BACKING THE PEOPLE’S CHARTER

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: september 2009 :: RMTnews 20 Since its spring launch the People’s Charter for Change has given people the chance to reconnect with politics by offering realistic and attractive alternatives to those being peddled by the mainstream parties. The Charter’s principles are firmly geared towards the needs of ordinary people, not those of big business and the wealthy. The party political and media debate is relentlessly focused upon which public services should be cut, how much wages should be restrained and how public sector pensions can be cut back. The Charter sets out to undermine that consensus, and to offer people an alternative, positive vision. Countless billions of our money has been used to bail out the banks and other failed financial institutions, and to maintain bankers’ obscene bonuses. Ever more public money is channelled to multinationals, many of which pay little or no tax, through failed privatisation and Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) schemes that now require public subsidies. Although we effectively own a large section of the banking industry we have no control over investment strategy, bankers’ bonuses or mortgages. Hundreds of thousands face unemployment, and ever-increasing numbers are threatened with eviction from their homes. The Charter demands public control of the banks, along with energy, water and transport, ensuring that there is investment in these services instead of money being creamed off to corporate shareholders. It also calls for a fairer tax system, with the wealthy and big business paying their way, investment not cuts in public services, the creation of millions of new homes, and sustainable jobs with decent wages. The Charter is currently supported by 18 trade unions, and also has the support of 33 MPs through a motion sponsored by John McDonnell MP. RMT, one of the of the founding organisations, has submitted a motion to September’s Trades Union Congress seeking unequivocal TUC backing for the Charter. Charter meetings have taken place, and are taking place up, and down the country, and the first national Charter event will take place this autumn in London. The event at the Camden Centre on November 21 is open to all Charter supporters. Trades unionists and community activists are particularly welcome. We aim to sign up a million people in the run-up to next year’s General Election. You can help by signing up to the Charter at www.thepeoplescharter.com, getting your friends, family and colleagues to do the same, and by attending the Charter event. BACKING THE PEOPLE’S CHARTER People’s Charter Campaigns Co-Director John Mulrenan outlines why RMT members should sign up