Solidarity with Shrewsbury pickets

TSSA has sent a message of support and solidarity to the Shrewsbury 24 Campaign ahead of their case being heard at the Court of Appeal on 3 and 4 February.  

The appeal is the result of the long-running campaign persuading the Criminal Cases Review Commission to refer the convictions of the pickets – including actor Ricky Tomlinson – to the Appeal Court. 

 TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, said:   

“Our union stands in full solidarity with the Shrewsbury Pickets in their Court of Appeal bid to clear their names and challenge the injustice of their convictions.   

“The arrest, conviction and imprisonment of the men, who came to be known as the Shrewsbury 24, during the national builders’ strike in 1972 was not only a grave miscarriage of justice but a direct attack on our trade unions and the legal right to strike and support strike action.   

“We send our support to Ricky Tomlinson and the remaining members of the group who were arrested and have no doubt they will prevail in their efforts to end this 47-year fight for justice.   

“An injury to one - no matter when it occurred - remains an injury to all. The Shrewsbury Pickets were fighting not only for better pay but improved safety in an industry which regularly saw workers maimed and killed.  

“They deserve justice and our TSSA union stands with them in their struggle, now and always”.