Workplace news in brief

Woolwich walkout

Unite members employed by Briggs Marine to run the Woolwich ferry in London have voted for strike action.

The vote comes in response to proposals from the employer to cut jobs and pay with the introduction of new boats.

The new vessels will use the latest technology and bring a ready excuse for the employers to make cuts.

Where employers attempt to use automation and the latest technology to make cuts to pay and jobs, the response from the trade unions must be a militant one based on collective action.

Unite members have voted both for strike action and action short of strike action. The intention is to issue notice to the employer for both types of action to run together.

In response, the employers have asked for talks through conciliation service Acas. Unite has agreed to the talks.

However, Unite is equally clear that the employers will not be allowed to use talks to cause a long delay before any strike action. Unless progress is made then notice will be issued for strike action.

Unite regional officer Onay Kasab stated: "The response from members is superb. The union has launched a campaign which takes the position of all of our members into account - which in turn has led to a strike vote on the basis that we win for all of our members, not do a deal with winners and losers."

Usdaw election

Lambeth Socialist Party campaigning for Amy Murphy 13 January 2018, photo Lambeth Socialist Party (Click to enlarge)

Ballot papers started hitting doorsteps on 15 January to vote for a new president of the shop workers' union Usdaw.

Socialist Party members have been out campaigning for Amy Murphy to be elected, distributing some of the 11,300 leaflets sent out.

Amy is running on a programme of changing the union into a more fighting, democratic one which campaigns for a £10 an hour minimum wage and supports members taking action against job losses and attacks on terms and conditions. There have been lots of support for these ideas and all agree the union needs change.

See 'Vote Amy Murphy for Usdaw President' on Facebook for updates, Amy's leaflet and to get in touch with the campaign

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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.