Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/354/5856
From The Socialist newspaper, 3 July 2004
Northern Ireland:
Support The Dessian Strikers
AS WE reported in last week's socialist, workers at the Dessian Products PVC windows factory in Belfast have been on strike since 19 May. The strike began over the sacking of Paddy McCloskey, one of the two TGWU shop stewards in the plant.
Paddy was sacked for "refusing to carry out duties". In fact he was doing three jobs at the time!
The real reason was to deal a blow at the union by victimising a shop steward. It is no coincidence that the sacking took place just as pay negotiations were opening.
This is a rerun of what happened two years ago when the management sacked a shop steward in order to try and intimidate workers from joining or supporting the union.
They got away with it then but this time the workforce has decided to make a stand.
Last week the company declared 20 of the strikers and some other workers redundant. They claim that some of those workers actually owe the company money for holidays already taken!
On 24 June, the shop stewards went to the TGWU conference in Dublin, where a resolution in their support was passed unanimously.
They spoke to TGWU general secretary Tony Woodley directly and are waiting for the results of talks he was to have with Dessian management.
Please send messages of support and donations to Stephen Magee, 31 Ava Crescent, Belfast BT7 3DU. Cheques should be made payable to the "Dessian Fund".
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In The Socialist 3 July 2004:
New Labour Privatising By Choice
Schools Campaign Challenges Labour
Socialism 2004: "A Really Brilliant Weekend"
International socialist news and analysis
Iraq: The Sovereignty Of Puppets
Ireland Greets Bush - But With Protests
Exclusive interview with Brazilian trade unionist
Workplace news and events
Encouraging Result for Martin Powell-Davies
Tube Workers Fight To Defend Jobs And Conditions
Unison conference: Wrong Answers To Wrong Questions!
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