Wage labour and capitalist practices became the norm in English agriculture centuries earlier than elsewhere. This prevalence of wage labour in the countryside was a vital precursor of the industrial revolution and probably a key trigger for it.
Great Britain was born as a state in 1707. In essence, the Treaty of Union was a formal recognition of the ascendancy of capitalism over feudalism in all of this country. Once united, the combined resources and talents of the two countries were at the service of capital.
On top of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the USA and the EU also want agreements to liberalise trade and investment in all services.
The ruling class has used parliament to introduce various methods of wage restraint to demoralise the working class. The minimum wage and the “living wage” are current examples.
The Bruce Carr investigation into trade unions following the 2013 Grangemouth refinery dispute has flopped. Unable to provide an evidence-based argument, Carr has thrown the towel in.
Launch of the building of the Hands Across the Border cairn at Gretna, 20 July 2014. People from all over Britain link arms for unity as they sing Auld Lang Syne after laying their stones.
Britain’s largest union backs referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union…Euro-election turnout lower than first thought…Government report into free movement of labour
Yet again Israel’s military terrorises Gaza. Why does political progress remain so far out of reach in this pivotal part of the Middle East?
In response to a query from Unison, service company ISS has provided an interesting definition of zero hours contracts.
Vets and hygiene inspectors working in abattoirs on behalf of the Food Standards Agency have voted for industrial action after a below inflation pay offer coupled with a refusal to negotiate.
Scotland’s last non-military shipbuilder, Ferguson’s on the Clyde, is heading for bankruptcy, with the loss of 70 jobs – despite a promise from SNP leader Alex Salmond to maintain it
An amendment to the Infrastructure Bill going through parliament will allow Boris Johnson or his successor as Mayor of London to acquire land held by all public bodies in London. The prime target for this land grab will be the estates of NHS properties in London estimated as being worth over £50 million.
