Poll Result: Most Against Strikes

I ran a poll recently which closed a few days ago, asking if you supported the strike action taken by DB Glass and Total Window Systems, part of the Epwin Group. These are the results:

Yes: 12
No: 16
Undecided: 5
Total: 33


So just under half of those who voted said that they were against the strike action, which doesn't surprise me, seen as though the appetite for strike action in this country is rather low.


What would be good to know, either from the company or from employees, is if the dispute has been sorted, or if there has been no solution found yet.

Now Is Not The Time For Striking

Everyone seems to have an opinion on the strikes that happened last Wednesday. So here's mine, and I'll try and keep this as swift as possible. On a subject like this it's easy to get carried away!

For me, striking at a time when the country is struggling to get it's economy back on track is down right selfish. The point of the Unions is that their workers signed a contract which said their pensions would be protected. However, we live in extraordinary times, therefore the menial contract means very little right now. People and companies have to be open to constant change and adaptation, if the economy is to function as smoothly as possible. This is something the private sector seems to understand. Which is also the reason why the private sector always seems to get annoyed at the public sector. The private is the first to feel the effects of any downturn, but just seems to get on with things, no matter how unhappy they might be. This isn't something that can be said for the public.

These strikes also took place while negotiations were still on going, which to me is quite rude and shows very little respect for the talking/negotiation process. It was always my thinking that measures like this were only taken when every possibility of a positive result are exhausted. However it seems that negotiations with the Government were not exhausted, so more time should have been given.

This is only my brief opinion right now, and will publish a far more elaborate and detailed report as to why these strikes were very much the wrong course of action to take.

Any Strike Progress On The Horizon?

Last week I reported on the strike action to be taken by Total Window Systems and DB Glass (part of the Epwin Group) in Devon.


A reader left a comment stating that there were due to be meetings last Thursday between employees and management at the Epwin Group to try to avoid strike action. Up to press I haven't heard anything since. 

So I'm leaving the floor open to everyone within the Epwin Group to put their point across on here, whether you're management or those going on strike. I'll approve all comments (unless they're liable or offensive). Although I suspect if there are deals being made now, very few will want to comment...but it's worth a try.


Also, if the strikes are going ahead, is there a date set for this?

Total Windows And DB Glass To Strike

It seems the growing trend to protest this year has now spread to our own little sector of the economy. It is reported on BBC Devon that Total Windows and DB Glass, both owned by the Epwin Group, are to go on strike over pay - more specifically due to not having a pay rise for the last three years.

According to the BBC Devon site, no one from Epwin Group was available for comment.

Whenever the talks of strikes comes up, the accompanying argument of the principle of the thing is also debated. According to www.thewestsouth.blogspot.com the strike was approved by over 77%. Now that's a positive response in any way you look at it. But is striking the right option?


To me, striking should only ever be the last resort, and I know this is the opinion of many others. I completely understand that they wish to be heard and want to stick up for themselves and their positions. But while taking industrial action, they should also consider that they are lucky enough to have a job (which is paid over the minimum wage) to strike over.

Personally, I wouldn't be striking right now. It is no only the Epwin Group who cannot afford to raise wages at this current time, most businesses haven't, and haven't for the last few also. In fact most businesses have cut wages in order to reduce the wage bill to make sure of the continuity of the business. Striking will only alert the company to those who are most militant and wish to cause disruption in order to get themselves heard.


Negotiations are the most sensible route to take right now. Both parties need to get round the table to sort something out. With Epwin being such a large company, large enough to be recognized by the BBC, this sort of negative publicity will only serve to damage the name locally and nationally.