NSSN conference, 7 July 2018: fighting back against the Tories and bosses

NSSN lobby of TUC, 11.9.16, photo Paul Mattsson (Click to enlarge)

The Unite union has recently affiliated to the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN). Len McCluskey, general secretary of the Unite union, says:

"The NSSN plays an important role in getting the word out and helping to build support and solidarity when a hostile Tory media is attacking us for defending our members.

"I spoke at the NSSN rally at the TUC last September alongside our striking bin workers from Birmingham. I look forward to our union developing a relationship with the network for the benefit of our members."

2018 National Shop Stewards Network annual conference will be from 11am-4.30pm on Saturday 7 July in Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. There is a �6 attendance fee and it is open to all trade union and anti-cuts campaigners

NSSN conference agenda

10am: registration

11am: opening session - Organise our fightback

Chair: Linda Taaffe, NSSN national secretary

Speakers: Rob Williams, NSSN national chair; Howard Beckett, Unite assistant general secretary; Amy Murphy, Usdaw president; Chris Baugh, PCS assistant general secretary; Sean Hoyle, RMT president; Ian Hodson, BFAWU president; Joe Simpson, POA deputy general secretary; Terry Pullinger, CWU deputy general secretary, postal

Discussion including speakers from local and national disputes

1pm: lunch

1.45 to 3.15pm: workshops - Fighting school cuts; Windrush and fighting racism; Organising in retail, fast food, leisure and hospitality; Save out NHS; Resisting Trump; Striking against the pay cap

3.15pm to 4.30pm: closing session - How can unions lead resistance?

Chair: Katrine Williams, NSSN national vice-chair

Speakers: Hugo Pierre, Unison NEC (personal capacity) on Windrush; Lawanya Ramajeyam, Refugee Rights Campaign; Richard Shattock, BFAWU McDonald's striker; Resist Trump speaker

Discussion from the floor

4.30pm: conference ends

Get the latest news at shopstewards.net

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.