Operators labelled ‘scrooge’

FIRST Choice and Going Places have been accused of “scrooge-like penny pinching” by making agency staff work Christmas bank holidays with no additional pay.

The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association said that while both companies are giving workers a day off in lieu, the days in question are when the stores are closed anyway.

First Choice refuted claims it is being uncharitable, insisting staff receive an attractive package and are happy.

TSSA travel trade negotiator Dave Allen said it had received complaints from some of the 200 First Choice union members. “We are not saying First Choice and Going Places are robbing staff, but they are being particularly miserly,” he said.

“Employees will get nothing extra for working the bank holidays. The companies are squeezing every last drop from their staff.”

The TSSA said Thomas Cook staff are not made to work bank holidays, and those who do will be rewarded with double pay and a day off in lieu. Thomson said staff who work December 27 and 28 will get double pay.

TSSA negotiations officer Jerry Wines said: “To expect staff to work bank holidays and not pay them any extra money is uncharitable.”

First Choice, which has a turbulent relationship with the union, denied being a scrooge.

Managing director of UK distribution John Wimbleton said: “We gave staff an extra day’s holiday in December and they are allowed to open late and have a lie in every so often. We pay for a Christmas party and will award Christmas bonuses. Is this not in the Christmas spirit?”

He added that staff will also work six hours but be paid for seven and a half.

Wimbleton also questioned the usefulness of the union. “It did a hopeless job protecting Thomas Cook jobs and has been powerless to stop a pay freeze for the past 18 months,” he said.

Going Places declined to comment.