A copy of a resolution going to my union branch AGM next week.
And yes, before Spion comes in and calls us various names from Horst Wessel to David McCalden
, the mover will also be critical of the original slogan of BJFBW.
This PCS branch notes with concern the continuing attempts by both government ministers and the Media to portray the striking workers at Lindsay Oil Refinery (LOR) as simply xenophobic and anti-foreigner. The BBC going that extra mile in misinformation by editing an interview with a Lindsay striker that, perhaps deliberately to undermine public support for the strikers, made him look like he was refusing to work with Portuguese and Italian workers. Contrast this with the unedited interview shown later on that night that gave a wholly different story to the one portrayed by the earlier news item.
The continuing gross misrepresentation flies in the face of the demands from the LOR Strike Committee that was passed overwhelmingly by a mass meeting of those on strike which was as follows
*Re-instatement of sacked worker John McEwan.
*No victimisation of workers taking solidarity action.
*All workers in UK to be covered by NAECI (National Agreement for the Engineering and Construction Industry) Agreement.
*Union controlled registering of unemployed and locally skilled union members, with nominating rights as work becomes available.
*Government and employer investment in proper training /
apprenticeships for new generation of construction workers - fight for
a future for young people.
*All Immigrant labour to be unionised.
*Trade Union assistance for immigrant workers - including
interpreters - and access to Trade Union advice - to promote active
integrated Trade Union Members.
*Build links with construction trade unions on the continent.
As DWP staff we recognise the continuing attempts by governments and multi-national companies to outsource work in an attempt drive down wages and attack hard won terms and conditions of workers in an attempt to keep costs down and profits up. The consistent attempts to pit British workers against their Italian counterparts by these companies in an attempt to take the heat of their own relentless attacks on workers rights is the where the LOR workers are really aiming their anger. The continuing demonisation of workers who take official and unofficial strike action as anti-foreigner and xenophobic will only add fuel to the fire and further play on peoples concerns in a world where the spectre of mass unemployment looms.
This branch offers solidarity to those fighting to stop yet more attacks on their terms and conditions.
Supports the demands of the LOR Strike Committee and welcomes them in light of the continuing demonisation of the strikers by government and media.
Sends a message of solidarity to the LOR UNITE union branch and the LOR strike Committee.
