Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/638/10228
From The Socialist newspaper, 15 September 2010
How do we vote to stop the cuts?
THE TRADE Unionist and Socialist Coalition's (TUSC) steering committee met on the eve of the TUC congress. They heard reports on where the participating organisations and leading trade unionists now stand in relation to TUSC, set up this year to contest the general election.
RMT transport union executive member, Craig Johnston, on TUSC's steering committee in a personal capacity, reported on June's RMT conference decision to endorse the executive's backing of 21 TUSC candidates at the general election. The job now, he said, was to promote TUSC in anti-cuts campaigning, ready for elections next year.
Clive Heemskerk reported that the Socialist Party still saw the TUSC coalition as an important part of the anti-cuts movement. Nothing that has transpired since the election answers the question: 'what do we do at the ballot box to fight the cuts?' The Socialist Workers Party (SWP) representative said they were committed to TUSC and would seek to run candidates under its banner in May 2011.
PCS civil service union vice-president, John McInally, present in a personal capacity, reported on efforts to create the broadest possible trade union resistance to the cuts. He also gave an update on the PCS consultation process underway on how to develop the union's political campaigning.
The meeting also discussed how participants saw TUSC developing, including how structures could be created to allow local campaign groups and individuals to participate in national decision-making.
A conference for local groups planning to stand candidates in the 2011 council elections will be held in January. A draft local elections policy statement will be circulated to local groups for discussion.
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 15 September 2010:
Socialist Party editorial
Decisive action can defeat this government
TUC congress
TUC: Build for action against cuts
Socialist Party youth and students
Stop the 'slippery slope' to two-tier education
How will the Browne Review into university funding affect you?
Student strikes can win results
Feature: Socialist Party women
Women and the struggle against oppression
Socialist Party news and analysis
Royal Mail: Con-Demned to history?
Privatisation's giant wrecking ball
Middlesborough local union-led public services alliance set up
Labour councillors challenged in Hastings
Shropshire: showing socialist alternative gets results
Socialist Party workplace news
London Underground: Action biting against job cuts
UCU executive pulls out of strike ballot
Anti-cuts campaign
Mood of defiance in Huddersfield
How do we vote to stop the cuts?
Nottinghamshire: Campaign saves vital service
Lobbies warn councils of workers' action
Socialism 2010
Socialism 2010: How can we save the environment?
International socialist news and analysis
All-India general strike: Eyewitness report from Chennai
Fighting oppression in Kazakhstan
Socialist Party review
Home | The Socialist 15 September 2010 | Join the Socialist Party
Join us today!
Printable version
