MORE than 300 angry electricians marched onto the Kings Cross Station concourse in central London yesterday, where they held an impromptu public rally.
Union reps and officers made speeches expressing determination to defeat the threat by major construction bosses to tear up the JIB (Joint Industry Board) agreements and impose 35 per cent pay cuts.
Employers threatening to pull out of the JIB are Bailey Building Services, Balfour Beatty Engineering Services, Tommy Clarke, Crown House Technologies, Gratte Brothers, SES and SPIE Matthew Hall.
The loudest cheers were for speeches calling for Unite to organise an immediate strike ballot.
The rally started at 6.30am at the Kings Cross Project construction site, by platforms 10 and 11, then there was a march round the side of the station for a further rally in the street outside the station, then, finally, the rally moved back inside the station for more speeches.
Union rep Alan Keys told the rally: ‘We’re having another great turnout in London,’ and reported other action by sparks around the country, saying to loud cheers: ‘Liverpool is having its first demo today.’
He went on: ‘We want a Unite ballot now and we are also demanding a national strike of all construction workers.
‘It’s not just about electricians and plumbers, it’s about the construction industry as a whole.’
Vince Passfield, Unite Construction Regional Officer, said: ‘We will protect our existing agreements.
In their proposals there is no protection from lay-offs or short-term working.
‘We are making preparations and plans for an industrial action ballot, however difficult that is, we are pushing it along.’
Pete Cavanagh, Unite Regional Secretary said: ‘What you got in 1968 wasn’t handed to you on a plate, it was fought for. If they get away with a 35 per cent pay cut they’ll come for everything else afterwards. We have to move towards a ballot as soon as we can.’
Labour MP John McDonnell told the rally: ‘This demo is bigger than last week’s and you are getting stronger. This struggle is absolutely critical. Bring on the ballot. We’re not going to be defeated by this cartel.’
UCATT General Secretary candidate Michael Dooley told the rally: ‘Each and every one of you know that demonstrations like today can only go so far. Ballot or no ballot, official or unofficial, we are going to have to start putting pickets on gates and pulling people out.’
