NSSN Bulletin No. 32

Council cuts & occupations develop

As more and more councils set cuts budgets, the anger and frustration of workers and the local community is also rising. Good to hear Surrey County Councils decision to axe mobile library service is now on hold after campaigning. Whilst occupations in Lambeth and Leeds last night both expressed the lack of faith workers and community have in local councilors to fight for them.

Kingsley Abrams, Lambeth suspended Labour Councilor and UNITE activist, spoke at the NSSN anti-cuts press conference supporting our protest of Labours Local Government Conference on Sat 5th March. He argues his ward and community were already struggling and to passively accept the CONDEM cuts without making a stand would be wrong. We would like to encourage other representatives to not only vote against the cuts but actively and publicly take part in the campaign to STOP the cuts! MORE: http://on.fb.me/fuMStP

On Sat 5th March we will be protesting at Labours Local government conference (John Mcdonell MP speaking) . The protest has growing support by many local and national trade unions and anti cuts groups including Lewisham NUT & Hackney Trades Council. Assemble at 11am, Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, Southwark, SE11. MORE: http://on.fb.me/gXqEHR

Please sign our online petition and encourage others to do so. http://on.fb.me/hcNebE

In Cardiff we are supporting Cardiff against the Cuts protests at Tory and Liberal conferences: http://on.fb.me/fExphj

STRIKE:
RMT train cleaning crews, employed by the Mitie company and servicing First Great Western trains out of depots at Cardiff and Swansea will strike for a further 24 hours following a 100% vote for action in a dispute over pensions, payment of wages and a failure to communicate. 06.00 hours on Friday 25th February 2011 and 05.59 hours on Saturday 26th February 2011.

FBU Hardship fundraiser 23rd March London with Mark Thomas. On top of strike action during the London dispute, London members have been subjected to vindictive 20%, 40% and 60% deductions for working to their contract. [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL:
In Wisconsin 70,000 protest with calls for a one day public sector general strike after the proposals to strip workers of collective bargaining rights. Solidarity appeal will be on the website in the next few days.

Iranian workers in the largest oil refineries strike over 6 months� unpaid wages. Strikes and protests continue across the country with a general strike in Kurdistan, despite brutal repression.

Greece also took part in another general strike, whilst 300 undocumented workers continue a hunger strike for equal rights.

And 400 Chinese bus workers clash with police as they stage a sit in and strike over wages.

ANTI - CUTS PROTESTS:

http://on.fb.me/fqay9f
February
24th - Haringey, Pontyridd, Northampton, Rugby
26th - Surrey
27th � Newham & Brighton (Fundraiser)
28th - Halifax & Clydebank (Mtg)
March

1st � Kingston & Protest against Blacklisting on the Olympics (7-8.30am) - http://on.fb.me/e7tjTK
2nd - Salford & Hackney . TUCG Health & Safety week of action as HSE is proposed with de-regulation and Job cuts. Join the action and lobby of parliament
5th - NSSN anti-cuts Protests outside Labour conference (LONDON ) & Cardiff Anti Cuts Alliance Tory and Liberal conferences in CARDIFF.
26th TUC March for an Alternative (& co-coordinated industrial action).

9th JULY - NSSN conference: Key discussions and debates will include: How we Fight the Anti-Union laws, Pensions & Defending NHS.

Contact us for further information and also send us reports and updates.

[email protected]
07816 134 690