Callum Joyce and David Maples, Brighton Socialist Party
The Friday before a bank holiday is not the usual time for a strike and Butlins is not the most expected workplace, but security officers in Bognor Regis were left with no alternative.
They do not have a history of union membership, so when they looked to join one, they searched online. Seeing the success of the United Voices of the World (UVW) with security staff in London museums, they approached the UVW.
The security officers say chronic understaffing, faulty equipment, unjust wage deductions and poor management are undermining their ability to protect guests and staff.
They have been trying to get management to listen to their grievances since May, so now they are taking action. They have 13 strike days organised and plan an indefinite strike from 21 September if necessary.
So the sound of carnival came to Bognor, with dancing on the picket line even more entertaining than Butlins’ usual offering. And loud they were.
They have been invited to speak at the NSSN lobby of the TUC in Brighton on 13 September.
