Scottish Communists

Unite leader Len McCluskey launched a stinging attack today against the rich and powerful who spent the weekend attacking public-sector workers ahead of Wednesday's mass walkout.

In a matter of hours millions will join a one-day strike over government plans for big wage cuts to fund lower pension payouts.

And Mr McCluskey accused ministers of making the strikers scapegoats for an economic crisis of "epic proportions."

"Fear stalks the global markets, and yet our political leaders seem incapable of steering a course out of the despair," he writes in the Morning Star.

"At home, our government offers no hope to the millions on the dole.

"Calls from the sensible majority to rein in economic sadism and instead grow the economy go unheeded, while inhuman ideas like slashing benefits and access to employment tribunals take hold."

The Unite general secretary said of Wednesday's strike: "It may be about protecting the pensions of our members against the Osborne onslaught, but just as importantly it is about standing up for an alternative policy, an alternative society."

And he leapt to the defence of the trade unionists subjected to increasingly hysterical propaganda that echoed the tactics of past governments.

McCluskey said: "In the 1970s such crises were blamed wrongly on overpowerful trade unions.

"Today no-one can deny that it is unregulated, untamed capitalism to blame."

The Unite leader hit out as the government tried desperately to maintain the impression that it remained in control.

Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander claimed that striking unions were turning their backs on a "pretty good deal."

He issued veiled threats that a supposed compromise offer would be withdrawn.

It attempted to split older workers from their younger colleagues by offering them exemption from some of the changes, but it did not address the concerns of those facing doubled contributions, cut-price pensions and a higher retirement age.

Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude again threatened to clamp down on workers' rights if the walkout goes ahead.

But PCS union general secretary Mark Serwotka retorted: "The latest threats about further curbs on strike laws and offers being withdrawn follow ridiculous claims earlier this week that the strike could cost £500 million and put jobs at risk.

"The Cabinet Office Minister talks about a perverse incentive to strike, but what is perverse is that ministers are planning to raid public-sector pensions to pay for a deficit caused by the greed and recklessness of wealthy bankers.

"Such erratic behaviour and wild allegations are becoming increasingly frequent from ministers who claim negotiations are ongoing even though they say they've made their final offer."

Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls also entered the fray today, telling a newspaper: "I have huge sympathy with them."

http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/112473