Join us today!
Printable version
Link to this page: https://archive.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1165/33694
From The Socialist newspaper, 2 February 2022
Hackney Unison to encourage anti-cuts candidates
Hackney Unison helped save Fernbank and Hillside children's centres in 2021 Photo: Chris Newby (Click to enlarge)
This was emailed to all 1,600 union members of Hackney local government Unison.
At the January branch committee the following motion was passed. It was also agreed to circulate to members.
In just over three months' time, all council seats across London will be up for election. This only happens every four years.
This year could be more crucial than most, as after 12 years of Tory austerity, funding for local councils has been slashed to the bone. Many of you, if not already informed, are likely to face restructures, with some job cuts, possible downgrades, and in general more work for less in the next 12 months.
If you are interested in knowing more about implementing the practicalities of this motion please contact Brian Debus, Hackney Unison chair.
Hackney Unison branch committee believes that despite talk of "levelling up", it is clear that the Tory government and bosses intend to continue to make working-class people pay for their crises. This includes attacks on jobs, pay, conditions and services, alongside tax hikes and price rises. As part of this, we anticipate further austerity being inflicted in local government, which is responsible for over one fifth of all public expenditure
- This branch committee further opposes Labour councils continuing to carry out Tory cuts
- We note that Unison is affiliated to the Labour Party, and will only sponsor official Labour candidates
- Nonetheless, this branch resolves to encourage our members to consider standing as anti-cuts candidates in the council elections scheduled for May 2022
- We note that there is nothing that prevents them standing as candidates, in a personal capacity, for any party, which truly supports trade unionist and socialist principles
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 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.
- 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 donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 2 February 2022:
News
Tories attack UC recipients with 'get any job' threat
NHS mandatory vaccination to be ditched
NI rise piled onto shoulders of the lowest paid
Gas and electric bills set to soar by 50% this year
Covering basic costs is hard, and it's getting worse
International news
Ukraine: Workers' unity needed
Northern Ireland: Bloody Sunday 50 years on
School students strike in Austria
France: Education workers and students walkout
TUSC
Dave Nellist standing for Birmingham Erdington
Why a socialist candidate for Birmingham Erdington is vital
Hackney Unison to encourage anti-cuts candidates
Portsmouth: Council workers leaving and tenants' double whammy
Workers fighting back
The winter strike wave escalates as workers fight back and win
NHS workers begin strike for 15% and against outsourcing
Victory at NewVIc college! 'The picket line gives us power'
Coventry bins: all-out against strike-breaking Labour council
Scunny scaffs strike restarts with a bang, barricades and a win!
Campaigns news
Tories sinking, workers rising - help fund the socialist fightback
May Day Greetings: Back the paper that backs the working class
Why I joined: I'm tired of austerity and status quo
Socialist Students getting organised for 2 March walkout
Review
Belfast: Worth watching portrayal of previously airbrushed workers' unity
Home | The Socialist 2 February 2022 | Join the Socialist Party
Subscribe | Donate | Audio | PDF | ebook
2021