Farce claim in pay row
The Gallic contractors who maintain English Heritage monuments such as Stonehenge and Hadrian's Wall came under fire yesterday for allegedly presiding over a "French farce" in their industrial relations.
The Transport and General Workers' Union said a pay offer by SITA - which is owned by Lyonnaise des Eaux - of 6 per cent over 18 months was not worth the paper it was written on because it included a clause which means that management can change conditions of employment whenever it pleases. "If SITA looks after its ancient monuments as well as it looks after its workers, I don't give Stonehenge to the end of this year, " said union official Chris Kaufman.
SITA director Bill Elliott said unions had agreed to recommend the package. "The next thing I hear is that they are holding a press conference in which they attack the deal and the company."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies