Hugh Caffrey
Workers employed by outsourcing giant Capita in Salford, Greater Manchester, took a second day of strike action on 19 June against measly pay offers. Their employer is also attacking working conditions.
The workforce was transferred to Capita from couriers DHL. Capita took the contract to supply services for none other than… DHL.
After the transfer, managers got new job titles. Their pay increased – often by thousands – to match equivalents elsewhere in Capita.
Workers, however, were offered a mere 0.5% increase! Following union rejection, bosses made a further offer: 0.75% with performance-related strings attached. When that was rejected too, they made a ‘final’ offer of 1%.
Members of general union GMB rejected that, and strikes for 2% are now taking place.
Capita’s agenda is to drive down pay, with various attacks made or promised. Scrapping various pay-related conditions previously enjoyed by DHL workers. Applying impossible targets. Moving to a multi-tier workforce – where pay is levelled down over time to match the newest, bottom tiers. Even scrimping on basic work equipment: different shifts sharing headsets, offered just a sponge to wipe them clean before use!
The two all-day strikes were solidly supported by GMB members. They have the Socialist Party’s continuing backing in whatever they do next.
