Union

Dear Sir

GB Oils Wage Freeze 2009

The Unite Union recently held a national GB Oils/DCC Co-ordinating meeting to primarily discuss the Company’s unacceptable decision and position not to make any award for any group of workers for this year. Our union’s representatives were fully aware that I formally requested a meeting with you and your senior management team of which it was equally noted that you have declined. I have to advise you that there was extreme disappointment at this where my union’s representatives, on behalf of their members, clearly feel that you are treating the workforce and this union with distain and an ultimate lack of respect and any dignity.

Therefore on the basis that you have refused discussions with the union and on the basis that clearly no agreement can be found at this stage with the union and yourselves as the employer, this correspondence is to inform you that this union is currently carrying out a consultative exercise with our members on the question of our members balloting for industrial action.

Again at this stage, this is a consultative process and in the event that our members clearly indicate their willingness to take industrial action this union will support its membership in a legal ballot for industrial action.

In the event that it is necessary for this union to ballot its members for industrial action we will at that stage ensure full compliance of our legal obligations under
the 1978 Employment Protection Act (as amended). Therefore at this stage this letter does not constitute formal notice and therefore does not serve formal notice of a ballot for industrial action but does inform you of our intention to consult with our members on this question at this stage.

In conclusion, this consultation will take place on all contracts where the union has membership.

Yours sincerely

National Secretary