The Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition is hosting a meeting in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency on Wednesday 17th May to discuss how a workers’ election candidate can be put in place for the Westminster by-election that is likely to be held there in the coming months.
Speakers at the meeting will include Chris Sermanni, Cambuslang resident, Scottish TUSC and Unison trade unionist, and strikers from various trade union disputes.
Chris said: “The Tories’ pro-bosses policies worsened the pandemic and have created economic disaster, increases in poverty, inflation austerity and a cost-of-living crisis. The need for a workers’ election alternative has never been greater”.
“In effect, this likely local by-election could be seen as a national barometer on the Scottish National Party’s record on the cost-of-living crisis, independence and a range of other issues. But the neo-Blairite domination of the Labour Party means they offer no alternative either for the working class. The workers’ movement must intervene with a trade union-backed socialist candidate”.
“The SNP also cannot be relied upon to fight back against Tory austerity and the cost-of-living crisis. Repeated cuts budgets from Holyrood, the latest in coalition with the Scottish Green Party, underline that fact”.
“That’s why Scottish TUSC has organised a public meeting on May 17 to discuss the need for a workers’ candidate to stand on policies like no-cuts budgets, for above-inflation pay and benefit rises, socialist nationalisation, as well as the right to a second independence referendum and an independent socialist Scotland”.
Scottish TUSC has stood consistently against the pro-capitalist parties in Scottish elections since 2010, the only exception being when Jeremy Corbyn was leader of the Labour Party. The coalition includes socialists, trade unionists and community campaigners. The Communication Workers Union postal branches Scotland No.2 and Highland AMAL are also affiliated.
Scottish TUSC public meeting
Wednesday 17th May 7-30pm
At Number 18 Venue, 18 Farmeloan Road, Rutherglen G73 1DL
For further information contact meeting organiser Matt Dobson on 07927-342060 or email [email protected]