CAMPAIGNERS in Leeds are launching a fightback against poverty pay, austerity and exploitation, inspired by a similar campaign by trade unionists in neighbouring Sheffield, writes Northern reporter Pete Lazenby.

In January, Sheffield Trade Union Council, in co-operation with the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), appointed a full-time union and campaign organiser to spearhead a “Sheffield Needs a Pay Rise” campaign.

Sheffield had been described as the “low-pay capital of Britain,” with one in 10 workers paid less than £7.90 a hour.

During the campaign, unorganised workplaces and individual low-pay employers were targeted for recruitment and protests among many other activities.

Leeds Trade Union Council and BFAWU are planning to launch a similar initiative on May Day 2021.

Leeds TUC president Jane Aitchison said: “We have experienced an unparalleled level of demand from workers feeling incredibly isolated and vulnerable in the workplace under Covid and we have seen what a difference having an organiser has made in Sheffield.

“Together we can get Leeds organised and take the fight to the bad bosses and the corporations who exploit our people.”