400,000 join M10 pensions strike.

Over 400,000 public sector workers from the PCS, UNITE, RMT, UCU and NUT Trade Unions joined a 24 hour strike on May 10th over government cuts to pensions.

In London pickets were well attended with some strikers marching from St Thomas’s hospital to a rally in Westminster Central Hall addressed by Union leaders. Photos by Guy Smallman


Disastrous day in Brighton for EDL racists.

On Sunday the racist English Defence League were humiliated in Brighton on their annual ‘March for England’. Their numbers were considerably down on previous years with less than 100 EDL/MFE supporters gathering at the train station.

Meanwhile nearly 1,000 counter demonstrators mobilised by Brighton Anti Fascists and the UAF lined the route of the march from the station. The Police whom had clearly underestimated the opposition to the event quickly lost control of the situation as antifascists blocked the road. The planned route was abandoned and the racists were taken down a shortcut to their rally point only to be faced with more barricades and harassment from activists. It took nearly  two hours for them to get to the end of their march where they remained surrounded and heckled by angry local people.


Athens ALANYA motorway toll action

Members of the Solidarity, Disobedience and Resistance movement (ALANYA) carry out an action at the hated Athens motorway toll. The toll was introduced to pay for the road. The activists argued that the toll was illegal as the road had been paid for many times over. So they regularly close several lanes and then wave traffic through the remaining open ones without paying. The actions usually go unchallenged by the authorities and are extremely popular with motorists.

Photos by Guy Smallman


Greek health workers on strike & on the streets

Today staff from several Athens Hospitals walked out over cuts to services and their wages. A march was held through Athens while doctors protested outside the health ministry. Riot police protected the offices of the finance ministry near the start of the march. The building has been occupied by angry workers on several previous occasions. The dispute has been running for over a month with regular action by staff ranging from senior doctors to hospital cleaners.

Photos by Guy Smallman


The occupied TV channel

ALTER TV was until recently a respected channel specialising in news and current affairs. Staff have not been paid for a year and went into occupation from last November to prevent millionaire owner Andreas Kouris from asset stripping the redundant offices and studios. They survive off food donated by local people and businesses and also a small amount of money from their trade union. They briefly illegally broadcasted workers news and views until the Greek government shut down their transmitter. Full story coming soon from REEL NEWS.

Photos by Guy Smallman


Athens Seamens strike

On Monday (19-3-12) Athens Seafarers union walked out over further cuts to their pensions. The strike was 100% solid with morning picket lines well supported. During the action a car deliberately drove off the waterfront into the sea killing the driver. It later turned out to be a suicide. Local radio reported that a small business owner killed himself to avoid his debts being thrust upon his family. His car was later winched out of the harbour by the port authorities.

Photos by Guy Smallman