Archive for June 2016
1 June 2016
France: struggle against government intensifies
Far from abating, the battle over France's labour law reform has intensified. The Hollande-Valls government has said it will impose the changes and is digging its heels in.
1 June 2016
Fighting austerity: French strikes show the way
Come to the NSSN conference 2 July: Mass strike action has paralysed French oil refineries and nuclear power stations. Rail and other transport links have been severely disrupted, as workers demand that the government backs down and withdraws
1 June 2016
Tories tearing themselves apart over EU referendum: vote leave to get Cameron out
Former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, speaking on the Marr show on BBC television said that people on the left who argue for a Brexit by saying it will shatter the Tories are being 'petty'
1 June 2016
The new mayor of London has approved an urban airport's right to buy public land for expansion
1 June 2016
A south London borough which closed two libraries to 'save' money is spending more than twice as much on security as it would have cost to keep them open
1 June 2016
Taxi trouble: Taxis flying Unite the Union flags led over 200 marching Nottingham taxi drivers with more taxis bringing up the rear, writes Nat Sharpe.
1 June 2016
Property speculators target Butterfields tenants
Property asset-strippers Butterfields E17 Ltd have declared war on the tenants of the Butterfields estate in Walthamstow, east London, again
1 June 2016
A Yorkshire council has permitted the UK's first fracking operation since 2011. The Socialist Party opposes fracking, and fights for public ownership of energy and mass investment in green technology. Fracking is destructive wherever it happens. Anti-fracking campaigners must call for a ban on it everywhere - not just, as some prominent activists are demanding, in places of scenic beauty.
1 June 2016
Disgruntled Labour right wingers are producing a new pamphlet trying to explain why they lost the 2015 general election.
1 June 2016
Jobseekers told: take three-hour commute
Getting a job in austerity Britain is not a guaranteed or easy thing. I am a recent university graduate, and have spent the past couple of months job hunting. I can see how hard it can be to get your foot in the door - then we have this ridiculous 'advice' from the DWP.
1 June 2016
Public asset sales will lose us money
Profit-hungry chancellor George Osborne will damage public finances by privatising the Land Registry and other public assets. A new report has found ongoing income would outstrip the sale's windfall.
1 June 2016
Obituary: Simon Gomery 1968-2016
Simon spent much of his adult life in the Labour Party, but joined the Socialist Party in 2014. He had become increasingly disillusioned with a Labour Party he felt was detached from the working class, and was proud to have been formally expelled for nominating a Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidate in his ward for the 2014 elections.
1 June 2016
Culture secretary John Whittingdale recently published the government's White Paper plans on the future funding and governance of the BBC. Ken Smith explains what lies behind the changes and why they must be fought.
1 June 2016
Could it be 3 strikes and you're out at 2 Sisters?
"More for less" is the slogan of 2 Sisters Food Group. That means more for billionaire owner and chief executive Ranjit Singh Boparan, and less, much less, for the workers.
1 June 2016
Welsh Government under attack at Wales TUC conference...and museum strikers close to victory
Socialist Party members, striking workers and real life helped spoil the love-in between the leadership of the trade union movement in Wales and the Welsh Government that the general council had planned for Wales TUC on 24-26 May.
1 June 2016
Thomas Cook cabin crew to strike over breaks
In a fortnight of headlines littered with outbreaks of industrial disputes, 25 May didn't disappoint. Thomas Cook cabin crew in Unite the Union voted by 74% to enter in to dispute with their employer.
1 June 2016
On 24 May the Peterborough and Stamford Hospital Trust agreed in principle a merger with Hinchingbrooke Hospital.
1 June 2016
Get a copy of the Socialist from a workplace near you!
It's a sunny Monday morning, two Socialist Party members stand outside Sheffield's Moorfoot council office building.
1 June 2016
Engaging attack on finance capitalism and the capitalist media: Boxing similes abound in Jodie Foster's 'Money Monster', and ultimately it pulls its punches.
1 June 2016
Pent Valley campaigners take council to judicial review
Kelly Griffiths, parent of a year 10 student at Pent Valley, is taking legal action against Kent County Council
1 June 2016
George Tomlinson school: Academy fears
Parents of pupils at George Tomlinson primary school are furious. They fear their east London school could become an academy. Academy company Lime is on an expansion drive and has installed its own staff at the school.
1 June 2016
Birmingham Labour council takes credit for Tory privatisation
Birmingham City Council's troubled children's services are to be handed over to an 'independent' trust. The department has been in special measures for eight years following a string of high profile failures resulting in the deaths of vulnerable children.
1 June 2016
Workers across France are stepping up their action against the country's new labour law, with strikes in various sectors and big demonstrations. The French working class has a long history of struggle, including widespread sit-in strikes in May-June 1936. To celebrate the 80th anniversary of this movement, and to learn its lessons, here we carry an extract from an article written by Socialist Party general secretary Peter Taaffe and published in Militant (predecessor of the Socialist) in 1978.
1 June 2016
PCS conference takes serious approach to key political and industrial questions
PCS has been to the fore in resisting government cuts and attempting to bring together public sector unions in coordinated action.
1 June 2016
PCS Campaign against Land Registry privatisation stepped up
"We will do whatever it takes to defeat the notion of Land Registry privatisation once and for all"
1 June 2016
What is missing from 99% of the EU referendum coverage? An independent working class voice, that's what. Heading both sides are politicians who for decades have fought for policies that have seen an historic transfer of wealth from working class people to the bosses
1 June 2016
About 50 GMB members from Metsa Wood, which produces timber products for B&Q, were on strike last Thursday, May 26th, with a picket in place at the depot in Ditton Road, Widnes
2 June 2016
RF Brookes walk out over pay cut
Over 80 workers, members of the BFAWU bakers' union, rallied at the picket line at RJ Brookes
2 June 2016
Portugal: Lisbon dockers' victory
The Lisbon dockers strike, which started on 20 April, has in a significant victory to the dockers!, writes Militant strike action blocks bosses attempts to undermine collective bargaining.
7 June 2016
Pennine Foods strike: "Business NOT open as usual - Again!"
"Solidarnosc" replied the Polish waggon driver when told by pickets that there was a strike on
8 June 2016
China's 'Cultural Revolution' 1966-67
50 years ago the 'Cultural Revolution' began in China. Here we carry an edited version of article written by Socialist Party general secretary Peter Taaffe for Militant (predecessor of the Socialist) in February 1967.
8 June 2016
Momentum Youth and Students: Witch hunts won't take movement forward
Momentum held the launch of its youth and student organisation on Sunday 5 June.
8 June 2016
Junior doctors' dispute: New offer falls short
Junior doctors are being consulted by their union the BMA over the government's offer to settle the longstanding dispute over the new contract
8 June 2016
PCS campaign against Land Registry privatisation
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union campaign against Land Registry privatisation has stepped up a gear
8 June 2016
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) missed an opportunity to link a dispute between Royal Mail managers and the privatisation of the company by the 2010 Tory-led government, writes Carl Harper, CWU activist.
8 June 2016
Exploitation Britain: Unionise and fight for a living wage
Conditions in a warehouse used by online fashion retailer Asos have been described as "sickening". Workers testified to facing oppressive security, guarded toilets, searches, and a 'flexi-time' system
8 June 2016
Nationalise the rip-off drug companies
Nothing quite exposes the rotten and intensely selfish and individualist nature of the capitalist system like the amount of wealth generated by the pharmaceutical industry
8 June 2016
Housing: Let's reclaim our right to dream again!
Britain's housing crisis affects many but in particular the generations after the 'baby boomers' of the 1950s and 60s, writes Amalia.
8 June 2016
Fighting oppression and for workers' rights internationally
An intense and energetic fightback against oppression. That best describes this year's Solidarity Day
8 June 2016
Austerity-hit Greek workers struck back with a pay victory on 3 June. Athens bus cleaners had already undertaken 15 days of strike action against their contracted employer Link Ap over months of unpaid wages and being underpaid
8 June 2016
Millionaire and former government minister Iain Duncan Smith claimed that cutting welfare payments and capping benefits would 'incentivise' unemployed people to find work - the Tory equivalent of a cattle prod
8 June 2016
Pensioners fight ageist Tory cuts
The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) will hold its annual 'Pensioners' Parliament' from 14 to 16 June in Blackpool
8 June 2016
Dangerous, dirty and damp: the unseen world of temporary accommodation
I am a single mother with two children under five. I am fleeing domestic violence, rape and financial abuse from my ex-partner. As a result I have been forced into homelessness, writes 'Shelly'.
8 June 2016
Left-wing Brexit campaign Trade Unionists Against the EU has released a 12-song compilation album, 'No to TTIP'
8 June 2016
As well as Muhammad Ali's sporting achievements, many will mourn the loss of an activist of the 1960s' anti-war and black liberation movements
8 June 2016
The socialist case against the EU: TUSC tour continues
"The Tory government could be brought down if Brexit triumphs" declared Socialist Party general secretary Peter Taaffe to a packed London meeting
8 June 2016
Student nurses march to oppose bursary cut
A lively vocal demonstration against Tory plans to remove bursaries from student nurses and allied health professions took place on 4 June in London, writes Len Hockey, Unite member at Whipps Cross Hospital.
8 June 2016
Northern Ireland: Biggest trade union supports EU exit
The Public Services Union (Nipsa) in Northern Ireland has voted to oppose continued membership the EU.
8 June 2016
Letter to the Socialist: EU referendum
Most of the capitalist class has consistently defended what it originally called the 'Common Market', but tried to develop and make more palatable as the 'European Economic Community' and then the 'European Union'
8 June 2016
Link the strikes - come to the NSSN conference
On Saturday 2 July trade unionists will meet at the the National Shop Stewards Network conference
8 June 2016
Youth must fight for their future
Switched off, disengaged and bemused: these are just a few of the adjectives that have been used to describe the way young people are reacting to the current EU referendum debate
8 June 2016
8 June 2016
The EU doesn't protect workers' rights: Ten trade union leaders in a letter to the Guardian called for the EU to change. Millions of impoverished Greek workers could tell them: it's a bit too late for that.
9 June 2016
Strike at Argos depot against contracting out of jobs
400 Unite members at the Argos Lutterworth depot are on strike for six days
10 June 2016
Abolish child labour! End the persecution of campaigners in Iran
The United Nations' International Labour Organisation has declared 12 June as World Day Against Child Labour
13 June 2016
School support staff mobilise against slashing of pay
Around 400 angry teaching assistants packed into a meeting called by Durham Trades Council
14 June 2016
'Stop council cuts budgets' demands GMB congress
Delegates at GMB congress voted overwhelmingly to call on Labour councils to refuse to implement any more cuts
14 June 2016
Lorry stoppage paves the way to victory
Lorry drivers at Marshalls paving suppliers are striking across the country because of the firm's refusal to honour an overtime agreement
14 June 2016
Uber drivers strike against unfair fares
Around a thousand taxi drivers for multinational private hire firm Uber struck for 24 hours on 6 June. Strikers also protested outside Uber's Birmingham office at midday
15 June 2016
Merseyside TUSC rally: Standing up for the working class
Nearly 70 people crammed into the meeting hall at the Casa to hear Merseyside TUSC's "socialist case against the EU" last night, including many young people and first-time attendees of TUSC events.
15 June 2016
Orlando massacre: working class unity to defeat homophobia, terrorism and racism
Homophobia and transphobia do not come from one section of society. LGBT rights have recently been under attack in the US. This is not an 'Islam problem', it is a problem within capitalist society as a whole.
15 June 2016
Housing Act: landlords and developers set to profit
The new housing act will help property developers and landlords make profits but it will do nothing for people who need affordable secure homes.
15 June 2016
Generation rent demands affordable housing
New council houses need to be started now. In the private sector, landlords need to be controlled. A rent cap could help.
15 June 2016
Systemic failures hurt kids in justice system
Individual abusers must be dealt with. But recent incidents also show systemic failures that the increasingly under-resourced and privatised criminal justice system is incapable of addressing.
15 June 2016
Unions have joined forces with bosses at telecom firm BT to influence workers to vote Remain. Unions lining up with the very people they exist to combat only weakens them, whatever their position on the EU.
15 June 2016
It's one world for the super-rich, and another one for the rest of us. Student loan sharks; BHS workers face scrapheap; Tesco sells restaurants.
15 June 2016
Hilarious, innovative satire on state bureaucracy
Theatre review - The Government Inspector: A fantastic achievement - fast paced, very funny, innovative and inclusive. The closest description might be a lost episode of Fawlty Towers - from 1836.
15 June 2016
Re-open Chorley A&E - end the staff shortages
Residents have been protesting weekly outside Chorley and South Ribble Hospital A&E department since it closed suddenly in April because of staff shortages. The campaign called a mass protest on Saturday 11 June to demand it is reopened.
15 June 2016
Hands Off HRI campaign grows from strength to strength
It's almost six months since the local Clinical Commissioning Group announced it was intending to close Huddersfield A&E. Over 100,000 people have signed petitions demanding the CCG reverse its decision, and there have been countless rallies and protests all over the town.
15 June 2016
GMB backs no-cuts budgets and steel nationalisation
Taste for socialism at union's 2016 conference: GMB congress passed key motions on no-cuts budgets and steel, but unfortunately backed Trident renewal and the EU Remain campaign.
15 June 2016
Hospital porters and domestic staff claim jobs and pay victory
Domestic staff and porters at Whipps Cross Hospital in east London have won a significant pay increase and job security. The pay rise - over 20% - and permanent contracts - follow a sustained campaign by general union Unite.
15 June 2016
Buses parked three deep in Leeds strike
"They make £11 million in profits in Leeds alone, and all their offer adds up to is around half a million. It's a shame it has to come to this to get them to give us more." Those were the words of one of many Unite the Union members picketing the two First Group bus depots in Leeds on 13 June.
15 June 2016
The Socialist Inbox: Letters to the Socialist's editors. European Union membership referendum special.
15 June 2016
Solidarity with victimised bakers' union rep
After months of intimidation, Leicestershire-based food giant Samworth Brothers has sacked popular bakers' union BFAWU rep Kumaran Bose. Workers are fighting pay restructuring at the firm.
15 June 2016
TUSC anti-EU tour touches down in Wales
The animated, friendly discussion was a refreshing change from the official campaigns
15 June 2016
Unison conference 2016: fighting leadership needed more than ever
While member-led initiatives for strike action are thrown in the dustbin, democracy at the very top of the union now has massive question marks hanging over it following the scandal surrounding the recent general secretary election.
15 June 2016
Pennine Foods strike forces bosses back to the table
Bosses have agreed to backdate a 2% pay rise to last August.
15 June 2016
TUSC call to John McDonnell: Say no to Osborne-Darling 'Brexit cuts'
A Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition press release
15 June 2016
France: workers' revolt against labour law grows
The Hollande/Valls government hoped that by the time Euro 2016 started the months-long strike movement would have run out of energy. But the size and combativity of the 14 June march show that it's still huge.
15 June 2016
EU: busting the myths that Remain is best for the 99%
As we approach voting day for the EU referendum, panic has set in for the establishment and 'project fear' has been stepped up. The official campaigns on both sides have bandied about arguments full of lies and misrepresentations. We answer three key questions: Does the EU build international solidarity? Does the EU defend workers' rights? Does the EU keep the peace?
15 June 2016
Action to defeat the Housing Act: we won't move!
This act aims to eliminate secure low cost housing
16 June 2016
EU referendum: political turmoil ahead whatever the result
A Brexit vote, and Cameron's subsequent resignation, would lift the confidence of many workers who would rightly feel they had landed a serious blow on the opposition. At the same time it would be a serious defeat for the capitalist class.
16 June 2016
The shocking killing of Labour MP Jo Cox has appalled millions. The Socialist Party completely condemns this act of brutal violence
20 June 2016
A press release from the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC)
21 June 2016
Left alternative needed to counter austerity, racism and the far right
Following the terrible and shocking murder of MP Jo Cox in West Yorkshire, questions have been asked about the role played by racist propaganda during the EU referendum campaign. Her attacker, Thomas Mair, when asked for his name in court, said "death to traitors, freedom for Britain".
21 June 2016
Phone or text 07968 713 454 for info
21 June 2016
21 June 2016
Socialist Party fundraising: punching above our weight
The Socialist Party is funded differently to capitalist political parties - we don't receive our money from big business. Rather, it comes from members' and supporters' donations, writes Caroline Vincent.
22 June 2016
Private company running primary care centre goes bust
The people of Mansfield in Nottinghamshire have learned that the company running the primary care centre at King's Mill Hospital has gone bust, with redundancies to follow.
22 June 2016
Middle East: Isis under pressure on several fronts
Working classes will take to road of mass struggle again: Isis is under attack in and around the last big three cities it holds in Iraq and Syria - Fallujah, Mosul and Raqqa - and is also struggling to hold on to Sirte, its main base in Libya.
22 June 2016
Brazilian politicians are considering a constitutional amendment to lock in austerity for two decades
22 June 2016
Anti-worker racist millionaire Brexiteer Nigel Farage and anti-worker tax-dodging millionaire Remainer Bob Geldof had a water fight on the Thames on 15 June
22 June 2016
A letter from Tony Mulhearn, Liverpool Socialist Party and Liverpool 47
22 June 2016
Pathetic fascist 'demonstration' outnumbered in Bristol
The racist, fascist group the South West Infidels called a demonstration in Bristol for 4 June. They only mustered around 20 people who marched under heavy police protection.
22 June 2016
148,000 households faced risk of eviction
Over the last 12 months, housing charity Shelter found 148,000 households at risk of eviction.
22 June 2016
Pensions 20x smaller for younger workers
Young workers once again find themselves being ripped off, as a report indicates that companies spend 20 times more on older workers' pensions than younger workers'.
22 June 2016
Some 20,000 members of the BHS pension scheme are concerned to find their pensions from the failed firm are now in the Pension Protection Fund, meaning they will receive less than expected.
22 June 2016
Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are due to pass a major milestone this year. Avoiding a calamitous 2°C temperature rise will need a 40 to 70% emissions cut by 2050.
22 June 2016
Short stories on workers' struggles around the world including women health workers protesting in Pakistan, solidarity between Portuguese dockers and Welsh museum strikers and a tuition fees victory in Taiwan.
22 June 2016
Solid strike against "Britain's worst train company"
Services run by what workers are calling "Britain's worst rail company" have again been hit by strike action in a long running dispute over plans to get rid of conductors and operate driver-only trains. Workers at Southern Railway, members of the RMT transport union, have walked out to oppose plans to introduce so-called "driver-only operated" trains across more Southern services, which the union considers a safety risk.
22 June 2016
BFAWU conference 2016: "A council of war"
The BFAWU bakers' union conference 12-16 June in Southport felt like a real council of war. This is a union with 20,000 members - that is numerically smaller than others - but huge ambition to defend them at a time when it is under siege from the food employers who want to protect their profits.
22 June 2016
Parents in Leeds discuss attacks on education
"I want my children's education to not be jam-packed full of pointless tests that I can't do!" was just one of the posters filled in by angry parents at a public meeting in Harehills, Leeds on 9 June.
22 June 2016
Pride month 2016 comes at a time of increased attacks on LGBT people - not least the horrific massacre in Orlando. While there have been steps forward in social attitudes and legal rights, genuine equality remains elusive. The Socialist Party fights for the liberation of all oppressed sexualities and gender identities - and the root cause of oppression and division: capitalism. Two members of the Socialist Party's LGBT group, an acronym we use in the broadest, most inclusive sense, take stock of the fight.
22 June 2016
Stay Voiceless: Manics' punk spirit is alive and well
Music review: Stay Voiceless: 'Those kids have no idea whatsoever of what went on at Stalingrad' is a song title that leaves you as curious as the name is long. You certainly take away more from it than the three minutes 32 seconds dose of punk rock you get.
22 June 2016
After the EU referendum...get the Tories out!
Whatever the referendum result, working and middle class people will still have to fight austerity cuts to our living standards and privatisation of our public services.
22 June 2016
Letters to the Socialist's editors including comment on the EU referendum and London mayor Sadiq Khan.
22 June 2016
Unison local government conference 2016
A stinging rebuke was delivered to the leadership of Unison during its local government conference on the 19 and 20 June
22 June 2016
Convoy to Calais: Outrageous blocking of aid for refugees
A convoy of 250 vehicles set off to deliver solidarity and aid to refugees
22 June 2016
Southern conductors back on the picket lines
Southern Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) conductors were picketing again against driver-only trains, yesterday, Tuesday 21st May, outside Barnham station
22 June 2016
Reinstate sacked Samworth Brothers union activist
The recent rise in the national living wage, although still falling well short of a real living wage of £10 an hour, was meant to make it easier for workers to afford to pay their rent and bills.
22 June 2016
Pride month 2016 comes at a time of increased attacks on LGBT people - not least the horrific massacre in Orlando
23 June 2016
Sheffield UCU strikers run alternative open day
University of Sheffield UCU lecturers were on strike today as part of the union's national campaign for a Fair Deal for Higher Education, writes Alistair Tice.
24 June 2016
National Museum workers accept deal
PCS members at the National Museum of Wales (NMW) have voted by 78% to accept an improved offer from museum management
24 June 2016
Tories Out! General election now
"The referendum result may well go down in history as the pitchfork moment", declared the Financial Times, wailing the anger and despair of Britain's elite at the decision by the majority of voters to leave the EU
24 June 2016
National Museum workers accept deal
PCS members at the National Museum of Wales have voted by 78% to accept an improved offer
24 June 2016
TUSC press release: EU referendum
The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) today hailed the 'massive vote of no confidence' in the Tory government expressed by Thursday's EU vote and called for the labour and trade union movement to follow this up by demanding an immediate general election
24 June 2016
NUT members vote 91.7% for strike
NUT members in England have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action to protect pay and working conditions.
24 June 2016
27 June 2016
Fight for an anti-austerity party for the 99%. A demo has been called this evening
27 June 2016
Referendum revolt: Capitalist establishment shattered
The vote to leave the EU has rocked capitalist institutions - yet another reflection of anger at mass poverty and savage austerity
28 June 2016
Why you should join the Socialist Party: At the start of 2016, 62 people - barely more than a bus full - owned as much wealth as half the people on the planet
28 June 2016
For decades working-class people have had no voice in Westminster. The establishment parties - not least New Labour - all acted in the interests of the capitalist class.
28 June 2016
What is the socialist alternative?
The Socialist Party is a campaigning party. We are involved in many day-to-day battles in defence of working-class people - from opposing evictions, to campaigning to stop hospital closures
28 June 2016
Is a democratic socialist transformation of society possible?
The capitalists try to claim that socialists could only come to power by force. This is a red herring. The popularity of the anti-austerity programmes of Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders in the US...
28 June 2016
The degeneration of the Soviet Union into a brutal dictatorship - albeit one based on a distorted form of planned economy - has been used to argue that socialism is doomed to failure...
28 June 2016
Socialism would extend democracy
A genuine socialist government would not be dictatorial. On the contrary, it would extend and deepen democracy enormously. This would be much more far-reaching than the parliamentary democracies of capitalism...
28 June 2016
If you agree with this short pamphlet, then join the fight for socialism - join the Socialist Party. The struggle for socialism needs your talents and abilities.
28 June 2016
Defend anti-austerity struggle
The civil war within Labour - which has existed since Jeremy Corbyn was elected as Labour leader - has now broken out into the open. The 'mass' resignations of the shadow cabinet indicate a determined push by the right-wing Parliamentary Labour Party to remove Corbyn.
29 June 2016
United working class resistance can cut across racism
The appalling racist abuse and physical attacks reported since the EU referendum must be condemned and opposed.
29 June 2016
Thousands rally in support of Corbyn
As Labour MPs met and attacked Corbyn, calling for him to resign, thousands of people gathered outside parliament on 27 June to demonstrate against the Blairites intent on removing Jeremy Corbyn from the head of the Labour Party.
29 June 2016
Scotland: Towards a second indyref?
While not committing to a indyref immediately or even definitely proposing to have one, the SNP are using the threat of a second referendum to try and extract from the UK government and the EU an agreement that Scotland can negotiate access to the European single market and for Scotland to continue having a relationship with the EU.
29 June 2016
Blacklisting victory donation dedicated to workers' struggle
"Let's not forget the numerous activists who have been on the more secretive blacklist other than the recent case."
29 June 2016
Italy: Prime Minister Renzi's party routed
Five Star mayors elected in Rome and Turin: The local and mayoral elections in Italy have exploded the myth of "Renzi the invincible".
29 June 2016
RMT conference 2016: EU and Corbyn coup on the agenda
Delegates welcomed the vote to leave the European Union - the RMT has always opposed the EU. Outside many delegates were clear that it is even more important the union retain its support for TUSC now that the Blairites are attempting to remove Corbyn as leader.
29 June 2016
Protest to demand reinstatement of sacked bakers' union rep
Over a hundred campaigners and trade union activists paid a defiant visit to the headquarters of Samworth Brothers, a bullying penny-pinching company that has sacked BFAWU bakers' union rep Kumaran Bose.
29 June 2016
Unison conference 2016: Major turning point in the union
This year's Unison national delegate conference marked a major turning point in the union. On its final day the conference was rocked by the Brexit result and subsequent resignation of Cameron. Many delegates entering the conference on 24 June were either jubilant or confused, but that mood was not matched by the right-wing leadership of Unison.
29 June 2016
Heavyweight commentary plus satire: If you're looking for a comedy that's whimsical and light-hearted, then maybe going to see the Nottingham-based 'Bread & Roses' theatre collective isn't for you.
29 June 2016
Socialist Party joins London Pride to march against LGBT-phobia
Annual Pride marches used to be radical, angry protests, aimed at normalising being openly LGBT. While there is still much further to go in reinvigorating and uniting LGBT struggle, this year's Pride march was a small but significant step closer to achieving that.
29 June 2016
'We Won't Move' meeting organises opposition to Housing Act attacks
This Housing Act could be unleashed by housing associations in some places quite quickly. We have to prepare in the next nine months for every eventuality and we have to get organised now.
29 June 2016
Targets raised after two record-breaking fighting fund quarters
The political earthquake caused by the Brexit vote means the Socialist Party has to be prepared for anything, including a general election. We have to step up our fundraising to make sure we have the funds to reach as many people as possible over the coming months.
29 June 2016
North West regional week of action smashes fighting fund target again
Extra stalls in the North West as part of a fortnight of action raised around £1,000 fighting fund in early June on top of regular branch activities. We sold around 50 copies of the Socialist and a number of people asked for more information about joining the Socialist Party.
29 June 2016
Short reports on some of the latest trade union struggles. Lecturers, train workers and cleaners on strike.
29 June 2016
Letters to the editors: Reactions from some working class communities after Brexit.
29 June 2016
Sanders' strategy runs up against the buffers
US presidential election: Despite left-wing presidential candidate Bernie Sanders saying he will work with his rival Hillary Clinton to "stop Trump" and "transform the Democratic Party", millions of his supporters are looking for a way to continue the "political revolution".
29 June 2016
Old v young is a phoney war - the enemy is the 1%
Contrary to the exertions of many commentators when courting the young, pensioners are not gaining any advantages over other sections of the population.
29 June 2016
Leeds holds vigil in solidarity with Orlando LGBT massacre
While the crowd gathered in remembrance, it was clear that people wanted more than a vigil and were passionate about fighting both LGBT-phobia and the Islamophobia the attack had kicked up.
30 June 2016
Conference of labour movement to defend Jeremy Corbyn urgently needed
'Now it's civil war' declared the front page of today's Mirror.
23/03/20 Usdaw - the Activist
31 Mar Birmingham South East Socialist Party: How important are trade unions today?
1 Apr Cardiff West Socialist Party: A discussion on the Socialist paper
1 Apr Hackney & Islington Socialist Party: How the poll tax was defeated
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