Of Scabs and Freerange Chickens

Yesterday, members of the Sheffield branch of the Socialist Party — who have been supporting the Sova recycling workers fight against cuts in jobs, hours and pay — organised a protest picket against the haulage company that has been hired to break the Sova workers outstanding and indefinite all-out strike. This action was undertaken in solidarity with the striking GMB members who had been advised that it is illegal to secondary picket under the existing anti-trade union laws.

Sheffield Socialists take direct action, against strike-breaking haulage firm, in support of Sova recycling workers. Photo by Alistair Tice.

The haulage company in question is MHH Contracting Ltd, a company run by Martin Hague and his wife, Jean Hague, and partly staffed by their three daughters (Rachel, Katie and Charlotte). Notably, eldest daughter Rachel, has in recent years begun supplementing her work at MHH by running her own top-end butchery/deli/cafe known as The Schoolrooms, which can be found snuggled cosily in the heart of Bradfield village.

Unlike MHH which is currently forcing their drivers to act as scabs to break the Sova workers strike, Rachel’s quiet countryside retreat prides itself on its high ethical standards. For example, The Schoolrooms’ web site observes that “with consideration to utilising ethical and sustainable sources” you can be sure that the “welfare of chickens always comes first at our farm supplier”; while we can thankful that their “pork is supplied by Packington Pork who rear outdoor bred pigs with heaps of space to roam, be sociable and generally wallow in the mud.”

Rachel and her family clearly have different ethical standards when it comes to humans who are striking to defend their livelihoods! Therefore, in a show of solidarity with the Sova strikers, it might be an idea to give MHH a ring or an email to remind them that breaking strikes is simply not polite. In fact it would be rude not to contact them as on their web site they plead:

“If you see one of our lads on a job or on the road and they impress you, please give us a ring or send us an e-mail. Likewise, if they do something to offend you please let us know so that we can maintain the good image of MHH Contracting Ltd.”

Call 0114 221 3795; or better still if you live locally why not actually pop in to their offices to tell them how they can improve their image. Or if you feel like it you might like to try to contact Rachel at The Schoolrooms on 0114 285 1920 or make an afternoon of it and drop by and sample their “selection of hearty hot dishes,” “delicious puddings” and “mouthwatering” sandwiches while having a friendly chat with Rachel herself.

Please send messages of support (email: peter.davies@gmb.org.uk) and especially financial donations to: Peter Davies (Sova Strike Fund), GMB office, 188/190 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1SY. Please make cheques payable to GMB.