Working conditions at Eastbournes Gardners Books appear to be improving following the GMPUs presentation of a petition signed by 262 workers (PrintWeek, 9 February).


Although they said they did not take the unions seriously, changes appear to be happening, said GPMU mid-southern branch secretary John Bunn.


He said sources in the factory told him an announcement had been made about the ending of compulsory overtime.
This was one of our conditions, but we have not yet had it confirmed by management, he said.


I am not sure whether managing director Jonathan Little exists or not. I have never spoken to him and he still has not replied to any of our e-mails, registered letters or phone calls, he said.