Join us today!
Printable version
Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/828/19452
From The Socialist newspaper, 8 October 2014
RMT tube workers join October action
RMT: London Underground workers are defending jobs and a public service, photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge)
Bill Johnson, London Underground worker
RMT transport workers' union has called a 48 hour strike on 14-15 October as the union continues to fight against London Underground's (LU) plans to cut around 900 jobs and reduce grades and pay-rates across stations on the tube.
In response to previous action by RMT, LU has been forced to offer significant changes to its proposals that could protect the pay of existing members.
But LU still plans cuts of around £8,000 for new staff or those who get promoted in future. Existing staff would have to take on many new responsibilities in order to keep their pay.
LU is now insisting that any changes to its plans are linked to the unions accepting the proposals and moving on to discuss how they are implemented. This is unacceptable to RMT.
RMT has fought a tenacious struggle against LU's plans in spite of being left isolated by the other unions on the tube. A unified strike by RMT, TSSA and Aslef could deliver a knock-out blow against LU management, the London Mayor and Department of Transport.
Nevertheless, RMT has forced LU to change its position and this action must force further movement.
Donate to the Socialist Party
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.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 8 October 2014:
Socialist Party news and analysis
We need ideas to change the world
UK - A tax haven for the super-rich
International socialist news and analysis
South Africa: "A workers' party must emerge"
Middle East: Repel IS and Western imperialism
Coordinated attacks on Hong Kong movement
Ebola crisis: Consequence of profit before health
Stop corporate plunder of Bangladesh energy
Socialist Party workplace news
Public sector: why we have to strike
RMT tube workers join October action
Teachers: Pay rise? What pay rise?
Sheffield: Green workers red with anger
M25 maintenance workers protest
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Training tomorrow's trade union militants
Finance to fight for the future
School students organise disabled rights meeting
Ice cream, you scream, we all scream for £10 now!
Readers' comments
Exhaustion from buzzer to buzzer
Bedroom Tax: Still making tenants' lives hell
Scotland: Workers need a new mass party
Correction: Labour's private health links are worse!
Obituary
Andrew Price: Fighter, teacher, party campaigner
Home | The Socialist 8 October 2014 | Join the Socialist Party
Subscribe | Donate | PDF | ebook
2020