This year’s Unite conference took place this week against a backdrop of sharpening class struggle, with the Tories and bosses waging war on workers. Union activists are getting organised and preparing for battle. Militant leadership is vital.
Unite’s rules and policy conferences are taking place this week. Debate so far has focussed on the union’s political affiliation. The key task for rank-and-file activists is to build a fighting leadership, armed with bold socialist policies.
Industrial action on North Sea oil and gas rigs is continuing this month, with hundreds of workers across different contractors set to down tools. To win, the unions must coordinate action and unite workers around bold socialist demands.
Workers at homelessness charity St Mungo’s have escalated their struggle over pay and conditions, starting all-out strike action this week. This militant example should serve as an inspiration for the whole of the labour movement. Solidarity!
Factory workers at multinational industrial firm Sulzer, based in Leeds, are taking action in demand of a proper pay increase. In the process, they are having to face down strike-breaking bosses. The unions must fight for a sliding scale of wages.
Lorry drivers at concrete supplier Maen Karne are striking this week in a fight for union recognition. With struggles breaking out across the construction industry, the labour movement must fight for nationalisation and workers’ control.
North Sea rig workers are mobilising and taking action over pay, jobs, and conditions. Their strikes show where the real power in the energy industry lies. The labour movement must fight to expropriate the monopolies, and put workers in control.
Unite’s EC elections have drawn to a close. Results show members want a fighting union. To deliver, the new leadership will have to transform the union into a militant, democratic one – prepared to fightback against the Tories and capitalism.
Voting is underway in the elections for the Unite executive council. A left-wing slate is standing, attempting to continue the transformation of the union that has taken place under Sharon Graham. Members should select a fighting leadership.
Workers at National Express West Midlands have won an inflation-busting pay rise, despite the bosses’ union-busting efforts, following indefinite action across the local bus network. This shows the way forward for striking workers everywhere.
With elections underway for Unite’s new executive council, a clear divide is emerging within the union. On one side is an old left calling for compromise with the bosses and Tories. On the other are grassroots activists demanding militant action.
Elections for a new executive are underway in Unite, Britain’s biggest trade union. Under Sharon Graham’s leadership, Unite has helped secure many important victories for workers. This militant approach must now be spread throughout the union.