“Workers at home continue to bear the brunt of austerity, whilst billions are spent on wars abroad.”
By the University and College Union (UCU)
For our members, just as for many millions of workers and their families, our country is in a state of ruin. Last year, we elected a Labour government to reverse this decline by putting workers first and defending our interests. Yet now, we are told there is no money left.
No money to rebuild our NHS, transport network, criminal justice system, or education sectors, nor to revive our local government, fire and rescue, or postal services. No money to look after the vulnerable or to lift kids out of poverty. No money for fair wages.
But somehow when it comes to investment in death and destruction abroad, the money is always found. While workers struggle to make ends meet, billions upon billions are poured into arms at the behest of Trump.
This does not make us more secure. Leaving our communities in a state of disrepair and failing to bring back our industries while splashing out on American weapons only deepens the insecurity workers experience every day. It also leaves us a much lesser country to defend.
We are coming together as trade unions to demand investment in workers, not war. Standing in the best traditions of our movement–for peace and real security–we are demanding fair wages not more weapons.
Workers at home continue to bear the brunt of austerity, whilst billions are spent on wars abroad. The entire political establishment, from Farage to the Tories and the corporate media, are lined up behind this agenda for one simple reason: it serves their interests and is a direct attack on ours.
We won’t stand for it. At the Trades Union Congress (TUC), in our workplaces, across the country, we are demanding wages not weapons.
- This was published at the ‘Wages Not Weapons’ UCU campaign page here. ‘Wages Not Weapons’ is a campaign backed by ten trade unions representing well over a million workers. Supporters: UCU, NEU, CWU, FBU, ASLEF, TSSA, PCS, Equity, BFAWU, POA
- Check out our Building a Fighting Left hard-copy bulletin – featuring Apsana Begum, Diane Abbott, BFAWU and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which is out now at https://bit.ly/buildingafightingleft
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