Over 20,000 people marched through Newcastle upon Tyne on April 10, demanding a living wage for all.
Although supported by 14 national trade unions, only UNISON made any real attempt to mobilise its membership.
Even within UNISON, it was overwhelmingly the left of the union who were actively trying to mobilise. Given these 'imitations, the demonstratio 1 was an outstanding success, proving that there is a real basis amongst rank and file trade unionists for campaigning against low wages.
UNISON's NEC tried to keep politics off the march. They sent out instructions that no political literature would be allowed, and refused to organise any speakers at all, before, during or after the demo.
Not only could they not in the end keep left placards and newspapers off the march, but Bickerstaffe was mightily embarrased by the behaviour of the lead continScargill and the leadership of the SLP reject such collaboration on principle, even though the benefits for developing class struggle and rebuilding the left are obviOIS This year's European election will be the first in England and Wales to be fought under a system of proportional representation (though one system will already have been used in the Scottish Assembly elections) : This provides an opportunity for socialists, A platform obtaining around 8% of the vote in the new London wide constituency could win a seat. This is certainly excluded now and in the future if the left remains divided. We have responded 1o this Embarrassed: Bickerstaffe gent of young people, who rightly insisted on chanting more militant slogans than those sanctioned by the official stewards. The fact that the rally organised by the Campaign for a Fighting and Democratic UNISON and the SWP was attended by over 2,000 people - with many more turned away - clearly showed that people attended the demonstration because they were interested in the politics. This demo must be seen as just the beginning of an ongoing campaign to mobilise all trade unionists to fight in the workplaces for a decent wage for all. opportunity by establishing an unprecedented which includes the Independent Labour Network, Socialist Workers Party, Party, International Group, for Workers Liberty and the Communist Party of Great Britain. This alliance should include the SLP. London appeals to the SLP to answer our letters and clear the way to a common, united socialist slate for London. • All enquiries about LSA, sponsorships and donations to: Socialist Alliance, PO BOX 23323, London, SE16 IYR. or ring 0171 582 9373, 0171 231 0415. or 0171 358 0419