Freedom Press: Sparks fight on - NG Bailey next

Demonstrations outside Morrisons as sparks target other companies

After the impressive climb down by Balfour Beatty over the imposition of new construction industry contracts, the electricians rank and file group refuse to be complacent and have immediately began targeting the other six construction giants who continue with their efforts to force mechanical and electrical workers to sign away their hard won rights and accept inferior pay and work conditions.

Saturday 18th saw the sparks target NG Bailey with over 20 organised demonstrations around the country outside supermarket chain Morrisons, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Worthing, Merseyside and London. Morrisons use NG Bailey to build and maintain all their stores throughout the UK in a deal worth £22 million in maintenance contracts.

The London protest outside Morrisons superstore in Chalk Farm saw over 40 sparks and supporters picket the entrance and hand out leaflets to shoppers explaining why they want Morrisons to stop using NG Bailey. Despite a nervous store manager the demonstration was good natured and received positive feedback from shoppers. Freedom editor was in attendance as were the police with three riot vans full of police parked beside the crowd. The Saturday afternoon shoppers took the leaflets with many stopping to chat with the sparks about the situation.

The change of tactic in targeting the construction industry clients may well prove to be an effective move forward in forcing the hand of the other six breakaway BESNA companies.

Plus there is now a London Sparks Support Group set up by anarchists and radicals in the capital in order to contribute practically to the dispute.

Background to the dispute: http://jibelectrician.blogspot.com/