A credit to UNISON

Activist Tony Smith has been dismissed by his employer after winning sick pay for 2,500 of his workmates. But Tony used a prolonged suspension from work to set up a food bank, writes Peter Carroll.

When health and safety rep Tony Smith was suspended from work, he pledged to put the time to good use – by setting up a pioneering foodbank in Hull.

Five months later, Tony has been dismissed – but his determination to help those suffering the most after years of austerity, has created something extraordinary.

The UNITY foodbank is now up and running in Hull, helping hundreds of people to feed their families. It is a hugely impressive achievement, particularly given the stress he must be under as his bosses do all in their power to sack him.

The employer, FCC, is a privatised waste recycling company, and Tony’s problems began when he led the fight for sick pay for the drivers who handle the waste.

One of the 22 drivers, a UNISON steward, was suffering from cancer and having chemotherapy treatment and his colleagues went to visit him.

Tony remembers the visit well. “We could all see that he was actually more worried about paying his bills than about the cancer. I thought, right, we’ve got to do something about this. It is disgraceful and causes great suffering.

“At that time the company paid no sick pay at all to its staff. Before the transport service was put out to tender in 2015, staff who became ill were entitled to full pay for six months and half pay for six months.”

The members voted for strike action over the issue and won a memorable victory – but one that put Tony firmly in the crosshairs of the company’s fury.

The victory in the strike meant the company not only had to provide sick pay to its employees in Hull – they had to start paying it to their staff at other sites throughout the country.

The total number of workers at FCC who now receive sick pay is 2,500.

Tony said: “It took us about a year to organise the strike and get to the ballot. About 20 of us went out on strike in Hull and we also won it for 2,500 people around the country. It was a very important victory, but I remember thinking at the time ‘they’ll never forgive me for this’ and they obviously haven’t.”

The first shot fired was when Tony went down to UNISON’s annual delegate conference in Brighton.

He hired a car to make the trip and inadvertently went 5mph over the speed limit on a road he wasn’t familiar with.

The speeding charge had to be dropped but the company dismissed Tony anyway.

UNISON campaigned against the decision and the company had to re-instate him.

Tony said: “Ultimately I think they thought it would be easier just to get rid of me. If they can sack me it would be very useful to them.

“People would see that happen and no-one would come forward to be health and safety reps. They would be frightened off it because the consequences are so serious.”

The company’s next attack was related to the way asbestos is taken away after being removed from buildings. Drivers collect asbestos dumped in rubble bins and take it away to be crushed.

But often they are not aware that asbestos is present on the site.

“I argued that our members should wear white protective suits when dealing with this toxic waste. I reckon that this is happening all over the country, putting people’s health at risk.

“That’s because it costs on average £700 to remove asbestos safely. Our members must have the right to be provided with protective clothing.”

The company again suspended Tony for allegedly breaching health and safety rules. The irony is stark.

In total Tony was suspended for more than a year before his appeal was finally rejected by his employer. UNISON is currently preparing to take the case to an employment tribunal alleging unfair dismissal.

But the Unity foodbank is an inspirational initiative in Hull at a time of increasing poverty, and a tribute to Tony’s strength and socialist principles.

The trades council in Hull and district discussed the urgent need for grassroots organisation to alleviate rising poverty.

It was agreed the foodbank project was vital.

Tony set about organising suppliers of food and signed up the Fairshare scheme where supermarkets that over-order donate the food to the foodbank.

He has been to schools and community centres throughout Hull and secured donations from unions – UNISON, Unite, the NEU, GMB and others.

And in a great example of community solidarity, the Kurdish community in Hull have donated premises rent-free.

Many foodbanks will only provide food for individuals six times a year, and some require documentation to prove need.

Tony said: “We want to cut bureaucracy, to help anyone in need. I have been very busy delivering food around the city. We are out to help zero hours and minimum wage workers and the demand for help is growing. It is wonderful to deliver food to people who are destitute, to help them survive, and most importantly give them hope.”

Regional organiser Joe Gibbins praised Tony for his achievement.

He said: “He is a wonderful human being. Despite all he has been through, he has always worked tirelessly for the poor and the oppressed. He’s a credit to UNISON.”

Pictured: Tony (left) with nurse Matt Whale, UNISON steward at Hull Royal