Nick Chaffey and Maggie Fricker, Southampton Socialist Party
There is widespread disappointment on the picket lines of Labour’s failure to support the strikes, demand for nationalisation or push for a general election. There has been a wave of expulsions in Southampton, and many on the left have left Labour.
30 people attended the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) meeting on 4 October – the first in a countrywide tour – after we circulated the TUSC letter to union branches, activists and socialist organisations. Dave Nellist, TUSC national chair, kicked off the meeting, speaking via Zoom because of the rail strike.
After our speakers – Declan Clune from Socialist Party, RMT, and Southampton TUC secretary; and Mabel Wellman People’s Pride organiser and Unite member – we discussed housing, NHS, cost of living and the strikes. Local strikes have won, and there is a rise in trade union membership and activity.
We are preparing to stand candidates for the general election, and continuing to build the campaign and support in the local unions, picket lines and community. Plans are in place to stand in next May’s local elections, where the full council is up, and a by-election. As soon as the date is announced for it, we will convene a meeting to organise our work.
