Join us today!
Printable version
Link to this page: https://archive.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/973/26536
From The Socialist newspaper, 29 November 2017
Kirklees bin workers ballot for strike over schedule and bullying
Support for bin workers in Brighton in 2013, photo Support Brighton Council Workers (Click to enlarge)
Matt Hirst, Huddersfield Socialist Party
After the tremendous struggle of the Birmingham bin workers, the fightback could move north to Kirklees.
We have seen rumblings over the last few weeks. In a wildcat strike early in November, bin workers refused to complete their rounds. And workers at the Huddersfield depot are in dispute over working conditions and time off during Christmas.
Since the last time rounds were changed in 2015, bin workers have worked 38 hours from Monday to Thursday. However, the bosses are now demanding collections run on Friday 5 January. This sets a dangerous precedent that staff aren't consulted on changes to agreed contracts.
On top of the additional days over Christmas, workers report that managers are refusing holiday requests - and bullying, swearing at, and treating them "like children."
Shop stewards have been denied time off to attend union meetings. Council bosses have refused to meet with senior members of the workers' union, Unison, to resolve problems. Members are now being balloted for strike action.
Huddersfield Socialist Party will stand alongside the bin workers in their struggle for better working conditions - and for changes to be consulted on, rather than the council riding roughshod over workers' rights.
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 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.
- 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.
In The Socialist 29 November 2017:
What we think
After the budget - unions must launch pay fight
Socialist Party news and analysis
Tory housing policy: build zilch, hike prices
Socialist Students
Socialist Students day of action demands free education
Refugees
We're fighting for the right to live and work in Britain
Workplace news and analysis
North West: drivers and housing workers escalate strike wave
Kirklees bin workers ballot for strike over schedule and bullying
Brighton Uni lecturers strike against job cuts
DWP to outsource more work to Capita
PCS union says no to pay misery
NHS
Save Glenfield Children's Heart Centre! Save our NHS!
'Hands around HRI' to save Huddersfield A&E
Tyneside to protest against A&E and walk-in cuts
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Bristol libraries safe - for now - as council caves to pressure
Osborne evades Carlisle socialists
New ebook: Liverpool A City That Dared To Fight
Economy
Amber warning lights flash on British economy
Home | The Socialist 29 November 2017 | Join the Socialist Party
Subscribe | Donate | Audio | PDF | ebook
2021