End byelaws abuse

Speaking in support of a wider motion on informational picketing, Unite delegate Jim Kelly highlighted on Monday (September 9) a tactic increasingly used by bosses to restrict organising – exploiting byelaws never intended to undermine union activity.  

“This is not only a tactic employed by quangos but is also used by large multi-national corporations, such as Heathrow Airports Limited, which own the property our workplaces are located in,” he explained.

“This abuse of byelaws on private land is a tactic in attempting to disrupt our organising and solidarity work at these airports and other large workplaces located on private land where workers organise to counter the PR onslaught of disinformation and vitriol from the right-wing media,” Jim continued.

He explained that the majority of UK airports are privately owned, and that bosses will use “every anti-union law they can reach for to silence our members”.

But Jim noted that despite these draconian restrictions on activity on their property estates, Unite has still fought a number of disputes and delivered for members.

“From cabin crew to security and ground handling – all are standing together, coordinating their strength and they are winning,” he said.

Jim recounted how in his region, over 4,600 workers stood together this summer across 11 different companies at Gatwick airport – winning an average 8.3 per cent pay rise across the board.

“This unprecedented coordination follows a major victory at Heathrow, where a strong strike mandate from 800 workers won a job guarantee to prevent outsourcing,” he said.

Jim highlighted other successes at Stanstead Airport, where workers won a 50 per cent increase in overtime rates, and in Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, where a Unite campaign helped secure pay victories.

He went on to recount how Unite won a dispute at St Mungo’s Housing Association in London, as he pointed out that the main St Mungo’s office is located in Thomas More Square in Wapping Land, owned by a Chinese billionaire.

“Our members held numerous rallies and protests outside the office, but all were on land covered by byelaws which could be used to hamper our members organising — again our members delivered a victory with an increased pay award,” Jim explained.

“So, there you have it – the secret is out! No matter how many restrictions the bosses put in place, workers will overcome them,” he concluded.

Urging support for the motion, Jim welcomed Labour’s New Deal for Working People, which he said “must tear down every Tory attempt to erode the right to strike”.

By Hajera Blagg

Photo by Mark Thomas

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