Sparks protest in Cardiff

Sparks protest in Cardiff   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Dave Reid, Cardiff Socialist Party

Over 40 sparks descended on the Bouygues site at Cardiff University on 28 April where construction firm NG Bailey is working.

The site was blockaded and the gates barred by sparks and supporters from the Cardiff trade union movement and the Socialist Party, who turned away deliveries from the site.

A line of trucks queued up the road as the red-faced Bouygues boss shouted, stamped his feet and swore. But the sparks stood firm, despite one or two trucks breaking health and safety law forcing their way through the line. Other drivers turned away in solidarity.

As he became more and more irate, the boss claimed that there were no ‘umbrella’ companies working on the site – not true. And when it was pointed out that workers are having to pay the employers national insurance he exclaimed “but that’s illegal!” Precisely, but that it what is happening on his site.

A great morning’s work getting the message over to NG Bailey that wherever they go sparks will protest and disrupt their attempts to deskill.