JOINT STATEMENT

JOINT STATEMENT

On 9th September 2009, Diane Foote, HR Manager and David Pollock, UK Group Transport Manager, met with Ron Webb, National Secretary of UNITE and senior union representatives.

This was a very positive and productive meeting and as such the two parties agreed to issue a joint statement with regard to the outcome.

Main points:-

1 The Company reminded the Representatives that as advised in the letter regarding a pay-freeze, issued to all employees in April, the Company had stated that the situation would continue to be monitored. This is still the case. The Company continues to monitor business performance each month and will review the issue of pay reviews again in December.

Currently, as predicted, volume and demand have reduced, with the market down over 10% and bad debts are at an all time high.

As everyone is aware, the business is weighted towards the winter months during which time it relies on the support of all employees. The Company therefore wish to weather the first 3 months of the winter before reaching any decisions on the policy on pay with regard to 2009.

Whilst the Representatives would have preferred something more substantial at this point in time, this was seen as a positive step.

2 The parties agreed to move forward on a jointly agreed National Structure, the arrangement of which is yet to be discussed and agreed.

It is thought that such a structure would cover matters of consultation, bargaining and communication, but still allowing flexibility at a local level.

It has been agreed that UNITE will hold a meeting with Shop Stewards from the Company to discuss the Structure on 24th September 2009, before putting forward a proposal to the Company.

The two parties will then meet to discuss this matter on 14th October 2009.


Issued on 11th September 2009


On behalf of GB Oils: On behalf of UNITE:

DIANE FOOTE DAVID POLLOCK RON WEBB
HR Manager UK Group Transport Manager National Secretary