Strike round-up: National strikes begin, local disputes winning
Local disputes are winning double-digit pay rises, with national strikes starting this week and public sector unions balloting for action.
When unions and LGBT people fought together in the 1970s
San Francisco gay activists joined a boycott of a union-breaking, racist and homophobic beer company
1,800 NW England bus drivers strike over pay
Unite members at Arriva North West started a continuous strike on Wednesday after the company offered a mere 3%.
University workers strike against unequal pay, racism and union busting
Outsourced workers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine take strike action.
Five reasons why pay rises don’t cause inflation
The real causes are global factors like Covid and the war in Ukraine – as well as corporate profiteering.
How a GMB ‘partnership’ deal undermines the union at Deliveroo
We talk to union activists on the ground and those studying the gig economy about the deal.
‘If you want to organise at work, buy this book’
Organising at work can rebuild working-class power. In his forthcoming book, long-time activist Ian Allinson explains how it’s done.
Support striking care workers!
Health and care workers are striking in Bristol and Blackburn.
Barristers on less than minimum wage? Support these strikes
An activist explains why criminal barristers are on strike over pay.
How you can help the rail workers win
The rail workers are leading a crucial struggle against the Tories. We all need them to win – and everybody can do something to help.
Support the rail strikes!
Thousands of rail workers are about to take on the government in the biggest strike for years – and facing attacks from the Tory press. Two activists from the RMT rail union told rs21 why they will be striking, and why other workers should support them.
Major demonstration marks growing revolt over cost of living
The TUC march on Saturday was the biggest union demo for many years.
Universities battles ahead – UCU Congress 2022
The University and College Union (UCU), which organises teachers, researchers and some support staff in further and higher education, held its annual congress earlier this month. Two rs21 members who were delegates report on the key debates.
Support the tube strikers!
London’s tube system has been brought to a standstill by striking RMT union members. Colin Wilson explains the background to the strike and calls for full support for their fight.
The GDST pensions strike – a balance sheet
Earlier this year there was a big strike at the Girl’s Day School Trust (GDST) chain of independent schools over attacks on teachers’ pension rights. rs21 and NEU member Luigi Brindisi, one of the strikers, looks at the outcome of the dispute and draws some lessons.
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.
Striking union organisers raided by Russian security forces
Russian security forces raided the apartments of independent trade unionists in Moscow in a direct attack on the organising of gig workers.
Growing strike solidarity networks in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester has been home to an unusual number of major strikes in the last couple of years. Local activists and rs21 members Ian Allinson and Derek Fraser discuss what we can learn from these and the development of solidarity networks around them.
Historic independent schools pension strike at the crossroads
Striking NEU members at 23 schools in the Girls’ Day School Trust will decide this week whether to accept a deal or return to the pickets, Luigi Brindisi reports.
Cost of living crisis – strike, mobilise, occupy!
After the first wave of protests, we must continue the fightback against the companies and institutions that have caused the crisis.
Huge vote to strike for teachers’ pensions in the private sector
Teachers at 23 private schools in the Girls Day School Trust have voted massively in favour of strike action. NEU and rs21 member Luigi Brindisi reports.
The double shift: talking childcare and gender in the pandemic
As many nations re-enter lockdown, Kate Bradley interviews two rs21 members on their experiences with childcare, work and gender during Covid lockdowns.
The Kellogg’s deal: not so grrrreat!
Joe Allen assesses the recent settlement of the eleven-week Kellogg’s strike in the US.
Private sector teachers fight back against fire & rehire
Over a thousand NEU members have voted to strike in an indicative ballot over an attack on pensions in 23 private schools.
The Difference is Striking in Higher Education
Thousands of UCU members took three days of strike action last week in a resumption of long-standing disputes with employers. Nick Cimini reports on what the other higher education trade unions are doing.
What is the rank and file strategy?
Transcript of a talk that a Unite rep and rs21 member gave on the rank and file strategy as part of a Notes from Below panel at The World Transformed in Brighton.
Strikes coming in Higher Education?
Grant Buttars discusses the UCU ballot results and prospects for action.
When is it right for a union to support dismissal?
Kathleen Stock has blamed UCU for her decision to resign from her position.
The power to change the system
With COP26 just around the corner, a wave of industrial action in Scotland is demonstrating the huge opportunity of linking workers’ struggle with climate organising.