Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/652/10879
From The Socialist newspaper, 5 January 2011
Heinz strike again
The Scrooge employers at Heinz really hated Christmas 2010. 1,200 employees at Kitt Green, Wigan held their third 24-hour stoppage over Christmas on 29 December, and each strike day means two million cans of beans don't get produced.
Paul Gerrard
Up to 100 pickets have braved freezing night-time temperatures, encouraged by local well-wishers who have brought mince pies and other Christmas fare to the picket lines.
This time strikers were heartened by a visit from Len McCluskey, newly elected general secretary of Unite, who attacked the 'turbo-charged profit margins' and 15% bonuses managers make, while workers are expected to take a pay cut. An already unacceptable offer has been withdrawn and last week's 'talks' have been described as a joke.
Unite convenor Ian Wright said: "Len's visit was the icing on the cake, we supported him in his campaign and we have voted for the right man."
A further 24-hour strike is taking place on 5 January but Ian warns: "we will have to take further and more intense action if meaningful talks don't resume soon."
Support and donations are warmly welcomed. Email support to wrightian5@sky.com, and contact Ian on 07716 375 488 for more information and to make a donation to the strike fund.
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In The Socialist 5 January 2011:
National Shop Stewards Network
We'll resist Cameron's 'hard times'
NSSN anti-cuts conference: Trade unionists to debate the way forward
A real strategy to fight the cuts
Socialist Party youth and students
29 January demonstration in Manchester: Students and young workers unite
Socialist Party feature
2011: a year of sharpening struggle
Socialist Party news and analysis
Rail operators profit from commuter misery
Northern Ireland water crisis: Privatisation agenda wrecks service utility
NHS cutbacks - health bosses and government to blame
Tommy Sheridan trial - guilty verdict is a sham
Private ownership, public pollution
Socialist Party workplace news and analysis
Birmingham bin workers fight back
More pay strikes at Newsquest papers
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition conference on 22 January 2011
Trade unions must fight for agency workers' rights
Obituaries
Tribute to John Macreadie, trade unionist and socialist fighter
Grunwick: leader of historic strike dies
Socialist Party review
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