EDF Energy strikers, 4.9.15

EDF Energy strikers, 4.9.15   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

EDF – Conning its customers, conning its workers

On Wednesday 2nd September Unite members working for EDF Energy took the first day of strike action in what is becoming an increasingly bitter dispute. The strikers included meter readers, meter fixers, debt recovery officers and clerical grades in London, the South East, South West and Eastern regions.

The strike came after the employer tried to force changes in working hours. It then revealed proposed pay cuts. The union united this campaign with other grievances including job losses, failure to make pay awards in the South East and refusing to make pay awards to personal contract holders.

The campaign therefore saw operatives, clericals and managers taking strike action together. Large numbers of workers picketed the Bexleyheath headquarters office ensuring that every worker attempting to cross the picket line was challenged. People wanting to enter the building had to queue, with many waiting in cars.

EDF strike, 4.9.15

EDF strike, 4.9.15   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Rob Williams addressed strikers on behalf of the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN). Following the picket lines, workers lobbied the central London HQ of the company and received a superb public response, especially when the lobby chanted: “EDF – extremely, dishonourable fraudsters”.

Not surprisingly, the company is not happy that the union campaign has exposed how a company making massive profits while charging high prices is also ripping off its workers.

The only disappointment of the day was that Unison members weren’t also involved in the action – Unite will be raising this directly with Unison.

Unite has made clear that unless the company meets its demands, strike action will be escalated.

By a Socialist Party member in Unite