Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/547/6386
From The Socialist newspaper, 10 September 2008
In brief
PCS strike ballot over pay
Balloting over a national civil service-wide strike over pay will run from 24 September to 17 October. 270,000 PCS members will be voting on a strike, followed by a rolling programme of targeted industrial action going into 2009.
Already low-paid civil servants are angry that 40% of workers in the DWP will get no pay rise at all this year, whilst 30% of those in the Identity and Passport service are in the same situation.
The union will be working to co-ordinate action with other public-sector unions where possible.
Trade unions demonstrate at Labour Party conference
Unite members working in local government are demonstrating over pay on Sunday 21 September, assembling at 11.30am at Castlefield Arena in Manchester and marching to the city centre.
CWU members working in Royal Mail are demonstrating over closures and privatisation, including threats to mail centres and post offices. Monday 22 September, at the same times and using the same route.
Union recognition victory
Journalists in south Wales have won trade union recognition after an 18-month long battle, in the teeth of hefty opposition from management. The NUJ members at the South Wales Evening Post, Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star, voted for union recognition against the Northcliffe-owned South Wales Media.
Sacked for exposing management's plans
A GMB member has been sacked by Marks and Spencer for making public the company's plans to reduce redundancy payments by up to 25%. The union has concluded the company is planning job cuts, in the face of falling profits.
The cuts to workers' redundancy payments contrast with those enjoyed by management - like the £500,000 given to the former director of food, who left in July.
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In The Socialist 10 September 2008:
Housing Crisis: Brown has no answers
War and occupation
USA: Defying police, students walk out against the Republican national convention
Socialist Party editorial
US mortgage bank nationalisation - sign of deepening crisis
Scotland
Scotland council tax to be scrapped
Scotland: Council pay battle at critical stage
Socialist Party workplace news
Workers' anger surfaces at TUC
London bus workers inspired by strike
Socialism 2008
Socialist Party campaigns
May Day detainees fight for justice
Fans pay for the success of the 'beautiful game'
Socialist Students
Fighting start to freshers fairs
Bangor University students union fees referendum
Environment and socialism
Can we have 'the right to travel' - without adding to climate change?
Socialist Party review
Richard Dawkins: The genius of Charles Darwin, (Channel 4)
International socialist news and analysis
Thailand in grip of political deadlock
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