Electricians and pipefitters sent out a clear message to JIB/hvca employers and Unite the union that they will not accept the de-skilling of their trade or pay cuts to their national agreements.  Well over 400 workers attended a Saturday lunchtime meeting at Conway Hall organised by Unite rank and file activists from London and the south coast. The hall was packed with standing room only – this was the biggest such meeting since the days of the Jubillee Line struggle.

The main issue is the pay cuts announced by 8 major contractors set to take place in March 2012, following their decision to pull out of the nationally negotiated industry agreement. The proposals would mean 3 new grades for electricians: metalworker £10.50 per hour,  £12 for wiring, £14 for terminating. At the moment, the electricians Joint Industry Board (JIB) rate is £16.25p per hour across the board. For the worst hit, this amounts to a 35% pay cut.

I opened the meeting from the Chair with a speech saying it was time for everyone present to stand up and fight these attacks all the way, to spread the word on sites and in their workplaces. It is not about blaming overseas workers, it is all our fight. We must be united, disciplined and determined.  The battle begins right here, right now.  We must win this fight, future generations are depending on us. I also stated that the idea of forming a new union should not be considered. It had had been tried and failed miserably in the past.  With the breakway EPIU now back as part of one union we are far stronger.

Steve Acheson spoke next and was given a standing ovation for his incredible work fighting the blacklist. Many in the meeting were shocked but not surprised by the way that the bosses had been allowed to get away with blacklisting key union activists over the years using the Consulting Association data. Jerry Hicks was up next and gave a thunderous speech, which was wildly applauded as he laid into the bosses. He said he was angry and we all agreed as the audience stamped their feet in approval.

There was then discussion from the floor with tough questions being put to two London union officials present about what was going on.  Many raised concerns about union failings in the past and wanted assurances that the new team at Unite will do a better job. The meeting made it very clear that Unite will need to perform better in this current dispute or the anger shown by many at the meeting will be vented at them. 

A motion was passed unanimously that Unite must immediately ballot members who are working for those JIB firms who have said that the t&cs will be changing in march 2012 and a campaign must be set up by Unite, distributing leaflets to all sites around the country opposing these attacks on our industry. There should also be regular feedback to the members. It was also agreed to call for unofficial action ASAP on large sites and that other sites should come out in solidarity, rather than wait for a ballot. This would place the whole issue out in the open. A national rank and file committee was elected by those in attendance:  2 sparks, me and Steve Acheson,  2 pipefitters, Russ and Howard,  Kevin for the civils and also Jerry Hicks. The resolution will be taken along to a Unite stewards meeting in August where the issue will again be discussed. Further rank and file meetings will be held around the country in the coming months, one before Xmas maybe in Manchester or Liverpool and also other areas next year. This new movement is on a high and we can spread the mood around the country and throughout construction. There will be attacks on other trades too, we should try and build things involving Ucatt and GMB members as well. A great meeting all round and I personally felt proud and extremely happy as I supped a cold pint of Fosters after the meeting! Thanks to everyone involved in booking of the hall, contact lists, leafleting, and a big big thanks to all those who contributed to a magnificent collection of over £800. Our time has come comrades, lets not miss this opportunity.