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Tower Hamlets Strike Update from the picket-line

MR | 01.09.2009 15:38 | Social Struggles | Workers' Movements

We have had two days of very active and effective picketing. The strike is solid with support from the vast majority of teachers with only three or four people going in. Many students stood with us on the picket lines and refused to enroll in solidarity with the teachers.

We had over 50 members of staff on picket line duty from 7.30 am to 7.00 pm on Thursday and til 3.30 pm on Friday. We had a major disagreement with management about the picketing code of conduct but when the police were called they were not willing to enforce management's orders to stop speaking to students. We have 6 pickets directly in front of entrance and others at either side. The banners, placards, stickers and posters leave no doubt as to what we are striking for. Unison members of the admin staff are supporting us where they can - they have voted for strike action but their national union is holding them back.



There were talks between UCU and management Friday which came to nothing.


If you'd like to support us you can:


1. visit the picket lines all day this week:


Arbour Square Site E1 0PT

 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=535618&y=181314&z=0&sv=E1+0PT&st=2&pc=E1+0PT&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf


Bethnal Green Site E2 6AB

 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=534141&y=182582&z=0&sv=E2+6AB&st=2&pc=E2+6AB&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf


Poplar Site E14 0AF (the 6th form college)

 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=537729&y=180726&z=0&sv=E14+0AF&st=2&pc=E14+0AF&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf


This is still student enrollment and there will be some evening sessions too -if you want to come in an evening, phone to check which sites will be picketed:
John Budis 07967893664
Rebecca 07967 096688

2. If you want to collect funds you can send to:
Strike fund: c/o Keith Priddle UCU THC Treasurer
Tower Hamlets College , Arbour Square Site, E1 0PT.
Sort code 089299
Account number 65252262

4. Write to the Principal of the college  Michael.farley@tower.ac.uk


5. There will be a (politician and union heavy) public meeting on September 3rd 5pm
Invited local MPS, Councillors, Speakers invites to ESOL students, UCU, NUT, FBU, UNISON, CWU, PCS. Speakers tbc.
St. Mathias Church
off Poplar High Street.
Nearest Tube Poplar DLR.
Speakers tbc.

6. Sign:  http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/THCollegefunding/


7. For up-to-date info, video and photos join the Facebook group: ‘Tower Hamlets - Stop the Cuts!’ or look at blog  http://defendjobsandeducation.posterous.com/

MR

Comments

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Unison Wildcat?

02.09.2009 18:24

Good luck with this guys. I'm a Unison member and the conduct of management makes me want to weep sometimes. Once we shake off the political fund maybe we can redirect some much needed cash into campaigns that matter, like this, rather than into the pockets of the Labour Party. Get involved in the campaign.


In the meantime, good luck with the strike, and glad to know Tower Hamlets is showing solidarity with their fellow workers.

Pingpong