07.04.2023 – Glasgow
The Saramago Workers members of Clydeside branch of Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) reiterate our stance that we have been ready and keen to enter in talks with the owners of Saramago since the beginning of this dispute 3 weeks ago. In this time we have invited them to get around the table to talk several times, both in person and via email.
At the beginning of last week the owners of Saramago told us they had reached out to the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) in order to provide a mediator for talks, eight days later we found out that this was not true and we had been misled. As a sign of our engagement in good faith, we have now reached out to ACAS to provide mediation.
This afternoon we received an email from the owners of Saramago demanding that “the IWW repudiate the action of their members within 24 hours.” referring to our peaceful demonstrations outside of the building in which Saramago operates. The email goes on to threaten that: “Failure to do so may well result in our business taking legal action against the union for loss and damages.” We remain willing and open to engage in talks however this is made more difficult when the other party is making aggressive legal threats against us.
If the owners of Saramago are sincere about their wish to begin talks they have our email address and know how to get in touch.