Solid council strike in Kirklees

A strike by more than 400 admin workers across Kirklees Council in west Yorkshire was a massive success.

The Unison union members walked out on Wednesday of last week over the council’s decision to make compulsory redundancies.

This was done even though there are 50 more jobs available within the council than there are people being made redundant.

The bosses also insist that pay cuts cannot be avoided.

The stance of the council clearly shows that they are ready to attack one of the strongest Unison branches in the country—but union members took up the challenge with gusto.

Not only was the strike solidly supported by those members directly affected, but many Unison and Unite members working for the council respected picket lines and refused to cross.

The strike has clearly shaken the council. They expected a group of workers made up of 92 percent women and 33 percent part‑timers to just take the cuts. How wrong they were.

The workers plan to strike again on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week. They are already discussing how to build on the success of their “M30” strike with more pickets.

The Unison branch has requested a branch-wide ballot so that all members can join the action.

Send messages of support and donations to Kirklees Unison, 4 New North Parade, Huddersfield, HD1 5JP. Phone 01484 511826