Vice-Chair, Islington NALGO This year has seen a summer of discontent for Labour councils; NALGO strikes against cuts and redundancies in Birmingham and Newham have been followed by action in Islington, Sheffield, Greenwich, Hackney, Camden and even Hampshire.
In Islington, 500 NALGO members came out on indefinite strike on 4 September against redundancies, bringing the total to 700. Ten of the council's neighbourhood offices were immediately closed; these provide 'frontline services like housing, social services and rent collection.
The offices remaining open have been unable to provide more than a token service. The strike ballot was won by more than 2-1, on a return of 90 per cent, in the face of threats and legal action from the council.
After the events in Newham (see article on this page), and with nearly 3000 NALGO members on strike nationwide, it is vital that NALGO take steps to link up the strikes and call a national day of action.
In London where much of the action is taking place, activists from several branches are working together to build day action and demonstration in October:
For further details contact: Doug Thorpe, clo Islington NALGO, 2 Orelston Rd., London N7 8LH.