West Country Social Struggles

Strike for union rights at Rolls Royce

15-08-2005 00:35

Workers at the Bristol Rolls Royce plant have voted for an indefinite strike, starting on August 22nd, until their dismissed colleague, Jerry Hicks is fully reinstated. Jerry was "probably dismissed on trade union grounds", the employment tribunal found, for supposedly organising unofficial action, influencing the decision of the disciplinary panel (both to support two sacked colleagues), and standing on the way of normal working practices [more details]. The aim of the strike and campaing is nothing short of unconditional reinstatement. But the real target are the anti-union laws that allow employers to criminalise "unofficial" actions. They have been on the law books since Thatcher introduced them, but have also survived two terms of Labour government. Yet when faced with pressures from employers, as Jerry Hicks said, "we never balloted, we always walked out!" [see also Heathrow Airport strikes background].

Blackwood Tree Camps Evicted - Campaign Continues

23-03-2004 09:10

Update: 29th March: The Campaign Continues! There are still around 50 trees to be defended, and there are still camps, tree houses being built, and actions taking place - read Blackwood Protest Continues and Status Report. Contractors Costain will also be holding a public meeting to address concerns and answer questions from local residents regarding the Sirhowy Enterprise Way, at 7pm, on Tuesday, March 30, at the Costain's site office, Cwm Philkins, Oakdale.

Early in the morning on Tuesday 23rd March, around 70 Police, Bailiffs and specialist climbers and tunnellers began evicting the tree camps at Blackwood in South Wales - where locals have been campaigning against a new road for over a decade [Pics]. Around 10 people were arrested as they resisted in the trees, on walkways, in nets and in a tunnel, some after breaching cordons. At Camp Kerry, one brave activist still remained at the end of the day, and was able to climb down without being arrested. Most of the trees were destroyed, but campaigners say they will continue to resist.

See Report and Pictures | 1 | 2
Also see collected reports (and pics): Bristol | UK

Evictions continued throughout Wednesday as Bailiffs cut people out of lock-ons and most of the remaining trees were destroyed. Some campaigners remain camped on private land next to the road route and are determined to continue opposing the road scheme. See Report | 2 | 3

Meanwhile in London an attempted eviction was also taking place in Kentish Town. At mid morning bailiffs arrived at several flats that have been home to a group of squatters for some months. Some of the occupiers took to the roof, whilst a crowd of around 100 people gathered in the road in front of the building.

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Travellers Oppose Proposal for New Transient Sites in Devon

28-01-2004 16:18

Devon Travellers are opposing plans by Devon County Council who are proposing two new transient sites in Devon. One on Telegraph Hill, near Exeter, and one on the A381 near Totnes. In a new campaign driven by local travellers, concerns are being raised about the unsuitablility of plans, including traffic worries and the fact that that those without vehicles are totally ignored.
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Campaign launched to prevent Swindon teenager being deported

15-12-2003 21:17

A broad based community campaign is promised to defend Swindon teenager Inna Haville from deportation to the Ukraine. Swindon Trades Union Council (TUC) are calling on all Swindon Trade Unions, political parties and faith communities to support the campaign, and to write to the Home Office asking that Inna be allowed to stay in Swindon on compassionate grounds. The Haville family are backing the campaign.
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WEST COUNTRY FARMERS GET RADICAL

03-10-2003 00:51

A Blockade of the Unigate Dairy in Totnes is currently taking place. Farmers are not letting milk leave the dairy in protest at a further decrease in the price they get for milk. Read more | 1 comment >>

Devon bus drivers strike over

20-07-2003 03:05

In July, Devon bus drivers voted overwhelmingly to strike in support of a 10% pay claim and a reduction of one hour in their working week. 700 RMT members at Stagecoach Devon are to staged a series of seven 24-hour strikes in pursuit of their campaign for a fair pay settlement.

In August, the drivers voted to accepted the latest offer from Stagecoach which included no change in working conditions...
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Five Kurdish men go on hunger strike

08-06-2002 09:13

STOP PRESS:wed.13th The Plymouth hunger strike is now over.
A group of 4 Kurdish men went on hunger strike in Plymouth on Thursday 6th June because they are still waiting to hear from the Home Office after nearly two years. They want to be treated as asylum seekers. Their applications are in, but have not been processed.The men protesting outside the local immigration offices in Plymouth, they say they have reached breaking point and will continue their protest until someone listens to them. They are prepared to stay there until they die because that is their only hope. They have not heard from their wives or children and say; "we were going to die in our own country anyway".
They were joined by a fifth man on Friday evening.
The protesters have secured use of VW Camper van (donated by local activists) for night shelter - will park outside IND offices from 5.00pm - 8.00am daily, providing protection from the elements (and some of the racist abuse). The Haringey Campaign to Defend Asylum Seekers have sent their support and solidarity to the men on hunger strike.
Amass picket will take place on Sunday, outside Ballard House, West Hoe, Plymouth. Messages of support should be sent to ncrmsouthwest@aol.com
Kurdish Human Rights Project Read more >>

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