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From The Socialist newspaper, 21 April 2010
Strike ballot at Manchester Metropolitan University
Workers at Manchester Metropolitan University are continuing to fight 127 job losses, with their union Unison restarting the process of balloting for strike action. The ballot closes on 6 May with action likely to start one week later.
Following a 3:1 vote in favour of being balloted for strike, Unison began to carry this out. Then management threatened to get the ballot ruled illegal. This same management have refused to seriously negotiate, harassed union members, denied the union reasonable rights, banned it from discussing the strike on university premises, and rather than negotiate a sensible solution threatened to spend up to £100,000 challenging the strike ballot. Unison therefore decided to reballot.
Delegates to Unison's Higher Education conference in February roundly criticised the union's links with New Labour and overwhelmingly demanded a serious national industrial action strategy. Members are right to demand it but will have real doubts that, based on past performance, this leadership is capable of delivering.
We need leaders prepared to stand up to the employers and break the Labour link. We can make a start by voting for Socialist Party members in the current service group executive elections, and for Roger Bannister in the general secretary election from 17 May.
A Unison member at MMU
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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.
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 special coronavirus appeal.
In The Socialist 21 April 2010:
Stop these savage cuts: support the socialist alternative
Youth fight for jobs
Young people facing a fight for their future
National Union of Students conference: Campaign needed against fees and cuts
Socialist Party editorial
Left candidates excluded from media
LibDem Surge
Big business as usual for Liberal Democrats
TV debate - Party leaders compete for the same policies
Transport
Volcanic eruption brings travel chaos: Planned and integrated transport system vital
Planes, trains and automobiles
Socialist Party news and analysis
Cameron turns back clock on women's rights
Banks use microloans to fleece poor
Socialist Party election campaign
Doncaster - Jarvis's vicious sackings and workers' fightback
Portsmouth North: "An ordinary guy to represent ordinary workers"
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Coventry: Standing up for public services
Colne Valley / Huddersfield: Kirklees' only fighting councillor
Spelthorne: "The trade union candidate guy"
A chance to put your questions to your local Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidates.
Anti-racism
Why the BNP offers no way forward for working class people
International socialist news and analysis
Progressive Workers Federation of Pakistan founded
Sri Lanka parliamentary elections: Rajapaksa's clan consolidates its rule
Socialist Party features
National Care Service - fact or fiction?
1936 - A play about the Olympics
Socialist Party workplace news
Civil service dispute continues
Fighting cuts at Coventry council
Strike ballot at Manchester Metropolitan University
Dover trade unions against privatisation
National Shop Stewards Network 2010 conference:
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