Super-union Unite has finally secured up to £8.4m compensation for the thousands of employees unfairly dismissed by Leyland DAF – albeit they were dismissed 16 years ago.
The union started the legal battle in 1993 for 1,400 employees after the truck and van manufacturer went into receivership.
Because Leyland DAF had competing creditors and was internationally owned, the case was complex and lengthy. Employing solicitors Rowley Ashworth worked on behalf of Unite members based at Leyland DAF’s three UK sites in Birmingham, Lancashire and Glasgow.
The liquidators now say they will make an initial part payment of around £2,000 per claimant almost immediately, with the remainder to follow later this year. Unite members, along with those represented by the GMB will eventually get between £5,000 and £6,000 each.
Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite, said: “We are pleased to have secured such a valuable settlement for our members. This is a clear example of Unite not giving up the fight for justice for our members despite the legal obstacles that faced us.
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“It was the evidence that Unite gathered that enabled the value of the claims to be calculated and subsequently agreed for the benefit of our members and their families.”
Last year, Leyland Trucks, a now a division of PACCAR Group, said it would take on additional trainees.
