Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/694/13150
From The Socialist newspaper, 16 November 2011
Reinstate Vik Chechi
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) Unison is currently running a public campaign demanding the reinstatement of its suspended branch secretary Vik Chechi. The branch believes this suspension is linked to Vik's opposition to the cuts. These cuts include 100 redundancies and imposed restructurings.
On 10 November, a public meeting comprising of workers, students and supporters was convened. Speaking at the meeting was Vik Chechi, April Ashley (Southwark Unison assistant branch secretary and a member of Unison's national executive, personal capacity) and Glenn Kelly, former Unison national executive member.
QMUL Security had received orders from senior management to bar members of the public and supporters from the meeting. Not deterred, workers and students braved the cold, holding the meeting outside and took the opportunity to leaflet passing staff and students.
QMUL management have threatened to do the same at the 24 November Stop the Cuts meeting which is being organised by trade unions and students in the run-up to 30 November.
QMUL Unison communication officer, Olivia Ribeiro, said it was: "a fantastic meeting, with a wide range of supporters. However, banning members of the public is against the proud working class history of the university, whose campus centerpiece is called the 'People's Palace', and the local area. It's also a clear attempt to curtail support for trade union campaigns."
QMUL Unison is organising a lobby of the employers on 15 November.
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In The Socialist 16 November 2011:
Fighting the cuts
Strike together, Protest together, Win together
Defend the right to strike and protest
All out together on 30 November
Socialist Party workplace news
Southampton - opposing all the cuts
Electricians march to defend pay and conditions
Socialist history
The first shop stewards movement
International socialist news and analysis
Berlusconi quits as debt crisis hits eurozone's third largest economy
End the dictatorship of the markets!
Irish Socialist MEP Paul Murphy speaks out: solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza will continue
Socialist Party news and analysis
Murdochgate scandal shows need for democratic and accountable media
Stop the government austerity juggernaut
Jobs crisis - 'We can't afford capitalism'!
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Thousands say no to fees, cuts and privatisation
Riot cops assault Occupy protesters
The Socialist - Readers' comments
Cuts kill - Poverty, despair and a suicide pact
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