UK

The call centre diaries, part 2: performance review

Submitted by DanielBaker777 on Jan 3 2015 04:25

The second installment of this ongoing series details boss/worker relations at Manpower's National Recruitment Centre before and during a period of performance reviews, focusing in particular on the behaviour of one notorious member of management

Fascists want to shut down the Clapton Ultras

Submitted by Anonymous on Dec 24 2014 15:08

Clapton Ultras supporting Clapton FC at The Old Spotted Dog Ground

Far-right groups are trying to shut down the anti-fascist Clapton Ultras, following a largely successful campaign at Bristol-based non-league club.

Origins of the police - David Whitehouse

Submitted by Steven. on Dec 24 2014 09:29

Five points in New York, 1827 painted by George Catlin

Excellent text examining the creation of the first police forces, which took place in England and the US in just a few decades in the mid-19th century. And explaining that they were not brought into being to prevent crime or protect the public, but primarily to control crowds: the working class, white and black.

The Christmas truce, 1914 - Steven Johns

Submitted by Steven. on Dec 22 2014 19:40

British and German troops fraternise, Boxing Day 1914

A short history of the widespread but unofficial truce between British and German troops on the Western front over Christmas, 1914 during World War I.

Protest staves off eviction for Liverpool family

Submitted by madashell on Dec 16 2014 16:02

An emergency protest called by ReClaim, a grassroots anti-austerity group based in Liverpool, successfully prevented the eviction of a family from their home in Bootle, Liverpool.

“The harsh reality of capitalism”: Low wages, zero-hours contracts, and self-organisation in London’s Everyman Cinemas

Submitted by Chilli Sauce on Dec 10 2014 21:09

London's cinema workers march through central London

An interview-essay detailing the experiences of cinema worker Eve Ryman and her involvement in a self-organised wage/contract dispute and subsequent union drive.

10 reasons to support the firefighters' strikes

Submitted by Steven. on Dec 9 2014 18:34

Firefighters in England today walked out on strike for 24 hours in the latest of a series of stoppages in a dispute over massive attacks by the government on their pensions: particularly increasing the retirement age from 55 to 60. Here are the top 10 reasons you should support the firefighters.

The great strike of the Northumberland and Durham coalfield, 1844 - Derrik Scott

Submitted by Steven. on Dec 7 2014 18:27

Historical information about a big strike of miners in the UK in 1844, including the background of previous disputes in 1831 and 1765.

Victimised reps forced to lobby their union in fight for support

Submitted by Phil on Dec 1 2014 19:10

PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka holding a megaphone

Two union reps sacked by their employer for their trade union activities are lobbying the National Executive Committee of the PCS union tomorrow. In two very similar cases of union busting and victimisation, the union has failed to offer adequate support in quite different ways.