STUC backing for a one-day general strike

The Scottish Trade Union Congress have passed a motion in support of a one-day general strike in Scotland in response to the savage austerity being carried out by the ConDem government. The debate and vote at the STUC was overwhelmingly in favour of the composite motion which called on the STUC general council to: “coordinate among affiliates and with the British TUC an industrial action strategy, including a Scotland-wide one-day strike, aligned with any industrial action at a UK level as appropriate.”

With the TUC general council due to meet on Wednesday to consider the response to their consultation on the issue, this decision by the STUC will add further pressure on the trade union leadership to act. The naming of the day for a mass coordinated day of strike action is essential to take the fight back to the ConDem’s.

The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) had put forward a motion outlining this strategy, which was included in the overall wide-ranging composite on the alternative to cuts and austerity. PCS vice president John McInally made a powerful contribution during the debate. John described the austerity programme of the government as “a reversal of wealth and power from the poorest in the pursuit of profit.” “It’s a never ending race to the bottom targeting the unemployed and disabled while seeking to create division among the working class.” John highlighted the fact that 40% of PCS members who will be administering the new Universal Credit will be recipients of the same benefit themselves, given the poverty pay civil servants live on.

“There is a political consensus among all the major parties, Labour included, in favour of austerity. November 30 2011 saw the power of our movement in a mass strike on pensions. What followed was a shameful and humiliating surrender, which can never happen again. We know need to address the preperations for a one-day general strike.

Unison, Unite, the Fire Brigade Unions, the RMT transport union, the GMB and the STUC general council, among others, supported the composite motion. Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, demanded to know, “What are we going to do about it. We need to name the day for a 24-hour general strike.” He also called for the nationalisation of the banks and the major companies and for the building of a socialist society.

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the FBU pointed out that on this day as Thatcher is being buried, capitalism has failed working class people, “we need to get rid of capitalism.”

Reverse the cuts

The overall motion also condemned the failure of politicians from “mainstream parties” to oppose the myth that the attacks on jobs, pay terms and conditions and pensions are an economic necessity.” “Coordinated action is necessary to win concessions from governments at Westminster and Hoyrood” It went on to demand that a future Labour government reverse the chronic attacks on all areas of working people’s lives.

There is no chance of a future Labour government carrying this out. The two Ed’s, Miliband and Balls, have refused to promise to reverse any of the ConDem cuts if Labour are elected. The Socialist Party is campaigning for the building of a new mass working class party, with the trade unions playing a central role.

The motion also included calls for an economic alternative to the austerity based on “common ownership, investment in public services and for full employment.” We agree with these demands, but it is necessary to implement thorough-going socialist measures including nationalisation under democratic working class control of the banks and big industry alongside a massive programme of public investment to rebuild shattered public services.

Janice Godrich, PCS national president, outlined the case a 24-hour general strike and a political alternative to the parties of cuts at a well-attended fringe meeting of over 40 delegates organised by the Trade Union Coordinating Group. Bob Crow and Matt Wrack also spoke.

National Shop Stewards Network and Socialist Party Scotland leaflets outlining the case for a 24-hour general strike and for a socialist alternative to the cuts were also distributed.