Health workers' bans
HOBART — The Health and Community Services Union, representing 4500 workers, has taken industrial action to demand a $50 per week safety net pay rise for workers on low wages.
On May 29, industrial bans were imposed which cover all areas of work except emergencies. In response, the state Liberal government has called in strike breakers, in both Launceston and Hobart.
Resistance camp
More than 50 young socialists attended an activists' training camp on the theme "Agitate, educate, organise!" which was organised by Resistance on May 24-26 at Gerringong, NSW.
Members from Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle Resistance branches discussed topics such as reform or revolution, uncovering Australia's radical history and the individual and socialism. Many sessions ran over time due to the enthusiastic discussion.
Meeting discusses British left
SYDNEY — Around 60 people attended a May 28 public meeting sponsored by the Democratic Socialist Party and Militant to hear trade unionist and Militant Labour member Katy Tyrrell speak about the state of the left in Britain today. Tyrrell, a leader in the public sector union, UNISON, described some of its experiences of struggle against both the Tory government and union leaderships' attacks on militant workers.
Tyrrell also described some the mass protests sparked by the Tories' attacks — against racism, the poll tax, draconian welfare legislation and workers' right to organise — and drew out many of the lessons the British left has learnt along the way. Tyrrell argued that the probable victory of the Labour Party at the next national election will open the way for a further strengthening of the left as more people's illusions in Labour are shattered by Blair's performance on behalf of the corporate bosses.
The formation of the Socialist Labour Party, lead by Arthur Scargill, is a big step forward said Tyrrell. While changes are needed to broaden and democratise the new party, it nevertheless represents a left break from the major parties and contains enormous potential for contributing to the formation of a much-needed mass workers' party in the future, she said.
An interview with Tyrrell which examines these questions in more detail will be printed in a future issue of Green Left.