BUTLIN’S has been accused of union-busting by bringing in new staff on better terms while refusing to meet resort safety officers at its Bognor Regis site.

United Voices of the World (UVW) union said that new recruits are reportedly being offered about £15 an hour, free food, accommodation and transport.

Existing officers began striking yesterday seeking a rise to £14 an hour, alongside improvements to staffing, safety, equipment, breaks and working conditions, with further walkouts ahead of continuous action planned from September 21.

UVW general secretary Nelly Ospino said: “This is a deeply troubling development. Our members have repeatedly said that they want to work, they want to keep Butlin’s guests safe, and they want to resolve this dispute through negotiation. 

“At the eleventh hour, we offered Butlin’s dates and times to meet this week. But instead of sitting down with the workers and their union, Butlin’s appears to be engaging in union-busting behaviour. 

“If Butlin’s has the resources to bring in new workers on reportedly better terms, it should have the resources to properly value the people who are already doing this vital job.

“The door to negotiations remains open, but that responsibility now rests with Butlin’s CEO and management.” 

One of the striking officers added: “We are being told there is no need to meet with us, while new people are apparently being brought in on better terms. 

“If Butlin’s can offer £15 an hour, free food, accommodation and transportation to new staff, why can’t the company offer decent terms to the people who have already been doing this job and keeping its guests safe?” 

A Butlin’s spokesperson said: “The safety of our guests and our team is our top priority, and we reject any claim that the resort is unsafe.

“We reject UVW’s misleading characterisation of our lawful contingency arrangements. They are in place to ensure the resort can continue to operate safely and protect guests’ holidays.

“Cover is being provided by directly employed Butlin’s team members from a central security team deployed across our resorts. They are appropriately trained and briefed. We have sought to engage directly with those affected and remain committed to constructive engagement.”