West Belfast Public Meeting

A century of struggle

At its very beginning, in the early 20th century, International Women’s Day – the 8th of March - was a day of struggle for working women. Nowadays it has largely been hijacked by the capitalist establishment as a ceremonial and sometimes highly commercial affair. Much has happened over time, providing welcome proof that women’s oppression can be fought and pushed back, but despite this, the oppression rooted in society continues. Indeed, in the past years many earlier conquests for women have been lost as a result of the crisis of capitalism.

The passage of President Obama’s flagship policy to reform the US healthcare system with a narrow majority of 219-212 in the House of Representatives has been presented by the media as a historic success for his presidency. He “doubled up” and risked all to secure passage of health reform. The reality is, however, somewhat less overwhelming.

Defend the Right to Protest

Sinn Fein and the DUP have launched a major attack on democratic rights by drafting legislation which will make public protest a criminal offence. The Draft Public Assemblies Bill, proposed by the ‘Working group on parades’ will place major restrictions on the right to protest.

It will mean all protests of 50 or more people will be illegal, unless protest organisers have applied for permission from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) 37 days beforehand or 22 days if organising a counter-demonstration.

EUROPEAN-WIDE WEEK OF PROTEST & SOLIDARITY - BELFAST PROTEST
NO CUTS TO PUBLIC SERVICES

Protest: 5-6pm Thursday 24 June
European Commission Office, 74-76 Dublin Rd, Belfast

ENDORSED BY: FIRE BRIGADES UNION - I.N.T.O. NORTHERN REGION - SOCIALIST PARTY - WORKERS PARTY - ORGANISE - SAVE MID-ULSTER HOSPITAL - WE WONT PAY CAMPAIGN - YOUTH AGAINST RACISM plus many others

NO CUTS TO BAILOUT THE BANKS - DEFEND JOBS, WAGES & SERVICES

For more information contact Gary Mulcahy on 07743282321