Workplace news in brief

Vasey victory!

The Socialist would like to congratulate victimised CWU (postal workers' union) union rep John Vasey who has been reinstated to his workplace at Wakefield Royal Mail delivery office. John was sacked on 21 August on a charge connected with non-delivery of election material and had been removed from duty on 1 May, and then suspended for three months.

On his reinstatement John has said: "This is a great success. I have to give massive praise to the Socialist Party and its intervention and work through NSSN played a very good role in the campaign and is now a respected organisation among Wakefield postal workers."

He finished by reiterating support for fellow victimised CWU rep Clive Walder and his reinstatement campaign. There will be more in next week's issue of the Socialist.

24-hour tube strikes

The RMT has announced a new series of strike action on London Underground grades in two separate disputes over pay and night tube and the plans to bulldoze through massive cuts to station staffing numbers. The walkouts are on 27 January, 16 February and 18 February. RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT members are furious at the bodged introduction of the mayor's Night Tube plans and the fact that they have been tied in with a pay deal that has left our members dangling on a string and out of pocket since April last year. RMT supports the principle of a properly worked out Night Tube service introduced through agreement with the unions. But the abject failure to work through the detail has forced us to name a programme of further industrial action." The RMT and other tube unions shut the network down completely in July 2015.

Libraries walk-out

Lambeth Libraries staff have voted overwhelmingly for strike action to save jobs and keep all ten libraries open. Staff voted 89% to strike against plans to close libraries and cut jobs. Unison will now be discussing extended strike action with workers in the borough. This strike vote follows a significant community campaign to keep the libraries open as well as a walk out by staff in December.

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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.