All Campaigns subcategories:
Workplace and TU campaigns keywords:
Drivers
Highlight keywords |
Print this article
Search site for keywords: First Bus - Workers - Strike - Pay - Drivers - Scotland - Socialist Party Scotland - Bus workers
Aberdeen workers step up strike action against profiteering First Bus
Striking Aberdeen bus drivers, photo Socialist Party Scotland (Click to enlarge)
Socialist Party Scotland
The Aberdeen bus workers' strike is an inspiration to the entire trade union movement in Scotland and beyond.
The eleven days of action have sent a clear message to First and managing director Andrew Jarvis that workers will not be kicked around by profiteering bosses and their attempts to slash wages and working conditions in Aberdeen.
An indefinite strike began on 6 April. In effect First is demanding drivers work longer shifts for less pay. The removal of paid breaks alone would mean huge pay cuts for drivers.
Drivers could also be on the road for up to ten hours each day, while holiday entitlement would be reduced. In all, some drivers face pay cuts of up to £5,000 a year.
Unite members have rightly rejected the latest 'offer' from First which would still have meant severe reductions in pay and conditions.
However, First Bus bosses have been forced back by the strength, resolve and determination of the workers' action. The overwhelming vote in favour of an escalation of the strike has rattled the employer.
Mike Flinn from Unite told Socialist Party Scotland: "First are cutting into drivers' wages to achieve more profit. Drivers who are earning £25,000 are going to jump down as low as £19,000. They have rent and mortgages to pay and this cuts into it. How are they going to afford to pay their bills, or feed and clothe their kids?"
- E-mail messages of support to [email protected]
- Pay online donations to sort code: 608301, account number: 20174026, please quote 'First Aberdeen dispute'
Donate to the Socialist Party
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.
LATEST POSTS
12 May Stop Israeli state brutality
 |
9 May Post-election meetings
15 May Birmingham Socialist Party: How can we fight for socialist change and a new workers' party?
17 May Oxfordshire & Aylesbury Socialist Party: The role of the state
18 May Bristol North Socialist Party: Liverpool - history of socialist struggle
CONTACT US
Phone our national office on 020 8988 8777
Email: [email protected]
Locate your nearest Socialist Party branch Text your name and postcode to 07761 818 206
Regional Socialist Party organisers:
Eastern: 079 8202 1969
East Mids: 077 3797 8057
London: 075 4018 9052
North East: 078 4114 4890
North West 079 5437 6096
South West: 077 5979 6478
Southern: 078 3368 1910
Wales: 079 3539 1947
West Mids: 024 7655 5620
Yorkshire: 078 0983 9793
ABOUT US
ARCHIVE
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999