Manifesto call for anti-racist work law
Employers must be prevented from dividing their staff with a two-tier workforce which discriminates against immigrants, the Socialist Environmental Alliance manifesto in the North said today.
The party, which is fielding journalist and civil rights campaigner Eamonn McCann as a Westminster candidate for former SDLP leader John Hume’s seat in Foyle, called for more action against racism and homophobia.
And it also condemned moves to expand the City of Derry Airport and called for taxes spent on the war in Iraq to be diverted into funding health and education.
The manifesto said: “We will insist (Derry City) council gives a lead in challenging racist attitudes.
“We stand for full rights for migrant workers.
“Employers shouldn’t be allowed to divide us by creating a two-tier workforce. Homophobic attacks and domestic violence are a blight on our city.”
The Socialist Environmental Alliance is also fielding five local government candidates – all in Derry.
Mr McCann, in addition to running for the Westminster seat, is bidding for a local government seat in the Rural ward in Derry.
Colm Bryce and Oisín Kehoe are the party’s candidates in Northland in the city, Liam Friel is running in Cityside and David McAuley in the Waterside.
The decision to run Mr McCann in Foyle was taken at the weekend.
In the November 2003 Assembly election, he polled 2,257 votes.
The Socialist Environmental Alliance’s manifesto warned that its councillors would defy the imposition of water charges in Northern Ireland by refusing to pay them.
Their document also called for:
:: Abolition of the regeneration organisation ILEX and ethical investment in public housing, recreation areas and secure jobs but not arms factories.
:: Funds for a fast rail link between Londonderry and Belfast.
:: A radical economic agenda as a means of tackling social problems instead of the imposition of Asbos, prison sentences or para-military punishment attacks.
:: Support for the trade union movement, particularly in Derry, with workers being given full rights and good pay and council workers receiving minimum wages which meet the European decency threshold.
:: Full recycling with street corner facilities to prevent future fines from the European Union and the building of incinerators to deal with waste.
