UK refuse collectors defy unions; French rail strikes continue; Uber drivers, telecom and rail strikes in South Africa
Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa
6 July 2018
Europe
French rail strike to continue
Members of two French rail unions, Sud-rail and the Stalinist aligned CGT, are to strike today and tomorrow against government legislation to end rail workers’ work and pensions conditions and privatization.
The ongoing dispute began in April, involving all the rail unions. The last two days of action by the unions took place on June 27 and 28.
Irish based Ryanair pilots vote to strike
Dublin-based Irish pilots at Ryanair have voted overwhelmingly in favour of striking on July 12, with additional strikes a possibility. The members of the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association are accusing Ryanair of making slow progress over talks about improved pay and working conditions.
Refuse collectors in Huddersfield, UK strike against union/council offer
Around 80 refuse collectors who work for Kirklees Council, in West Yorkshire, England began a seven-day strike on Tuesday. The workers are opposing bullying and racial abuse by management and violations of their rights to take leave. Citing staff shortages, management has declined requests to use accumulated time off. Some workers are owed 30 weeks accrued leave, while others have been refused permission to attend vital medical appointments.
The Huddersfield Examiner reported that prior to the strike, Unison trade union officials met officials of the Labour-controlled council. The council put forward a proposal recommended by Unison. This was rejected by the workforce at a lunchtime meeting, which agreed to continue their strike.
On the first day of the strike, 30 street cleaners, who are not part of the strike, refused to…