Fresh round of strikes against fresh round of cuts


Greg Collier, Oxford Socialist Party

“We’re here today for a day of strike action to say to this local authority it’s not good enough. We’re a very rich country, tax a few more of the super-rich”, said Unite branch officer David Ricketts as Oxford County Council workers from Unite the union took strike action on 16 February.

The action was against plans to make further cuts of more than £50 million to local services and strikers were accompanied by dozens of supporters from around the county showing solidarity.

This fresh round of cuts would result in the closure of 44 children’s centres and seven early intervention centres across Oxfordshire, including David Cameron’s own constituency of Witney where members of his family have opposed cuts.

The workers of Oxford County Council want to protect vital community services and more than 400 jobs that are at risk.

As increasing waves of cuts are passed, more people are beginning to stand up against attacks on ordinary people.