"If we are to stop future generations spiralling into never ending poverty, we have to support and more importantly campaign for a minimum wage of £10 now. The days of the state having to prop up bad employers who exploit workers by paying dramatically low wages has to be brought to an end. If politicians don't agree then we need to change them."

Ronnie Draper, General secretary Bakers, Food & Allied Workers Union

"I'm a teaching assistant. My job is very satisfying - apart from the financial part. At 29 it's a good job - but my girlfriend and I still live at home with my parents. It's the only way we've managed to save anything meaningful.

The strike on 10 July was my first [see reports on pages 2-3]. This year's Tolpuddle festival will also be my first. The Tolpuddle martyrs' sacrifice was an inspiration that signified the start of trade unionism. The Fast Food Rights campaign initiated by the bakers' union also reflects a new era; one that will require tremendous fighting spirit and sacrifice. But these new layers of workers will have the experience and the support of experienced trade unions to help.

These current strikes are also a source of hope and inspiration for the un-unionised, the new layer of trade unionists and anyone who rejects austerity. With the historic victory of the $15 minimum wage in Seattle and the launch of our own £10 an hour campaign socialists have the programme to inspire people."

Phil Snider, Southampton Socialist Party

Martin Smith, GMB, NSSN 8th annual conference, 5.7.14, photo Senan (Click to enlarge)

"All trade unions and especially the GMB need to campaign for wages not benefits. People need a living wage you can actually live on. People need to get organised in unions to campaign for this where they work. In the end, only unions can make work pay."

Martin Smith, GMB national organiser

We demand:

A minimum wage of £10 an hour without exemptions as a step towards a real living wage
End the pay freeze now!
End zero-hour contracts and all forced under-employment
Investment in a massive programme to create socially useful jobs

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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.