Randolph Oxford

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'Socialist Press' interview T&GWU shop steward How did the present dispute begin?

There was continual pressure which began from September when the first worker in the hotel joined the union. They suddenly started giving out contracts of employment.

Then one Monday at the end of November the chamber maids had decided to attend a union meeting in working time.

They said we'd get the sack if we went; but we decided to go anyway. On the Friday the manager called four of the chambermaids into his office and said they would be made redundant unless they were prepared to work weekends.

On Monday I asked him to withdraw the notices. He refused so I called Geoff Hewlett and told him we were coming out on strike. That was 11.30 on the Monday.

We went round the corner and had a meeting in the cafe and on Tuesday morning we started picketmag.

Whar were demands strikers?

F=st or all. union recognition.

reinstatement of the sacked *orkers - they'd sacked all those sis came out - and negotiation on Pay za conditions.

Wear rare conditions like?

*=! wie= me frst started in May there were no cleaning materials or equipment. They didn't even own a duster; you had to take your own. All you got was an overall you had to sign for.

you have to wait three weeks for what you're entitled to.

We used to have to clean 16 bedrooms but since we joined the union we said 'ten and ten only'.

What effect has the picket had?

It's had a really big effect. We've stopped nearly all goods going in. Only a few scab vans now come. They're having to hire vans to fetch everything.

Transport drivers in the T&G won't cross the picket. The Post Office workers don't deliver mail. The other evening they called the Rentokil people out of bed.

But when they arrived they refused to cross the picket. They said they knew it was bad for mice and cockroaches but they wouldn't cross.

What abour the effect customers?

We've had a good effect on most people especially ioreigners. Americans and Australars ..:: seem only too keer e e: S:÷where else. li must = = enormous effect or i: s

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they're dreadful? Sp an hour. And payers. Sometimes