600 workers walked out of Ratcliffe power station in support of a suspended safety rep today. A decision to picket the plant was taken at Saturday’s rank and file construction workers conference.
Two of the East Midlands’ leading activists work on this site. Management’s suspension of a Health and Safety rep was seen as an open provocation.
Activists picketed the site this morning and several dozen workers refused to cross the picket line. Many others stopped and talked to the pickets, then went in to carry the argument on site.
As a result of tea-break canteen meetings, hundreds more walked off the job. Supporters of ‘Site worker’ told Counterfire they estimate well in excess of 600 workers joined the action.