The Milburn review presents itself as a plan to help young people into work, but Dr DYLAN MURPHY argues it is laying the groundwork for a harsher benefits regime
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Tolpuddle martyrs are a reminder of the struggles of today
With a Labour government now in power it’s time to rebuild in the interests of working people, says MICK LYNCH
People take part in a protest organised by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) opposite Downing Street, London, over the proposed closure of railway station ticket offices, August 31, 2023
Campaigners from across the continent will gather in Brussels on June 14 to oppose Europe’s accelerating militarisation and cuts to public services, write MAGGIE SIMPSON and BOB ORAM of No Cold War Britain
National co-ordinator for General Strike 100, HENRY FOWLER, continues his nationwide tour of partner organisations by visiting the Modern Records Centre at Warwick University
GEOFF BOTTOMS recalls meeting Fidel Castro in the ’90s after joining a Pastors for Peace caravan to Cuba, and reflects on how international support is still vital to help the island withstand economic warfare
The Ivors Academy’s hike in entry fees could turn this respected peer-assessed event into an exclusive preserve for those wealthy enough to compete, warns BEN LUNN
Peter Murrell’s weakness for the allure of prestige goods is symptomatic of modern consumer culture, says MATT KERR
THE trade union festival which takes place in the little Dorset village of Tolpuddle every year is always a time to remember and reflect on those farmworkers who took a brave stand nearly 200 years ago against further cuts to their pay.
They paid a heavy price for simply swearing an oath of secrecy and were arrested and sentenced to seven years’ transportation by vindictive landowners and biased courts.
They only won their freedom following massive protests which swept across the country as workers organised petitions and protest meetings.
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After one year of a Labour government attacking winter fuel allowance and disabled people, the trade union movement must step up regardless of who holds power, writes STEVE GILLAN
ANSELM ELDERGILL examines the legal case behind this weekend’s Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival and the lessons for today
The courage of striking Unison members across south-west England shows workers are ready to fight for their rights – and win, says Unison South West regional secretary KERRY BAIGENT
As the labour movement meets to remember the Tolpuddle Martyrs, MICK WHELAN, general secretary of train drivers’ union Aslef, says it’s an appropriate moment to remind the Labour government to listen to the trade unions a little more