62. Workers’ rights during coronavirus

How can workers look after their interests in the pandemic? Schools in Britain are part-closing, workers in almost every sector are being sent home with or without pay, and there are shortages of equipment for safe and hygienic working everywhere. The day after we recorded this podcast on 19 March 2020, the government was due to announce plans to support workers. But whatever is promised, the track record so far is that workers everywhere are pulling out all the stops to fight the pandemic - while big businesses and their politicians only seem interested in their bottom lines. What should workers demand to solve these problems? Was the Trade Union Congress right to declare a ‘national unity’ truce with the employers and the government? And how can workers make sure their interests are looked after in this period, whether or not they’re in a union? This episode of Socialism looks at the Covid-19 pandemic: workers’ rights during coronavirus. The coronavirus pandemic is a rapidly escalating global crisis affecting every part of the capitalist system. As well as following this weekly podcast, you should check the Socialist Party’s website, socialistparty.org.uk, and our Facebook page, for regular statements on working-class demands, socialist analysis, and reports from the frontline. Further reading National Shop Stewards Network Facebook group (open soon): https://www.facebook.com/groups/332519048044 Latest issue of the Socialist including more coverage on coronavirus: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1078 Socialist Party Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CWISocialistParty Coronavirus latest on the Socialist Party website: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/keyword/Health_and_welfare/Coronavirus,filter