Scunny scaffs on the picket line (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)
Sheffield Socialist Party
100 days! By the time you read this, that’s how long the scaffolders will have been on strike against their contractor Actavo working at British Steel Scunthorpe. In a dispute going back three years, they are fighting for the national industry rate for the job which is 10-15% higher than they get paid now.
These scaffs have shown tremendous solidarity, determination and fortitude. With their union Unite, they are employing ever more dynamic and effective strike action and leverage tactics, not just on the picket line but around the country and beyond.
Pickets have protested at the Buxton HQ of High Peak Scaffolding, one of the scabbing firms, who have now agreed to stop crossing the picket line and pulled off site. This follows on from a similar agreement made by Altrad after a flying ‘visit’. Who’s next?
The offices of Lia Nici, Tory MP for Grimsby, where a lot of the scaffs live, was visited due to her refusal to support her constituents. Despite not turning up, she accused the Unite protesters of being “unhelpful and aggressive”. So much for the Conservatives’ ‘levelling up’ agenda and wanting a ‘high wage economy’!
Further direct action is planned against Actavo bosses and scabbing firms. In particular, a national day of action has been called by Unite for Tuesday 22 February, with a big demonstration planned at Gate D, Brigg Road, Scunthorpe Steel Works, DN16 1DL.
All of this is piling pressure on Actavo, and their client British Steel (now owned by the Chinese multinational Jingye Group) who pay hundreds of other workers on site less than the industry rate – the reason why they have refused to pay up so far.
Breaking news
Early morning on 8 February, flying pickets visited Keadby power station near Scunthorpe. The scaffolders working for Actavo there refused to cross the picket line, and came out on strike in solidarity for the day.
