Pickets and supporters at Sellafield, May 2019, photo Robert Charlesworth

Pickets and supporters at Sellafield, May 2019, photo Robert Charlesworth   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Low-paid Mitie workers at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria went on strike on 7 June for a substantial wage rise and to have their union, Unite, recognised. The workers bought copies of the Socialist newspaper which included reports of their previous picket lines and strike meetings.

They are currently taking part in a two-week strike against what Mitie worker Debbie Matthews and Unite organiser Michelle Smith revealed as the dirty, dangerous and bullying reality behind the glossy, hi-tech image of the biggest industrial site in the country.

“We work in the same environment as the skilled workers but without the training and protection. I’ve had to clear out cupboards containing used protective masks and I worked in a building full of asbestos. Even some of the Sellafield direct workers haven’t had hot water to shower or wash their hands after the toilet.” Science hasn’t brought civilisation to Sellafield!