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What we think
Prepare now for the struggles after 12 December
While the week before, a You Gov poll pointed towards a 68-majority for the Tories, on 2 December an ICM poll put them on 42% and Labour on 35%, just seven points behind.
International socialist news and analysis
Legislation was recently passed in the US that could involve sanctions against China over human rights violations in Hong Kong.
South African Airways workers win wage increase after strike action
The outcome of the South African Airways (SAA) strike is a victory. The National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (Numsa) and the Cabin Crew Association of South Africa deserve the applause of all aviation workers, and the working class, as a whole.
Big Pharma
End profiteering from health – nationalise big pharma
The issue of allowing US corporations access to the NHS and the affect this could have on the cost of drugs has featured prominently during the election campaign.
News
Unite against terrorism, racism, war and austerity
Another terrible attack in London. Two people stabbed to death, three more injured. The Socialist Party completely condemns this horrific attack
In a second trial against David Duckenfield, after the first jury failed to reach a verdict, the former match commander stood accused of gross negligence manslaughter of 95 Liverpool fans in the Hillsborough football stadium disaster in 1989.
Short stories on some of the news this week.
Keep up to date with our election coverage
Workplace news
SWR dispute: It’s a strike to ensure the safety of the travelling public
After over 40 days of strike action during the last two years, the RMT transport union reported that a deal had been reached with South Western Railway to retain the safety-critical role of the guard.
Solid support for guards on West Midlands Trains
There was an upbeat mood on the RMT picket line at Worcester Shrub Hill in the continuing dispute with West Midlands Trains over retaining the safety-critical role of train guards.
UCU strikes: more determined than ever
At Cardiff University, every strike day UCU members have picketed over a dozen university buildings and held strike rallies of hundreds. Students have been involved on the strike committee
Royal Mail court ruling – national reps meeting and solidarity action essential
Jared Wood overwhelmingly elected to RMT executive
PCS union general secretary election
Northern Ireland: Health workers take action
25,000 hard-pressed healthcare workers in Northern Ireland – including nurses, social care staff and support services – took action at NHS sites on 25 November, demanding that their longstanding concerns over safe staffing levels and pay parity be addressed
Short reports on some of the latest trade union struggles.
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Fight for your future – join the socialists
Whatever the result on 12 December, we know one thing for certain – for working-class and young people the fight will not be over.
Climate strikes: Students and trade unionists protest together
On Friday 29 November Parliament Square filled with striking school students. They marched off around central London before meeting up with the University and College Union (UCU) strikers as the latter’s march was ending.
Why I joined: “Proud to be a socialist”
As a foreign national in the UK I felt disenfranchised and, many times, completely impotent about the country’s convoluted political scenario. After years of frustration, I came to realise I had two choices; to remain a passive spectator or, somehow, to take action.
Socialist Students conference: Students and workers united in struggle
Students from across England and Wales came together in Birmingham for the 2019 Socialist Students national conference in Birmingham on Saturday 30 November.
Climate change election debate
Friday 29 November saw the broadcast of the first ever election debate over climate change – no doubt arranged in response to the global mobilisation of young people protesting for immediate action to be taken to save the planet.
Carlisle election meeting: Education – time to make the mega-rich and corporations pay
The Labour candidate for Carlisle, Ruth Alcroft, spoke at a Socialist Party public election meeting in the city on 2 December. It followed the handing over of a petition to her from 500 local parents and teachers against the Tory cuts to school funding.
Quiz
The Great Big Socialist Party Quiz 2019