Sheffield Supertram workers win improved pay rise

Sheffield Supertram drivers and conductors voted by two to one to accept an improved pay offer having walked out for five days and threatening a further eight days of strike action.

While not gaining all that their union Unite had demanded, there is no doubt that the first strikes in Supertram’s 24-year history represent a victory for the workers against a previously intransigent and bullying management that has raised workers’ confidence and strengthened the union.

Alistair Tice

Woolwich ferry workers set to strike

Woolwich ferry photo BL2002/CC, photo BL2002/CC

Woolwich ferry photo BL2002/CC, photo BL2002/CC   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Unite has issued notice to Briggs Marine, the contractor which operates the Woolwich Ferry, for strike action to take place on 28 August, and 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 24 September.

The action is against the imposition of weekend working into the normal working week, job cuts and lone working.

The bigger issue is about automation and its impact on workplaces. New hybrid boats will be introduced and as a result jobs will be cut due to the boats needing less maintenance.

Unite Regional Officer Onay Kasab stated: “This is the sharp end of the debate on automation. We welcome the development of technology, but not at the price of this being paid out of the pockets of the workers we represent.”


NSSN: TUC Congress Rally Sunday 9 September in Manchester

On the 150th anniversary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) will be organising a rally before the start of TUC conference.

Leaders from fighting unions will be speaking alongside rank-and-file union reps and activists, including those who have been taking industrial action.

The NSSN has a proud record of supporting workers and building solidarity. We also have a history of fighting for the biggest coordination of action across the unions to take on Tory austerity and the bosses’ offensive.

  • Sunday 9 September, 1pm, Manchester Mechanics Institute/Conference Centre, Princess Street, M1 6DD