Workplace news in brief

NUT action

On 26 September teachers' union NUT members will be starting a programme of industrial action in defence of their pay and conditions. Teachers are being attacked, not only with a pay freeze but with 'appraisal' measures which can be used to push teachers down the pay scales.

Regular reps' meetings are essential to coordinate the action and to escalate it to strike action where schools try to impose unacceptable policies.

But national strike action, coordinated with the other public sector unions should also be built for.

For more information and advice see the blog of NUT executive member Martin Powell-Davies: electmartin1.blogspot.com

Defend the Four

As part of our long-running campaign against a witch-hunt within Unison of four Socialist Party members, we launched a new petition in June this year. The Four had been accused of several breaches of the union's rules but were singled out when they argued for increased democracy within the union.

The petition opposed the fact that Unison was intending to spend up to another £100,000 appealing the previous decisions against them at an employment tribunal and employment appeals tribunal.

The petition called on Unison to stop spending money on further persecution of the Four.

The petition got massive support over the summer. We have 1,000 signatures and over 400 on an electronic petition.

This was presented to Unison general secretary Dave Prentis, before the TUC on 9 September.

For more information and an opportunity to buy a campaign wristband, see: http://www.stopthewitchhunt.org.uk/

Brian Debus

Argos strike

On 19 September workers at five Argos distribution centres are likely to be starting a four-day national strike. This is over the closing of the company's final salary pension scheme, which it is seeking to do without compensating the affected staff.

The centres are in Magna Park, Leicestershire, Bridgewater, Heywood, Lancashire, Castleford and Basildon.

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.