The Socialist 16 February 2006

Troops out of Iraq

Fight for your future

Hands off our schools!

ID cards: 'Creeping compulsion' and grovelling MPs

The real cost of BP mega-profits

Universities and the arms trade

Haitian poor rebel at suspected poll-rigging

Building an alternative to the profit system

New Labour attacks the sick and disabled

Keep fighting New Labour's Education Bill

Labour's pro-business policies are punished

The housing scandal

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month

Striking postal workers build support

Sick of the system

Marching for jobs and services

Previous issues, etc

Print this issue




Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/427/5017

Google search the site	Printable version	email to friend

Home | The Socialist 16 February 2006 | Join the Socialist Party

Subscribe | Donate | Bookshop

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.