Tag Archives: union

400,000 join M10 pensions strike.

Over 400,000 public sector workers from the PCS, UNITE, RMT, UCU and NUT Trade Unions joined a 24 hour strike on May 10th over government cuts to pensions.

In London pickets were well attended with some strikers marching from St Thomas’s hospital to a rally in Westminster Central Hall addressed by Union leaders. Photos by Guy Smallman


Rushes from Greece — Greek health workers on strike & on the streets

Today staff from several Athens Hospitals walked out over cuts to services and their wages. A march was held through Athens while doctors protested outside the health ministry. Riot police protected the offices of the finance ministry near the start of the march. The building has been occupied by angry workers on several previous occasions. The dispute has been running for over a month with regular action by staff ranging from senior doctors to hospital cleaners.

See photo slideshow.


Greek health workers on strike & on the streets

Today staff from several Athens Hospitals walked out over cuts to services and their wages. A march was held through Athens while doctors protested outside the health ministry. Riot police protected the offices of the finance ministry near the start of the march. The building has been occupied by angry workers on several previous occasions. The dispute has been running for over a month with regular action by staff ranging from senior doctors to hospital cleaners.

Photos by Guy Smallman


Athens Seamens strike

On Monday (19-3-12) Athens Seafarers union walked out over further cuts to their pensions. The strike was 100% solid with morning picket lines well supported. During the action a car deliberately drove off the waterfront into the sea killing the driver. It later turned out to be a suicide. Local radio reported that a small business owner killed himself to avoid his debts being thrust upon his family. His car was later winched out of the harbour by the port authorities.

Photos by Guy Smallman


48 hour strike by RMT cleaners remains solid.

Cleaners working for Initial, a subcontractor of Network Rail ,brought their protest to St Pancras Station early on Thursday morning. The 48 hour stoppage was over pay as they are paid as little as £6.30 and hour. London Mayor Boris Johnson has stated that Londoners should be on £8.50 to make ends meet in the capital. Members of the public were visibly supportive of the noisy early morning picket.

Photos by Guy Smallman


Sparks bring Park Lane to a standstill.

Electricians brought London’s exclusive Park lane to a standstill last night as they protested outside the annual ECA Dinner Ball at the exclusive Grosvenor House Hotel. For over an hour one of London’s busiest roads was blocked as the sparks and their supporters took the fight to the bosses. Ken Livingston spoke during the protest and pledged that companies who tear up agreements will not find work on London Underground if he is elected.

Photos by Guy Smallman

Update: Video of the action and Balfour Beatty giving in now up.


Solid strike by Barnet Council workers following ballot by UNISON.

Council workers in Barnet held a 50 strong picket line at the entrances to the North London Business Park today where Barnet council is based. The dispute is over the privatisation of services and contracts in the Tory controlled borough. After the morning picket the strikers then travelled across the borough to spend the day doing voluntary work painting a local community centre that serves local adults with learning difficulties.

Photos by Guy Smallman