This week saw the annual conference of PCS – the civil servants’ union, which has been at the forefront of the struggles over austerity and safety over the past year. The message from delegates was clear: PCS members are ready to fight.
A recent survey of members in the Bakers, Food, and Allied Workers’ Union (BFAWU) has revealed the anger felt amongst trade unionists towards the right-wing Labour leadership. Ian Hodson, BFAWU President, discusses the way forward for Labour.
Left-wing candidates have won a clear majority in the Unison NEC elections. This is an incredible result, which could set in motion the transformation of Britain’s largest union – and of the entire labour movement in Britain.
Bus drivers at Metroline in London have scored a win in their campaign against ‘remote sign-on’. Workers must remain vigilant, however, in order to defend against further attacks from the bosses. We need public ownership and workers’ control.
Using the cover of a bailout deal, the Tories are going for London’s transport workers and their unions, demanding cuts to jobs and attacks on safety in exchange for central government funds. The whole labour movement must stand up and fight.
The Labour right wing are resorting to desperate smear tactics in order to stop Howard Beckett’s strong campaign for Unite general secretary. Left activists must organise to defend Beckett, fight these attacks, and boot out the saboteurs.
Refuse workers at Thurrock council have successfully defeated plans to slash their pay. This and other recent strike victories demonstrate the need for organisation and militant action. The leaders of the labour movement should take note.
PCS members at DVLA offices in Swansea have begun a third week of strike action in a dispute over safe working conditions. Recent events have shown the bosses and Tories cannot be trusted. Solidarity with the DVLA struggle!
Trade unionists in Leeds have launched ‘Leeds Get Organised’, taking inspiration from the Sheffield Needs A Pay Rise campaign. With the ruling class attempting to tighten the screws on workers, workers must get prepared to fight back.
More than 4,000 London bus drivers are to begin a series of strikes, in response to Metroline’s attempts to introduce ‘remote sign-on’. The labour movement must offer its solidarity, and fight for public ownership and control of the network.
Elections are underway to choose the NEC of Unison, Britain’s largest union. A left slate is standing under the banner #TimeforRealChange. It is vital that Unison members get organised and forge a fighting leadership.
Unite assistant general secretary Howard Beckett has scandalously been suspended from the Labour Party. This is an act of war. Instead of attacking the left, the Labour leadership should be fighting the Tories and their racist policies.