Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/446/5311
From The Socialist newspaper, 29 June 2006
Support striking Asda workers
As we go to press, the unions have confirmed that the planned strike action at Asda has been called off, as a result of negotiations. This report was carried in the socialist before the action was called off.
HUNDREDS OF GMB members in Asda Wal-Mart's 20 depots are due to go on strike for five days between 30 June and 4 July. The workers voted by 3 to 1 to strike over the bosses' attempt to break their union organisation. Asda bosses are refusing to restore the collective bargaining rights they unilaterally withdrew in the 1990s.
Bill Mullins
There has been a long history to Asda's anti-union attitude, which has worsened since they were taken over by Wal-Mart. Asda have already broken the employment laws by attempting to bribe workers to leave the union by offering a bigger pay increase than union members. This was recommended by PR consultants Portland which is run by Tim Allen, Tony Blair's former press secretary.
In the run-up to the strike Asda were preparing to use agency labour as scabs. This must not be allowed to happen. The GMB has said that it will take legal action against any agency that sends in scabs but this will not be enough if this strike is to be won.
The Asda workers have been extremely patient and followed the advice of the GMB as they tried to win their justified demands, now it is up to the rest of the labour and trade union movement and get behind these workers.
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In The Socialist 29 June 2006:
Socialist Party NHS campaign
Manchester marches to defend the NHS
What the Socialist Party says:
Socialist Party youth and students
Young people - fight for your rights!
Socialist Party feature
SWP / Respect conference: Flawed perspectives
International socialist news and analysis
Greek students' protests ignite solidarity action
New regime in Somalia a setback for US imperialism
Socialist Party campaigns
G8 leaders fail to make poverty history
Police and fascists attack Moscow Pride
Fight back against homophobic bullying
Socialist Party workplace news and analysis
Hands off civil servants' pension rights
Not just: " Lie back and Think of England"
General Motors meets workers' resistance
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