Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/504/3223
From The Socialist newspaper, 4 October 2007
Bolton
Care workers on strike
Bolton Council is attempting to cut holiday and sick pay for carers by removing the right to claim for 'sleep-ins', an essential part of many carers' duties and wages. Workers went on strike on 1-2 October against these attacks.
Robert Mitchell, Bolton Socialist Party
This is an attack on the pay and conditions of an already underpaid group of workers. It is also part of an attempt by government and councils to undermine terms and conditions of work for carers on a national scale.
On the first day of industrial action over 100 care workers and supporters packed out the strike rally. It was addressed by Unison regional officer Paul Rhodes, Unison Bolton branch chairperson Florence Hill, Karen Reissman (a Manchester nurse suspended for speaking out against NHS cuts and privatisation) and Paul Holmes, (Unison national executive member).
All four speakers emphasised that the dispute is not just about the issue of 'sleep-ins' or premiums, but a defence of working terms and conditions which had been agreed and guaranteed on a national level.
John Rutherford, head of Bolton Council adult services department, has been off sick since the 75%-for-action result of the strike ballot, whilst care workers are having to struggle for the basic right to retain their normal rate of pay when off sick or on annual leave.
Speaking to the socialist, Florence told me: "The turn out today was absolutely brilliant, it just shows the strength of feeling amongst the people. It's been really impressive. So many people have stepped forward and helped to organise and rally support.
"This dispute is about national terms and conditions. Unison members have not taken the decision to strike lightly… This is part of the ongoing saga of employers attacking the most vulnerable group of staff. You can bet that senior management's perks will be the last to come under threat."
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In The Socialist 4 October 2007:
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War and terrorism
Iraq: end the occupation nightmare
Stop the War Coalition (STWC) national demonstration
Editorial and comment
Tory party fears an autumn election
Socialist Party NHS campaign
Socialist Party news and analysis
Classroom assistants on strike
Supermarket price-fixing scandal
Success! Double whammy for nursery campaign
Socialist Party features
EU's anti-working class 'reforms'
Socialist Students
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Che Guevara - revolutionary fighter
Socialist Party events
Socialism 2007: Ideas for our future
International socialist news and analysis
Burma: Dictatorship under threat
Socialist Party reviews and comment
QPR buy-out - Reclaim the game!
It's a free world, a film by Ken Loach
Socialist Party workplace news
Local government pay offer: It's time for action
Remploy workers win partial victory
National Shop Stewards Network makes plans
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