Workers' Educational Association strike threat forces halt on jobs and conditions attack

A WEA tutor

Following eight hours of discussion through ACAS, Unite members at the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) have called off their planned seven days of strike action.

The WEA management had sought to impose a devastating restructuring without a hint of negotiation or consultation with Unite, the recognised union.

London Region staff (including all organisers, consolidated tutors, and admin-support staff) were placed at risk of redundancy, with current roles to be scrapped and replaced by new jobs - some on a lower grade and lower pay.

All staff at risk faced having to reapply for new jobs with no guarantee of success, and no management commitment to avoid compulsory redundancies. These proposals were formulated by management over a period of six months - January to June 2014 - and then presented to staff in June 2014 as a 'done deal'.

Requests to management to engage in meaningful talks were ignored. The depth of anger and determination of WEA Unite members was revealed in the 85% support for industrial action!

The prospect of well-supported strike action, which would have been the first in its 111 year history, forced WEA management to withdraw its proposals and the at risk letters, and to agree to engage in full and meaningful consultation with Unite on any new proposals.

This is a major achievement by Unite members at the WEA who have remained solid in their commitment to ensure WEA remains true to its values of equality, democracy and justice.

This version of this article was first posted on the Socialist Party website on 16 October 2014 and may vary slightly from the version subsequently printed in The Socialist.

Donate to the Socialist Party

Finance appeal

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.