Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/994/27326
From The Socialist newspaper, 9 May 2018
Use TUC march as launch pad for action on pay
Rob Williams, Socialist Party industrial organiser
If the Trade Union Congress (TUC) hadn't organised a demonstration on 12 May, given the weakness of the Tories, we would be calling for it.
The Socialist Party and the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) were campaigning for such a march in the summer and autumn last year. One of the main demands of the NSSN's rally at September's TUC congress was for the "TUC to name the date for a pay demo".
During TUC congress, the government announced a slight relaxing of the pay freeze for the police and prison officers. This was a reflection of the pressure and anger of workers who have faced a lost decade in terms of living standards.
This was the perfect time for the unions to use the TUC congress to map out a strategy of using a mass demonstration in the autumn as a platform for coordinated strikes across the public sector. This would have fed into the wave of strikes that have developed over the last year.
The massive votes by members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) in Royal Mail, and the University and College Union (UCU) in pre-1992 universities have shown that the undemocratic voting thresholds of the Tory Trade Union Act can be overcome. National strike action is possible, on condition that the unions build a real fighting campaign for it.
The scale of the CWU yes vote, backed up by a series of unofficial walkouts, forced Royal Mail management to table a deal acceptable to postal workers. UCU members pushed back the employers' assault on their pensions after 14 days of strikes.
There have also been many other strikes on a local or individual basis, often over pay, with many weeks of action being taken, such as by Mears housing workers in Manchester and now Unison members in FCC Wilmington. Usdaw members in Tesco distribution in Dagenham have won a strike ballot and are due to walk out on 17-18 May.
May Day saw the second strike by McDonald's workers. Also, the RMT transport union is in its third year of fighting driver-only operation, with strikes in five different train companies.
The TUC has finally called a demonstration. But in the meantime, local government unions have settled their pay claim and NHS workers are now voting on theirs.
PCS has called on its members to march to build for its national strike ballot that will be launched at its annual conference from 21 May. Teachers in the National Education Union have agreed a strategy to fight for an inflation-proof pay rise and UCU members in further education have already started taking action on pay. On top of this, there is the continuing crisis in the NHS.
The Windrush scandal that has claimed Amber Rudd is further evidence of the crisis within May's Tory government. Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell and the trade union leaders must mobilise behind the banner of 'May out! Tories out! General election now!
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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.
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In The Socialist 9 May 2018:
Local elections 2018
Local election results are a major warning sign for Labour
Southampton: Keith Morrell, anti-cuts councillor, re-elected
Haringey councillors need to fight austerity now
TUSC vote up in Waltham Forest but many voters stay away
TUSC stands against Birmingham council's cuts and attacks on workers
Strong TUSC result in Huddersfield
France '68
France '68: History's greatest general strike erupts
Socialist Party news and analysis
US president suggests gun control to blame for London knife deaths
Use TUC march as launch pad for action on pay
Breast cancer screening scandal
Israel/Palestine
Socialists fight for Palestinian liberation and workers' unity
Socialists in Israel-Palestine reject establishment antisemitism charge against Jeremy Corbyn
Obituaries
Roger Shrives, 5 April 1947 - 1 May 2018
Keith Pattenden 28 September 1955 - 1 May 2018
Obituary: Tony Byrne 1939 - 2018
Socialist Party workplace news
Hull Energy Works: Unofficial strike action reinstates victimised workers
Defend Hull FE College - defend our city!
Victory against academisation at Avenue Primary
Firefighters ballot for action
PCS: A fighting strategy to defeat the Tory pay cap
International socialist news and analysis
Teachers revolt in Trump country
China: Impressive, coordinated and daring crane drivers' strikes
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