Socialist Appeal has received this
update on the position at Severfield Reeve which we reported on a few weeks ago (click here to read report) . It’s clear that there is a militant mood developing in the
factory
“Recently we reported that we at
Severfield Reeve Structures Limited had had a Union Rep sacked and another
suspended. Members were balloted for industrial action and the threat of such
seems to have been sufficient, at least, to have the suspended Rep re-instated
and fully exonerated whilst the other Rep’s fate is pending appeal.
"However, after announcing profits for last year, tension built and anger
spilled over at a mass meeting with Union officials last week when a majority
of shopfloor workers were prepared for immediate strike action. The GMB officials
would not support such a move and persuaded members to ballot on proposals to
put to management in an attempt to regain some of the money that has been taken
and force a reduction in hours without further loss of pay. Alongside these
proposals is the demand for full facilitation over which the Company has been
dragging its’ heels for some time. The Union Organiser has given the Company
one further week on facilitation, after which time members will again be
balloted on industrial action.”
This
dispute illustrates the real position in British industry, many workers have
suffered wage cuts and attacks on their working conditions, but as this report
illustrates, under the surface there is a mood of anger, which is likely to
break out in unofficial or even official strikes. What’s clear is that the
trade union leaders, in this case the GMB need to give a clear lead and support
these disputes, the tide is turning.
