Even before the DWP Group Conference begins, we see the toxicity oozing out from the Independent Left – that busted flush that has chosen to move into a coalition with its BLN enemies to win positions on the NEC.
It is worth noting here that despite winning votes gleaned by non-PCS Socialist Party branches leafleting offices, the Groups where those that won on the NEC actually sit, did not vote for them. Despite being on the NEC, the reps that won seats did not manage to win seats on their own Group committees. Rejected by the members who know them best.
That speaks volumes.
In DWP we saw Left Unity deliver a clean sweep winning every seat on the Group Executive, whilst the newly elected President now holds no seat on the GEC. Not exactly a ringing endorsement – but not surprising when looking at her track record – her flip-flopping and inability to hold true to her word, or her decisions.
Sectarianism over principle
The Independent Left have long called out Left Unity’s decisions and strategies, without actually providing any of their own – but today, we see it’s a little worse than that. Because today, in their effort to oppose Left Unity, their strategy is to stand against disabled people.
Motion 11 on the Group Standing Orders, submitted by the GEC, is borne of a discussion between the Left Unity leadership and disability groups. As we see the Government move to force 700,000 ‘economically inactive’ people – that’s sick and disabled people in the main – into work, the DWP are running Work Coach training sessions. Within those training sessions the GEC have been made aware that trainers have been told to promote Only Fans as legitimate self-employment.
Left Unity are clear, if an individual chooses to consider Only Fans a legitimate form of employment for themselves, then that is their absolute prerogative. But our role as trade unionists should always be to highlight the consequence of decisions, as much as protecting an individual’s right to make them.
Women and marginalised creators face frequent harassment, including threats of physical and sexual violence, abuse is often targeted at race, gender, and sexuality, not to mention that one‑third of online workers have reported doxing, where personal details are exposed without consent.
If the DWP are legitimising Only Fans and promoting it from within their offices, it puts women, disabled workers, Black workers and the LGBQ+ and Trans communities at a clear and existential risk. Risk of all of the above, risk of failing a claimant commitment, risk of being forced to increase the amount of online work they have to do, and yes, at risk of exploitation.
Self-employed workers receive no protections, sex workers receive no statutory protection, why would any trade unionist support the DWP promoting this line of work?
There are already thousands of sex workers left without basic protections afforded to other workers, including minimum wage, statutory sick pay, and working time regulations, claimants might be forced to accept more dangerous working conditions, increased hours, and be left with no avenue when they are unable to work due to illness or injury.
The DWP GEC supports the protection of all workers and stands by the call to prevent DWP promoting Only Fans in our offices.
This is about choice. This is about people having autonomy over their own bodies. This is about preventing the DWP from taking that choice away and exploiting vulnerable workers for tax profit whilst leaving them with no protection and at risk of sanction.
No person should be forced into sex work if it is not their choice.
Remember, I Daniel Blake? We are all KATIE!