Barbour workers in Gateshead at the start of their four week strike, January 2014, photo Elaine Brunskill (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)
Elaine Brunskill
Striking Barbour workers in Gateshead have voted to go back to work after winning concessions from the company.
Initially Barbour had threatened warehouse workers with a “sign or be sacked” ultimatum. However, the company retreated and the improved offer includes an increase in pay and allows for day shift working for those with family or caring responsibilities.
Key to this success has been the strike action, which included four days prior to Christmas and a further week of a planned month long strike in January.
Last week we reported that Barbour strikers were joined by the FBU, Unison, BFAWU bakers union and others in a march which descended onto Barbour’s South Tyneside HQ. This march clearly impacted on the company.
Many of the strikers on that march pointed out that Barbour had accused the union (Unite) of dragging their members into this dispute. But the demo clearly showed this was untrue and that warehouse workers were angered by Barbour’s stance.
Local support for the strikers also played an important role. One striker commented: “My kid’s teacher pulled her to one side to let her know all the staff at the school supported the strike.”
Many of Barbour’s warehouse workers have worked for the company for many years, and until recently had felt it was a family company who looked after their staff. The attempt by Barbour to run rough shod over their rights has changed this perception.
Barbour workers have gained invaluable experience from this dispute, which will be important for future battles.
