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Showing posts with label Boris Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boris Johnson. Show all posts
Thursday, 7 August 2014
Could Boris Johnson be PM one day??
Could Boris Johnson be PM one day??
A terrifying thought no doubt too many of you but today I believe Boris Johnson took his first steps towards this ambition of his.
Today Boris announced that he will look to find a seat to stand in for the 2015 general election currently scheduled for next year.
This follows years of speculation of if he’d return to Westminster or not.
So now we know he will do will just becoming a MP be enough?
I suspect not.
For a long time now Boris has had this oar around him which has protected him from the criticism levelled at any other Tory.
He is just like David Cameron a former Etonian and was good friends with David Cameron during their public schooling days.
But would Boris throw all that friendship away to become Tory party leader with a chance of prime minister?
I think he would. I think he is a very driven man with lots of ambition and charisma.
Let me be honest and lay my cards on the table I hate the Tories and all that they stand for.
I cannot stand this current ConDem coalition government and want rid of them ASAP.
But I also take an interest in politics in general and have always done so as this blog can testify.
But as a bit of a passing interest I do look at what is going on on the other side such as the Tories and the ruling class. As I do feel you got to know your enemy to know how they work as to develop an idea how to defeat them once and for all.
So could Boris one day be tory party leader and PM?
Why not we do live in exceptional times and despite all the cuts he has pushed through in London he has still managed to regain power and was re elected in 2012 all be it on a reduced majority. He has something which most if not all current tories do not that ability to win when your party brand is toxic and even hindering you.
Boris can get away with lots I believe and am a dangerous individual for the working class as a result.
Due to his ability to come across as a bafoon to be frank a bit of a clown and is a little entertaining people who would ordinarily be turned off by the views he claims to stand by. But being Boris he can carry it off.
I would compare this to the Nigel farage factor that has very little in the way of principles and beliefs but gets away with so much due to being very media savvy and a projecting himself as a guy you could have a reasonable conversation with in your local pub.
Of course both Nigel’s and Bore’s politics are not to be supported many that are maybe not tuned in to politics can be won over to their popularism.
For Boris this will become increasingly difficult if he is to fulfil his ambition of becoming PM as he will have to agree with things he may have already opposed before as London Mayor.
For example if he does which is expected to stand for the Uxbrige and South Rieslip seat which is up for grabs next year he will have to balance his views of opposing a Heathrow expansion with a mixed feeling in the area who more of less are pro expansion due to the fact it provides jobs and a lifeline for the area. Before as London Mayor he was standing for all Londoners if Boris goes for this seat he will have a smaller area of people to stand up for meaning his previous policies may clash with others in this seat.
So Boris Johnson will be an interesting figure to watch in the coming years. But most of all we must learn how to expose him far better. Just being a clown may show most people are politically apathetic understandably but we do need to fully explain to people the role of these dangerous people with dangerous ideas which affect us very much in a real way.
Boris could become PM one day and this scares me greatly while his image of a funny guy and a likeable chap seems ok now just think what he could do with powers to destroy the NHS and our public services all because we took our eye off the ball thinking he is just a funny guy and we will vote for him because we like his personality.
How this will fit with old school conservatives who believed in the traditions of the family and the old days. Boris who has a love child and various mistresses doesn’t really fit in to the old view of the conservative many of their activist base do. But maybe they will look past all that as its Boris who can win for them during troubled times.
I am no fan of personality politics but you can’t help commenting on it and recent developments under line that sadly.
Let’s do away with personality politics once and for all I say.
Wednesday, 5 February 2014
Please support the tube strikes
Thousands of London Underground workers are taking part in a 48-hour strike over proposed cuts which include closing every Tube ticket office in London.
Members of the RMT and TSSA unions walked out on Tuesday and will stay out until 9pm on Thursday 6th February in the first of two 48-hour stoppages.
Under the proposals being put forward by London mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London (TfL) hundreds of station staff jobs would be lost and supervisors would be moved from stations.
TfL claims the plans are needed to save £50 million a year. The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimate each strike could cost the London economy £50 million a day.
Workers have already been taking action with an overtime ban in place since last month which has led to some station closures.
From Friday union members are set to start a 'revenue strike' which should allow free travel between certain times on certain days.
The second 48-hour stoppage is due to take place from 9pm on Tuesday 11th Feburary to the same time on Thursday 13th February.
Picket lines
Workers are asking members of the public to support their picket lines and are expecting supporters from groups fighting austerity, such as Disabled People Against the Cuts and Occupy, to attend.
Please visit this website below
http://www.rmtlondoncalling.org.uk/node/4830
To find out where picket lines will be and to pop down and lend your support. During the next few days where we will see some rough stormy weather why not warm a tube worker up by popping along to the picket lines and offering solidarity.
This is sure to be a long drawn out bitter dispute with Boris Johnson looking to try and smash the unions. Don’t let him these are attacks against our class we must stand up and show solidarity with our brothers and sisters who work on the tube day in day out and provide the safety in their assistance they give us.
As a disabled person I am hugely appreciative of the kind support and assistance I can access when travelling the tube and this allows me to access the capital and travel independently. Do not allow Boris his moment in the sun.
Solidarity and victory to all tube workers.
Monday, 18 November 2013
The poor poor rich folk, so oppressed
Yes my heart weeps for them it really does. My sarcasm meter is boiling over. In today’s papers today Boris Johnson champion of the rich and the ruling class's has come out with an astonishing piece today.
"The super-rich are a "put-upon minority" like homeless people and Irish travellers and should be protected from any further "bullying" from the public, Boris Johnson claimed today.
Johnson called for an end to "bashing" the richest people in Britain and suggested they should instead receive "automatic knighthoods" for their contribution to the UK exchequer.
"It is my duty to stick up for every put-upon minority in the city – from the homeless to Irish travellers to ex-gang members to disgraced former MPs," wrote the Conservative mayor of London in the Daily Telegraph.
"But there is one minority that I still behold with a benign bewilderment, and that is the very, very rich."
He said the public should instead extend their "humble and hearty thanks" to the super-rich who "now pay 29.8 per cent of all the income tax and national insurance received by the Treasury."
"We should stop any bashing or moaning or preaching or bitching and simply give thanks for the prodigious sums of money that they are contributing to the tax revenues of this country, and that enable us to look after our sick and our elderly and to build roads, railways and schools," he claimed.
Johnson believes the super-rich have been "brow-beaten and bullied and threatened with new taxes, by everyone from the Archbishop of Canterbury to Nick Clegg".
He suggested that taxes on the super rich could instead be cut and that the richest people in the country should be automatically awarded honours by the Queen.
"Indeed, it is possible, as the American economist Art Laffer pointed out, that they might contribute even more if we cut their rates of tax; but it is time we recognised the heroic contribution they already make.
"In fact, we should stop publishing rich lists in favour of an annual list of the top 100 tax heroes, with automatic knighthoods for the top 10."
Johnson's comparison between the super-rich and homeless people will enrage campaigners against homelessness.
The London Mayor had promised to end rough sleeping in London by the end of 2012.
However, research released this year found that the number of rough sleepers had doubled in the capital over the past five years.
Johnson has been a long-term advocate of reducing taxes for Britain's wealthiest people. Earlier this year he called for a new "flat tax" which would have reduced the top rate of tax to just 30%.
He has sometimes been accused of being too close to the City of London. His first mayoral election campaign was heavily financed by City donors.
Donations to his second mayoral election campaign were routed through Conservative central office, meaning that names of individual donors did not have to be revealed.
"
The poor mites bless them...
With extracts and quotes from
http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2013/11/18/boris-johnson-super-rich-an-oppressed-minority-like-homeless
Friday, 11 January 2013
London to loose 12 fire stations with over 500 jobs going, fight all cuts!
Its been reported today that London is due to loose 12 Fire stations and over 500 workers as a result of these huge cuts recommended by the London Fire Commissioner.
This will have a devastating impact on London and the Fire services ability to deal with large scale fires and disasters if and when they occur.
This wills not only put people at risk it will also risk many people’s homes and business’s which need protecting too.
Boris Johnson who is slowly ripping into London’s public sector jobs and services in his second term of office cannot hide from these eye watering cuts these are his cuts and his cuts alone.
It will be interesting to hear the Labour party and what they have to say on this no doubt they will oppose these cuts in words but in actions what will they do?
A petition her and there will not keep a fire station open I’m afraid.
The Fire Brigades Union lead by Matt Wrack a good fighting socialist need to lead this battle bringing on board anti cuts campaigners, local community members and the local residents who will loose these Fire stations. Other stations not affected need to link up with those under threat saying to Boris Johnson and his Tory chums no to all closures we wont accept closure of one for keeping another open that’s divide and rule and something the Labour party are very good at we should campaign for no to all cuts in the Fire service and for a investment in the Fire service keeping all services and jobs in the public sector with good levels of pay.
This is a service we cannot do without if god forbids there was a major fire in London again loosing this many fire stations would be crippling to the city. We cannot allow these cuts to happen and every possible tactic and strategy must be considered including the threat of mass strike action over these cuts.
As I’ve blogged before unions have many reasons of which to call national strike action on this is just another one to add to this list.
Save our fire stations, no to divide and rule and for a fully funded publically accountable fire service that benefits the many.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
17 Fire stations at risk with 600 jobs on line too, fight all cuts!
In London plans have been revealed to close 17 fire stations across inner and central London with the loss of about 600 jobs. Some of these stations only have one fire engine others have two. Boris Johnson the London Mayor who I think behind his stupid bafoonary is a very dangerous anti workers Tory.
Boris thinks these cuts will not have any impact on the fire service and will not put lives at risk. I beg to differ and I’m glad to say the FBU do too. The Fire Brigades union who are a strong left militant union especially in London have gone to war before over cuts and I have no doubt will lead their members in yet another battle this time of a bigger degree.
In the FBU’s press release today it sounds very clear its view and that it will be opposing these dangerous cuts which are wrong but not even necessary, are we seriously saying that too many fires were put out which lead to the global economic crisis? No way Jose!
The plans, which were revealed in a leaked document, look set to be put before a meeting of the London fire authority on 22 November. The brigade was told by the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to save £65m over two years, and senior managers have been working on proposals to meet that demand.
The FBU’s regional secretary for London, Paul Embery, said: “These proposals present the biggest threat to the London Fire Brigade since the days of the Luftwaffe and would lead to the decimation of fire cover in London. The stations under threat of closure have stood proudly for generations, protecting local residents from bombs, fire and terrorism, yet Boris Johnson is about to hammer a ‘For Sale’ sign on to their front doors.
“Such a huge cut cannot be made without there being an impact on public safety, and we call on Londoners to join with us in defending our fire service.
“All around the country, chief fire officers are beginning to warn publicly of the danger of catastrophic cuts. So far, the commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, Ron Dobson, has remained silent, but surely now it is time for him speak up.
“The London Fire Brigade is a proud organization with a fine history. But it is now facing possibly its greatest challenge. Its leaders must do the right thing and tell the politicians these cuts are wrong and dangerous. If they don’t do it, the FBU will.”
Monday, 8 August 2011
Tottenham riots, time for a working class candidate in 2012 London elections
After the violence and the discontent in North London and other parts of London last night. With seemingly all polititians being completely out of touch. Including Labour who have not put up any resistance to cuts. Cuts that have lead to youth centres and youth funding being cut. Disgracefully there is a lot of handringing from them but we cannot let them off the hook. Due to their lack of opposition and just passing on the cuts local communities like Tottenham have felt very hard doen by by these cuts. Lets not forget this is only the first year of 5 certain years of cuts. There could be even more after that too depends what happens in 2015.
But i really do think now despite our differences on the left we should withouta doubt field a candidate under the name of Trade union and socialist coalition against cuts. A true left candidate with working class backing would give people in the pareas like Tottenham a voice and a banner to unite under. A sense of belonging and a understanding can develop as local trade unions can link up with youth projects and youth groups to bring young disenfranchised people back into something constructive.
We do understand their frustration. we really do. But rioting is not the answer unfortunatly. The anger and frustration is totally understandable and will only spread under this system of capitalism .
So as TUSC we would not just stand to divide a labour vote of Ken Livingstone we would stand to try and win. Not to just remove the tories from office as Labour wish to do but to be a beacon to workers to unite around a new workers party fighting for socialism and a change of society.
Of course not in one city can this change the whole face of Britian much like in Liverpool in the 80's the militant influenced councillors could not put through real change as they were isolated to just one city. So the call must be to spread this out right across the whole country.
Just imagine what affect this could have on the whole labour movement if a socialist fighting for trade unions and working people won in London. Under the governments nose the confidence that would create would be huge.
We all know next years election will be posed as Ken vs Boris but Ken Livingstone has a record not fit to be proud of either. He is known to be pro privatisation and almost had his way with the London Underground. He is not a true representitive of the working class and a true left candidate would be great if we can get one i feel.
As this last weekend has shown people will take things into their own hands if a clear alternative and a way out is not shown. The inaction of a labour party who see it fit to pass on cuts and say they have no choice will not stick for much longer. people are getting angry, really angry and if they will not fight they will have to be removed for people who do i'm afraid.
But i really do think now despite our differences on the left we should withouta doubt field a candidate under the name of Trade union and socialist coalition against cuts. A true left candidate with working class backing would give people in the pareas like Tottenham a voice and a banner to unite under. A sense of belonging and a understanding can develop as local trade unions can link up with youth projects and youth groups to bring young disenfranchised people back into something constructive.
We do understand their frustration. we really do. But rioting is not the answer unfortunatly. The anger and frustration is totally understandable and will only spread under this system of capitalism .
So as TUSC we would not just stand to divide a labour vote of Ken Livingstone we would stand to try and win. Not to just remove the tories from office as Labour wish to do but to be a beacon to workers to unite around a new workers party fighting for socialism and a change of society.
Of course not in one city can this change the whole face of Britian much like in Liverpool in the 80's the militant influenced councillors could not put through real change as they were isolated to just one city. So the call must be to spread this out right across the whole country.
Just imagine what affect this could have on the whole labour movement if a socialist fighting for trade unions and working people won in London. Under the governments nose the confidence that would create would be huge.
We all know next years election will be posed as Ken vs Boris but Ken Livingstone has a record not fit to be proud of either. He is known to be pro privatisation and almost had his way with the London Underground. He is not a true representitive of the working class and a true left candidate would be great if we can get one i feel.
As this last weekend has shown people will take things into their own hands if a clear alternative and a way out is not shown. The inaction of a labour party who see it fit to pass on cuts and say they have no choice will not stick for much longer. people are getting angry, really angry and if they will not fight they will have to be removed for people who do i'm afraid.
Saturday, 16 July 2011
TUSC conference 2012, London mayoral elections and the future
Today i attended the TUSC conference. For anyone who didnt know we are TUSC- trade union and socialist coalition set up 18 months ago to give working class people a voice and a alternative to the main 3 capitalist parties.
You can view our website and learn moer about TUSC here.
. Find out more about TUSC at http://www.tusc.org.uk/
TUSC is made up of the SWP and teh Socialist party as it stands with other independants affiliating too to use it as a banner to stand in elections against the cuts. All cuts. One of our unique selling points is the fact that we are different and do offer an alternative. A working class alternative which has not been seen on ballot papers for sometime.
The conference today was to discuss the past year of this con-dem government and what is next for TUSC.
There weer some brilliant speakers from the Socialist party and the Socialist workers party aswell as leading figures in the trade unions such as PCS and the RMT.
a very engaging discussin was had by all comrades and lots of tactics and ideas were shared. Some trying to offer a way forward others looking back.
But all in all it was a very positive conference with plenty to look forward to. Much of which i have previously talked about on this blog. SO do please look back over those posts if you can on TUSC and the formation of a new workers party, which we in the socialist party are firmly behind.
This is due to the fact we do not believe the labour party offers a solution for workers today. Not one Labour party run council voted against cuts this year and didnt even come close to discussing voting against the cuts.
So now as we learn nearly 43% of people now do oppose the cuts there is clearly the base there to tap into to build support within the working class which have no political voice at all today.
We do need a socialist being able to reply to the arguements being put by the main 3 capitalist parties and offering a alternative.
I myself am very much behind the idea of a new workers party as a point to base our struggles around and to lead the way.
In Greece right now the lack of a working class party to lead the struggles is one of the main reasons the working class resistance has not brought about a change as yet it is still the cuts coming through. The lack of such a party is very evident across alot of the Europe if not the world today.
The question is often put to us that the lesser evil is the labour party and we should back them. We disagree even when the Labour party was first formed back in the 1900's there were many who condemned it and said it'll never work and many stuck with the liberals at that time.
What rings true to me is that things can move very quickly indeed. I mean who can imagine just two years ago the Rupert Murdoch owned News of the World was Britains best selling paper now it is gone. Gone from our high streets and our homes. So things can change extremely quickly in times like this we need to be rady for any eventuallity .
We dont know for certain but this con-dem government could fall this year or next if pressure if put upon them so great splits appear. We need to be there ready with a alternative. As as we speak it would be the Labour party under Ed Miliband who would become our Prime Minister.
Much was said about the Labour party today. Not sectarian but truthful hard facts of all Labour councils pushing through cuts.
Workers will still vote for labour but only to keep the tories out. This is contiousness we are having to deal with. But if you dont explain to people labour are offering much the same as the tories and there is a alternative, a real socialist alternative then people will never break the habbit.
There is millions of people who dont even vote. Many ex labour supporters millions since 1997 which Labour still trumpet as their proudest year in recent times who simply do not vote for anyone.
They havent gone to vote for the tories or teh Lib Dems. They ahve stayed at home. Its these workers we can win overa nd draw in to the struggles as the situation intensifies .
OOne ofthe biggest debates to come out of todays meeting and differences are there between comrades on whetehr to stand for the Mayoral election next year where it is being billed as ken Livingstone vs Boris Johnson.
People will see this as a left v right fight but it is not as simple as that. Ken although we are being told to back him by the SWP as we want Boris out will do well to remember Red Ken's last time in office. There was privatisation on Thameslink and lots of jobs cut on the tube to name a few of his red credentials being blown apart.
So the question was asked do we as the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition or under a different name if Unions were to come on board with support, be that the RMT or PCS who are thinking of standing their own candidates possibly too.
My position is yes we definatly should. In London if you stand for Mayor your automatically mailed out in a booklet to all London residents who are on the voters list. This i a massive chance for us to gain publicity and get our message out there. There is an alternative and we can be that beecon for workers.
I certainly think although alst Mays election results were possibly not fantastic and we didnt win any seats we have laid down a marker for future push's on the electoral front. As at the time the cuts were just on paper now people are starting to see jobs going and services closing i do feel we would see a different result now and next year forward.
So lots of positive discussion today and lots of room to improve and move into a broader platform for workers to stand up and be counted.
The ruling class is on the offensive lets join them by taking them on and winning i say.
You can view our website and learn moer about TUSC here.
. Find out more about TUSC at http://www.tusc.org.uk/
TUSC is made up of the SWP and teh Socialist party as it stands with other independants affiliating too to use it as a banner to stand in elections against the cuts. All cuts. One of our unique selling points is the fact that we are different and do offer an alternative. A working class alternative which has not been seen on ballot papers for sometime.
The conference today was to discuss the past year of this con-dem government and what is next for TUSC.
There weer some brilliant speakers from the Socialist party and the Socialist workers party aswell as leading figures in the trade unions such as PCS and the RMT.
a very engaging discussin was had by all comrades and lots of tactics and ideas were shared. Some trying to offer a way forward others looking back.
But all in all it was a very positive conference with plenty to look forward to. Much of which i have previously talked about on this blog. SO do please look back over those posts if you can on TUSC and the formation of a new workers party, which we in the socialist party are firmly behind.
This is due to the fact we do not believe the labour party offers a solution for workers today. Not one Labour party run council voted against cuts this year and didnt even come close to discussing voting against the cuts.
So now as we learn nearly 43% of people now do oppose the cuts there is clearly the base there to tap into to build support within the working class which have no political voice at all today.
We do need a socialist being able to reply to the arguements being put by the main 3 capitalist parties and offering a alternative.
I myself am very much behind the idea of a new workers party as a point to base our struggles around and to lead the way.
In Greece right now the lack of a working class party to lead the struggles is one of the main reasons the working class resistance has not brought about a change as yet it is still the cuts coming through. The lack of such a party is very evident across alot of the Europe if not the world today.
The question is often put to us that the lesser evil is the labour party and we should back them. We disagree even when the Labour party was first formed back in the 1900's there were many who condemned it and said it'll never work and many stuck with the liberals at that time.
What rings true to me is that things can move very quickly indeed. I mean who can imagine just two years ago the Rupert Murdoch owned News of the World was Britains best selling paper now it is gone. Gone from our high streets and our homes. So things can change extremely quickly in times like this we need to be rady for any eventuallity .
We dont know for certain but this con-dem government could fall this year or next if pressure if put upon them so great splits appear. We need to be there ready with a alternative. As as we speak it would be the Labour party under Ed Miliband who would become our Prime Minister.
Much was said about the Labour party today. Not sectarian but truthful hard facts of all Labour councils pushing through cuts.
Workers will still vote for labour but only to keep the tories out. This is contiousness we are having to deal with. But if you dont explain to people labour are offering much the same as the tories and there is a alternative, a real socialist alternative then people will never break the habbit.
There is millions of people who dont even vote. Many ex labour supporters millions since 1997 which Labour still trumpet as their proudest year in recent times who simply do not vote for anyone.
They havent gone to vote for the tories or teh Lib Dems. They ahve stayed at home. Its these workers we can win overa nd draw in to the struggles as the situation intensifies .
OOne ofthe biggest debates to come out of todays meeting and differences are there between comrades on whetehr to stand for the Mayoral election next year where it is being billed as ken Livingstone vs Boris Johnson.
People will see this as a left v right fight but it is not as simple as that. Ken although we are being told to back him by the SWP as we want Boris out will do well to remember Red Ken's last time in office. There was privatisation on Thameslink and lots of jobs cut on the tube to name a few of his red credentials being blown apart.
So the question was asked do we as the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition or under a different name if Unions were to come on board with support, be that the RMT or PCS who are thinking of standing their own candidates possibly too.
My position is yes we definatly should. In London if you stand for Mayor your automatically mailed out in a booklet to all London residents who are on the voters list. This i a massive chance for us to gain publicity and get our message out there. There is an alternative and we can be that beecon for workers.
I certainly think although alst Mays election results were possibly not fantastic and we didnt win any seats we have laid down a marker for future push's on the electoral front. As at the time the cuts were just on paper now people are starting to see jobs going and services closing i do feel we would see a different result now and next year forward.
So lots of positive discussion today and lots of room to improve and move into a broader platform for workers to stand up and be counted.
The ruling class is on the offensive lets join them by taking them on and winning i say.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
solidarity with RMT tube drivers who ballot to strike over unfair sackings
TUBE UNION RMT today announced strike dates after members voted by almost two to one for strike action in a ballot of all train operator and instructor operator members in the on-going disputes over the victimisation of union activists including two driver members - Eamon Lynch and Arwyn Thomas - over their trade union activities.
All London Underground train driver members are instructed not to book on for any duty that commences:
•between 21:01 on Monday 16 May and 11:59 on Tuesday 17 May
•between 12:00 on Wednesday 18 May and 11:59 on Thursday 19 May
•between 12:00 on Friday 20 May and 21:00 on Friday 20 May
All London Underground train driver members are further instructed not to book on for any duty that commences:
•between 21:01 on Monday 13 June and 11:59 on Tuesday 14 June
•between 12:00 on Wednesday 15 June and 11:59 on Thursday 16 June
•between 12:00 on Friday 17 June and 21:00 on Friday 17 June
Eamon Lynch, RMT Bakerloo Line drivers’ health and safety rep, has been sacked by LU and although he remains on full pay following the union’s victory on Eamon’s behalf at an “interim relief” Employment Tribunal hearing the company has shown total contempt for the Tribunal process and have upheld his sacking. Interim relief is only ever granted by the Employment Tribunal where there is the clearest possible evidence that an employee has been dismissed on the grounds of their trade union activities. RMT is currently awaiting the outcome of Eamon’s full tribunal hearing.
Arwyn Thomas, a long-standing RMT activist and driver at Morden has been sacked on trumped-up disciplinary charges following unproven allegations made against him by strike breakers. Arwyn has been an RMT/NUR member for over 29 years and has held various positions in the union. Arwyn has also won an interim relief hearing at the Employment Tribunal on the grounds of his victimisation as an RMT activist and has been put back on full pay as a result.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
“It is the abject failure of LU to recognise that their policy of victimisation of union activists has been well and truly rumbled both in the Employment Tribunal and in their own depots that has left us with no choice but to name these dates for strike action.
“The solution is simple - LU should accept that they have been found out, get these drivers back to work doing the job that they are being paid to do and bring an end to the constant harassment of union activists whose only crime is fighting cuts to jobs and safety.
“The massive vote for action by tube drivers shows that they are well aware of the consequences of allowing our activists and safety reps to be picked off while we hear daily reports of breakdowns and failures on the network as a direct result of the very cuts that our members have been fighting.
“The attack on Eamon Lynch and Arwyn Thomas is the clearest cut case of victimisation on the grounds of trade union activities that you will ever see and it’s no wonder that the Employment Tribunal was swift to see through the management lies and grant both these members “Interim Relief” - an award which requires the strongest possible proof that their sackings were down to their union activities.”
Ends
To me i will always b ack union members wishing to take strike action no matter what as i believe in workers having a way to protect themselves against management and the onslaugh of the capitalist system at its harshest. This strike is not only right but it is fair and i do hope the two workers are reinstated on full pay and compensated for loss of earnings too. The LU think they can bully union members around well they have anotehr thing coming. This sadly is not uncommon in the workplace the victimisation of union members and union reps is something i have blogged about before on this blog and it upsets me to no end. IT just shows that the law is so unfairly balanced against trade unions in this country we barely have a foot to stand on. Its a disgrace and we must show our support and solidarity with these workers. The RMT are one of the best unions for standing up for their members and i think they should be supported not victimised and slandered by the capitalist press.
All London Underground train driver members are instructed not to book on for any duty that commences:
•between 21:01 on Monday 16 May and 11:59 on Tuesday 17 May
•between 12:00 on Wednesday 18 May and 11:59 on Thursday 19 May
•between 12:00 on Friday 20 May and 21:00 on Friday 20 May
All London Underground train driver members are further instructed not to book on for any duty that commences:
•between 21:01 on Monday 13 June and 11:59 on Tuesday 14 June
•between 12:00 on Wednesday 15 June and 11:59 on Thursday 16 June
•between 12:00 on Friday 17 June and 21:00 on Friday 17 June
Eamon Lynch, RMT Bakerloo Line drivers’ health and safety rep, has been sacked by LU and although he remains on full pay following the union’s victory on Eamon’s behalf at an “interim relief” Employment Tribunal hearing the company has shown total contempt for the Tribunal process and have upheld his sacking. Interim relief is only ever granted by the Employment Tribunal where there is the clearest possible evidence that an employee has been dismissed on the grounds of their trade union activities. RMT is currently awaiting the outcome of Eamon’s full tribunal hearing.
Arwyn Thomas, a long-standing RMT activist and driver at Morden has been sacked on trumped-up disciplinary charges following unproven allegations made against him by strike breakers. Arwyn has been an RMT/NUR member for over 29 years and has held various positions in the union. Arwyn has also won an interim relief hearing at the Employment Tribunal on the grounds of his victimisation as an RMT activist and has been put back on full pay as a result.
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
“It is the abject failure of LU to recognise that their policy of victimisation of union activists has been well and truly rumbled both in the Employment Tribunal and in their own depots that has left us with no choice but to name these dates for strike action.
“The solution is simple - LU should accept that they have been found out, get these drivers back to work doing the job that they are being paid to do and bring an end to the constant harassment of union activists whose only crime is fighting cuts to jobs and safety.
“The massive vote for action by tube drivers shows that they are well aware of the consequences of allowing our activists and safety reps to be picked off while we hear daily reports of breakdowns and failures on the network as a direct result of the very cuts that our members have been fighting.
“The attack on Eamon Lynch and Arwyn Thomas is the clearest cut case of victimisation on the grounds of trade union activities that you will ever see and it’s no wonder that the Employment Tribunal was swift to see through the management lies and grant both these members “Interim Relief” - an award which requires the strongest possible proof that their sackings were down to their union activities.”
Ends
To me i will always b ack union members wishing to take strike action no matter what as i believe in workers having a way to protect themselves against management and the onslaugh of the capitalist system at its harshest. This strike is not only right but it is fair and i do hope the two workers are reinstated on full pay and compensated for loss of earnings too. The LU think they can bully union members around well they have anotehr thing coming. This sadly is not uncommon in the workplace the victimisation of union members and union reps is something i have blogged about before on this blog and it upsets me to no end. IT just shows that the law is so unfairly balanced against trade unions in this country we barely have a foot to stand on. Its a disgrace and we must show our support and solidarity with these workers. The RMT are one of the best unions for standing up for their members and i think they should be supported not victimised and slandered by the capitalist press.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Are anti smog warnings the future as global capitalism takes hold
As an increasing population and more and more of us driving on the roads with bus's and cars taking to the streets of our great capital i thought i'd look into smog levels and how dangerous they are to us as the capitalist system looks to take a tighter grip on our society by increasing globalisation.
Air pollution in London has hit its highest level since 2003 according to official figures.
Under European Union air quality laws daily pollution levels must not be above the legal limit on more than 35 days in a calendar year.
But air pollution levels in London have already exceeded EU daily limits 36 times this year.
It is the first time that the annual limit has been exceeded by this date since 2003 when there were 50 breaches.
On Wednesday, Marylebone Road in central London exceeded EU limits for the 36th day this year.
The station there records air pollution from tiny sooty particles, known as PM10, which are mainly caused by traffic.
The government has issued a "smog alert" for the Easter weekend for PM10s, which can affect people's health.
Simon Birkett, director of Clean Air in London, said: "We need mayor Johnson and the government to tackle an invisible public health crisis with as many premature deaths attributable to air pollution in London in 2008 as we thought occurred during the Great Smog of 1952."
The European Commission has already given the UK two written warnings and the next stage in the legal process will be referral to the European Court of Justice.
The Commission gave the mayor and UK Government until June to come up with a "London action plan" to ensure compliance with the air pollution limits.
The UK will not face fines for the breach, as the EU has given Britain an extension until June before it has to start meeting the standards in the capital.
James Grugeon, chief executive of the charity Environmental Protection UK, said the breaches showed official assurances that pollution was under control in the capital were not true.
He said: "The mayor's air quality strategy, even with a new action plan set to start in June, is not up to the job of tackling the high levels of pollution already recorded this year."
A statement from London mayor Boris Johnson said that until 11 June, the daily limit of PM10 in London was 50% higher as a result of the UK's extension from the EU.
The statement says that as of 19 April, the daily limit value has been exceeded at Marylebone Road just six times this year, meaning that the annual legal limits have not been breached.
We need mayor Johnson and the government to tackle an invisible public health crisis”
Simon Birkett
Director of Clean Air in London
A spokesperson for the mayor said: "The mayor is already taking action to improve London's air quality with cleaner buses, tougher standards for the Low Emission Zone and the first ever age limit for taxis.
"Since the beginning of 2011, we estimate that more than 75% of air pollution episodes have occurred when pollutants have been blown in from Europe."
But Simon Birkett said the extension was only valid when the air pollution action plan is implemented and until then the lower limits apply.
This to me says one thing to me, globalisation is crippling us as a nation and us as a planet. The drive for profit over anything else be that peoples liveliehoods or the environment takes no priority over profit. The mad rush to work everyday during summer months in London is unbearable as it is but despite Londons attempts to ease traffic off with their conjestion charge the smog and fumes keep on coming.
To me the conjestion charge is a load of rubbish it collects lots of money dont get me wrong but where does that money go ?
in the back pockets of city hall chiefs of course and TFL boss's no doubt. What was origianlly set up to reinvest in greener energiesa nd alternative transport has simply not materialised and this comes as no surprise to myself and many other socailists with a care for the environment too.
To me and many others you can not have a green economy without a socialist economy whilst the capitalist companies strive for profit to any length they have no consideration for the economy. Only under a socialist governmenta nd society will green energies be ableto be brought to the front. When the society isnt based on profit but a better life for all not just the few investment and research into green energies can become a priority anda nessessetity to preserve our planet in its current form.
So the smog and the pollution is yes down to man and our greed for moneya nd our nice cars and things but i lay the blame for the pullution of our cities and towns firmly at the feet of capitalism who have no care in the world for the world and this will end up in us destroying our planet unless we change the way society is run.
Air pollution in London has hit its highest level since 2003 according to official figures.
Under European Union air quality laws daily pollution levels must not be above the legal limit on more than 35 days in a calendar year.
But air pollution levels in London have already exceeded EU daily limits 36 times this year.
It is the first time that the annual limit has been exceeded by this date since 2003 when there were 50 breaches.
On Wednesday, Marylebone Road in central London exceeded EU limits for the 36th day this year.
The station there records air pollution from tiny sooty particles, known as PM10, which are mainly caused by traffic.
The government has issued a "smog alert" for the Easter weekend for PM10s, which can affect people's health.
Simon Birkett, director of Clean Air in London, said: "We need mayor Johnson and the government to tackle an invisible public health crisis with as many premature deaths attributable to air pollution in London in 2008 as we thought occurred during the Great Smog of 1952."
The European Commission has already given the UK two written warnings and the next stage in the legal process will be referral to the European Court of Justice.
The Commission gave the mayor and UK Government until June to come up with a "London action plan" to ensure compliance with the air pollution limits.
The UK will not face fines for the breach, as the EU has given Britain an extension until June before it has to start meeting the standards in the capital.
James Grugeon, chief executive of the charity Environmental Protection UK, said the breaches showed official assurances that pollution was under control in the capital were not true.
He said: "The mayor's air quality strategy, even with a new action plan set to start in June, is not up to the job of tackling the high levels of pollution already recorded this year."
A statement from London mayor Boris Johnson said that until 11 June, the daily limit of PM10 in London was 50% higher as a result of the UK's extension from the EU.
The statement says that as of 19 April, the daily limit value has been exceeded at Marylebone Road just six times this year, meaning that the annual legal limits have not been breached.
We need mayor Johnson and the government to tackle an invisible public health crisis”
Simon Birkett
Director of Clean Air in London
A spokesperson for the mayor said: "The mayor is already taking action to improve London's air quality with cleaner buses, tougher standards for the Low Emission Zone and the first ever age limit for taxis.
"Since the beginning of 2011, we estimate that more than 75% of air pollution episodes have occurred when pollutants have been blown in from Europe."
But Simon Birkett said the extension was only valid when the air pollution action plan is implemented and until then the lower limits apply.
This to me says one thing to me, globalisation is crippling us as a nation and us as a planet. The drive for profit over anything else be that peoples liveliehoods or the environment takes no priority over profit. The mad rush to work everyday during summer months in London is unbearable as it is but despite Londons attempts to ease traffic off with their conjestion charge the smog and fumes keep on coming.
To me the conjestion charge is a load of rubbish it collects lots of money dont get me wrong but where does that money go ?
in the back pockets of city hall chiefs of course and TFL boss's no doubt. What was origianlly set up to reinvest in greener energiesa nd alternative transport has simply not materialised and this comes as no surprise to myself and many other socailists with a care for the environment too.
To me and many others you can not have a green economy without a socialist economy whilst the capitalist companies strive for profit to any length they have no consideration for the economy. Only under a socialist governmenta nd society will green energies be ableto be brought to the front. When the society isnt based on profit but a better life for all not just the few investment and research into green energies can become a priority anda nessessetity to preserve our planet in its current form.
So the smog and the pollution is yes down to man and our greed for moneya nd our nice cars and things but i lay the blame for the pullution of our cities and towns firmly at the feet of capitalism who have no care in the world for the world and this will end up in us destroying our planet unless we change the way society is run.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Why Ed miliband is wrong to bash the unions
so this morning on the bbc Ed miliband the labour party leader set about bashing the very same unions which helped him get elected. How ungrateful really.
reading this article here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12201252
suggests what the media dubbed red ed is starting to shake off his red image. Ed who i never truely thought was left wing or pro union is now setting about making sure no one thinks he is red or left at all.
When Neil Kinnock boasted we have our party back now with ed in charge how wrong could the guy be. I'm sorry but bashing the unions who helped you get elected whilst playing to them promising to march with them on TUC protests and stand shoulder to shoulder with working people was all a ploy to get elected. I'm sorry Ed but your honeymoon is over and i'm quickly going off you i'm afraid to say. The man seems to be more interested in attracting lib dems to his party and getting re elected than standing up for workers rights and their jobs. I'm deeply saddend by this and people have told me on twitter i sound very anti Ed well i feel let down by him really. I thought he'd be a change a new start for labour a chance to get back to the old labour traditions. Fat chance now reallly when the leadership is more out of touch than ever and winning by-elections is more important than supporting unions wishing to take action to defend peoples jobs and rights.
I think as another blogger i'm friendly with
http://harpymarx.wordpress.com/2011/01/16/which-side-are-you-on-mister-ed-not-ours/
rightly blogs abouthis similarly we are becoming less and less sure of what side of the fence does Mr Miliband stand on.
This situation where ed startst o turn on the unions who elected him was always going to happen since the leadership elections made him leader. But we didnt expect it so early on in his reign. Ed is running the danger of leading labour down a route of abandoning the unions and just becoming a party all out for winning elections and not fighting for workers and teh working class, which it always used to represent strongly.
People in the working class still vote for labour i feel as they know no different, they feel as a working class person that is who they should vote for without thinking do this lot really represent me truely ?
On another note there was the LRC conference 2011 on saturday in London which i did not attend but from what i could gather was a lot of left leaning labour MP's and members who call themselves the labour left. THis is teh sort of movement that does not need labour and its way of ignoring its left leanings they could go it alone or join with a trades unions movement. All of the things they were saying sounded very grand and lovely but they still think they can change the party from within. Well i myself am not very confident that can happen so i dont know where they get their confidence from.
It seems the labour left gets totally ignored by the labour leadership as they are deamed unelectable if they look too left or show any sign of being left. It is almost the case where the labour PLP and leadership feel that being left is a crime and we cant be seen showing signs of this.
Like Ed who seems to be taking pot shots at so called militant unions who want to strike to show a fight back i think is short sighted. How is ed defending peoples jobs instead then ? thing is he isnt him and his party would support cuts and tory cuts but just at a slower pace. SO effectively they are saying oh we will still cut you and you will still loose your job but just not yet so it you dont have to worry. Crazy how people still think this is a alternative i cant get my head around. For myself i am against all cuts to any public service and any job lost that doesnt need to be lost. If tax loop holes were closed properly banks taxed to teh hilt and true socialist policies introduced not fluffy ones this class war going on would be fairer. Afterall why should the working class's have to pay for the mistakes of rich irresponsible bankers.
Going back to Ed milibands bashing of the unions. A blog post from me earlier in the week stating about boris johnsons similar attack on ASLEF train drivers union who he had heard somewhere that were planning to strike on the day of the royal wedding. This was of course and Ed miliband will do well to remind himself of this too was never proposed or suggested by the union so to attack a union on a strike that may not even happen does make you look a little bit stupid if i may say so.
Now this blogpost is not all a anti labour or anti Ed miliband post as i'm not totally just feel that they are heading down a dangerous route that will put them in a impossible position where they will look so similar to the tories no one will take a look at them. So some true labour values would be nice to hear MR Miliband and some well over due support of the unions who support and fund you wouldnt go a miss too.
reading this article here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12201252
suggests what the media dubbed red ed is starting to shake off his red image. Ed who i never truely thought was left wing or pro union is now setting about making sure no one thinks he is red or left at all.
When Neil Kinnock boasted we have our party back now with ed in charge how wrong could the guy be. I'm sorry but bashing the unions who helped you get elected whilst playing to them promising to march with them on TUC protests and stand shoulder to shoulder with working people was all a ploy to get elected. I'm sorry Ed but your honeymoon is over and i'm quickly going off you i'm afraid to say. The man seems to be more interested in attracting lib dems to his party and getting re elected than standing up for workers rights and their jobs. I'm deeply saddend by this and people have told me on twitter i sound very anti Ed well i feel let down by him really. I thought he'd be a change a new start for labour a chance to get back to the old labour traditions. Fat chance now reallly when the leadership is more out of touch than ever and winning by-elections is more important than supporting unions wishing to take action to defend peoples jobs and rights.
I think as another blogger i'm friendly with
http://harpymarx.wordpress.com/2011/01/16/which-side-are-you-on-mister-ed-not-ours/
rightly blogs abouthis similarly we are becoming less and less sure of what side of the fence does Mr Miliband stand on.
This situation where ed startst o turn on the unions who elected him was always going to happen since the leadership elections made him leader. But we didnt expect it so early on in his reign. Ed is running the danger of leading labour down a route of abandoning the unions and just becoming a party all out for winning elections and not fighting for workers and teh working class, which it always used to represent strongly.
People in the working class still vote for labour i feel as they know no different, they feel as a working class person that is who they should vote for without thinking do this lot really represent me truely ?
On another note there was the LRC conference 2011 on saturday in London which i did not attend but from what i could gather was a lot of left leaning labour MP's and members who call themselves the labour left. THis is teh sort of movement that does not need labour and its way of ignoring its left leanings they could go it alone or join with a trades unions movement. All of the things they were saying sounded very grand and lovely but they still think they can change the party from within. Well i myself am not very confident that can happen so i dont know where they get their confidence from.
It seems the labour left gets totally ignored by the labour leadership as they are deamed unelectable if they look too left or show any sign of being left. It is almost the case where the labour PLP and leadership feel that being left is a crime and we cant be seen showing signs of this.
Like Ed who seems to be taking pot shots at so called militant unions who want to strike to show a fight back i think is short sighted. How is ed defending peoples jobs instead then ? thing is he isnt him and his party would support cuts and tory cuts but just at a slower pace. SO effectively they are saying oh we will still cut you and you will still loose your job but just not yet so it you dont have to worry. Crazy how people still think this is a alternative i cant get my head around. For myself i am against all cuts to any public service and any job lost that doesnt need to be lost. If tax loop holes were closed properly banks taxed to teh hilt and true socialist policies introduced not fluffy ones this class war going on would be fairer. Afterall why should the working class's have to pay for the mistakes of rich irresponsible bankers.
Going back to Ed milibands bashing of the unions. A blog post from me earlier in the week stating about boris johnsons similar attack on ASLEF train drivers union who he had heard somewhere that were planning to strike on the day of the royal wedding. This was of course and Ed miliband will do well to remind himself of this too was never proposed or suggested by the union so to attack a union on a strike that may not even happen does make you look a little bit stupid if i may say so.
Now this blogpost is not all a anti labour or anti Ed miliband post as i'm not totally just feel that they are heading down a dangerous route that will put them in a impossible position where they will look so similar to the tories no one will take a look at them. So some true labour values would be nice to hear MR Miliband and some well over due support of the unions who support and fund you wouldnt go a miss too.
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Boris's blatent attacks on Londons commuters
Reading Ken Livingstones article in the Evening Standard today
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23910672-commuters-dont-deserve-outrageous-fare-hikes.do
He raises some excellent points that Boris Johnson Londons conservative mayor has been very tactical by scrapping the western zone of the congestion charge in London. This is cleverly where alot of his tory based voters originate in and will be very pleased with this move i'm sure. But to counter balance this move Boris has hiked up tube and bus fares up by huge amounts.
What's wrong with the way fares are being handled now is that people on average incomes are feeling the pinch.
The richest have an unyielding champion in the Mayor, who only last week was saying he was worried about criticism of the bankers, and warned that the tax levels of the rich could not continue.
But who is standing up for those on average incomes and those in the suburbs?
The Mayor's fare increase is a direct transfer of resources. Between £50-£70 million of income has been lost by axeing the western half of the congestion charge zone. Today's fare increase raises almost exactly the same amount.
Over the past three years we've got used to soaring fares. Since Boris was elected he's raised the price of a single bus journey on our Oyster cards by 44 per cent and pushed up weekly bus and tram passes relentlessly, now up to £17.80, an increase of 40 per cent.
There can't really be any justification for that in hard times. To pile such increases on hard-pressed Londoners in such a difficult period verges on the immoral.
It also means thumping outer London hard. From today a weekly travelcard for zones one to four will be £249.46 a year more. An annual six-zone travelcard will cost £232 a year more, breaking through the £2,000 barrier. A zones one and two monthly travelcard will crash through the £100 barrier for the first time.
Whether in City Hall or Whitehall, Conservatives seem to prefer measures either to help the richest Londoners or vanity projects such as the “new bus for London”, or aiding polluters, or piling on the misery with VAT.
The Campaign for Better Transport and celebrities such as Michael Palin are now at the forefront of demands for fairer rail fares. They are right. Fares policy is out of touch.
Tube, bus and rail fares are more unfair than at any time since London was given back its democratic voice.
Ken raises some excellent points and if he carries on these lines i think he shall pick up some support from frustrated and angry commuters who have had enough of fare rises's every year.
There is just a complete lack of investment in the tube of late which has lead to delays and signal failures. As someone who lives close to London i take a interest in London as it is our capital city and matters a lot to the country and how it runs. As to tourists it is often what people see first when arriving in the country. Having affordable public transport is a key issue for me as a disabled person as i more than a lot of others rely on the public transport. Being priced off this angers me alot.
I urge you all to take a look aat this website here which i've signed up to to campaign for fairer fares for all. I feel this is important for keeping Londoners happy.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23910672-commuters-dont-deserve-outrageous-fare-hikes.do
He raises some excellent points that Boris Johnson Londons conservative mayor has been very tactical by scrapping the western zone of the congestion charge in London. This is cleverly where alot of his tory based voters originate in and will be very pleased with this move i'm sure. But to counter balance this move Boris has hiked up tube and bus fares up by huge amounts.
What's wrong with the way fares are being handled now is that people on average incomes are feeling the pinch.
The richest have an unyielding champion in the Mayor, who only last week was saying he was worried about criticism of the bankers, and warned that the tax levels of the rich could not continue.
But who is standing up for those on average incomes and those in the suburbs?
The Mayor's fare increase is a direct transfer of resources. Between £50-£70 million of income has been lost by axeing the western half of the congestion charge zone. Today's fare increase raises almost exactly the same amount.
Over the past three years we've got used to soaring fares. Since Boris was elected he's raised the price of a single bus journey on our Oyster cards by 44 per cent and pushed up weekly bus and tram passes relentlessly, now up to £17.80, an increase of 40 per cent.
There can't really be any justification for that in hard times. To pile such increases on hard-pressed Londoners in such a difficult period verges on the immoral.
It also means thumping outer London hard. From today a weekly travelcard for zones one to four will be £249.46 a year more. An annual six-zone travelcard will cost £232 a year more, breaking through the £2,000 barrier. A zones one and two monthly travelcard will crash through the £100 barrier for the first time.
Whether in City Hall or Whitehall, Conservatives seem to prefer measures either to help the richest Londoners or vanity projects such as the “new bus for London”, or aiding polluters, or piling on the misery with VAT.
The Campaign for Better Transport and celebrities such as Michael Palin are now at the forefront of demands for fairer rail fares. They are right. Fares policy is out of touch.
Tube, bus and rail fares are more unfair than at any time since London was given back its democratic voice.
Ken raises some excellent points and if he carries on these lines i think he shall pick up some support from frustrated and angry commuters who have had enough of fare rises's every year.
There is just a complete lack of investment in the tube of late which has lead to delays and signal failures. As someone who lives close to London i take a interest in London as it is our capital city and matters a lot to the country and how it runs. As to tourists it is often what people see first when arriving in the country. Having affordable public transport is a key issue for me as a disabled person as i more than a lot of others rely on the public transport. Being priced off this angers me alot.
I urge you all to take a look aat this website here which i've signed up to to campaign for fairer fares for all. I feel this is important for keeping Londoners happy.
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