The Tories plan to attack the trade unions, starting with the rail unions first. New laws will force striking rail workers to provide a ‘bare bones’ service – a clear attack on the right to strike. The unions must organise a fightback.
The recent UCU strike saw significant support from students. Students recognised that deteriorating working conditions directly affect them. In Leeds, the Marxist society mobilised for every day of the strike, fighting against the marketisation of higher education.
The recent ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’ are the busiest period of the year for Amazon, when CEO Jeff Bezos makes his millions. But all his wealth is created through the brutal exploitation of Amazon workers. And they are fighting back.
Bromley library workers have been striking for six months over job cuts and conditions. Forced to re-ballot to continue the strike, they have voted unanimously to fight on. Their determination is an example to the labour movement.
This week has seen higher education workers at around 60 institutions take strike action in a fight over pensions, pay, casualisation, and a raft of other demands. Marxist students across the country have been joining the picket lines in solidarity.
Nurses in the North of Ireland have faced attacks on working conditions, putting patients at risk. The Department of Health claims there is no money for pay increases, but the government found £1bn to bribe the DUP. We support this historic strike.
On 12 December, polls close for the PCS general secretary election. Mark Serwotka, a left-wing leader with a fighting record, has vowed to fight for a Corbyn Labour government. But he faces a challenge from sectarians. We say vote Serwotka!
Today sees the beginning of a 10-day strike by academic staff over pensions and pay. The whole labour movement and student movement must support this struggle. Marxist students will be joining staff on the picket lines to offer their full solidarity.
The Tories have focussed their attacks on Corbyn around the issue of Brexit, which they perceive as Labour’s weak point. The labour movement must resist the pressures of big business and of nationalism – and fight for clear socialist demands.
Royal Mail bosses have successfully blocked the threat of strike action through the courts. This overturns the massive vote for striking by CWU members. A militant and immediate response from across the labour movement is now needed.
Strike action by McDonald’s workers against against low pay and insecure conditions is spreading. The latest action yesterday saw workers from six London outlets out on the picket lines. Solidarity with the McStrikers!
UCU members have voted for a second round of pension strikes. With a new left leadership, a militant campaign with support from other striking unions could go far. But UCU should also link their dispute to the fight for a Labour government.