Abigail Watson, York St. John Socialist Students
Youth Fight for Jobs and York Socialist Party held a demonstration protesting against austerity on 15 March at Exhibition Square in York. Austerity was one of many issues discussed. Anyone present was encouraged to speak about why they were supporting the demonstration and the numerous strikes taking place around York that same morning.
Speakers at the demonstration came from various organisations including the University and College Union, civil servants’ union PCS, York trades council, and students from York St. John University. Speakers criticised the austerity policies since 2010, lack of development of sustainable energy, mass unemployment, and the record profits of energy companies.
Speakers spoke in support of the various unions participating in industrial action in the strike wave, and called for the nationalisation of utilities, economic equality through democratic workers’ control of industry, and social equality fighting against sexism, racism and LGBTQ+phobia.
There was a strong feeling of solidarity and unity in the air at the demonstration, as people came together to fight for a better future.
