Why I am attending the TUSC local elections online conference

The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) is an electoral alliance between the RMT union, Socialist Party and others to give an electoral alternative to cuts-making and pro-capitalist politicians, photo Socialist Party (Click to enlarge)

"We need a working-class socialist alternative"

I am attending the TUSC local elections conference to support the decision to once again stand candidates under the TUSC banner. Since the Labour Party has come under the leadership and influence of Starmer and his ilk, it has moved further and further away from socialist ideas, supporting trade unions, and being a party that will fight for the working class.

I believe we need an alternative to the established political parties, but especially to the current Labour Party. We need a working-class socialist alternative, with its roots in the local communities, to get behind and campaign for. I believe TUSC is the best vehicle for this at this time, and will do whatever I can to help to get as many TUSC councillors elected locally.

Dave Rees, assistant regional secretary, PCS DWP group (personal capacity)

"We are in desperate need of change"

I am interested in standing in the election as a TUSC candidate because we are in desperate need of change. The mainstream parties are not interested in the working class, and we need an alternative, a party that stands for the workers and is united in its plans for change.

We must make people see that the only solution is to listen to the working class, and unite behind a common goal for better pay and living conditions. The other parties have had their chance and failed miserably. We need change and we need it now.

Rob Lovell, secretary RMT Southampton district bus and coach (personal capacity)

"Workers deserve a real platform for anti-austerity and socialist politics"

I'm excited about the TUSC conference. I want to be part of building the sincere voice for workers that Labour has failed to be.

Corbyn showed that socialist ideas are popular. But he was constantly undermined by the likes of Coventry's Labour council, which passed disgraceful cuts and closures with no attempt at opposition.

And now, Starmer's Labour won't even commit to a 40-hour working week. So many workers, including some Napo members, exhaust themselves working well over 40 hours. Starmer's gang shows them utter disrespect and contempt by ripping apart the policies that would improve so many lives, and suspending anyone on the left who speaks out.

Workers deserve a real platform for anti-austerity and socialist politics; on Sunday 7 February, TUSC will help build that platform.

Adam Harmsworth, Napo NEC (personal capacity)

Come to the TUSC local elections conference to be held on Zoom on Sunday 7 February, 11:00 - 13:00, to help organise a fightback at the ballot box this May - or whenever the elections take place
Meeting ID: 828 9659 5909
Passcode: 645766

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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.