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From The Socialist newspaper, 9 September 2009
Socialist Party trade unionists meeting
Organising for further battles
On 5 September, following a hectic year of work so far, 70 Socialist Party trade union activists met in central London. We were discussing the industrial battles we have been involved in and the work of the Socialist Party within them.
In the morning session, Socialist Party general secretary Peter Taaffe introduced an interesting discussion on the stage we are at in the world economic crisis and recession and how this could affect the development of industrial struggles.
The afternoon session was introduced by PCS assistant general secretary Chris Baugh and concentrated on the looming cuts in the public sector, how working people can prepare to fight back against these attacks and the central role that organised socialists can play in building the sort of democratic, fighting trade unions that working people need to do this.
In the discussion, people recounted their experiences of organising in their particular unions, with important contributions from activists in PCS, Unison, RMT and NUT amongst others. Questions about how trade union leaderships can be forced to act, and how trade union struggle can be linked to community campaigning against service cuts and other important issues were also raised.
The meeting was an important opportunity for Socialist Party members to get together with other activists in their union and discuss the specific tasks that Socialist Party members will face over the coming months.
If you're a Socialist Party member who wasn't able to get along to the meeting, get in touch with your union's Socialist Party group convenor for a report. Or arrange to have a report back at your Socialist Party branch.
Greg Maughan
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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.
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 9 September 2009:
One million unemployed young people: 'We demand real jobs!'
Youth unemployment: Future jobs or fake schemes?
War and occupation
Trades Union Congress
TUC conference: Workers willing to fight - in spite of leadership
Socialist Party workplace news and analysis
Workers' action can stop NHS cuts
PCS members prepare to fight cuts and privatisation
Unite election: United Left hustings
Witch-hunted Unison member given extra charge
Inaugural meeting to establish a North Wales branch of the National Shop Stewards Network
Socialist Party trade unionists meeting
Postal workers strike
Postal workers national ballot: Vote 'yes' for strike action
Protesting against scabbing managers
RMT action
RMT action: Bus workers strike for pay rise
Vestas workers: Stop the blades
RMT wins no compulsory redundancy position but future battles loom
Marxist analysis: history
Marxists and the Second World War
International socialist news and analysis
Return of al-Magrahi to Libya ignites a political storm
Northern Ireland: Councillor joins Socialist Party
Education
Socialist Party review
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