Remploy workers take the fight to Parliament

20 April “Maria Miller, factory killer!” was the chant heard outside DWP (Department of Work & Pensions) as Remploy workers took their campaign against factory closures to central London.

Maria Miller, Minister for Disabled, announced on March 7th that 36 of the remaining 54 Remploy factories were due to close, making 1,752 workers redundant. Set up Remploy is a source of sustainable employment for disabled people. It seems more accurate to describe Maria Miller’s job as Minister for Sacking the Disabled!

The demonstration had been jointly called by the two biggest unions representing workers at the company, Unite and GMB. After a brief lobby of the DWP offices and pictures for the press the Remploy workers, numbering roughly 150, marched off to Parliament for a brief rally.

The rally was addressed by senior union officials, including Unite Deputy General Secretary Gail Cartmail. She pledged full support of the union in the fight to keep the factories open.

Remploy workers also spoke, making it clear they intend to fight to the end to save their jobs.

The rally was ended by Sean McGovern, Unite disabled workers NEC member. Condemning the closures he said: “We want to flag up our disgust at the Government and Liz Saycee... The reality is we have mass unemployment, employers are cherry picking. Historically it’s never been easy for disabled people to find work.” He pointed out that of the Remploy workers who were made redundant in the last round of factory closures in 2008; over 80% have still not found work.

The next event in the campaign is a public meeting in London called by Unite. Remploy workers will speak about their experiences of working at the company and the vital role continuing employment plays in allowing them to live a dignified existence.

The meeting begins at 6:30 PM at the FARADAY HOUSE. 48-51 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AE (opposite the Unite' Holborn office car park) on Thursday 26th April. The NSSN urges it’s supporters in London to attend the meeting.