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From The Socialist newspaper, 6 July 2016
Firefighters fight cuts
FBU members marching against job cuts, photo Suzanne Beishon (Click to enlarge)
Greater Manchester Fire Authority is planning to cut 280 firefighter jobs and 26 fire engines. Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members have been protesting these plans, including a huge lobby of the fire authority meeting which approved the cuts. To make up for the loss in staff, the firefighters that remain will be forced to work longer hours. An FBU member in Greater Manchester told the Socialist: "The current situation is the authority is imposing a 12-hour shift with a start and finish time of 10.30. This will not only have huge ramifications for the quality of life for firefighters, but also the quality of life for their families. Not only are public service workers being asked to pay for governmental failings with their terms and conditions, but our families are being asked to pay also. Industrial relations, morale, staffing and safety of both the public and firefighters are at an all-time low. Our members will stand shoulder to shoulder to fight for the protection of the public, protection of our family lives and protection of our terms and conditions that have been hard won and fought for by our comrades throughout the years."
Becci Heagney
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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.
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 6 July 2016:
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