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Solidarity

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From: The Socialist issue 1126, 24 March 2021: NHS crisis, mass sackings, violence against women... Protesting is not a crime

Search site for keywords: Construction workers - Swansea - Unite - Socialist - Workers - Electricians - Solidarity

No let up as sparks continue protests against deskilling

Sparks protests continue in Swansea, photo: Alec Thraves (Click to enlarge)

Swansea

On 17 March, for the second time in a fortnight, Unite electricians lobbied construction workers entering the large NG Bailey's Indoor Arena site.

Swansea Trades Council and Swansea Socialist Party members again joined the protest in solidarity. This was much appreciated by the Unite members.

Our leaflets were snapped up and workers in other trades expressed concern that if deskilling of sparks was successful then they could be next in line.

Younger workers, unsure at first about how to respond, were largely supportive after discussing with the Unite full-time officer and the other protesters.

This action by the sparks has definitely been a topic of discussion on the site because the few who refused a leaflet said they already had one from the last time we leafleted and had been talking about it with the other lads on site.

During the quiet periods, some of the sparks from Cardiff engaged in some friendly banter with the Swansea members, but ultimately agreed that whoever won the Swans v Bluebirds derby we would all be winners if we defeat these employers attack on our terms and conditions.

Alec Thraves, Vice-president, Swansea Trades Council and Socialist Party

London

The sparks took the fight against deskilling to the upmarket streets of Covent Garden and the Royal Opera House. The job is run by NG Bailey, one of the main companies behind the Electrical Service Operator (ESO) grade that threatens to have 70% of electricians' work done by unskilled and cheaper labour to boost the bosses' profits.

This was one of four protests organised in a campaign that is building, and there are signs that the bosses are being pushed back.

Unite EC member Frank Morris told protesting electricians that EDF at Hinkley Point is moving, but the likes of NG Baileys and Balfours haven't withdrawn the threat of ESO, so the fight has to continue.

Frank told Reel News: "Twenty five years ago, Balfour Beatty rewired the Opera House and then blacklisted its entire workforce, and 25 years later they're still at it." As one of the sparks said: "If we show solidarity and unity, we've got these companies on the run."

Rob Williams, Hackney Socialist Party

Motherwell

There was a determined mood at the 20-strong Scottish Unite rank-and-file protest outside the offices of NG Bailey at Strathclyde Park. Growing anger at the cost-cutting and deskilling practices of Bailey and Balfour construction companies was evident.

There was strong support for the calling of national industrial action to deal with the profiteering bosses, on wages, terms and conditions, and the race to the bottom. The next steps in turning the weekly protests into a national campaign, including industrial action, are vital.

Philip Stott, Socialist Party Scotland

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Finance appeal

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.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.

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