At Unite Legal Services, we’ve collated the latest news and information regarding employment matters and workers’ rights in relation to coronavirus COVID-19 developments.
18 January 2022
Unite demands Scottish Government support over mandatory vaccinations introduced by offshore operator CNR
Unite demanded intervention by the Scottish government in response to offshore contractor Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) International introducing mandatory vaccinations.
The policy, which came into full effect on 14 January, is believed to be the first of any offshore contractor or operator to demand that its workforce receive Covid-19 related vaccinations or not to return to work.
No worker is now permitted by CNR to mobilise on to any of the offshore platforms (Ninian Central, Ninian South, and Tiffany) it operates unless they have been vaccinated. CNR has also informed its contracting firms working on these platforms including Petrofac, Aker, EnerMech, Bilfinger, Global E&C that no worker is to return unless they are vaccinated. Unite has confirmed that it is looking at legal action against any company seeking to pursue a ‘jab or job’ policy.
19 January 2022
Striking Sheerness dock workers hit by GB Terminals’ fire and rehire ‘disgrace’
Sheerness dock workers striking over job cuts and changes to minimum overtime hours have been served with fire and rehire notices.
The fire and rehire notices will affect more than 30 GB Terminals staff, who process Volkswagen Group vehicles, including Audi, Porsche and Skoda models, for dispatch that arrive in Sheerness by car transporter ferries.
If the workers do not sign the new contracts, which force through the changes the workers are striking over, they will lose their jobs when their current contracts end.
Get more support
For more information on how we are fighting to protect the health and safety, and economic stability of our members during the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis, please visit the Unite the Union advice hub.
COVID-19 personal injury claims
Unite has set up a specialist legal team to advise and represent members who have suffered injury as a result of COVID-19.
If you have suffered injury from developing COVID-19, or have tragically lost a family member to the condition, then please call Unite’s COVID-19 PI team on 0800 709 007.
