London and South East regional conference

Over 70 trade unionists and activists gathered in London on 21 October to further build upon the recent successful national launch of the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN).

Annoesjka Valent, steering committee NSSN

Dave Chapple, national chair of the NSSN opened the conference after which delegates discussed the recent postal strikes and what could be the best way forward for the dispute.

As well as stressing the need to rebuild workplace confidence and militancy and to fight for disputes to be run democratically by union members, many delegates also felt that we cannot ignore the relationship with the Labour government. The trade unions have an important role in building a working-class alternative to the main parties.

Paul Jackson, RMT branch secretary of London Underground Engineering Branch spoke about the recent Metronet victory. RMT members had gone on strike and won protection for their pensions after the company went bust.

And Rob Kelsall, GMB full-time officer and candidate for GMB deputy general secretary in the forthcoming elections, further stressed the need for building a strong shop stewards' network in order to fight the bosses' attacks.

Brian Caton, general secretary of the Prison Officers Association closed the meeting and explained how their union had been able to defy the government's attacks by effectively organising shop stewards in the prisons.

An NSSN regional committee was elected. Everyone went away inspired to go out and spread the word about the shop stewards' network so we can further build an effective rank and file movement and start to give the bosses a real fright again!

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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.