The Turkish and Kurdish Community Centre (Day-Mer) and UNITE Union have started a new campaign to support workers in North London.
During the pandemic, working conditions have changed for many across the country and the new campaign highest that many workers do not have to cope alone. The campaign is targeted to help those who have faced and still deal with worsening working conditions, dismissals, and issues relating to wages and pay.
A press release was held on Friday, April 16, in front of the Wood Green Library in North London, with the participation of members from UNITE, National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN), Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) and Day-Mer. At the event members of the public were given information and were able to sign up for the campaign.
UNITE Union Organization Specialist Onay Kasap, emphasized the aggravated working conditions and rights violations due to COVID-19 and said that “workers will not pay the bill for the covid-19 crisis”. Kasap also stated that workers had to work despite restrictions and illnesses because many employers did not pay the London Living Wage or sick pay. Calling for a joint fight against injustices.
Speaking on behalf of NSSN, NSSN President Rob Williams, drew attention to the inadequate wages and heavy working conditions of the workers working in the enterprises that started to operate around the area with the easing of the restrictions. Stating that the conditions of workers in every field have been aggravated and their wages have been reduced, the conditions like British Gas which has seen workers lose their job in a ‘fire and re-hire scheme, Williams stated that the best protection for workers and their families is unionisation and organization, and calls on all workers who are aware of the campaign and who are not unionized to join the union.
Day-Mer, within the scope of the organizing work initiated with UNITE Union, regularly organises stands across North London to inform migrant workers about workers rights, especially those from the Turkish, Kurdish and Turkish Cypriots community, as well as distributing leaflets and calls in front of workplaces and associations. The campaign will also carry out activities and studies for workers. Among the rights demanded within the scope of the campaign includes; minimum wage, legal paid leave, statutory sick pay, maternity leave, regulations for disabled employees and protection against unfair layoffs.
