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Unions and strikes -a real threat or just a succesful media promotion.

(185 Posts)
trisher Mon 23-Apr-18 11:42:42

We have had discussion about the "Winter of Discontent" and other instances of union actons in the UK. But how real is this threat that the unions will somehow disrupt life and seek to dominate government? Well firstly there haven't been that many strikes in the UK- Wiki has a list en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_strikes
and US strikes dominate it. Secondly some of the strikes here were viciously and violently suppressed by police action- both the printers and the miners suffered. So why do people fear these otganisations that were set up to improve the lot of the working man (and woman). Is the threat real or just media hype?
Warning- don't get hooked on the list- some of the details like the Burston Strike School are fascinating!

Anniebach Wed 30-May-18 12:08:16

Glad a Corbyn supporter has spoken out against the behaviour of the rabble in Hamdstead and Kilbern , gives a glimmer of hope

Allygran1 Wed 30-May-18 12:09:03

Anniebach you have been at the "coal face", fighting to maintain the integrity of the grass roots Labour party during Neil Kinnocks time, and now again, as the threat of a far left taking over the Labour movement is back in the form of Momentum, with sadly a far left Labour leader this time round. This is a double jeopardy.

Let us hope that their is someone in the wings who can champion the grassroots Labour movement in the 21st Century as Neil Kinnock did so well in the 20th.

The issues of the London bubble have always blinded Corbyn to what is the real grassroots Labour party in the rest of the Country.

One can only hope that the rest of the country's grassroots members and voters stand strong in their belief, that a far left party will alienate more people than it will support, and choose not to vote Labour at the next General Election. This would be a hard thing to do, but to get a Corbyn far left puppet Government controlled by Momentum and the Trade Unions would put an end to the Labour movement anyway.

Do you think if the LPC can't control Corbyn and Momentum that a split in the Labour party is inevitable?

Sad to read that you too are taking the Momentum flak and considering leaving the party. Try to hang in there. I sense that a 'saviour' will emerge eventually. There are one or two I hope will have the courage and support to step up to the plate. We shall see.

Jalima1108 Wed 30-May-18 12:27:28

They are certainly taking their time Allygran.
But let us hope that there is a movement afoot.

Anniebach Wed 30-May-18 12:41:11

Ally, it seems labour supporters here have conveniently forgotten the wilderness years, it really was a struggle to encourage the many who had left the party because of the rise of the far left to come back, canvassing for the following elections was even harder, asking floating voters to vote Labour, i even got spat at. This time is worse, Momentum are like a creeping fog seeping in everywhere . I will stay with the party depending on the outcome of the Welsh Labour leader’s election. First comes the battle of deciding to change from the electoral college to one member one vote, Unite are naturally fighting to keep the Elecoral College system. We recently had the female deputy leader election, the candidate who was supported by Unite won over the candidate who gained the most votes.

Anniebach Wed 30-May-18 12:46:56

Jalima, the outcome of the party formed by Shirley Williams and David Owen isn’t forgotten, and competing with this Corbyn party who has the vast sums of money from unions is to be considered . I wish the centre left would break away now, the true Labour Party is dying.

Allygran1 Wed 30-May-18 12:50:24

My view is that there are some things, some human behaviour that is not acceptable, no matter what our politics are, or the degree of those feelings be it moderate to extreme left or right. If we don't condemn unacceptable behaviour as the norm, then we don't set social standards. In this instance not showing respect for a deceased valued Labour MP because she did not support their far left views. This intolerance and arrogance is unacceptable. In their action of disrespect they condemned, and personalised, even in death, another's right to have lived their life on their own terms, even if that was in disagreement with this particular groups stance. How dare they!

Where are we sinking too. That anyone who claims to be a of our society let alone those who claim to be humanitarian, socialist can not condemn the Hampstead and Kilburn Momentum activist disrespect, without hesitation, or the trick, of diverting their condemnation to another topic or person must be seen as contemptible. It is simple, politics aside what happened in Hampstead and Kilburn was shameful.

Anniebach Wed 30-May-18 13:00:47

I so agree Ally, it shows what we are up against.

I am not going to Tessa’s memorial service, think seeing Corbyn there would cause me to vomit , I am not as brave as those who will go because they loved/admired Tessa so will stomach seeing Corbyn there. I know some who will attend . I hope he isn’t invited .

Allygran1 Wed 30-May-18 13:07:49

Anniebach as Jalimal says "lets hope there is some movement afoot" to save the real Labour party. I just can't believe that there isn't.

You mention Anniebach the Electoral College system your example being :"We recently had the female deputy leader election, the candidate who was supported by Unite won over the candidate who gained the most votes."

This attitude that the voter majority does not matter, seems to be everywhere, democracy is under threat. Majority voters will rebel if they continue to be ignored. These anti democratic systems, designed to allow manipulation of the voters are in for a shock if this continues inside and outside the Labour movement, Unions or any other institutions even, that engage in suppressing the majority voter are in for a shock at some point.
I do wish I was younger, twenty years would do!.

Anniebach Wed 30-May-18 13:15:30

I wish the same Ally, I would be off the telephone and back on the door knocking , pavement pounding as I did for many a year