N30 - Why unions HAD to strike for ALL

Why were the strikes important? Why are the trade unions so vital to the fight against the coalition government? How did the strikes help those not in unions or not on strike?

Lets make one thing clear - these strikes have to be about far more than public sector pensions. Yes, because of the anti-union laws in Britain, the unions need to have a specific reason to strike. The public sector pension reforms were that reason.

But while striking over unjustified pension reforms is perfectly valid, this struggle needs to be seen in the wider context of the anti-cuts movement. To not see the strikes in this context lends ammunition to the anti-strike, right wing attacks on the trade unions.

Report of Sylvia Pankhurst Event

Preparation started back in early June. First we got available dates from the Plough. Then we got in touch with Mary and Liz for dates that would fit them.

Really from then on it was not too difficult. The Plough put the event in its programmes. We got some A4 posters from the film producers, stuck a notice on the bottom and circulated them.

Elijah designed flyers for the event and a preview featured on the North Devon Journal's cinema page.

I wrote a letter to be given to each cinema goer which I enclose.

Forty-six people attended. Women outnumbered men. For a North Devon Communist Party event that is excellent. We had a literature stall which was well received. Free issues of the latest copy of Liberation, invitations to the next Liberation event and copies of the Country Standard were given out.

The Peoples Charter: New group in Torrington

As of February 2012 the Peoples Charter movement will be expanding into Torridge and West Devon. I shall be setting up a group for Torrington and the surrounding area (to also include the local college Petroc), in order to help promote awareness for alternative economics and the community.

Morning Star Appeal

Readers and supporters of the Star launched a massive internet campaign today in response to an urgent appeal for £75,000 by Christmas.
An overwhelming £15,541 was received in the first day, but there is still a long way to go. Assistant editor Richard Bagley said:
"The response has been absolutely staggering in such a short space of time. Everyone here has been buoyed by the tremendous support that has been shown for the only left daily in the country." But he warned, "We've got a long way to go yet."
He urged readers and supporters to keep up the momentum in every possible arena to raise funds.