Workers Solidarity Movement

January 2016 and once more thousands of people across Ireland take to the streets to protest against the introduction of the water charges. Our footage is from the Dublin demonstration but similar demonstrations happened in most of the major towns and cities.

Numbers were down considerably on previous protests, particularly in Dublin but this is because a general election is imminent, its expected the date of the election will be released any day. Parliamentary elections like the one coming up in Ireland are set up to cause division and rivalry between groups that in fact have very similar policies, its a consequence of a system of decision making that tries to force us to choose between various leaders, self-proclaimed or otherwise.

Monday saw an eviction without court order in Dublin involving Garda and private security / builders at Villa Park, Dublin 7.  The house had been left abandoned for at least two years according to  neighbours before being brought back into use last October by people who needed a home.  One of them told us that it was a “Beautiful house that was to be demolished in order to make a new route to warehouse / bakery behind it but neighbours objected and planning permission was refused.  The person claiming ownership seemed to be very wealthy and is listed as a director of over 28 companies.”

A 21 year old women in Co Down has been charged with 'using a poison to procure her own abortion', that is using the Mifepristone and Misoprostol pills which are legal across most of the EU but illegal in Ireland, north and south. Under the 1861 act in the north she faces life in prison if convicted, in the south under the legislation recently introduced by the Labour Party and Fine Gael she would face 14 years in prison.

Somewhere in the region of 70 people attended an emergency protest yesterday outside Belfast City Hall.

Those present were protesting in favour of free, safe and legal abortion on demand, as early as possible, as late as necessary.

The Belfast High Court has ruled that the North's abortion ban is in breach of Human Rights Law.

This is the judgment on the case brought forward by the Human Rights Commission to allow for abortion in the cases of rape, incest and fatal foetal abnormalities.

You've probably heard the slogan "Pro-Life that's a lie, you don't care if women die!" at pro-choice rallies or protests. Today the reality of that slogan is once again ringing true.

At around about noon yesterday a 57-year-old white man, known as Robert Lewis Dear, attacked a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado in the U.S. Three are dead and nine are injured as a result of the terrorist shooting.

It's no secret that Stormont has gone into one of its regular crises.

A few months ago they were arguing over Welfare Reform, then Kevin McGuigan was shot dead and they were then arguing about whether or not the IRA still existed (great timing for Robinson as the NAMA scandal was just being brought to light).

Somewhere in the region of 70 people attended an emergency pro-choice protest outside Belfast City Hall December 1st. Those present were protesting in favour of free, safe and legal abortion on demand, as early as possible, as late as necessary.

November 19th marks the 100th anniversary of the execution of activist and labour organiser Joe Hill by the hands of the state.

A Swedish immigrant, a songwriter, Joe Hill was a worker and a member of the Industrial Workers of the World, the Wobblies. He was a prolific songwriter for his union, which contributed to the IWW’s growth in the early 20th century.
 

Bombardier reported a profit of $125 million last quarter yet our media is telling us that the Company is in a serious financial crisis and that significant changes will have to be made to the workforce as a result.