Rob Williams reinstatement a victory for all workers
Solidarity welcomes the fantastic news that the vice chair of The National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) and convenor of the Linamar car parts factory in Swansea Rob Williams has been reinstated after a magnificent show of solidarity from the trade unionists in the plant.
Rob had been sacked by the management without notice after what they described as Rob Williams, leading Socialist Party member and vice-chair of the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN), has won his campaign against Linamar management in Swansea, who summarily sacked him without notice for an "irretrievable breakdown of trust". To read more on the story please click here
Joe Higgins Elected
Solidarity offers our congratulations to Joe Higgins of the Irish Socialist Party after his fantastic election result last week.
Joe became an MEP after receiving almost 13% of the available first preference votes outpolling Sinn Fein and defeating two sitting MEP’s.
To read the article Joe Higgins - 'The best fighter that money can't buy' click here
No to The Bosses Europe - Vote No2EU on June 4th
NO TO PRIVATISATION
DEFEND WORKERS RIGHTS
JOBS NOT DOLE
OPPOSE RACISM AND THE BNP
END MEP’S EXPENSES AND WAGES GRAVY TRAIN
FOR A SOCIALIST EUROPE
“The European Union is designed to promote the rigged and failed free market politics of privatisation and profits at any costs. A stand against privatisation and for public ownership and democracy has to be made and that’s what the No2EU platform is all about. Our appeal is to all those who want a working class alternative to the big business parties.”
Tommy Sheridan (Solidarity Co-Convenor and Number 2 on the Scottish No2EU list)
For more info on the No2EU campaign and policies visit www.no2eu.com
To watch No2EU’s party political broadcast please click here
Sheridan calls for Scottish parliament to take the lead in restoring confidence after second homes scandal
Solidarity co-convenor Tommy Sheridan today called for the Scottish Parliament to take the moral lead in restoring public confidence in the expenses and second homes scandals that have engulfed Westminster politics.
Mr. Sheridan, who, when a list MSP for Glasgow, was an early and persistent critic of the use of the Edinburgh Accommodation Allowance to purchase second homes for MSPs at public expense has called on the Scottish Parliament to revisit a potential solution to the problem he first raised a number of years ago – by publicly buying and retaining property which can be occupied by MSPs outwith travelling distance of Edinburgh during their time of tenure in the Parliament.
Solidarity News Release Sheridan calls for Scottish parliament to take the lead in restoring confidence after second homes scandalSolidarity co-convenor Tommy Sheridan today called for the Scottish Parliament to take the moral lead in restoring public confidence in the expenses and second homes scandals that have engulfed Westminster politics.
Mr. Sheridan, who, when a list MSP for Glasgow, was an early and persistent critic of the use of the Edinburgh Accommodation Allowance to purchase second homes for MSPs at public expense has called on the Scottish Parliament to revisit a potential solution to the problem he first raised a number of years ago – by publicly buying and retaining property which can be occupied by MSPs outwith travelling distance of Edinburgh during their time of tenure in the Parliament.
Campaigners from two very different campaigns converged to lobby the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 14th May. Parents from The Glasgow Save our Schools Campaign and supporters of The Today Group, a mental health advocacy group from Fife protested outside the parliament building.
The schools campaigners have vowed to fight on despite the New Labour controlled Glasgow City Council’s decision to close 22 schools and nurseries in the city. To find out more about the schools campaign click here
A spokesperson for Today said;
“The TODAY Group (Together Overcoming Discrimination Against you and me) is a Mental Health Advocacy Group based in Cupar and serves the whole of Fife. The group was set up in 1993 by people who used Mental Health services. The group supports the rights, views and opinions of over 300 members and 12 member groups in Fife. Fife Council decided to tender advocacy in Fife and awarded the contract to an English based group. This means the group will lose this local based service which will be detrimental to people who need the service, carers, staff and volunteers.”
(This article is taken from The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign here)
Boycott movement can oppose Israeli violence
The 2009 Edinburgh International Film Festival organisers announced on Friday they were returning money donated by the Israeli Embassy. The return of the money was accompanied by an admission that it had been “a mistake to accept the £300 from the Israeli Embassy” and followed a torrent of angry letters expressing incomprehension, fury or sadness at the EIFF being associated with the Israeli State. Many pledged to support SPSC pickets of screenings throughout the 2009 Festival, and an initial public protest.
Glasgow Schools Campaigners take their fight to the Scottish Parliament
Campaigners from communities across City of Glasgow whose schools and nurseries face closure will take their case to a lobby of The Scottish Parliament this Thursday 14th May at 11.30am.
Despite massive protests Labour councillors have voted to close 22 schools and nurseries. These cuts, driven through by Glasgow City Council Leader Steven Purcell mean larger class sizes, fewer teachers, worse education and a loss of community facilities.
JOIN THE LOBBY.
PUT YOUR CASE TO THE MSP’s
DEMAND THE PARLIAMENT SIDES WITH PARENTS AGAINST PURCELL
SAVE OUR EDUCATION
For further information on the Save Our Schools campaign visit the campaign website here
For travel arrangement ring or text 07828 278 093
No2EU - Yes to Democracy at The GFT
On Sunday 17th May at 12.30pm the No2EU – Yes to Democracy political platform formed to fight the European Elections will be showing a screening of the RMT sponsored film “The EU Lisbon Treaty Privatisation and Workers’ Rights” at The Glasgow Film Theatre, Rose Street, Glasgow.
The film features Bob Crow and Tony Benn and following the screening, RMT Scottish Organiser Phill McGarry will be leading a discussion on the issues it raises.
All members of the public are welcome and there is no charge for the event.
Solid with The Posties
Members of Solidarity in Central Region join with North Lanarkshire Trade Union Council secretary Hugh Gaffney and John Milligan of the RMT to meet representatives from The CWU’s Keep the Public Posted Campaign at the Summerlee Industrial Museum in Coatbridge.
Events Calendar
Solidarity welcomes the fantastic news that the vice chair of The National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) and convenor of the Linamar car parts factory in Swansea Rob Williams has been reinstated after a magnificent show of solidarity from the trade unionists in the plant.
Solidarity offers our congratulations to Joe Higgins of the Irish Socialist Party after his fantastic election result last week.
“The European Union is designed to promote the rigged and failed free market politics of privatisation and profits at any costs. A stand against privatisation and for public ownership and democracy has to be made and that’s what the No2EU platform is all about. Our appeal is to all those who want a working class alternative to the big business parties.” 
Sheridan calls for Scottish parliament to take the lead in restoring confidence after second homes scandal
Solidarity co-convenor Tommy Sheridan today called for the Scottish Parliament to take the moral lead in restoring public confidence in the expenses and second homes scandals that have engulfed Westminster politics.
Campaigners from two very different campaigns converged to lobby the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 14th May. Parents from The Glasgow Save our Schools Campaign and supporters of The Today Group, a mental health advocacy group from Fife protested outside the parliament building.
“The TODAY Group (Together Overcoming Discrimination Against you and me) is a Mental Health Advocacy Group based in Cupar and serves the whole of Fife. The group was set up in 1993 by people who used Mental Health services. The group supports the rights, views and opinions of over 300 members and 12 member groups in Fife. Fife Council decided to tender advocacy in Fife and awarded the contract to an English based group. This means the group will lose this local based service which will be detrimental to people who need the service, carers, staff and volunteers.” 
The 2009 Edinburgh International Film Festival organisers announced on Friday they were returning money donated by the Israeli Embassy. The return of the money was accompanied by an admission that it had been “a mistake to accept the £300 from the Israeli Embassy” and followed a 
Campaigners from communities across City of Glasgow whose schools and nurseries face closure will take their case to a lobby of The Scottish Parliament this Thursday 14th May at 11.30am.
On Sunday 17th May at 12.30pm the No2EU – Yes to Democracy political platform formed to fight the European Elections will be showing a screening of the RMT sponsored film “The EU Lisbon Treaty Privatisation and Workers’ Rights” at The Glasgow Film Theatre, Rose Street, Glasgow.
Members of Solidarity in Central Region join with North Lanarkshire Trade Union Council secretary Hugh Gaffney and John Milligan of the RMT to meet representatives from The CWU’s Keep the Public Posted Campaign at the Summerlee Industrial Museum in Coatbridge. 
