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.