Freedom’s long-running US correspondent Louis Further does his monthly roundup of some of the lesser-known stories that have emerged over the last few weeks. Last month’s ‘Notes’ were long and depressing. So let’s make this month’s shorter. But – alas – depressing. It’s harder and harder to escape the conclusion that – because
Tag: COVID-19
From dystopia to utopia: some thoughts on the confinement in France
I don’t think we’re ever going to get to utopia again by going forward.” – Ursula K. Le Guin, 1982 For many people in the world, in the last three months, things have become normal that until very recently would have seemed like science fiction. That several states have seriously considered digital “Immunity Passports” which
Lessons from COVID-19: How transformative justice and mutual aid can help to address harm in communities
This article was originally published on the Transforming Society blog. Download the guide ‘How to Address Harm: A Guide for COVID-19 Mutual Aid Groups’ for information, tools and practical tips to help individuals and mutual aid groups. When UK government policy swung to a police-enforced lockdown on 23 March we were told that if we
Don’t join, Organise: On the limits of employment law
Following Boris Johnson’s burbling mess of an address yesterday there’s been a renewed interest in health and safety legislation, our right to stay away from dangerous working environments, and the importance of joining a union. All good stuff, but as any trade union activist will tell you, a law is not always much protection without collective power.
Coronavirus and your right to stay away from work
On Sunday evening, Boris Johnson declared that it was time for the people of England to get back to work. In a characteristically unclear statement, the millionaire PM said: “We now need to stress that anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to
Solidarity against barbarism: The fight against coronavirus and the far-right in the USA
This interview was originally published by Brighton Antifascists. Like everyone else we’ve been in lockdown, spending a lot of time at home with our stockpile of beans in our Antifa™ bunker. But we’ve also stayed active playing our part in local organising initiatives in Brighton and further afield – food banks, food deliveries, mutual aid
Wartime economics and post-pandemic battles
The relentless recourse to the language of war to describe the public health emergency seems to signal a shift in mainstream economic debate. In this interregnum, current and future battles could play a decisive role. In the midst of the COVID crisis, nothing seems as pervasive as the language of war; military rhetoric unites economists
IWGB and Uber drivers file legal challenge against UK government
The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) and two Uber drivers have filed a legal challenge with the High Court against the UK government over its failure to provide satisfactory income and sickness protection to millions of low-paid and self-employed workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The union and workers will argue that this failure
Are you going to clap for the NHS tonight?
Last week, we spoke to community nurses who are being given one cotton mask per worker and told to re-use them. They don’t have any other PPE. They see patients in their own homes. The Guardian reported that the coroners conducting inquests into the deaths of NHS staff have been ordered not to examine PPE
No one left alone in the hands of the state: Greek prison Solidarity Fund calls for emergency support
The Greek Prison Solidarity Fund have commenced an online fundraiser, asking for emergency support during the time of COVID-19. COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown across the globe continue to have a massive impact on our lives: many are struggling to make ends meet and worrying about the future; some are struggling with the lockdown itself,