Coronavirus workplace news in brief

Postal workers walk out

Postal worker, photo Paul Mattsson, photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge)

Postal workers in Didcot walked out on 8 April after their depot was not cleaned when a member of staff contracted Covid-19.

The Royal Mail workers followed guidance by their union the CWU after only the workers' delivery van was cleaned and not the whole building. The workers returned to work two days later after the company was forced to clean the building.

CWU rep at the depot, Steve Gill, said: "The van he used needed cleaning which was done by a cleaning company. But our building was only originally cleaned by a man with a rag and a spray bottle."

Over the last two weeks, staff at eight Royal Mail sites have walked out over safety concerns.

Heathrow airport threat

Heathrow Airport workers have been threatened with the sack if they reject 'voluntary' pay cuts of 15% in response to coronavirus.

The message was sent to thousands of workers which said the business expected "everyone to play their part". It threatened: "There will be consequences if colleagues do not accept the revised terms as it will mean that we have to make further job cuts. It will also have consequences for those colleagues who do not wish to participate."

Holland and Barrett workers' petition

High street chain Holland and Barrett has kept its shops open during the coronavirus crisis, but workers are campaigning for them to shut, arguing their health is at risk.

The 'alternative health' shop has 750 UK stores and claims to be an essential retailer because its products cater for people with special dietary needs. But staff have set up a petition, demanding management close stores over safety concerns. They argue that what the chain sells is not essential, unlike supermarkets or pharmacies. But they also warn that most stores are too small to be safe, with no room for social-distancing.

Sign the petition at change.org search 'Close Holland and Barrett Stores'

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.