Unions Mobilise Against BNP

AROUND 250 members of many different trade unions gathered in a demonstration to defend the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) headquarters on 16 February.

Molly Cooper NUJ national executive member, (personal capacity)

The fascist BNP had said they were going to picket the NUJ HQ, over supposed biased reporting of an attack on a white youth in Oldham.

However, the BNP’s real 'concern' for justice is shown by the intimidation and threats NUJ members have faced in recent months, for reporting on the fascists and exposing their racist and criminal activities.

The BNP picket kept up this policy of intimidation.

This demonstration sent a clear message to the BNP that their attempts to intimidate the trade union movement will not be tolerated.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber spoke at the rally.

After another NUJ member and myself drew up a leaflet for the local Sixth Form College, some young college students joined the protest.

Against this united show of strength by the trade union movement, the BNP could only turn out 37 fascists on their picket.

The trade union movement must now unite its members in a campaign to provide a political alternative to the BNP.

A fight for jobs not racism, against public sector cuts and privatisation, for decent housing etc. can mobilise working-class people and stop the threat of fascism.

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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.