Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
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The first strike in 500 years
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SINCE 1514 there has never been a strike over pay at Trinity House but after nine years of Conservative austerity policies, history has once again been made. As usual it does not reflect well on the government.
After nine years of inadequate or no pay increase and after unsuccessful discussions with management, who were reported as saying “there is nothing they can do,” Unite members employed by Trinity House showed they have had enough by voting in a ballot to take strike action with a 90 per cent majority.
On April 3 2019, members in Harwich took to the picket line in a historic strike over pay. Seafarers from the Patricia Galatea and the Alert ships walked out of work for 24 hours but were met with an insensitive response by the employer.
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