Photo: Serco cleaners Strike, July 2017, Steve Eason
A new website makes it easier for activists to find and support nearby striking workers, with hopes to strengthen picket lines with more public support.
Union activists Henry Fowler and Robert Poole launched the interactive map site Strike Map UK today and have already been getting support from established unions
We spoke to Henry about the new initiative and how activists can help it succeed.
voice.wales: What was the motivation behind setting up Strike Map UK?
Henry Fowler: Across the UK, there are so many amazing workers taking different forms of collective action, this includes industrial action, but is not solely about industrial action. However, when looking around at the ability to send messages of solidarity and see the levels of strike action that is happening in the UK, it’s just not accessible in an easy fashion. This map aims to help with messages of solidarity, foster self-organising through its use and also encourage workers in their struggles.
vw: Is Strike Map UK working with unions to ensure it becomes standard practice to give info on strikes to you?
HF: Definitely. Prior to launch we have contacted reps we know in different unions as well as union leadership to see if people will support. We will continue after our launch to work closely with the whole labour movement. This only works if others support it.
vw: Is Strike Map UK affiliated with any unions, or has this started as a passion project?
HF: It is not affiliated to any union. This is a personal passion project of me and another comrade. We are trade union activists that work full time and were behind the Red for Key Workers initiative on May Day 2020. Our map was inspired bystrikethreats.org. I work for the National Education Union as a National Campaign Manager. My comrade Robert Poole is an NEU Member and rep in Greater Manchester. Strike Map UK is a personal project of the two of us.
vw: How can people support the project to help it grow?
HF: Most important question! People need to submit to the Map all strikes they know about or involved in! This has to be owned and used by reps, otherwise it dies. Aside from submitting to map sharing us Via social media and also our posts of solidarity. Also hopefully people will send messages of solidarity to the workers taking action.
