Despite being hammered by inflation, Unison has failed to galvanise members in ballots over pay. Left activists must mobilise to win a majority in upcoming union elections, in order to launch a real struggle against the government and employers.
Around 70 refuse collection drivers working for Coventry city council and organised in Unite the Union are out on strike over the issue of ‘poverty pay rates’. In the face of a hostile council, these drivers are determined to win.
Today was meant to see the verdict in the case of Paul Holmes’ suspension by Kirkless Council. Instead, the employers have postponed the decision, meaning this ongoing victimisation saga continues. The labour movement must mobilise in solidarity.
The crisis of capitalism is sharpening by the day. As a result, trade unions are moving onto a war footing. Already the ruling class is worried about a ‘Spring of Discontent’. This must become a generalised struggle to bring down the Tory government.
NEU members have gone on strike at Newham Sixth Form College to combat bullying, increased workload, and academisation. More widely, the NEU is consulting on national action for increased pay. Militant action, combined with student solidarity is the way forward.
A number of key unions have seen seismic shifts to the left in recent months, as workers turn to the industrial front for action. To beat the bosses, the left needs a strategy for united action, as part of the struggle for workers’ power.
Couriers in Sheffield are currently engaged in what is now the longest ‘gig economy’ strike in British history. Their militancy is an inspiration for workers everywhere, as the class struggle intensifies. Forward to victory!
The rail unions are moving closer towards a national strike, with major ballots underway. With coordinated action, such a strike would present a serious challenge to the Tories, and an opportunity to fight for nationalisation and workers’ control.
As of 6 December, Paul Holmes’ suspension from Unison has been lifted. The left have fought hard to get to this point. Now the battle must be to democratise the union fully.
The strengthening of the inquiry into Unite union officials colluding with bosses to blacklist construction workers is to be welcomed. Now Unite members must continue the struggle to fully democratise the union
Sharon Graham’s first 100 days as Unite general secretary has seen a record number of disputes for the union. As the industrial struggle heats up, isolated actions must be generalised into a political struggle to transform society.
The right-wing leadership of Unison’s health Service Group Executive have backed down from challenging the Tories’ 3% pay offer. It is clearer than ever that the left must organise to replace the existing leadership, for one that delivers real change.