90th Anniversary of the General Strike

Ninety years ago today, millions of workers were taking part in the General Strike to defend the miners from a brutal Tory government. PCS National Vice-President John McInally celebrates the 1926 General Strike and declares that leadership now as then is critical. In 1926, the Daily Mail accurately described the general strike as a "revolutionary move" but with the purpose of frightening the Labour Party and union leaders, which it did.

Jeremy Hunt’s imposition of unacceptable contracts on junior doctors is a key stage in privatising our National Health Service. The PCS along with the Fire Brigades Union called on the TUC general council to call a day of action in support of the junior doctors. The TUC must, as a matter of priority, reconsider their decision not to support this call.

"The real lesson of the general strike," John concluded, "is not that we can’t win but with determined leadership, workers can secure priceless victories."

Tony Mulhearn