Joe Fathallah, Cardiff Socialist Party
Unite members at Cardiff Council are now taking their eleventh week of strike action, against a Labour-run authority, for a decent pay increase in line with the cost of living. The workers have decided to concentrate on picketing County Hall, where most of the council meetings take place, for maximum impact.
I got into a discussion on the picket line with a striker about the attitude of management. To get to work on time he has to catch the first bus in the morning, and then run to meet a connecting service. If he misses the connection, he gets a black mark for lateness. To top things off, Cardiff Bus, 100% owned by the council, has implemented cuts to services this year, making getting to work in the morning harder for workers all across the city and surrounding area! The employer is aware of this, but has been unwilling to take the situation into account, an attitude which adds to workers’ determination to fight back.
Unite has informed the employer of the intention to reballot for further action over the Christmas period, as the current strike mandate is about to expire. Cardiff Council employees deserve a proper pay increase.
Unite members in Wrexham Council have already accepted an increased offer, won through effective strike action.
