The firm hasnt made any attempt at contact since we met six weeks ago. But we have had contact from ACAS asking if it can be any assistance, he said.
The 48 GPMU members at the firm voted for industrial action two weeks ago (PrintWeek, 7 August).
The action, which includes a ban on overtime, work to rule and mandatory chapel meetings, began on Tuesday (19 August) and will continue indefinitely.
18 months ago significant wage cuts, some up to 25%, were accepted by the workforce, said Simpkin. They just want what was laid out in this years National Agreement.
Obviously we hope to get to sit around the table for some meaningful talks.
He said the workforce felt further disquiet that two Communisis bosses were named among the highest paid in the country in 2002 and had received the largest percentage increases.
Former Communisis chairman Stuart Wallis salary of 1.92m showed a 1,818% increase, the largest proportionally of any UK executive. The groups chief executive David Jones came second in percentage terms with his 2.13m earnings. The salaries were part of a scheme, approved by shareholders, based on the performance of shares.
Waddington Labels factfile
The Waddington board accepted John Mansfields 319m offer for the company in February 2000
In June 2000 John Mansfield changed its name to Communisis
Waddington Labels is part of Communisis Color Solutions Group, which includes Color Solutions in France, Germany and Belgium as well as McCorquodale in Canada and the US
Story by John Davies
