Archived Topic
Topic ID 1429
15/03/2006 by eelynda
UNISON strike day 28 March
Be warned - remember the traffic chaos caused last time when County Hall was picketed
Source BBC:
Council workers have voted for what could be the UK's biggest industrial action since the General Strike of 1926, in protest at pension changes.
Up to 1.5 million staff will stage a walkout on 28 March
0 replies
Archived Replies
Reply ID 17669
15/03/2006 by SMT
I was waiting for this to reach the forum!! I know that many of us at County Hall will get blasted, but please note that only 28% of union members voted and that not all of us are even union members. I do not agree with the strike, or the reasons for it, and I will be a scab (I think that is the technical term!) and be breaking the picket line. I am lucky enough to be able to walk to work so I won't have to queue up to try and get into the car park which will be blocked or slowed by the picket line.
Reply ID 17671
15/03/2006 by JohnSmith
What happened the last time they striked (other than an upturn in productivity)?
Reply ID 17690
16/03/2006 by thefair1973
I hope it was more pickets than are shown in that picture that caused all the traffic chaos! There's only about 8 of them
Reply ID 17695
16/03/2006 by SMT
quote:
Originally posted by thefair1973
I hope it was more pickets than are shown in that picture that caused all the traffic chaos! There's only about 8 of them
Not really, I don't know how many of County Hall workers support the action but only 28% of Union members voted, and I can't seem to find out how many County Hall employees are actually union members because I am not in the union!
John Smith need not worry, once we get though the picket line and silly leaflets, for those of us who are working it will be business as usual!
Reply ID 17696
16/03/2006 by JohnSmith
I will have to cross the picket-line as well as I work for a local authority. I'm a contractor so I'm not sure if I could join UNISON (not sure they would want me).
Reply ID 18013
28/03/2006 by Kate
Is this having any impact in Hertford?
Reply ID 18017
28/03/2006 by SMT
I crossed the picket line this morning, and there were about 10 people at the entrance opposite Richard Hale. I have just been out on site and there were no pickets at the main entrance near the cricket ground - poor souls must be a bit cold!
Our unit is fully staffed, with no one supporting the strike. There are separate demonstrations at County Hall as the full council meeting is debating the closure of two fire stations and schools admissions policy (or similar).
I just hope that the Unison reps go and collect all the signs they have left on the public highway. I do not think that the union has had as much support as they had hoped. Personally, I hope that this is because workers are making a conscious decision not to participate in the strike, rather than apathy, I can't find much support for the action amongst my colleagues.
Reply ID 18019
28/03/2006 by Steve
Four ladies with placards outside the probation office in Ware Road
Reply ID 18025
28/03/2006 by thefair1973
I'm sure if I got a free day off, I wouldn't be walking around with a placard!!
Reply ID 18030
28/03/2006 by SMT
quote:
Originally posted by thefair1973
I'm sure if I got a free day off, I wouldn't be walking around with a placard!!
Those on strike (quite rightly) don't get paid so it isn't an extra day annual leave. Once the strike is announced, you can't book annual leave and anyone who phones in sick must provide a medical certificate otherwise they will not be paid.
Reply ID 18034
28/03/2006 by thefair1973
but if you're not getting paid, then perhaps something more productive than standing on the street with a placard could be pursued? The vast majority of workers would love to be able to strike at changes to their pensions I'd imagine. And don't even get me started on the tube workers! If they ever wanted to do a remake of "Carry On at your Convenience", then they will know who to talk to! Bob Crow is the real-life Vic Spanner
Reply ID 18037
28/03/2006 by SMT
quote:
Originally posted by thefair1973
but if you're not getting paid, then perhaps something more productive than standing on the street with a placard could be pursued?
I think they are trying to recruit more people to the cause. Judging by the fact they had left the picket line by 10.30 this morning, I don't think they were very successful. The police intervened to let me get into work, but I think they were trying to protect the pickets!! I bet they will be back on the picket line when people try to leave work.
13 replies