In the 1830s radicals developed something they called really useful or spearhead knowledge.
This included details of what the early capitalist system was about and how it could be challenged, as well as alternatives to the dominant ideas of the time.
In 2020 really useful knowledge is needed just as much particularly in the context of COVID-19.
With the Government urging people to return to work including in schools and Universities and then introducing further restrictions as this very message causes an increase in COVID-19 infections (as to be fair they earlier agreed it would) clear understandings of how to keep safe are required.
This week’s TUC had a good deal on this but below are some brief thoughts
When it comes to the minutae of rules around COVID-19 restrictions the Government often seem to be pulling levers that arent connected to anything. Given the privileged backgrounds of the Cabinet whether they actually understand that or not is another matter
There are surely key messages. Namely to socially distance, wear a mask & wash hands regularly.
There are also key demands.
Firstly that a working track and trace system is essential to control infections.
Secondly that returning to work must be to agreed COVID-19 secure workplaces only.
Thirdly that where for a variety of reasons people cant work the furlough must be extended as it has been in other European countries.
To that might be added,given the increase in employer propaganda on the matter, that while working from home may well be an option for some, avoiding travel, it is a matter of individual safety as to whether circumstances at home facilitate this or not. It is not a matter of an employer either having office space that they cant avoid paying for that they want people in or an employer who wont trouble to make a workplace COVID-19 secure giving people no option but to work from home.
And of course being in a trade union is the essential collective protection that underwrites all this
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