Marley Tiles workers strike against bullying bosses

Marley Tiles picket line (Click to enlarge)

"The highest-paid bullies in the world", was the view of a striker at Marley Tiles near Reading taking part in a 24-hour strike on 31 March.

The directors are paid Ł200,000 each and are attacking the workforce, attempting to force them to accept worse terms and conditions and pay. They have sacked GMB members and reps for taking legal strike action.

This is following earlier strikes, after staff rejected a 1% pay offer, despite a company profit of Ł16 million last year. Talking to the pickets it's not just the pay but a culture of bullying too, and an issue with pensions that has led to them taking action.

However, the angry pickets are determined to get a decent pay rise and the other issues resolved. There were many toots of support from passing motorists.

John Gillman, Reading Socialist Party and Reading Trade Union Council (personal capacity)

Donate to the Socialist Party

Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.

We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to click here to donate to our Fighting Fund.