There is a Better, Fairer Way

Congress expresses full support for There is a Better, Fairer, Way campaign, and congratulates the ICTU NIC for organising a successful March for a Fairer Better Way demonstration on 20th October, 2012. Congress reaffirms its policy of an alternative to austerity based on investment and growth, tax justice and jobs. Congress opposes the attacks on welfare provision and the 1% benefits cap driven by the UK Government and believes that these measures seek to demonise the working class, particularly those receiving any form of benefits. Congress condemns the failure of politicians from mainstream parties to oppose the myth that attacks on jobs, pay, terms and conditions and pensions are an economic necessity rather than a political choice, and believe that coordinated action is necessary to win concessions from the UK Governments and the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Executive Council is therefore asked to: support all affiliates, including PCS, who have industrial action mandates from their members assist affiliates to develop an industrial action strategy including a one-day strike in Northern Ireland, aligned with any industrial action at a UK level as appropriate campaign amongst affiliates and lobby politicians for progressive taxation and stronger measures against tax avoidance and evasion; campaign amongst affiliates and lobby politicians for a socially just and progressive welfare system, restoring the link between benefits and average wages, and paying working people a living wage.