Picketing in the dark is often something done by those on night shifts, but at Redcar and Cleveland College, on the last day of November 2011, the picket line of UCU members and representatives started well before sunrise and this photo has been described by UCU Head Office as “I think, one of the darkest UCU picket lines I can recall!”
But the picket line brightened up when NEC member Dave O’Toole turned up before the dawn and passed around “Celebrations”, only to be outdone a little later by Tom Blenkinsop’s team who had a box of Cadburys Roses to show their support!
Jon Bryan, Regional Support Official, says: “It was good to see UCU members continuing to stand up and defend their pensions”. Phil Smith, Branch Secretary of UCU at Redcar and Cleveland says: “The picket lasted from before 7.00a.m. until 11.00a.m. then we went into Middlesbrough to join the rally – the turnout was impressive. Thanks to all who supported us.”
