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From The Socialist newspaper, 7 June 2003
Lincolnshire health workers' pay battle
Ann Moses, from Grimsby UNISON, representing some of the 400 NHS staff involved in a battle with another NHS contractor, Carillion, spoke to the socialist.
"Carillion have a contract worth £50 million with the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole hospitals trust. This includes hospitals in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole. At the moment there are nine different sets of terms and conditions for the domestic, portering and catering staff at the hospitals.
"We put in a claim for a starting rate of £5.02 an hour for everyone, with NHS terms and conditions. Carrillion have come back with two offers, neither worth much and they were devisive.
"There was a 90% majority for strike action in the original ballot. And the two offers have been rejected resoundingly by 5:1.
"We've just finished our last five days of strike action, which was solid. The shop stewards committee is meeting this week to decide on the next course of action. We're not asking for much so the mood is to continue with our action. Carrillion haven't offered us anything."
Donations and messages of support to Scunthorpe UNISON Health Branch, Scunthorpe General Hospital, Cliff Gardens, Scunthorpe, DN15 7BH
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Finance appeal
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 7 June 2003:
Exposed - Blair's Weapons Of Mass Deception
Firefighters' Battle For A Living Wage And To Save The Fire Service
Government buries fire safety report
Left moves by lecturers' union
Lincolnshire health workers' pay battle
France: Millions Strike Against The Raffarin Government
Peru: Two Million workers and peasants strike against Toledo
G8 at Evian: Multinationals 'United' In Exploitation?
Northern Ireland: Socialist To Lead Biggest Union
How Imperialism Impoverishes Africa
'Awkward Squad' Gains Another Member
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