Birkenhead firm Wabtec denies plans to 'fire and rehire' workers

Wabtec is a US-based international manufacturer and supplier of equipment for the railway industry

An engineering firm has denied it has plans to "fire and rehire" 130 employees at one of its sites.

Mick Whitley, MP for Birkenhead in Merseyside, has accused Wabtec of using the tactics and called on the company to "withdraw these threats".

The Unite union said its members would proceed to a strike ballot unless the firm withdrew its proposed plans.

But Wabtec said it had no plans to fire and rehire workers or make any of its Birkenhead employees redundant.

The plans would affect employees in roles such as assembly fitters, trainers, strip and clean operatives, storemen and team leaders, according to Unite.

The union claims the company is proposing to reduce rest break, and also remove elements of washing time, which the workers have had in place for years.

'Loyal workforce'

Unite regional officer Steve Gerrard said: "The employer is simply using a piece of legislation to dismiss and re-engage - otherwise known as fire and rehire - to erode the terms and conditions of our members.

"Their employer seems to think that a solution will be found during consultations, but they also need to be fully aware of the anger felt amongst our membership at these proposals."

Labour MP Mr Whitley told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was "appalled that a hardworking and loyal workforce was being treated this way".

"Fire and rehire tactics can never be justified and workers have every right to expect better from their employer," he added.

"We all want to see this situation resolved quickly, but in order for that to happen, management must withdraw these threats and engage constructively with its employees and recognised trade unions."

A spokesperson for Wabtec said there were no plans to "fire and rehire", describing it as a mischaracterisation.

"There are no layoffs or redundancies as part of our consultation," they added.

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