Defend public sector workers in Jersey

The island of Jersey has one of the highest per-capita GDPs in the world - but that isn't stopping the government there from imposing an arbitrary pay freeze on public sector workers whose right to strike is heavily restricted. Unions there have called a demonstration and rally on Saturday 24 April, and the TUC is calling on British trade unionists to support their campaign by emailing Jersey's Chief Minister. http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-17838-f0.cfm

The global crisis was caused by financial speculators, but the banks have been bailed out and are paying their top people exorbitant bonuses. Meanwhile, ordinary people have paid the price in job losses and pay freezes - first it was ordinary finance sector workers, and then workers in retail and manufacturing. Now it is public sector workers who are facing the same prospect.

Many workers on Jersey are members of UK trade unions (although there are other Jersey-only trade unions), and they are seeking support from elsewhere for their campaign against attempts to make workers pay for the crisis.

So the protests of the workers of Jersey have a direct relevance for unions in the UK. Supporting them - and Greek and Irish workers - means supporting our own public sector workers.

The Public Services Defence Demonstration on Saturday 24 April, assembling at 11am for 12 noon at Howard Davis Park, St Helier and marching to the Opera House for an indoor rally.