Join us today!
Printable version
Link to this page: https://secure.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/723/14742
From The Socialist newspaper, 20 June 2012
Improved offer in Metro workers' pay fight
Elaine Brunksill
Following a successful 24-hour strike on 7 June - that completely halted the Tyne and Wear Metro - drivers, ticket inspectors and engineering workers covered by the Red Book Agreement were offered an improved pay award along with travel concessions on other train operating companies.
Further action has been suspended while workers consider the offer.
In a separate Metro dispute, Churchill cleaners are set to continue their struggle in support of a victimised worker and against a 0% pay offer, which stingy Churchill bosses had the audacity to describe as generous! This is despite Churchill's pre-tax profits increasing by a massive 81%.
RMT regional organiser Micky Thompson expressed his "concern and frustration" at the local media who were quick to attack striking train drivers for being 'well paid', but had not reported Churchill cleaning staff fighting against poverty wages.
Micky went on to say: "It is immoral that on a publicly funded Metro these poverty wages exist.
"Despite a supporting resolution from the TUC, pressure from the RMT and public support, Churchill Contract Services have not once responded, or attempted to contact us."
You can tell Churchill Cleaning Services what you think by emailing: Regional Director: simon.wrenn@churchillservices.com; Senior Area Manager: Louisa.Clarke@churchillservices.com; Operations Manager: Mark.Whyte@churchillservices.com
Donate to the Socialist Party
Coronavirus crisis - 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.
- Our 'fighting coronavirus workers' charter', outlines a programme to combat the virus and protect workers' living conditions.
- 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 special coronavirus appeal.
In The Socialist 20 June 2012:
Socialist Party news and analysis
British economy: "black cloud overhead"
Leveson inquiry - The 1%: "definitely in this together"
International socialist news and analysis
Greece election - majority vote against austerity
Egypt's military instigates a 'soft coup'
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Gloucestershire: Countywide protests to stop NHS sell-off
Bus bosses can't stop the Socialist!
Support the final sprint to the fighting fund quarter finish line
Socialist Party workplace news
Striking at Fords to defend pensions
Five hundred food processing workers strike in Leicester
Packed Coryton refinery meeting backs action to win
UCU: Time to fight on pay and pensions
Improved offer in Metro workers' pay fight
Trade union conferences
GMB delegates question link to Labour
Unite needs strategy to step up fight against austerity
Unison conference: members show anger at pensions 'offer'
Fighting teachers' association network launched
Socialist Party review
Secret History of the Streets, Deptford High Street
Home | The Socialist 20 June 2012 | Join the Socialist Party
2019