100 signatures reached
To: The Co-Op group and Markerstudy
Gagged by the Co-Op – Principles before profit
Unite is outraged at the decision to sell Co-op Insurance to a known union busting organisation, Markerstudy, a company which has no regard for the voice of its employees. This sale is “a betrayal of the ethical philosophy and principles of the Co-operative movement.”
This proposed sale by the Manchester based Co-op Insurance will result in around 200 job losses and the de-recognition of Unite, which we view as a significant threat to the rights of our members.
Unite is calling on the Co-Op to publicly support the continuation of trade union recognition following the transfer of the Insurance business to Markerstudy and to allow Unite access to all staff so that they have the opportunity to join the union. This is something which the Co-Op has so far refused to do.
Unite calls upon Markerstudy to reverse their decision to serve notice on the recognition agreement with Unite and to continue to recognise the union for collective bargaining purposes.
Why is this important?
Unite has represented members in Co-op Insurance for decades. The Co-Op group claims that their principles are more valuable than profits, yet they are willing to sell their insurance arm to an anti-trade union company during a global pandemic and a looming recession.
Markerstudy have made it clear to Unite that they will terminate recognition post transfer. Unite believes this will lead to an attack on the members’ terms and conditions that have been won over many years.
Now more than ever workers need the security and benefits of trade union recognition. If the Co-Op does not publicly support Unite’s campaign they will have failed in upholding the principles of the co-operative movement.