May Day warning: Workers will not pay for the latest crisis of capitalism

To mark International Workers’ Day (Friday 1 May), Unite warned employers that workers will not tolerate the current global supply crisis being used as the latest excuse to threaten jobs or for opportunist attacks on pay and conditions.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite is putting employers on notice. We will not tolerate the current crisis being exploited to attacks workers’ jobs, pay and conditions. Pay deals must offer real protection from rising prices.

“Our members are determined to secure inflation-busting pay increases – at the negotiating table where possible, and on the picket line where necessary”.

Unite regional secretary Susan Fitzgerald said: “The latest trade and energy crisis threatens another spike in inflation at a time when workers are already struggling.

“Stormont needs to deliver on its overdue promises to provide basic workplace protections – that means safe leave and delivery of the Good Jobs bill including a ban on zero hours contracts and an end to fire and rehire. Workers everywhere need to feel able to access the support of a trade union.

“Unite is organising in our workplaces and the bosses need to understand we stand ready to defend our members’ jobs, pay and conditions.”

ENDS…