Workplace news in brief

Cardiff trade unionists oppose bus workers' job losses

Cardiff's council-owned bus operator is threatening to axe 20% of workers. Cardiff Bus has told staff it "will need to dismiss as redundant at least 130 members of staff across the entire workforce" out of 700, blaming reduced income due to coronavirus.

Cardiff Trades Union Council held an outdoor, socially distanced meeting in Cardiff Bay on 21 September to discuss the issue, as well as safety at work, NHS pay, and the furlough scheme. The meeting sent solidarity to Cardiff Bus workers and said:

"This shows the urgency for our movement to fight against the job cuts that will arise if the government ends the jobs retention scheme next month. Our movement must stand up to demand that the scheme is retained and prepare to fight for every job."

Watch a full recording of the meeting at: facebook.com/cardifftradescouncil

NUJ strikers reach agreement

NUJ picket line at the Redditch Standard newspaper August 2020, photo Birmingham SP (Click to enlarge)

The strike by journalists employed by Bullivant Media on free newspapers in Worcestershire and Warwickshire is over. The strikers have reached an agreement with the owners to restore journalistic control over published content.

Unfortunately, they were unable to get the company to rescind the three compulsory redundancies, but the strikers believe that the action will provide a firm base to strengthen the National Union of Journalists chapel going forward.

Clive Walder, Birmingham South West Socialist Party

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Coronavirus crisis - 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.
Our 'fighting coronavirus workers' charter', outlines a programme to combat the virus and protect workers' living conditions.
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.