Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/717/14492
From The Socialist newspaper, 9 May 2012
We all need to strike together again
Come to the NSSN conference!
Rob Williams, Chair, National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN)
National Shop Stewards Network demonstration to lobby the TUC 11 September 2011, photo Sujeeth (Click to enlarge)
There are many reasons to come to the NSSN conference this year. Whether it's to find out how the Sparks beat the construction bosses' Besna contract and the 35% cut to their wages or just to meet other activists, branch reps and union rank and file members.
Meeting and discussing with them means you can get up to speed on how they've dealt with issues like the ones you're facing at work.
But I suppose the most urgent issue is the public sector pension dispute. Last September the NSSN got 700 union activists to lobby the TUC. Then the two million-strong N30 strike was called.
Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, will be speaking. Here he addresses National Shop Stewards Network lobby of the TUC 11 September 2011, photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge)
But the problem was that after the strike, unions like Unison and the GMB pulled the rug from under the movement's feet. But as well as half a million workers out on strike on 10 May there is further action possible in June, plus Unison members in the NHS rejecting the government's pensions deal.
This is on top of the Con-Dems' election rout. So everything's up for grabs - we need to pile the pressure on the trade union leaders now. We demand a national trade union-led Saturday demonstration against austerity before the summer.
I appeal to all those who want to push this battle forward against this weak and divided cabinet of millionaires - help us make this the biggest NSSN conference so far.
This will send a message to the TUC and the right-wing union leaders, like Unison general secretary Prentis, that we all need to strike together again, like we did on N30. It really could make a difference.
National shop stewards network 6th annual conference
Saturday 9 June 11am-4pm, Friends Meeting House, London NW1 2BJ
Speakers include:
RMT general secretary, Bob Crow
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka
A leading Rank and File Unite construction electrician
Kevin Courtney, NUT deputy general secretary
Bob Crow, general secretary RMT, addresses the National Shop Stewards Network lobby of the TUC 11 September 2011, photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge)
www.shopstewards.net
info@shopstewards.net
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In The Socialist 9 May 2012:
Socialist Party election analysis
Legitimacy of Cameron and Clegg further shattered
Election results: How did TUSC do?
Con-Dems battered in Scottish local elections
Labour's best Wales result in 21 years will not stop cuts
London elections - TUSC: A marker for future struggles
Coventry: Socialist campaigner Dave Nellist narrowly loses
4,792 mayoral vote for Liverpool 47 candidate
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition local election reports
International socialist news and analysis
France: A weekend that shocked Europe
Greece: Political earthquake sees pro-austerity parties' support collapse
Socialist Party news and analysis
MPs find Murdoch "not fit" to run media empire
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Good result for Socialist Students candidates in NUS elections
Health services at risk in Cardiff and Vale
Privatisation pushes up transport costs in Yorkshire
Care home closures in Sheffield
Police restrict anti-racist protesters in Luton
Socialist Party workplace news
Greenwich libraries - fighting back can win
Exposed: the dirty world of NHS privatisation
Duncan Smith throws insults at Remploy workers
Reviews and comments
Film review: 'Cocaine Unwrapped'
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