STAFF at Hawick Knitwear have been warned that a failure to accept new flexible working patterns will see their contracts terminated.
And if the change is not agreed by the start of September, when the current 90-day consultation period comes to a close, then workers will be offered alternative contracts to meet the company's requirements.
However, despite a working party being
set up alongside the trade unions, a settlement looks unlikely at the moment.
It is understood Hawick Knitwear plans to increase the variable hours in order to cope with increased demand in the summer.
In a letter to employees, Managing Director Benny Hartop, pictured, said: "There has always been a degree of seasonality in our business but this is steadily increasing and as a business we have to be prepared to change and adapt if we are to fulfil our customers' expectations."
To highlight this, it was revealed that the company expects to sell 77 per cent of its annual sales figure during the six-month period from June to November this year. And from December to May 2010, the business will sell only 23 per cent of its annual sales.
Mr Hartop went on: "It is only fair that I make it clear that the status quo is no longer an option. More flexible working patterns will be required if the business is to remain competitive in the future."
The latest proposal comes on the back of a turbulent period for the Liddesdale Road mill, where 32 jobs were lost last November and a similar amount in March this year.
Workers were also asked to accept a raft of money-saving plans "in order to safeguard the future of this business", which included a five per cent wage cut and reductions in sick pay and pension contribution.
And according to one worker, who did not wish to be named, it's a step too far.
They said: "They want to negotiate something in but if that doesn't happen then they're going to force it in.
"The women in the mill have said they're definitely opposed to it and I think 20 more people have joined the union.
"We've just accepted changes to save the company and now they're asking for more. They keep coming back wanting more and more."
In the letter Mr Hartop stressed that the termination of contracts would be done as a "last resort".
