Support for sacked union activist grows - Swansea workers prepare
for all out strike action
9th June 2009
Workers at Linamar Automotive Systems in Swansea will begin
strike action on Thursday (11th June) from 6.00am in support of the
plant's sacked convenor.
A march and rally has been organised by Unite the union on
Saturday (13th June) to show solidarity with those Unite members
who are striking in defence of the sacked convenor, Rob Williams.
The march will assemble at 12 noon at the Guildhall, Swansea and
will set off at 12.30pm to Castle Square where the rally will be
held at 1pm.
Unite's regional secretary for Wales, Andy Richards, stated: ''
We believe the disgraceful action of the company in its summary
dismissal of our convenor, Rob Williams is unlawful. We also
believe the company is discriminating against someone for their
trade union activities and we utterly condemn them for that.
"Neither Unite nor the rest of the labour movement will sit idly
by and allow such blatant anti-union attacks by an employer. We
will use all of our resources and influence to seek Rob Williams'
reinstatement.''
"Even at this late stage we call upon the company to avoid a
costly and damaging dispute by reversing its decision. We will not
walk away from this fight no matter how long it takes or how much
it costs and we are prepared to take the fight to Canada and the
USA using our global links if necessary."
In a letter to members of the Welsh TUC's General Council, the
Welsh TUC leader, Martin Mansfield, described Rob Williams'
dismissal as "disgraceful and unlawful". An emergency motion in
support of Mr Williams was unanimously adopted at the Welsh TUC's
conference. The unions' representative body is urging all
affiliated unions to gather all the support possible for the rally
this Saturday.
ENDS
Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315 or 0207 420 8931
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