WORKERS’ unity has taken a refreshing turn with an initiative by the Communications Workers Union (CWU) to raise funds for striking British Gas employees.

The CWU has produced a series of “Solidaritea” mugs to support their struggle.

Gas engineers and office staff who are members of general union GMB are staging a series of strikes against bosses’ plans to fire and rehire them on inferior contracts, meaning longer hours for less pay, despite British Gas owner Centrica making a £901 million profit last year.

GMB senior organiser Hazel Nolan said: “This is the biggest gas workers’ strike in a generation. 

“It’s heartening to see support pour in from across the movement, because we all know taking action like this is tough for the workers involved.

“Our members really appreciate the support from CWU. It’s a real boost because it shows in practice that an injury to one is an injury to all.”

A CWU spokesperson said: “British Gas workers are heroes. They have shown tremendous courage in standing up for themselves against disgraceful attempts to fire and rehire them.”

Go to cwu-shop.org/Solidaritea to buy a mug, which cost £4.95 each plus post and packaging.