The latest news, analysis, and Marxist theory from The Communist, alongside reports of RCP activity.
Contracted hospital workers in London have begun a two-week strike against employers Serco, demanding a real wage increase, pay equality, and an end to outsourcing. The trade unions must unite and fight to kick the profiteers out of our NHS.
It is the duty of left activists to defend Paul Holmes, the democratically-elected Unison President, who is facing a witch-hunt by the employers and union bureaucrats. Unfortunately, however, sectarian elements are aiding this victimisation.
50 years ago today, British soldiers opened fire on a civil rights demonstration in Derry, in the North of Ireland, killing 14 people. Only the struggle for a Socialist United Ireland can deliver justice for the victims of British imperialism.
Despite mounting pressure on all sides, the Prime Minister is stubbornly clinging on. But it is clear that the ruling class is looking to replace him. This is opening up a crisis for the whole establishment, preparing an explosive situation.
The NUS has called for a national student walkout on 2 March. And university lecturers are set to take further strike action this term. Activists must begin building for these immediately, to mobilise a mass movement to defend education.
Refuse workers in Coventry are escalating their struggle over pay. Despite facing stubborn opposition from their employers, the city council, the strikers remain determined to win. A victory here would be an inspiration for workers everywhere.
Following three days of industrial action in December, further strikes by UCU members in UK universities are on the cards this term. To win, the union must prepare members for all-out action, and unite with workers and students across education.
Tensions are rising between Russia and Ukraine, with western politicians and journalists warning of the threat of invasion. Putin’s jingoism has highlighted the weakness of US imperialism – and the inherent instability of world relations.
Tory ministers have announced that all COVID restrictions will soon be removed, with the public told to ‘learn to live with the virus’. But it is the working class who will suffer the consequences. We say: fight to put health before profits!
Teachers at Newham Sixth Form college in east London are continuing their strike against overwork, management bullying, and academisation. Meanwhile, students are mobilising in support of staff. We must build the fightback to defend education.
It is with enormous sadness that we announce the death of Steve Jones – a longstanding, leading comrade of Socialist Appeal, whose decades of sacrifice and dedication helped to build the organisation to where it is today. Rest in peace, comrade.
Keir Starmer has offered a warm welcome to recent Tory defector Christian Wakeford. Meanwhile, socialists are being purged from the party, and Jeremy Corbyn has not had the whip restored. Labour should be appealing to workers, not Tories.