Pete Dickenson, Tower Hamlets Socialist Party and Unite Community branch
East End Homes (EEH), a big provider of social housing in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, has launched a major attack on its employees. Over the years there have been numerous small changes to their contracts. Some staff were transferred from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets when former council estates were transferred to EEH.
EEH has now taken the statutory legal step to start the process of ‘firing and rehiring’ its workers. EEH’s intention is to replace the existing ‘final salary’ pension schemes with an inferior version in which staff, many of whom have been planning for their retirement for several years, will lose thousands of pounds a year. They are also claiming they have never recognised Unison.
Due to changes in employment law, it will be much harder to carry out this cynical manoeuvre after the end of this year. Daniel Killian, EEH chief executive, has blatantly told staff he intends use the remaining period this year to force through his attack. The management’s outrageous behaviour has forced Unison, which represents the staff, to take industrial action from July, which has now been escalated effectively to an all-out strike for the month of August.
This escalation was provoked by Killian, at the start of this month, starting the legally required consultation period to sack the staff. Throughout the dispute, Unison members have been absolutely determined to fight this vicious action by the employer. All EEH’s residents have been leafleted by Unison to explain why they have been forced to take action and asking for residents’ support in their struggle.
Local MP, Apsana Begum, has reportedly raised the situation with the government, but it appears with no response. Andy Burnham, who is on record as opposing fire and rehire, should use his power and influence to stop this management abuse.
Members of Tower Hamlets Socialist Party have been actively supporting the strike from the beginning.
