Socialist Party subs appeal

Stepping up the fight against austerity

Naomi Byron, Socialist Party finance department

The Socialist Party is asking every member if they can increase their subs (membership dues) to help improve our resources to fight for an end to the cuts, a new workers' party and a socialist solution to the economic crisis.

Whether you can give a substantial increase or only scrape together another one or two pounds each month, every penny will be used in our campaigns to spread socialist ideas and step up the fight against austerity.

Despite big pressure on wages, benefit cuts and inflation which eats into incomes, our members so far have responded magnificently to the appeal. Over £2,000 has been pledged in increases so far.

One third of these have been increases of £5 per month or less, which are just as valuable to us as bigger increases.

Hugh Caffrey, North West Socialist Party secretary, told the Socialist: "Over the last 12 months we have significantly raised the subs income in the north-west region of the Socialist Party.

"Making sure we discuss with all members, including new members when they join, has delivered £100s more in monthly income."

New organisers

"Dedicated branch treasurers play an important role. They don't just work on finance by themselves, but maintain a wider awareness.

"Electing a new branch treasurer, or freeing up a member currently doing a welter of other tasks to focus on finance, brings good results."

One newly-elected branch treasurer, Liam Curless in Manchester and Trafford branch, said: "Recently I increased my subs and became branch treasurer.

"Having been in the party for a couple of years I have witnessed firsthand the important work the party does and the positive effect this has had in the unions and local communities.

"The constant battle we face against the main parties and the media not only requires members to dig deep in terms of action and time but also financially.

"Our subs help produce the literature, support the paper and the fantastic work done by our full-timers.

"I have been talking to comrades to collect their subs and whether they are able to increase their subs. If giving a little bit more a month helps get our message across, then one or two pints less a week is fine by me!"

Members who cannot increase their subs at the moment can still help raise more money for the Socialist Party by attracting new members and raising Fighting Fund.

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.