National Shop Stewards Network Meetings around the country

The first meeting of the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) in Worcester took place on 8 October. 13 people attended, including speakers Dave Chapple, CWU and chair of the NSSN committee and Kevin Greenway, PCS national executive. Other postal workers and members of ASLEF, NUT and UNITE attended.

Pete McNally

Dave Chapple explained the latest stage of the postal dispute. During the discussion that ensued it became clear that regular, clear and reliable information needs to be provided to striking CWU members.

Royal Mail management want to re-assert their 'right to manage' but the problem for them is the large number of experienced and determined CWU reps who stand in their way.

There are cases of victimisation all around the country, where managers are trying to demoralise CWU members.

Dave pointed out that the dispute was about management preparing for privatisation and that for that to make sense they needed 'flexibility'.

Kevin Greenway brought the support of the PCS and pointed to the similarities of the attacks on both groups of workers - later retirement, paltry pay rises and the threat of regional pay.

A united struggle of all workers threatened by these plans was required.

Everyone felt the start had been made in linking reps directly so that information could be shared and strong areas help those which were weaker.

Socialist Party members present were thanked for their efforts in helping to set up the Shop Stewards Network.

Further meetings of the Shop Stewards Network are being organised:

London and South East

Sunday 21 October, 1-4pm. University of London Union, Malet Street WC1

Speakers include: Brian Caton (POA), Rob Kelsall (GMB) and Paul Jackson (RMT)

Wales conference

Sunday 28 October, 12 noon-4pm, Temple of Peace, Cathays Park, Cardiff.

For more details contact WSSN, 31 Waun Wen Terrace, Swansea, SA1 6DX or email: [email protected]

Scotland

Saturday 1 December, 11am to 5pm. Quality Central Hotel, Hope Street, Glasgow

Speakers include: Bob Crow (RMT) and Janice Godrich (PCS)

A meeting is being planned for the Midlands in November

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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.

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.