Organise! IWA and supporters of the unfairly dismissed Echo and Obsidian 5 were out in force again at Obsidian Piercing Studio in Belfast on Saturday 6th. Pamela Wilson has employed security since the rally last week in a failed effort to intimidate.
In addition to piercers and members of Organise! IWA messages of support and solidarity were delivered from PCS, NIPSA and Unite. Simon from Organise! IWA updated those present on the dispute restating the workers optimism for a positive outcome at tribunal and their ongoing determination to stand together and win their dispute.
Kevin McNichol from PCS called for the linking of the dispute of the Echo and Obsidian workers and the ongoing struggle of the mainly migrant women workers on strike against redundancy from Sodexo in Erskine House. Solidarity was expressed by Carmel Gates the General Secretary of NIPSA and Colette from Causeway Trades Council.
Security at one point tried to move us away from the front of the shop but we stood our ground. At the end of the rally Jason Brannigan of the Belfast Local of Organise! IWA assured those present that the workers were solid, that we would have rallys outside Obsidian whenever we chose until the struggle of the 5 unfairly dismissed young workers was victorious. He also thanked everyone for their support, including the security hired by Pamela. Everyone was also reminded to help with the crowdfunder to keep this struggle going and help the 5 young workers thrown into financial hardship.
The crowdfunder can be accessed here https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/Xy28qdLW?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink
