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From The Socialist newspaper, 9 January 2013
Losing patience with Usdaw
Below we publish extracts from an article sent to us by a driver at the Sainsbury depot (operated by Wincanton) in Sherburn-in-Elmet, north Yorks.
It details why 150 drivers have joined Unite after demanding that Usdaw leads a fight to improve conditions on site, but instead had several reps removed by Usdaw.
This also comes in the aftermath of the inspiring dispute against Tesco and Eddie Stobart in Doncaster, where Unite members forced some concessions out of the companies after being made redundant.
In less than four weeks, over 150 union members in the transport have freely and without any influence from Unite, chosen to cancel their membership with Usdaw and transfer to Unite.
Concerns included ballot fixing allegations, union reps being removed for spurious reasons, and a union rep being appointed without a ballot. There was an 80-signature vote of no confidence in Usdaw.
Usdaw gave away the right to strike in return for recognition before the site opened five years ago. They also gave away the drivers' right to choose whether to opt out of the 10-hour night work limit.
In response, Usdaw have turned to the company for help, they have produced joint statements with the company threatening their members and former members stating that the company will not recognise any other union.
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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.
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In The Socialist 9 January 2013:
Socialist Party news and analysis
"Enough is enough!" - Fight all cuts
2013: Prepare for a mighty battle against deeper cuts
Unite the Union general secretary election
Making it easier to sack workers
Who's neglecting society, Mr Lamb?
International socialist news and analysis
South Africa: Founding of Workers and Socialist Party
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Prepare for strike action to save our hospitals
'The Eight Consultations of Christmas' in Southampton
Birmingham Labour's 'grotesque chaos'
2012 Fighting Fund target smashed
Socialist Party women's meeting
Obituary
Socialist Party workplace news
Standing firm in Mid Yorks hospitals pay cuts battle
London Underground cleaners strike over New Year
Tyne and Wear Metro strikers tell bosses to end poverty pay
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