Hovis workers strike against zero-hour contracts

Hovis workers picketing this morning

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Workers at the Hovis bakery in Wigan are on strike against the imposition of zero hour contracts. The Bfawu bakers’ union members walked out today, Wednesday, on the first of three planned week-long strikes.

There were almost 70 pickets out this morning, and as many more set to arrive for the late shift. The mood was remarkable—very friendly, but very serious.

Workers blocked lorries from getting into the factory, and drivers refused to cross the picket line. They were applauded as they got of their cabs to hand their keys to the managers.

There was more solidarity from Wigan trades council and branches of the Unite, Unison and PCS union.

Lorries backed up as drivers refuse to cross the picket line

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Workers from the McVities biscuit factory in Manchester, some of them already on zero hour contracts, came to show support.

“This dispute is not against the contract workers,” striker Andy told Socialist Worker. “They are trying to take away everything that we’ve fought for in this union for more than 20 years.

"That’s the bottom line, that’s why we’re fighting. We can win this—and we can show other workers that zero hour contracts can be fought.”