MOVE… Quinn lorries on the move to the Aventas lorry fleet
THE 175 drivers employed by Aventas (previously the Quinn Group) will now be transferring to a new employer.
Aventas Group management, in a statement, said it had reached agreement with CEVA Logistics under which it proposed to transfer its fleet and associated facilities to them.
Its spokesman added: “We believe this arrangement will enable us to be more competitive and enhance the overall level of job security.”
He said the new set-up would generate a number of benefits for the company, including cost efficiencies through better utilisation of Aventas transport fleet and facilities, and the increased buying power of a much bigger transport company.
He went on: “For employees transferring to CEVA, it opens up opportunities arising from a greater volume and variety of work, as well as the greater number and variety of career opportunities which will come from being part of a much larger global business.”
News of the transfer came as a shock to the drivers, some 90 per cent of whom are members of Unite the Union.
Last Saturday, they had a three-hour long meeting with union representatives and, according to Sean Smith, Unite’s regional officer, ‘there was a lot of angry people there’.
But, speaking to the Herald this week, he said he was confident that the transfer would go smoothly.
And, he dismissed a newspaper claim of a mass walk out by the drivers and/or a blockade.
“There will be no blockading. We have dealt with the new employer (CEVA Logistics) before, and they know us.
“My union met with the drivers in Derrylin on Saturday and, there were a lot of angry people there.
“And, that’s only natural. They have worked for Quinn for a lifetime and, all of a sudden, there is this change.”
He said the Unite would be meeting the new employers today, Wednesday, with two days of consultation to follow, tomorrow and Friday.
“What we are doing is assuring all our members are treated with respect and dignity and that their TUPE (transfer) rights are honoured.
“Yes, we’re expecting positive things tomorrow (Wednesday), Thursday and Friday.”
Asked if the familiar ‘Sean Quinn’ green livery will now disappear, a spokesman for Aventas said changing the livery was not a priority.
“Over time, we could have joint branding, but that’s an item for the future”.
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