Sofia Pandolfi, London Socialist Students organiser
Socialist Students was invited to speak at a meeting of transport union RMT, the Finsbury Park branch, in the lead up to the International Youth Strike on 20 November.
I spoke to RMT members on the importance of the youth walkouts, as a step towards students getting organised against war and militarisation, and uniting the struggles of students and workers.
Looking to how we can continue to build solidarity between students and workers, we made an appeal to the RMT, asking for support on the day of the walkouts. The RMT has an incredible record in organising and coordinating stewarding to ensure safety on demonstrations.
We asked the branch for volunteers to help steward our demonstration in central London. We want to make this day as safe as possible for students walking out, especially as for many students this is their first time getting organised in this way.
Our appeal had great support from the branch, who agreed that solidarity and unity between workers and students is crucial. In response, they have passed on our request for stewards to the RMT branches in London.
The Finsbury Park branch of the RMT has also asked Socialist Students to speak at their annual general meeting (AGM) the week after 20 November – talking about how we can build a joint fightback against the austerity attacks, which affect all of us.
