Marxist. Trade Unionist. Socialist-feminist. Author. Poet. Speaker. Tutor. RMT ex-Exec. Workers' Liberty. Autie. Bi. PUFC fan.
We need them. The right wing attacks them.
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 like mustard without beef
or lettuce without leaf
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.
Some people don't always have to make an excuse
when their mate invites them out.
Statement by the TUC Disabled Workers' Committee to TUC Disabled Workers' Conference, 18 May 2017:
There will be a general election on Thursday 8 June. Whatever the circumstances under which it was called, it is an opportunity for voters to either reaffirm or change the government.
pic: Committee co-Chairs, Sean McGovern and Janine Booth
Campaigning
We have set up campaign working groups to get more work done on key issues:
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
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 testing"
by Janine Booth, co-Chair, TUC Disabled Workers’ Committee
For several years, disability rights has seemed the most intractable of issues to fight on.
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 Street
Lights, Camera, Sanctions
A click of a mouse
Audience reactions
From the Big Benefits house
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 -
I'm sitting this one out
