A Migrant's Guide to Manchester

Starting a new life in the UK can be intimidating. Many things are different to how they were at home. Most things are expensive, and some things are just plain difficult. There might be a new language or a new culture to contend with. Dealing with all this whilst struggling to find a job or accommodation can feel impossible. With this in mind, Manchester Solidarity Federation have put together a short guide to the city. We've tried to cover all the basics about living and working here, and where to go for help and what resources are available.

Statement on Laibaz dispute

Over the last few weeks the Manchester Solidarity Federation has been escalating the campaign against Laibaz restaurant in Bolton. As well as further phone blockades, we have leafleted in Bolton, organised a poster campaign and held a stall outside of the restaurant. The support we have received from groups and individuals has been tremendous and we would urge people to continue with their support for the campaign.

Stuff Your Landlord

The Stuff your Landlord doesn't want you to know

There are different types of renting and the most common, assured tenancies, often have rights written in the contract. Some rights always apply as long as you can prove you’ve paid the landlord* — no matter what the landlord or contract says.

Topic: 
housing

Anti-Fascist Network Southern regional conference

The Anti-Fascist Network will be hosting a Southern Regional Conference in Reading on the 10th September. There will be workshops, talks, films, stalls with merch and books, a creche and a benefit gig/after party. More information, including a full workshop timetable, to be announced - check the AFN website for updates.

The conference will be in central Reading (location to be announced nearer the time), and doors will be at midday. There will also be an antifascist benefit gig in the evening. If you need help with travel advice and accessability please contact your closest AFN group or berksantifa[AT]riseup[DOT]net.

Laibaz dispute update

Manchester Solidarity Federation has been in dispute with Laibaz restaurant in Bolton since the beginning of July over wage theft, below minimum wage pay rates and other matters - see earlier post below. 

The campaign has included a number of demand letters backed up with two successful phone blockades aimed at preventing take away orders. In the light of Sunar Alom's refusal so far to enter negotiations to resolve the dispute, Manchester SF has escalated its actions against Laibaz over the weekend of August 20th/21st. A 3rd phone blockade on the evening of the 20th has been followed up with a postering campaign in the vicinity of Laibaz.

We thank people for the fantastic support so far and urge you to continue this to force Sunar Alom to return the wages he has stolen and to prevent him from robbing workers in the future.

Shoddy Employment, Shoddy Boss

No contracts, unsure of the terms of employment, working to the whim of management, sound familiar? We are currently in a dispute with  Upper Crust Hove (no not the yellow chain everywhere) the one in West Hove’s golf club.

The worker came to Solfed for help after not being paid her full notice period pay, following having her hours changed upon them, which in effect forced them to leave employment.

This was not a mutual agreement; this was punishment for taking an agreed holiday which management forgot about.

Due to the fact nothing was laid out before hand, the ambiguity of terms and conditions leaves the power to management to do as they  please. That is until workers start fighting for themselves.

Brighton SolFed opens a dispute against Leaders letting agency

Brighton SolFed has started a dispute against the Western road branch of the letting agency Leaders. The agency facilitated an eviction attempt against a tenant that failed after a court hearing. SolFed has been trying to find a settlement for the dispute the last couple of weeks. Along with SolFed, the tenant is fighting for compensation for loss of earnings and damage to her health.

Agression against Sussex student statement

We are aware of the recent news of a serious assault against a former student of Sussex University by Lee Salter, a (now former) lecturer. In the past we have worked with Lee Salter, and wish to make clear we will never do so again. We condemn his actions and all gendered violence. We are currently producing a fuller statement on the matter, but we felt it was important to immediately respond and stand in solidarity with the survivor

The Campaign against Laibaz continues

The Manchester Solidarity Federation organised a second successful national phone blockade against Laibaz on Saturday 6th August. The blockade was a great success and we are confident that no orders were taken at the restaurant during the period the blockade was in force. The workers involved would again like to thank people for their fantastic support in making the blockade a success.

The campaign was started after several former employees contacted Manchester Solfed complaining that they were owed wages for hours worked and holiday entitlement. After meeting the workers we also learnt that the restaurant's owner had paid workers at an hourly rate below the minimum wage and has failed to provide pay slips. He also failed to provide P45s when workers left their jobs at the restaurant.