Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/678/12372
From The Socialist newspaper, 6 July 2011
Next time - strike together...
Susan Wills, branch secretary University and College Union (UCU), Waltham Forest College
Thursday 30 June was a great day of action for UCU - on our second strike day this academic year.
At my own college, a lively picket line was maintained throughout the morning, with more UCU members taking part than ever before. We were joined by anti-cuts campaigners, local pensioners, union members and reps from other organisations - and received strong support from motorists and passers-by.
This refuted the media claim that 'the public' were not on-side in this battle.
A number of us joined the march in central London, along with our children, friends and colleagues, our union banners and home-made placards. Later on, a lucky few made it into the fantastic rally at Westminster Central Hall where the general secretaries of each of the four striking union leaders gave rousing speeches demanding fair pensions for all, and broadening out the issue into a wider defence of education and public services.
From the NUT and ATL, young newly-qualified teachers explained what the pension proposals would mean to them, whilst struggling to pay back student loans, and trying to afford moving into a place of their own.
From UCU, two London reps gave two quite different perspectives on the post-16 sector. Mark Campbell's storming speech expressed anger at the government attacks on higher education - with 70% of courses under threat at London Metropolitan University - while Annie Holder from Lewisham Adult Education service described the impact of the pension proposals on women and older workers.
The atmosphere of the day was tremendous as speaker after speaker re-iterated the view that we all share - we will not accept this.
Earlier in the day, Unison support staff at my college told us that they should have been out on strike alongside us - next time they must be there, along with all the other public sector unions.
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 6 July 2011:
30th June strike and after
Next time - strike together...
24-hour public sector general strike as next step to beat the Con-Dems
Standing up to a weak government
Labour - condemned for condemning strike
Walkout at Wormwood Scrubs prison
30 June pension strike reports
Socialist Party news and analysis
Leaked memo shows government lied over its homeless policies
Dilnot report: A disservice to disabled and older people
Durham Miners' Gala: Miliband pulls out
Stop the racist and divisive EDL
Time to defend abortion rights... again
Socialist Party workplace news
Southampton council workers strike on same day as teachers, lecturers and civil servants
Birmingham - the fightback begins
Leeds Unison members decisively reject the council's final offer
Fawley refinery construction engineers summarily sacked
Fighting pension cuts and the anti-union laws
Successful NSSN meeting in Coventry
International socialist news and analysis
East Belfast riots: Only united working class action can prevent further attacks
Kazakhstan: Striking oil workers attempt to break news blockade
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
All workers: unite to fight for decent jobs
High street job cuts: Jane Norman worker speaks out
Socialist Students meeting prepares for new term
Youth Fight for Jobs: campaign moving forward
Day-Mer festival support for 30 June pensions strike
Socialist Party reviews
Socialist Party
Building the socialist alternative on 30 June
Socialist Party youth meeting: Successful and insightful
Home | The Socialist 6 July 2011 | Join the Socialist Party
Join us today!
Printable version
email to friend
