National Greed

Workers from Newcastle's National Grid office walked out on 11 September in protest at the threat of their jobs being outsourced to a low wage economy. Hundreds then rallied at the Monument in Newcastle to protest against the threat of 189 workers from the office being sacked.

Elaine Brunskill

Terry Merrin explained: "The main aim today is to raise the profile re the potential job losses in Newcastle. National Grid are actively looking at outsourcing jobs to outside providers. They are looking at poorer countries like India".

One of the workers, Wah, commented: "The National Grid is profitable, they made Ł3 billion last year, so it's not the recession - just shareholders wanting more". Another protester, Darren Polwarth, whose wife works at National Grid pointed out: "They're already making a profit - so it's just greed". While workers in Newcastle face the sack, seven National Grid directors have been given Ł9.7 million in salaries and bonuses.

Workers have also been angered to hear that while they are facing the sack National Grid found money for a senior executive to park his Ferrari in a dehumidified garage!

Workers who spoke to The Socialist were pleased with the turnout for the rally. However, one worker correctly pointed out: "Today's demo will raise awareness, but we also need strike action".

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In The Socialist 16 September 2009:

Big business to blame for climate change