The Socialist 21 May 2008

Step Up Fight Against Low Pay!

Force more u-turns out of this weak government

Build Affordable Homes Now!

Unison members say 'no' to witch hunt

Reasons to be cheerful about the trade unions

Public-sector workers say pay up!

National Shop Stewards Network second conference advert

Give us back our Post Office!

Fightback saves Cardiff school

Southampton students: 'Don't gag us'

D-I-V-O-R-C-E

Glasgow: BNP not welcome here

100% rise for health bosses

Global food crisis

Them and Us: The great divide

Nuclear industry's 'green' camouflage

London Olympics 2012: A great sporting occasion and a great profit-making opportunity

France 1968: Be realistic - demand the impossible!

International discussion on the way forward for socialists

Video: 'France 1968, month of revolution' London meeting

Campaign for a New Workers' Party conference

China: Earthquake disaster exposes regime's failings

Lebanon: Hezbollah routs pro-US Siniora government forces

Ireland: Vote no to Lisbon Treaty and EU militarisation!

France: Workers and youth resist Sarkozy's attacks

Previous issues, etc

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D-I-V-O-R-C-E

BIG BOOKIES Ladbroke's, who are used to divorcing punters from their cash, recently opened a book on which 'celebrity couple' will be first to get a divorce. You can bet which B-list celebs, people such as Ashley Cole, Amy Winehouse or Peter Andre, will first untie the knot of matrimony with their partners.

One troubled marriage they don't mention is that between the organised working class in Britain's trade unions and the Labour Party that they set up. The unions would have a very strong case for citing infidelity because of Labour's infatuation with wealthy capitalists or cruelty for keeping wages down below inflation.

Research into reasons for divorce show that the percentage citing overwork has massively increased. No surprise there - British workers face the longest working week in Europe - not much time (or reason) to spend affection on New Labour. Emotional factors - such as non-communication and lack of attention - are the most commonly mentioned of all motives for divorce.

With striking oil workers, teachers, civil servants etc., showing their hatred of New Labour government policies, how long will it be before the unions start divorce proceedings and aim to support or form a new workers' party?

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Step Up Fight Against Low Pay!