From time to time this blog has been known to go on (and on) about the importance of cultural work in the struggle for a socialist and just society, Occasionally it has been known to hanker for the…Read more…
My year according to Google+
This is what Google+ thinks of my 2014. Sad that Gerry and Stuart as well as others are no longer with us but there was many good times as well. Highlights of the year for me was being re-elected as a Councillor in West Ham, visiting Ireland and comple…
“Charity is a cold grey loveless thing…”
Well said Clem. Remember there is a difference between rich people doling out charity to please their conscience and working people showing solidarity with their widow’s mites.
Four week strike to hit sales of Barbour jackets, warns Unite
Barbour jackets at renowned retailers such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols and John Lewis could be in short supply over the coming weeks because of a four week strike warned Unite. The warning came as the…
TUC New Year message – 2015 must bring living standards boost as average wage fell £500 in 2014
“In her New Year message, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady reveals that the real value of the average full-time wage fell by £487 in 2014 (from new TUC analysis – full details below). This means that the average full-time employee wage has fallen in real terms by £2,509 since 2010 – about…
Fast-food workers scent justice in fight with franchises
In a ruling that has given US unions a significant boost, the US National Labor Relations Board has ruled that McDonald’s (and other fast food outlets) are a “joint employer” of workers at its…
Why Israel is losing the battle in the world’s trade unions
Text of my presentation at Limmud, University of Warwick, 29 December 2014 My name is Eric Lee and I’m speaking to you tonight on behalf of TULIP – Trade Unions Linking Israel and Palestine….
UKIP Man Sends Out A Xmas Gift to Workers
OUTSIDE City Links depot, Motherwell.
TWO items of generosity to warm the heart in the season of goodwill, and good cheer, and betoken – for somebody perhaps – a happy and good new year. …
Election Address for Greater London UNISON Regional Finance Convenor
Today is ‘Let’s remember the Daily Mail supported Hitler’ day!
“It has been announced that December 28th is from now on to be the day when we should all remember that just prior to the Second World War, English newspaper the Daily Mail was actively supporting the Nazi dictator Hitler…..
The decision to have …
British Foreign Policy in the Middle East – Newham Compass
Advance notice of the next Newham Compass event on Tuesday 17th February
“British Foreign Policy in the Middle East”
with Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South.
I have a clash (my UNISON branch AGM) so will not be able to make it. Which is a shame not l…
Referendum shows weren’t the highlight.
The Morning Star asked me to review the cultural side of the struggle for 2014. This is what I felt were the key moments of an eventful year. Next year already looks as if it too, is shaping up to be…Read more…
“Protect Our Pensions” – Tories latest attempt to destroy peoples futures
While driving today I listened to “Money Box” on Radio 4. The programme was about investing a windfall. Experts warned about all the financial rogues and con merchants out there who will rob people out of their money. It remind…
Review of the year
The major educational event of 2014 was the sacking of Michael Gove. Joy was unalloyed among the vast majority of teachers and school leaders as this most ideological of politicians was shown the…
A walk to Deganwy Castle and our common history of savagery
This morning I went for a Boxing Day walk from Conwy to Deganwy Castle. Trying to work off some of the xmas excess and build an appetite for this evenings traditional cold meats, pickles and baked potatoes.
I haven’t been to the remains of Deganw…
All Souls to Austerity, or ‘Gilded Age’ for Some?
IT might be Christmassy, if it had some decorations. But if it looks cold in this picture, now its worse -the lights are off, and the building’s up for sale.
NO, this isn’t the Pottins family…
Bargaining Power To The People
By Leo Gerard USW International President During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave workers a New Deal, raising wages and employment. Earlier this month, in the sparsely…
Merry Christmas to one and all
A Christmas walk “In the Valley of the Elwy”
“Lovely the woods, waters, meadows, combes, vales,All the air things wear that build this world of Wales…” Gerard Manley Hopkins
Off message but today I went for a truly beautiful walk in the “Switzerland of North Wales” the Elwy Valley.
Walk …
Crown Holdings Shareholders Warned Of Stock Price Losses Due To Toronto Strike
Workers forced on strike in Toronto by giant U.S.-based can-maker Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) are warning the company’s shareholders that Crown’s failure to settle the now 15-month labour…