DEFEND THE UNION AT ROLLS ROYCE BRISTOL

“Don’t let them victimise Jerry Hicks Test convener and deputy site chair”

Rolls Royce is trying to break the back of the union organisation at its Patchway plant in Bristol.

Five weeks ago there was a mass walkout to defend two fitters in the test area who faced the sack.

Having successfully defended and retained the two members jobs, the company now seek retribution in sacking Jerry Hicks, the elected convenor of the test area and deputy chair of the Confederated Site Committee.

The company claim he organised the three-day unofficial walkout that stopped the sackings.

The test area of Rolls Royce Bristol has always had a proud tradition of standing up for its members, and of supporting others in struggle. It is also that tradition that the company wants to break.

Jerry has worked at Rolls Royce for 30 years. He has been an elected steward for 20 years and for the past 15 years a convenor for the Test areas.  For the last 3 years he has served as deputy chair of the Confederated Site Committee. In representing membership he has always acted with integrity, honesty and honour. His actions have always been consummate with those of a respected shop steward.

Jerry’s record and the respect that he has earned throughout the Trade union organisation is the reason why members have responded to this attack in the way they have. Amicus and TGWU members have reacted magnificently. At mass meetings over 600 voted to walk out on Thursday morning, the linkshift and the nightshift later voted to join the action, bringing production to a standstill.

Workers also voted unanimously to ballot for strike action if Jerry is sacked or disciplined. At the same time Conveners of the other Rolls Royce’s factories held an emergency meeting in Preston on Friday, and have pledged full support.

It is our democratic right to elect whom we deem best to represent our views and beliefs and not for the company to dictate. We will not let that happen.

No trade unionist can let the bosses at Rolls Royce get away with this attack. The whole trade union movement needs to defend the right of workers in any factory, office, school or shop to choose their reps.

If the workers at Rolls Royce win this battle, it will tell representatives and the bosses everywhere, that the trade union movement can and will defend its own.

Please e-mail messages of support to jw1610@blueyonder.co.uk and copy to Derek.simpson@amicustheunion.org Please send donations to Stewards Body Test Areas, c/o 10 York Road, Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5QE.

Thank you for your support – Rolls Royce Test Area Shop Stewards Committee

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