The Left Women’s Network inaugural conference was today. Speakers included Katy Clark MP, Amrit Wilson, Clara Osagiede, Veronica Killen, Kate Ahrens and from the LRC Christine Shawcroft, Marsha Jane Thompson and Mary Partington.
We discussed the attacks on abortion time limits in regards to the HFE Bill and now that it won’t be debated again until October. And what campaigning we can do as feminist activists especially as the debate is now in terms of viability and we need to shift that debate back to the issue of choice and women controling their own bodies.
For 40 years we have been arguing that at the core of abortion rights is choice and nothing has changed nor has the argument.Amrit Wilson spoke about domestic violence and race such as the lack of provision for women escaping violence. She said we need to look at the overall ideology of NL such as cuts in services, privatisation, globalisation, neo-liberalism and the war on terror. The discussion revolved around provision and the continued marketisation of the welfare state. From the lack of sexual health provision to the lack of midwives.
Clara Osagiede (RMTCleaning Grade Secretary) spoke about the cleaners strike. Around 80% of the cleaners on the underground are women and migrants. The experience of these workers included sexual harassment and rape. Women workers threatened by management with deportation if they spoke about these attacks. The hall of shame of these private contractors are ISS, ITS, ICS and GBM. Ten workers were put into detention cos of their immigration status recently so it is not an idle threat.
What these workers are demanding is a living wage of at least £7.20, 28 days holiday, sick pay, decent pensions, ending third party sackings and travel facilities. On the 16th July (incidentally the day Unison LG workers are on strike) there will be a demo outside City Hall from 9:30am as it is question time for Mayor Johnson. These cleaners face bullying, intimidation, harassment, exploitation and the use of the racist immigration laws to silence them. It is our duty as socialist feminists to show our support and solidarity.
The other sessions included discussions on unions organising around equal pay, the impending Equality Bill, Unison LG strike, and the women’s charter, where Unite, Aslef, CWU, FBU, NUJ, PCS, POA, RMT, UCU, Unison have all signed up for.
Overall it was a positive and informal day, it has such a relaxed atmosphere as it was good to debate ideas and engage with other women. Hopefully this day can act as a springboard for further meetings and campaigning. Viva sisterhood and socialist feminism.
Posted by harpymarx 
