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From The Socialist newspaper, 16 December 2020
Christmas redundancy shock at L&Q housing association
Unite the Union, photo Paul Mattsson, photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge)
Unite housing workers' branch LE1111
Workers at highly profitable housing association L&Q were shocked to be told of major restructuring and the threat of large-scale redundancies.
In recent months, they have been congratulated for their efforts to keep the organisation going through the pandemic, but now they will face restructuring and the threat of job losses.
The rumour among workers is that 20% cuts are in the pipeline. If this is untrue, Unite the union is calling on management to level with staff and spell out the real position immediately.
While the chief executive makes his Christmas plans knowing that his £344,097 a-year pay is secure, his workforce faces an anxious festive season, and the potential of a disastrous new year.
The organisation declared an annual surplus of £414 million in its last published accounts. It benefits from low interest rates, and only in October boasted of its most successful bond issue ever.
Despite this, staff were told that the rushed 'consultation' will proceed through the Christmas period so that redundancies can be completed by the end of the financial year.
There is no justification for ramming these changes through and no rationale for redundancies. Unite believes that L&Q bosses should fully consult both staff and residents, and stands ready to support workers in any action they wish to take.
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In The Socialist 16 December 2020:
News
Unemployment and Covid rising - the crisis is not over - Fight for jobs and safety
Mass testing - we need trade union oversight and full pay for all
Rich countries hoarding vaccine is danger to us all
No to Tories' new anti-protest law
Maternity unit deaths - democratic, public ownership needed
Met police investigate British mercenary war crimes against Tamils
No surprise, poverty is rising
Education
Cancel exams for class of Covid
Welsh schools close for safety after union pressure
Effective testing and properly funded safety plan needed in schools
East London shows the way: strikes are how to fight for state education
Determined strikers at Leaways school
Workplace News
Openreach and EE: Massive vote for action
PCS union conference stripped of powers by NEC
Unite launch ballot over sacked London bus rep
Christmas redundancy shock at L&Q housing association
Stop 'fire and rehire' at British Gas
New Technology
Can green technology and AI save capitalism?
Engels
'Socialism - Utopian and Scientific' by Engels
Reports & campaigns
Protests in solidarity with Indian farmers
Book: The national question - a Marxist approach
School boy assaulted by police in Tottenham
TUSC relaunch in the north west
Protest against immigration enforcement centre in Newham
Tremendous fighting fund reflects confidence
Quiz
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2021