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From The Socialist newspaper, 2 February 2022
Covering basic costs is hard, and it's getting worse
(Click to enlarge)
Harrison Cairns, Northampton Socialist Party
At the start of lockdown, as a key worker in the funeral industry, I faced difficulties paying for rent, food, a car, insurance, tax, fuel, phone and internet, like many others.
I also had minimum payments on debts incurred through desperation, rather than thoughtless spending. The possibility of covering everything became harder.
Yet that trial is being made harder still. With costs being passed down, instead of eating into the profits of shareholders, it's us, the working class, who face the brunt.
When will it be too much? I have too often had to decide to cover my rent and go without food.
Will I be doing this again? It very much feels likely. Cutting down portions, finding the cheapest ingredients to get by, eating minimal amounts.
Without a new mass workers' party to fight against the covetous acts of big business, instead accepted by a limp Labour opposition and encouraged by the self-indulgent Tories, no wonder there is little hope felt by those facing the worst of these price rises.
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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 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.
- 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 2 February 2022:
News
Tories attack UC recipients with 'get any job' threat
NHS mandatory vaccination to be ditched
NI rise piled onto shoulders of the lowest paid
Gas and electric bills set to soar by 50% this year
Covering basic costs is hard, and it's getting worse
International news
Ukraine: Workers' unity needed
Northern Ireland: Bloody Sunday 50 years on
School students strike in Austria
France: Education workers and students walkout
TUSC
Dave Nellist standing for Birmingham Erdington
Why a socialist candidate for Birmingham Erdington is vital
Hackney Unison to encourage anti-cuts candidates
Portsmouth: Council workers leaving and tenants' double whammy
Workers fighting back
The winter strike wave escalates as workers fight back and win
NHS workers begin strike for 15% and against outsourcing
Victory at NewVIc college! 'The picket line gives us power'
Coventry bins: all-out against strike-breaking Labour council
Scunny scaffs strike restarts with a bang, barricades and a win!
Campaigns news
Tories sinking, workers rising - help fund the socialist fightback
May Day Greetings: Back the paper that backs the working class
Why I joined: I'm tired of austerity and status quo
Socialist Students getting organised for 2 March walkout
Review
Belfast: Worth watching portrayal of previously airbrushed workers' unity
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2021