Campaign news in brief


Leicester

Do people want councillors who implement cuts, or councillors who are willing to fight the cuts? On 21 February, Leicester’s prospective and current Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition councillors balloted passers-by to find out.

Over the course of an hour, 75 stopped to cast their vote. Every single one ticked the “no cuts” box.

Leicester’s Labour council is planning to top up their reserves by seven million pounds. Meanwhile, residents are told that swingeing cuts are necessary.

TUSC councillor Wayne Naylor said: “The council say they’re saving the money for a rainy day. Well, I say it’s already raining!” As we go to press, Leicester TUSC councillors will be moving a budget amendment to this effect.

Caroline Vincent, Leicester Socialist Party

Coventry

Around 300 people marched through Coventry on 21 February against enormous cuts to local services. This was organised by Coventry trades council and Coventry Against the Cuts. Socialist Party members play leading roles in both groups.

Speakers included an official from firefighters’ union FBU (due to strike as we go to press) and a library worker representing local government union Unison. A lively youth contingent included students from local universities and sixth forms. Many wore bright pink ‘£10 Now’ t-shirts to back the campaign for a higher minimum wage.

Campaigning by community groups and unions, especially Unison, means Coventry’s Labour council has already been forced into some concessions. These include a one-year delay on cuts to libraries and disabled children’s transport.

Protest clearly works!

Dan Crowter, Coventry East Socialist Party

Newcastle

Bakers’ union BFAWU launched their new online video campaigning for a £10-an-hour national minimum wage in Newcastle on 19 February.

It was hosted by the Northern region of the TUC. The video addresses challenging issues such as food banks, sky-rocketing transportation costs, and the reverse welfare of in-work benefits that in reality benefits the bosses – socialism for big business!

The panel included BFAWU president Ian Hodson, Labour MP Dave Anderson, Tim Roach of general union GMB and Paul Phillips from Youth Fight for Jobs.

There was a spirited discussion with many angry criticisms directed at Labour. The mood right across the audience was one of support for the campaign and defiance of the austerity measures crippling workers.

William Jarrett, Newcastle Socialist Party