Reverse Derby council cuts

A Unison picket, 10.4.14, Hackney, photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge)

Well over a hundred attended an enthusiastic rally for Jeremy Corbyn in Derby. But it was noticeable that one or two people were having a go, saying they would never support Labour. They were not Blairite or right wing, but were teaching assistants employed by the Labour controlled Derby council.

These members of Unison took strike action after new contracts were imposed on them on 1 June, cutting their wages by thousands of pounds a year. They see Labour imposing massive cuts to jobs and their terms and conditions.

There is a wave of enthusiasm for Jeremy Corbyn's anti austerity programme reflected in the new members joining Labour and the supporting rallies. But a no cuts policy will be needed to overcome the legacy of Labour cuts in local government in the eyes of many workers on the receiving end of these attacks.

Charlie Taylor

Donate to the Socialist Party

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 click here to donate to our Fighting Fund.