In the wake of his recent humanitarian visit to Cuba, RICHARD BURGON points to the now urgent need to defend the island’s political sovereignty and its right to self-determination
Latest editorial
A new website to celebrate the trade unionist sisters of the north-west
by Bernadette Hyland
Thousands of jobs are at risk across higher education, yet government funding appears only when universities can be linked to military objectives, says JO GRADY, in the run-up to the Stop the War International Conference this Saturday
The Wye, Usk, Arrow and Lugg were once treasured for their clean waters – today, pollution and corporate excess are fuelling demands for a return to public ownership, says MARK SEDDON
The new Employment Rights Act is a step forward, but restoring collective bargaining and union power remains essential to tackling insecurity, outsourcing and low pay, says PAUL WHITEHOUSE
Rising support for Farage’s party reflects Labour’s failure to defend working-class living standards or offer a credible alternative to neoliberal decline, says JOSEPH MILLS
Trade unionists are mobilising to support Cuban workers and public services, amid escalating US pressure on the socialist island. RONAN OGILVY explains
“ANY help possible will be given” was the phrase used by the Manchester and Salford Women’s Trades Union Council (MSWTUC) to sum up the philosophy of this unique organisation.
Formed in 1895 by local philanthropists including editor of the Manchester Guardian CP Scott and Julia Gaskell, daughter of author and campaigner Elizabeth Gaskell, the organisation laid the foundations for women’s activity in the modern trade union movement.
During this period trade unions were largely organisations of men for men: many of them were either indifferent or hostile to the needs of female workers.
Similar stories
Through marches, music, schools and political debate, campaigners in Tower Hamlets are using the 90th anniversary of Cable Street to inspire resistance to modern racism. GLYN ROBBINS explains
Half a century after transformative laws reshaped Britain, women’s rights are again contested. This International Women’s Day is a call to remember how change was won, and to organise to defend it, says KATE RAMSDEN
While an as-yet-unnamed new left party struggles to be born, MAT COWARD looks at some of the wild and wonderful names of workers’ organisations past that have been lost to time
Sisters came together last weekend for the landmark launch of a new women’s group. ROS SITWELL reports