In 2009, a blacklist was uncovered containing the names of over 3,000 workers, barred from the industry for the 'crime' of being trade unionists, campaigning for their members' rights and safety at work.

This was discovered when the legal regulator, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) raided the office of the shadowy Consulting Association.

This organisation gave information to the employers for a fee. Over 40 construction companies were paying £3,000 a year to access names on the list and ruin workers' lives.

Now it appears that this number of blacklisted workers could be the tip of the iceberg. Incredibly, the ICO's investigations manager, David Clancy, told the Commons Scottish Affairs Committee this week that only names from the construction industry were seized from the database in 2009.

They estimate that the remainder, from other sectors of industry could comprise 90-95% of the total! Anyone who thinks they might be on the list should contact the ICO and unions like Unite, Ucatt and the GMB.

Blacklisting has been a conscious attempt by the bosses to smash trade union organisation throughout industry, particularly in the construction sector.

It's no accident that these militant union activists have been attacked at the same time as the use of sub-contracting and other attacks have increased throughout the industry.

However, the Sparks' struggle against the Besna, which defeated the employers' plans to cut wages of electricians, plumbers and pipe fitters, shows that workers can fight and win.

The sacking of the 28 Crossrail workers at Westbourne Park shows that blacklisting and victimisation are still alive and well.

That's why we can't afford to let up in this battle. There are daily protests outside the Westbourne Park site Monday to Friday, 7am-12pm.

Also keep an eye out for the flashmob protests that are happening outside Crossrail sites throughout London on a weekly basis.

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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.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.

We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.