Link to this page: https://secure.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/734/15264
From The Socialist newspaper, 19 September 2012
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.
Donate to the Socialist Party
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.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 19 September 2012:
Socialist Party news and analysis
We can beat Con-Dems' austerity
All forces to the point of attack against austerity
Cable launches new attack on workers' rights
Global warming: Capitalists skating on thin ice
International socialist news and analysis
Marikana miners remain defiant
Education
Stop the deportation of London Met students
Interview with NUS vice-president for union development
Socialist Party feature
Hillsborough disaster: Truth is out, now justice
Socialist Party workplace news
Sparks' picket blockades Crossrail site
Workers die on tower cranes - Con-Dems cut safety regulations
HMRC seeks to axe workers' childcare
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Save Oaklands Pool - "This is what we pay our council tax for!"
Salford: Uniting to save mental health services
Save Hampshire residential care homes
Stop the fire service cuts in West Yorkshire
NSSN supporter invited to address RMT
Socialist Party women
Slutwalk: there's NO excuse for rape
Sexism - a product of capitalism
Socialist Party review
Review: "From dole queue to corner and back again"
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