Tyre-giant Michelin has introduced a flexible working procedure for its staff following a downturn in manufacturing demand.
The Stoke-based firm has told employees who are currently on a variable hours contracts (VHC) at its Campbell Road headquarters that they will be required to work fewer shifts in February, March and April as part of the short-term working arrangements.
It is believed that around 160 workers will be affected by the move which could see them miss-out on up to £400 a month.
Francois Levert, Michelin Stoke factory manager, told StokeonTrentLive : "A reduction in demand in the first part of the year means we will be introducing agreed flexibility procedures for employees involved in the manufacture of re-treaded truck tyres at Stoke.
"Unfortunately this means that some employees on variable hours contracts will have reduced hours and income for February, March and April.
"The exact number of employees affected is yet to be confirmed. We are working with employees and the union to minimise the impact this will have. Production volumes are expected to rise later in the year."
Now Unite the Union has said 'short-time working at Michelin must be minimised.'
Unite’s convenor at the Michelin factory Robert Taylor said: "The announcement is clearly disappointing and has come as a surprise.
"Unite has been assured that this is a temporary situation and it will not affect the long-term future of the site and there will be no job losses."
Unite national officer Tony Devlin added: "This is clearly bad news for workers who are by no means wealthy.
"Unite will be working with Michelin to minimise the effects of the short time working in order to lessen the financial blow for the affected workers.
"The announcement underlines the challenging trading environment faced throughout the UK tyre industry and demonstrates why it is vital that the government develops a coherent industrial strategy to protect jobs and skills in this important industry."
