Taking creative action
An account by a Pizza Hut worker in the UK about remembering to be creative in workplace organizing.
There is no denying that organizing, and class struggle more generally, is hard work—it can be boring and really tiring. However, we need to remember not to get stuck in a pattern that keeps it that way. There is no reason to stick to the old models of action.
End Metroline race to the bottom: reinstate Oscar Alvarez now!
Submitted by IWW Europe on May 8 2013 13:45
We, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) want to express our deep concern and strong condemnation of the unfair dismissal of Oscar Alvarez, Union Representative of the IWW at the West Perivale garage.
We, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) want to express our deep concern and strong condemnation of the unfair dismissal of Oscar Alvarez, Union Representative of the IWW at the West Perivale garage.
It's time to fight benefit sanctions - with or without PCS
Submitted by Phil on Apr 23 2013 19:43
Tensions between claimants and jobcentre workers over sanctions have been rising for some time. Now, with the Public and Commercial Services union stifling rank-and-file efforts to initiate a non-cooperation campaign, they threaten to boil over into active hostility. How can we avoid this – and resist sanctions?
Universal Credit is set to replace Job Seeker’s Allowance, Employment & Support Allowance, income support, housing benefit and tax credits. The single payment will be less than the five separate benefits, making it a welfare cut as well as a significant reform. It is going live with a trial at Ashton-under-Lyne jobcentre from 29 April.
"It was 30 years ago, but I felt the same way the rioters did" - Tony Evans
Speech given by Tony Evans, football editor for the Times, about the lack of discourse during the riots and how journalists and media were culpable.
The presenter turned to Kelvin Mackenzie and said to him, "don't you think we should try to understand these riots?" He said, "no I don't think we should". And there we have it. The lack of understanding; the wilful ignorance.
Mo said she was quirky - James Kelman
Helen's on her way back from work when she sees a homeless man that reminds her of her long lost brother and sends her into a reverie. 24 hours following the thoughts of a mother, a girlfriend and a croupier.
Nationalisation and the new boss class - Tom Brown
Submitted by wojtek on Apr 20 2013 11:51
A pamphlet by Tom Brown discussing nationalisation, its theoretical roots and whether it is a working-class gain (1958).
Civil disorder in England in the 1630s - Ian Brooke
Submitted by Glimmer on Apr 20 2013 09:39
A snapshot from history showing that the spirit of direct action and mass civil disobedience is very much part of the fabric of English history.
Disorder
We are told that in England there are no traditions of rebellion and that revolutionary ideas are an infection from the continent that is resisted by the more conservative traditions of the British people. This has never been the case and indeed our forbears of the 17th century were to demonstrate courage and ingenuity in fighting on a whole range of issues.
Communique for an absent NUS
A call for autonomous struggle, and to smash the National Union of Students.
In a recent twitter post, Sussex University Student Union President Kelly McBride wrote of the NUS conference, ‘Most draining and disappointing 3 days of my entire time involved in student ‘politics’ – where on earth is this movement heading?!’ Indeed, the NUS conference is draining.
In defence of smashed glass
Reflections on the demonstrations and occupations at the University of Sussex, and the wider issue of privatisation and marketisation of the education sector.
Sussex University, 25 March: An afternoon of fireworks, flares, and a not-so-friendly police force. Finally, a demonstration that began to demonstrate something. But this wasn’t merely “fuck the police” (although that sentiment was central); it was in opposition of the 235 jobs being cut through outsourcing at the university, in clear opposition to creeping corporate control of education.
Mythbuster: "strivers v skivers"
Submitted by Steven. on Apr 13 2013 11:22
Excellent document from the New Economics Foundation debunking government and media rhetoric about benefit "skivers" and showing that only 2.6% of welfare spending is on the unemployed.
Executive Summary
The myth
‘Strivers versus skivers’ purports to sums up our welfare state, and why, therefore, the benefits system should be reformed.
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