jobs axed. Health workers In the NHS, workers are bracing themselves for further cuts as more hospitals opt out and the Tomlinson report into London's health service is published.
A further 128 hospitals and health units are to become selfgoverning trusts next April.
With 121 more applying to be included in the fourth-wave, this will bring the total opted-out by April 1994 to more than 400 - 95% of hospitals and community services: many first and second wave trusts are already slashing jobs and services.
Self-governing status and the introduction of a market system for health care have wrought havoc on patient care. For healthworkers it has meant job losses and increased Page 4 25 Oct, 1992 No. 30 by a NALGO activist LOCAL GOVERNMENT union NALGO has selected Wednesday November 4 for a 'London Against The Cuts' day of action, with events across the capital culminating in a major demonstration. But building the protest has met with countless bureaucratic obstacles despite official support.
Metropolitan district officials blame problems in agreeing a route for the march with the police and in booking an assembly point with Southwark Council for the fact that no publicity was produced until last week, more than a month after thé demo decision was taken.
Despite initial indications of at least token supportfrom other public sector unions - notably NUPE and COHSE. both currently balloting on merger MALGO ALL OUT PAY UP NO SERIES. 13200-023 2-NALGO Some colleges may strike on pay on Nov 4th with NALGO - no other union has backed the action at national level. NUPE has banned its London region from even sending a banner.
This change of heart is almost certainly attributable to pressure from Walworth Road, with the Labour Party nationally opposed to the action. It is even alleged that Labour have tried to persuade NALGO to call it off. However, many trade unionists have responded warmly at local level, particularly the NUT teachers' and NUPE and COHSE members In hospitals. NALGO's executive has insisted, for the first time, that branches must ballot if they want to take strike action on the day. Several branches are in fact already doing so, with others set to call for strikes at branch meetings as support for the protest grows at rank and file level.
Most NALGO local government branches will at least send delegations. A coach is even coming from cuts-hit Sheffield. NALGO members in Universities and colleges may even choose November 4 for a one-day strike in support of their pay claim.
With massive cuts in local government, hospital closures and the prospect of a public sector wage freeze, now is the time to fight back.
This day can be used to launch a national campaign to defend public services and jobs. In the limited time still available, all stops must be pulled out to build this demo among all public sector workers and users of public services.
London Against The Cuts demonstration called by NALGO. Assemble Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, Southwark (tube: Lambeth North) at 1.00pm on 4 November. March to rally at University of London Union, Malet Street, London WCT.
Birmingham Conference