Attack On Low-Paid Workers In The Six Counties
The malign role that British imperialism continues to play in the affairs of Irish people was again in evidence in the past week, this time on the economic front.
It was announced on Tuesday (July 26) that newly inaugurated British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was considering cutting the minimum wage in the Six Counties by 10 per cent. The minimum wage in the occupied area currently stands at £5.35 (circa €8) but the planned cut would place low-paid workers under further financial strain.
With a recent report for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a social policy research and development charity based in Britain, showing an increasing gap between rich and poor this proposal can only result in increased inequality in the Six Counties. If implemented, the wage reduction would also apply to Scotland, Wales and the north-east of England, but not the English south – the traditional power-base of British imperialism.
The revelation was met with half-hearted condemnation by members of the Six County assembly and executive, who are powerless to intervene in the matter.
Éirígí spokesperson Dáithí Mac An Mhaistír said:
“Éirígí is appalled at suggestions the minimum wage in the Six Counties should be slashed. However, it is not totally surprising that a British prime minister who does not need to rely on a single vote cast in Ireland to remain in power would consider such a plan.
“What is surprising is the lack of reaction of those politicians who claimed that the restoration of the Six County institutions were necessary for people in the occupied area to gain some control over the every day issues that affect their lives.
“It is becoming clear that the politics practiced at Stormont is little better than that of the parish pump variety while the major political, social and economic issues remain in the hands of the British government.”
The move which the London government is currently considering is remarkably similar to a proposal contained in a recent report produced by the right-wing (English) Economic Research Council.
Compiled by Professor David Smith, the report recommends draconian economic measures to be used against low-paid workers in the Celtic countries in order to prevent anti-union sentiment developing in England.