University staff on strike together with students and other supporters held a rally outside the University of Sheffield on Western bank in a protest over changes to staff pensions which would see many worse off after retirement. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Craig Brandist, president of Sheffield University branch of the University and Colleges Union.
Acorn tenants union mounted a protest outside West One lettings agency over the company’s eviction practices. West One agency said, “As a professional and experienced Landlord we are perfectly aware of both the tenants rights and our rights and whatever the outcome of this matter the tenant can be assured that correct procedures will be followed”. Azz Mohammed spoke to Acorn member Maryam Wright.
With US fast food giant McDonalds facing its first ever strike at two sites in the UK, a solidarity protest was organised outside the company’s Sheffield city centre branch. Bakers Food and Allied Workers’ Union supported workers in Cambridge and Crayford are striking over pay and conditions, seeking a minimum of ten pounds an hour and an end to zero hour contracts. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Martin Mayer, secretary of Sheffield Trades Union Council.
Health workers are celebrating 69 years of the NHS with a campaign to highlight health service achievements and the challenges of underfunding. Members of Unison have been travelling across the region, encouraging people to sign a giant birthday card and to share their stories of the NHS. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield refuse workers walked out this week in a twenty four hour industrial action over pay. The strike affected households in the S6 area including Halfway, Southey Green and Foxhill. The strikes follow a failure to reach agreement between the GMB union Veolia, the company working on behalf of Sheffield City council to manage refuse collection services. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
A loophole in the law has allowed over seven hundred Sheffield taxi drivers to operate with licences issued by councils hundreds of miles away. Over four hundred of the licences were issued in Rossendale, Lancashire. The news has sparked concerns over safety and welfare. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke with taxi driver and GMB Sheffield union representative, Ibrar Hussain.