The Government Started This - We'll Finish It!

Workers in Dublin bus rejected the Labour Relation Commissions proposals on Thursday 19th March. They are now planning an all out strike from March 30th. This article firstly deals with the background to the current standoff in Dublin Bus, then examines the initial proposed 'cost effectiveness plans' issued by Dublin bus management on the 16th January 2009, subsequently it will review the LRC proposal and conclude with some reflections on how the situation will unfold over the coming months. It is based upon detailed discussions with a driver with who has been working for Dublin Bus for 35 years.

1. Introduction: The problem began with the government

Dublin Bus is a semi-state private company which is legally mandated to be run on a commercial basis. It is not a state company and whilst it provides a public service, drivers are now de facto private workers. For example, drivers were not affected by the recent pension levy. Pensions differ within Dublin Bus but generally they are akin to private sector pensions defined by contribution. Some are defined by benefit. Drivers tend to view themselves as public workers even though in principle they are private workers. Dublin bus because of its commercial basis cannot run at a loss. So, whilst it makes rational sense for a public service providing transport to a population of 1.5 million people to run at a loss, it can only do so if it covered by a state subsidy. Dublin bus is the lowest subsidised 'public transport service' in the EU.

Related Links: List of bus routes affected by cut backs | Vote in the Irish Times poll in support of the Bus Drivers Strike | Video of Dublin Bus Workers protest on Feb 11 | Support Industrial Action by the Bus Workers by WSM | Bus workers ballot for strike action | Support the workers against the bullying bosses at Dublin Bus | Dublin Bus Drivers Victimised for Joining Union and Organising | Privatisation – the rip-off of public resources

There: Snow Business; like Snow Business

Last night at the Lab on Foley Street there was a good turn out of artists, political activists and interested individuals for a discussion around the notion of amateurism.

It was billed that “four artists and designers would describe their various relationships to 'Amateurism' - DIY art and technology production, designing with found materials, and design in the developing world”.

Who/What is Tactic?

Tactic is a cross national laboratory for tactical art making: Investigation, intervention, discovery, testing and application. It is a space for artists and activists to meet, inform each others practice, develop projects and engage a public.

The website: Tactic

Confrontation at Mountjoy

This evening (Wed 11th March), after the news of the 30 day sentence imposed on 55 year old Shell to Sea protester Maura Harrington filtered through, supporters converged on the gates of Mountjoy prison. By the time the van carrying Maura came into view over 30 supporters were waiting at the prison gates, matched by a similar number of Gardai.

Latest Stories About This:

Maura Harrington to be taken to Mountjoy Jail for 28 Days
* "Veteran Shell to Sea Campaigner, Maura Harrington has just been sentenced to 28 days imprisonement in Mountjoy"
Report on day in court which led to Maura Harrington's Jailing
* "Yesterday evening Shell to Sea spokesperson Maura Harrington was sentenced to 28 days in prison in relation to an assault charge arising from the incident at Pollathomais Pier on the 11th June 2007."
Political Policing sees Maura Harrington jailed for 28 days
* "This evening at Belmullet court Shell to Sea spokesperson Maura Harrington was sentenced to 28 days in prison in relation to an assault at Pollathomais Pier on the 11th June 2007."

Send Messages of Solidarity
Maura Harrington
Dochas Centre
Mountjoy Prison
N Circular Road
Dublin 7

Towards a New Economic Narrative

The Right are having a field day in the economic debate. It's time progressives take to the pitch. In 'Towards A New Economic Narrative', Michael Taft of Notes on the Front outlines a ten point programme to kickstart an alternative debate. It includes: Borrow 'Till We Drop * Tax Lay-About Capital, Not Work * Public Safety Committees * Spread It Around * Competition This! * Go On a (Social) Binge * A New Green Deal * Money's Too Tight To Mention * The Enterprise Guarantee * Reinventing Public Economic Activity

A (very basic) Summary of the "Narrative"

* Overcoming the fiscal trap by borrowing, taxing capital assets and opening up the Pension Reserve Fund to infrastructural and enterprise investment
* Increasing demand and consumption through a new pay deal, extension of welfare benefits, anti-inflation measures
* Putting our enterprise base on a new footing through a new Green deal, opening up new investment streams, an Enterprise Guarantee and new models of public economic activity.

This is not the last word. It's the first of many words. But one thing is certain: the Left must become audacious and present a bold economic package to people. It we don't, the Right will continue to drive the debate, the Left will become marginalised and the economy will continue its ever downward sprial.

Back to the Future?

An anarchist response to the attack on the British Army Barracks in Antrim

The armed and indiscriminate attack on the Massereene British Army barracks in Antrim on Saturday night is futile and counter-productive which only serves to strengthen the status-quo.

The attack has left two off duty soldiers dead, Mark Quinsey, 23, and Patrick Azimkar, 21 as well as four others injured including two pizza delivery workers.

Related Links:
Trade Unions organise Silent Protest
Original publication from Oz entitled You can't blow up a social relationship
A few thoughts on these events in the North from the Cedar Lounge
Someone from Ogra argues that A corner has been turned...