More than 100 Clarks workers are considering strike action over controversial “fire-and-rehire” proposals.
Employees at the shoe retailer say they’re being asked to sign new contracts that are less generous than their current ones.
It is claimed the new contracts would reduce their pay by around 15%, give them three fewer days' holiday, worse sickness terms, as well as scrapping 10-minute breaks and free hot drinks, according to reports.
Some 109 of the 145 workers in the Clarks Westway Distribution Centre in Somerset are considering strike action.
These staff are on contracts signed before Hong Kong-based private equity firm LionRock took over in February.
Are you a Clarks worker who is being affected by these contract proposals? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
Phil, an employee of Clarks for the last 15 years, and whose name has been changed to protect his identity, said the changes to his contract will mean he cannot afford his rent.
He said: “This in turn would make me unable to see my kids as I need a two-bedroom place for them to visit me.
“So not only would I not be able to afford to work for Clark's under the new terms and conditions it would have a detrimental effect on my family’s life as well.”
Community, the trade union representing employees, told The Mirror it is “incredibly disappointed” by the potential “fire-and-rehire” plans.
John Paul McHugh, assistant general secretary from Community, said: “We strongly urge them to come back around the table and reach a solution.
“Clarks is a staple brand on the British high street, with a history dating back over a century. Fire-and-rehire is no way to thank your employees or your customers.
“We ask Clarks to call off the diminishing of terms and conditions and say that we are ready and waiting for productive discussions on how we can succeed together going forward when they are.”
Clarks is reported to be ready to start proceedings for a 45-day consultation period with employees this week, according to the BBC.
However, the news website says it understands Clarks is still hoping to find a negotiated solution which does not involve firing and rehiring any workers.
"Fire-and-rehire" is a technique used by employers when they want to change the terms of an employee's contract, often to reduce pay to cut back on costs.
It usually involves making workers redundant and then rehiring them under a new contract.
The government has come under the pressure to review the legality of such tactics, with ministers ordering a review by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas).
In its findings, which were published on June 8, Acas gave different scenarios where "fire-and-rehire" would and wouldn't be acceptable - although the government has yet to respond.
A Clarks spokesperson told the BBC: "Clarks is currently consulting with unions and employees at our Westway Distribution Centre in Street, Somerset on proposed changes to employment terms and conditions for all operatives.
"As we are in a period of consultation, we are unable to comment any further at this time."
Clarks has 460 UK stores and over 700 more around the world. Its retail shop staff are unaffected by the proposals.
