Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Unions to launch campaign for boycott of Shell products

Barrie Clement,Labour Editor
Wednesday 30 June 1993 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

UNION leaders from all over Europe will today launch a campaign to boycott Shell products ranging from petrol to heating fuel.

Representatives of the Transport and General Workers' Union in Britain have called for the action after Shell UK withdrew bargaining rights at Shell Haven in Essex.

The company has also derecognised unions at its Stanlow plant, while BP has abolished union agreements at two key plants in Wales. All the big oil companies except Mobil ended collective bargaining agreements in distribution last year.

Union leaders, who meet in Brussels today, are expected to petition the European Parliament for an inquiry into Shell's industrial relations practices. They will also ask the European Commission to investigate Shell's alleged conspiracy with other groups to create 'a union-free environment'.

The Dutch-based multinational has been targeted because it has been in the vanguard of 'anti-union activity', according to the Transport & General. Union representatives from most Continental sites have reported a tougher management attitude.

A Mori poll commissioned by the TGWU at Shell Haven found that three-quarters of the staff felt under pressure to sign contracts.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in