Socialist Appeal - Lindsey Sackings: Defend the 900

Lindsey Sackings: Defend the 900

By Socialist Appeal

Friday, 19 June 2009

For the past week contract workers have been on unofficial strike at the Lindsey Total oil refinery in Lincolnshire. The workers are working on the desulphurisation plant there. Solidarity action had been building up all over the country with more than 2,000 workers staging stoppages at 10 other sites.

Now Total has escalated the confrontation by sacking 900 workers, resorting to the worst traditions of the boss class. The issue at Lindsey is that redundancies were declared by one contractor while another contractor was actually taking on staff. Why should 51 workers be made redundant and not offered other jobs available on the site?

This is one of a load of disputes, all basically about making sure subcontracted workers get the rate for the job.

GMB general secretary Paul Kenny said: "Total have not tried to resolve this dispute, they sought to escalate it and they have sought to victimise people.”

The unions are willing to negotiate, but Total has slammed the door shut.

One of the sacked Lindsey workers told the Press Association: "We are asking for support from workers across the country which I am sure will be given. Total will soon realise they have unleashed a monster. It is disgraceful that this has happened without any consultation. It is also unlawful and it makes me feel sick."

Another sacked contract worker, John McEwan, said: "We were left no option. If we have to defend the rights of our men on these sites and our pay and conditions then we have to do that."

At present the oil refinery at Lindsey is operating normally. What they are trying to get away with is a threat to construction workers all over the country. We hope and urge all workers to show solidarity with the Lindsey workers and make sure Total don’t get away with the sackings.

This looks like crunch time for construction workers.