If you want to learn most about why New Labour has failed public sector workers don 't read a leaflet or attend a conference - just join a picket line. You can learn more in 10 minutes from talking to people at the front line of services than hours theorising or arguing with like-minded people on the internet. This morning , we were discussing for example the planned privatisation of home care for the elderly in Calderdale. Under the plans , 70 per cent of the work will be outsourced. The result, UNISON members say, will be a poorer service which puts the profit motive before people often living in rural, isolated communities. One which Calderdale backs because it is Tory-led and wants to save money .
It is a step which the local Trades Council will contimue to oppose and campaign on.
The mood on our local picket line was rock-solid and determined. One woman I spoke to said she just couldn't understand why the Government was demonising the public sector and not defending the very people who need help at a time when the cost of everything is rising and when it's virtually impossible for young people to make a decent start in life.
The fact is that if this Government took a long hard look at its taxation system and opted for a fairer, equitable way of doing things instead of punishing the lower-paid with derisory pay awards it would not be facing annihilation at the next General Election. In the meantime, solidarity to all UNISON, UNITE and PCS members.....
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5 comments:
Shame the low paid are expected to find additional child care or take unpaid leave for two days whilst the strike goes on.
This action does nothing to endear the general public to the unions or public sector.
The New Labour government wants to give Thatcher a state funeral (when she dies, of course).
I think nation-wide street parties would be more in order!
Do you think Margaret Thatcher should have a state funeral?
Don't hesitate, vote no at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree
Do it for the miners!
lucky lot seems my comments are not needed or required anymore must be something I said.
Right then Labour have again shot themselves with Purnell telling people that the fraud report has been accepted and people will work for benefits, 2 million disabled people to be forced into jobs and as we suspected Incapacity benefit to end, that I think will mean Glasgow will now be a walk in the part for the SNP and Labour will be looking for a long period in which many of it's loyal voters look to wards other parties.
I do not think New Labour know yet how much it's hated.
I think with all due respect I shall join another party it might even be the BNP, I have a better chance of changing this party then I have of this New labour
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