Workplace news in brief


Crossrail

The battle against blacklisting in the construction industry is continuing with high-profile protests in the last few days. On 16 and 18 April there were protests outside two building industry award ceremonies. Unite brought two huge inflatable rats and there were Unite organisers from all over the country.

There was a lot of excellent support from passers by who were shocked to hear about what has been happening and couldn’t understand why billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money was being given to contracts that sacked workers who raised health and safety concerns.

Protests are going on this week at the Westbourne Park Crossrail site, where sacked steward Frank Morris reported being assaulted by security guards a few days ago.

STOP PRESS: CWU conference

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) general conference finished on 22 April with an overwhelming vote to continue support for a 24-hour general strike and for the union’s national executive to do all in its power to prepare CWU members for the action.

Kiln workers strike

Morale was high on 22 April, with much tooting in support as expert “burners”, kiln workers at Kings Dyke Brick Works, Peterborough Road, Whittlesey and members of GMB and Unite, entered the third week of their strike over arbitrary cuts to holidays.

Their employers, Heidelberg Cement (profit: £500 million last year), part of the Hanson conglomerate, had reneged over a deal whereby a cut in pay would be compensated by holidays. They have scrapped the holiday offer. Workers have already seen cuts in pensions, share scheme, and bonuses over the years.

The strikers have had good support from their trade union branches and local trades councils. They are annoyed at the problems the anti-trade union laws still cause but are determined to pursue the dispute.

They were pleased to learn of the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) initiatives at national level. The unions are considering further measures if necessary to bring the employers to the negotiating table.

Messages of support to Unite rep: [email protected] and financial assistance welcome: cheques to “GMB” (write “Hanson strike” on reverse of cheque) to 542 Woodborough Road, Nottingham NG3 5FJ.