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Private sector workers strike too

January 23, 2012 11:14 am

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There’s a strike going on at the moment. It’s quite understandable if you’ve missed it, as unlike many recent strikes there were few headlines in the national press. When public sector workers go on strike we hear about nothing else for days, and sections of the press can’t wait to vilify public servants for standing up for themselves. Yet when workers in the private sector do likewise, against a multinational conglomerate that wants to cut their pensions whilst making profits in the billions?

You could hear a pin drop.

It’s almost as if trade unionists in the private sector don’t fit into the accepted media narrative.

Watch this video, which explains why Unilever workers are taking action, and ask yourself why this doesn’t merit media attention. Because if this isn’t predatory capitalism, I don’t know what is…

  • Anonymous

    Some of us know about it because we are in the same Union.

  • Anonymous

    I’ve heard about it, but lets be honest, there are some valid reasons why people might not have.

    There is no need for the Unilever employees to seek media coverage, because this is a genuine workplace dispute. Not a political protest dressed up as something less partisan.

    They have no need to defend themselves against a critical public because they are not asking for more public money.

    So why on earth would they be making headlines?

    • Anonymous

      So fighting for your pension is political strange view on politics.

  • Anonymous

    Some of us have heard about this strike because there was an item on the Today programme about it last week.

  • Anonymous

    I heard about it.. Was on BBC.

    Unilever employees are perfectly free to strike. If the supplies of Persil or Bleach dry up, I don’t have to stop washing. I have an alternative product to buy.

    If public sector workers go on strike and – say – close schools – what alternative has the public?
    None.

    Go down this argument route and you will be arguing for privatisation of most Government services.

    • http://twitter.com/Newsbot9 Newsbot9

      Of course, so people give up basic rights because it’s politically convenient.

      Why should you have the right to breath! After all, if basic rights are conditional then you need to justify every single right you claim.

      • Anonymous


        Of course, so people give up basic rights because it’s politically convenient.

        Where did I mention anyone giving up any rights? 

        If people in the public sector want to strike, they can. Just do not expect any sympathy form those who are inconvenienced.

        I have the right to make any reasonable comments I like.  And your outburst is based on what you imagine I might have said but did not.

        So please grow up and read what I said.. Not what you think..

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