News

The GMB union is pessimistic about the future of almost 900 jobs at Wincanton's Trafford Park and Gloucester distribution centres.

GMB organiser Eddie Gaudie, who represents members working at Trafford Park, says the company appears determined to close down the two sites. Some 415 people are currently employed at Trafford Park and 450 at Gloucester.

Gaudie, who met with Wincanton management earlier this  week, adds: "The writing is on the wall the feeling we are getting is that Wincanton just wants to close the two sites down. However, we are going to fight this all the way and attempt to save these jobs.

"We are still arguing that Trafford Park is viable and should be kept open."

In November, Wincanton announced it would form a new chilled logistics company with Culina Logistics - 80% owned by Culina and 20% by Wincanton.

Wincanton says it wants to integrate volumes from its sites at Gloucester and Trafford Park sites into the Culina network from early April 2009.

A spokesman for USDAW - which represents workers at the Gloucester depot - says the union is currently seeking talks with Wincanton.

A Wincanton spokesman adds: "Wincanton has been working with Culina to review the shape of the enlarged chilled business and to establish the appropriate operational structure in  order to provide the best service to its customers.

"In the meantime, Wincanton is exploring alternative uses for the sites and seeking opportunities with current and future customers to avoid closure."