Trade unionists and campaigners in Barnet, north London, marched through the streets of Friern Barnet and Finchley on Saturday 21 July in protest at the “One Barnet” privatisation plans of Barnet Council. The extreme right-wing Tory council plans to contract out up to 70% of its services to private companies.
The march – organised by Barnet Alliance for Public Services with the support of local trade unions, especially Barnet Unison – snaked through residential roads between the two libraries before emerging on the main shopping street. We distributed our free newspaper, Our Barnet to passers-by, people who opened their front doors as they heard us go past, and to motorists who were delayed by our march. The overwhelming majority were supportive and eager to read more about the campaign.
Trade unionists and campaigners in Barnet still face an uphill struggle in their fight against cuts and privatisation. Events like last Saturday’s march are important in keeping up the morale of grassroots activists and have hopefully helped the campaign find new reservoirs of support and activism.