Unofficial action by airport workers has forced Donald Trump to end the longest unpaid 'furlough' of government employees in history. Air traffic controllers and security staff had increasingly not attended work, threatening the vital commercial flow of air transport.

The president of flight attendants' union AFA, Sara Nelson, called her members out in support. A couple of weeks earlier, Nelson had even raised the need for a general strike.

Within hours, Trump conceded a temporary budget - without funding for his infamous wall - to prevent the strike spreading. Although he is hemmed in on all sides, the big business Democratic opposition could still negotiate a deal which includes divisive attacks on migrants.

As the victorious LA teachers show - strikes get results. US unions should seize the initiative and press their members' demands now, while the administration is on the back foot.

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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.