TTIP: The Tufts study
The stark conclusions of a detailed academic study on the economic effects of TTIP seem to have shaken some unions out of their complacency about the deal.
News/Views
Everything’s for sale
Novelist and journalist James Meek outlines how foreign companies have taken over much of our infrastructure
A dangerous idea
This book from a professor of international political economy recounts the intellectual and practical history of austerity and judges it a dangerous disaster. The author shows that austerity does not work as advertised. It does not reduce debt and does not promote growth; instead budgets are cut, economies shrink.
Bumpy roads ahead as ‘new spending’ turns out to be cut
24 December 2014
The nearly £6 billion announced by the government for maintaining local roads over six years is less than half the money needed to deal with the backlog, says the GMB.
Victory for Sheffield electricians
22 December 2014
Unite electricians based at Amey Council Work depot Olive Grove Sheffield have settled their dispute, winning a 3.7 per cent pay rise, reports Sheffield Trades Council.
Miami 5 return to Cuba
18 December 2014
The Miami 5 have returned to Cuba in a huge victory for Cuban workers and their allies around the world. They had been imprisoned for fighting US-sponsored terrorism against Cuba.
Barbour staff strike over imposed hours change
18 December 2014
Warehouse staff working for clothing firm Barbour in Wardsley, Gateshead, have gone on strike over proposed changes to working hours.
Smith Commission: New plan to break up Britain
Despite the defeat of the separatists in the Scottish referendum, huge new powers are to be devolved to Edinburgh – with consequent implications for the rest of Britain.
Autumn Statement: The attack continues
In his Autum Statement George Osborne continued the attack on British workers under the banner of reducing the deficit. His Westminster rivals said little more than “me too” or “it won’t be as bad if you elect me”.
ITV unions unite over pay
Workers at ITV will start the new year with a strike ballot over pay. Three unions – broadcasting and entertainment union BECTU, the National Union of Journalists and Unite – have all rejected a pay offer of 2 per cent.
London bus drivers go for unity
London’s bus drivers are balloting on industrial action to force through one agreement covering all bus companies in the capital.
London: the capital of poverty
14 December 2014
The Greater London Authority’s recent update on poverty in London makes stark reading. Despite being the play bauble of the world’s rich, London remains one of the most deprived areas in Britain.