JOHN BIGGS has displayed the consistency of Boris Johnson explaining the relaxation of lockdown rules as he presides over the first boroughwide strike of Tower Hamlets Council workers in living memory.
All we need is for Matt Lucas to put out a video going, “It’s nothing to do with me; but I know all about it; so don’t ask me about the strike – but here’s why I am against it; I support the union’s right to strike but I don’t like the fact they are doing it; it’s costing us more; it’s not about the money it’s modernisation; I am the Mayor; it’s not my decision; support the right to strike; don’t support this one; I’m just misunderstood.” – and the comparison will be complete.
UNISON workers went on strike on 3rd, 6th and 7th July – with Executive Mayor John Biggs imposing new contracts on Tower Hamlets Council workers on the second day, Monday, 6th July. The new contracts are referred to as “Tower Rewards” by the Council and “Tower Robbery” by the unions. Biggs had hoped to impose the new contracts earlier in the year but suspended this at the last minute after Unison suspended strike action in order to rally round and support the public in the Coronavirus lockdown.
By the time July began, however, the Council realised it was £35 million overspent in the first quarter of the financial year, and imposing new contracts quickly came back on the agenda. Workers who had been dubbed “essential workers” and “heroes” at the start of lockdown were told they were now working for a reduced remuneration package.
UNISON members were out in force over the three days of the strike, mounting socially distanced pickets at several Council buildings across the borough. Even more impressive than the support shown by the union’s members was support from the public, who cheered and waved as they went past and honked their horns as they drove by. The socially distanced pickets were supplemented by a virtual picket – three rallies held online, where members of the public could offer solidarity from home.
Although the contracts have unilaterally been changed, the union’s dispute continues.
UNISON Convenor and Social Care worker Amina Patel explained why workers are taking the new contracts so seriously, “It’s an affront that the Mayor and council say that no one will be worse off because of Tower Rewards and that it doesn’t increase inequality. As a modesty paid BAME woman I personally get no pay increase but my allowance will be cut by £596 a year. The Council’s Equality Assessment is definitely dodgy. The whole thing is a robbery, that’s why I will be striking again.”
UNISON Assistant Branch Secretary Kerie Anne warned that the union will be holding further strike action on 15th, 16th and 17 July – unless the Mayor reverses the decision to impose the new contracts.
●Read more about this story: Biggs silent over equality impact of “Tower Rewards” Unison Gen Sec pledges to see off “Tower Rewards”