“It’s our livelihoods at stake”

AS A nursery worker in Hackney I am disgusted at the managers in Hackney. Their attitude is deplorable. They are arrogant, self-opinionated fools.

A Hackney UNISON member

Why should Hackney people and workers have to suffer at the hands of these people who don’t live in the real world?

It’s our livelihoods, our futures at stake, not theirs. Frankly they don’t care about us, that’s why it’s important for us all to stick together and fight on.

On 29 January, along with several colleagues, I picketed the nursery where we work.

There was great support from the parents who decided not to cross the picket line and wouldn’t bring their children back to school until Thursday.

The milkman showed his support by not delivering milk to the nursery and we had support from one of our overseas students who understands our concerns for the people of Hackney.

Even though it was a very cold morning, the support we received was brilliant. Thanks to all.

Socialist meeting success

AROUND 30 people, including Hackney council workers and shop stewards, attended a very lively Socialist Party meeting on the first day of the strike, 29 January. They heard Brian Debus, chair of Hackney UNISON, update them on developments.

Brian said that when he was negotiating with the police for the demo to Downing Street, the police told him that if they stayed in Hackney and avoided Downing Street, they’d make sure they’d get a good editorial in the Hackney Gazette! Many workers are now considering joining the Socialist Party.