Embedded Files
Contesting the UK's neoliberal model of capitalism:
The following provides details of the most prominent worker-led forms of protest, industrial action and dissent in the UK during the 2010s.
For more details, see 'Worker-Led Dissent in the Age of Austerity: Comparing the Conditions of Success', in Work, Employment and Society
David J. Bailey (April 2023)
1 Campaign against Kraft takeover (2010)
1 Campaign against Kraft takeover (2010)
Campaign led by Unite the Union sought to oppose Kraft takeover of Cadbury; including a protest outside parliament; this in addition to protests during 2009 in run-up to deal; although the takeover went ahead. Some minor commitments extracted in terms of commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, but one plant closed (despite promises to the contrary) almost immediately after the takeover.
Days: 3 protest event days reported
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): partial - Brown Government (Lord Mandelson Business Secretary) espoused caution, but not outright opposition, to takeover - "government would oppose any buyer who failed to “respect” the historic confectioner"
Political support (opposition): partial - Cameron says is 'heartbreaking' but can't avoid it due to open/global economy
Transport Sector: No
Public sector: No
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Partially (largely focused around Birmingham plant)
Focus on immediate material interests: Partially (employer practices)
Corbyn leadership: No (Brown)
Outcome: Minor achievements
Sources: https://www.ft.com/content/1cb06d30-332f-11e1-a51e-00144feabdc0 https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmbis/234/234.pdf
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/jan/19/cadbury-management-criticised-kraft-takeover
https://www.theguardian.com/business/audio/2010/jan/28/cadbury-kraft-bournville-trade-union
2 PCS gallery attendants pay dispute (2010)
2 PCS gallery attendants pay dispute (2010)
100 staff on strike over pay, including 2 days of walkouts; ongoing weeks later and continuing in May; no sign of victory over pay. 6 days of action in total.
Days: 6 strike days reported
Organisation: PCS
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector: Yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Yes (National Gallery)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Brown)
Outcome: Goals unrealised (pay award imposed with no sign of any subsequent improvement)
Sources: https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/19960/National+Gallery+strike
https://www.workersliberty.org/story/2010/05/27/national-gallery-workers-take-action-living-wage
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8518310.stm
3 PCS severance payments dispute (2010)
3 PCS severance payments dispute (2010)
Strike over proposed reforms to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme , which allows for voluntary severance/redundancy and early retirement. PCS objected on the grounds that it would impose a cap on compensation. Originally proposed by the Labour Government, prompting 2 days of strike action, conducted by around 200,000 workers, in early March 2010; and then another strike day in late March 2010. Following the switch to the new Coalition Government a further cap on redundancy payments was mooted but this was nullified by a High Court ruling in May 2010. The Government then in 2011 overturned the legal ruling on appeal.
Days: 3 strike days reported (demonstrations occurred during the strike activity)
Organisation: PCS
Action (type): strike (as well as demonstrations and a legal claim)
Political support (government): No (Labour and Coalition Governments were both proponents of the reform)
Political support (opposition): No (Labour backbenchers supported but Labour Govt. had proposed reform and Conservatives extended it)
Transport Sector: No
Public sector: Yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (nationwide dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pay/redundancy payments)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Brown)
Outcome: minor achievements (12 month delay in implementation due to legal ruling)
4 UCU anti-cuts strikes (2010)
4 UCU anti-cuts strikes (2010)
Strikes at 14 HE/FE institutions against funding cuts and the fear it would have an impact upon jobs. No obvious change in Government policy resulted from the action. Some movements in the institutions: UCL dispute called off after compulsory redundancies avoided- similar at KCL - and IoE ; other institution (UAL) (and Westminster where 2 days of strike action took place, and marking boycott) join the action later in the month. But protests continue over funding cuts.
Days: 3 strike days reported
Organisation: UCU
Action (type): strike (and demonstration)
Political support (government): No (Labour Government implementing cuts)
Political support (opposition): None reported.
Transport Sector: No
Public sector: Partial (aimed at public sector funding)
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Partial (London-focused)
Focus on immediate material interests: Mainly (aimed at public policy with implications for jobs and/or directly against job cuts in several cases)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Brown)
Outcome: between minor and substantial achievements (several HE institutions (KCL, UCL, IoE, reached a resolution (substantial achievements), but no real improvement in funding issue other than via (in HE) the fees hike, which was opposed by UCU - hence between minor and substantial achievements)
https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/4461/Kings-College-strike-action-ballot-in-row-over-job-cuts
https://ucu.org.uk/article/4586/London-education-strikes-and-demonstration-on-5-May?list=1676
https://ucu.org.uk/article/4656/Strike-action-at-University-of-Arts-London-in-job-cut-row?list=1676
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10096888
https://socialistworker.co.uk/news/day-of-action-workers-and-students-united-for-education/
5 BA Cabin Crew Dispute (2010)
5 BA Cabin Crew Dispute (2010)
Days: Dispute over changes to cabin crew staff working conditions. "They took 22 strike days, albeit intermittently, during 2010. Eventually, in May 2011, Unite and BA agreed Working together – a joint settlement, that preserved collective bargaining, sustained the union and guaranteed a two-year pay increase of 7.5 per cent and Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) reviews for those disciplined. Nevertheless, BASSA conceded the mixed fleet. In June 2011, 92 per cent voted on a 72 per cent turnout for acceptance." (Moore and Taylor 2020),
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): None reported (Labour Government neutral advocates arbitration but no strikes)
Political support (opposition): None reported (Cameron hostile).
Transport Sector: Yes
Public sector: No
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (nationwide dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pay and working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Brown)
Outcome: substantial achievements (see summary from Moore and Taylor, above)
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0038038520973603
6 Fish Market Porters against the City of London (2010)
6 Fish Market Porters against the City of London (2010)
Protest over the change to the licence system at the Billingsgate Fish Market. Unite represents the porters and says the end to licence system will risk their jobs. Demonstration on one day (140 porters) and a 20,000 signature petition. But licence changes go ahead.
Days: 1 protest event reported
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): demonstration and petition (informational)
Political support (government): None reported
Political support (opposition): partial - Livingstone (ex-London Mayor) backed the campaign
Transport Sector: No
Public sector: Partial (City of London Corporation)
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Yes (Billingsgate Fish Market)
Focus on immediate material interests: Partial (public policy affecting employment conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-10849882
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11867185
7 GMB strike at AstraZeneca (2010)
7 GMB strike at AstraZeneca (2010)
Dispute over pensions and move to DB scheme; 12 days of strike action; strike eventually called off for fear of company retaliation but achieved a repayment of the lost wages as part of the deal to end the dispute - main summary here: https://www.gmb.org.uk/sites/default/files/GMB11-GS.pdf
Days: 12 days strike action
Organisation: GMB
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): None reported
Political support (opposition): None reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector: No
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (nationwide dispute at multiple plants)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pensions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements- AZ agreed repayment of lost wages, but no movement over main goal on pensions ("we settled with AZ on terms which were honourable even if they did not give our members what they wanted" - GMB Gen Sec report 2011)
Sources:https://www.hrgrapevine.com/content/article/2010-09-22-strike-three-at-astrazeneca
https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/22424/Astra+Zeneca+workers+strike+again
https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1011705/union-halts-strike-action-astrazeneca
https://www.gmb.org.uk/sites/default/files/GMB11-GS.pdf
8 TUC anti-cuts demonstrations (2010 and 2011)
8 TUC anti-cuts demonstrations (2010 and 2011)
Demonstration staged by the TUC to protest the Comprehensive Spending Review 2010, which in broad terms largely went ahead as planned. Another repeat protest the following year: 26 March 2011 "March for the Alternative".
Days: 2 protest events reported
Organisation: TUC
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): No (protest was against Government policy)
Political support (opposition): partial/yes - had promised to attend 2010 event but didn't ("The Labour leader, Ed Miliband, did not join the demonstration, but aides denied the decision was a U-turn despite his declaration last month that he would "definitely" attend. " from here) - Miliband did then attend the 2011 event in support
Transport Sector: No
Public sector: Yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national policy dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: Partial (policy-focused, but with implications for jobs/pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/oct/19/spending-review-anti-cuts-rally
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/26/anti-cuts-march-swells-400000
9 FBU strikes against job cuts (2010)
9 FBU strikes against job cuts (2010)
Dispute with London Fire Authority over job losses with threat of immediate sack, which was removed as part of calling off the strike for talks; talks eventually led to an agreed change to working hours (concessions).
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: FBU
Action (type): strike (and ASOS and demonstration in run-up to strike)
Political support (government): No (protest was against Conservative-led LFA)
Political support (opposition): partial - some Labour MPs signed an EDM
Transport Sector: No
Public sector: Yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Partial (London-based)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (job cuts)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements- agreed improvement to original offer over shift changes
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12447267
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12063474
10 NUJ pensions dispute with BBC (2010)
10 NUJ pensions dispute with BBC (2010)
2 day strike over pensions (which the other unions had agreed to) then called off next round of strikes for talks and to resolve the disciplining of foreign workers who took part; talks result in guarantee of increases in pensions until 2016
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: NUJ
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): No
Political support (opposition): no - Miliband sought to prevent the strike
Transport Sector: No
Public sector: partial (BBC)
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (nationwide dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pensions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements- talks resulted in guaranteed increases in pensions until 2016
Sources:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11736932
https://www.professionalpensions.com/news/1019897/nuj-accepts-bbc-scheme-proposal
11 Heinz workers pay dispute (2010)
11 Heinz workers pay dispute (2010)
Pay dispute in pursuit of a 4.3% pay rise at Heinz's Wigan plant; after 2 strike days the employer eventually moved the offer up from 3.1% to 3.9% in the face of a scheduled further strike day.
Days: 3 strike days
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): None reported
Political support (opposition): None reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector: No
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Yes (Wigan plant)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements- pay offer increased from 3.1% to 3.9%
Sources:https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/heinz-workers-agree-pay-deal-2187634.html
12 Lap dancers against Hackney Council (2010-11)
12 Lap dancers against Hackney Council (2010-11)
Protest by Lap Dancers against a proposed ban by Hackney Council on new strip bars - protest was held in December 2010, final decision made in 2011. Council went ahead regardless - despite widespread community opposition.
Days: 1 protest event reported
Organisation: no formal organisation reported
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): None reported
Political support (opposition): None reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: No
Grassroots/independent union: Yes (campaign appears to be led by strippers themselves)
Local dispute: Partial (Hackney-focused)
Focus on immediate material interests: Partial (public policy with impact on employment)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised- licence change went ahead despite widespread opposition
Sources: https://hackneypost.co.uk/sex-laws-blow-for-strippers-2/
http://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2010/12/10/strippers-and-vicar-unite-to-fight-cleanup-campaign/
13 ASLEF tube workers bank holiday pay dispute (2010-3)
13 ASLEF tube workers bank holiday pay dispute (2010-3)
ASLEF strike action on Boxing Day 2011 over changes to rota and lack of bank holiday pay for boxing day. ASLEF announce another day of strike action for Boxing Day 2012 over changes to rota and lack of bank holiday pay for boxing day - this is in addition to a similar strike in 2010. Further strike action planned for January and February 2012, but this called off after 1st day of action for talks. The dispute rumbles on until eventually a deal is reached between ASLEF and London Underground in 2013, although RMT are angry that this doesn't resolve the dispute for them and ASLEF have therefore acted in a non-solidarity fashion. The terms of the deal are an additional £350 for Boxing Day working, which are announced in December 2013.
Days: 3 strike days
Organisation: ASLEF
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported - (Government considers banning tube strikes at some point in 2013) and Conservative council provides free parking to try to mitigate the impact of the strike
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: Yes
Public sector workers: Partial - London Undergrounds Ltd. is subsidiary of Transport for London
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Yes (applies to London Underground only)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals realised (£350 additional payment for working Boxing Day)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12061069
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20757141
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-16368586
https://www.rmtlondoncalling.org.uk/content/rmt-front-issue-27
14 Prison officers against privatisation (2011)
14 Prison officers against privatisation (2011)
Around 100 staff walkout in protest at proposed privatisation of Winson Green prison in Birmingham. The privatisation eventually went ahead although it experienced considerable problems and was eventually brought back into the public sector in 2018.
Days: 1 day walkout - although not strike
Organisation: POA
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): None reported (protest is against government policy)
Political support (opposition): None reported (Labour Party introduced the policy)
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: Yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Yes (Winson Green Prison in Birmingham)
Focus on immediate material interests: Partial (public policy with impact on employment)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements- concessions were made, but much later (7 years later), so only considered minor achievements as an indirect result of this initial politicisation of the privatisation
https://www.theguardian.com/public-leaders-network/2011/apr/01/public-criminal-justice
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/20/moj-seizes-control-of-birmingham-prison-from-g4s
15 GMB protest Southern Cross/Blackstone (2011)
15 GMB protest Southern Cross/Blackstone (2011)
Protests led by GMB against the near collapse of care home firm Southern Cross after Blackstone made large profit on sale of company to Southern Cross. Vince Cable agreed to look into the problem.
Days: 1 protest event reported
Organisation: GMB
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): Mild support (Government says will look into issue of private equity funding)
Political support (opposition): Yes (Labour MPs sign EDM; Miliband makes public statements on social care to coincide with report on topic released at same time; and also here; but no obvious improvement to social care as a result)
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: partial (social care provided by private firms but often with public funding)
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (nationwide campaign)
Focus on immediate material interests: Partial (public policy with impact on employment)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised - Government agrees to consider the problem but no obvious change to social care provision
Sources:
https://www.prweek.com/article/1073923/blackstone-calls-help-finsbury-southern-cross-care-crisis
https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/12157/02-06-2011/southern-cross-social-care-on-the-brink
https://www.gmb.org.uk/sites/default/files/GMB12-GS.pdf
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/jun/02/blackstone-denies-blame-for-southern-cross
16 NUT pensions dispute (2011-14)
16 NUT pensions dispute (2011-14)
Dispute over reduction in pensions which was first mooted in 2010 as a result of the Hutton Report. First set of proposals made in October 2010 to increase member contribution rates by an average of 3.2 per cent across public service schemes. NUT and NASUWT were both opposed to the changes during the consultation. The final proposal was released in March 2011 (Hutton Report) and included move to career average pensions and a rise in the pension age. First strike action takes place 30 June - and then another on 30 November 2011. In Nov 2011 the Government improved the offer from 1/65th to 1/60th - and then December 2011 it was announced that 1/57th accrual had been agreed. NUT announced that it still didn't accept these changes: "As a result of our strike action on 30 June and 30 November, the Government offered concessions. While these were welcome, they are not nearly enough. The Government is still asking teachers to pay a lot more and work a lot longer to get a lot less". Strike action, including over pensions, continued into 2014 (incl. March 2012, March 2014 and July 2014) but with no further movement by the Government. Summary here.
Days: 5 strike days (and multiple demonstrations)
Organisation: NUT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): No (dispute with government)
Political support (opposition): No (lack of support by Miliband criticised by unions - likewise no support in 2014)
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (nationwide campaign)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pensions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements - Government moved some way in 2011 but then no further and NUT explicitly called these concessions "not nearly enough".
Sources:
https://www.local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/union-perspective-2015-tp-491.pdf
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28182376
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/nov/29/why-are-teachers-striking
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN06731/SN06731.pdf
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24268852
17 PCS civil servants pensions dispute (2011-3)
17 PCS civil servants pensions dispute (2011-3)
Pension reforms introduced following the Hutton Report. Initial proposal (Oct 2010) included an increase in contribution rates by 3.2%. Final recommendations in 2011 included career average and increasing the pension age. Government adopted the proposals in full. PCS (and other public sector unions) took strike action 30 June and 30 November 2011. Ahead of the November strikes the offer moved from 1/65th accrual to 1/60th. In March 2012 further details were announced that essentially repeated the November offer, and FDA and Prospect accepted; PCS, Unite and Prison Officers remained opposed. Another strike took place March 2012 and then again in March 2013 but the reforms were eventually introduced in Public Service Pension Act 2013.
Days: 4 strike days over 2 years (and multiple demonstrations)
Organisation: PCS
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): No (dispute with government)
Political support (opposition): No- Miliband says he doesn't support
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (nationwide campaign)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pensions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements - Government moved some way in 2011 but then no further and PCS remained opposed.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13772326
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13967580
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/nov/30/strikes-public-sector-pensions-impact
https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/23982/23-11-2016/lessons-of-the-n30-2011-pension-strike
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN05768/SN05768.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/number-10-press-briefing-afternoon-from-30-june-2011
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/nov/11/public-sector-concessions-pensions-row
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16514522
https://www.redpepper.org.uk/n30-and-after-was-that-it/
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/mar/19/civil-service-union-pensions-strike
https://www.channel4.com/news/public-sector-workers-strike-over-pensions
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21855620
18 Unite living wage at Sainsbury's campaign (2011)
18 Unite living wage at Sainsbury's campaign (2011)
Unite protest outside Sainsbury's AGM demanding living wage for staff. ""Despite the protest, 98.2% of Sainsbury's shareholders approved the supermarket's pay policy. " (Neate 2011) Living wage campaign run by Unite and focused on Sainsbury's. No sign of improvement - a year later and several years later. (Although in 2015 Sainsbury's did agree to this - we can't really put that down to the 2011 protests - put as minor achievements as eventually agreed despite it being much later than the protest).
Days: 1 protest event reported
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): Partial/indirect - Cameron made positive comments about living wage in principle but nothing reported specifically on the Sainsbury campaign
Political support (opposition): Partial/indirect - Labour signed up to living wage as a commitment but nothing reported specifically on the Sainsbury campaign
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: No
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (nationwide campaign)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements (see above in 2015 Sainsbury's did agree to this - we can't really put that down to the 2011 protests - put as minor achievements as eventually agreed despite it being much later than the protest)
Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/jul/20/labour-living-wage
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/jul/13/sainsburys-staff-wages-justin-king-unite-protest
19 UCU Pensions Dispute (2011)
19 UCU Pensions Dispute (2011)
Following a proposal for pensions reforms to USS, UCU balloted for strike action in early 2011. Strike days are announced for March 2011. First strike March 2011 - 5 days in total (although spread out over different regions so effectively 2 days per institution). A second ballot launched in September 2011 and this led to, first, action short of strike ('work to contract'), and then strike action on 30 November. The final outcome saw no movement from the employers or USS and the dispute was therefore effectively a defeat as it allowed a two-track scheme to be introduced with risks that this would later turn into a single-track reform proposal (aligning with the worse of the two tracks) (Woodcock and Englert 2018) - this is confirmed in this UCU briefing. Further talks continued in 2012 after UCU opted to end ASOS but nothing came of them.
Days: 3 strike days (and prolonged ASOS for around 6 months in total)
Organisation: UCU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): None reported.
Political support (opposition): No - Miliband openly refused to support strikes
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: Partial (Universities charities but publicly funded)
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (nationwide campaign)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pensions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
Woodcock and Englert (2018) Looking Back in Anger: the UCU strikes
20 Unison/Unite dispute with Southampton City Council (2011-12)
20 Unison/Unite dispute with Southampton City Council (2011-12)
Industrial dispute over contract changes/pay cut by 300 social workers who are members of Unison and another 700 Unite members, against a fire-and-rehire designed to cut pay by imposing a pay cut of 4.5% in July 2011. 12 weeks of strike action over summer 2011 was managed by rotating between different worker categories. Then another day of action on 6 October 2011. Then 13 October a compromise is agreed - which amounts to a very marginal improvement - and the strikes are called off pending approval by union members - however, both unions reject the deal. Once Conservative Party lose the council elections in 2012 and are replaced with Labour leadership the pay cuts are reversed (as had been promised during the election) and members accepted the new deal, calling off both tribunal claims and ongoing industrial action. In total 200 days of targeted action had taken place.
Days: over 200 targeted strike days
Organisation: Unison and Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): opposed - Conservative council imposed the pay reductions
Political support (opposition): Yes - the Labour councillors stood on a platform promising to overturn the reductions and eventually did so
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: Yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Yes (Southampton City Council)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/oct/06/southampton-council-staff-strike-unison
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-15195885
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2011/11/sout-n01.html
https://www.unison.org.uk/news/magazine/2013/07/playing-a-part-from-pay/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-19846882
21 Unilever pensions dispute (2011)
21 Unilever pensions dispute (2011)
Pensions dispute over Unilever decision to end final salary pension scheme, resulting in a 40% cut in pensions. Unite was the majority union involved, but USDAW and GMB also took strike action. After a total of 11 days of strike action Unite eventually agreed to the pensions despite, with the other smaller unions against agreeing but once Unite agreed they faced no choice but to also agree. None of the unions seemed happy with the deal - with Unite saying members were disappointed but also recognised that they had retained a good pension as a result of concessions: 'best in class pension'. Although USDAW said members were 'angry and bitterly disappointed'.
Unite’s national officer Jennie Formby said: “Unite members voted by two-to-one to accept the revised pension scheme. “We were of course disappointed that we were unable to retain the final salary scheme but we were pleased that as a result of our fightback we were able to secure some significant improvements to the CARE (defined benefits) scheme proposed by the company. In addition we got a guarantee that there would be no further change before 2018 and agreement that, after that date, no further announcements of change would be made before there is full consultation with the trade unions.”
Days: 11 strike days
Organisation: Unite (and USDAW and GMB)
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: No
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national dispute at multiple plants)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pension)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements: improved offer to the pensions scheme was eventually agreed, but none of the unions seemed especially pleased with the outcome
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/jan/07/unilever-strikes-pension-closure
https://www.ft.com/content/97075178-19d2-11e1-ba5d-00144feabdc0
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-16665042
https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2012/04/05/Unilever-pension-row-over-after-Unite-says-yes
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/unilever-pensions-dispute-unite-usdaw-3347100
22 Welsh language musicians dispute with BBC (2011-15)
22 Welsh language musicians dispute with BBC (2011-15)
Welsh language musicians entered into a dispute with the BBC over royalties payments. This led to up to 450 musicians/composers demanding BBC Radio Cymru do not play their music for three days. It was labelled a 'strike' but more like a boycott as musicians made the request to the BBC and they agreed for one day (but not the requested three days). The musicians then switched agencies, from PRS to Eos, but in 2013 were still unable to agree new terms for the royalties. The Welsh Government was neutral over the issue - "“We hope both sides reach an agreement as soon as possible.” - whereas Plaid Cymru were more supportive: "This is a disaster for Radio Cymru. It also speaks volumes about the patronising attitude of the BBC in London towards Welsh language culture. ... “The musicians have seen their income decimated by the new rates while the BBC hands out half a million to its former Director General without blinking an eyelid.” A temporary agreement was reached in early 2013 in an attempt to set up negotiations to resolve the dispute. However, the dispute was eventually lost in a copyright tribunal in December 2013 and so ultimately the musicians were unable to achieve their goals. Plans did emerge in early 2014 to continue negotiations - and then finally an agreement was reached in Jan 2015 (although it's difficult to say this was directly connected to the earlier strike/boycott as that had ended several years earlier - hence minor achievements).
Days: 1 day boycott then sustained negotiations over multiple years
Organisation: PRS then Eos
Action (type): informational (boycott)
Political support (government): none reported - Welsh Government made neutral statements
Political support (opposition): yes - Plaid Cymru criticises BBC in a way that supports Welsh language musicians
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: No
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Partial (applies to Wales only)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pay/royalties)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements (an agreement was reached in Jan 2015 (although it's difficult to say this was directly connected to the earlier strike/boycott as that had ended several years earlier - hence minor achievements)
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/dec/18/welsh-language-musicians-strike-royalties
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/long-running-dispute-prompts-bbc-radio-2496431
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/welsh-language-musicians-lose-bbc-6411374
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-30961059
23 RMT restructure dispute - Network Rail (Scotland) (2011-12)
23 RMT restructure dispute - Network Rail (Scotland) (2011-12)
RMT dispute with Network Rail over changes to career progress system at at the West of Scotland signalling centre (ending an agreement that staff are 'slotted' into a post when it becomes vacant). RMT announce 3 days strike starting Christmas Eve 2011 as part of the dispute. Around 30 staff involved. Another 2 days strike planned for January are called off for talks. Talks break down and then a return to another day of strike action in Feb 2012. next round of strikes called off in January; strike back on in Feb but eventually an agreement reached with a 'form of words' agreement that resolved the dispute.
Days: 4 strike days
Organisation: RMT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: Yes
Public sector workers: Partial - Network Rail is an 'arms length' public body
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Yes (applies to West of Scotland signalling centre only)
Focus on immediate material interests: Partial (career progress system)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals realised (dispute resolved to the satisfaction of RMT members)
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/dec/24/railway-signallers-72-hour-strike
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16670859
https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/Signalling-dispute-resolved-
24 PCS dispute HMRC over privatisation/outsourcing (2012)
24 PCS dispute HMRC over privatisation/outsourcing (2012)
PCS call a day of strike action to take place in HMRC on day of tax submission deadline (Jan 2012). The dispute is in opposition to outsourcing to Sitel and Teleperformance which is seen as a first step towards privatisation. Another ballot for strike action later the same year, including on privatisation, plus no mention of any change of course on the trial, all suggests no subsequent sign of change or impact as a result of the day of action.
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: PCS
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported - strike was against government decision
Political support (opposition): partial- many Labour MPs sign supportive EDM (although no statement issued by Labour leadership)
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: Yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national dispute at HMRC)
Focus on immediate material interests: Partial (employment-related public policy decision)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: Goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.workersliberty.org/story/2012/02/01/hmrc-strike-pushes-tax-deadline
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jan/31/hmrc-delays-tax-return-deadline-strike
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/jun/01/hmrc-staff-vote-strike-action
25 interpreters boycott ALS-Capita (2012-14)
25 interpreters boycott ALS-Capita (2012-14)
Up to 1000 interpreters start boycott of courts in opposition to a privatisation of the contract by the Ministry of Justice, following Capita buying ALS and then the contract for interpreting going to ALS. The boycott was widely upheld and resulted in years of under-performance by ALS-Capita - and caused a major shambles including fines for ALS-Capita - this prompted an increase in the pay rate but no sign of substantial changes to new system.
Days: ongoing - at least a year (300 days)
Organisation: no clear organisation leading the action
Action (type): boycott (quasi strike)
Political support (government): none reported - strike was against government decision
Political support (opposition): limited - Labour opposition criticise government decision in 2014, but no direct support for interpreters reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: Partial (outsourced)
Grassroots/independent union: Yes (either independently organised or through Professional Interpreters Alliance)
Local dispute: No (national dispute against MoJ)
Focus on immediate material interests: Partial (employment-related public policy decision)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements (pay rate said to increase resulting in gradual ending of boycott, but no change to the fact that ALS-Capita are providing the service)
Sources:
https://irr.org.uk/article/the-ongoing-fiasco-of-privatised-court-interpreting-services/
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/mar/02/interpreters-courts-protest-privatised-contract
26 Prison officers pensions dispute (2012)
26 Prison officers pensions dispute (2012)
Prison Officers' Association took part in 1 day of unofficial strike action - prompting the Government to consider an injunction - although they were back at work before the injunction had a chance to take effect. The reforms were eventually introduced anyway in Public Service Pension Act 2013.
Days: 1 unofficial strike day
Organisation: POA
Action (type): unofficial strike (confrontational)
Political support (government): none reported - strike was against government decision and government considered injunction
Political support (opposition): yes - Labour front bench support
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: Yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national dispute against government/employer)
Focus on immediate material interests: Yes (pensions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: Goals unrealised
Sources:
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN05768/SN05768.pdf
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18010526
27 TSSA protest Network rail bonuses (2012)
27 TSSA protest Network rail bonuses (2012)
TSSA protest over bonuses for bosses at Network Rail. Protest was outside company AGM - but members voted 92% to agree the bonuses. Nevertheless, two years later bonuses were reduced from c. 60% to a cap of 20%.
Days: 1 day protest
Organisation: TSSA
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): yes - Government also opposed the bonuses
Political support (opposition): yes - EDM signed by many Labour MPs and Labour front bench support blocking bonuses
Transport Sector: Yes
Public sector workers: Partial - publicly funded Network Rail
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national dispute against employer)
Focus on immediate material interests: Partial (employer practices)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements (reforms sought were adopted (substantial achievement), but two years later - hence put as 'minor/substantial')
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/feb/06/network-rail-bonuses-downing-street
https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/three-fat-controllers-share-ps1m-bonuses-2479599
28 Remploy job cuts dispute (2012)
28 Remploy job cuts dispute (2012)
Disabled workers at REMPLOY strike for a total of 7 days against plans for closure of 27 REMPLOY factories. Strikes started in mid-2012. Then another 5 days of strike action in September 2012. Despite the action, closures went ahead resulting in widespread job losses. More details here.
Days: 5 days strike action
Organisation: Unite/GMB
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - was DWP policy
Political support (opposition): partial - Labour Party accepted need for change but accused way it was done as 'mismanaged'
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: Partial - REMPLOY is a Non-Departmental Public Body of the Department for Work and Pensions
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (redundancies)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised - closures went ahead despite strikes
Sources:
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13066741.remploy-workers-staging-second-strike-job-cuts/
https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2012/09/03/remploy-workers-begin-strikes
https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/remploy-union-disputes-job-figures/
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13112415.disabled-workers-face-jobs-axe-amid-factory-closures/
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN00698/SN00698.pdf
29 Lawyers against Legal Aid reforms - Scotland (2012 - 13)
29 Lawyers against Legal Aid reforms - Scotland (2012 - 13)
Lawyers vote for industrial action, to take place in response to a proposed Scottish Civil Justice Council and Criminal Legal Assistance Bill . Opposition coordinated by Edinburgh Bar Association, other city Bar Associations, and with the support of the Law Society of Scotland. Lawyers stage a protest in November 2012. Then begin strike action also in November as part of a series of unannounced strikes. The first one on 21 November 2012 and then again on 27 Nov, earlier in December, and then a fourth day on 17 December. The government reform proposal was to increase private costs for those earning over £68 a week, with solicitors needing to collect the costs themselves. The reforms were eventually adopted in early 2013, with the threshold for fees rising to £82. Following these minor concessions (threshold raised) the Law Society agrees to the changes, although Edinburgh Bar Association remains unhappy about the reforms.
Days: 4 days industrial action
Organisation: Law Society
Action (type): "industrial action" - technically this is a refusal to take on cases so a quasi-strike, but effectively it's a strike
Political support (government): no - action is against government, which is 'disappointed'
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial - public policy with implications for fees
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements - threshold for fees was raised (from £68 a week wages, to £82) but the reforms went ahead and the concession was minor
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-20393477
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-20239429
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2012/nov/21/lawyers-scotland-strike-legal-aid
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-21245700
https://www.scotsman.com/news/solicitors-strike-action-hits-sheriff-courts-1596787
https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-herald-1130/20130119/281745561748943
30 EIS protest Scottish cuts (2012)
30 EIS protest Scottish cuts (2012)
Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS - teachers/lecturers' union) staged a demonstration with about 100 attending. Seek end to cuts to further education. No sign of improvement in the following year's budget. Also EIS calls 'no confidence' in SNP government over funding cuts the following year.
Days: 1 day demonstration
Organisation: EIS
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): no - protest is against government policy
Political support (opposition): partial - Labour Party joins in criticism of SNP government (albeit a year later)
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: partial (Scotland dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial (public policy with implications for jobs/pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised - no sign of improvement to spending on FE colleges
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-19846679
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-21807709
http://www.scottishpolicynow.co.uk/article/chill-winds-blow-on-further-education
31 NUJ/BECTU dispute with BBC (2013)
31 NUJ/BECTU dispute with BBC (2013)
2 days of strike action over job cuts and management practices - 1 in Feb 2013 and the other in March 2013 - organised by NUJ and BECTU and eventually strikes called off for 'joint reviews' which promised to tackle some of the problems identified by the unions.
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: NUJ/Bectu
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): partial - some Labour Party MPs sign EDM
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: partial - established by Royal Carter and funded by licence fee
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (job cuts and working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements - agree to review but this obviously doesn't mean issues properly dealt with
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21963301
https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/unions-call-strike-action-after-rejecting-insulting-bbc-pay-deal/
32 Lawyers and Solicitors against Legal Aid reform (Grayling's Transforming Legal Aid) (2013-18)
32 Lawyers and Solicitors against Legal Aid reform (Grayling's Transforming Legal Aid) (2013-18)
Lawyers and Solicitors start campaigning against proposed cuts to Legal Aid with a protest in May 2013, and again with a disruptive protest in June 2013 (road blocked), and another series of protests across the UK at the end of July. This was in the wake of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 , which came into effect on 1 April 2013 and which limited the provision of Legal Aid both in terms of types of cases and individuals who could claim. And in advance of further reforms - Grayling's proposed Transforming Legal Aid proposal, which was mainly focused on reducing fees that lawyers receive for working on cases through Legal Aid. Lawyers began walkouts in Jan 2014 which led to court closures. Nevertheless, the final version of Grayling's proposals were announced in Feb 2014 with little change except for some minor concessions about implementation. This walkout action was repeated in March 2014 and again at the end of March this time for 2 days - although by this point the barristers had secured a delay in the reforms (until after the next general election) and so they dropped out of the action, but the solicitors went ahead. Actions coordinated by the Justice Alliance, and the delay described as 'minor concessions'. The tendering system that was proposed as part of Grayling's proposals was delayed due to opposition and judicial review, but the planned fees reductions did go ahead as planned.
Days: 3 protest days (1 of which disruptive) followed by 4 quasi-strikes (not technically a strike but was a refusal to take cases)
Organisation: various legal organisations, including Criminal Bar Association and Justice Alliance.
Action (type): disruptive protest/strike
Political support (government): none reported - action against government
Political support (opposition): yes- Labour (Kahn) supports
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial (publicy policy focus but with clear implication for fe
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements - secured a delay (only) in implementation of reforms
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2013/jun/04/lawyers-protest-legal-aid-cuts
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2013/jul/31/sadiq-khan-legal-aid-cuts-protest
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2013/may/22/lawyers-protest-parliament-legal-aid-cuts
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/jan/06/courts-close-england-wales-lawyers-legal-aid-cuts
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26472809
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/mar/27/barristers-call-off-walkout-deal-legal-aid-cuts
https://www.theweek.co.uk/law/56714/legal-aid-cuts-why-lawyers-are-walking-out
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/LLN-2017-0093/LLN-2017-0093.pdf
33 UNITE oil tankers dispute with BP - Grangemouth (2013)
33 UNITE oil tankers dispute with BP - Grangemouth (2013)
3 day strike by 40 oil tanker drivers at at Scotland’s oil refinery in Grangemouth ,organised by Unite - over pensions and pay. At the end of the first three days of strike action another day was planned and then called off as BP agreed to a deal which included compensating workers for reduced pension/pay. The deal looks generous and Unite industrial officer Tony Trench said: “This is a magnificent result for our members ..."
Days: 3 strike days
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - neutral - sought to achieve a resolution
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: No
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Yes (Grangemouth refinery only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pensions/pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://forecourttrader.co.uk/news/grangemouth-tanker-driver-dispute-settled/633680.article
34 FBU pensions dispute (2013-14)
34 FBU pensions dispute (2013-14)
FBU took part in strike action for around 19 days over 2 years over changes to pension scheme. This failed to reform scheme via strike action - strikes started Sep 2013 then Nov and Dec 2013 then May 2014, June 2014 (which was reported as the 13th walkout), July 2014, August 2014 a 4-day strike Oct-Nov 2014. The reforms were eventually adopted. But the later Sargent ruling found that the new pension was discriminatory and the government then had to put in place a partial reversal (remedy).
Days: 19 days strike action
Organisation: FBU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - dispute was against government
Political support (opposition): mainly - Labour opposed the reforms - e.g. through an EDM, with the front bench eventually signing the EDM (although they did need some persuading) - London labour fire spokesperson backed the firefighters - although no reports of in the press of Miliband openly backing the strikes
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: Yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pensions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements (the Sergeant ruling meant that a 'remedy' had to be put in place - but this was reluctantly and only tendentially related to the strike action)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24673890
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24762990
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN06585/SN06585.pdf
https://www.fbu.org.uk/blog/pension-consultation-qa
https://www.fbu.org.uk/circulars/2014hoc0703mw/pensions-update-political-industrial-legal
https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/47293/public-service-pensions
35 CWU Post Office dispute (2013-14)
35 CWU Post Office dispute (2013-14)
Dispute over pay (pay, branch closures and job cuts ) by around 4000 workers- included 3 days of strike action and 12 months of negotiations - eventually agreed a 3.9% pay deal and a lump sum - negotiators recommend the deal - 95% members voted yes the deal (turnout 74%)
Days: 3 days strike action
Organisation: CWU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - took neutrality stance
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: partial (PO private firm but owned by UK Government Investments)
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay and jobs)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals realised (pay deal widely welcomed)
Sources:
https://postandparcel.info/61524/news/union-members-back-first-class-pay-deal-from-post-office-ltd/
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/29/post-office-royal-mail-staff-to-strike
https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/news/post-office-workers-secure-long-term-pay-increase
36 NUT/NASUWT pay and conditions strike (2013-14)
36 NUT/NASUWT pay and conditions strike (2013-14)
Strikes over two days across two regions - over pay and performance-related pay scheme - strikes called off for talks in Nov 2013 - then dispute continued into early 2014 with another strike day (without NASUWT) March and again (again NUT only) in July 2014 - all of which produced no sign of any movement by DfE.
Days: 4 days strike action
Organisation: NUT/NASUWT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - strike was against government
Political support (opposition): none reported - (Conservatives accuse them of silence on the matter)
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay and working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/oct/01/teachers-strike-nut-nasuwt
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24549604
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-26080285
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-26647255
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-28226042
http://www.islingtonteachers.org.uk/minutes-of-meetings-1
37 UNITE dispute with INEOS over union rep (2013)
37 UNITE dispute with INEOS over union rep (2013)
Dispute over disciplining of UNITE union rep and plans to reform/close the plant, sees 400 protesting workers (on 20 Oct) and a protest outside the house of one of the executives on 18 Oct 2013. However, amid threats to close the plant entirely the end result is a capitulation by union, including accepting pay freeze and changes to pensions and continued disciplining of union rep. details here.
Days: 2 protest events (different days)
Organisation: UNITE
Action (type): demonstration (informational, although outside of house protest considered confrontational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): partial - Miliband distanced himself from the protest outside the house but called on the government to act to avoid job losses
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: No
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: Yes (Grangemouth plant)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions, trade union representation, and risk of plant closure)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-24758166
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/nov/09/ineos-unite-union-grangemouth-oil-refinery
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-24594680
38 Sex workers against police crackdown (Soho) (2013)
38 Sex workers against police crackdown (Soho) (2013)
Dispute over policing of sex workers in Soho and calling for property owners to stand up to police - organised by the English Collective of Prostitutes - sex industry remains in place in Soho but undergoing gentrification forcing out the lower-end sex work industry
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: English Collective of Prostitutes
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: No
Grassroots/independent union: Yes
Local dispute: Yes (Soho focus)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial (public policy with direct impact on work)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements - police didn't succeed in eliminating sex work from Soho, although gentrification has had an impact on lower-end sex work industry
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/oct/09/soho-sex-workers-protest-eviction
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10901-020-09753-5
39 IWGB dispute with UoL/Balfour Beatty (2013)
39 IWGB dispute with UoL/Balfour Beatty (2013)
Dispute seeking in-housing of cleaners - includes noisy demo and 2-day strike - resulted in deal where cleaners get similar terms/conditions but without in-housing.
Days: 2 day strike
Organisation: IWGB/Unison
Action (type): strike + noisy demo (strike/confrontational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: partial (University employed - public funded - but also outsourced)
Grassroots/independent union: Yes
Local dispute: Yes (UoL)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2013/december/not-a-recognised-union
40 UCU pay dispute (2013-4)
40 UCU pay dispute (2013-4)
UCU entered into a dispute with the university employers (UCEA) over a 1% pay offer made in 2013-14. UCU took 1 day of strike action and a 2-hour strike later on. Eventually a deal was reached for the subsequent year's pay negotiations. Under this deal the 1% pay offer for the previous year was agreed to by UCU - as part of a 2% pay rise for 2014-5. The original offer for 2013-14 was therefore accepted and no improvement was reached as a result of the strike action.
Days: 1.5 days strike action
Organisation: UCU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: No
Public sector workers: partial (University employed - partly public funded)
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: No (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: No (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.ucu.org.uk/hepay13
41 RMT dispute over restructuring at London Underground (2014-16)
41 RMT dispute over restructuring at London Underground (2014-16)
RMT entered into dispute in early 2014 with London Underground on behalf of its tube worker members, over job cuts and ticket office closures. 2 days strike Feb 2014; compromise for more consultation reached in Feb 2014; but strikes back on with 2 day strike in late April 2014; May 2014 strikes called off after LU agreed to concesssions but the dispute continues; strikes planned but then called off again as London Underground agrees to more talks in October 2014; balloted again in 2015 - 2 days strike action July 2015; strikes then planned but suspended August 2015; dispute still going in 2016 when a week of action was planned, but called off at the final hour once a new offer was put on the table- dispute ended Feb 2016 ahead of further planned strike action with union negotiators pleased with outcome (but nevertheless many ticket office closures do seem to have gone ahead)
Days: 6 days strike action
Organisation: RMT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - government strongly opposed
Political support (opposition): no - Miliband labelled the strikes 'wrong' - Kahn opposes the strike - no support reported
Transport Sector: Yes
Public sector workers: Partial - London Undergrounds Ltd. is subsidiary of Transport for London
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: yes (London Underground)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (jobs)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: Partial (Miliband then Corbyn)
Outcome: substantial achievements (but closures did go ahead)
Sources:
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/every-job-matters-lu-dispute-acas-latest/
https://rmtlondoncalling.org.uk/content/industrial-action-suspended-our-fight-save-jobs-continues
https://rmtlondoncalling.org.uk/content/gallery-picket-lines-strong-across-london
https://rmtlondoncalling.org.uk/content/rmt-lays-out-future-every-job-matters-dispute
https://rmtlondoncalling.org.uk/content/every-job-matters-tube-dispute-ballot-results
https://rmtlondoncalling.org.uk/content/every-job-matters-strikes-continue
https://rmtlondoncalling.org.uk/content/rmt-announce-new-strike-dates-over-tube-cuts-and-night-tube
https://rmtlondoncalling.org.uk/content/every-job-matters-industrial-action-suspended
https://www.cityam.com/rmt-last-union-to-call-off-tube-strike-scheduled-for-26-january-2016/
42 Unite dispute with Optare (2014)
42 Unite dispute with Optare (2014)
Industrial action at Leeds-based bus and coach manufacturer Optare's Sherburn facility over holidays and pay. Organised by Unite and consisting of 2 days of strike action by around 140 workers in May/June 2014. The dispute was eventually resolved in June, in the face of a threat of a further 2 days of strike action, with some forced holidays still scheduled to take place (which as the original grievance) but now with a pay rise as compensation.
Days: 2 days strike action
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: No
Local dispute: yes (Sherburn facility)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions/pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements (improved pay concession but half of holidays (1 week) still to be forced)
Sources:
https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/optare-workers-strike-over-holidays-270514-02
https://leedssocialistparty.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/optare-workers-strike-against-holiday-changes/
https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/38398/Settlement+in+Optare+bus+makers+dispute
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/strike-at-optare-over-enforced-august-holiday-gs6nw00s6hl
43 Cab drivers against Uber licences (2014-2017)
43 Cab drivers against Uber licences (2014-2017)
Protests over 4 different days 2014-16 - June 2014, April 2015, May 2015, February 2016 organised by different organisations, including the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association and United Cabbies, RMT, Unite, including disruptive go slow protests that blocked the roads, in opposition to the London Mayor's decision allowing an Uber meter. After some time (2017) TfL ended the licence for Uber.
Days: 4 protest events
Organisation: various, including Licensed Taxi Drivers Association and United Cabbies, RMT, Unite
Action (type): disruptive go slow/blockade (confrontational)
Political support (government): partial - Mayor Johnson comes out against Uber - but no reported statement in support of the protests themselves
Political support (opposition): partial - Mayor Kahn supports non-renewal of Uber licence - but no reported statement in support of the protests themselves
Transport Sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: partial - Licensed Taxi Drivers Association and United Cabbies, amongst others
Local dispute: yes (London only)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial (public policy with direct impact on working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: partial (Miliband then Corbyn)
Outcome: substantial achievements (the desired outcome - Uber ban - did come about in2017, albeit after some time and due to legal ruling - hence put as 'substantial achievements' rather that 'goals realised')
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jun/11/london-taxi-drivers-protest-uber-app
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-27799938
https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/statement-from-mayor-of-london-on-uber-hearing
https://www.cityam.com/boris-johnson-uber-london-mayor-thinks-uber-breaking-law/
44 Ritzy living wage campaign (2014)
44 Ritzy living wage campaign (2014)
Sustained campaign seeking the London Living Wage (£8.80) - after 13 strike days and demonstrations the eventual outcome was a pay rise to £8 (backdated) (see Bailey et al. 2018: pp. 82-6)
Days: 13 strike days
Organisation: BECTU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): limited - Johnson supports idea of living wage in principle but no support on this campaign reported
Political support (opposition): limited - Miliband supports idea of living wage in principle but no support on this campaign reported
Transport Sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (Brixton Ritzy)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
Bailey, D.J., Clua-Losada, M., Huke, N. and Ribera-Almandoz, O., 2018, Beyond defeat and austerity: Disrupting (the critical political economy of) neoliberal Europe, (London, Routledge). pp. 82-6
45 GMB living wage campaign - Next (2014-15)
45 GMB living wage campaign - Next (2014-15)
GMB campaign for living wage for Next staff - demonstration in Liverpool in June 2014 as part of a national campaign which saw demonstrations in 9 cities in total. The campaign continues in 2015, with another demonstration (Newbury), although there is no sign of a positive response, in fact as Next moved to cut pay on Sundays in 2015 and Next boss, Wolfson, denounces living wage campaign.
Days: 10 protest events
Organisation: GMB
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): very limited - Johnson supports idea of living wage in principle but no support on this campaign reported
Political support (opposition): mainly - supports living wage - congratulates GMB on campaign at their conference - but nothing reported directly on Next campaign
Transport Sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national campaign)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://wrp.org.uk/features/pay-the-living-wage-gmb-to-demonstrate-at-nexts-agm/
https://www.gmbnorthwest.co.uk/news/next-liverpool-final-leg-during-paul-heaton-tour
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jun/24/living-wage-commission-report-minimum-pay
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/lord-wolfson-next-living-wage-5367964
46 NUJ dispute Newsquest (2014)
46 NUJ dispute Newsquest (2014)
NUJ members at Newsquest North East go on strike against plans to move their offices to a new Newport hub. Strikes in Feb and June 2014 (with June strike including South London branch too). Nevertheless the move went ahead anyway.
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: NUJ
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): partial - some left-leaning Labour MPs signed an EDM
Transport Sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (Blackburn, North East and South London)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://oxfordnuj.wordpress.com/2014/12/
https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/46586/newsquest-newspapers-and-local-journalism
47 Public sector pay dispute (2014)
47 Public sector pay dispute (2014)
Public sector pay dispute sees multiple unions, including NUT, FBU, PCS, Unison, GMB, Unite, all taking industrial action on 10 July 2014. PCS again on strike in October 2014. This was in opposition to the 1% pay cap which was in place between 2013-18 (i.e. it remained in place despite the strike action).
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: public sector unions, including NUT, FBU, PCS, Unison, GMB, Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - government very opposed and questioned the legitimacy of the ballots
Political support (opposition): partial - does not support the strike but attacks Conservatives for belligerence
Transport Sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-8037/CBP-8037.pdf
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/10/strikes-public-sector-industrial-action-pay-pensions
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29624816
48 Hack the Art World (2014)
48 Hack the Art World (2014)
Protest organised in the form of an alternative exhibition - against the way that google dominated the Barbican exhibition, Digital Revolution. The goals of the protest are relatively clear but seem to be focused on the way the event was exploitative in inviting less established developer/artists to labour for free competing for a commission. In this sense, the protest did draw attention to google practices (minor achievements) but beyond this no obvious impact, and no change to the Barbican exhibition or google practice in itself.
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: Hack the Art World (collective of artists)
Action (type): e-protest (informational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: yes (focused on Barbican exhibition)
Focus on immediate material interests: no
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements
Sources:
49 Unite dispute Northampton General Hospital (2014)
49 Unite dispute Northampton General Hospital (2014)
In response to a proposed restructuring of staff at Northampton General Hospital, 78 staff (organised by Unite) threatened ASOS. However, this prompted a lock out by the hospital, which meant that the ASOS couldn't go ahead. Instead a protest was staged outside the hospital in July 2014. A negotiated settlement was subsequently reached in September; although this seems to have seen the adoption of the proposed reforms (only minor achievements, in that the final deal was negotiated, but most reforms seemed to go ahead).
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport Sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (Northampton General Hospital)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements
Sources:
50 PCS passport office dispute (2014)
50 PCS passport office dispute (2014)
1 day strike action in July 2014 by PCS members in the Passport Office over staff shortages. Passport Office later stripped of agency status which was a limited win in the sense that at least the existing working practices were shown to have been not working.
Days: 1 day strike action
Organisation: PCS
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - strike against government and Home Office unhappy about the strike
Political support (opposition): some minimal support - Labour MP Paul Flynn criticises government for criticising strikers - although Labour MPs (Ian Austin) also criticise PCS for considering strike action and Yvette Cooper states against strike action
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (national dispute - but focused only on one agency within the government)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: minor achievements
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jul/28/passport-office-staff-strike-staff-shortages-backlog
51 Unison Care UK dispute (2014)
51 Unison Care UK dispute (2014)
In response to efforts by Care UK to impose a large pay cut, care workers organised by Unison took part in 90 days of strike action. This resulted in significant concessions and the pay reform was avoided for 12 months with further guarantees for subsequent years.
Days: 90 days strike action
Organisation: Unison
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): no - Miliband criticised for lack of support
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - contracted out by Doncaster Council
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (Doncaster)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals realised (immediate pay cut averted and protections/concessions put in place)
Sources:
https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2014/03/doncaster-carers-strike-against-massive-cuts/
https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2014/11/victory-for-the-care-uk-strikers/
52 NHS pay strike (2014)
52 NHS pay strike (2014)
NHS staff and midwives strike over pay in October 2014 - national 'Britain needs a pay rise' demo organised by TUC - and strike again in November - nevertheless the 1% pay cap remained in place.
Days: 2 days strike action
Organisation: Royal College of Midwives and Unison
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - strike was against government
Political support (opposition): no - Miliband criticised for lack of support
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://novaramedia.com/2014/11/26/7-reasons-the-midwives-strike-affects-us-all/
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-8037/CBP-8037.pdf
53 Unite dispute - St Mungos Broadway (2014)
53 Unite dispute - St Mungos Broadway (2014)
In a dispute organised by Unite, homelessness charity workers take strike action for 7 days over detrimental changes to terms and conditions, working practices and management style, following a merger with Broadway. In the face of another round of 10 days of planned strike action St Mungos Broadway conceded to demands in order to avoid this second round of strikes.
Days: 7 days strike action
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): partial - sizeable group of Labour MPs sign EDM
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - charity, but with a large number of local authorities as partners
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://unitelive.org/strike-called/
https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/39241/St+Mungos+seven+day+strike+hits+housing+bosses
54 Journalists against government monitoring (RIPA) (2014)
54 Journalists against government monitoring (RIPA) (2014)
In opposition to the use of Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act to monitor journalists, the Press Gazette set up a petition opposing the powers, which was signed by hundreds of journalists. The fear was that the police were regularly using the power to identify journalists' sources. This prompted an inquiry led by Paul Kennedy, who was standing in for Anthony May (due to road accident suffered by May) - report recommended in Jan that judge should need to authorise use of RIPA on journalists to release sources - this was subsequently incorporated into law in the IPA 2016. More details here.
Days: 1 event (petition)
Organisation: Press Gazette
Action (type): petition (informational)
Political support (government): yes - front bench (Osborne) says use to investigate journalists not appropriate
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: partial - petition set up by Press Gazette but voluntary signed by journalists
Local dispute: no (national dispute over public policy/legislation)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial (public sector policy/legislation that has an impact on working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements (requirement that judge approves use of RIPA is new safeguard)
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/dec/10/home-office-draft-code-of-conduct-nuj-state-snooping
https://www.news.co.uk/2015/01/the-news-blog-protecting-journalists-sources/
J. Richards (2018) Snooper's Charter? Reflections on 2016 update to interception law in the UK
55 NUT defend union reps in Highgate Wood and Fortismere School (2014)
55 NUT defend union reps in Highgate Wood and Fortismere School (2014)
NUT launch a dispute over the sacking of a union rep - strike was for 2 days in November 2014 - who according to this report (and this one) was eventually reinstated as a result of a local authority arrangement in which a local schools forum would employ the rep - this was done in the face of further planned strike action.
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: NUT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (with local authority)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial (local authority decision that affected trade union representation)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals realised (trade union rep reinstated)
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/nov/25/academy-spends-pupil-premium-funding-buses-taxis
http://edwatch.blogspot.com/2014/11/uk-heads-attack-union-rep-strike.html
https://www.haringey.gov.uk/news/school-strike-resolution-bid-welcomed
56 Protests over unpaid wages - COC/Saatchi (2014)
56 Protests over unpaid wages - COC/Saatchi (2014)
In opposition to the failure to pay wages by cleaners COC, in Saatchi offices, when COC went bust, the 35 affected cleaners launched a protest over unpaid wages. In the face of a potential tribunal claim (and bad publicity) Saatchi eventually agreed to pay and the cleaners also kept their jobs.
Days: 1 protest event reported
Organisation: no formal organisation in reports
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: yes (COC/Saatchi offices)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals realised (unpaid wages reclaimed in full and kept jobs)
Sources:
https://www.thedrum.com/news/2014/12/09/saatchi-saatchi-reimburses-cleaners-missing-wages
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/07/saatchi-cleaners-fight-unpaid-wages-low-pay
https://www.campaignlive.com/article/saatchi-saatchi-london-agrees-pay-cleaners-owed-wages/1325483
57 Sex workers against government restrictions (2014)
57 Sex workers against government restrictions (2014)
Sex workers organise a protest by sex workers against porn restrictions brought in under the Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2014 - no obvious sign or reports of any response or change in tack by government.
Days: 1 protest event reported
Organisation: no formal organisation in reports
Action (type): demonstration/stunt (informational)
Political support (government): no - Government defends regulations
Political support (opposition): minor - a small handful of Lib Dem MPs put an EDM supporting the protests
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: no (against national legislation)
Focus on immediate material interests: no (public policy)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised (no obvious sign of any response or change)
Sources:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/long-list-sex-acts-just-got-banned-uk-porn-9897174.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30420193
58 Unite dispute - Barbour (2014-15)
58 Unite dispute - Barbour (2014-15)
Workers at a Barbour warehouse (Gateshead) organised by Unite stage 6 day strike against changes to working conditions (late working with no compensation). Strike involves about 70 workers - first round of strikes in December; then begin a 4-week strike in January 2015 - this is eventually called off after 8 days following a resolution that members were happy with that shortens the late working and includes a pay element.
Days: 14 strike days
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (Gateshead warehouse)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements (working conditions changes amended and pay increased)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-30528477
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-30797138
https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/update/2014-12-18/workers-at-barbour-begin-six-day-strike/
59 Unite London bus drivers strike (2015-16)
59 Unite London bus drivers strike (2015-16)
After a single day of strike action in Jan 2015, Unite bus drivers in London launch a campaign of 3 strike days in January 2015 - to take place in Feb 2015 - against the lack of standardisation of pay bargaining across London. After the first of the Feb strikes took place the other 2 were called off in order for talks to occur. After lengthy talks (nearly two years) a deal reached with TfL that sees considerable standardisation, although the changes will take considerable time to be phased in.
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - Conservative Mayor Johnson says the strikes are 'wrong'
Political support (opposition): minimal - Labour member on London Assembly calls for an agreement
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: partial - private bus companies but negotiations are with TfL as coordinator of services
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (London only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay negotiations)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: partial (Miliband then Corbyn)
Outcome: substantial achievements (standardisation agreed but to be phased in over a considerable amount of time)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-30784623
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-31026915
60 Northern Ireland NHS workers' strike (2015)
60 Northern Ireland NHS workers' strike (2015)
NHS workers (including ambulance staff) in Northern Ireland stage 2 days of strike over pay, staged by Unite and GMB. The strike only took place in N Ireland as a pay offer (1%) was made in rest of country. Day 1 took place in Jan 2015, day 2 in May. No improved offer by the government.
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: Unite and GMB
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - action is against government
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (NI only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/29/nhs-strike-northern-ireland
https://www.union-news.co.uk/nhs-workers-on-strike-in-northern-ireland-over-pay/
https://unitealliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/EC-Report-March-2016.pdf
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/may/06/paramedics-24-strike-northern-ireland-unite-pay
61 Met Office workers' pay dispute (2015-17)
61 Met Office workers' pay dispute (2015-17)
Prospect members in the Met Office enter a dispute over pay, claiming concerns about recruitment due to low pay. The first action was a 3-hour strike in Feb 2015. The dispute then morphed into an equal pay claim - with another day of strike action in Feb 2016, which was successfully resolved in 2017 after 2 years of campaign after a promise by the Met Office to put in place a new pay system that would equalise pay by 2020, partly due to the threat of legal action over discrimination.
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: Prospect
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - action is against government
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Met Office as sub-unit of BIS Govt. Dept.)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: partial (Miliband then Corbyn)
Outcome: substantial achievements (new pay system agreed but focused on gender inequality not the 1% pay claim where the dispute started and also changes to be phased in over a prolonged period up to 2020)
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/feb/26/met-office-staff-strike-over-pay
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-35641829
62 Northern Ireland public sector workers' strike (2015)
62 Northern Ireland public sector workers' strike (2015)
Public sector workers' dispute in Northern Ireland over public sector cuts and Stormont budget (Stormont House Agreement). Sinn Fein and SDLP backed opposition to proposed welfare reform and as a result the legislation reached an impasse. The dispute was still ongoing in October 2015. In an attempt to resolve the dispute, welfare measures were eventually pushed through Westminster parliament in November 2015 following a new deal between Sinn Fein and DUP which 'softened the blow' of the welfare reforms (concessions)
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: public sector unions - led by Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - action is against government
Political support (opposition): partial - Sinn Fein indirectly support strike by virtue of opposing welfare reforms
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (NI only)
Focus on immediate material interests: mainly (public policy with focus on threat of 20,000 job cuts)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: partial (Miliband then Corbyn)
Outcome: substantial achievements (the welfare reforms imposed by Westminster were backed by Sinn Fein, and "included a four-year package to soften the blow of the welfare reform and tax credits cuts, with a value of £585m")
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-31858483
https://www.centreonconstitutionalchange.ac.uk/opinions/lessons-stormont-house-agreement
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/stormont-agreement-and-implementation-plan-welfare-reform
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34894223
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7284/CBP-7284.pdf
63 Highlands and Islands airport security staff strike (2015)
63 Highlands and Islands airport security staff strike (2015)
A dispute which had been ongoing for the previous 6 years eventually saw strike action (2 days) over pay/conditions in April 2015. The union conducting the strike was Prospect, with around 120 security staff workers taking strike action across 11 airports, against the Highlands and Islands Airports (Hial), but the workers work for Hial's security company AMSL. An improved pay offer was made after the 2 day strike. The trade union seeks parity with other workers at Hial, plus a 5% pay rise. Hial eventually offer to standardise terms and conditions over a 20 month period and the workers vote overwhelmingly to accept the offer. The dispute therefore ended with a clear victory and the workers got what they want (standardised terms with the rest of Hial employees). - compromise agreed and supported by members - standardises terms and conditions with others working for the firm - deal looks good and wins main aims - dispute itself lasted for 6 years
Days: 2 strike day
Organisation: Prospect
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: partial - Hial is Scottish-government owned
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay, terms and conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-32197075
https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2015/04/22/offer-made-to-staff-in-airport-dispute
https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2015/05/05/airport-security-staff-vote-to-stop-industrial-action
64 National Museum of Scotland strike (2015-16)
64 National Museum of Scotland strike (2015-16)
2 days strike in April 2015 by around 120 PCS staff at the National Museum of Scotland over the lack of weekend pay for new staff, after 18 months of dispute. Then another 7 days of strike in August 2015 - and another 2 days in December 2015. In the face of a further round of strike action planned for April 2016 the NMS improved their offer and the dispute was resolved. This saw compensation for the weekend workers not paid weekend rates, and an improved pay offer. Overall the goals sought were realised.
Days: 11 strike day
Organisation: PCS
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): partial: some supportive questions raised by Labour MPs
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - National Museums Scotland is publicly-owned
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: partial (Miliband then Corbyn)
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/strike-action-sees-national-museum-7078368
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-34033163
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-35186941
https://www.twinfm.com/article/week-long-strike-at-scottish-museums
65 Northern Ireland Midwives strike over pay (2015)
65 Northern Ireland Midwives strike over pay (2015)
Northern Ireland Midwives, organised in the Royal College of Midwives, go on 4-hour strike over pay, in opposition to the 1% pay rise the previous year and no offer for 2015. No evidence of any change in pay policy as a result.
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: Royal College of Midwives
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (NI only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-32521572
66 ITV workers' pay dispute (2015)
66 ITV workers' pay dispute (2015)
Pay dispute by ITV workers in three unions - NUJ, Unite and Bectu. The unions staged a 1-day strike in May 2015 (timed to coincide with the AGM). They sought 2.7%, but got 2.2% plus improved redundancy pay.
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: NUJ, Unite and Bectu
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
67 National Gallery workers against privatisation (2015)
67 National Gallery workers against privatisation (2015)
National Gallery employees (members of PCS) took over 100 days of strike action to oppose the privatisation of the National Gallery in London. The outcome of the dispute (reached in October 2015) was a resolution that didn't avoid privatisation but did get pay deal, protection of terms and conditions, and a union recognition deal. The agreement was then supported by members.
Days: 100 strike days
Organisation: PCS
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): partial - neutrality under Miliband; supportive under Corbyn
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - National Gallery is publicly-owned
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (only National Gallery)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial (employer policy (privatisation) with impact on employment conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: partial (Miliband then Corbyn)
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
68 NUJ dispute Newsquest (2015)
68 NUJ dispute Newsquest (2015)
NUJ members working for Newsquest (covering 11 newspapers in South London) launched 10 days of strike action in June 2015 (but called the strike off after 8 days), over job cuts and restructuring. A resolution eventually reached which didn't end all job reductions (6 left seemingly through voluntary route; whereas the initial plan was to lose 14) but did reduce job losses and secured a commitment to the Living Wage.
Days: 8 strike days
Organisation: NUJ
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): partial - Conservative MPs sponsor supportive EDM - see here
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (South London focus)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (jobs)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
69 Mental health workers against the treatment of unemployed (2015)
69 Mental health workers against the treatment of unemployed (2015)
Psychologists staged a demonstration (June 2015) outside Streatham's job centre in opposition to the use of psychologists in treatment of the unemployed, whereby the DWP has started to employ therapists to "treat" the unemployed. Despite protests the use if psychologists in this way seems to continue several years later. - see here and here.
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: Mental Health Resistance Network, Psychologists Against Austerity, amongst others
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): no - the protest is against government policy
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - (many are NHS psychologists, but it's not explicitly a demo by only public sector psychologists)
Grassroots/independent union: yes (various grassroots groups organised)
Local dispute: partial (focus on Streatham job centre because that's where the policy launched; but opposition is to national policy)
Focus on immediate material interests: no (public policy)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/26/mental-health-protest-clinic-jobcentre-streatham
70 RMT dispute - CALMAC (2015)
70 RMT dispute - CALMAC (2015)
Dispute over job security, pensions and working conditions, sees ferry workers in RMT go on strike for 3 days in June 2015. This is partly in opposition to the competitive tendering for the service - threatening to shift the contract from state-owned CALMAC to Serco. The dispute seeks a promise that the terms/conditions will remain the same even if it's contracted out. A second round of strikes suspended for talks with guarantee no progress without union agreement - resolution eventually agreed in July 2015 with a promise that essentially does what RMT was asking for (i.e. to keep in place existing terms/conditions regardless of who wins the contract).
Days: 3 strike days
Organisation: RMT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - neutrality
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: partial - (CALMAC is state-owned)
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no (Miliband)
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13415495.ferry-workers-calmac-argyll-ferries-strike-next-week/
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-settles-dispute-on-calmac/
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13415495.ferry-workers-calmac-argyll-ferries-strike-next-week/
71 tube workers' dispute over night tube launch (2015-16)
71 tube workers' dispute over night tube launch (2015-16)
1 day of strike action in July 2015 (RMT, TSSA and Unite) against the move to night working and the way it was being introduced - seek a negotiated change to the terms/conditions for the night work. Talks failed to produce a resolution and so 2 further days of strike action planned for August. Those 2 days were called off at the last minute for talks. This led to an indefinite suspension of the launch of the night tube, pending negotiations with the unions, which was what was being sought from the start. TfL says the aim of the suspension is to reach agreement with the unions. March 2016: a deal was reached that RMT were happy with, and the night tube started in August 2016 (around a year late, delayed start in part due to the negotiations).
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: RMT, TSSA, Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - London Mayor criticises RMT
Political support (opposition): partial - Corbyn and other MPs criticise treatment of tube workers
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: partial - (London Underground is subsidiary of Transport for London)
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (London Underground)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: partial (Miliband then Corbyn)
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-33456830
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/aug/27/london-night-tube-plan-suspended
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/publications/rmt-news-september-2015/
https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/tube-strikes-could-more-industrial-9920636
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-33866704
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-35697093
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-37108375
72 Solicitors/Barristers against further cuts to Legal Aid fees (2015)
72 Solicitors/Barristers against further cuts to Legal Aid fees (2015)
In response to a further cut in lawyers' fees under Legal Aid, barristers vote (Criminal Bar Association) to support criminal solicitors (who have already taken 3 weeks of action). The total fee cut is 17.5%., but this round of cuts is 8.75%. The barristers will also now refuse to take on new cases. Barristers action starts 27 July 2015. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) have promised a review of the impact of the cuts for 2016. The fees cut went ahead in July 2015 despite the action. Strikes eventually called off in August 2015, with no improved offer made, after a total of 52 days of action.
Days: 52 days of action - between "ASOS" and "strike" [not technically a strike, but refusal to take on cases so de facto strike, but not quite strike as ongoing cases remain in place, just new cases, so between "ASOS" and "strike"]
Organisation: Criminal Bar Association and various solicitors associations
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - action is against the government, who claim cost-cutting is necessary
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no
Focus on immediate material interests: partial (public policy with clear material implications)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: no
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
73 Unite against zero hours contract - Sports Direct (2015-16)
73 Unite against zero hours contract - Sports Direct (2015-16)
Unite launched a campaign to oppose use of zero hour contracts at Sports Direct - consisting of a day of protests outside the Sports Direct AGM (September 2015) and its shops across the country - and then another protest in February 2016 - and again June 2016. In 2016 AGM Sports Direct announced they would end use of zero hour contracts, in part following the controversy created by a Guardian expose, but a year later the practice of zero hours contracts continued.
Days: 3 days of protest
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): demonstration - stunt (Dickensian protest) (informational)
Political support (government): very limited - Vince Cable largely backs use of zero hours, except with exclusivity clause in them
Political support (opposition): yes - Miliband attacks Sports Direct in 2014 on zero hours contracts specifically; yes under Corbyn- Labour MPs call for action on Sports Direct and here - Labour front bench also generally against zero hours contracts - Corbyn later also attacks Sports Direct directly.
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: partial (Miliband then Corbyn)
Outcome: minor achievements (promised to abolish zero hour contracts but continued anyway)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-34202858
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/sep/06/sports-direct-to-ditch-zero-hours-contracts
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41160746
74 GMB/Unite pensions dispute - Northumbrian Water (2015-16)
74 GMB/Unite pensions dispute - Northumbrian Water (2015-16)
Pensions dispute, over claims that Defined Benefit scheme is unaffordable and therefore needs reform/cuts, launched by GMB and Unite with indefinite ASOS in Oct 2015. Protest held in November 2015. Balloted for strike action and then took strike action (one day) on 19 Feb 2016. Pension reform went ahead despite the objections (as the Annual Report covering 2016 shows).
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: GMB/Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (North East only: Northumbrian Water)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pensions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: unrealised goals
Sources:
http://archive.gmb.org.uk/newsroom/northumbrian-water-industrial-action
http://archive.gmb.org.uk/newsroom/nov-durham-pensions-cuts-protest
http://archive.gmb.org.uk/newsroom/water-workers-strike-on-pensions
75 Steel workers against job losses (2015)
75 Steel workers against job losses (2015)
1 day demonstration in Sheffield, organised by TUC, calling for more support for steel industry in the face of competition from China. This followed an earlier protest in September 2015 in Redcar. This prompted a range of measures to be put in place by the government but these were considered insufficient by parliamentary committee. More details here.
Days: 2 protest events
Organisation: TUC
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): partial - Javid calls for support from Brussels
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn calls for government support
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pensions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: minor achievements (measures adopted but largely considered insufficient)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34889040
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/sep/28/redcar-steel-plant-to-close-with-1700-job-losses
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/apr/20/how-the-uk-steel-crisis-unfolded
76 DLR workers strike (2015-16)
76 DLR workers strike (2015-16)
DLR workers (RMT) launch 2 day strike action in November 2015 over use of agency staff and bullying management practices. Failure to resolve the dispute prompted a plan for escalating action of 17 days over Jan-March 2016. Following progress in talks, the first round of the 2016 strikes suspended; and then the February round of strikes suspended following negotiations. Dispute eventually resolved following offer by the management.
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: RMT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: partial - DLR is owned by TfL
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (DLR only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-confirms-48-hour-dlr-strike-from-tomorrow-morning/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-35003807
https://rmtlondoncalling.org.uk/content/upcoming-dlr-strike-suspended
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/breakdown-in-industrial-relations--keolis-amey-docklands030316/
77 EIS campaign for better funding for HE (2015)
77 EIS campaign for better funding for HE (2015)
EIS holds a protest in December 2015 to call for better funding for higher education in Scotland - no obvious change several years later.
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: EIS
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): none reported (neutral statement)
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes (College employees)
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial (public policy with implications for working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://planetradio.co.uk/borders/local/news/college-funding-needed-draconian-cuts-claim-eis/
78 Rail workers against ticket price hikes (2016)
78 Rail workers against ticket price hikes (2016)
Demonstration outside Kings Cross Station to protest against rail fares being too high - organised by the rail unions (RMT, TSSA, Aslef) - but a year later no obvious change
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: RMT, TSSA, Aslef
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn and Sadiq Kahn both supported
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national)
Focus on immediate material interests: no (protest over rail fares, which don't directly relate to employment)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
79 Train drivers dispute (Aslef) - Arriva trains wales (2016)
79 Train drivers dispute (Aslef) - Arriva trains wales (2016)
1 day strike by strike by Aslef members on Arriva Trains Wales takes place January 2016, in a dispute over terms and conditions. Another day of strike action planned for 1 February but suspended following negotiations. Eventually a deal reached and members supported it (although relatively narrowly, with around 41% voting no, suggesting not everyone happy with the outcome).
Days: 1 day strike action
Organisation: Aslef
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - hostility and/or neutrality
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Wales only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements (given that 41% voted against the deal we can't say that the goals were entirely realised and not quite substantial achievements given 40% of members were against deal)
Sources:
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/arriva-trains-wales-drivers-dispute-11003924
80 Junior Doctors' strike - contract dispute (2016-19)
80 Junior Doctors' strike - contract dispute (2016-19)
In a dispute over contract changes imposed by the government on junior doctors, strike action by BMA members (after 98% yes vote) begins in January 2016, another strike day in Feb 2016, 2 more strike days in March, and then another 2 days strike action (including emergency treatment) in April. After a total of 6 strike days talks re-opened and a deal was reached, but BMA members narrowly voted against it. This led the Government to impose it anyway, with the BMA first announcing another series of strike actions for second half of 2016, but then reversing this decision and suspending all further strike action on health/safety grounds. A contract review was then agreed, to take place in 2018. This leads BMA members to accept the final agreement, which includes commitment to pay rises over 4 years and limits on weekend working.
Days: 6 days strike action
Organisation: BMA
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - government is hostile, especially Hunt
Political support (opposition): yes - Abbott supports
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no - national
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements (contract agreed did include substantial concessions but had to wait 3 years after strike action before the review led to this)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-34859860
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35294637
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-36134103
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-36714792
https://fullfact.org/health/junior-doctors-pay-short-introduction-dispute/
https://www.nhsemployers.org/sites/default/files/media/Framework-Agreement-doctors-in-training_0.pdf
81 Trade unionists against Scottish austerity (2016)
81 Trade unionists against Scottish austerity (2016)
Trade unions organise protest against Scottish Government's austerity budget and especially its impact on councils. Despite the protests, the budget was approved regardless.
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: GMB/Unite
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): no - SNP dismissed opposition/protest
Political support (opposition): yes - all opposition parties against budget
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - organised by trade unions with council workers, but not only/directly council workers
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial (public policy with implications for working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://nen.press/2016/02/03/unions-unite-to-challenge-austerity-cuts/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35649196
82 EIS pay dispute (2016)
82 EIS pay dispute (2016)
College lecturers in the EIS trade union plan for a rolling/escalating strike action of 32 days days, in a dispute over pay and following an offer of 1%. After 1 day of strike action in March an agreement was reached which included increased pay and no sanction or pay deduction for the strike day and to increase pay over multiple years - although union later claims it was never properly implemented.
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: EIS
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - college lecturers
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements (would have been goals realised but the employer later accused of having reneged)
Sources:
https://www.eis.org.uk/NB-Outputs/TermsofAgreement
83 UVW pay dispute - Top Shop (2016)
83 UVW pay dispute - Top Shop (2016)
Cleaners stage protests against Brittania Services (cleaners outsourced) outside Top Shop Oxford Street branch, on March 2016, April 2016, May 2016 and action short of strike in demand of London living wage, most of which involved road blockages or other forms of disruption. The end result wasn't the LLW but did get substantial compensation for main claimants.
Days: 3 protest events
Organisation: UVW
Action (type): demonstration (disruptive/confrontational) - including road blockage and 'scuffles'
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - McDonnell joins protest
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: yes (aimed at Brittania Services/Top Shop, but focused Oxford Street branch)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/campaigns/topshop/
84 Fast Food Rights protest against zero hours contracts - McDonalds (2016)
84 Fast Food Rights protest against zero hours contracts - McDonalds (2016)
1 protest (wearing clown suits) in Glasgow against zero hour contracts outside McDonalds, staged by Fast Food Rights (which was created by the union BFAWU). This saw an almost immediate move by McDonalds to agree to fixed hour contracts, in what looks like direct response to this protest (but also in context of widespread condemnation of zero hours contracts around that time).
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: Fast Food Rights/BFAWU
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Labour Party refuses to allow McDonalds stall at conference
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
85 Aslef drivers dispute over guardless trains - GTR (2016-17)
85 Aslef drivers dispute over guardless trains - GTR (2016-17)
Aslef members refused to drive train from Gatwick Express to London Victoria due to lack of guards in April 2016 - followed by 2 days of strikes in Dec2016 and another 2 days of strikes in Jan2017 . Talks commenced in Feb 2017 and reached a deal which was then rejected by members twice. By Nov 2017 ASLEF were recommending accepting the deal to their members - ASLEF then settled with a 5-year pay deal and concessions on use of DOO in exchange for accepting DOO.
Days: 5 strikes (1 of which was wildcat)
Organisation: ASLEF
Action (type): strike (mainly) and wildcat strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn supports
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (GTR line only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements (5-year pay deal in exchange for accepting DOO)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-39483106
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-38588863
86 Prison staff walkout (2016)
86 Prison staff walkout (2016)
Prison staff walkout over fear for safety in prison; the immediate concerns of staff were addressed and urgent talks arranged to discuss further ongoing issues - meaning that the walkout was ended.
Days: 1 day
Organisation: Prison Officers' Association
Action (type): wildcat strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): partial - Labour front bench asks a supportive urgent question in parliament
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (Wormwood scrubs)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised (immediate concerns of staff addressed)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-36237654
87 UCU pay dispute (2016)
87 UCU pay dispute (2016)
2 days of strike in May 2016 in a dispute over pay. Followed by ASOS and external examiners resigned. Then a strike day that varied by institutions (designed to hit graduation ceremonies). In November 2016 members voted not to continue with dispute, with no improvement on the pay offer secured.
Days: 3 strike days
Organisation: UCU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - Universities funded by large amounts of public funding
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
88 BFAWU dispute - 2 sisters/Pennine Foods (2016)
88 BFAWU dispute - 2 sisters/Pennine Foods (2016)
Around 400 workers at Pennine Foods in Sheffield stage 2 day strike in May 2016 over planned contract changes that are said to result in a £5k annual pay cut. Stage protest in city centre later in the month, and hand in letter threatening another 2 days of strike action. This saw another 2 day strike in June 2016, including picket/blockade of plant. Another planned week of action called off for further talks, sees suspensions of contract changes and backdated pay rise - then entered protracted negotiations in which the outcome was unclear but there was some dissatisfaction voiced over the length of the negotiations and suggestions management were dragging things out as a strategy.
Days: 4 strike days (and a blockade)
Organisation: BFAWU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (Sheffield factory)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements (the concessions that led to the calling off the strike were substantial temporary measure but unclear long-term resolution)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-36341416
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2016/06/22/food-j22.html
89 RMT guardless train dispute - Southern/GTR (2016-19)
89 RMT guardless train dispute - Southern/GTR (2016-19)
RMT entered into a long running dispute with Southern/GTR over guardless trains in 2016. Whereas Aslef reached a deal in 2017 (see above), RMT were still going 3 years later despite the changes being imposed in 2017, and by which point they had taken 40 days strike action. RMT calls for Southern to be stripped of franchise in 2019, but response of GTR is that they've already imposed the changes, and there's no subsequent sign of any movement by Southern.
Days: 40 strike days
Organisation: RMT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Labour committed to ending DOO trains
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Southern/GTR line only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-48068392
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-calls-for-southern-to-be-stripped-of-franchise/
90 UCU pay dispute - Scottish universities (2016)
90 UCU pay dispute - Scottish universities (2016)
As part of UCU's pay dispute, a number of Scottish universities held 1-day strikes in June 2016. The dispute eventually ended without an improved pay offer.
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: UCU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - supportive questions from Labour MSPs
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - university staff
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
91 RMT guardless train dispute - Scotrail (2016)
91 RMT guardless train dispute - Scotrail (2016)
RMT entered into a dispute with Scotrail over guardless trains. The first round of strikes takes place in June and continues into July, with 12 strike days in total. Stikes called off in August for talks. Eventually a compromise reached in which drivers will open doors and the guards will close, overwhelmingly backed by members.
Days: 12 strike days
Organisation: UCU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - SNP backed management
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (ScotRail only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements (guards remain although drivers will operate doors)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-36532081
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-36966104
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-37412894
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-37560012
92 NUT anti-cuts strike (2016)
92 NUT anti-cuts strike (2016)
Teachers in NUT stage a strike in July 2016 over cuts and workload, with no obvious change to government policy.
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: NUT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - hostile
Political support (opposition): no - neutrality
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
93 Shell platforms/Wood Group dispute (2016)
93 Shell platforms/Wood Group dispute (2016)
In response to threats to cut pay by up to 30%, around 400 offshore contract workers on 7 North Sea platforms stage a 1-day strike in July and then another 2 days in August. In September a new offer made but only narrowly accepted by members.
Days: 3 strike days
Organisation: RMT and Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (7 North Sea platforms)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements (the deal was accepted but the narrow vote in favour suggests many members not happy with the offer)
Sources:
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/wood-group-rmt-hold-constructive-9895185
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-members-kick-off-latest-48-hour-strike-on-wood-group/
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/wood-group-contractors-agree-deal-9869104
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-37440777
94 IWGB walkout - Deliveroo (2016)
94 IWGB walkout - Deliveroo (2016)
Deliveroo workers stage a week of protests, including a walkout and "strike" (actually a refusal to take on new contracts), including protests outside the office and pickets of the office, all of which results in a move to backtrack by deliveroo, witnessing the proposed change to terms of contract (which would have reduced pay) reversed.
Days: 7 strike/walkout/protest days
Organisation: IWGB
Action (type): strike/disruptive protest/unofficial strike
Political support (government): yes (BEIS step in to say pay must be over minimum wage)
Political support (opposition): yes (Labour Party condemns the changes)
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: partial (London only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions and pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised (contract changes reversed)
Sources:
95 IWBG protest - Uber Eats (2016)
95 IWBG protest - Uber Eats (2016)
After a change to the method of calculating the payment rates for UberEats, couriers launch a round of protest and a one-day "strike" (not taking gigs). No sign of improvement over the following months, and indeed one organiser has his app de-activated.
Days: 1 noisy protest, 1 strike day
Organisation: IWGB
Action (type): strike/disruptive protest/unofficial strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: partial (London only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions and pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised (no visible change to the app or payments in 2016)
Sources:
https://iwgbclb.wordpress.com/2016/09/07/ubereats-deliveroo-update/
96 Post Office workers' dispute (2016)
96 Post Office workers' dispute (2016)
Post Office workers (CWU members) strikes over restructure and pensions. This started with 24 hours strike in September, another strike day in October, and then a third day in December - see also here. CWU presented a potential deal to Post Office in December but not successful, prompting another 3 days of strike action at the end of December, but the following year there is no sign of any change.
Days: 6 strike days
Organisation: CWU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn releases video supporting the strike
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no (was privatised earlier)
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions and pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised (no visible change)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37370104
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/oct/31/uks-post-office-workers-to-stage-second-walkout
https://www.cwu.org/ltb/ltb-73816-post-office-dispute/
https://www.theweek.co.uk/72744/post-office-to-close-37-branches-in-latest-franchise-push
https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/story/2016-12-03/post-office-workers-walk-out-in-protest/
97 Unison teaching assistants strike - Derby (2016-18)
97 Unison teaching assistants strike - Derby (2016-18)
Derby teaching assistants strike over pay - 8 days taken by October - offered improved pay offer in Nov 2016 but staff rejected and opted for 6 more days strike - parents joined protest in support and entered council building - deal eventually reached in March 2017 which reinstated pay levels for most staff and offered concessionary payments to cover lost pay during strike - strike action had continued for weeks during Jan-Mar 2017. Talks break down again in Sep 2017 but in face of strike ballot an agreement is finally reached in early 2018 with all the demands met.
Days: 14 days of strike action in 2016, followed by weekly strikes between Jan 2017 and March 2017 (around 15 days?) = 29 days strike action
Organisation: Unison
Action (type): strike and disruptive protest by parents inside council building
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): partial- Corbyn calls on council leader to find a solution, momentum also support TAs, but employer is Labour-led Council
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Derby only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/dispute-derby-city-council-unison-1603101
98 Picturehouse living wage campaign (2016-19)
98 Picturehouse living wage campaign (2016-19)
Long running dispute, which was a continuation of an earlier dispute, for living wage for Picturehouse workers, re-started with strike action in September 2016. By 2017 they'd conducted 60 strikes - and then out on strike again later in 2017. Another 2 days in 2018 as well as a week of action in 2018, and 2 more in March 2018. which ultimately did not achieve its goal. Also included a prolonged boycott. In total it's difficult to identify the exact number of strike days, but from the above there is at least 72 strike actions reported.
Days: 72 strike days
Organisation: BECTU
Action (type): strike and disruption of film festival
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes- Corbyn supports
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (several London cinemas only - plus one in Brighton)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: minor achievements (ET wins and here, including reinstatement which are obviously substantial- and prevented Picturehouse winning contract in Lewisham; but did not achieve key goal of living wage)
Sources:
https://bectu.org.uk/news/bectu-response-to-picturehouse-ruling/
https://brixtonblog.com/2017/08/ritzy-workers-vote-for-renewed-strikes/
https://www.counterfire.org/articles/opinion/19494-picturehouse-dispute-how-far-will-nero-go
99 Prison officers dispute prison conditions (2016)
99 Prison officers dispute prison conditions (2016)
In a dispute over conditions in prison, and where prison officers are legally prevented from taking strike action, around 10,000 prison officers (under instruction by the Prison Officers' Association) stage an unofficial walkout of prisons nationally in protest - until an injunction forces officers back to work. In evaluating the action, the General Secretary states: "what exactly did we achieve by walking out November 15th? Well, we got the employer to address over 128 health and safety concerns that we placed before them. This has resulted in local committees, that’s you, having the power to knock on your governor’s door and agree a position in relation to your safety. You’ve been given the time, if requested, to review every risk assessment and safe system of work you have in your prisons." (Gen Sec at 2017 Annual Conference)
Days: 1 day walkout
Organisation: POA
Action (type): unofficial (wildcat) strike
Political support (government): none reported (action is against government and government condemns action)
Political support (opposition): limited - Labour Party refuse to condemn, but don't endorse either
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements (created new committee/review system - see above - but this is obviously open to resulting in little concrete change)
Sources:
https://www.poauk.org.uk/news-events/annual-conference/poa-conference-2017/
100 UVW dispute Harrods (2017)
100 UVW dispute Harrods (2017)
Disruptive protest, including blocking doorways, by new independent union UVW against Harrods due to their keeping tips for staff. In the face of the protest, the company backed down and agreed to pay the tips.
Days: 1 day protest
Organisation: UVW
Action (type): disruptive protest
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: yes (Harrods only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (tips/pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals achieved
Sources:
https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/campaigns/harrods/
101 BA Cabin Crew dispute (2017)
101 BA Cabin Crew dispute (2017)
A pay dispute between the BA Cabin Crew, represented by Unite, over a claim that sought to address a problem with employees who joined post-2010 having worse conditions/pay than the pre-2010 employees. This saw 85 days of strike action. It was eventually resolved through an agreement and pay rise in which travel concessions (which had removed as a punishment) were restored.
Days: 85 days strike action
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - hostile
Political support (opposition): yes - McDonnell supported
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals achieved
Sources:
https://news.sky.com/story/british-airways-cabin-crew-land-new-pay-deal-to-end-strikes-11107131
102 RMT guardless train dispute - South Western Railway (2017-2021)
102 RMT guardless train dispute - South Western Railway (2017-2021)
Prolonged strike in opposition to the introduction of guardless trains. The dispute lasted from 2017 to 2021 and saw 74 days of strike action. An agreed deal was eventually reached in 2021, whereby guards will remain on the trains (which is what RMT were seeking) but drivers will nevertheless operate the doors (which was South Western's original intention).
Days: 74 strike days
Organisation: RMT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - hostile
Political support (opposition): partial - Labour promises to end removal of guards (although this was before the dispute with South Western had started); and Corbyn/McDonnell both reported to be promising behind the scenes to support RMT
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (South Western only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements (guards to remain on trains and increased pay)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-56733926
https://www.railway-technology.com/features/timeline-south-western-rail-guard-dispute/
103 Tube workers' strike (2017)
103 Tube workers' strike (2017)
Dispute over staffing levels sees strike action by both RMT and TSSA. After 1 day strike and with another 2 days planned for February the strikes were called off after talks and with 60% of job cuts reversed. RMT considers victory (although obviously 40% of job cuts did go ahead).
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: RMT/TSSA
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - hostile
Political support (opposition): partial - Corbyn says there is a need to avoid ticket office closures; whereas Labour Mayor Kahn calls the strikes unnecessary
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: partial (TfL/London Underground)
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (London only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (job cuts)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements (includes commitment to new staffing arrangements and reinstatements - both of which unions are very happy about)
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/feb/03/london-tube-strikes-called-off
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-38596543
104 Teachers' strike - Bollin Primary School in Bowdon (2017)
104 Teachers' strike - Bollin Primary School in Bowdon (2017)
Teachers (NUT) begin 6 days of strike action in February 2017, supported by parents protesting, all against headteacher's approach to workload and performance monitoring. However, after 1 day of strike action the school was abruptly closed and headteacher replaced.
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: NUT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none at the time - although Labour councillors ask critical questions surrounding the issue later in the year
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (BPS only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements (replacement of headteacher)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-39105136
105 Unite pensions dispute - BMW (2017)
105 Unite pensions dispute - BMW (2017)
Unite call 8 days of strike over pensions change and closure of the final salary pension scheme - strikes to take place in April/May 2017, at BMW's UK plants. The move would mean a move from Defined Benefit to Defined Contributions pensions. After the first 4 days of strike go ahead the remainder are called off for talks; although the offer arising from those talks (£7000 compensation) was rejected by the workers, leading to further talks and the threat of further strike action, leading to a second offer (up to £25000) which was accepted.
Days: 4 strike days
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pensions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-39500529
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40554433
106 EIS pay dispute (2017)
106 EIS pay dispute (2017)
Scottish college lecturers in EIS return to strike action in April 2017 due to their claim that the earlier 2016 agreement (which settled an earlier industrial dispute) was not being honoured. That earlier one was over equal pay. The first day of strike action billed as first of an ongoing series of strike days. The strikes are eventually called off as the employer, Colleges Scotland, announces commitment to stick to agreement in May 2017 after several days of strike action and the threat of a further 3 days of action.
Days: estimate 5 days strike action - "several times in recent weeks as part of an escalating programme of action "
Organisation: EIS
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no (neutrality adopted - seeking resolution)
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - colleges
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
107 Teachers strike against redundancies - Forest Hill School for Boys in Lewisham (2017)
107 Teachers strike against redundancies - Forest Hill School for Boys in Lewisham (2017)
Teachers (NUT) by July 2017 had been on strike for at least 13 days of action in opposition to job cuts prompted by government spending cuts. Nevertheless, there is no sign of movement by school and the job cuts appear to go ahead - for instance see this discussion of the issue in September 2017.
Days: 13 strike days
Organisation: NUT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported - Conservatives blamed for cuts
Political support (opposition): limited - council is Labour-run; but Corbyn promised to reverse the cut that underpins the job cuts
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (Forest Hill school only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (job cuts)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
108 Delivery drivers protest for safety (2017)
108 Delivery drivers protest for safety (2017)
Demonstration in July 2017 outside parliament in protest demanding better protection of delivery drivers after series of acid attacks. In response, and also in response to drivers unassigning themselves, Deliveroo put in place measures to try and reassure drivers, and the government later committed to making sale of acid much more restricted; although the Police Foundation did a study a few years later confirming that delivery driving remains dangerous and that delivery drivers continue to feel unsafe - as such, the protest has limited success in the sense that some attention was drawn to the issue prompting some (minimal) responses by firms/police/government.
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: led by Jabed Hussain, apparently of the Workers Union, London [although I can't find any details of this union]
Action (type): demonstration [informational]
Political support (government): limited - later in the year Conservatives pledge to more action, although by that time government had already been criticised for acting too slowly
Political support (opposition): limited - Timms, former Labour minister, calls for tougher action
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: partial (London focus only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements - some attention was drawn to the issue prompting substantial restrictions of sale of acid, but working conditions remain unsafe hence between minor and substantial
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jul/18/acid-attacks-delivery-drivers-parliament-protest
https://www.police-foundation.org.uk/2017/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/crime_gig_economy_nov20.pdf
109 Unite bin workers' dispute - Birmingham (2017)
109 Unite bin workers' dispute - Birmingham (2017)
Bin workers who are members of Unite went on strike in summer 2017 in a dispute over job cuts, in which 120 jobs were threatened. The strikes consisted of 1 or 2 hour stoppages, creating a backlog of uncollected bins. After 7 weeks a deal was reached but the council later issued redundancy notices anyway, prompting strike action to recommence on 1 Sep 2017 although this was then suspended when a High Court injunction prevented the Council from going ahead. In the end an agreement was reached that put in place a compromise according to which the 'leading hand' would become a different role (Waste reduction collection officer) and also the service would move from 4 to 5 days per week. This was seen as a victory by Unite, with the council also paying the union's legal costs.
Days: 222 strike days reported here but that must be wrong - this report more accurate: 30 June - 16 August and then 1 Sep to 20 Sep - total of around 55 working days
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): limited - dispute was against a Labour-run council, although Corbyn called for a resolution in terms of a "a duty as a Labour movement to find a resolution"
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (Birmingham bin workers only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (job cuts)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements- change of job duty, legal costs paid, union satisfied with outcome
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-40668249
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/aug/16/birmingham-seven-week-bin-strike-end-unite
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/timeline-bins-turmoil-how-latest-15994228
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/25/birmingham-bin-dispute-strike
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-42122915
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/damning-report-birmingham-bin-strike-15580334
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-41242437
110 Bank of England workers strike (2017)
110 Bank of England workers strike (2017)
Cleaners and security staff at the Bank of England , members of Unite, go on 3 day strike to protest a below-inflation 1% pay offer, in August 2017. A deal was subsequently reached in September 2017 with significant improvements to annual holiday and increase for lowest paid staff, seeing 60% of members accept the deal.
Days: 3 strike days
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported (strike partly against government's public sector pay cap)
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (BoE only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://apnews.com/article/212f5c8b30ae455e8aded9e8481aa18c
111 Thomas Cook Pilots strike (2017)
111 Thomas Cook Pilots strike (2017)
Thomas Cook Pilots (members of British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA)) take 1 day of strike action (12 hours) in early September 2017 and then call off another day planned for late September in order to ballot for arbitration. The pay dispute is over a 4% offer (over 2 years) which is rejected in favour of a demand that Thomas Cook claims amounts to 10%. After another strike day and in the face of 7 more days strikes planned, the strike is called off in order to resolve the pay dispute via binding arbitration, with Thomas Cook agreeing to this. No details available of the final pay deal but union pleased with the binding arbitration offer. (substantial concessions)
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: BALPA
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.itv.com/news/update/2017-09-27/thomas-cook-pilots-call-off-strike-action/
https://employeebenefits.co.uk/issues/september-online-2017/thomas-cook-pilots-strike-pay-dispute/
https://www.balpa.org/Media-Centre/Press-Releases/Strikes-called-off-as-pilots-and-Thomas-Cook-agree
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/thomas-cook-pilots-call-pay-13720325
112 BFAWU McDonalds strike (2017)
112 BFAWU McDonalds strike (2017)
BFAWU balloted members at McDonalds in Crayford and Cambridge stores, which was the first McDonalds strike in the UK. The dispute was in demand of a £10 minium wage, better job security (end zero hours contracts) and better working conditions and trade union recognition. This saw a day of strike action in September 2017. In early 2018 a pay rise was announced - not everything asked for but 'step in the right direction'
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: BFAWU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - PM refused to condemn
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn offers public support in statement
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (2 stores only see strike action)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay and working conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements (pay rise for most staff and move towards improvements on working conditions)
Sources:
https://www.bfawu.org/bfawu-mcdonalds-strike-press-release/
https://www.bfawu.org/achievements-at-mcdonalds/
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/mcdonalds-increase-pay-employees-following-strike/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41143869
https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-workers-strike-over-pay-2017-9?r=US&IR=T
113 UVW dispute - HR Owen (2017)
113 UVW dispute - HR Owen (2017)
Demonstrations and strike ballot in demand of living wage - the company sought to prevent the strike by suspending the workers but this prompted two days of flashmob protest, took place and the company caved in and the living wage was agreed.
Days: 2 protest events
Organisation: UVW
Action (type): disruptive protest
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): partial - none reported from Labour but Green party supported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: yes (1 showroom only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/news/2017/11/breaking-breaking-news-victory-is-here/
https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/news/2017/10/guardian-reports-surprise-protest-at-hr-owen/
https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/campaigns/hr-owen-ferrari-dealership/
114 public sector pay campaign Scotland (2017-18)
114 public sector pay campaign Scotland (2017-18)
Public sector unions, including PCS, stage a demonstration in October 2017 calling for a pay rise for public sector workers. The SNP government of Scotland seek to dampen expectations saying they can't afford it unless they get more money from UK government. The FBU then stage a similar protest in November - with unions calling for 5% pay rise ahead of the December budget - and also threatening strike action. The final offer is a 3% pay rise (progressive - but most apply) - unions still consider the offer paltry - eventually offer lifted to 4% in May 2018 following decision to ballot for strike action.
Days: 2 protest events
Organisation: public sector unions, especially PCS and FBU
Action (type): protest
Political support (government): none reported - action is against SNP Government
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements (pay was initially capped at 1%, moved to 3% and then 4% in face of strike threat - although not quite to 5% demand)
Sources:
https://spice-spotlight.scot/2018/02/07/public-sector-pay-an-end-to-the-squeeze/
115 Scottish teachers pay claim (2017)
115 Scottish teachers pay claim (2017)
The Scottish teachers' pay claim was part of the public sector pay dispute in Scotland in 2017. This was started with ASOS and then threat of targeted strikes in certain schools - although these strikes called off due to threat of legal action - December 2017 saw a 1% pay offer (backdated by several months), with another 1% to be awarded from Jan 2018, which NASUWT rejected but it was imposed anyway.
Days: ongoing ASOS
Organisation: NASUWT
Action (type): informational (action short of strike)
Political support (government): none reported - action is against SNP Government
Political support (opposition): partial - Labour leader (Scotland) makes supportive statement prior to the dispute starting
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements - pay did increase above the 1% public sector cap, but only by a staggered 1% and 1% - which NASUWT rejected as it did not keep up with inflation - hence not minor in that it was a substantial concession but not entirely substantial as rejected by union.
Sources:
https://www.tes.com/magazine/archived/week-secondary-24-november-2017
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-41931798
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/10/teachers-at-three-glasgow-schools-to-strike-over-pay
https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/static/uploaded/09181c23-2a3f-4a6b-8f5da7311355712c.pdf
116 UCU pensions dispute (2018)
116 UCU pensions dispute (2018)
Sustained strike action (14 days) by HE sector in UCU, over reforms to USS pension scheme, taking place in early 2018. Sustained strike action resulted in a new offer from the employers, which would see UCU call off the action in exchange for setting up a Joint Expert Panel (JEP). This was accepted by members in April 2018. But USS went ahead and made emergency changes to the contributions based on the 2017 valuation. It was also agreed that no changes to the pension would be implemented until the new valuation was done. In October 2018 the JEP made a series of recommendations but did not take a view on contributions - eventually USS announced in Jan 2019 that it would need to go ahead with the 2017 as there had been no resolution. Very good summary of all this here. In sum, then, the strike action produced the JEP and a stalling (and minor adjustments) to the imposition of the 2017 valuation, but this was only a limited achievement as the valuation did eventually form the basis for USS reforms in 2019 despite the JEP.
Days: 14 strike days
Organisation: UCU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn issues supporting statement
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial (charities but with public funding)
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pensions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: minor achievements - strike action produced the JEP and a stalling (and minor adjustments) to the imposition of the 2017 valuation, but this was only a limited achievement as the valuation did eventually form the basis for USS reforms in 2019 despite the JEP
Sources:
ucu.org.uk/article/9438/Members-vote-to-accept-employers-latest-offer
https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/9423/Strong-member-action-leads-to-new-offer
https://wonkhe.com/blogs/lets-start-at-the-very-beginning-a-uss-timeline/
117 Unite dispute RBS branch closures (2018)
117 Unite dispute RBS branch closures (2018)
Unite stage a series of protests against a proposal for branch closures of RBS in Scotland in February 2018. The intial proposal was to close 62 branches, losing 158 jobs. This was reduced in early 2018 by 10 branches, which were allowed to remain open to the end of 2018 pending a review. Following an internal RBS review, 2 out of the final 10 branches weren't closed.
Days: 1 day of protest (in multiple Scottish cities)
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government):yes - SNP government in Scotland oppose the closures
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn opposes closures
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial (business decision (closures) with obvious impact on jobs)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: minor achievements - 62 branches threatened with closure and only 2 were kept open (almost all parties unhappy about the outcome)
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-42960384
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-45678130
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-43168614?ns_mchannel=social&
118 RMT offshore workers' campaign (2018-2020)
118 RMT offshore workers' campaign (2018-2020)
RMT stages a day of protests seeking support for national minimum wage (NWM) and jobs/training for offshore workers - another protest is staged the following year, where in the meantime there has been commitment to NWM (pending legislation, which entered law in 2020), and another later in 2019, but no obvious change on jobs/training. - including ongoing exploitation by 2021.
Days: 3 protest days
Organisation: RMT
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Shadow Secretary of State supports
Transport sector: partial - seafarers and other offshore workers
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: limited (national campaign but with strong focus on Scotland)
Focus on immediate material interests: mainly (pay and jobs but also training and other regulations)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements - NMW legislation put in place as sought
Sources:
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-protests-in-aberdeen-today-for-sos2020-campaign/
https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/rmt-welcome-minimum-wage-law-for-seafarers/
119 Barristers protest further legal aid cuts (2018)
119 Barristers protest further legal aid cuts (2018)
Barristers (members of Criminal Bar Association) again launch "strike" over further reforms/cuts to Legal Aid which are scheduled to come in on 1 April 2018 (Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS)). 90% of those who voted supported the action. The action planned is a refusal to take on any new cases (so technically between "ASOS" and "strike" as ongoing cases do continue) and a series of walkouts (although no all-out walkouts reported). On 12 June the MoJ makes an improved offer, to raise fees, which sees a narrow vote in favour by Criminal Bar Association members - leading to the action being called off (after around 50 working days) although chair of CBA describes it as neither defeat nor victory but rather a 'step forward') (minor concessions). This initial offer was a total increase of £15m, although this was later increased further by the government by a further £8m, to £23m, plus a 1% increase in fees - although this was still described by CBA member as 'sticking plaster'). (minor/substantial concessions)
Days: 50 days of action
Organisation: Criminal Bar Association
Action (type): between "ASOS" and "strike"
Political support (government): no - MoJ 'extremely disappointed'
Political support (opposition): partial - Burgon blames government and calls for action, but doesn't outright support barristers.
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (fees system)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/emilydugan/this-is-why-barristers-are-walking-out-of-courts-this-week
https://www.ft.com/content/4f3adfac-358e-11e8-8b98-2f31af407cc8
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46328004
120 Unite Pay Dispute - First Aberdeen (2018)
120 Unite Pay Dispute - First Aberdeen (2018)
Unite workers (bus drivers) launched an indefinite strike in April 2018 over a pay cut. The strike was eventually suspended after 11 days of action for talks and then received an improved offer (after the first one was rejected). Members voted 3:2 to accept the revised offer.
Days: 11 strike days
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (First Aberdeen employees only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pay
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements - new negotiated pay deal reached, although the narrow margin of acceptance suggests a large minority of members unhappy with the outcome
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-43742765
121 fishermen for Brexit (2018-19)
121 fishermen for Brexit (2018-19)
Fishermen stage a demonstration in pursuit of a change to the transition deal - around 200 boats in various locations - in opposition to the transition deal, wanted immediate transition, but this wasn't achieved. Another protest in 2019 also challenges the Withdrawal Agreeement, without success.
Days: 2 protest days
Organisation: Fishing for Leave
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): limited (Tory Brexiteers)
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no (industry group)
Local dispute: no (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: limited (public policy but with implications for sector)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-47580540
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/46401558
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-43680686
122 IWGB campaign against redundancies - EY/ISS (2018)
122 IWGB campaign against redundancies - EY/ISS (2018)
Disruptive protests against redundancies for ISS cleaners at EY, organised by the IWGB - 1 protest in EY HQ (inside the office) and another in Tate Modern (inside the gallery). 65 jobs at risk. The company reversed the proposal for redundancies following the protests and in the face of a strike ballot.
Days: 2 protest events
Organisation: IWGB
Action (type): disruptive protest (confrontational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: yes (cleaners at EY only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - redundancies
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
123 BFAWU McDonalds strike (2018-19)
123 BFAWU McDonalds strike (2018-19)
McDonalds workers who are members of BFAWU stage a day of strike action in May 2018 seeking better pay deal and improved working conditions and also seeking union recognition - although no sign of any change over a year later. Another strike in November 2019 is the third day of strike action in the dispute with an earlier one on October 2019. Overall there is no sign of any concessions offered since the last day of strike action in Nov 2019.
Days: 1 strike day
Organisation: BFAWU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn earlier backed campaign and both Starmer and McDonnell support the November 2019 action
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no - national campaign
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pay and working conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.ier.org.uk/news/mcdonalds-workers-strike-protest-zero-hour-contracts/
124 RMT guardless train dispute - Greater Anglia trains (2018)
124 RMT guardless train dispute - Greater Anglia trains (2018)
RMT members and workers at Greater Anglia trains strike over the introduction of guardless trains. After 12 days of strike action an agreement reached in which guards continue to be guaranteed on trains.
Days: 12 strike days
Organisation: RMT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): partial - Rayner supports striking train workers
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial - Greater Anglia only
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - working conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-44052706
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-44888443
125 TGI Fridays strike (2018)
125 TGI Fridays strike (2018)
Unite members at TGI Fridays take 5 days of strike action over tipping system. New system introduced in January 2018 and dispute lasted most of the year. The new system was claimed to redistribute waiter staff tips to kitchen staff to supplement low pay in the kitchen. After 8 days of strike action a deal was reached to improve working conditions and perks and to reduce the amount distributed to kitchen staff, and to partially restore the old tipping system. Viewed by the union as a significant concession.
Days: 8 strike days
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): partial - indirect support declared by Conservative Government for staff keeping tips
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn declares support
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial - a selection of TGI branches only on strike
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pay
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.westminsterextra.co.uk/article/corbyn-backs-tgi-workers
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/tgi-fridays-workers-serve-bosses-a-slice-of-humble-pie
126 Unite strikes against rota change - Total (2018-19)
126 Unite strikes against rota change - Total (2018-19)
Unite North Sea oil rig workers start strike action in August 2018 against rota changes (move from 2 weeks on/2 weeks off TO 3 weeks on/off) at Total. Talks begin but a deal brokered via ACAS in September is rejected by workers - dispute still going in Feb 2019 - strikes re-start in March 2019 but then called off as workers had already signed the new contracts, without any obvious resolution - April 2019 HSE says the new rotas are potentially unsafe (in the Shetland plant) and Total ordered to look into it (minor achievement) and come up with reassurances that it's safe. No further reports but the order by HSE amounts to only minor concessions.
Days: c. 6 strike days reported
Organisation: Unite
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes - Shetland plant only
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - working conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: minor achievements
Sources:
https://socialistworker.co.uk/news/north-sea-oil-workers-stage-strikes-to-defend-rotas/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-45484825
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-47332437
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-47721761
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-47882488
127 Prison officers walkout over prison violence (2018)
127 Prison officers walkout over prison violence (2018)
Prison officers (members of POA) walkout over violence in prisons for 1 day in September 2018. The walkout is called off for further talks but no sign of improvements and indeed the government took the POA to court two years later for breach of injunction.
Days: 1 day unofficial walkout
Organisation: POA
Action (type): wildcat strike (confrontational)
Political support (government): none reported - action against government
Political support (opposition): partial - Corbyn releases statement attacking government policies and Burgon calls for reforms - although no explicit call out in support of walkout
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (national dispute)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - working conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
128 Uber Eats pay dispute (2018)
128 Uber Eats pay dispute (2018)
Uber Eats deliverers (members of IWW and IWGB) in London refuse to log on to the Uber Eats deliverers' app and stage a blockade - although it's difficult to gauge success the evidence suggests that the action led to an increase in the 'boost' function on the app as a limited concession: "The impact upon workers’ terms and conditions is harder to measure given the lack of formal negotiation and communication between workers and management, but workers in many parts suggested that the ‘boost’ multipliers used to calculate piece rates increased in the wake of the strike" (Woodcock 2020)
Days: 1 day quasi-strike action and disruptive protest
Organisation: IWW/IWGB
Action (type): strike and disruptive protest (confrontational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: partial (London focus)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pay
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: minor achievements
Sources:
https://www.jamiewoodcock.net/blog/the-fast-food-shutdown/
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/labour-backs-mcstrike-mcdonalds-tgi-13359931
129 Weatherspoons dispute (2018)
129 Weatherspoons dispute (2018)
Strike by Weatherspoons bar staff in 2 Brighton pubs took place by BFAWU members with a day of strike action in October 2018. "Wetherspoons granted significant concessions, despite the limited initial scope of the strike action. These included: a 60p per hour pay rise, the abolition of the 18-20 pay band; a £1 per hour night shift bonus (implemented nationally, although locally the union got night shifts scrapped altogether); an annual pay rise being brought forward; rota issues being resolved; and pub management being reshuffled following formal grievance procedures." (Woodcock 2018)
Days: 1 day strike action
Organisation: BFAWU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - McDonnell supported and spoke to rally
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (2 Brighton pubs)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pay and working conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.jamiewoodcock.net/blog/the-fast-food-shutdown/
130 IWGB dispute Uber over deactivation (2018-19)
130 IWGB dispute Uber over deactivation (2018-19)
Uber drivers ( United Private Hire Drivers (UPHD) branch of IWGB) in Birmingham, London and Nottingham strike over unfair deactivation (via the app) and low pay in October 2018. Also demonstration outside Birmingham offices of Uber. Another day of action in May 2019. While there is no direct connection to this action but IWGB/ADCU win several wins over recognition of Uber drivers as workers and revoking licence: here and here.
Days: 2 days quasi-strike action
Organisation: UPHD/IWGB
Action (type): quasi-strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn supports
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: limited (national campaign but focus on Birmingham, London, Nottingham)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pay and working conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements - concessions are substantial (reactivation court orders and requirement to pay minimium wage) but not directly related to action so put as between minor and substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45796409
https://uphd.org.uk/2019/05/08/uber-drivers-in-four-uk-cities-to-protest-ahead-of-companys-ip/
131 GMB equal pay claim - Glasgow
131 GMB equal pay claim - Glasgow
A long-lasting equal pay campaign (12 years). Strike by 8000 women workers in Glasgow (Unison, GMB and Unite) in October 2018 equal pay strike which was 2 days. The dispute eventually resolved in 2019 by Glasgow council with an offer that was accepted. Also effect of around 14000 legal claims.
Days: 2 days strike action
Organisation: Unison, GMB and Unite and Action4Equality
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): partial - SNP stood on manifesto promising to resolve the dispute, but were later criticised
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn supports
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (Glasgow City Council only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pay
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
132 EIS pay campaign (2018-19)
132 EIS pay campaign (2018-19)
Teachers in Scotland (EIS members) stage protest in Glasgow in October 2018 in pursuit of a 10% pay rise (in response to a 3% pay offer) and ahead of a ballot for strike action. An improved offer came Feb 2019 leading to a suspension of the strike and amounted to an increase in ther offer to 9%. This was rejected by members. Another offer is then made amounting to around 13% rise (over 3 years). This was a significant victory. Deal was agreed to by 98% of members.
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: EIS
Action (type): informational (demonstration)
Political support (government): no - dispute partly against Scottish government
Political support (opposition): yes - Labour Scotland leader attends rally
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (Scotland only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pay
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-45990336
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-46849558
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/teaching-union-eis-suspends-strike-14107282
https://revolution.scot/2019/05/02/eis-teachers-win-pay-dispute/
https://employeebenefits.co.uk/eis-members-three-year-pay-deal/
133 Google workers walkout over sexual harassment (2018)
133 Google workers walkout over sexual harassment (2018)
In November 2018 google workers walkout over the handling of sexual harassment cases by google. Several of their demands were met (end forced arbitration, publish inquiries into harassment, increased transparency on assault).
Days: 1 day walkout
Organisation: none (various workplace organisers)
Action (type): walkout (confrontational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: no (international)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial - workplace policy and procedures
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/01/tech/google-walkout-one-year-later-risk-takers/index.html
https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/story/2019-11-06/google-walkout-demands
134 NEU anti-academisation - John Roan (2018-19)
134 NEU anti-academisation - John Roan (2018-19)
Teachers and parents took part in strikes and a petition over forced academisation of John Roan school. The academisation did eventually go ahead, although the first attempt was successfully resisted, but the academisation was eventually forced through.
Days: 8 strike days and disruptive protest of council
Organisation: NEU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - action was against government
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn and Rayner backed the campaign
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (one school only)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial - public policy with implications for work conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements (delay was a substantial achievement but academisation did eventually go ahead)
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_John_Roan_School#Academisation
https://web.archive.org/web/20210513001539/http://www.thejohnroannut.org/
135 GMB protest Amazon working conditions (2018-19)
135 GMB protest Amazon working conditions (2018-19)
GMB organised a protest outside 5 Amazon warehouses across the UK in an attempt to highlight the (unsafe) working conditions in the warehouses. Took place November 2018 to coincide with Black Friday. No obvious sign of a change to Amazon's practices. Then again in July 2019 to mark Prime Day against warehouse conditions and pay. Still no obvious sign of change.
Days: 2 protest days
Organisation: GMB
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn issues support statement and Dromey supports the protest the following year
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no (international)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - working conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/amazon-staff-launch-black-friday-13632682
https://www.left-horizons.com/2018/11/26/gmb-amazon-protest-on-black-friday/
https://www.gmb.org.uk/news/uk-wide-amazon-prime-day-protests
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/amazon-speaks-out-after-claims-20355062
136 Historic Royal Palaces pensions dispute (2018-19)
136 Historic Royal Palaces pensions dispute (2018-19)
PCS members and GMB members begin strike action over pensions reforms at the Historic Royal Palaces, with PCS starting in December 2018 and GMB to start in January 2019. The pension reforms will see a switch from defined benefit (DB) to defined contributions (DC). The strikes are called off and then back on again twice, before GMB accepted the deal in March: "gained significant improvements to the defined contribution scheme" (but still the move to DC from DB went ahead). In total 3 days of strike action between Dec 2018 and Feb 2019.
Days: 3 strike days
Organisation: GMB/PCS
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): limited - several Labour MPs sign EDM
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial (independent charity but contracted from government)
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (HRP only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pensions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.union-news.co.uk/pcs-members-on-strike-today-at-historical-royal-palaces/
https://www.union-news.co.uk/beefeaters-vote-for-pensions-strike/
https://www.gmblondon.org.uk/news/gmb-members-accept-pensions-offer-from-historic-royal-palaces
137 XR teachers protest (2019)
137 XR teachers protest (2019)
Teachers (and their students) stage a disruptive protest in London, including blocking traffic, in Feb 2019, demanding better action on climate change, as part of Extinction Rebellion (XR) and their demands. One of the key demands - to declare climate emergency - was partly achieved when parliament declared it.
Days: 1 protest event (although part of several others - this was ahead of a planned week of action by XR and several earlier other actions).
Organisation: XR
Action (type): disruptive protest (confrontational)
Political support (government): no - Conservatives call them a nuisance
Political support (opposition): mainly - Kahn asks them to desist, although Kahn also declares climate emergency and Corbyn backs parliament declaration of emergency
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: yes (XR as grassroots group)
Local dispute: no
Focus on immediate material interests: no
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: important concession winning parliament declaration but this was due to wider XR movement and difficult to directly attribute to this single action = contribute to substantial concessions; Between Minor and Substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.union-news.co.uk/pcs-members-on-strike-today-at-historical-royal-palaces/
https://www.union-news.co.uk/beefeaters-vote-for-pensions-strike/
https://www.gmblondon.org.uk/news/gmb-members-accept-pensions-offer-from-historic-royal-palaces
138 UVW dispute - MoJ (2019-20)
138 UVW dispute - MoJ (2019-20)
Cleaners and security guards (UVW members) working for Ministry of Justice and outsourced to OCS took strike action and staged protests against outsourcing and for parity of conditions with 'in-house' members. As a result of the campaign they achieved recognition, and parity on sick pay, but not parity of pay yet. Strikes took place for 1 day in February 2019 and in total saw 6 days of strike action and 2 occupations of the MoJ.
Days: 8 actions (6 strike days and 2 occupations)
Organisation: XR
Action (type): strikes and disruptive protests (strike/confrontational)
Political support (government): no - action is against government and also they deny wrongdoing
Political support (opposition): yes - Shadow cabinet ministers supporting
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - outsourced but working for MoJ
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: yes (MoJ only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay and conditions)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.uvwunion.org.uk/en/news/2019/02/demo-strike-clean-up-outsourcing/
https://newsocialist.org.uk/whitehall-unite/
139 PCS canteen workers strike - BEIS (2019)
139 PCS canteen workers strike - BEIS (2019)
Canteen staff (PCS members) working for Dept. for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) via outsourced firm Aramark took 6 days of strike in first half of 2019 over pay (seeking London Living Wage) and seeking parity of terms with in-house employees. This became an indefinite strike in July 2019, and also expanded to include security, porters, cleaners, and to include another outsource firm (ISS). Living Wage offer made in September 2019, and agreed by PCS in Sep/Oct 2019. Total number of strike days was over 2 months (c.70).
Days: 70 strike days
Organisation: PCS
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): no - action is against government (although Leadsom does make conciliatory statement after dispute settled)
Political support (opposition): yes - Labour shadow cabinet supportive
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - outsourced but working for BEIS
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (BEIS only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes (pay)
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.thecaterer.com/news/aramark-beis-government-strike-deal
140 strippers oppose licence changes to strip clubs - Glasgow (2019)
140 strippers oppose licence changes to strip clubs - Glasgow (2019)
Strippers in Glasgow stage demonstration/protest to oppose a proposal for licencing of strip clubs - first protest in March 2019 and then another in June 2019. The protest sees the council postpone the decision for nearly 2 years but eventually went ahead with the licence.
Days: 2 protest events
Organisation: the Empowered Woman Project, Umbrella Lane, and GMB
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): no - campaign is against Glasgow council proposal, and SNP MSP is considered supportive of the council
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: partial - starts with campaign groups and then overtime unionised by GMB
Local dispute: partial (Glasgow, and Scotland, focus)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial - public policy with implications for working conditions/jobs
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements (2 year delay to new licence is substantial, but license did ultimately go ahead)
Sources:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/closing-strip-clubs-puts-women-16760822
141 Teachers' strike - Starbank school (2019)
141 Teachers' strike - Starbank school (2019)
Teachers at Starbank School, Birmingham, members of NASUWT go on strike for 1 day in June 2019 and then another day July 2019, over concerns about safety due to pupil violence. The second strike prompted an unannounced OFSTED inspection, prompting the council to downgrade the school to 'inadequate' rating (from 'outstanding') and school/council to put in place an improvement plan. Overall then the strike action produced substantial concessions in that Ofsted were alerted and this forced the school/council to put in place measures.
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: NASUWT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (Starbank only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - working conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/fresh-strikes-starbank-school-yardley-16501061
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-48860708
142 Unison against quasi-privatisation of the NHS - Bradford (2019)
142 Unison against quasi-privatisation of the NHS - Bradford (2019)
NHS hospital staff (Unison members) - porters, cleaners and security staff - strike in Bradford over quasi privatisation, which would be done by the Bradford NHS Trust setting up a company to run the facilities. First round of strike action planned is for a 7-day round of action in July 2019. Then another 2 weeks planned for August 2019. This goes ahead - with 3 weeks strike action done - and then followed by a threat of indefinite strike action. This threat eventually results in a cancelling of the plan for transfer out staff and the indefinite strike action is suspended. This is a significant climbdown by the NHS Trust and the demands of the staff are met. This is confirmed in November 2019 when Trust announces end to its earlier plans.
Days: 21 strike days
Organisation: Unison
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Corbyn issues support statement
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (Bradford NHS Trust only)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial - policy decision with implications for working conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.unison.org.uk/news/2019/08/bradford-nhs-members-suspend-strike-action/
https://inews.co.uk/news/health/nhs-staff-bradford-backdoor-privatisation-plans-strike-action-330128
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-50531991
143 air traffic controllers strike - Scottish airports (2019-20)
143 air traffic controllers strike - Scottish airports (2019-20)
Air traffic controllers (Prospect members) entered a pay dispute with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. (Hial). 1 day strike in May 2019 prompts an improved pay offer. This offer rejected prompting a return strike action on July 2019. The strike was over pay and in opposition to an initial 2% pay offer and sought 10% - ultimately settled for 9% over 3 years in early 2020 - various threatened strikes but only 2 strike days reported.
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: Prospect
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported - action against Scottish government who found the action 'disappointing'
Political support (opposition): partial - individual Labour MSP supports
Transport sector: yes
Public sector workers: partial - limited company owned by Scottish government
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (highlands/islands only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pay
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements
Sources:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/strike-action-set-close-six-scottish-airports-1412848
https://employeebenefits.co.uk/highlands-islands-controllers-9/
https://prospect.org.uk/news/prospect-members-at-hial-forced-into-strike-action-to-protect-jobs/
144 RMT/Unite protests against closure of Gemini Rail St. Rollox "Caley" Railworks (2019)
144 RMT/Unite protests against closure of Gemini Rail St. Rollox "Caley" Railworks (2019)
Protest by workers (RMT and Unite members) against closure of Gemini Rail St. Rollox "Caley" Railworks in Springburn. Unions call for nationalisation to save the plant, although the closure went ahead in July 2019. The Scottish Government (SNP) made feint noises about looking for new owners, but still by 2021 no sign of any positive development.
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: RMT/Unite
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): limited - SNP criticised closure and suggested Scottish Enterprise would look into it, with no commitments
Political support (opposition): yes - Scottish Labour called on SNP Govt. to nationalise
Transport sector: partial - rail works
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (single plant)
Focus on immediate material interests: partial - publicy policy (nationalisation) with implications for jobs
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-49116426
https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/unions-express-concern-over-scottish-19828626
145 Harland and Wolff shipyard workers dispute (2019)
145 Harland and Wolff shipyard workers dispute (2019)
Workers employed at the Harlarnd and Wolff shipyard stage an occupation in an attempt to avoid its closure. The occupation lasted 9 weeks. The government expresses support but at the same time makes clear that it is a commercial matter that they can't directly intervene in - although Sec of State for NI also seeks to identify support. The shipyard eventually found a buyer following strong public support/campaign - union herald it as a victory for the workers and the union.
Days: 1 protest event
Organisation: Unite and GMB both supported
Action (type): occupation (confrontational)
Political support (government): partial
Political support (opposition): yes - John McDonnell attends shipyard in support
Transport sector: partial - shipyard
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: partial - workers-led occupation (with support of unions)
Local dispute: yes (single shipyard)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - jobs
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
146 teachers strike - Buchanan and St Ambrose High Schools (2019)
146 teachers strike - Buchanan and St Ambrose High Schools (2019)
Teachers (NASUWT members) at Buchanan and St Ambrose High Schools take part in strike action for one week in June 2019 over health concerns due to location of schools on a landfill site. This action prompted the government to launch an independent review which reassured teachers (and gave the 'all clear'), but teachers continued to refuse to return to the schools and continued with strike, planned for the re-opening of the school until early September (around another 15 days), although after 2 days the teachers and NASUWT are reassured that it is safe, including following further tests and removal of some chemicals found on the periphery, and the strike is called off.
Days: 7 strike days
Organisation: NASUWT
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): partial - Scottish government stepped in with offer of independent review and SNP councillors called for closure of school
Political support (opposition): none reported - and Labour councillors criticised SNP councillors for calling for closure of schools
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (single school site)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - working conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements (full independent review and measures put in place to ensure safety)
Sources:
https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/teachers-strike-buchanan-st-ambrose-16458411
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/teachers-blue-water-school-set-18920073
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-49311264
147 Science museum workers strike (2019)
147 Science museum workers strike (2019)
Science museum group (Prospect members) take strike action (2 days) starting in August 2019 over an imposed pay deal. This was eventually called off in December in exchange for 2 holidays pay (good will gesture) plus a commitment to better pay negotiations next year.
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: Prospect
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial - largely funded by public funds
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no - national dispute
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pay
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements (2 additional holidays plus promise to better negotiations in future)
Sources:
https://prospect.org.uk/news/science-museum-group-workers-vote-to-end-pay-dispute/
148 Wrightbus workers protest (2019)
148 Wrightbus workers protest (2019)
1200 workers face redundancy as Wrightbus (bus builder) goes into administration in September 2019. Workers protest at fact that the owner donated large amounts (£16m) to a church- and also outside the negotiations when the firm is bought. PM Johnson pledges support to the workers. The firm is eventually bought by Bamford, retaining 60 workers initially (out of 1200) and this increases to 700.
Days: 2 protest events
Organisation: no obvious organisation behind the protests - although Unite supporting
Action (type): demonstration (informational)
Political support (government): partial - Johnson offers supporting words but also called on to back up with action (which is less clear happened)
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no (manufacturing)
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: partial (workers organised the protests it seems but backed by Unite)
Local dispute: yes - single factory
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - jobs
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: substantial achievements - large reduction in job losses
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-49829879
149 cleaners protest outsourcing - WeWork (2019)
149 cleaners protest outsourcing - WeWork (2019)
CAIWU - grassroots union - stages 2 lively/noisy protests outside WeWork premises in Sep/Oct 2019 over the treatment of outsourced cleaners. Then another protest a month later , this time against victimisation, and 1 more is planned for later in November but is called off as worker is reinstated- although the general problem of treatment of outsourced cleaners has no obvious sign of change a year later (also confirmed by CAIWU's own report on outsourcing).
Days: 2 protest events
Organisation: CAIWU
Action (type): protest (noisy - partly confrontational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes
Local dispute: no
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - working conditions/dismissals
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: Between Minor and Substantial achievements - reinstatement is significant improvement (substantial) but only affects 1 employee and general bad practice continues (hence minor/substantial overall)
Sources:
https://twitter.com/caiwuunion/status/1197054972103315456
https://caiwu.org.uk/files/reports/outsourcing_1.2.pdf
150 People's Vote staff walkout (2019)
150 People's Vote staff walkout (2019)
Staff stage a protest by walking out in October 2019 at moves by the PR guru Roland Rudd to force two leading figures out of the organisation. But Rudd retained control at least until he later left in 2021 after the campaign had fallen apart.
Days: 1 walkout
Organisation: none
Action (type): wildcat strike (confrontational)
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: no
Grassroots/independent union: yes - no union involved
Local dispute: yes - PV office staff only
Focus on immediate material interests: partial - over leadership of organisation
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised - Rudd remained in place for 2 more years and didn't leave due to the walkout
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/28/peoples-vote-senior-figures-forced-out
https://www.ft.com/content/e02992f6-cf9e-46b3-8d45-325fb183302f
151 UCU pensions dispute 2019-20 (2019-20)
151 UCU pensions dispute 2019-20 (2019-20)
Dispute by University staff (academic and academic-related) over pensions and pay. The total number of strike days taken was 22, although there was no sign of movement and eventually the dispute was put on pause for over a year in the context of covid.
Days: 22 strike days
Organisation: UCU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported
Political support (opposition): yes - Rayner supports prior to strike, as did Corbyn
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: partial
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: no
Focus on immediate material interests: yes
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals unrealised
Sources:
152 NI Nurses pay dispute (2019-20)
152 NI Nurses pay dispute (2019-20)
In a dispute over pay for nursing staff in Northern Ireland (NI) - the demand is for pay parity with England and Wales. The December 2019 action, called by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), saw 3 days of ASOS followed by a day of strike action - this sees no improved offer so the RCN plan for 2 further strikes in January 2020. However, the Jan 2020 strikes called off after 1 day of action which happened earlier in January (and was scheduled to be followed by 3 more) to consider a new offer, which is eventually agreed and promises to create parity with health workers in England and Wales (i.e. the initial goal is realised).
Days: 2 strike days
Organisation: RCN
Action (type): ASOS (informational) plus strike
Political support (government): none reported - action is against government
Political support (opposition): yes - all NI parties support a return to parity
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: partial (NI only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - pay
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised
Sources:
https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/news/rcn-statement-on-pay-negotiations
https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/news/uk-strike-action-begins-in-northern-ireland-181219
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-57926555
153 teachers strike - St Catherine's Catholic School in Bexley (2019)
153 teachers strike - St Catherine's Catholic School in Bexley (2019)
In a strike by teachers over claims of a bullying head teacher and wrongful dismissals of staff at St Catherine's Catholic School in Bexley, the school sees 16 days of strike action. The dismissals were eventually investigated and found to be unfounded and headteacher and entire governing board resigns - sacked staff return to work.
Days: 16 strike days
Organisation: NEU
Action (type): strike
Political support (government): none reported - Conservative MP puts out neutral statement
Political support (opposition): none reported
Transport sector: no
Public sector workers: yes
Grassroots/independent union: no
Local dispute: yes (one school only)
Focus on immediate material interests: yes - working conditions
Corbyn leadership of Labour Party: yes
Outcome: goals realised (affected teachers return to work and entire leadership of school resigns)
Sources:
https://stcatherinesneu.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/neu-statement-28-august-2020.pdf
https://neu.org.uk/media/7911/view
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