Skip to main content
Clap for key workers? Try letting them stand up for themselves
MATT WRACK isn't impressed with government double standards over front-line workers
Nurse clapping

It has become a weekly ritual – each Thursday, all those stuck in their homes come out to applaud the key workers pulling us through this crisis. The NHS staff, carers, firefighters, postal workers, cleaners, supermarket workers and delivery drivers are apparently being recognised – even by government ministers - as crucial to the functioning of society.

But this crisis has also exposed many of the injustices in workplaces in Britain and abroad. With bosses forcing staff to work in unsafe conditions during a global pandemic, the level of bullying and exploitation in many workplaces is clear to see. The UK has some the most restrictive trade union laws in Europe –  and it is workers who feel the consequences. 

In the last few weeks many of you will have seen the horrifying footage of Sean Madden, a boss at food supplier Bakkavor, telling workers that those who take time off sick during the Covid-19 crisis would be top of the list for future redundancies – all while the company could not guarantee basic safety measures such as social distancing or adequate PPE. 

Liberation webinar, 30 November2024, 6pm (UK)
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, sp
Labour Conference 2024 / 26 September 2024
26 September 2024
In a speech to the party conference, outgoing TUC president MATT WRACK celebrates Labour’s return to power, arguing the movement must now push for a radical shift in Britain’s power balance away from the billionaire class
Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, sp
Labour Conference 2024 / 25 September 2024
25 September 2024
MATT WRACK outlines the FBU’s motion to the Labour Party conference, urging an overhaul of safety regulations, an end to privatisation, and preparation for the extreme weather events threatening public safety
9 - Matt Wrack at Grenfell
Features / 5 September 2024
5 September 2024
Despite the damning report, cladding fires continue to threaten lives, and justice has not been done. MATT WRACK demands a radical overhaul of building safety regulations and public ownership of the inspection system
9 - FBU
Features / 4 July 2024
4 July 2024
While workers must organise to push Starmer beyond his timid manifesto pledges, the scrapping of anti-strike laws and restoration of public services promised means we must vote Labour, argues MATT WRACK