Daily protests at Crossrail

Rank and file electricians are holding a series of protests against attempts to break union organisation on the Crossrail project.

Crossrail is the largest construction project in Britain but is entirely run by what the Unite union describes as “agencies or by bogus self-employment methods”. There are daily pickets at the Westbourne Park site in west London.

Unite official Vince Passfield said, “Having raised health and safety concerns, the rep was suspended and transferred off site. Two workers who took photos of serious health and safety concerns were transferred off site.

“The shop steward raised further concerns and is now isolated from other workers. We are urgently seeking a resolution to re-engage the dismissed workers.

“However, if our suspicions and concerns are confirmed, then this union will ensure a concerted campaign against trade union discrimination for the duration of the project.”

Meanwhile 15 Unite members working on prefab tunnel segments for Crossrail contractors DSJV at Chatham docks, Kent, will be laid off from Friday of this week. The Cheema Group agency that hired them wants to drive down wages.

Workers also protested at the Tottenham Court Road site on Thursday of last week, blocking central London traffic. More protests are planned.

Anti-blacklist campaigners are planning a flashmob demo in London on Wednesday afternoon. Meet at Tottenham Court Road station 5pm on 26 September.

The rank and file electricians are appealing for donations. Make cheques payable to “Joint Sites Committee” and send to 70 Darnay Rise, Chelmsford CM1 4XA