Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1017/28225
From The Socialist newspaper, 7 November 2018
CWI news in brief
USA: Socialist Alternative convention success
Socialist Alternative (CWI USA) held its biggest ever National Convention in Chicago on 20-22 October.
Over 300 socialists from across the country discussed the crisis of global capitalism, the rising wave of labour struggle, the growing women's movement, renewed interest in socialist ideas, and the growth of the new left.
Alongside national and international issues, it also discussed the critically important campaign to re-elect Socialist Alternative member Kshama Sawant to the Seattle City Council in 2019. And as a demonstration of the sheer determination of members, the financial appeal raised $125,000!
Taiwan: Fighting for LGBT+ rights
On 27 October, a record 137,000 people marched in Taiwan's capital in the 16th annual Taipei Pride demonstration.
The main reason for the high turnout is the LGBT+ referenda - one pro and one anti-LGBT+ rights - on 24 November, the same day as local and regional elections.
International Socialist Forward (CWI Taiwan) last summer set up the radical platform "Let's fight! LGBT" - holding three protests and calling on people to kick out homophobic politicians. In contrast to the official LGBT+ movement, it stands for politicising the movement with a class struggle approach and orientation.
Union rally brings Melbourne to a standstill
A "Change the Rules" rally on 23 October, called by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, saw more than 100,000 people bring central Melbourne to a standstill, demanding pay rises and secure jobs.
The union leaders' strategy is solely based on getting Labor elected in Victoria and at a federal level. However, the very rules unions are trying to change were implemented by Labor!
The Socialist Party (CWI Australia) says the campaign must prioritise mass industrial action, including a one-day national stop-work, to really change the rules, regardless of who is in power.
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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 7 November 2018:
International socialist news and analysis
Worldwide walkout at Google against sexual harassment
Pittsburgh Synagogue shootings: Unite to fight anti-Semitism and far right
Mexico: The movement of 68 and the massacre of Tlatelolco
Opinion
Nae Pasaran: a film about working-class solidarity
What we think
Tories out - we need socialism!
News
Labour councils should use £14bn reserves to fight all cuts
University bankruptcy threat - kick the market out of education
Stand up against abuse - justice not racism
Workplace news
PCS Left Unity: Back Chris Baugh and Marion Lloyd for a fighting, democratic, lay-led union
Arriva Rail North strike hits 34 days of action
Cable workers' Halloween picket line attempts to 'scare' management into talks
Royal Bolton Hospital: Another victory against NHS privatisation
Occupy and demand nationalisation to save Devon shipyard
Unison HE ballot: Anti-union rules block action
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Hundreds march to save Blackwood leisure centres
Crowds turn out for Corbyn in Rugby
Thousands march against overnight closure of Shropshire A&E
Protesters drive far right out of Liverpool
Unions and campaigners challenge Southampton cuts inside Labour and out
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East London public square threat halted
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