Workplace news in brief

Culture sector workers and campaigners marching against cuts and sell-offs of libraries, galleries and museums, 5.11.16, photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge)

Show culture some love

On Valentine's Day artists, actors, those working in the culture sector and supporters took part in a walking tour around London as part of the 'Show Culture Some Love' campaign. The protest visited cultural institutions facing cuts from Tory austerity but also venues who pay poverty wages and offer poor working conditions and contacts. Cinemas were a high priority with the wave of unionisation and strikes at Picturehouse cinemas. The national gallery was visited too, which was the scene of a protracted struggle against victimisation and outsourcing.

At every venue we heard from a group of poets who visit pickets and bring solidarity and support through their poetry.

Helen Pattison

Night tube trouble

The RMT tube union is balloting night tube drivers for strike action over working conditions and overtime pay. The night tube is only six months old and the agreement covering night tube drivers has been called "blatantly discriminatory" by RMT general secretary Mick Cash. Promotion and overtime pay do not apply until after the driver has exceeded 35 hours in a week. This prevents overtime being paid if there is late finish to the service because of earlier disruption. The result of the ballot will be declared on 14 March.

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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 click here to donate to our Fighting Fund.