We've got the argument. We've got the alternatives. We've got the vision - get out and organise for it

There is an alternative to savage cuts in public services is the message from a strategy meeting of unions and community groups hosted by UNISON Scotland today 4 September.

The 270 delegates united behind a call from Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, to build "Our vision of a good society. A society based on fairness, solidarity, and democracy. A society in which public services are there to enable everyone to participate.

Call for Solidarity - Free Lokman Özdemir‏

KESK, the Turkish Federation of Public Employees Trade Unions, are calling on public service unions worldwide to demand the release of Lokman Özdemir. Brother Özdemir is the President of KESK affiliate, DIVES (which organises religion and foundation workers), who last week was arrested and detained for making a public demand for peace and democracy.

Con Dem's going for a 'quick win' on LGPS?‏

The Hutton Commission maybe on the verge of giving the Treasury the opportunity to go for a quick win on public sector pensions according to Public Finance magazine:
http://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2010/09/unions-and-pensions-groups-fear-quick-win-lgps-reforms/

Save NHS Direct‏

One week ago, while touring Basingstoke Hospital, Health Minister Andrew Lansley casually announced the Coalition Government’s plan to axe the NHS Direct service, the 24 hour nurse led helpline which takes over 12,000 calls every day.

First Day Back by Ken Champion‏

Despite their stifled yawns
he tries to tell them abut Marx
and to sum up his thesis in a sentence.

How do you make money in the USA? Sack Workers!‏

The USA was once the great engine of world capitalism but an addiction to banking and finance has laid the economy low. A new report shows that the bosses are still raking it in and that the most highly paid executives are those who've laid off most workers: a bitter irony before Labour Day.

Con Dem austerity measures - a war on equality‏

Ex-London Mayor Ken Livingstone has published a damning critique of the Con Dem cuts programme, showing that women are more heavily affected by cuts in housing benefit and pension changes
http://www.kenlivingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Women1.pdf

Cosatu affiliates reject new offer - public services strike continues in South Africa‏

Click here for a selection
of great strike posters

South Africa's public sector strike is set to continue after the leading trade union federation Cosatu rejected an improved wage offer from the government. Cosatu said the majority of its affiliated unions had voted against the proposal.  "The unions met this afternoon and Cosatu rejected the offer. The strikes will continue and we will continue to consult our members," said Cosatu Secretary General Zwelinzima yesterday. The BBC reports that further talks are expected.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11161276 Also click here for a pdf of great strike posters

BBC workers make a stand on pensions‏

BBC management has been facing the biggest staff revolt in years over proposals to cap final salary pension benefits for existing members from April 2011 and to close the scheme to new employees. Changes proposed in late June include breaking the link between final salary and pension benefits by capping pensionable salary growth at 1% a year, whatever pay increases an employee received.

David Cameron's "pure and simple lies" to pensioners

Political Scrapbook's attack video: David Cameron's "pure and simple lies" to pensioners is well worth a look. Thanks to Chris Bartter for the nod. http://politicalscrapbook.net/2010/09/david-cameron-pure-and-simple-lies-video/#cameron-lies-video