Glasgow: Prepare for 30 November strike

On 1 October the Scottish TUC’s “People First” demonstration in Glasgow took place where, despite the horrendous weather, around 15,000 marched against the impact of the cuts. The demo was made up overwhelmingly of public sector trade unionists. Large delegations were there from unions planning strike action on 30 November including Unison, PCS, the EIS, Unite and the FBU.

Workers involved in strike action including Remploy, Quarriers and Stow college staff were also out in force. Students from Abertay Uni and Angus College who are facing cuts to courses marched alongside students from Strathclyde who had been occupying the university in protest at sky-high tuition fees being imposed on students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Disabled rights campaigners demanded an end to the attacks on benefits and the services they rely on.

However, no public sector trade unionist was on the STUC platform – an incredible omission.

In contrast to the STUC leadership, who only oppose the speed, depth and timing of the cuts, and advocate a Labour Party type ‘Plan B’ with slower cuts, the Socialist Party Scotland put forward opposition to all cuts and for a one-day public sector general strike on 30 November.

Socialist Party Scotland leaflets also advertised a 22 October conference to discuss standing anti-cuts candidates in next May’s local government elections.

Socialist Party Scotland members