Trade union officials are bracing themselves for a confrontation over negotiations for workers’ compensation with bosses of a Coventry factory earmarked for closure. 

Managers at Nova Fabrications’ parent company Eliza Tinsley refuse to recognise the AEEU and MSF unions in the consultations over the merger of the Tile Hill factory with another operation in Chesterfield.

It was revealed early this week that the factory in Torrington Avenue is to close, with 133 jobs to go.

Some of these workers will be offered posts in the Chesterfield factory, and bosses are carrying out statutory consultation with thee staff.

But the trade unions have been denied access to their members. They cite a law that came into force last year that gives members the right to trade union representation.

Tom Keogh, Coventry area officer of the Manufacturing, Science and Finance union predicted there could be a clash if any grievances are raised.

He said:

“If a member is unhappy with the package being offered by the company then we should have the right to take part in the negotiations on behalf of that member.

“But so far we have been told that we can speak to our members, but only in their time.

“We could challenge this if any individual grievances are raised. We will have to wait and see what happens.”