Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/405/4613
From The Socialist newspaper, 25 August 2005
Rolls Royce workers vote for strike
A clear majority of workers have voted to defend their Amicus convenor Jerry Hicks who was sacked by Rolls-Royce, Bristol, for defending two of his members.
Graeme Jones, Amicus member north Bristol
The vote - 55 to 33 - is in favour of industrial action due to start on 23 August. This is continuous action and will be followed by a ballot of the entire site and perhaps at all Rolls-Royce UK sites.
Since his sacking last month, when there were spontaneous walkouts from the engine test areas where Jerry Hicks works, an industrial tribunal has recommended that he get his job back. It found that he was dismissed "probably on trade union grounds". The management have, so far, offered him a £50,000 pay-off which has been flatly refused by Mr Hicks. "I'm not for sale, and this union is not for sale. I will accept reinstatement and I'm happy to return to work with no ill feeling," he said.
Hundreds of Rolls-Royce workers and trade unionists attended a rally in Bristol last week in support of Mr Hicks. The speakers, who included Tony Benn and Bob Crow (general secretary of the RMT union), repeatedly illustrated the point that this issue is about defending trade union rights.
- A collection was taken for the campaign and also for the sacked Gate Gourmet workers in Heathrow.
- A national march and rally has been organised on Friday 2 September, 1pm, College Green, Bristol.
- Messages of support: jw1610@blueyonder.co.uk
Socialist Party national trade union meeting
Saturday 3 September,
11am-4pm, Central London
Agenda:
- The trade unions and Labour's third term
Speaker: Peter Taaffe
- Building in the unions and the workplace - the Marxist approach.
Speaker: Bill Mullins
- Short trade union caucus meetings
There will be a pooled fare. Anybody who needs more information should contact Ken Smith on 020 8988 8778 or Bill Mullins on 020 8988 8764
Burston Strike School Rally
Sunday 4 September 2005
11am to 4.30pm, Church Green, Burston, Nr Diss, Norfolk
Speakers include Paul Kenny, GMB acting Gen Sec and Tony Benn. Live music, children's fun area
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 25 August 2005:
Gate Gourmet - solidarity action is vital
Iraq: Bogged down in an unwinnable war
Gaza withdrawal: Will Sharon's pull-out lead to 'peace'?
Lewisham Socialist Party councillors support suspended MSPs
Campaign stops health closure plan
Build Socialist Students and fight education cuts
Rolls Royce workers vote for strike
First bus company raises fares and cuts services
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