Solidarity 595, 2 June 2021

Tube union RMT has launched two parallel ballots of its driver members across London Underground, both closing on 29 June. One ballot is for action to win reinstatement for Gary Carney, a union rep sacked after allegedly “avoiding” a drugs and alcohol test about which he was not informed. Drivers on Gary’s line, the Central line, were due to strike on 6 May, but strikes were suspended to allow further talks. After London Underground upheld the sacking, the ballot has been widened to include all drivers across the Tube. The other ballot is for action against so-called “grade consolidation” for...

Ride sharing and food courier app Uber has signed an agreement with the GMB union. The agreement covers Uber drivers, but excludes Uber Eats couriers. According to the GMB, the agreement allows them to discuss issues including “national earnings principles”, pensions, and discretionary benefits. The agreement does not, however, enable the GMB to collectively bargain in a formal sense, and submit claims on pay and conditions on behalf of drivers. Following a legal challenge initiated by Uber drivers, who were then members of the GMB, Uber has been forced to recognise drivers as employees...

Since the 21 May ceasefire, hundreds of Palestinians in Israel have been arrested on charges to do with protests and conflict inside Israel. There were some attacks during the 6-21 May war on synagogues and such — and a great many attacks by Jewish chauvinists on Palestinian shops and Palestinians. Few of the Jewish chauvinists have been arrested. The run-up to the rockets and bombing was a rise in street protests by Palestinian citizens of Israel and residents of East Jerusalem, with Jewish allies, against planned evictions, especially in the Sheikh Jarrah district of East Jerusalem; and the...