Workers sacked by a pair of Christian fundamentalists have finally won a "substantial" payout following a drawn-out employment tribunal.
The trouble began following the takeover of British charity
SPCK, which ran a chain of Christian bookshops, by two Orthodox Christian brothers from Texas.
Employees of the Lincoln branch claimed that brothers Mark and Phillip Brewer told the staff to sign new contracts committing them to longer hours, less pay, and poorer pension plans, or face instant dismissal.
Shopworker’s union Usdaw helped launch the legal fight to get the workers justice and the money they were owed when sacked.
The members of staff involved in the tribunal confirmed that they were happy with the deal as recommended by Usdaw.
Debra Smith, an ex-employee of the Sincil Street bookshop said she was "relieved this initial phase was over".
Back in March 2008, the Echo reported that members of staff at the bookshop were considering taking legal action against the Brewer brothers after being sacked by e-mail.
At the time, ex-employee Eunice Porter said: "We were told we had effectively dismissed ourselves by refusing to sign the contracts."
In addition to introducing the new working hours and conditions for staff, the Brewer brothers caused further controversy by removing all non-Christian works from the shops.
Between February and June 2008, a total of 32 workers across the country were sacked by the brothers, with many getting the news by e-mail or colleagues, breaking UK employment law.
Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett said: "We are delighted that these long-serving and dedicated members of staff have finally won the compensation they deserve.
"We believe that they have been treated appallingly, with no regard for British law or the loyalty of the staff."
Under the agreement reached, each member will receive at least 65 per cent of their agreed cash settlement by the end of this month, and the full amount within six months, depending on the sale of assets of the charity.
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