STRIKES ON South West Trains and Arriva Northern were still set to take place next Thursday and Friday as Socialist Worker went to press. Drivers on ScotRail were continuing to refuse to work on rest days. Their action, to win a pay rise to bring them up to the level of other drivers, has led to the cancellation of one in four services.
CAMPAIGNERS are organising a conference in Brighton next week over safety at work. Among those backing the conference is the Simon Jones Memorial Campaign. Simon was killed on his first day at work as a casual worker in Shoreham docks. His death led to a long-running campaign and court cases against the company he worked for.
CIVIL SERVANTS who work in Britain's job centres and benefits offices are preparing for their next round of strikes on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 January. The action, by members of the PCS union, is a great opportunity to turn up the heat on New Labour and civil service management. New Labour increased its intimidation of strikers last weekend with the threat that people will not receive promised promotions if they continue to strike. "The decision makes clear the contempt in which management holds members' concerns," said Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary elect.
"IN JUST three days we've had 78 emails from trade unionists wanting to take part in and sponsor the conference."
THE FIRST strike for over 20 years hit the Caterpillar plant in Peterlee, County Durham, last week. Workers at the US multinational owned firm walked out for a day over a pay freeze and attacks on conditions.
PRO-PALESTINIAN activists returned to top London store Selfridges last Saturday. Before Christmas the store agreed to stop stocking goods labelled "Made in Israel" which had been made illegally in occupied Palestinian territories. The store's bosses came under huge pressure to restock the goods. The Israeli ambassador in London toured the shop.
PARENTS, STAFF and the local Socialist Alliance are set to fight against New Labour's plans to close nine council nurseries across the west London borough of Ealing. Four of the nurseries cater for under-fives with special needs. Ealing council is viciously hacking back services. The closures will hit voters in key Labour wards in Acton and Southall.
A PARLIAMENTARY committee heard last week that the private housing companies lining up to take over council homes face a growing cash crisis. The House of Commons public accounts committee heard how 13 housing associations had to be taken over by rivals to avoid going bust.
SOME 150 people joined a lively and noisy protest outside the London offices of the World Bank last Saturday in solidarity with the uprising in Argentina. Interest payments on the country's $140 billion debt are a key factor behind the crisis gripping Argentina.
THE NATIONAL Union of Students has called a national demonstration on the theme of "Grants not fees" for Wednesday 20 February. Some 20,000 students joined a similar demonstration in 2000. NUS leaders have tried to channel the anti-fees campaign into small local actions and lobbying activity.
