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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/26479
Posted on 16 November 2017 at 17:05 GMT
Eastern Ave job centre, Sheffield, strike ends, photo by A Tice (Click to enlarge)
Sheffield Eastern Ave Job Centre strike ends
Alistair Tice
Applauded by supporters, PCS members marched back to work this morning at Sheffield's Eastern Avenue Job Centre. After taking 44 days of strike action since June, it was quite an emotional and inspiring moment.
Although the job centre closes tomorrow, the solidarity shown by the around 50 PCS civil service union members who took this strike action, and the example they have set in fighting to keep open a public service in the local community, will long be remembered.
The callousness of this Tory government is highlighted by its attitude towards benefit claimants and disabled people.
Local DWP management's vindictiveness was exposed today by its attempt to unnecessarily disperse the returning staff to their new workplaces ahead of Monday's official transfer date.
However, the union's campaign to keep some sort of outreach service in the local area will continue, and the fighting spirit and solidarity of the strikers will now be taken into their re-deployed DWP offices.
This version of this article was first posted on the Socialist Party website on 16 November 2017 and may vary slightly from the version subsequently printed in The Socialist.
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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.
2020