Credits for capitalists
Should British workers demand the right to working tax credits? The government’s push to reduce them is being greeted with howls of outrage from many.
Steel and industry
The current crisis in steel is a perfect example of the debacle facing Britain as a whole. First we have a formerly nationalised industry being privatised, then inevitably finding its way into foreign hands.
The lie of Social Europe
Many unions seem wedded to the EU. Yet look closely, and it’s clear the EU has been a disaster for workers…
It shouldn't be if Britain leaves the EU, but when
Even before an actual day was set for the EU referendum, the mongers of doom are predicting disaster if Britain leaves. Yet the opposite is true…
Struggle off the stage
A long-running dispute over front of house staff wages and conditions at the Globe Theatre in London has been “settled” – for the time being. This follows a one-day strike in May 2015, with the threat of further action. A degree of progress has been made.
The atomisation of England
Never mind that whenever the people have been asked they have said they don’t want it – devolution is to be forced on England…
Separatists join attack on BBC
The SNP is weighing in behind those who want to see an end to the BBC as we know it. Scottish Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has just outlined her plans for a “federal BBC with at least a Board for each nation” with a budget controlled in Scotland.
Adult education campaign launched
The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) is calling for support for its campaign to save adult education. The area is under increased threat in the run-up to the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review.
Big blow for carbon capture
Innovation? What innovation? The government has effectively washed its hands of the White Rose carbon capture and storage (CCS) project based at Drax power station in Yorkshire
Junior doctors make a stand for the NHS
The British Medical Association (BMA) announced that ballot papers would go out to its members in early November. It is a ballot which, should it go ahead, could well result in the first national strike action by junior doctor members since the 1970s.
Arts: fighting the low pay culture
There is no alternative to fighting when it comes to pay. And then fight some more. Unions in the arts sector have a difficult job, especially where there is no continuous history of struggle.
Schools: the long arm of the state
24 October 2015
The Schools and Adoption Bill currently making its way through parliament aims to speed up the rate of “conversion” to academy status – this time by force.
Junior doctors move to ballot
23 October 2015
After successful demonstrations on 17 October in London, Nottingham and Belfast against the new junior doctors’ contract, the BMA has announced that ballot papers will go out to its members in early November.
Camden wardens break through 'living wage' barrier
20 October 2015
Traffic wardens working for outsourcing company NSL in Camden, north London, have agreed a settlement which breaks through the ceiling of the “London living wage” and avoids the need for further strike action.
Volkswagen scandal exposes deadly consequences of loss of sovereignty
20 October 2015
The Volkswagen diesel emissions crisis is the worst ever to hit the motor industry. But what has Britain been doing? Nothing…
English National Opera on the brink as cuts loom
20 October 2015
Unions in London are waiting to hear whether the English National Opera grant has been saved from redistribution: in short, whether proper national funding will continue.
Welsh museum staff walk out
20 October 2015
Workers at the National Museum (Amgueddfa Cymru) of Wales, which is spread across a number of sites, are on strike today in the latest of a series of actions against plans to scrap anti-social hours payments for weekend working.
TTIP - the mask slips
18 October 2015
“I do not take my mandate from the European people,” said EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström in an interview when challenged about the extent of opposition to the transatlantic trade treaty.
Campaign to fight new threat to research funding
18 October 2015
A grassroots organisation of scientists and supporters of science and research in Britain is warning of plans for huge cuts to the science budget – and vowing to campaign against them.
Born free - now in chain
17 October 2015
In what appears to be the first case of a free school being forced to accept an academy sponsor, Grindon Hall Christian school in Sunderland looks set to be pushed into the arms of the Bright Tribe academy chain.
US and allies' troops to stay in Afghanistan
17 October 2015
The US government now intends to keep US troops in Afghanistan beyond President Obama’s departure from office in January 2017, breaking his promise to end the war on his watch.
No British intervention in Syria!
12 October 2015
The Cameron government wants to bomb Syria, and so do all too many Labour MPs. But any British intervention would inflame a very dangerous situation – tossing a laser-guided missile into what is already a powder keg.
Lights out on Teesside steel making
12 October 2015
On 12 October the liquidator of SSI Redcar announced the death of that steelworks. Over 2,000 workers will lose their jobs directly at the plant and more will be out of work as a result. This signifies a threat to Britain’s whole steel industry.
Here comes another crash
12 October 2015
The US Federal Reserve is preparing to raise interest rates, even though this would destabilise already fragile economies across the world – which are being told to prepare for a rise in corporate failures.
Electoral Commission ignored as new roll is pushed through
12 October 2015
Against the advice of the independent Electoral Commission, the government has reduced the time frame for establishing the new electoral roll. The move is likely to reduce the number of voters in non-Conservative areas.
Council procurement policies under attack
12 October 2015
In yet another attack on civil liberties, the government has announced plans to to change the law so that councils may only disinvest, boycott or adopt sanctions if the action is in line with government policy.
Osborne eyes local government pensions, again
12 October 2015
The new National Infrastructure Commission has less to do with planning than with stealing money from workers’ pension funds to do what the government should be doing anyway, and isn’t.
The downward march of the makers
12 October 2015
New figures from the Office for National Statistics show that production and manufacturing output in three months to August 2015 were 9.4 and 6.5 per cent, respectively, below the levels reached in the first quarter of 2008.
Agreement at National Gallery
5 October 2015
Striking museum staff met outside the National Gallery today (5 October) and went back in to work together after 100 days on strike since February.
Desperate Conservatives try to relaunch union front
5 October 2015
The announcement that the Conservative trade unionists organisation, disbanded over 25 years ago, is to be reconstituted should show everyone in the trade union movement just how weak and desperate government really is.