Stand with those who are standing by Ukraine!

The Ukraine Solidarity Campaign Scotland joined GMB union members in a show of solidarity it their strike at the Defence Equipment and Support) depot in Beith this week.

Workers at a munitions depot in Ayrshire are campaigning against the appalling low wages being paid to the workers.

The dispute centres on the existence of a two-tier workforce in the depot. Managers and craft workers are paid bonuses, but non-craft workers are not.

To make matters even worse, their current hourly rate of pay is just 23p more than the National Living Wage (£10.42).   As one GMB official put it: “It means that these workers get less for moving huge bombs around than they would a tin of beans around a shop — no offence to anyone working in retail.”

The strike has been backed by the KVPU (Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine). In a message of support its chairperson, Mykhailo Volynets wrote:

“The supplies you ensure are a lifesaver for civilians in cities under constant attack by Russian forces, as well as for the brave Ukrainian military on the frontline.

“We sincerely appreciate your commitment to supporting Ukrainian workers during these hard times and stand in solidarity with union members in their struggle. We urge the employer to negotiate to resolve the problem as soon as possible.”

The strike has also been backed by Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko:

“The work being done by GMB Scotland members at Beith could not be more important to Ukraine as we fight for our freedom. I thank every one of them for their efforts, support their fight for fairness and urge managers to quickly negotiate an end to this dispute and ensure their crucial work continues.”

As further strike is scheduled for Monday, 7 August.  We appeal to those who support Ukraine to join the picket line and stand with the GMB union members.