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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1099/31263
From The Socialist newspaper, 2 September 2020
Demand a fightback from the TUC and unions
Come to NSSN 2020 Trades Union Congress online rally!
Marching to TUC congress after the NSSN rally, 9.9.18, photo Mary Finch (Click to enlarge)
If thousands of students can force the Tories into a U-turn... think what 6.4 million workers organised in unions can do!
The threat to our jobs and pay means workers must demand a fighting programme from the unions and their umbrella organisation the Trades Union Congress. The National Shop Stewards Network is holding its annual eve-of-TUC Congress rally virtually - and it has never been more important.
Countless struggles by workers to make workplaces safe are being followed by trade unionists fighting attacks on our very livelihoods. Millions support NHS and social care workers demanding a 15% pay rise to start to claw back the pay stolen by a decade of pay freezes and cuts.
The pandemic has lifted the lid on the class inequalities in this profit-driven society. The anger and frustration, particularly of young people, has been shown by the incredible Black Lives Matter movement and victorious A-level protests.
The rally will feature leaders of fighting unions. There will also be an open mic for union members and reps to highlight their own struggles, appeal for solidarity and seek to link up the fightback.
Help put a fighting programme on the unions' agenda to take into workplaces and onto the streets. Join the rally! It's for all workers - it's not restricted to union reps.
The rally will be on Zoom and will go out live on social media. Full access details can be found in the NSSN weekly bulletin at shopstewards.net.
- National Shop Stewards Network virtual rally for TUC Congress 2020 Sunday 13 September, 1pm
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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 2 September 2020:
News
Tory schools chaos - unions must fight for safety
Eviction ban extension not enough: make it longer, forgive the arrears!
Don't blame asylum seekers for Tory cuts
Disability and Covid
Capitalism cause of disproportionate disabled deaths and isolation
No going back series
Workplace news
Demand a fightback from the TUC and unions
Tate strike: "Coronavirus - no reason to fire us!"
B&Q worker reinstated: Organised response successfully challenges unfair dismissal
West Midlands journalists strike against pay and job cuts
Support Ikea workers - reinstate Richie Venton
London bus drivers poised for strike action
Join the socialists
International
Fight racism, Trump and capitalism
Mass protests in Israel demand Netanyahu's resignation
Trotsky online rally - watched across the world
Campaigns
No Covid penalty on our future
Black Lives Matter: Fighting injustice, fighting for our rights
Nottingham: Socialists and anti-racists oppose right-wing march
No to polluting incinerator, dumped in working-class Edmonton
Scrap hospital parking charges
Liverpool: Support 15% pay rise for NHS
Fundraising: An example to follow
Reviews
Manctopia: billion pound property boom
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2020