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From The Socialist newspaper, 11 October 2007
Bolton care workers fight on
Bolton Council is attempting to cut holiday and sick pay for carers by removing the right to claim for 'sleep-ins' (overnight shifts in care homes – an essential part of many carers' duties and wages).
Robert Mitchell
On 1 and 2 October care workers went on strike against these attacks. On the second day, a meeting was held to discuss what further action should be taken. This was impressively attended by 81 strikers.
Speaking with the socialist this week, Florence Hill, chairperson of Bolton Unison, described the mood at the meeting as "unified and resolute". She said: "No one is prepared to give up. We are all eager to take the next step in this struggle, should it prove necessary."
With the Council still unwilling to enter into negotiations it was decided at Tuesday's meeting that the most effective course of action would now be to refuse to work 'sleep-ins' until the dispute is satisfactorily resolved.
When the employers have to face up to the disruption that a strike on 'sleep-ins' would cause, they may be forced to acknowledge the crucial part that 'sleep-ins' play in the work of many carers: a part that should clearly be reflected in holiday and sick pay.
Florence told the socialist: "We've still not heard anything from the employers. Right now we are in the process of consulting with our lawyers and Unison regional office to reach a final decision about how best to proceed."
The move to boycott sleep-ins could go ahead sometime early next week.
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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.
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In The Socialist 11 October 2007:
Gloucestershire shows determination
Marching in support of the Burslem 12
Anger at Leighton, Crozier and Brown
Determination to continue the battle
Socialist Party NHS campaign
What we think
Brown's expedient election climb-down
War and terrorism
Anti-war movement upholds right to protest
Burmese students join London march
Socialism 2007
Socialism 2007: Debates to sharpen your socialism
Socialist Party news and analysis
Cuts kill - no reductions in the fire service!
Socialist Party feature
1917 October Revolution: the working class took power
International socialist news and analysis
Darfur bloodshed fuelled by land and oil grab
Iraq occupation: Brown's token gesture
Workplace news and analysis
Civil servants march against cuts and privatisation
National Shop Stewards Network holds meetings around the country
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