Anti-cuts protesters in Southampton, photo by Paul Mattsson

Anti-cuts protesters in Southampton, photo by Paul Mattsson   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Southampton Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) campaigners, including Socialist Party members, staged a protest on 15 November outside the city’s civic centre against cuts to the weekly bin collection service. TUSC campaigners pointed out that the cut to the weekly bin collection is only a budget for rats, fly-tipping and increased health problems.

The cuts are part of the huge austerity cuts imposed by the Tory government. “It is time for (council leader) Simon Letts and his Labour councillors to say enough is enough and use the council’s powers to set a legal no-cuts budget using reserves and prudential borrowing to protect jobs and services,” said TUSC

The re-election victory of Jeremy Corbyn was based on opposition to Tory austerity. Austerity is a choice. Southampton Labour council must reject further cuts and build a mass campaign of council workers, their unions and the city community to demand the restoration of the £100 million government funding stolen from Southampton since 2010.”

“To build such a campaign Southampton Labour should call a budget conference of the local trade unions and community organisations to establish the needs of the city and set a budget. Such a stand would receive massive support from those hammered by cuts. If an appeal was made to other Labour councils to follow suit, such a campaign could force a retreat from the government’s attacks on local council funding.”

“Southampton Labour councillors should refuse to implement Tory cuts or resign and make way for those who are prepared to fight.”

Nick Chaffey, secretary and Sue Atkins, chair: Southampton TUSC

  • The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) is an electoral alliance involving the RMT transport union, the Socialist Party, other socialist groups and leading members of trade unions. Visit the TUSC website www.tusc.org.uk