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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/931/24200
From The Socialist newspaper, 11 January 2017
What we saw
An Aslef leaflet explains what drivers can actually see from the cab (Click to enlarge)
Southern Fail
Britain's worst train operator, Southern Rail, wants to sack all its guards to boost profits. The unions claim the guards have a safety-critical role. Who to believe?
Another London route operated by Southern's parent company Govia Thameslink failed a counter-terrorism test. Staff did not locate a dummy bomb.
Drivers' union Aslef points out the camera view its members have from the cab is blurry and incomplete (examples above from an Aslef leaflet). Guards also provide essential assistance to disabled and unwell passengers, among other duties. Looks like it's not just a 'row over who presses the button'.
Tube tilt
Transport for London was extremely keen to let commuters know about the 8-9 January 2017 strikes (Click to enlarge)
Management at London Underground sent five - count 'em - emails to commuters about one day of strike action.
Lucky Londoners received an 'Important Tube strike' email on 5 January, 6 January, and then two on 8 January. On 9 January, a fifth email gave 'Tube strike travel advice for this evening'.
In the same period, Transport for London sent just one email detailing network closures for maintenance work. Transport unions RMT and TSSA walked out against unsustainably low staffing levels.
Thanks to Mary Finch for the tube tale
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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 11 January 2017:
NHS in meltdown
NHS in meltdown from spending cuts - demonstrate on 4 March!
Sustainability and Transformation plans - a repackaging of cuts
Worcestershire hospital deaths expose NHS crisis
Socialist Party comments and reviews
Football abuse scandal: Reclaim the game for justice and accountability
Book review: Spy drama gives insight into capitalist coup plot
What we think
Socialist Party news and analysis
'Cash for ash' scandal set to bring down Northern Ireland government
May slams 'economic inequalities' Tory policies created
Blair's multimillion plans to fight 'populism'
Bosses earn average salary in under three days
Them & Us: £500k house party... 50p for rent
Labour Party
Haringey: pressure grows as Labour council cuts
Sick of sham consultations - give us a real fightback
Khan should attack bosses, not workers
Socialist Party workplace news
Tube strike solid in fight for jobs and safety
Support BA cabin crews' strike for fair pay
Sham Royal Mail pensions consultation - action needed
Unison legal battle looks into allegations 'Team Dave' broke rules during general secretary election
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Build the resistance against Trump
Socialist Party national women's meeting
2016: A record-breaking fighting fund year!
Closing of the children's centres could cost lives
International socialist news and analysis
Palestine/Israel: Everyday life under occupation
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