Solidarity 044, 22 January 2004

By a civil servant Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), who are civil servants in the Department of Pensions and Works (DWP) and other government departments have voted to take strike action in support of their 2003 pay claim. They have rejected the offer made by the government. These departments had already held ballots to find out whether or not they rejected the pay offer. They had to have a second ballot on what action to take once they had rejected it. If they do not do this, they are in breach of anti-union legislation. The legislation definitely does have the...

Two people with time to kill in a Tokyo hotel. Two people - a middle aged second-rate actor and a pretty but "mean" Ivy League graduate - who are bored of themselves and have too little to think about and feel a bit lost in a city of extraordinary busy-ness. They get talking, have a few drinks in the hotel bar, share some sushi and, later, strike up an intense but unconsummated romantic friendship. It is soppy - a Brief Encounter for the 21st century - but, as all the reviews have said, a really well observed and thoughtful movie. For me, however, what was very striking and unusual about this...

By Pablo Velasco Workers will stand in Korean election Appeal by Korean migrant workers union Crackdown in West Papua Workers will stand in Korean election South Korean workers are braced for another year of conflict with employers and the government - fighting on many fronts: for a five-day working week, higher wages, against anti-union laws and in support of migrant workers' rights. All of these struggles are set to escalate. In April elections to the National Assembly (parliament) will see workers' candidates hoping to make a breakthrough. At present, there are no workers' representatives...

Banking on us Not immune Brain food Brainless More childcare! More sharing! Banking on us For the first time in its history the Bank of England is being taken to court. Deloitte & Touche, the liquidator for the Bank of Credit and Commerce International, is suing the Bank for £1 billion, it says, for neglecting, over a very long period, to properly regulate BCCI. The actual charge is "misfeasance": making mistakes, but also failing to perform its duties while knowing that the omissions put BCCI depositors' money at risk. Three former governors will step up to defend the honour of the Old Lady...