Join us today!
Printable version
Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/427/5017
From The Socialist newspaper, 16 February 2006
Marching for jobs and services
AN UNRELENTING series of attacks on jobs in Sheffield and the subsequent cuts in services has led to a growing willingness of workers and community groups to voice their anger. Socialist Party members in PCS have called a Sheffield march for jobs and services, with the support of the trades council.
Robbie Faulds, Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Sheffield PCS, personal capacity
This demonstration can act as a rallying point for trade unionists and campaigners fighting back against the many attacks on workers' living standards.
The civil service is a major employer in the city. Job cuts - of a third of all DfES staff, and 30,000 Department for Work and Pensions staff nationally and massive cuts in the Learning and Skills Council, are all having a severe impact.
In the private sector, Finnish steel company Outo Kumpu are closing a plant in Sheffield with the loss of 700 jobs. This is the latest example of the loss of the traditional manufacturing base. This is leading to cuts in workers' wages, in the "race to the bottom".
But there is opposition to these attacks. There is an ongoing campaign for decent bus services and we are preparing to defend the NHS, as the local Trust has declared a £16 million deficit. Join us on the demo.
Sheffield March for Pensions, Jobs and Services Saturday 25 February, assemble 11am at DfES Moorfoot.
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 16 February 2006:
ID cards: 'Creeping compulsion' and grovelling MPs
The real cost of BP mega-profits
Universities and the arms trade
Haitian poor rebel at suspected poll-rigging
Building an alternative to the profit system
New Labour attacks the sick and disabled
Keep fighting New Labour's Education Bill
Labour's pro-business policies are punished
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month
Striking postal workers build support
Marching for jobs and services
Home | The Socialist 16 February 2006 | Join the Socialist Party
2020