Workers Solidarity Movement

Anarchists believe in equality between all people regardless of where their ancestors may be from, what colour their skin is, or where they were born, as we are all immigrants in one way or the other. Racism is often used by bosses as a tool in dividing the working class and weakening class unity, collective action and class struggle, because this threatens their privilege and authority.

In early December classroom assistants in the North returned to work after a series of strike actions which had gone on since September. This action by the classroom assistants showed in stark form the two faces of the trade union movement.

The following is a brief statement of principles for Belfast Anarchist Black Cross, a prisoner support group founded earlier this year.

While Martin McGuinness was flying off to ‘sell’ the North to American investors with promises of low corporation tax, we are in the midst of wee bit of class war with classroom assistants and posties taking action to defend their interests against ‘the new era’ of the bosses. In the meantime, water charges are still coming through the backdoor by being added to our council rates despite the politicians’ promises made at the last election.

Wednesday September 26th, 2007

To mark the first day of sustained industrial action. classroom assistants - who are members of the Northern Ireland Public Service Aliance - are holding a march and Rally in Belfast.

12.30 assemble Writers Square, Donegall Street (facing St Anne's cathedral)
1.00 March to Custom House Square
1.30 Rally

After many years of management stalling, Classroom Assistants have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in the fight for against a pay cut and for fairer job evaluation.

Support from other Trade Unionists, parents & members of the public would be very much appreciated.

In 1907 Belfast saw the first big battle between the working and employing classes in Ireland. The dockers' and carters' strike was the spark which lit a fire of working class militancy. Workers were flexing their muscle, Catholic and Protestant were uniting, 'Larkinism' was giving the bosses nightmares. Even the police got caught up in the new mood and mutinied.

Belfast Anarchist Bookfair
12 - 6 pm
Saturday 1st September.
at the Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre
45/47 Donegall Street
Hosted by Just Books Collective and Organise!

A benefit gig for anti war protesters is being held in the Roddy McCorley Club, West Belfast on Saturday 16th June.

Published every four weeks by the Belfast Anarchist Collective. This issue included a four page supplement 'Gaining Ground" 'produced independently by Anarcha-feminists'

The No6 edition of the British "Anarchy" magazine published in 1970 was largely given over to articles written by members of 'Peoples Democracy'. This article gives a PD view of the history of the north from 1960 to 1970 including the formation of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) and the origins of People's Democracy.