Praise Without Pay’s …

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A century ago, in August 1921, Labour Councillor Jack Wooster told crowds demonstrating in support of Poplar’s rebel councillors that “Sympathy without relief [the name back then for welfare benefits] is like mustard without beef”. —- Sympathy without relief is … Read more

Don’t Mention the Pension!

Now sit up, pay attention They’re coming for our pension I’m feeling apprehension I don’t trust their intention It gives me hypertension This isn’t an invention – that’s your misapprehension Consider this dimension: For if it’s their intention to raid … Read more

Credit Where It’s Due

twenty pounds

Some people know what it is worth. Some people can now buy fresh fruit. Or keep the heating on for another hour. Some people can get a decent present for the kiddo’s birthday. Or a coat when winter comes in. … Read more

Report: TUC Disabled Workers’ Committee, 5 July 2016

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Election of co-Chair: Sean McGovern, the Disabled Workers’ representative on TUC General Council, chairs the Committee. I was re-elected unopposed as co-Chair for another year.   Action on Resolutions from Disabled Workers Conference In carrying out the decisions of the … Read more

Change Here

paula

​Based on a true incident … Paula was tired from a day out protesting Paula was on her way home, needed resting She slumped on the train and She winced against pain and She thought, “Days like this one are … Read more

Benefits Street

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Channel Five’s schedule For most every day Benefits Street cesspool  And Welfarers Way Ramsay Street Scroungers  Then Home and Away They’re idlers and loungers In old Summer Bay Then Stateside US For our afternoon treat It’s NCIS: No Current Income … Read more

Fence Sitter

hellyesimabstaininglabour

They’re cutting help to those in need –  What case to vote against? This is a tricky one indeed  I’m staying on the fence Scrap targets for child poverty? My mind is wracked with doubt Perhaps, no – maybe, probably … Read more

How to Bring Back the Hunt

First, establish in the common consciousness that they are vermin, A scourge on our civilised way of life. Point out that jobs depend on it, That the route of the hunt is the road to recovery. Explain that the years … Read more

Disabled Workers’ Action

Report from the 2013 TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference, published in Solidarity 287, 29 May 2013 This year’s TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference roundly condemned government attacks on disability rights, and pledged action against cuts in jobs and benefits. Meeting in London … Read more

Disabled People and the General Election

This article was published in Solidarity 360.   By Janine Booth, co-Chair, TUC Disabled Workers’ Committee (personal capacity) Over the last five years, the Tory-led government has targeted disabled people with cuts in benefits, closure of services, and attacks on … Read more

Once Upon a Tory Time

Despite our crusade to screw the low-paid And the jobless and sick in our midst They’re parading their crimes in our nursery rhymes And in fairy tales told to our kids We just can not pander to this vile propaganda … Read more