3rd Anniversary of Gate Gourmet sacked workers
Sun 12 Oct 2008The Fundraising Bazaar was held in the afternoon. The evening of Live Entertainment was hosted by Desi Cuts Sounds.
Some of the performers were Baharan Punjab Diyan, Angel Dancers, Harbinder Binda, Punjabi Centre Jago Dancers and Classical Dance students from the Bhavan Centre.
In August 2005, Gate Gourmet sacked 667 workers employed at Heathrow. Fellow workers reporting for work were faced with the ultimatum of signing a new contract which would slash pay and conditions or face the sack.
In August the TGWU (Transport and General Workers' Union) accepted an agreement which saw the majority of the sacked members going back under new terms and conditions.
Tony Woodley, T&G General Secretary, said at the time: "This has been a bitter and historic dispute with innocent workers victimised, which must lead to changes in the law."
"To stop this outrage ever happening again, our Party - the Labour Party - must change the law to protect weak and vulnerable workers as Conference overwhelmingly voted this week."
Yet, 3 years later the remaining sacked Gate Gourmet have no faith in Tony Woodley or the government. They are fighting a battle of David v Goliath, for justice.
This event was held to raise some meagre finances to continue the struggle. If you can and would like to assist, email ggsackedwork@btconnect.com.
If you have a local news story, share it with the rest of Southall, by using the contact form.