There has been a rise in strike action in the North. A range of workers in the UCU, NIPSA and Unite the Union trade unions have all taken to the picket lines, and the streets, to demand improvements to their terms and conditions. This is not the first time that many of these workers have taken industrial action in the last number of years, albeit their actions are now more prescient given how the latest cost of living crisis is impacting all workers.
A fortnight ago, however, the workers’ own actions marked a turning point for these campaigns. Starting with a simple Facebook message of support from the NIPSA workers to UCU members, noticeable solidarity began to grow. When the NIPSA workers held a rally in Derry, UCU members were invited to speak and solidarity between grew further…
Last week, the three unions rallied at the UCU picket line in Derry. Speeches from representatives were followed by a spontaneous, colourful and noisy walk to the council offices. Here, a short demonstration heard repeated chants of ‘The workers united will never be defeated!’ that were warmly welcomed by passers-by and passing traffic.
As the workers’ knowledge of each other’s similar demands grew, so too did worker solidarity. Similar demonstrations were held in Strabane, Omagh and in Larne Port – against the shameful sacking of P&O workers. (see photos below)
People Before Profit’s West Tyrone Assembly candidate Carol Gallagher, who remains ever present on the various pickets alongside PBP Cllr Shaun Harkin commented:
‘The pickets have gone from talking about dark cold winter mornings to discussions about various campaigns and there is now a very real sense of comradeship between the various picket lines. Banners and posters have been swapped and displayed and the workers have given themselves a very tangible boost and reaffirmed their demands. They have strengthened each other and remain resolute to do what is needed to safeguard the future of all workers.
Many of these workers may have to take repeated strike action to win their demands, and other Unions in the communications, teaching and transport are currently balloting for industrial action, so it is vital and that the workers themselves continue to take the lead in building upon this great solidarity on the ground – worker solidarity works!’
NIPSA strikers supporting the UCU strikers at Ulster University. (photo credit to Andrew Bonner’s public Facebook post)
Carol Gallagher (PBP Assembly Candidate for Tyrone) supporting striking NIPSA and Unite workers.
Unite Council workers united their pickets for a massive rally at Stormont on Thursday 24 March 2022.
‘Similar demonstrations were held in Strabane, Omagh and in Larne Port – against the shameful sacking of P&O workers.‘: NIPSA workers stand in solidarity with RMT P&O Workers in Larne Port. (photo credit NIPSA FB)