Southampton

Union votes for anti-cuts campaign

SOUTHAMPTON SOCIALIST Party are holding a public meeting on 2 November to build a campaign against cuts and privatisation planned by the city council. 800 jobs are threatened with privatisation and there are £6 million worth of cuts, affecting 50 jobs.

Nick Chaffey

UNISON held a lobby of over 300 at the last council meeting and a resolution opposing the cuts was passed at the following UNISON mass meeting of 200 members. This was despite the opposition of the branch secretary.

The resolution calls for branch-wide workplace meetings based on the principle that the branch opposes the council's plan and supports industrial action. Then a branch-wide ballot calling for industrial action in opposition to any privatisation of public services.

The campaign would involve a public meeting, to include other unions, tenants' groups, etc, to put forward the branch's case to locally elected MPs and councillors. It would also include a demonstration to put pressure on the council to withdraw its proposals.

This represents a significant step forward in building an effective campaign, but activists will have to ensure the branch now follows through and carries out the points in the resolution.

Southampton Socialist Party public meeting, 2 November, 7.30pm. Fight privatisation - Stop the cuts. Speakers: Brian Loader, NHS Logistics, UNISON branch secretary, John Pike, Southampton city council, UNISON steward (both in a personal capacity). Bosun's Locker, Function Room, Upper Bugle St, Southampton.

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