On 3 February, speech and language therapists, members of Unite from Southwark PCT came out on strike following the announcement from management that 11 of the 35 staff will be sacked.
This strike was solid and it was clear from passing motorists that there is a lot of support for these workers.
The strike followed a rally the previous evening, organised by Unite, which attracted over 150 – including parents and children who will be affected by these cuts.
Speaking at the meeting Unite general secretary Len McCluskey made it clear that the full strength of the union is behind this group of workers. This underlines the importance of him being elected as a general secretary, as he is seen to be on the left and supporting workers in struggle.
These attacks will be a devastating blow to vulnerable children and families who desperately rely on these services.
All the speech therapists in Southwark are fully behind this action and they have done some good work in building support for the action in the local community with leafleting and petitioning.
It is very important that this struggle develops the links with other workers under attack.
