A radio advertisement planned by the T&G and Amicus unions as part of their boycott of Peugeot has been withdrawn for breaching advertising standards codes.
The advertisement, which was to be broadcast on independent radio stations next month, backed up the unions’ poster campaign, created as a protest at the forthcoming closure of Peugeot’s Ryton factoy.
As with the posters, the radio advertisement was to encourage listners to "Think of England” when choosing a car this summer, but section 15 of the Radio Advertising Standards Code prohibits the use of adverts for political purposes.
T&G general secretary Tony Woodley said, "The public need to know we are fighting back against the closure of a profitable car plant. The law has gagged us from saying this on the radio, but we'll say it all the same."
Union members are planning a "day of action" outside Peugot dealers on Saturday 15 July, but so far the protests have had no effect on Peugeot sales.
Meanwhile workers at Pirelli tyre factories in Carlisle and Burton-on-Trent are being balloted on strike action in a row over pay. Around 900 members of boththe T&G and Amicus unions are protesting against a proposed 2.2 per cent pay offer, which they have rejected.
Add your comment