Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/658/11178
From The Socialist newspaper, 16 February 2011
Greenwich marches against brutal council cuts
200 trade unionists, community campaigners and service users marched in Greenwich borough, south London, against the local council's brutal cuts package, photo Lorraine Dardis (Click to enlarge)
On Saturday 12 February around 200 trade unionists, community campaigners and service users marched in Greenwich borough, south London, against the local council's brutal cuts package.
Paul Callanan, Greenwich Save Our Services
The march was called by Greenwich Save Our Services which was initiated by Socialist Party members. Banners and flags from local branches of Unite, PCS, NUT, NSSN, the Pensioners' Forum and Keep Our NHS Public were all present. The march grew as it went through Woolwich's busy high street.
Photo Lorraine Dardis (Click to enlarge)
Greenwich council has unveiled a cuts package that will 'save' £90 million over the next four years.
The first wave, which will slash £30 million in one year, includes cuts to carer's allowances, parks and open spaces including the closure of a popular animal park in Charlton, the closure of advice centres for teenage mothers, and a 40% voluntary sector cut.
The Labour council has also handed out redundancy notices to all its workers.
Photo Lorraine Dardis (Click to enlarge)
Workers are told to accept new contracts on worse terms and conditions or face losing their jobs.
At the rally, Mick Callanan, a Unite grounds maintenance steward and Socialist Party member, pointed to the student protests at the end of last year and said that "they showed the way in the fight against the cuts and now we should be good parents and join them".
Onay Kasab addresses the demo, photo Lorraine Dardis (Click to enlarge)
Onay Kasab, Unite 1563 branch chair, said that the march needed to be the "start of the movement in Greenwich against the cuts".
Photo Lorraine Dardis (Click to enlarge)
Photo Lorraine Dardis (Click to enlarge)
Photo Lorraine Dardis (Click to enlarge)
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In The Socialist 16 February 2011:
Anti-cuts campaign
Join the fightback against cuts!
Labour councillors' arguments refuted at People's Convention
Hundreds pack into Liverpool meeting against cuts
Private tenants are the poor relations in housing
International socialist news and analysis
Egypt: What next after the overthrow of mubarak?
Egypt - the revolution must go on
Workplace news and analysis
Portsmouth anti-cuts campaign presents an alternative
Rawmarsh teachers' action wins reprieve
UCU members prepare for battle on pensions and pay
Campaigns
Greenwich marches against brutal council cuts
Worcester: end the cuts and the coalition!
Reject 'TINA'- fight for socialism
Action across the country - fighting all council cuts
Marxist analysis: history
Britain 1911-1914: The great unrest - lessons for today
Socialist Students
Tuition fees increase spells misery for students: Build a united fightback!
Socialist Party reviews
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