Join us today!
Printable version
Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1112/31696
From The Socialist newspaper, 2 December 2020
Pay freeze protest Homerton Hospital
NHS workers protest outside Aintree hospital for a pay rise on 26 August, photo Liverpool SP (Click to enlarge)
Around twelve NHS staff held a socially distanced protest at Homerton Hospital against Rishi Sunak's pay freeze, on Wednesday 25 November.
The protesters were furious that, after everything workers have been through, they should be punished with a cut in pay compared to the cost of living.
Placards called for unity across the public sector, and also between the public sector and private sector, and a pay rise for all.
A speaker from Homerton Unison attacked the idea that there is no money for pay rises, when the government has wasted millions of pounds on bad contracts for PPE, which either was never delivered or was of such bad quality it couldn't be used.
They said that NHS workers oppose the pay freeze, and will stand together with their colleagues in the private sector, as they have with ISS staff at Homerton Hospital, who recently won sick pay as a result of a big union campaign.
Hackney Socialist Party
Donate to the Socialist Party
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 December 2020:
What we think
Spending Review. Unions must resist return to austerity
Spending Review
What will the spending review mean for me?
Napo kickstarts fight against pay freeze
News
Better for billionaires. Worse for workers
Arcadia and Debenhams closures: Nationalise to save jobs and pensions
Scotland: Campaign wins end to period poverty
NHS: Underfunded, understaffed, underpaid
Devolution
Workplace News
Don't let the festive season be one of misery for retail workers
Equity union conference calls for radical change - now lead a fight!
Solidarity with Brighton UCU strike - we won't pay for Covid crisis
East London teachers strike in support of victimised union rep
Heathrow workers strike against 'fire and rehire' plans
Hackney: Stop plan to halve school support staff!
Pay freeze protest Homerton Hospital
Unison general secretary ballot closes
Environment
'Building back greener' - yet more Tory greenwash
International News
Marxism
Review: Friedrich Engels - Condition of the working class in England
Campaigns
Wales TUSC plans to mount an electoral challenge
Rent strikers' victory in Manchester student halls
Labour meeting lets MP get away with 'Spycops' abstention
Reader's opinion
Fast fashion, big profits, low pay
Diego Maradona - Working-class rebel, football genius
Home | The Socialist 2 December 2020 | Join the Socialist Party
Subscribe | Donate | Audio | PDF | ebook
2020