Callum Joyce, Oxford Socialist Party
Our Oxford meeting – part of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) ‘Enough is enough! But what do we do at the ballot box?’ tour – discussed the pressing need for a workers’ alternative at the next general election.
Lenny Shail, from the Socialist Party executive committee, outlined the economic and political crises gripping the country, and how the strike wave is a way for workers to begin to fight back.
The current industrial action is a huge show of strength for the working class, compared to the last 10 years. A 24-hour general strike is now on the cards.
No voice
However, there is currently no political voice to represent striking workers. And, after the defeat of Jeremy Corbyn, Labour has firmly moved to supporting the bosses.
To start building a party that can fight for policies like nationalisation of rail, mail, energy etc, and to fight against all of the anti-trade union laws, TUSC is making the call for 100 workers’ candidates to stand in the next election. Such a step could begin to lay the foundations for a new mass workers’ party of trade unionists, socialists, and anyone else who wants to stand against austerity.
Stephen Brown is a National Education Union (NEU) member, and a previous TUSC candidate. He spoke about the situation facing teachers, who have not received a real-terms pay rise since 2006.
Underfunding and understaffing
With underfunding and understaffing forcing many teachers to leave the profession, or else cope with unmanageable amounts of stress, it is no wonder that three quarters of a million teachers are currently or will soon be balloting for strike action as well.
The meeting made clear the need for a determined fightback against the attacks being levied on the working class. Building a new political voice is a key part of that.
Come the next general election, we will be planning to stand a TUSC candidate in Oxford to show local people that there is an alternative to the capitalist politicians currently on offer – be they Tory or Labour.
We encourage everyone to take up this task as well, and work within your communities and trade unions to put forward workers’ candidates who are needed now more than ever in the fight against poverty and exploitation.
