As part of our efforts to mobilise rank-and-file trade unionists to push for our unions to call a national demonstration against anti-strike laws, we have launched a petition on change.org.
Author Archives: freeourunions
Don’t cross a picket line – join one!
Throughout the current strike wave, misinformation and disinformation has circulated – usually from employers, but sometimes from union officials too – about our rights in multi-union workplaces/industries where one or several, but not all, unions are striking. Some union officials have effectively instructed members to cross the picket lines of other unions.
After the mass strike and day of action: Free Our Unions open organising meeting, 7pm, 7 February
After the mass strike and TUC day of action against new anti-strike laws on 1 February, join us to discuss next steps in the fight against the Tories’ plans for new restrictions on the right to strike. Our next organising meeting, open to all supporters of the campaign, will take place on Tuesday 7 February, atContinue reading “After the mass strike and day of action: Free Our Unions open organising meeting, 7pm, 7 February”
We need discussion and planning, not just rallies
An attendee reports on the 24 January “Defend the Right to Strike” meeting called by Strike Map, the Campaign for Trade Union Freedom, and others, which was billed as an “action planning” meeting as well as a rally.
Rally and planing meeting, 24 January (called by CTUF, StrikeMap, and others)
The Campaign for Trade Union Freedom has called a rally and planning meeting for activity against anti-strike laws on 24 January, 6pm at the National Education Union HQ in central London (see here for details). Free Our Unions supports this meeting and encourages activists to attend. With 12 top-table speakers currently billed, the event seemsContinue reading “Rally and planing meeting, 24 January (called by CTUF, StrikeMap, and others)”
Discussion: The “Workers’ Bill of Rights” is welcome, but we need clarity and drive on right to strike
This discussion article was written by a Free Our Unions supporter. We welcome responses and further contributions. Email freeourunions@gmail.com with submissions. At its event in London on 3 December, the Institute of Employment Rights (IER) called for comments on and responses to its new Workers’ Rights in Times of Crisis pamphlet and the “Workers’ BillContinue reading “Discussion: The “Workers’ Bill of Rights” is welcome, but we need clarity and drive on right to strike”
Discussion: unions must call national demo against new anti-strike laws
By a Free Our Unions supporter After months of mainly silence or bullish dismissiveness, unions have started to sound the alarm about the Tories’ new proposals for a “minimum service” law, and at least nod to the need for protest. Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack has called for a “mass movement of resistance”,Continue reading “Discussion: unions must call national demo against new anti-strike laws”
Demonstrate at Downing Street on 16 January!
RMT has called a protest on Monday 16 January at 6pm, on Whitehall opposite Downing Street (London SW1A 2AA), to oppose the government’s plans for new anti-strike laws.
Free Our Unions open organising meeting: 7pm, 17 January
Join us to discuss how we can catalyse activity in our unions against the Tories’ plans for new restrictions on the right to strike.
Tories plan a dictatorship of the boss
In 1997, Tony Blair approvingly described Britain as having “the most restrictive union laws in the western world.” There is no legally-enshrined right to strike; unions are forced to jump over a series of bureaucratic hurdles in order to take action; strikes for political demands are illegal; strikes in solidarity with other workers are illegal.Continue reading “Tories plan a dictatorship of the boss”
Free Our Unions 