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From The Socialist newspaper, 17 July 2013
Equinox workers strike again
On 10 and 11 July, Unite members who are support workers at the Equinox housing charity in London took strike action.
Workers who are helping some of the most vulnerable people in society are facing a 25% pay cut.
Equinox CEO Bill Puddicombe claims that these cuts are being made because the company hasn't got enough money.
Yet much to the anger of workers at the charity, he will face no pay cut except the 'sacrifice' of his performance related bonus which amounts to 6% of his wages.
On the picket line workers held placards with an image depicting Puddicombe as a fat cat.
The Socialist spoke to one of the striking workers at the New Cross picket line. She said that what she wanted to see most was "management sitting round the table and at least talking," and that she "didn't want to be on strike, I want to be working with the clients".
She also said the support from other union branches and the public was fantastic.
On the strike days only one person went into work and one refused to cross the picket line when he realised what was going on.
There was also an offer to help the Equinox workers deliver leaflets to houses in the area by a passer-by who was concerned about the effect that damages to the service would have on the local community.
At the moment the Equinox board is still refusing to negotiate. But Unite members at the charity are looking at how to step up the campaign with further strike action on the cards.
Paul Callanan
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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.
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.
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We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 17 July 2013:
Socialist Party news and analysis
'We've had enough' - All strike together!
Urgent - trade unions must build a political voice for the working class
Fire cuts, pay cuts, pension cuts, job cuts
MPs' pay to rise to £74,000...
G4S tagging scandal: another failure of privatisation
International socialist news and analysis
USA: Zimmerman, Trayvon and racism
'Black July' - Sri Lanka 1983 and the beginning of civil war
Socialist Party feature
Socialist Party review
The story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs
Socialist Party workplace news
Lecturers in Wales expose working conditions
Fight Royal Mail privatisation!
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Bedroom tax non-payment soars in Scotland: Stop evictions
Councils: Don't do the Con-Dems' dirty work!
'Sick Of Your Boss?' week of action reports
Durham Miners' Gala shows mood for new party
Campaigning against anti-LGBT bullying in schools
Lincolnshire - save our libraries
Readers' comments
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