I would like to wish success to Birmingham refuse collectors in their strike action.
As a former London dustman, I was on strike in the so-called Winter of Discontent 1978-79.
We were on strike against the London Borough of Richmond for over ten weeks. It was a time of great hardship, having good family and friends helped us to keep up the struggle.
In an attempt to break the strike, management called a meeting to try to get us to return to work or lock us out for good. Our stewards asked the question: “Well boys, do we want to work for Richmond council?” The resounding answer was “NO!”
At that point, management played their last card: “All those that want to go can come over to the office and get their cards and money at one o’ clock”. What happened next illustrated to me just what can be achieved by solidarity. 300 dustmen, the entire refuse workforce, assembled in the yard. I can still see the horror on management’s faces!
“You can’t do this! Please give us 24 hours to call a special council meeting”, they bleated.
The following 24 hours saw us get everything we asked for, everything.
I know how hard things must be for many of you as I’ve been there myself. Stick together. It will be hard, but solidarity will win the day. Good luck!
Tom King, chair, Unite retired members Kent branch (SE100R1)
