on the fire-fighters' dispute? That is the question RMT members will be asked in a ballot for strike action to shadow any FBU action.
After the Kings Cross fire, new laws were brought in to regulate the running of underground railways. It is clearly essential in any emergency that a rapid response is forthcoming, bringing in all the experience of the fire service. Clearly scab services will not be cut out for the challenge. The lives of passengers and workers would be put at risk.
The RMT asked for assurances on safety from London Underground, Tyne & Wear Metro and Merseyrail. All failed to respond. So now workers in the three companies will be balloted for strike action to ensure no lives are put at risk.
While of course it is up to the FBU itself to win this dispute it is important that all efforts are made to give them support. Alongside action on underground lines all RMT branches have been asked to help set up fire-fighters support groups
The TUC unanimously backed the FBU in their fight for proper recognition of the dificult and dangerous work firefighters carry out. It is vital that all of us consider what solidarity action we can take to ensure victory. ..... Back in action: London Underground staff TORY BLATF
Tough out. toral Will McMahon, Chair Hackney Socialist date, Crispin Alliance (personal capacity)
n May 2002 Hackney nicer place if he wins.
voted for an elected
Mayor to sort the borThe Socialist Alliance is standing veteran socialist Paul Foot in what promises to be a hard fought contest in October.
Hackney Socialist Alliance played a key role in the Greater London Assembly elections in May 2000 and ever since has had a growright. Their mayoral candi- the second round run off
Truman, against Labour candidate promises that Hackney will Jules Pipe, the council leader be managed better and be a who led the cuts and closure programme. In the
For our part, we have local elections our lowest selected Paul Foot, a candi- vote in the toughest ward date for who many readers was over 7% - what I estiwill need no introduction. mate the Alliances' core When Paul stood in Clissold vote to be at present. A ward in May 2002 almost doubling of the Alliance vote one in four voters support- would be needed but such ed him. One of the many an outcome is not impossiqualities Paul has brought to ble the campaign is a plain speaking approach that con- Best candidate nects with the issues that Paul Foot is without quesUNISON
İTNET BENEFITS SCANDAL COSTS HACKNEY 225 MILLION
members will be glad the election is by secret ballot. The effects of the devastating two-year programme of cuts and closures, combined with the war drive and local and national industrial action, may encourage votes for a radical alternative. We are standing with local government workers, fire fighters, local library workers and against the war. ocal trade unionists will have the option —of backing Labour or win.
We are convinced that the number of people we can get out to canvass in the final weeks might make the difference in the vote for socialism. In the local elections a large number of people came out to vote for us who had felt disenfranchaised until we knocked on their door.
Local alliances from half a dozen London boroughs have already offered to help. We are looking to Socialist Alliance members