GMB union boss thanks members in Glasgow dressed as ‘giant rat’

A GMB trade union boss has thanked other unions for their support during the ongoing strike action this year – while dressed as a giant rat.

Branch 40 convenor Chris Mitchell -who is also known as “rat boy” – visited members of the RMT union, who represent all rail workers, CWU postal workers currently on strike, school staff and ambulance drivers to demonstrate that the GMB was willing to stand in further solidarity with them.

He also visited various cleansing depots in Glasgow to shake hands with members of the GMB who work for the city council.

As it stands, CWU members (Communication Workers Union) are currently on strike and will continue to strike on Christmas Eve. Further strike action is expected to impact Scotrail services with network rail workers striking from December 24 – 27, January 3 and 4 as well as January 6 and 7.

Scottish nurses, paramedics and midwives are now threatening a wave of strikes next year after members of the Royal College of Nursing and Royal College of Midwives voted “overwhelmingly” against their latest pay offer.

With budget cuts expected to impact Glasgow City Council cleansing services next year and concerns over rat infestation increasing, Chris Mitchell is urging all union members to stand together once more to “win their fight” for better pay and conditions.

In a video, Chris said: “I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year especially after a very difficult year for everyone who was on strike.

“I would like to thank all the striking workers. We need to continue to support each other and continue to hold the line because everyone of us deserves better.

“This is a fight we must win. We must show solidarity on the picket lines and to each other. No doubt next year is going to be the exact same. We need to continue to fight for better pay and better conditions.

“Solidarity to all the striking workers. Stay strong and hold the line.”

Cleansing workers across the country also went on strike this year to campaign for fairer working conditions in their respective departments. They accepted a revised pay offer but vowed to continue their fight.

Chris added: “I would like to thank the workforce across the country that took industrial action this year.

“It is never easy to make that step but what we have seen is solidarity and we must continue to fight the cost of living crisis so thanks again to everyone.

“I am so proud of them all – victory to the working class.”