Dear Brother/Sister
The FBU, like other trade unions, is involved in the debate on austerity and the case for an alternative. The austerity policies of the coalition government provide the background to all the major attacks we currently face; on pay; on pensions; on jobs; and on the very service we provide. They claim that the cuts agenda arises from the long-running economic crisis which has followed the international banking crisis after 2008. These policies have already meant that living standards have fallen by an average of more than 13% in the UK over the past four years.
As well as campaigning to defend our jobs and conditions we are part of a wider movement arguing for an alternative to endless cuts and attacks on working people. As part of the debate around these issues we are publishing the enclosed pamphlet which looks at the role of the banks in sparking the crisis and puts the case for democratic public ownership.
This approach could be a part of a broader programme to tackle the crisis while defending working people. A motion on these issues was successfully moved by the FBU at the recent Congress of the TUC. It is circulated as part of this debate in the FBU and beyond.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
Matt Wrack
General Secretary
2012HOC0633MW
Circular ref
2012HOC0633MW
