{"id":3889,"date":"2019-11-13T13:38:51","date_gmt":"2019-11-13T13:38:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/northernquota-old\/2019\/11\/13\/solidarity-federation-calls-manchester-care-workers-join-network-fight-exploitation\/"},"modified":"2019-11-13T13:38:51","modified_gmt":"2019-11-13T13:38:51","slug":"solidarity-federation-calls-manchester-care-workers-join-network-fight-exploitation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/northernquota-old\/solidarity-federation-calls-manchester-care-workers-join-network-fight-exploitation\/","title":{"rendered":"Solidarity federation calls on Manchester care workers to join network to fight ‘exploitation’"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Solidarity Federation<\/a>, a worker\u2019s rights campaign group, is calling on care workers in Manchester to join its alliance and fight back against what it says are “exploitative” employers. <\/p>\n

Solfed are creating a network of care workers in Manchester and across the country.<\/p>\n

According to the organisation, care workers are one of the most exploited groups of workers in the country, with many struggling financially. <\/p>\n

“We need to foster a culture of resistance,” said Matt, 41, a Salford-based care worker who did not want to give his surname for fear of reprisals. <\/p>\n

“There\u2019s so many issues that come with being a care worker, that\u2019s why we need something like Manchester Solfed.<\/p>\n

“The care industry is supposed to be about caring for people, but it’s all about profit. <\/p>\n

“People are stressed. I\u2019ve seen people in tears at work because they\u2019re distressed as a result of the low wages and poor working conditions.”<\/p>\n

Matt believes care service users are also suffering as a result of care companies not adequately supporting staff due to the focus on increasing profits.<\/p>\n

“As the drive for profits increases, things get cut, corners get cut, and ultimately this has an impact on the people who rely on the services,” he said.<\/p>\n

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Manchester Solfed believes that a network of care workers like Matt will give workers the confidence to stand up for their rights. <\/p>\n

Tony, 64, works organiser for Manchester Solfed, suggested that weak laws surrounding workers rights are a \u2018joke\u2019 and allow care companies to operate outside of the law.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe laws in this country surrounding workers\u2019 rights are a joke once you actually look into them, there is no real means to enforce these laws,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Tony believes zero-hour contracts keep workers from standing up for themselves, fearing they will receive reduced hours if they complain or make trouble.<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cZero-hour contracts are used against people. They\u2019re scared to stand up for themselves out of fear of not getting any more work.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re trying to build up confidence in workers, so they actually make a stand but to do that is hard especially when the workers are so overwhelmed.\u201d<\/p>\n