Exeter retail workers back Robbie Segal for USDAW President

On Thursday the 15th, Exeter Socialist Students took to the high street, not to take advantage of the recession bargains, but to campaign on behalf of Robbie Segal, Socialist Party activist and USDAW presidential candidate. Robbie’s campaign follows her recent bid for general secretary of the union, where she won 40% of the vote, despite a fierce counter-campaign led by the union’s pro-New Labour right wing.

Her latest campaign for president carries with it the task of reclaiming the retail worker’s union and making a genuine stand for their wages and conditions, increasingly under threat as the recession bites. Supermarket workers in particular have long been unrepresented, as union bureaucrats back non-strike agreements, and managers try to keep any dispute ‘in house’. The recent collapse of Woolworth’s is testament to the need for a militant leadership that can stem the tide of redundancies among vulnerable young workers, already on the pitiful youth rate, and their seigniors who are often supplementing family income in the face of savage living expenses.

Mixed responses were received from members of staff. Generally, younger workers were impressed to hear that a fighting alternative existed, but as expected many knew very little about trade unionism. This illustrates the impact that ‘casual labour’ has had on the spirit of young workers, who are now most at risk of loosing their jobs. What was also striking was the genuine fear among staff in certain workplaces, where unionizing clearly had tight restrictions. This was the case in both Boots and M&S. On the whole however, our patient and open approach was well received by shop floor staff, and impressed the few shop stewards available for discussion.

Exeter Socialist Students is presently building for a public meeting on the topic of unemployment. This is linked to the recently launched Youth Fight For Jobs campaign, which is now taking priority.

Report by RE, Exeter Socialist Party and Socialist Students

Exeter's Palestine Solidarity Protest Is A Success

Following our two successful interventions on January 3^rd and 10^th, Exeter Socialist Party and Exeter Socialist Students joined probably the biggest protest Exeter city has seen in years, organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Stop the War Coalition to condemn the slaughter in Gaza.

Estimates range from 700 to 1,000 demonstrators of various groups, from Christian Aid to Exeter’s very own masked anarchist bloc! Starting on Sidwell Street, the protest marched through Saturday’s busy high street and cathedral green, and concluded with a rally in Southern Hay Gardens. Socialist Party placards saturated the crowd, and CWI flags were held at the head of the procession.

While only 11 papers were sold at the event, we gained significant exposure and demonstrated effective organization, while providing a clear and relevant case for the socialist alternative to war, terror and exploitation. Many who signed our petitions also requested more information about the party. We hope to receive further contacts via our website. The demonstrations that have swept the country over the past weeks, even in regions as characteristically inactive as Exeter, are a sign of increasing awareness and of struggles to come. We are in no doubt that the spirit for change is growing.

Report by RE of Exeter Socialist Party

Devon Socialists: Pro-choice - Anti-Widdecombe!

Article by RE, a member of the Socialist Party, president of Exeter University Socialist Students and leading campaigner against the privatisation of the family centre at the University.

Exeter Socialist Students was this Saturday Anne Widdecombe's worst headache, as a contingent armed with placards descended upon Exeter Corn Exchange, where the Tory reactionary was planned to speak.

Widdecombe, a staunch advocate of 'pro-life', was to perform one of her anecdotal stand ups for Exeter's Tory community. As her audience arrived, many who were unaware of Widdecombe's anti-choice position admitted they were now hesitant about crossing our picket. Having not paid the £14 per head entry fee the contingent instead interrupted Widdecombe's opening piece with chants demanding free choice, the nationalisation of family care and for secular politics. The contingent then took to the street, receiving support from passing motorists and punters as it marched. At 10pm, we returned to the picket where we prepared for the audience's departure. As the front doors opened the chants recommenced. Our point sufficiently made, we turned our sights on the performer herself, who's chauffeured Mercedes was parked at the back doors. Keeping our distance from security guards, the contingent organised at the car park exit. As Widdecombe emerged we struck up our chant. Clearly shaken by our presence, her driver made for a swift getaway, avoiding our lines by breaking a one way system. In response, the contingent chased the fleeing reactionary on foot, leaving her with the distinct impression that her reactionary trash is unwelcome in our city.

Socialist Students believes that it is a woman's right to choose when or whether to have children, not that of the church or individual doctors. 76 per cent of the UK population are pro-choice, yet a quarter of women having abortions in England and Wales have to pay for them, as there are no public funds available specifically to help poorer women in these circumstances. The fight for abortion rights is the same fight for woman's emancipation, hence the same fight for free child care, for free contraception and contraceptive education, for quality council housing programmes and a democratically controlled National Health Service. When students and workers organise, these basic rights and measures can be fought for and can be won. A socialist world is possible.

Below are some photos of the picket: