In fact they had been taking part in a legally balloted strike over de-recognition of the union by management. This came against a background of management attempts to de-recognise the CWU over a 2 year period. This was stopped by reaching agreement with Critchley, after a vote for Industrial action. Members vote 24 to 4 in favour of industrial action over union recognition. January 1997, members take part in two one-day strikes.
Management threaten dismissal.
One week strike commences on February 3rd and sackings threatened on 4th Feb. 31 CWU members subsequently sacked on Thursday 6th February. Since then the sacked workers have been fighting for reinstatement and union recognition, maintaining a daily picket in all weathers on an isolated industrial estate in Gwent South Wales. Support for the pickets have been solid both from local people and CWU members across the country. Critchley Group also have sites in Nottingham , Stroud and North West London. Financial support and messages of solidarity are all needed.