Morale was high, with much tooting in support, as expert ‘burners’, kiln workers at Kings Dyke brick works, in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, and members of GMB and Unite, entered the third week of their strike over arbitrary cuts to holidays.
Their employer, Heidelberg Cement (profit: £500 million last year), part of the Hanson conglomerate, had reneged over a deal whereby a cut in pay would be compensated by holidays, and has scrapped the holiday offer.
Workers on site have already seen cuts in pensions, share scheme, and bonuses over the years. The strikers have had good support from their trade union branches and local trades councils.
They are annoyed at the problems the anti-trade union laws still cause but are determined to pursue the dispute come what may, and were pleased to learn of the initiatives of the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) at national level.
The unions are considering further measures if necessary to bring the employer to the negotiating table.
Messages of support can be sent to Unite rep [email protected] and financial assistance is welcome: cheques to ‘GMB’ (write ‘Hanson strike’ on reverse of cheque) to 542 Woodborough Rd Nottingham NG3 5FJ.
