Job Cut’s Demo

On the 5th of February Salford University was rocked by one of the loudest and best attended demonstrations in the recent history of the university. It took place in support of Salford University Defend Education (S.U.D.E) campaign, which was started to prevent the proposed job cuts at the university. Staff, students and sympathetic members of the community gathered outside Maxwell house on the main campus and staged a mock funeral, complete with coffin, to represent the “death” of Salford University and free public education. Over 200 people marched through the heart of Salford in a not-so-sombre funeral procession, with the coffin bleakly in tow, and vented their frustration over the redundancies taking place under “Project Headroom” outside the The Old Fire House. Despite the freezing temperatures, the throng of people made their presence felt with chants, drumming and a series of speakers condemning the job cuts well into the evening.


As part of Project Headroom, the University plans to axe 150 jobs in 3 phases to create “financial headroom” to compensate for it’s £40 million investment in MediaCity, as well as other sound investments, such as an executive wet-room for the senior management and the vice-chancellors rent free mansion Bouden. They have also threatened to close down a popular course, Traditional Chinese Medicine, despite the fact it remains a profit-making course which is highly regarded by both students and industry.


The Salford Left Forum, along with S.U.D.E, firmly rejects the job cuts and believes that the university would find the financial headroom it is looking for by spending wisely, rather than through redundancies. People should not be made to pay with their jobs to compensate for the financial incompetence of their bosses.


You can watch the video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEKh0zhu1H0

Community projects

Contact details for neighbourhood forums and community groups in Salford.


Neighbourhood Forums in Salford, go along and get involved in the running of the local community. These meetings are generally held once a month, email your council neighbourhood manager to find out where and when:


· Langworthy and neighbourhood Forum


Odsall neighbourhood Building


Contact: Jeanette Coward

e: jeanettec@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 877 7527



· East Salford (Broughton, Irwell Riverside, Kersel


Contact: Paula Booth


e: paula.booth@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 708 9455



· Claremont, Weaste, and Seedley.


Contact: Lesley Bates

e: lesley.bates@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 789 4081



· Swinton


Contact: Catherine Walker

e: catherine.walker@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 607 1961



· Little Hulton and Walkden


Contact: Susan Barry

e: susan.barry@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 779 8071



· Worsley and Boothtown


Contact: Louise Everall
e: louise.everall@salford.gov.uk#
t: 0161 790 4562


· Irlam and Cadishead


Contact: Sue Ness

e: sue.ness@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 606 6786


· Eccles


Contact: Jackie Matthews

e: jackie.matthews@salford.gov.uk

t: 0161 603 4290



Community groups in Salford with volunteering opportunities. Give them a ring or an email, see what help they need, and get involved! Giving up as little as an hour or two per month on a regular basis would be massively appreciated.


Community groups in and around Salford:


· Salford Communities Online


http://www.colsal.org.uk

· Ordsall Community Café

0161 872 6011

http://www.occ.colsal.org.uk



· Seedley and Langworthy Trust


0161 737 9918


www.seedleytrust.co.uk


· Salford Lads Club


0161 872 3767


www.salfordladsclubs.org.uk


· Salford Star


07957 982960


www.salfordstar.com


· Swinton and Pendlebury Local History Society


http://www.splhs.colsal.org.uk


· Memories of Eccles (Local History)


http://www.ecclesmemories.colsal.org.uk


· Local History Society based in Salford City Council


http://www.salfordlocalhistorysociety.colsal.org.uk



· Eccles Heritage Group


http://www.ecclesheritage.colsal.org.uk


· Memories and photographs of Little Hulton shared online


http://www.littlehultonmemories.colsal.org.uk


· Moorside South Residents Association


http://www.msra.colsal.org.uk

· YAM - Youth Arts and Music


http://www.yam.colsal.org.uk



· Acorn Centre for Sport and Arts


http://www.acorncentre.colsal.org.uk


· Swinton Recorded Music Group


http://www.srmg.colsal.org.uk


· Volunteers who transport sick children to appointments


http://www.transportforsickchildren.colsal.org.uk


· Claremont Community Association

http://www.claremontcommunityassociation.colsal.org.uk


· Charlestown and Lower Kersal History Group


http://www.chalkhistory.colsal.org.uk/


· Walkden Local History Group


http://www.walkdenlocalhistory.colsal.org.uk/


· The Angel Healthy Living Centre


0161 833 0495


www.salfordangel.org.uk

Salford Left Forum and the Campaign for Free Public Transport

Salford Left Forum actively supports the Greater Manchester Campaign for Free Public Transport. The CfFPT got off to a running start in the autumn of 2008. Since then the group has had several meetings (you can find the group at the Friends Meeting House every 3rd Thursday at the month, between 7.15-9.15pm), have held well attended demos in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester, and Sale town centre, as well as petitioning in Piccadilly Gardens every Wednesday. They are currently preparing for a major debate on the future of transport policy in Greater Manchester, at the Mechanics Institute, Princess Street, Manchester on Thursday the 26th of March at 7.30pm. Come along and support the fight for equal access to transport.


Check out the website: http://www.freepublictransport.org.uk/

Salford Left Forum Meeting 3

SWP Veteran and marxist academic Colin Barker spoke about the relationship between students and workers in the left wing struggle. Colin’s words were echoed by the actions of our members, a number have helped out or made bridges with community groups in the area, many of whom were students.


In the light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the reaction of solidarity that has occurred all over the country, the Salford Left Forum decided to launch its own campaign of support with other community groups in the area. A series of talks and fundraisers were agreed on for the Salford area.


Plans were hatched on how the Salford Left Forum could support the SUDE campaign. Gary Duke again informed SLF of the situation at Salford University

Convention of the Left (recall day)

After being inspired by the COTL back in September, we came back in January to influence it. We believe that our brand of regional representation has been very successful. We believe this is the future for mobilising the left in Britain and for the COTL. A motion was passed along the lines of encouraging cross party regional representation groups like SLF.


Also SLF Chair Alex Halligan was voted to the Steering Committee of the COTL. This means that resources and support can be channelled in the direction of the SLF. Also this means that our idea of productive left unity can be replicated and encouraged around the country.

Free University

To combat tuition fees and offer education to people who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity, a Free University will be set up in Salford.


Members of the Salford Left Forum will be helping out a as well as top left wing academics from around the country. As well as these contributors, various guest speakers, such as Trade Union figures and community leaders, will teach.


We aim to hold 2-3 lessons a week on topics ranging from Community Issues (like knowing your rights with the police) to Political Theory. Were going to try and make the classes varied.


Volunteers and speakers are very welcome. If you would like to get involved or receive lessons email: vollunteer@hotmail.co.uk

Bratsis Backs Left Forum

Maverick philosopher and seasoned academic has come out in support of the Salford Left Forum. Peter Bratsis, formerly of London School of Economics and City University of New York, currently teaches in Salford.


Peter is considered an intellectual heavyweight and has actively participated in the meetings and events. He has committed himself to assisting and teaching at a Free University project which is to be based in Salford.

Salford Left Forum Meeting 2

Labour Representation Committee Vice Chair Susan Press spoke at the meeting about bridging the gap between Labour and the wider left.


A Salford Lecturer (Gary Duke) came to speak to the group about the imminent job cuts at Salford university. The group enjoys the participation of several staff and students from Salford University. Many participants expressed anger at the 150 jobs to be lost at Salford University. The SLF decided to back the campaign Salford University Defend Education (SUDE), which was started by affected staff and students.


Rousing speeches were given by life long activists about their experiences in the movement, which was very productive for younger members. A Free University was decided upon. We realised that there is a need for wider awareness in the community and that it could be provided. Peter Bratsis, maverick pedagogue, was particularly vocal on the subject that inspired the rest of the group.


A motion was passed to stand a Candidate for the Steering Committee of COTL. There was a consensus that we seem to be one of the most active groups inspired by the COTL .

Statement of Intent

#
The Salford Left Forum was inspired by the Convention of the Left. It aim is to provide a non-partisan and informal forum where people from a broad range of socialist organisations and our persuasions can meet to discuss co-operation on campaigns. It is not a political party. It is open not only to members of groups but to any socialist. This includes the people/workers of Salford, students/staff of Salford University and fellow travellers.


The socialist cause in Britain has suffered to much from fractionalism and sectarianism. In creating this forum we hope to create a spirit of co-operation and mutual understanding which can address this problem.


The Organisation is democratic and open to all who feel they have something to contribute. By working in this manner, the forum can lend significant support to causes that are needed to improve the lives of working people in Salford. It is more than just a talking shop, it is a necessary step in creating a stronger community and advocating the causes of socialism, justice and human dignity.


The Salford Left Forum aims to provide a programme of campaign, debate, action and education for the members of Salford left forum. The group offers a platform of representation and solidarity for the people of Salford

Salford Left Forum Meeting 1

The first meeting of the SLF went off with a bang and was hailed a success by all who attended. The meeting was very cohesive and s mix of political parties were represented.


An election was held for positions in the group.


Alex Halligan - Chair
Robert Taylor - Secretary
Karim Shield - Treasurer
Robert Sewell - Publicity Secretary


An agreement was come to that our ideology should be remain broad and that it will develop pragmatically over time.


A range of ideas were suggested on what the group should campaign around, such as community, education, transport, defence of jobs, international issues etc.