Marching for jobs and services

AN UNRELENTING series of attacks on jobs in Sheffield and the
subsequent cuts in services has led to a growing willingness of workers
and community groups to voice their anger. Socialist Party members in
PCS have called a Sheffield march for jobs and services, with the
support of the trades council.

Robbie Faulds, Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Sheffield
PCS, personal capacity

This demonstration can act as a rallying point for trade unionists
and campaigners fighting back against the many attacks on workers’
living standards.

The civil service is a major employer in the city. Job cuts – of a
third of all DfES staff, and 30,000 Department for Work and Pensions
staff nationally and massive cuts in the Learning and Skills Council,
are all having a severe impact.

In the private sector, Finnish steel company Outo Kumpu are closing a
plant in Sheffield with the loss of 700 jobs. This is the latest example
of the loss of the traditional manufacturing base. This is leading to
cuts in workers’ wages, in the "race to the bottom".

But there is opposition to these attacks. There is an ongoing
campaign for decent bus services and we are preparing to defend the NHS,
as the local Trust has declared a £16 million deficit. Join us on the
demo.

Sheffield March for Pensions, Jobs and Services Saturday 25
February, assemble 11am at DfES Moorfoot.