Vol. 72/No. 30      July 28, 2008

Unison reported 500,000 workers on strike, with 11,000 schools affected, libraries closed, rubbish collection unattended, and two small airports in the north of Ireland and in Wales shut down. Local government employers disputed the figures, claiming only 300,000 workers struck and 600 schools were affected.

The Labour Party government had imposed a 2 percent limit on public-sector pay raises.

At a strike rally in London, Ishe Richards, a care giver, told the Militant, “I’m a single mother on minimum wage and it’s getting harder to make ends meet. Actions like this should be more frequent, we have to make them take us seriously.” Passing traffic tooted horns in support and drivers gave thumbs up.

Adrian Nixon, Unison union steward and convener in Redbridge, East London, said “I clean public toilets and graffiti on a basic £210 [weekly] wage. It’s not enough for my family. The government knew that recession is on the cards and they’re going to shaft us with a pittance increase of 2.45 percent. This strike action is wicked and we’re well pleased.” With inflation currently at 3.8 percent, according to official figures, the union is demanding a 6 percent pay raise.

Björn Tirsén contributed to this article.  
 
 
Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home