“If they go ahead with these wage cuts, all we'll have is an existence – not a life!”: Two short reports from electricians protests in Manchester and North Tyneside

22 September About 20 electricians protested from 6.30 a.m. outside the Manchester Town Hall construction site on Wednesday. The site entrances were all barred and guarded by security so it was more like a lockdown than a workplace. Nevertheless numerous workers going out for tea or food took the Siteworker leaflets explaining the plans of the major construction companies for pay cuts enforced by mass dismissals and re-engagements.

Pride of place went to Steve Acheson's banner "Defend Trade Union Agreement - union rates for all" - fresh from a protest the day before at Fiddlers Ferry.

The previous week the sparks had protested at the Carrington paper mill site. A text was received from inside the project saying that Siteworker was the "talk of the site"' showing that the tactic of going to the workplace gates is beginning to pay off.

Andy Ford

Warrington Trades Council

North Tyneside

In North Tyneside on Wednesday around 150 construction workers protested outside the site entrance of the new Tyne tunnel. Workers from the site told us that when the contractors found out there was going to be a protest, realising it was going to be well supported, told them they didn't need to go into work until 10am!

The protesters held up placards: “35% Pay cut – No Way” and  “Spread the Action – Walk Out Now.” Many of the workers were young electricians. One of them commented, “In the past construction workers could afford mortgages, had nice homes.  Now loads of us are having to live with our parents until our mid thirties.” Another commented, “If they go ahead with these wage cuts, all we'll have is an existence – not a life!”

Jimmy Warne, Branch Chair, Unite Newcastle Branch 1901, explained “Eight major contractors have served notice that they intend to walk away from national agreements. This morning's action is in co-ordination with the rank and file committee that was set up in Conway Hall London. The purpose is to force the union into a national ballot. Already Balfour Beatty has served notice on over 800 sparks, telling them if they don't sign up to new agreements they'll be sacked. We say our response to this will be to walk out. This action will happen locally and nationally”

Jimmy went on to express his anger at Ed Milliband, who was, “very quick to attack unions for striking while negotiations were ongoing, but stays silent while bosses attack workers pay and conditions without negotiations.”

Elaine Brunskill