DEFEND COUNCIL HOUSING!

We are determined to keep council housing under democratic control and stop Salix empire-building, including the use of public money to produce biased so-called information to tenants.  Our public meetings continue with one at 1.00 pm on Tuesday 24th June at St James' Church, next to Hope Library, Eccles Old Road (note change of venue)

This is the third in a series of public meetings to bring the truth to tenants about what bad news the proposed stock transfer would be.  The ballot will now be in September / October and we urge all tenants to vote 'NO'.

DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR SAC

On 17th May despite bans and threats from the Council SAC held a Rally on the Lawn at the Civic Centre.  Over 300 people held stalls, listened to music and speeches.

On 22nd May anti cuts candidates supported by SAC achieved their best ever results in elections.  Terry Simmons came second in Little Hulton, and in Barton and Weaste & Seedley two USUC campaigners, Sue Wright and Paul Quinn, achieved votes between 400 and 500.

The 'No Cuts' message is getting louder!  Come to our next meeting on Monday 9th June at the White Swan, Worsley Road, Swinton, 7.00 pm.  Agenda will include: anti cuts rally, election results, further council cuts, our campaign against the Salix Homes stock transfer.  All welcome!

MAY DAY MARCH

Meet Monday 5th May, 12.00 pm
Bexley Square (New Oxford pub)
March to Manchester's Cathedral Gardens

PICNIC ON THE LAWN

Protest against the cuts on the last Saturday before election day
Sat. 17th May, 12.00 pm

ELECTIONS ON 22nd MAY

At a meeting on 3rd April, attended by 150 people, it was moved and agreed that SAC would support anti cuts candidates in the local elections, and several came forward on the night.  When nominations closed the following were standing as TUSC against Cuts:
Barton: Sue Wright
Broughton: Alan Metcalfe
Cadishead: Diane Cawood
Claremont: Matt Kilsby
Irwell Riverside: Graham Cooper
Little Hulton: Terry Simmons
Ordsall: Sally Griffiths
Swinton South: Steve Cullen
Weaste & Seedley: Paul Quinn

After discussions with the newly formed Reality Party, which pledges to opposes cuts and fracking, we agreed not to stand in Irlam, and we recommend support for Jackie Anderson, who has formerly stood for the Greens there.

NO TO WARD CLOSURES!

Greater Manchester West Mental Health Trust were left in no doubt about our opposition to ward closures today.  The trust HQ is still at Prestwich Hospital conveniently well away from the trust's service users.  Well, you can run but you can't hide!  As governors gathered they were met by 25 campaigners, along with banners from the UNISON health branch, United Service Users Committee and Salford against Cuts. 
Let's build for a monster demo in Eccles on Sat. 29th March!

SAVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN SALFORD

Over 40 attended a meeting at Eccles Gateway on 22nd January to launch the campaign to stop planned cuts at Meadowbrook. Activities planned include:
* committee meeting Monday 3rd Feb., Eccles Gateway, 7.00 pm
* lobby of and presentation to Salford's health scrutiny committee, Weds. 5th Feb., 1.00 pm
* full campaign meeting, Thursday 20th February, Eccles Library, 7.00 pm.  All welcome!
* lobby of GMW trust, Monday 24th February, Prestwich Hospital, 9.00 am
* demo in Eccles, Sat. 29th March!!!

Don't forget SAC AGM in between - see box on left!

NO CUTS IN 2014!

Happy New Year from Salford against Cuts!

 

Plenty to keep us busy this year!

* Defend council housing conference, Saturday 11th January, Manchester Friends Meeting House, 1.00 pm.  Help us campaign against the Salix stock transfer

* Stop fracking on Barton Moss!  Solidarity Day, Sunday 12th January, Barton Moss Road, 12.30 pm

* Next SAC meeting:  Monday 13th January, White Swan, Swinton, 7.00 pm

* Lobby Salford Council: no cuts! no permits for fracking!  Wednesday 15th January, Swinton Civic Centre, 8.30 am

 

More details soon of protests about mental health closures, including demo in Eccles in March

STOP SALIX CON-TRICKS

We are developing our campaign to stop the transfer of vital, much-needed council housing stock to Salix Homes, where tenants would have less security and there would be no democratic control.  If you want to get involved come to our special meeting on the Salix transfer at 5.30 on Weds. 4th December at the White Swan, Worsley Road, Swinton.

Our regular monthly meeting will be on Monday 16th December at the same venue, 7.00 pm.

In between these meetings on Friday 6th December we have our fund-raising gig at the Crescent pub, from 7.00 onwards.  We have some great bands, rap acts and performance poets - Trojan Horse, The Moods, Class Actions, Markus de Rawkus and many others.  Come along, help us raise cash to campaign with and have a great night!

NEXT MEETING TUESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER

In October we began to discuss our plans to oppose the sell-off of Salix Homes housing stock and we will firm up our plans in November.

We will update people on the campaign to save the Grange - with Mayor Stewart's claims in tatters and still no announcement about its future.

We will plan for our fund-raising gig at the Crescent on Friday 6th December:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1455358838022927/  
Get it in your diary now!

50 000 MARCH IN MANCHESTER

The first day of the Tory Conference saw 50 000 march in Manchester, with a 2-300 strong contingent from Salford, Bolton and Wigan rally at Bexley Square. 

The new Salford Against Cuts banner was carried on its maiden voyage, thanks to Will and Bob, ex students at Salford Uni, along with the Trades Council and Salford City UNISON banners.  Unfortunately Owen Jones was delayed and unable to speak but we heard fiery speeches from Simon Hickman (FBU), Geoff Atkinson of the victorious bakers' union at Hovis, Stephen Hall on the campaign against fracking, Roy Wilkes of the NUT in Bury and last but not least Sarah Davies, midwife and midwifery lecturer at Salford Uni on the need to save the NHS.

The demo was massive, assisted by better weather than we could reasonably expect, and left the Tories in no doubt that they are meeting increasing resistance from working people - if not yet from the TUC!

We sold 30 copies of our SAC pamphlet 'Cuts Can Be Beaten' - let's show them we mean that!

On 7th October we will discuss the Salix Homes stock transfer, the bedroom tax, and the Grange.  Be there!

MARCH FOR THE NHS!

At last the trade union leaders have got around to organising a national demo for the NHS - better late than never!  March starts 11.00 am from Liverpool Road (near Museum of Science and Industry) on:
SUNDAY, 29th SEPTEMBER
and the march will rally at Whitworth Park.
There will be a rally with Owen Jones speaking, followed by a Salford feeder march to Liverpool Road.  Assemble 10.30 am, Bexley Square.

Other news: we have produced a short pamphlet detailing the successful campaign by mental health service users.  It is called 'Cuts Can Be Beaten! - how mental health service users took on Salford Council - and won' and costs £1 (or £2 solidarity).  All profits to SAC.  Buy from UNISON office in Swinton or contact Paul Gerrard on 07999 951869 or pgerrard2001@yahoo.co.uk.

THE GRANGE / BEDROOM TAX DEMO

The Grange: we had a good protest at the full council on 17th July and campaigners asked questions which didn't get a proper answer - see Salford Star for report http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1879 .  We are pleased that two of the campaigners came to our July meeting on 22nd and we are committed to giving them all the support we can. 

Bedroom Tax Demo: following last Saturday's conference there is now a Greater Manchester Anti Bedroom Tax Federation and it's first act is a march to the courts this Saturday.  Meet at Cathedral Gardens (NOT Piccadilly Gardens - new route) at 1.00 pm, Sat. 27th July.  Bring banners / placards!

DON'T SHUT THE GRANGE!

Support parents and young users of the Grange, as they protest this Wednesday 17th July at the Civic Centre, from 8.30 am.

Salford against Cuts gives them our full support.  Yet again Labour's promises to 'protect the most vulnerable' turn to dust.  John Merry admits 'of course it's unfair!'

See Salford Star http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1871

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES - PARTIAL VICTORY!

At last week's meeting Steve Cullen of USUC announced a partial victory for mental health services campaigners.  The council has acknowledged the need for drop-ins and group sessions, and has made a suitable building available.  This is a tribute to the amazing determination of USUC campaigners, who have left no stone unturned in this battle. 

However, the battle continues - this time it is to prevent the privatisation of the support workers' service.  USUC campaigners have pledged to support UNISON in the keeping the service in-house.

USUC PARTIAL VICTORY

At last week's meeting USUC mental health service users announced a partial victory in their battle to retain drop-ins and group sessions.  The council has acknowledged the need for these services and is making a suitable building available.  This is a tribute to the terrific determination of USUC campaigners. However the battle continues - this time, to prevent the privatisation of the support workers.  USUC campaigners have pledged to support UNISON in this battle.

NO TO THE BEDROOM TAX!

As the first bedroom tax suicide hits the headlines Salford against Cuts plans a major new initiative to inform people of their rights in relation to the bedroom tax and help them fight it - more details soon.

With three active local anti bedroom tax groups in Salford and more in the offing we are supporting the demonstration to be held on Saturday 1st June, 1.00 pm at Piccadilly Gardens.  We call on all to join with us there.

Fight back - together we can defeat this tax!

DON`T PRIVATISE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

 

6pm Tuesday 7th May. Buile Hill Conference Centre.

Buile Hill Park, Eccles Old Road, Salford. M6 8GL

Speakers; Karen Reissmann, Sheila Coleman and Kevin Bennett.

BEDROOM TAX? NO WAY!

The anti bedroom tax movement is getting up steam:

Little Hulton & Walkden had a protest at City West offices on Thursday 25th April - see Salford Star http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1793. 

City West didn't have any answers for us so we are meeting them again on Wednesday 1st May at their Little Hulton office, 1.00 pm, and we are meeting the evening before Tuesday 30th April at the New Albion, Manchester Road East.

Ordsall had a great first meeting with 60 people present.  They are meeting again in a fortnight to elect a committee and are considering protest at Salix Homes.  See Salford Star http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1794

Anyone opposed to the bedroom tax is invited to join us on the MAYDAY MARCH from Salford to Manchester on Saturday 4th May (see box on right hand side).  Assemble Bexley Square 10.00 am.  Bring banners and placards!!!

BEDROOM TAX? NO WAY!

The movement against the bedroom tax is steaming ahead:

Little Hulton & Walkden held a protest on Thursday 25th April - see Salford Star http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1793

City West didn't have any answers for us so we will meet them again on Wednesday 1st May, 1.00 pm at their offices on the Little Hulton precinct, and we meet the night before - Tuesday 30th April, 7.30, at the New Albion on Manchester Road to plan for that.

Ordsall got off to a great start with 60 at their meeting last Thursday, and a decision to meet again in a fortnight and elect a committee, with a view to a protest at Salix Homes.  See Salford Star http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=1794

EVERYONE WHO'S AGAINST THE BEDROOM TAX IS INVITED TO JOIN US ON THE MAYDAY MARCH FROM SALFORD TO MANCHESTER, SATURDAY 4th MAY, ASSEMBLE BEXLEY SQUARE 10.00 am.  BRING BANNERS AND PLACARDS!

MARCH AGAINST THE BEDROOM TAX! SAT. 20th APRIL

Join the protest this Saturday, assemble Mocha Parade, Lower Broughton, at 1.00 pm, Saturday 20th April, march into Manchester to join up with the Manchester demo at Albert Square.

Ordsall against the Bedroom Tax meets Royal British Legion, Thursday 25th April, 7.00 pm

Little Hulton anti bedroom protest at City West office, Little Hulton District Centre, Thursday 25th April, 2.00 pm

MEETINGS AGAINST THE BEDROOM TAX

Manchester has seen two demonstrations against the bedroom tax in the last month, now it's kicking off in Salford:

BROUGHTON AGAINST THE BEDROOM TAX
Monday 8th April, 6.00 pm
Humphrey Booth Centre, Heath Avenue, Broughton

LITTLE HULTON AGAINST THE BEDROOM TAX
Tuesday 16th April, 7.30 pm
The Albion, Manchester Road, Little Hulton

Salford against Cuts will be discussing plans for a demo in Salford at its meeting on Monday 15th April, 7.00 pm, White Swan, Worsley Road, Swinton.  Come along and help us plan for it.