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From The Socialist newspaper, 23 February 2022
Johnson scraps Covid safety measures
Fight for trade union control of workplace safety
Tories threaten to remove access to free Covid testing (Click to enlarge)
At every stage of the pandemic, Johnson's Tory government has made decisions motivated in large part by the objective to protect bosses' profits.
Johnson's announcement - of an end of legal requirements for people with Covid to self-isolate, an end to enhanced Statutory Sick Pay, the self-isolation payment and free Covid testing - seeks to further 'open up the economy', but also politically boost a prime minister racked by partying scandals and a police investigation.
Throughout the pandemic, the Socialist Party has explained that there can be no trust in the bosses and their politicians to act in the interests of our safety. We have argued for workers' and trade union-led control of workplace safety (see 'Covid pandemic: Fight for full sick pay and trade union control of workplace safety' at socialistparty.org.uk).
We say:
- Trade union control of all workplace safety measures
- Full pay for workers when sick, and an end to punitive sickness absence policies
- Proper ventilation of workplaces and public spaces, subject to trade union-agreed ventilation standards
- No forced return to the workplace. Return only when safe, with agreement from trade unions.
- Maintain access to free Covid testing for all
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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 23 February 2022:
News
Unite and fight for a decent pay rise
Johnson scraps Covid safety measures
Tories instruct teachers to wipe Britain's real history
International news
Ukraine: Workers' unity against capitalist warmongers and imperialist meddlers
Canada: Prime Minister Trudeau invokes Emergencies Act to end 'Freedom Convoy'
One year after the military coup in Myanmar
NHS
Privatisation and crisis in the NHS
Erdington by-election
The Erdington byelection and the fight for a new mass workers' party
Vote Nellist for a workers' MP in Birmingham Erdington
Workplace news
Tube workers strike in defence of pay, pensions and conditions
University workers continue strike against bosses' attacks
Coventry bin strikers lobby strike-breaking Labour council
Scunny scaffs action forces bosses to the table
Usdaw: 'Reinstate Max' week of action
Trade union support for standing anti-cuts election candidates
Barts NHS workers to walk out again on 28 February
Just Eat couriers continue action to fight pay cut
Rail workers strike in Sheffield
Students
Workers and students unite and fight
Fighting fees and marketisation after 2 March student walkout
Campaigns news
Restore Cardiff's slashed services
Brighton Green and Labour cuts - workers and communities fight back
Surrey: Unions and campaigns say stand as an anti-cuts candidate
Newham City Farm - closed with no consultation
London Socialist Party women's meeting
1 March: Socialist Party new website launch
Review
TV review: This is Going to Hurt
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2021