Jane McAlevey 1964-2024
Ian Allinson pays tribute to and assesses the work of Jane McAlevey, the US-based organiser and author who popularised many organising concepts and techniques, and who inspired and trained thousands of activists
Why cutting welfare hurts non-claimants
The Tories are proposing yet more attacks on welfare benefits, and on sick and disabled people – and Labour’s obsession with ‘hard working families’ plays up to their divisive rhetoric. Ian Allininson argues that cuts to welfare are intended to lower wages.
Resisting the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act
Ian Allinson discusses the ways workers can resist the government’s latest repressive anti-union legislation.
What is the potential for rank-and-file organisation today?
There is renewed interest in rank-and-file organisation, but confusion about what this means and what is possible.
Make 1 February a day of rebellion
If you’re in dispute, can you strike? If not, can you protest? Start planning now.
Escalating rail strikes is the way to win
Interview with a Manchester RMT rep about the strike, and how it can be won.
Yet more anti-strike laws
As Britain’s strike wave continues to grow, Ian Allinson argues for a more serious response to the Tories’ latest repressive legislation.
Money matters for strikes
Ian Allinson argues that both strikers and supporters need to get serious about fundraising, and explains how the process can help spread unionisation and resistance to more workers.
Lowering expectations: misrepresentations of McAlevey
Trade unionists have been inspired by McAlevey’s work. But now sections of the union bureaucracy are co-opting her insights.
The cost-of-living crisis
With high inflation and a sharp rise in energy prices on the way, Ian Allinson argues that the cost-of-living crisis will shape British politics over the coming months.
Unite Policy Conference backs climate action
Unite’s Policy Conference backed the COP26 protests, workplace action and climate strikes, but remains attached to technical fixes.
How can unions rebuild power?
Ian Allinson reviews Jane Holgate’s new book, Arise! Power, Strategy and Union Resurgence, an exploration of why unions have failed to revitalise themselves.
Video | Interviews with Go North West bus strikers
The day after ending their successful 12-week strike against #FireAndRehire, Manchester bus strikers spoke to Ian Allinson about the dispute and what comes next.
Ongoing Manchester bus strike defeats fire and rehire
The longest bus strike in British history is poised to win after a campaign involving an indefinite strike, community solidarity and a leverage strategy.
Indefinite bus strike in Manchester against #FireAndRehire
Around 400 Unite members at a bus garage in north Manchester have been on indefinite strike since 28 February against fire and rehire. Ian Allinson explains what is going on and the strike’s wider significance.
The Tories are robbing our pensions by stealth
The Tories have sneaked through an obscure change to the Retail Price Index (RPI) that means big reductions in many pensions and downward pressure on pay. Unite activist Ian Allinson explains.
Video: Not safe to return to school or work
The government is trying to force people back to unsafe schools and workplaces. Parents, school students and workers are resisting.
Remember the dead – fight like hell for the living!
Turn International Workers’ Memorial Day on Tuesday 28 April into a powerful cry of grief and rage. The government hasn’t called a day of national mourning – we must make our own.
National unity kills under coronavirus
The UK government and the media are actively promoting a narrative of national unity against an external enemy, making parallels with wartime. Ian Allinson argues that when measures to protect the public have been too little, too late.
Solidarity needs rebuilding, urgently
The university strikes provide an opportunity to relearn traditions of collective solidarity which strengthen both the strikers and those giving solidarity.
Video: Stop the deportations – end the Windrush scandal
Ian Allinson reports from a rally in Manchester against deportations, the hostile environment and the mistreatment of the Windrush generation and their descendants.
Brexit day: what now for the left?
Today the UK leaves the European Union. The question of EU membership has divided and often paralysed the British left. Ian Allinson asks if we can reunite on more productive ground for the struggles ahead.
Workers’ and union rights in #GE2019
The Labour and Tory manifestos could hardly be more different when it comes to workers’ individual and collective rights, but there are also important implications for what happens after the election – whatever the result.
Defend workers’ rights – against McCluskey
Unite activist Ian Allinson responds to Len McCluskey’s attempt to undermine the free movement policy agreed at Labour conference.
Are we all in it together?
Faced with an impending global catastrophe and possible human extinction, it is easy to see why many people might feel that everyone has a common interest in tackling the climate emergency. This is a serious mistake.
Video: Support Thomas Cook workers
Ian Allinson interviews Thomas Cook workers and argues that a stronger movement would not allow thousands of jobs to go without a fight.
When is it illegal to strike?
In the UK, never. But it’s often unlawful. The climate strikes have highlighted the draconian British anti-union legislation and exposed confusion about the law and the consequences of striking unofficially.
200 years after Peterloo, do we face a new wave of repression?
As we approach the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo massacre, Ian Allinson argues that the right are pressing Boris Johnson to introduce a new wave of repression.
Video: How to strike for climate in your workplace
Youth strikers who will be out again on Friday 21 June have asked adults to join them in a global general strike for the climate on 27 September. What can you do to take part?