The Void on a Joint Week of Action by Civil Servants and Claimants against Austerity

The Void has a very interesting piece on the call for action at the Job Centres by the Civil Service Rank and File Network to set up a joint campaign with claimants against the government’s austerity campaign. Mr Void’s piece begins

The Civil Service Rank & File Network (CSRF) has called for action aimed at Jobcentre Plus in the week beginning the 5 August.

“In the week commencing 5 August we encourage civil servants to work with claimants and others who oppose austerity in your area.

• Hold workplace meetings to discuss the type of action needed to win.
• Stage pickets outside of the Jobcentre to bring workers and claimants together in opposition to the government.
• Occupy the Jobcentre and bring business to a halt for as long as you practically can.

This is interesting, as the civil servants at the frontline of the benefits system are frequently seen as hostile or obstructive to the people they see. Years ago the Private Eye/ Spitting Image spoof of Mrs. Thatcher’s memoirs, Thatcha! The Real Maggie Memoir carried a spoof Unemployment Benefit form. One of the questions were: Do you hang about on the steps of the office building with a couple of dogs, drinking Special Brew? Yes/ No. If you ticked ‘Yes’, the answer was ‘You’re not a complaint, you’re one of the staff, so get back to work, you lazy b*stard’.

The full story can be read here:

Week Of Action Down the Jobcentre Starts August 5th

Tags: Benefits, Civil Service, Job Centres, Margaret Thatcher, Private Eye, Spitting Image