A LEEMING Bar food company saved by a management buy-out seven years ago is resisting an attempt by a union to organise its 180-strong workforce.

The Iron and Steel Trades Confederation, which has evolved into a more general organisation and now has members in the food processing industry, is lining up a campaign to gain recognition at Vale of Mowbray, the long-established sausage and pork pie maker.

The ISTC said yesterday it was apparent from talking to the VoM workforce that there were tensions within the company because some people were unhappy with certain aspects of their employment.

But the company maintained it had always had good industrial relations. It preferred to work directly with staff and did not see the need for a union presence.

The union said it had written to VoM managing director, John Gatenby, seeking talks to explore the possibility of recognition but he had declined the offer. It added that if the company did not reconsider its decision, employees and union officials might have to decide whether they wished to pursue recognition through available legislation.

ISTC organiser Heather Meldrum said: "It's a great shame that Mr Gatenby has taken this stance. I am sure he would find union recognition beneficial to the overall health of the company." She added: "A few people have joined the union, saying they are unhappy that there is no recognition, but are a bit frightened to say anything to managers because they feel it will backfire on them.

"Among problems brought to our attention are shift changes made at short notice, which especially affect some of the women employees with child-care responsibilities. Some employees feel they are not treated with much respect."

Ms Meldrum said that if more than half of employees were members of the union or supported it, the ISTC could apply for recognition through the central arbitration committee.

Mr Gatenby said: "Over the years we have had good industrial relations with all our staff. At no time is no-one not listened to. We cannot comply with everyone's requirements, but everyone can get a hearing."