Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/687/12867
From The Socialist newspaper, 28 September 2011
Workplace news in brief
Hold tight!
Transport union RMT has protested at plans to train 60 volunteer drivers to drive rural buses on the Isle of Wight. The Tory council has cut funding to Wight Bus, now it is pioneering this scheme, presumably part of Cameron's 'big society'.
What Cameron has never understood, viewing society from his Eton/Oxbridge bubble, is that thousands of people already spend many unpaid hours volunteering for anything from helping with children's sports to environmental projects.
It is an insult to those people and a potential danger to bus passengers on the Isle of Wight to use volunteers to drive buses. The jobs of properly trained bus drivers are being put in jeopardy.
It is no wonder that RMT general secretary Bob Crow has said: "RMT will fight this attack on bus services, and bus staff, with every tool at our disposal."
Pensions strike ballot
The Unison ballot for strike action against cuts in the local government pensions scheme will run from 11 October to 3 November. Members of the scheme are being faced with working longer and paying more to get less. Everyone earning over £15,000 a year is fighting an effective pay cut. This ballot is part of the plan for coordinated strike action on 30 November.
The strike covers all members of the local government pension scheme, which includes those working for companies hived off from the public sector, like the 300 workers in the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Health strike
Unison members in health and education in Northern Ireland are to strike on 5 October. The 24-hour strike is in protest at the cuts in health and education funding. Other unions are likely to join the action.
If you are involved in a dispute, ring us on 020 8988 8777 or email a report to: editors@socialistparty.org.uk
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In The Socialist 28 September 2011:
Building for 30 November strike
Mass strikes can kick out Con-Dems
Jarrow march for jobs
Join the Jarrow marchers on their 330 mile journey!
Why are you supporting the march?
Jarrow march - council puts high price on right to protest
The Socialist's editorials
World economy in meltdown - we won't pay for capitalist crisis
Pro-business Labour offers crumbs and promises cuts
Socialist history
1911 - Bermondsey women's uprising
Socialist Party youth and students
£6,000 uni fees? An offer we can refuse!
Fight fees and cuts - join Socialist Students!
Youth demand a future in Tottenham
Socialist Party news and analysis
As Murdochgate scandal goes on - release Tommy Sheridan!
Scotland: SNP do the Con-Dems' dirty work
Dale Farm - call off the evictions of residents
Metal thefts - The hidden crime of capitalism
Socialism 2011: A weekend of discussion and debate
International socialist news and analysis
As debt crisis deepens... Greek workers and youth in revolt
Socialist Party workplace news
Construction workers strike to defend agreements
Greenwich Unite takes fight to cuts councillors
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
PFI schemes - a national scandal
Salford says: Save Lancaster House!
Stroud demo against private sharks killing the NHS
Socialist Party review
Film review: Tinker tailor soldier spy
Readers' comments
My impressions of the Work Programme
Standing up for our pension rights
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