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From The Socialist newspaper, 17 March 2021
British Gas strike at crucial stage
British Gas strike Leicester February 2021, photo Steve Score (Click to enlarge)
Iain Dalton, Leeds Socialist Party
After the elation of recent picket lines, following the decisive voting down of the latest British Gas offer, there was a more sombre mood on the picket lines on Friday 12 March. This followed the union sending letters with legal advice recommending that strikers sign new contracts by 25 March.
This move, seemingly over the heads of the elected reps, was the subject of much debate on the picket line, with many criticising the timing of the letters being sent the day before this latest round of strike action.
The mood of those on the picket lines was still one of determination to oppose the attacks on their pay, terms and conditions implied in the new contracts. Goodwill that was previously there towards the company has evaporated. Many workers are determined to do what is currently contracted and no more.
The impact of the letter has been to turn a debate over how to deal with the looming imposition of the new contracts collectively into a decision for individual workers.
Instead of sending out surveys, which many strikers haven't seen, a strategy of how the strike could be escalated further following the rejection should be discussed by the reps and put to a national meeting of the workers on strike to decide upon.
The Socialist Party says:
- Solidarity with the British Gas strikers
- End 'fire and rehire'
- Renationalise British Gas under democratic workers' control
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In The Socialist 17 March 2021:
End violence against women
Violence against women - we will not be silenced
NHS
Rich pickings for private companies - peanuts for health workers
NHS workers map out strategy to win 15% pay rise
Review
Media
Can the capitalist media prevent socialist change?
Workplace news
British Gas strike at crucial stage
Electricians protest against deskilling and lower wages
Goodlord workers continue strike against 'fire and rehire'
Thousands of BT workers to ballot for strike action
Government's bus plans fall short of making up for the cuts
Reinstate Moe - stop trade union-busting at Abellio!
PCS members at Swansea DVLA to strike for safety
Elections
Council funding crisis - We need a workers' programme to restore the stolen millions
We need a fighting strategy to win funding from the government - why I'm standing for TUSC
Standing for TUSC in Worcester
Help fund the Socialist Party's election campaign as part of TUSC
Campaigns news
Build for the Socialist Students day of action on 21 April
I couldn't just stand and watch! - Why I joined the Socialist Party
Socialist Party LGBTQ+ members meeting
International news
Myanmar: workers brave brutal military crackdown
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