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.

Greg Maughan

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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.