, which must now intervene to protect jobs." "It is important to recognise the loyal and hard work put in by Twinings staff at Andover over the years assisting in substantial profits for the company. To relocate because of cheaper labour does not recognise the skills and commitment of the present staff and is disgraceful. I fully support the campaign to save the jobs at risk and would be more than happy to assist at European level if required." “We must send a strong message to Associated British Foods that its plans to drop 400 Twinings workers in Andover and North Shields are unacceptable. Undercutting UK workers by shifting production abroad for cheap labour has become a common tactic for corporations all too ready to be guided by the destructive forces of globalisation – which have already destroyed so much of our industry. I fully support the campaign to preventthe loss of jobs, including those in my South East constituency – and stand in solidarity with the workers whose lives would be turned upside down by such a move. ABF shareholders must now see sense and recognise that the company’s proud and highly skilled UK workforce is intrinsic to therespected Twinings brand.” “Twinings trades as the quintessentially British tea company, but if it is prepared to sacrifice the bulk of its UK workforce simply to increase its profit margins that reputation will be exposed as a sham. These jobs are vitally important to the town and its economy, just as they are in North Shields, and we would urge everyone to let Twinings know that these cuts should be reversed.” "The company should explore all other options. Twinings is an important part of Andover's economy. A successful and expanding Twinings factory is essential of the future of the Walworth industrial park and of Andover. Equally Twinings needs Andover and its work force. The company must sit down with the unions and other parties to find ways of protecting and expanding production on this site." Andover and Salisbury RMT Branch |