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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1080/30519
From The Socialist newspaper, 30 March 2020
Working in Mike Ashley's empire: After lockdown we won't forget how we've been treated
Mike Ashley
Adam Viteos, a Shop Worker
I work for one of the retail chains in Mike Ashley's empire. As more shops were closing, pressure began mounting for our chain to close too. But we were expected to lone work, rather than simply closing the shop down.
Lines of communication were set up between stores so lone workers could check in regularly - as if this would somehow guarantee their safety.
This move completely backfired. It became a place for workers in different stores to come together.
The bosses have flagrant disregard for our safety. Some angry workers began sharing links to trade union websites.
We would have remained open unless we were specifically told to close. Despite the government finally announcing on Monday 23 March that all non-essential shops were to close, we received emails the next morning from upper management stating that we were expected to work until at least Friday.
Staff safety was put a firm second behind 'securing' stock. Workers were expected to come in and ship stock back to head office.
None of us received personal protective equipment. We were specifically instructed that workers who aren't self-isolating and refuse to work will have their pay docked.
We were told that only a certain number of people were allowed in stores, but simultaneously the company still expected all staff to turn up. At my shop, a skeleton crew agreed to carry out what the company deemed "essential lockdown procedures" and we had everything done by Wednesday.
My manager had been one of the most hostile and antagonistic to any union presence. But they have u-turned, and went as far as altering the timesheet, declaring that all workers had done their week's hours by Wednesday to ensure that nobody lost pay.
Workers' anger at how they have been treated by the bosses won't be forgotten when this lockdown is over.
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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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In The Socialist 30 March 2020:
Coronavirus news
NHS workers speak out: austerity has left us unprepared
Schools: union oversight needed to end chaos in provision under coronavirus
Councils must use resources now for emergency response
NHS supply chain worker: privatisation has cut equipment quantity and quality
Self-isolation class divide: decent homes for all!
Fully fund hospices to care for vulnerable children
Scandalous conditions in food distribution centre
World War Two
All in this together? The 'Blitz spirit' myth
What we think
PPE, tests, full pay - for all now
Labour must resist 'Covid coalition': Workers need their own voice and party
Emergency legislation: Trade unions must be on guard against attacks on workers' interests
Food supply and the coronavirus crisis
Workplace news
Key workers should make bold demands
Essential workers deserve more
Working in Mike Ashley's empire: After lockdown we won't forget how we've been treated
Hull construction workers force bosses to shut down site over health and safety fears
Bosses concede to walkouts in Northern Ireland
Bus drivers halt sackings - now restore our pay
Postal workers walk out over health, safety and junk mail
Working from home during the pandemic
Leicester: Nylacast worker exposes truth
Refuse collection workers strike
Benefits
Fight for safety, staffing and services - Covid chaos for benefits claimants
More than ever, we need accountable union leaders
Campaigns
Help us continue to fight for workers and socialism
Readers' opinion
Going viral - Socialist letters and comments on the coronavirus crisis
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