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From The Socialist newspaper, 9 February 2022
Scunthorpe scaffs mark 100 days of strike action with protests
Scunny scaffs on the picket line (Click to enlarge)
Sheffield Socialist Party
100 days! By the time you read this, that's how long the scaffolders will have been on strike against their contractor Actavo working at British Steel Scunthorpe. In a dispute going back three years, they are fighting for the national industry rate for the job which is 10-15% higher than they get paid now.
These scaffs have shown tremendous solidarity, determination and fortitude. With their union Unite, they are employing ever more dynamic and effective strike action and leverage tactics, not just on the picket line but around the country and beyond.
Pickets have protested at the Buxton HQ of High Peak Scaffolding, one of the scabbing firms, who have now agreed to stop crossing the picket line and pulled off site. This follows on from a similar agreement made by Altrad after a flying 'visit'. Who's next?
The offices of Lia Nici, Tory MP for Grimsby, where a lot of the scaffs live, was visited due to her refusal to support her constituents. Despite not turning up, she accused the Unite protesters of being "unhelpful and aggressive". So much for the Conservatives' 'levelling up' agenda and wanting a 'high wage economy'!
Further direct action is planned against Actavo bosses and scabbing firms. In particular, a national day of action has been called by Unite for Tuesday 22 February, with a big demonstration planned at Gate D, Brigg Road, Scunthorpe Steel Works, DN16 1DL.
All of this is piling pressure on Actavo, and their client British Steel (now owned by the Chinese multinational Jingye Group) who pay hundreds of other workers on site less than the industry rate - the reason why they have refused to pay up so far.
Breaking news
Early morning on 8 February, flying pickets visited Keadby power station near Scunthorpe. The scaffolders working for Actavo there refused to cross the picket line, and came out on strike in solidarity for the day.
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In The Socialist 9 February 2022:
TUSC
No one in Westminster backs a pay rise for us...
Preparing for the council and Erdington elections
News
Cut our fuel bills - nationalise energy
'I'm dreading trying to live on a nurse's salary'
Cuts created NHS waiting list crisis
Oxfam 'Inequality Kills' report
Tories' 'levelling up' falls well short
Tories' 'partygate' crisis continues - kick them out
What we think
Catastrophic energy bill hike - a crisis made by capitalism
Workplace news
Force back Serco and Barts management!
Support the university strikes!
Tesco slashes jobs and customer service
Just Eat couriers drive chief exec out of town as strike spreads
Scunthorpe scaffs mark 100 days of strike action with protests
Perfect storm brewing in education
PCS consultative pay and conditions ballot - vote 'Yes'
Campaigns news
King's student union refuses to back staff strike and NUS walkout
A socialist voice in Stanwell North
Tamil Solidarity protest against repressive Sri Lankan regime
Socialist Party youth meeting: Mood is changing - socialist ideas growing
Swansea Trades Council pledges to fight local government cuts
The Socialist: 25 years of assisting workers' struggles and fighting for socialism
International news
Pro-market Socialist Party wins Portugal's election
Debate
Does the fight for Trans rights conflict with women's rights?
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