Green Party Trade Union Group expresses its solidarity with Stalin Bermudez

The Green Party Trade Union Group expresses its solidarity with Stalin Bermudez, the SOAS Unison Branch Chair, who has been sacked by management at SOAS. GPTU also fully supports the industrial action in response to his sacking that is being taken by SOAS Unison members on
28th May, 2009.

The Green Party has been active in Living Wage campaigns across London, and supported the May Day demonstration for the Bloomsbury Living Wage Campaign which Stalin Bermudez addressed. GPTU reaffirms its support for this campaign, and for all campaigns to
institute a Living Wage across the whole of London; for justice, respect and a decent standard of pay and conditions to be afforded to all workers.

GPTU commends Stalin Bermudez for the work he and his comrades have done in progressing the Living Wage campaign in SOAS and demands his immediate reinstatement in order that his work will be allowed to continue.

Vote Joseph Healy - The green socialist alternative for Princes Ward in Lambeth

My friend and comrade Joseph Healy has been selected as Lambeth Green Party's candidate for the upcoming by-election in Princes Ward. Joseph is the Male Co-Convener of Green Left and an active trade unionist. See below his address in support of his selection:


I have worked in Lambeth for the best part of five years in the voluntary sector dealing with people living with disabilities. Some of these people are the most marginalised and poorest in the borough and dependant on social housing, the NHS and social care provided by both national and local government. For four years I worked as Advocacy Officer and later Co-Director of Transport for All, representing older and disabled people seeking better and accessible transport across London. More recently I have been working for the borough’s main disability organisation (Disability Advice Service Lambeth) assisting disabled residents in the borough access direct payments to help with assistance and social care in their homes. As such, I have travelled around the borough and met a wide range of people from all ethnic communities. I have also been an active trade unionist, firstly in UNITE, where I was the delegate to the Southwark Trade Union Council, and recently I have joined UNISON.

I am totally opposed to the swingeing job cuts being imposed in Lambeth and the increasing privatisation of public services. The black hole in the Council’s finances should be plugged by limiting the army of consultants swarming over the Council and the costs of such extravagances as the ALMO, which has brought no gains to the council’s tenants and led to a massive rent increase (one of the largest in the country) which Labour’s own MP for Vauxhall has denounced and tried to gain more funding from the government to offset it. The Labour Party’s mismanagement of the Council’s finances over the last three years, where the Chief Executive earns more than the Prime Minister, can only be outdone by the fraud and massive mismanagement which the former Liberal Democrat/Tory regime presided over and which led to their being ousted from the Town Hall three years ago.

Lambeth needs a radical and energetic councillor who will support the Green New Deal programme of job creation and full involvement of the community and an end to the top down managerialist culture of both the ruling Labour Group and the main opposition parties. It was a Green councillor who introduced the Living Wage motion in Lambeth, disgracefully watered down by the Labour Group, to pay a decent wage to all those subcontracted by the Council as well as those directly employed by it. In a borough with some of the poorest and most marginalised people in London, it is time to elect a councillor who will give these communities a voice and fight for their rights. As a member of the LGBT community and a disabled person, I am also hoping to campaign for the rights of these communities in the same way as my fellow party member, Peter Tatchell. This is why I am standing for the by election in Princes Ward.

Campaign for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel!

In response to the recent Israeli onslaught, 180 Palestinian organizations and unions have called for a campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Apartheid Israel.

The movement for BDS is growing fast. South African Dockers refused to offload an Israeli ship on 5 Feb. In Norway on 8 January, locomotive drivers stopped trains and trams for 2 minutes and informed passengers of the solidarity stoppage.

The shop workers’ union is asking employers to remove Israeli goods from stores, and at least 6 major unions are demanding the Norwegian government withdraw all State investment in Israel.

Come along to a lunchtime meeting to discuss ideas on how we can develop the BDS campaign in Lambeth Unison.

Date: 29 April 2009

Venue: Lambeth Town Hall

Time: 1pm-2pm

Support the occupation of Enfield Visteon workers!

Hot off the heels of workers who have occupied their factory in Belfast, workers in the Enfield Visteon plant joined them this week when they went into occupation on Wednesday 1 April. Some workers are demanding the factory be kept open and that workers make green products such as bikes, solar panels and turbines. The mood is confident and workers are asking for solidarity and support from the labour movement.

For more information visit: http://www.permanentrevolution.net/entry/2636

Drought and Economic Growth Take Their Toll in Syria

by Matt Loffman

The Syrian Arab Republic is a country which receives a somewhat mixed reception in the global community. Located as it is between Lebanon and Iraq, it is difficult to find a hot issue in the Middle East region where Syria does not play a significant role.

Syria is also a country in the process of economic, political and environmental change. Economically, she continues to grow steadily - although major curtailing of fuel subsidies this year has contributed to high inflation. Politically, visits from major European figures - including Nicolas Sarkozy (President of France) and David Miliband (UK Foreign Secretary) - in addition to a renewal of ties with neighbouring Lebanon are strong signals that the country is seeking a more international future. Environmentally, significant sections of the population are suffering from failed crops, a lack of water and industrial and commercial waste.

This year has seen the worst drought suffered by Syria in decades. More than forty per cent of the population live in rural areas and, according to a recent report released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 150,000 farmers have lost their harvests - their livelihoods. This has a great impact on the wider rural societies. For each farmer that loses his harvest (and it usually is a 'he') an entire family will suffer. Where certain areas suffer in particular; anaemia, diarrhoea and malnutrition take hold - further weakening the chances of recuperating food to sell and to eat. Barley has been the worst-affected crop with an estimated failure rate of up to ninety per cent. This has directly forced herders and keepers of livestock out of production. The OCHA has made an appeal to international donors for more than 20 million dollars to help the worst affected.

Damascus in particular prides itself on the availability of drinking water. Throughout the city, water distributors along with attached metal cups are available for members of the public to drink. However, following the hot, dry summer, drinking water has become short in supply - particularly in rural areas away from the major cities: "the land and the wells are drying up," stated Akram, one local in the north eastern region: "there isn't enough water anymore". The disputed Golan Heights region is one of the most water rich areas in the country. However drinking water there has had to be carried in by trucks to deal with the shortages. If 2009 does not improve, people could be forced to re-locate away from the most affected areas.

As the Syrian population continues to expand, currently at a rate of 3.6 per cent, more pressure is placed on the available resources. Over-fishing, over-hunting and over-grazing are all becoming increasingly commonplace. As the economy expands and consumption levels rise, demand for natural resources increases even more. The Syrian Environmental Protection Society, the first environmental non-governmental organisation in Syria, states the following as the top three environmental problems: 'Contamination, depletion and dissipation of water resources; poor air quality and air pollution; and deterioration of the urban environment'. The connection between economic growth, rising consumer demand and environmental degradation is slowly being realised.

Throughout the Middle East - including the Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Syria - waste and environmental degradation are apparent. From piles of litter by the side of busy roads to noise pollution and gas-guzzling old buses, it can be difficult to ignore. However, Syria has a real opportunity to improve. The culture is not based on a high-level consumerism and the vast majority of trade is with neighbouring countries. Major environmental problems, such as crop failure, scarce drinking water supplies and commercial waste, already have a tangible impact on the population and action is beginning to take place. It is crucial for this region that action is taken now to ensure that depletion and misuse of resources does not become a source for greater conflict.

Greater London UNISON Young Members' Elections

This election will be voted for by all Young Members' of UNISON in the Greater London Region.

Regional Council Election Statement

I am a shop steward in the London Borough of Lambeth and also the Young Members’ and Publicity Officer for my Branch.

I believe that the interests of young members can only be served by a fighting, member-led union in which maximum participation is encouraged in an inclusive environment free of bullying and harassment of young workers.

We need to provide socialist answers to the financial and environmental crises of capitalism, which will affect young people most acutely in terms of unemployment, pay cuts and attacks on our rights won over decades. Only collectively owned, worker-controlled and democratically accountable public services can put people and the planet before the interests of private profit.

Regional Council is essential in ensuring that UNISON follows its own policies within Greater London. Our representatives should facilitate maximum participation of all members, including young workers, providing the confidence we need to fight our employers, fight the government and ultimately fight capitalism!

Europe and International Committee Election Statement

I have a long record as a trade unionist and student activist campaigning for international socialism and against climate change.

I am a shop steward in the London Borough of Lambeth and also the Young Members’ and Publicity Officer for my Branch. I have co-founded the LSE-Palestine Solidarity Initiative which seeks to provide material and practical assistance for those living under Israeli Occupation to apply to British universities. If elected, I would seek to champion the following issues:

• Ending the Israeli occupation in Palestine and campaigning for a secular, single-state solution. Supporting twinning initiatives with our Palestinian comrades.

• Supporting arms divestment and nuclear disarmament campaigns.

• Campaign to secure and extend the rights of migrant workers across the world.

• Putting trade unions at the forefront of the struggle against climate change; workplaces produce 40% of the UK's carbon emissions. Trade unions should also lobby for recognition and support for the millions of environmental refugees that are already a direct consequence of climate change.

Workers of the world unite!

LAMBETH UNISON RAISES OVER £2000 IN SOLIDARITY WITH GAZA

The Lambeth Branch of UNISON, the second largest trade union in the UK, has raised over £2000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians through a fundraising drive throughout the Borough’s workplaces. Nationally, UNISON has committed to send a donation of £10,000 to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and Lambeth Branch activists collected a further £2020.43 for MAP’s Emergency Appeal for Gaza through a series of collections amongst Lambeth’s workers.

In the wake of recent Israeli military action, MAP has set up an emergency task force team to provide medical supplies and expertise throughout Gaza, as well as ensuring that the central blood bank has sufficient capacity and can provide emergency shelter. Palestinian medical sources say at least 1,300 Palestinians have been killed and 5,500 injured as a result of Israel's latest military offensive. The United Nations states that some 50,800 people are now homeless and 400,000 are without running water. Staff in Gaza report that many more people could die as medical equipment runs out.

Lambeth UNISON voted at its January Branch Committee to condemn the recent slaughter of Palestinians and the ongoing occupation by Israel. Calling for, "an immediate end to the slaughter of defenceless people and the [ongoing] siege of Gaza" the Branch concluded that, "Israel is a terrorist and apartheid state," and advocated academic, economic and cultural boycotts of Israel in an effort to delegitimise the Occupation of Palestine, and build international and domestic pressure against the state.

Lambeth UNISON International Officer Gurmeet Khurana, stated: “It’s great to see Lambeth’s workers demonstrating their solidarity with the people of Gaza. To raise over £2000 is fantastic and many more people donated online through the publicity produced by the branch. Thanks to all members and Branch activists who worked to raise awareness and provide material support for the Palestinian people. However, all trade unionists must continue to raise this issue in our branches and with our members and step-up solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Palestine.”

Jon Rogers, Branch Secretary added: “The trade union movement in Britain can play a crucial role in putting pressure on the British Government as well as the Israeli state to end the occupation of Palestine. Lambeth UNISON is proud to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Palestine and we will continue to support those in Britain and around the world who are working to bring equality, democracy and peace for all in the Middle East. We encourage branches in UNISON and other unions to do the same.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors
1. For more information about Lambeth UNISON, visit: http://lambethunison.blogspot.com/

2. Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) works for the health of Palestinians (especially in conditions of occupation, displacement or exile) based on principles of self-determination and social justice. For more information visit: http://www.map-uk.org/

Contact:
James Caspell
+44 (0)7941 154912
James.caspell@gmail.com

Gurmeet Khurana
+44 (0)7828 668496
gkhurana@lambeth.gov.uk

Lambeth UNISON Publicity Officers' Report - February 2009

Please see attached report.

James Caspell and Gurmeet Khurana

Lambeth UNISON Publicity Officers

Israeli Elections: A Significant Step Closer to Fascism

A fascinating analysis below from Omar Barghouti. Omar (born 1964) is a founding committee member of The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI).

Barghouti has consistently spoken of Israel as an apartheid state, stating: "From now on, it will be acceptable to compare Israel's apartheid system to its South African predecessor. As a consequence, proposing practical measures to punish Israeli institutions for their role in the racist and colonial policies of their state will no longer be considered beyond the pale."

Omar Barghouti is an independent Palestinian political and cultural analyst whose opinion columns have appeared in several publications. He is also a human rights activist involved in civil struggle to end oppression and conflict in historic Palestine. Barghouti is a founding member of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, PACBI (www.PACBI.org).

He holds a Masters degree in electrical engineering from Columbia University, NY, and is currently a doctoral student of philosophy (ethics) at Tel Aviv University. He contributed to the recently published philosophical volume, “Controversies and Subjectivity” (John Benjamins, 2005). He also contributed to "The New Intifada: Resisting Israel's Apartheid" (Verso Books, 2001). He advocates an ethical vision for a unitary, secular democratic state in historic Palestine. ---

Israeli Elections: A Significant Step Closer to Fascism

According to the almost official results of the Israeli elections, reproduced below, the fanatic-to-fascist right was the biggest winner in Israel. A proper death certificate for the Israeli Zionist "left" should finally be issued -- 61 years late!

Here is a breakdown of the results for all Israeli parties, categorized into groups according to their respective positions towards international law and basic human rights. Only these universal criteria should be used in Israel and anywhere else to decide who is right, who is left and who is ultra right, etc. The common Israeli designations of "left," "right" and "center" to describe Labor, Likud and Kadima, respectively, are completely inaccurate and intentionally misleading, as they steer away from any objective criteria in distinguishing left from right. Still, unfortunately, these meaningless Israeli labels are parroted, verbatim, by commentators, even progressive ones, without any reflection on their accuracy or relevance.

By any objetcive standard, the election results must reveal the following accurate categories:

Ultra Right: (parties that openly adopt racist or fascist platforms calling for forcible displacement, or ethnic cleansing, of the indigenous Palestinian citizens of Israel, based on diverse conditions that depend on the specific party in question; justify and/or commit war crimes and grave violations of international law; reject UN resolutions and international law as THE basis for a just peace; reject all three basic Palestinian rights enshrined in international law: (1) FULLY ending the occupation and withdrawing to the 1967 borders, as per UNSC Res. 242, including withdrawal from occupied east Jerusalem; (2) the UN-sanctioned rights of the refugees to reparations and return to their homes of origin; and (3) the right to full equality inside Israel and ending institutional racism against all "non-Jewish" citizens of the state):

Yisrael Beitenu: 15 Knesset seats
National Union: 4
Shas: 11
Jewish Home: 3
Likud: 27
Kadima: 28
---------------------------
TOTAL (Ultra right): 88 seats (73% of the total seats in the Knesset or 80% of Jewish seats in the Knesset)


Right: (parties that conform to the Ultra-Right principles above with the exception of calling openly for ethnic cleansing as a political platform. There are exceptions, of course, whereby several key Labor leaders have occasionally called for ethnic cleansing, but it was not translated into part of their program or a consistent policy, unlike the parties of the Ultra-Right above)

Labor: 13
United Torah Judaism: 5
Meretz: 3
----------------------------
TOTAL (Right): 21 seats (16% of total or 19% of Jewish seats)

Center: (parties that support a FULL withdrawal from the 1967-occupied territory, but oppose equality for all the citizens of the state and the right of return. It may be generous to call them center, but ...)

NONE


Left: (parties that support a FULL withdrawal from the 1967-occupied territory, equality for all the citizens of the state, and the right of return. These parties are committed to a two-state peaceful solution based on international law and universal human rights principles)

United Arab List: 4 (an entirely Palestinian party -- politically on the left, but socially on the right)
Hadash (communists): 4 (note that less than 1% of Israeli-Jews voted for it, so it can statistically be regarded as a Palestinian party)
Balad (national democrats): 3 (entirely Palestinian)
-----------------------------
TOTAL (Left): 11 seats (9% of total)

It is very important to note that, from initial news reports, it seems that half the Palestinian public in Israel BOYCOTTED the elections, the widest such boycott in history. This means that all the above Palestinian parties represent less than half of the Palestinian voters in Israel!


Main conclusions:

(1) The Israeli Jewish public has voted predominantly for the ultra right (including a huge increase in support for the fascist right)

(2) The Israeli Jewish (Zionist) left does not exist (as predicted) as a political force in Israel

(3) The ONLY left parties in Israel are entirely Palestinian

(4) There is a Jewish consensus in Israel (with the exception of a few brave, principled individuals and tiny anti-Zionist groups) AGAINST all the basic requirements for a just peace as laid out in UN resolutions and supported by most world governments

(5) For the first time in the history of Knesset elections, it is reported that Palestinian voters have shunned Zionist parties to an unprecedented level, opting for Palestinian parties instead.


What's to be done?

A paradigm shift from the defunct, immoral, and now impossible, two-state solution to the democratic, single state solution is NOW called for more than ever. Only by rejecting all forms of racism, apartheid, ethnocentrism, religious fundamentalism and colonialism, and by embracing FULL equality and democracy, including the right of return of the refugees, can we create a just and sustainable peace.

The call for a two-state solution has truly become a smokescreen to cover up and legitimize continued occupation, colonization and Zionist apartheid.

Darren Johnson at RMT demo this morning

Darren Johnson, Green Party London Assembly Member said to the rally this morning :

"Boris johnson is cutting jobs, axing new transport links and putting up fares. Public transport is not safe in his hands. I am solidly behind the unions in opposing job cuts. Passengers need a human presence on the underground to make their journey safe and efficient."

"It is hard to see how you can lose a thousand staff without having some impact on services. We need the mayor to spell out what work is not going to be done as a result of these redundancies. Tube passengers are paying above inflation fare increases at a time when they are likely to get a poorer service as a result of these job cuts."