PCS union members on the 'climate strike' demo, London, 20.9.19.

PCS union members on the ‘climate strike’ demo, London, 20.9.19.   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Helen Pattison, London Socialist Party

Socialist Party members attended a climate change discussion event organised by members of the National Education Union on 12 October.

Before the start we had interesting discussions about the need for socialist change to end climate change.

Some also wanted to talk about the role of the curriculum in educating people about the environment. As more schools become privately run ‘academies’, what little voice parents and staff had is further restricted. Students, staff and the local community should have genuine democratic control of education.

Later that day there was a rally of around 100 trade unionists hosted by Extinction Rebellion in Trafalgar Square. Speakers raised the need to fight for secure, well-paid green jobs, and retraining so workers can remain employed.