Debenham's protests: Workers must not pay price of Covid-19

Leeds (Click to enlarge)

Supporters of the National Shop Stewards Network held protests outside Debenhams stores in Leeds, London, Plymouth and Southampton against the company's savage cuts to jobs and stores, as part of a day of action called by members of the retail workers union, Usdaw.

Oxford Street, London (Click to enlarge)

These cuts include closing their entire Irish retail store network (currently being fought by workers organised in Mandate, the Irish sister union of Usdaw), 20 stores that won't be reopening post-lockdown in the UK, and job cuts on top of this at their head office.

Socialist Party members gave out copies of the Usdaw Activist Debenhams special issue, which was well received by Debenhams workers and the public.

Southampton (Click to enlarge)

We called for the company to open their financial accounts to trade union inspection, and for the company to be brought into public ownership if necessary to save jobs.

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.