Socialist Organiser

The weekly of the fused Workers Socialist League, July 1981 to April 1984

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Socialist Organiser no. 89, 17 June 1982 · scan p. 14 · Brian Wood · about 557 words

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chauffeur's car. He was Executive Committee met sacked a while ago but un- with the managing director fortunately still has this of EDP in London for the amount of loyalty to his first time since the dispute 30 black workers at Sandhar and Kang Wholesale Warehouse in Digbeth, Birmingham are now entering their second month on strike. The dispute is essentially about union recognition but it also involves the victimisation of former head cashier Baljinder Singh (suspected by management of being the main force behind organising the workforce into the Underlying the whole struggle are the poverty line wages (as little as 80p per hour for some workers) and appalling conditions at One of the women strikers, Robina Talat, told Socialist Organiser: "We've come a long way in four weeks. S&K started out by refusing to recognise the union or reinstate Baljinder Singh under any circum"Now they've agreed to recognise the TGWU and to have Baljinder back. But we are not accenting this because they !. not give Baljinder his ola job back. They want him to work in the packing department on a job that would be completely unsuitable for him.

"But still it shows that the management are backing down. If we stand firm and don't allow ourselves to be split I'm sure we can win all our demands."

Baljinder Singh added: "Management have tried to buy me off with cash. But this is a matter of principle with me. As long as the others are willing to fight on, I'll continue to insist on full reinstatement in my old job."

The strikers are now picketing S&K's other warehouses in Coventry and Wolbusinesses like the appropriately named Paylo Supermarket.

Although the strike is official, the TGWU isn't pay, out strike pay because the workers haven't been in the union for 39 weeks.

This is an issue that all SO supporters within the TGWU should be taking up for under rule the TGWU can, and in the past often has, made ex-gratia payments to workers in similar situations.

Meanwhile donations are urgently needed c/o TGWU 211 Broad Street, Birmingham 15.

Denham EDP strikers have received a manta of hanste this weak -CUpIE VI VUUSIS HIS NEGA. Abbey Taxis of Sheffield, which have been crossing picket lines with scabs, have agreed not to cross in future and the city's other four major taxi firms have also agreed to cooperate by not crossing the picket line.

Some scabs, however, are still getting through to work with the help of the managing director's second car - a Daimler. His Rolls Royce er a =. = .... -.-was discovered to have a 1981 tax disc and has not been seen since the mass picket last Thursday.

Others are getting through in the company's former employers.

The feeling of the strikers has intensified and morale is high, thanks in part to their unity - nobody has returned to work since the beginning of the strike when four people did go back. Two of these have signed renegotiated contracts, part of which involved tearing up their union cards in front of pickets.

Union backing and messages of support have also boosted morale. Some support and donations have been received from local AUEW, TGWU and the Job Centres CPSA.

A member of ASTMS began and was due to report By Judith Bonner

← Contents of Socialist Organiser no. 89

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