"We're planning a campaign on a number of different levels. Firstly, to persuade the people of this country - through community-based campaigning and coalitions - that these cuts are not democratically legitimate...
Secondly, we'll be trying to persuade people that there is an alternative to cuts, and we will plead with the government to do something about the hundred billions pounds in evaded and avoided tax by the rich every year.
Finally, we are already sitting down with our colleagues in other public sector unions to plan co-ordinated industrial action, to defend people's jobs, conditions and the services they deliver."
Listen to Mark Serwotka in BBC Radio 4's 'Beyond Westminster', broadcast this morning, HERE.
This, it seems to me, is a good strategy. The unions have a very important and central role in anti-cuts campaigning, but even a left-wing union leader recognises that doesn't just mean strike action.
It requires a political and ideological campaign, at local and national levels. This can (amongst other things) strengthen connections between the unions and other sources of campaigning activity, and build the confidence of trade unionists to confront the government through co-ordinated mass public sector strikes.
See HERE for my thoughts on anti-cuts strategy.
Share
No comments:
Post a Comment