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Trade Union
Trade Union
Workers take a minute's silence as defiance grows - CounterBlast 28 April
International Workers' Memorial Day actions are one more expression of growing workplace anger and popular solidarity with working people, writes Chris Nineham
I don’t mind working but I do mind dying
London tube workers have been fighting to ensure a safe service during the Covid crisis; here’s its timeline, by Unjum Mirza, driver and Aslef branch chair
Workers’ Memorial Day: give our frontline workers the PPE they need
This year’s Workers’ Memorial Day is set to become a demonstration of solidarity with health and care workers fighting coronavirus, writes Richard Allday
'Our labour is essential, but our health is negotiable': a tube driver speaks out
A tube driver speaks to Counterfire about why management pressure to impose a new timetable and dangerous conditions threatens workers' lives
Why You Should Be A Trade Unionist - book review
Len McCluskey’s short
Why You Should Be A Trade Unionist
gives us a powerful run through the arguments for working-class organisation, finds John Westmoreland
Sir Keir Starmer’s deadly crusade: supporting big business and undermining unions - CounterBlast 15 April
Keir Starmer's "forensic" opposition amounts to siding with the government against unions and public health it seems, writes Katherine Connelly
We are not expendable: interview with Chris Smalls
Counterfire's Alyssa Cassata interviews Chris Smalls, who led a walkout at an Amazon warehouse in New York to demand protective gear and hazard pay, for which he was fired
Transport workers are frontline workers too
Covid-19 is killing the workers who support London’s infrastructure, reports bus driver and Unite activist Joanne Harris
How to build your union at your workplace now: a practical guide
As employers exploit and neglect workers during the coronavirus crisis, Dave offers a practical guide to organising in your workplace now
Striking for our lives: international industrial action during Coronavirus
While capitalism allows callous employers to prioritise profits over people in the face of the coronavirus crisis, workers and trade unions have been fighting back on an international scale, argues Alyssa Cassata
Where's Keir Starmer?
Keir Starmer's failure to stand up for working class people during this crisis is a glimpse of what we can expect if he becomes Labour leader, writes Alyssa Cassata
Put people before profit to fight Coronavirus
The government's response to the Coronavirus puts big business first, but we need real solutions that benefit the public instead, argues Richard Allday
Teachers in New York forced schools to close; we need to do the same
Don't play dice with people's lives. Close schools now, argues Shabbir Lakha
Why St Mungo's workers are striking
Instead of being pressured and punished, staff must be supported and properly resourced
Coronavirus, the market and who controls society? – weekly briefing
Lindsey German on COVID-19 and its impact
St Mungo's workers to begin three-day strike action
Workers at St Mungo's are beginning strike action after management continues to prioritise cost-efficiency over services or working conditions, reports Mark Evans
Striking in the time of coronavirus: results and prospects of the universities dispute
After 22 days of industrial action this year, the University and College Union (UCU) will now contend with the coronavirus outbreak as well, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica.
Italian workers strike for safety
Workers pull together in stand against virus, reports Giuseppe Franci
Lewisham Hospital workers walk out and demand to be paid and protected
The coronavirus crisis exposes the rot at the heart of Tory policy on the NHS as workers on the frontline of combating the pandemic are the worst treated, reports Tom Griffiths
The struggle for education: reports from the UCU strikes
We are into the third week of strikes. UCU negotiators are reporting that there has been progress but have counselled us to keep up the pressure. Here is a series of reports of the strikes from different parts of the country
Those enslaved do not feel the benefits of a boom
Trump's boasts of economic boom does not ring true to the worker says Pete Morgan
St Mungo's workers vote overwhelmingly for strike action
The ballot victory comes as proposals by senior management at St Mungo's threaten to deteriorate working conditions and services provided
NEU in battle with Labour council in Tower Hamlets
As Tower Hamlet's Council is trying to crack down on the power of organised labour, the NEU is working to help teachers and support staff in the area
6 steps toward rebuilding the left
Six practical and theoretical suggestions to build a broad, united and fighting left, by David McAllister
High stakes in UCU strike: another 14 days of action announced
Higher turnout likely than last year but the strike needs solidarity from the whole labour movement, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
India rises against Modi
A popular uprising is spreading across India confronting the fascism of the Modi regime, reports Amrit Wilson
Fighting back in France
Hundreds of thousands are taking to the streets to combat Macron’s war on the welfare state, writes Susan Ram
What next for the French strikers?
The mass movement in France is impressive and has made significant gains but the battle against Macron's Thatcherite reforms needs a second wind, reports John Mullen
New year, same struggle: French strikes move into second month
As mass strikes continue into 2020, the movement is on a knife-edge, reports John Mullen from Paris
Macron had a bad month, but what will it take to break his pensions bill?
An update from Paris on the ongoing protests and strike action against Macron's pension reform bill by John Mullen
Protect the right to strike
Workers are ready to fight the government's attack on their rights, reports Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
All power to French workers - report from Paris
An organised movement of French workers unheard of in decades could hold Macron's fractured neoliberal outfit to ransom, reports John Mullen
France on strike: “We’re fighting Macron and his world!”
Across France, hundreds of thousands strike work and take to the streets to denounce neoliberal pension ‘reforms’, writes Susan Ram
The lecturers are fighting back: reports from UCU strike day 1
As lecturers at 60 universities around the country began eight days of strike action, Counterfire activists reported from picket lines on day one of the strike
Confronting fear during a strike: why picket lines are important in industrial disputes
Ahead of the UCU strike, Vladimir Unkovski-Korica argues that mass unity creates strong bonds among strikers
University lecturers are gearing up for next week's strike
Preparations for the eight-day UCU strike starting 25 November are underway, reports Graham Kirkwood
Chicago teachers wield collective bargaining as weapon against austerity
Teachers in Chicago are building on the successes of 2012 to create an inspirational campaign and win important victories, reports Kate O’Neil
Labour, the manifesto, and the rationalist error
Policy, however good, isn’t enough to win a general election, argues John Rees
Unelected judges deny the right to strike - election briefing 14 November
Lindsey German on the attack on the posties and women’s work
Postal workers vs the establishment: the injustice of the injunction against CWU strike
Despite a 97% vote in favour of strike action by CWU members, the High Court has granted Royal Mail an injunction to stop the strikes, writes David McAllister
University staff set to strike on pay and pensions
Now is the time to fight against the marketisation of universities, argues Des Freedman
Hospital workers strike for fair pay
Exploited workers out in high spirits for the first round of one of the longest strikes in NHS history, reports Ellen Graubart
Vote Labour and get ready to fight - Counterfire freesheet November 2019
Corbyn and the British state, CWU and UCU strike ballots, why we say no to Nato and more in this month's Counterfire freesheet
“We need to work together”: school student climate striker speaks to trade unionists about the way forward
The speech given by the 12-year-old school student and climate striker to Unite the Union’s Suffolk Area Activists Committee
US workers strike back: General Motors and Chicago teachers
A surge in strike action in the US shows a labour movement that’s fighting back, argues Kate O’Neil
Royal Mail: huge turnout and overwhelming majority vote for strike
Royal Mail workers deliver a massive mandate for strike action in historic CWU ballot, reports Shabbir Lakha
Education is a key front in the battle against climate breakdown
At a climate emergency conference organised by the National Education Union, teachers and union activists discussed how to build the movement against climate change, reports Orlando Hill
Postal workers stand up to management attacks - Interview with CWU’s Andy Hopping
Andy Hopping from the Postal Executive Council of the CWU spoke to Counterfire’s commissioning editor Katherine Connelly, about what’s at stake in the dispute at Royal Mail
University unions build for an autumn of discontent
Industrial action is the only way to improve conditions in higher education
Shut down the Tories!
As the rain poured down, the left took to the streets, its enthusiasm not dampened. Chrissy Brand reports from the demo
There are no jobs on a dead planet: we want system change not climate change
The message from Newcastle is clear
Why we all have to support the climate strike
On 20 September, it is essential that socialists and trade unionists support the climate strike, writes Richard Allday
The planet is on fire: build the climate strike
Business as usual makes a climate catastrophe inevitable. It is time to stop business as usual. Join the global climate strike on 20 September, writes Bill Perry
Something in the air? The strike action in aviation
The success of the strike action in aviation proves our side can win when it is organised and confident, argues Richard Allday
Can the Working Class Change the World? - book review
If the working class is to change the world, it needs serious strategies to find unity and overcome divisions, not woolly moralism, argues Richard Allday
Workers' occupation at Harland and Wolff shows how to take on the Tories
The occupation by workers at Harland & Wolff shows that manufacturing workers whose jobs are at risk can fight back, argues Richard Allday
British Airways bosses' strike ban grounded
British Airways workers are set to go on strike after attempts to stop them in court by the company have failed, reports Eleftheria Kousta
Murad Qureshi - Standing up for Londoners
Murad Qureshi is standing to be a Labour candidate for the London Assembly. He sent Counterfire his campaign statement and we are happy to share his reasons for standing.
Miners' Gala shows we can kick back against the right
The Miners' Gala showed how strong a left united against austerity can be, reports David McAllister
British Steel: the wanton destruction of a core industry
25,000 workers are set to lose their jobs - the handiwork of vulture capitalists and their Tory government enablers, writes Susan Ram
Jo Grady victory: all change at the top of UCU
Jo Grady has been elected General Secretary of UCU in a victory for the left, now the rank and file need to get organised argues Graham Kirkwood
Ruskin and the trade union movement
Following the recent mass display of solidarity with Lee Humber, Jo Land provides some vital insights into the situation at Ruskin
The dawn of Thatcherism, 40 years on
When economic liberalism fused with social conservatism: Tom Whittaker looks at the origins, impacts and legacy of Thatcher's politics, four decades on
Limerick 1919: all power to the Irish soviets
Marking the centenary of its emergence, Sean Ledwith looks at the history of the Limerick soviet
Peabody: moral lepers in Charityland
Join the workers' alternative to the Housing Association Awards gala dinner on May Day, urges Richard Allday
Counterfire statement on UCU election for general secretary
Voting starts this week for a new general secretary for the UCU, following the resignation of Sally Hunt. Counterfire members in the union have agreed this statement:
Honda closure: workers test drive the alternative
Workers marching to save jobs at Honda is a step in the right direction, but more support is needed, argues Richard Allday
Swindon fights back: thousands march against Honda closure
Determined to save thousands of jobs, car manufacturing workers rallied with a range of trade union and anti-austerity groups against the planned plant closure, reports Sam Lees
The Honda Swindon factory closing warrants an effective labour movement response
To make sure workers don't pay the price for an automotive industry crisis and a dysfunctional government, we need a strong response, argues Richard Allday
The Labour Party in Historical Perspective - book review
The Labour Party in Historical Perspective
shows that the Party has historically been revived by left resurgences, of which Corbyn is the latest, finds Graham Kirkwood
A history of International Women's Day
In this article, originally published in 1998, Lindsey German traces the history of International Women's Day - initially a celebration of the struggle of working women fighting back over suffrage and conditions at work
The problems in the automotive industry go deeper than Brexit
The announcement of lay-offs in the automotive industry demands an effective response from Britain’s labour movement, writes Richard Allday in the first of his monthly series on industrial and trade union issues
And your enemies closer? - weekly briefing
Red herrings are still being used to conceal real arguments about democratic accountability within the Labour party, argues Lindsey German
What would a ‘Green New Deal’ look like in Britain?
A Green New Deal, now a popular idea in Britain as well as the US, can help to merge environmental struggle with class struggle, argues Jago Corry
Better to overthrow the system than try to outsmart it: review of ITV's Cleaning Up
What’s not to like about humble cleaners taking advantage of massive corporations and making money from insider trading in Sheridan Smith’s latest series Cleaning Up on ITV?
Building Power from Below: Chilean Workers Take on Walmart - book review
The success of trade-union organising in Walmart within Chile shows the potential social power of workers in the most difficult circumstances, finds Orlando Hill
Mass walkout as Irish nurses and midwives stage historic strike
35,000 nurses and midwives joined a 24-hour national strike on Wednesday with more action planned for next week, reports Eóin Ó Murchú
Yellow Vests join unions to agitate for a general strike in France
Repudiating Macron’s ‘great national debate’, Yellow Vests join hands with trade unions and the radical left to build for a general strike, reports Susan Ram
On new terrain - book review
Kim Moody’s book on labour, unions and capitalism, is very valuable, but revolutionary organisation is essential, argues Richard Allday
Workers from the MoJ and BEIS go on strike and take to the streets
Despite the cold, picket lines outside the Ministry of Justice and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy were vibrant and defiant, reports Shabbir Lakha
In India, epic worker mobilisations challenge the Modi government as never before
In what is estimated to be the biggest strike in history, over 200 million workers in India took strike action, reports Susan Ram
Universities in 2019: facing the perfect storm
As the Tories' mismanagement of higher education continues, Des Freedman looks at the battles ahead
Sudan – food crisis provokes calls for regime change
Opposition to the Omar al Bashir government in Sudan is building into a broad, organised movement, reports Explo Nani-Kofi
Our ten most popular articles of 2018
The most popular articles on Counterfire this year
Macron must go: Yellow Vests Act V
The movement brought anger to the streets again across France in defiance of state efforts to divide and disrupt it this week, reports Susan Ram
Counterfire's books of the year - part one
We asked a few leading campaigners and performers from the left what books have inspired them over the last twelve months
The far right can be stopped
The UK far right, complete with distinct Nazi elements, is a clear and present danger, asserts Sofie Mason
Protest: Stories of Resistance - book review
A historically rich collection of stories on episodes of resistance across British history is evocative of experiences of protest, finds Ralph Graham-Leigh
Fast food workers fight back
We speak to TGI Fridays worker Lauren Townsend about their strike and the growing international resistance of precarious workers against low pay
Stop Tommy Robinson, All out for 17 November - Counterfire Freesheet November 2018
Opposing the far right, people's vote, police racism, precarious workers, climate chaos, universal credit and more in this month's Counterfire freesheet
Glasgow refuse workers respect picket lines in solidarity with women’s pay strike
Strike action in Glasgow spreads, showing the power of solidarity of men and women workers, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica
Glasgow Women's Strike: thousands of women strike for equal pay
8,000 women council workers are beginning the largest coordinated strike action in Glasgow since 2011, Mark Porciani reports
Decarbonisation, jobs and justice
As the IPCC report stresses the urgent action needed to tackle climate change, we must challenge the narrative that an ecologically sound economy would be bad for workers
Tories out! Birmingham marches against austerity
The response to the Tory conference in Birmingham was suitably angry and clear in its demands, reports Ellen Graubert
Fast food, pub and delivery workers strike across the country
The Fast Food Shutdown - #FFS410 - sees TGI Fridays, McDonalds and Wetherspoons workers strike in nine workplaces, joined by UberEats couriers in at least six cities
Labour's conference and what it tells us about how the left can win
The left surge at Labour conference was impressive - now, if we want to win, we need to mobilise the whole movement
If Labour backs a second referendum, the whole Corbyn project will be in danger of defeat
We can't let the most radical leadership in Labour's history find themselves fighting on the side of free trade, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
The importance of mass mobilisation against war
Build the mass movements against war. Kevin Courtney's speech from the Stop the War Coalition national conference
The TUC are wrong about a second referendum
A second referendum would be a disaster for the working people the TUC are supposed to represent, argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg
Back the NEC code: why compromising is the wrong thing to do
Labour's NEC is under pressure to adopt the IHRA definition and some on the left are supporting this move. Alex Snowdon explains what's wrong with this logic
Unclear and divisive: not the deal our NHS workers deserve
NHS workers have been pressured into accepting a deliberately misleading deal, explains a health worker and union representative
Why fascists hate trade unions
Fascists hate unions because they are a vehicle for working class power. The past can inform our fight today, argues Chris Bambery
Cleaners go on strike and win an early victory
Cleaners have begun three days of coordinated strike action for a living wage and sick pay, and have won one victory already reports Jonathan Maunders
Post PCS pay ballot blues
In spite of the Tories' anti-strike laws, there are grounds for optimism for PCS in the coming year, argues Floyd Codlin
The rise of the far right - and how we stop it
As fascist organisation grows across Europe, assisted by the populist right, our history of struggle directs us to a path of united resistance led by socialist ideas, argues John Westmoreland
Lies, damned lies, and Tory press releases
Richard Allday sheds some light on the Tories' new 'pay rise' for public sector workers
PCS Ballot: the fight for decent pay is hotting up
The labour struggle around a fair, real wage rise in the PCS union is gathering traction, reports Floyd Codlin
The new forces behind the fascist right
A changed threat has emerged in Tommy Robinson's street movement, supported by the international populist right. John Rees looks at how we meet it
Best images from the #OurNHS70 demo - live updates
Tens of thousands march in London, joined by Jeremy Corbyn, from across the UK to defend the NHS on its 70
th
birthday and demand it is #Free4AllForever
To celebrate, but also to defend: be on the streets for our NHS this Saturday
Join us in wishing the NHS a happy 70th Birthday and in standing up to defend it tomorrow in London
Populism and polarisation in Ontario: election analysis
The Tory victory shows a missed opportunity for Ontario's labour party, but the left must organise now and fight en masse against Doug Ford's ugly party of the bosses, write activists Doug Nesbitt, Gerard Di Trolio and David Bush ('Fight for $15' campaign)
PCS union: smash the pay freeze
As the PCS looks to gain a pay rise, Floyd Codlin discusses what activists can do to help achieve that
UCU: we are the union
The annual UCU conference has begun and the leadership, unwilling to accept criticism, has acted anti-democratically and with contempt of its members reports Des Freedman
'Just do it': the politics of fighting precarity
Richard Allday reminds us that we need to work together; we can’t be socialists on our own
The most leftwing Labour leader doesn’t need advice from the most unsuccessful one - weekly briefing
It’s time for our side to reassert a People’s Brexit and quash the creeping Remainers and their anti-socialist EU allies, argues Lindsey German
50 years after 1968: Storms raging in Macron’s France
Neither Macron and the bosses, nor France's working class have made a decisive breakthrough in recent weeks. But the movement is solid and imaginative, writes John Mullen in Paris
Rural activism: tales from the sticks – part one
The Tories' ‘scatter-shot’ strategy has finally backfired on them and will eventually send them running for the hills argues Jim Scott
University workers' statement on UCU ballot result
The strike is over: our fight is not
The case to vote 'no' in the UCU ballot and how we can win
As university workers vote in a ballot on UUK's latest offer, Lee Jones explains why they should vote no and how the campaign to reject the deal can win
Vote NO: university workers call to reject proposed deal
Lecturers and supporters met at a national activists meeting today to discuss the campaign to reject UUK's proposed deal
Is France heading for another May '68?
From student dissent to militant strikes and a radical alternative, the ingredients are there for mass rebellion, writes John Mullen
Reject the UUK deal: we need to fight now
In this open letter, university workers from across the country argue that we cannot accept the deal as it stands, and must fight for a No vote
Update on university pensions dispute
These motions, passed at various branches, offer a guide as to how we should approach the dispute at this critical moment
University strikes: employers’ retreat needs to be nailed down
As UUK returns with a further offer, Des Freedman takes a look at the immediate options facing university staff involved in the dispute
France, March 22nd: the mobilisation of the public sector begins
Across France, hundreds of thousands of people, spearheaded by combative rail workers, mobilise against Macron’s neoliberal assault on the public sector
The UCU dispute: a lesson in the power of collective action
Solidarity among UCU strikers was not born on social media, but on the mass activity of the picket line, argues Milly Williamson
Lecturers' strike: the rank and file have spoken, now we have to take the lead
Feyzi Ismail reports from outside UCU headquarters as the union’s Higher Education Committee votes to reject the employers’ derisory offer
Lecturers' strike update: no capitulation
Des Freedman and Vladimir Unkovski-Korica explain why the deal between UCU and UUK is bad one and should be rejected
Lecturers' strike update: together we can win
As the lecturers' stike enters its final week, a lecturer explains what we have achieved and what we still need to do
Stunning victory for teachers in West Virginia
This win is a huge step forward for the labour movement in the United States
Lecturers' strike update: students at Reading University begin occupation
Joining a wave of student occupations that look set to escalate this week, students at Reading University have begun an occupation in solildarity with striking lecturers
Student Occupations Live #OccupyUUK
Live updates of students occupying university buildings in solidarity with striking lecturers. #UCUstrike #StrikeForUSS
The lecturers' strikes started in winter but are finishing in spring - weekly briefing
University staff and students have shown that committed and passionate resistance is possible and neccesary, finds Des Freedman
Organised workers in Germany massively reject AfD
It is unity amongst the working class that can keep the far right at bay
Lecturers' strike update: inside the occupation at Exeter University
Now on the third day of #ExeterOccupy in support of striking lecturers, Theseus Stefanatos and Alex Rafael Rose report on the action students are taking and why
On the Australian equal marriage plebiscite: beyond defeatism, moralism and the politics of scarcity
Progressives have lessons to learn from the campaign, not least that when opportunities arise, the public debate ground must be seized
Lecturers' strike: Deepen the action, spread the support
As the strike continues, we must up the ante, argues Des Freedman
Lecturers' strike report: students show their support
On the 5th day of the UCU strike, picket lines stayed strong despite the weather and students came out in force to show their support
Europe: why retreat must not turn into defeat for the left - weekly briefing
Lindsey German analyses Jeremy Corbyn's speech on Brexit, as well as the importance of the UCU strike and the growing movement against the NRA in the US
What you can do to support the lecturers' strike
As the strike continues we must keep the pressure on, argues Chris Nineham
Lecturers' strike updates: Striking to win
As the UCU strike carries on into its 4th day, we put together some short reports from picket lines around the country
Lecturers' strike day two: ‘The things we have, we fought for on cold days like these’
Another day on the picket line as, across the country, striking lecturers put the pressure on
Lecturers' strike day one: A bad day for the casino
University strikers across the country are reporting the most successful and well supported industrial action for years
'They think we are weak - they could not be more wrong': Goldsmiths kicks off against pension cuts
On the first day of this historic strike, Goldsmiths lecturers show they mean business and are fighting to win
Why we strike: why lecturers need your support
As university staff are set to take strike action, two lecturers, Des Freedman and Vladimir Unkovski-Korica explain why you should support the strike
Biggest ever strike in higher education? UCU members prepare to defend pensions
As education workers get ready to strike, Des Freedman, a professor at Goldsmiths University, tells us what we can do to support them
University staff set to strike after ballot victory
University staff are set for 14 days of strike action after voting decisively for walkouts in opposition to attacks on their pensions reports Des Freedman
Frances O’Grady puts workers’ rights in the hands of the EU
The TUC should focus on the problems facing working people. Workers' rights and the Single Market don't go together, argues Martin Hall
Carillion: vampire capitalism stalks again
We have to challenge the idea that the private sector is fit to run our public services, and we can only do that with mass social protest, argues Richard Allday
The Fight for $15 and Fairness in Ontario
The campaign for a fair wage just won a big victory
Carillion: two kinds of bailout, two class interests
This can go one of two ways. Let's make sure it goes the way of the workers
Postal workers' strike: 'Usually trade unions are reactive, but this time we've set the agenda'
As current action hangs in the balance, Shabbir Lakha talks to CWU postal executive member Andrew Hopping about what lies ahead for the postal workers
Union Power: The United Electrical Workers in Erie, Pennsylvania - book review
Union Power
is a revealing account of a vibrant and militant union in one US city in the century of Depression and McCarthyism, finds Kevin Crane
Derek Robinson (1927 - 2017): Birmingham steel
"Red Robbo", a trade unionist's trade unionist is remembered by Richard Allday
Reform, Revolution and Direct Action amongst British Miners - book review
The Russian Revolution and World War I led to a surge in workers’ struggles in Britain, as an important new history of the miners’ strikes of 1919 shows, finds Lindsey German
Strikes trim BA's wings
Unite's Mixed fleet branch have won a decisive victory against British Airways. Richard Allday reports on the success of the almost year-long strike action.
Teaching assistants: the results of resistance
As teaching assistants in Durham accept a new pay offer, Megan Charlton debunks the myths about the dispute, and Bridget Yuill explains why she voted for the deal
As postal workers come out fighting, employers try to use law to stop them
Solidarity from across the movement will be vital as Royal Mail threatens to avert next week‘s strike
Bob Crow: Socialist, Leader, Fighter - book review
A new biography of Bob Crow shows why he can be considered as the most effective union leader of his generation, argues Graham Kirkwood
BA strike: no backing down after 85 days
Today’s militants are learning old lessons in double-quick time, writes Isabel Carr
Unity and persistence have paid off for Barts workers
Cleaners, porters, and catering staff in Barts NHS Trust have won a deal after 24 days of strike action and plenty of protest
France: a combative start to the anti-Macron fight-back
Half a million ‘layabouts, cynics and extremists’ take to the streets to protest Macron’s assault on the labour laws
Namibia, diamonds, copper, gold and uranium. Also worms
We repost the latest report from The Travelling Renegade, Nigel Flanagan's blog that focusses on global stories from trade unions
France: All out on September 12!
Workers and political activists prepare to battle Macron’s ‘XXL’ assault on French labour laws, reports Susan Ram
Scrap the Cap: Nurses take the fight to the Tories
Thousands of nurses protested outside Parliament against the 1% Pay cap, the fight is very much on reports Shabbir Lakha.
Fight for $15: McStrike in the US
Care workers and fast-food workers came together in South Philadephia on US Labor Day
McStrike at McDonald's: a report on today's action
McDonald’s workers from two branches struck today for the first time in the company’s history in the UK in protest against poverty wages and insecure working conditions, reports Isabel Carr.
Chaos in the White House - weekly briefing
Steve Bannon has been dismissed as the fallout from Charlottesville continues, Sarah Champion has resigned and recent strike success has shown what's possible
Fighting back in the 21st century: the NUT and social movement trade unionism
Alex Kenny from the National Union of Teachers talks to Counterfire’s Chris Nineham
The secrets of success: how SOAS cleaners fought and won
The historic victory of SOAS workers after a bold and militant campaign should serve as inspiration for struggles across the public sector, argues Feyzi Ismail.
Grunwick: The Workers' Story - review
The Grunwick strike, 1976-8, was a pivotal event for the labour movement, and this classic account contains key lessons for activists, argues Richard Allday
British Airways strike action: the fight goes on
The Mixed Fleet will surely come back stronger, writes Richard Allday
SERCO Workers’ strike 25 July 2017: #BartsStrike
Defence of the NHS and resistance to outsourcing continue to fuel the fledgling industrial fightback, reports Ellen Graubart
Hope and determination at Tolpuddle Festival
There was an infectious air of enthusiasm on display at Tolpuddle this year
The rebirth of mass politics in Serbia; Exhibit B: industrial action
There is a strike wave in Serbia. We take a look at what is going on
Theresa’s new deal for workers? Give me a break. A paid one preferably
Do the Tories really want to improve the lot of workers? Don't be silly
‘We need to stand our ground’: hospital workers in London continue their fight for a pay rise
On their second strike day, cleaners in East London remain confident they can win
Red sky thinking: BA strikes and their lessons for today
Once again, it is workers uninhibited by tradition that have the most to teach us, reports Richard Allday the Angry Trucker
Durham Miners' Gala: celebrating resistance
Jeremy Corbyn will be speaking at the historic Durham Miners' Gala, off the back of a magnificent surge in support
Statement from Durham teaching assistants in response to new deal offered
The activist committee has serious concerns about the proposal
Durham Teaching assistants: Behind closed doors? Or out in the open?
The Durham Teaching assistants campaign is a lesson in organised resistance
The Battle of Grangemouth: A Worker's Story
The story of the Grangemouth dispute of 2013 contains important lessons for trade unionism and the labour movement in general, argues Kevin Crane
NUT conference: from the Lions of Durham
The Durham TAs' experience - struggle builds confidence; the more we fight, the stronger we become
NUT conference: united to fight
As NUT delegates met at the union's final annual conference, immense feelings of unity and defiance were tangible, writes Tony Dowling
No Shortcuts: Organizing for Power in the New Gilded Age
US union organiser, Jane McAlevey, gives us an outspoken and compelling argument about how union organising needs to change, argues Kevin Crane
Will Hutton and Gerald Coyne: PR for the bosses’ man
The liberal media is overplaying its hand in coverage of the Unite General Secretary election, writes the Angry Trucker
Unite election: McCluskey vs the right
A victory for McCluskey will weaken the Labour right's ability to attack Corbyn, writes Richard Allday
Now is the time for nurses to fight back!
As the government insults NHS staff once again, on the ground, a serious fightback is on the cards
A defence of the free movement of labour
Low wages are not caused by immigration, but by a profoundly anti-working class economic approach, writes Richard Allday
What's going on with the Teaching Assistants' strike action?
The Durham Teaching Assistants' dispute has been going on for some time now, Tony Dowling speaks to Megan Charlton to find out what it's all about
Why are London Underground staff striking?
We asked Kieran Crowe, a TSSA representative, for his view on what the strikes are about
Pride, solidarity, anger and hope: 2016 for Durham Teaching Assistants
Durham Teaching Assistants' year of resistance is summed up by Megan Charlton
What happened to the Christmas of discontent?
Despite the media's pre-Christmas strike hysteria the strikes didn't take place - Richard Allday examines why
What is really going on with the Southern Rail strikes?
Doncaster Counterfire speaks to ASLEF President Tosh McDonald about the industrial action on Southern Rail
Imperial War Museum: three years of privatised crisis
The privatisation of visitor services and security staff at the Imperial War Museum has been an utter failure
Southern Rail: striking for safety
Southern Rail train drivers and guards continue their strike action, Jonathan Maunders reports from the picket lines
Southern Rail: playing politics for profit
As half a million would-be passengers endure another day of frustration, they are being encouraged to blame fellow workers for their misery, instead of the real culprits
A vote for McCluskey is a vote for hope
Unite's general secretary has resigned to trigger an election, but hopes to continue as head of UK's biggest union
Striking to defend the education of their communities
The Durham Teaching Assistants ratcheted up their campaign with two days of strike action last week. Megan Charlton was there to report
Remembering Gerry Jones
A tribute remembering Gerry Jones: trade unionist, organiser and socialist, who constantly fought for fairness, writes Penny Hicks
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