Another battle is being fought in hard-hit Hastings
TRAIN station cleaner Bella Fashola is fighting a 21st century Battle of Hastings.
The clash today is for decent wages on England’s southern coast in the town made famous by Norman invader William the Conqueror in 1066.
To conquer low pay, defeat poverty and win a modern-day victory would be sweet for £9.50an-hour Bella and breadline workers like her.
“One of the managers told us that we were only cleaners,” revealed the inspirational
26-year-old organiser with the RMT rail union. “I’d like to see him do our jobs but this is a fight for all who are underpaid, endure bad conditions and are denied respect at work.
“People continually struggle to make ends meet no matter how hard they work and are trapped in a constant debt cycle. That isn’t right and we’re determined to change it.”
Bella, unable to afford her own place so living with her mother, is a leader of contracted-out Churchill cleaners, who have taken industrial action on the rail network across Southern England. She recently spoke at a TUC event at East Sussex College in Hastings. Hailed as heroes during Covid for keeping Britain moving safely, they aren’t the only workers sick of pay rates on or just above the minimum wage.
Hospital porter Paul Jones takes home £1,400 a month and works some nights and weekends. Rocketing prices force him and his wife to count every penny, and shop in Lidl rather than Tesco.
“Eight years ago, I was better off than I am now,” said Paul. “I don’t go out at all. My wife and I stay at home all the time. I don’t drink any more. I gave up smoking 11 years ago. How some people cope is beyond me.”
Labour taking control of the council in last month’s local election is evidence of a town fighting back against poverty, inequality and unfairness under the Conservatives.
Hastings’ new Labour leader Paul Brand said: “The people of Hastings, the town of Hastings, deserve better and we’re coming together to achieve that.
“In places like Hastings there is great need. “There’s a war going on. It’s a class war.”