Economist Richard Murphy says Boris Johnson’s argument that work is the way out of the cost-of-living crisis is flawed, due to ongoing government policy creating an abundance of ‘shit jobs’.
Arriva bus drivers vote for strike action as talks collapse
Arriva bus drivers in Greater Manchester are set to go on an all out continuous strike from 30 October, following a vote by Arriva North West drivers with 87% in favour of strike action.
Covid hit disabled people hardest in the North
The disproportionate impact of the pandemic on disabled people in England is documented in a report by Manchester’s IPPR North think tank, who call on the government to ‘provide fair access to opportunity for everyone.’
‘Justice gap’ is widening due to legal aid cuts and Covid induced deprivation
The ‘justice gap’ is the increasing divide between people who can and cannot afford to pay for legal representation, due to legal aid cuts. With deprivation increasing due to Covid more people face losing their jobs and homes, due to lack of legal counsel.
Greater Manchester Law Centre campaign volunteer Hoejong Jeong explains the legal barriers raised by the state and the pandemic.
Dozens of library jobs at risk in University of Manchester shakeup
The John Rylands Library, a grade I listed neo-gothic landmark and one of Manchester’s most distinctive buildings, is one of many university libraries quietly undergoing a murky cost-cutting restructure which staff fear may cause lay-offs, and exclude families and young children in the pursuit of research funding.
Manchester bus drivers win fire and rehire battle with Go North West
The deal agreed between Unite and Go North West contains several key victories for the drivers, including a pledge from both Go North West and its parent company Go Ahead Group not to use fire and rehire tactics in future.
Community and the carnivalesque – thoughts on the Manchester bus driver picket line
The picket line outside Queens Road Depot exhibits camaraderie, community and the carnivalesque. Solidarity is undoubtedly strong in the communities supporting the bus drivers in their ‘fire and rehire’ industrial dispute with Go North West.
‘Stay strong, stay determined and stay out on strike’ – activists turn out for Manchester’s bus drivers
Activists attended the picket lines at Queens Road Depot in north Manchester to show solidarity with Go North West bus drivers, as Unite the Union announced new leverage campaign aimed at increasing pressure on Go Ahead Group to return to the negotiating table.
Burnham brands ‘fire and rehire’ practices ‘industrial blackmail’
Andy Burnham met Go North West bosses last week to discuss service disruption.
While careful to distinguish the industrial dispute between GNW and its drivers from other instances of ‘fire and rehire’ practices, the mayor says issuing Section 188 notices to renegotiate workers’ employment contracts is tantamount to ‘industrial blackmail’.
‘Fire and rehire’ plans by Go North West force bus drivers into strike action
Bus drivers in Manchester employed by Go North West voted 82% in favour of taking industrial action against the bus company for its ‘fire and rehire’ practices, on a 77% turnout.
Unite, represents the drivers, stressed there was still time for Go North West bosses to return to the negotiating table.