Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/497/2675
From The Socialist newspaper, 26 July 2007
Support Glasgow's social work strikers
SIX HUNDRED Social Care Workers, members of Unison and employees of Glasgow city council Social Work Services, began all-out indefinite strike action on 24 July in pursuit of their claim for a higher grading.
Ian Leech, Social Care Worker/Unison steward (in a personal capacity).
On protest lines at area offices and satellite buildings, the mood was upbeat and determined. We were given the occasional boost by acts of solidarity shown by staff not involved in the dispute at this stage who spent time with colleagues and sent out urns of hot water for tea. Other workers showed their solidarity by refusing to deliver post or enter buildings to undertake repairs.
The strikers themselves organised picketing rotas, contact details and, in some cases publicity for distribution to the public and other workers.
It was clear before the day began that the council, despite having presented a vague outline of an offer, were going to monitor the response to the first days of strike action. Despite rumours circulating about workplaces that were not taking action, telephone calls between those taking action demonstrated that this was not the case.
The strike has had an immediate effect. Staff that are not involved initially have been put onto work covering emergencies and other tasks that have statutory requirements. The staff concerned have been instructed by the union to delay work by demanding supervision and workload management discussions. The union intends to ballot them on supportive strike action starting on 26 July.
A lively mass meeting of strikers in Glasgow city centre allowed for report-backs from areas and focussed upon organisational tasks. Crucial to which would be the active participation of each and every striker in debate and decision-making during the period of the strike. Already names were being offered up from the protest lines of volunteers to participate in these tasks and duties.
Send urgent messages of solidarity and donations to Glasgow City Unison, 4th floor, 18 Albion Street G1 1 LH.
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In The Socialist 26 July 2007:
New Labour ignored flood warnings
Government cuts add to flooding crisis
Postal workers' strike
Postal workers: Their fight is our fight
Critical dispute for postal workers
Socialist Party NHS campaign
NHS: no more cuts, no more privatisation
Socialist Party news and analysis
Support Glasgow's social work strikers
Metronet walks away from trouble...
Airports industry expansion plans fail to take off
Brown's 'affordable housing' plan - all smoke and mirrors?
Tales from the council chambers
If this is New Labour democracy...
Socialist Party Marxist analysis
Socialist Party reviews
Vicious bile and grovelling sweet talk
Workplace news and analysis
Visteon workers continue fight for jobs
National Shop Stewards' Network hits the ground running
Another missed opportunity on teachers' pay
International socialist news and analysis
Erdogan's election victory reveals Turkey's faultlines
Mass protests planned at the APEC summit
Socialism 2007
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