Rats in tents protest

Hand in hand with Unite and a giant inflatable rat, workers staged a demonstration at one of Hampshire’s biggest industrial sites, early this morning (February 19).

With around 40 Unite members, the protest held at the Fawley refinery covered one of the two entrances at 6.30 am – before workers began to start their shift.

What were they protesting for, and what was the significance of the rat?

The dispute involves scaffolders and other employees who spend all day working outside, despite the weather conditions England throws at them.

Their working environment is far from ambient. When they go ‘inside’ on their breaks, they eat their meals in rat-infested marquees that suffer from inadequate heating.

The picket-line’s giant inflatable rat highlighted their plight. But it doesn’t stop there.

Other concerns include a lack of hot water, toilet blocks and the absence of drying facilities for wet clothes. Workers have said, “The heating in the rest rooms are totally inadequate – the temperature inside is often the same as outside.”

Unite regional officer Malcolm Bonnett said it was a, “Good turn out this morning; around 40 unite members and our favourite rat!

“Members are protesting over the conditions. Welfare provisions on site are poor, tents are used which have little heating and rats are often seen inside.”

Malcolm added that the issues have been raised with the Health and Safety Executive, which is now “making further inquiries” into the situation.

The site is run by ExxonMobil, an energy company which earns profits of up to $32.6bn.  The multinational makes millions – but seems unable to provide the most basic of necessities for their workers.