Simon Wells reports on the rally in support of striking Tower Hamlets College workers

At Tower Hamlets College in East London, for over a three weeks now, 250 members of staff have been on indefinite strike. The strike is against education cuts at the college affecting places for people who want to study ESOL (English for speakers of other languages). As well as over 1000 places on ESOL being cut, there are also compulsory redundancy threats to 13 staff and the potential for voluntary redundancy to 40 members of staff.

On 12 September a rally was held at out at Altab Ali Park in East London where approximately 500 people attended. There was support from the UCU union, the Alliance for Workers Liberty, Militant, Socialist Party, Socialist Workers Party, the Commune group and the Anarchist Federation. There were also activists raising funds for the strike.

The speakers thanked the people for the turnout, attacked the hypocrisy of the Labour government and the principal of Tower Hamlets College, Michael Farley, they also announced the amounts they had raised from collections at their workplaces, including donations of £1,000. According to Facebook  £17,000 has been raised. The speakers also emphasised that this was a crucial struggle which could lead the way in other colleges which were facing or with the potential to face cuts. They also said that if money can be found to fund wars and to bail out the bankers then why not education? One speaker said that it was inevitable given the current economic crisis that areas such as East London would be neglected and rundown but that it was an opportunity for the community to come together. Furthermore the values that had and will continue to be shown, were those of togetherness and solidarity compared to the money grabbing values of the city and the banks. Although everyone likes money to survive, this strike is not at all what this is about. A Tory councillor was given an opportunity to speak, he had put in a motion to the council meeting opposing the cuts. He said that the motion had been supported by the Tories, Liberal Democrats and the Respect councillors. Although this was defeated at the last meeting, another one would be put forward to the next council meeting. And he urged people to lobby their local Labour councillors to support it.

The atmosphere at the rally was good and festive, spirits were high and this reflected the speakers who voiced their support and determination to continue to help the strike for as long as is necessary to achieve a positive outcome.

How you can support the strike:

Donate Money:

Make a direct bank transfer to:
The Cooperative Bank
Sort Code: 08 92 99
Account Number: 65252262

Send cheques payable to “UCU Arbour Square” to
UCU Tower Hamlets College
c/o LARC 62 Fieldgate Street London E1 1ES

For background and updates:
http://defendjobsandeducation.posterous.com/
Facebook: Tower Hamlets Stop the Cuts