Rob Williams, Socialist Party national trade union and workplace organiser
Over 600 Unite members at homeless charity Shelter have started two weeks of strike action. Management imposed a 3% pay rise, when RPI inflation is surging over 14%.
On picket lines around the country, workers were met with support from fellow trade unionists and passers-by, knowing full well the valuable work they do. Because of this, Shelter bosses will find it difficult to brand them as selfish, particularly when all workers are facing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis.
As well as Unite flags and placards, workers brought their own homemade signs and banners. “3% won’t pay our rent” showed that, without a real pay rise, they could be joining the growing list of homeless people.
One banner gave a perfect response to any idea that management can’t afford to pay up: “Cut Shelter reserves not wages.” Unite estimates that the reserves are £14.5 million, “substantially higher than its target reserves of £8.9 million.”
Neil MacPherson, Unite picket supervisor at Shelter Community Hub, Sheffield, spoke to Alistair Tice:
“Shelter workers are at the sharp end of the housing emergency. We are not immune from the cost-of-living crisis. We are struggling to keep a roof over our own heads. Shelter is sitting on a surplus of reserves. It needs to prioritise its workers, otherwise we will be turning to Shelter for advice to help us stay securely housed!”
A picket at Dalston, East London, said: “We are on strike so we can live. We have staff members worried about putting on the gas and electric. Some are accessing food banks because there’s no food at the end of the month. If we are worried about ourselves, how can we help our clients?”
