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Anarcho-syndicalism is a working class movement, based on the class struggle, fighting against the rich and powerful and the state. It aims to unite all workers (employed and unemployed) into the same union (revolutionary syndicalist unions) with the conscious goal of the reorganisation of social life on the basis of libertarian communism.

Anarcho-syndicalist organisations have a twofold function. Firstly, the struggle for improvements in our communities and workplaces and secondly workers' self- education towards complete self-management of production and distribution through the socialisation of all wealth.

Anarcho-syndicalism stands completely opposed to nationalisation and private ownership of the wealth we produce. It does not seek the conquest of political power, but rather the total abolition of all governments and their control in all aspects of our lives. So we reject all parliamentary activity and other collaboration with state institutions. It stands for fighting organisations in the workplace and community - independent of, and opposed to, all political parties and trade union bureaucracies.

Anarcho-syndicalism uses direct action in all its forms to get things done; i.e. occupations, strikes, boycotts, sabotage, the general strike etc. To ensure the full participation of all in both the current struggle and the future self-management of society, we oppose centralism in its organisations. We organise on the basis of federalism. That is, from the bottom up without any rank structure and with full freedom of initiative for local and regional groups. All co-ordinating bodies of the workers’ federation consist of recallable delegates with a mandate of action determined by local workers’ assemblies.

Anarcho-syndicalism rejects nationalism and all nation states; the working class has no country. We promote solidarity with ordinary people across the world raising the banner of internationalism, both in spirit and in concrete global action and mutual aid.

Anarcho-syndicalism opposes racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and all attitudes and institutions that stand in the way of equality and the right of all people everywhere to control their own lives and their environment.

www.solfed.org.uk | solfed@solfed.org.uk | facebook.com/solfed | twitter.com/solfed_iwa

You are not alone!

Sexism is a constant presence in many workplaces where it can take many forms. From lower pay, to expectations of unpaid work, to sexual harassment by bosses, other workers or customers, sexism means women and workers seen as women are treated unequally on the basis of sex or gender.

This pamphlet looks at the reality of sexism in the workplace and what we can do about it. As anarcho-syndicalists we favour direct, collective strategies that build and maintain a culture of resistance in the workplace. We consider how workers can directly confront sexism or cope when confrontation is not possible, building a culture of solidarity and support at work, which ultimately means you and others experiencing sexism are less isolated and more likely to win.

• The Law and its Limits | Your legal situation | Problems with the legal approach
• Sexism at work | You are not alone | What does sexism look like? | Unequal treatment | Objectification | Sexual harassment | Structural disadvantage | Microagressions
• What to do about it | Strategies, tactics, solidarity | Coping strategies | Tactics of resistance
• Solidarity and Support | Mutual aid | Acts of Solidarity | Building Wider Support

• Abusive rent price
• Ridicoulous fees 
• Ignoring repairs 
• Deposit theft 

Organise & fight back! 

solfed.org.uk

Cleaners have a vital role in society, yet their job is poorly paid and routinely dismissed as a job carried out mainly by women to earn a bit of extra cash. Cleaning is also not generally seen as a particularly physically hard or dangerous job. Most people see cleaning as involving a bit of dusting, mopping and hoovering.

Written by a cleaner, this pamphlet draws on research from across the world to show the reality of cleaning and the impact the job has on the health and wellbeing of cleaners. The pamphlet not only examines the more obvious aspects of the job that affect cleaners’ health, such as the physical demands of the job and the effects of cleaning chemicals, but also takes into account the detrimental impact of factors such as low pay, ever- increasing workloads, low status, sexual harassment and family commitments on the everyday lives of cleaners. In doing so, the pamphlet exposes the true cost being paid by cleaners and their families for job that is central to the wellbeing of society as a whole.

As such, this pamphlet is not only essential reading for cleaners but for all those interested in seeing greater justice for one of the most exploited and marginalised groups of workers.

• Introduction 
• Background to the UK Cleaning Industry
• The Real Risks to Cleaners’ Health - Work-Related Stress | Musculoskeletal Disorders | Work-Related Asthma | Skin Diseases | Accidents at Work | Biological Hazards | Heat Stress | Cancer and Risk to the Reproductive System | Sexual Harassment and Assault | Violence and Discrimination | Overall Impact of Cleaning on Health
• Organising to Protect Cleaners’ Health

Starting a new life in the UK can be intimidating. Many things are different to how they were at home. Most things are expensive, and some things are just plain difficult. There might be a new language or a new culture to contend with. Dealing with all this whilst struggling to find a job or accommodation can feel impossible. With this in mind, Manchester Solidarity Federation have put together a short guide to the city. We've tried to cover all the basics about living and working here, and where to go for help and what resources are available.

The guide is available at manchestermigrantsguide.org.uk. We hope to have translations into languages other than English in the near future. We must emphasise the guide is a work in progress and if you have any suggestions, corrections or comments please do not hesitate to contact us.

Some useful advice for people starting a new life in Manchester

Table of Contents

Introduction | Transport | Internet & phones | Cheap food & other stuff | Bank accounts | Learning English | Healthcare | Home | Work | Benefits | Legal Issues | Domestic violence and sexual assault | LGBT* (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans*) | Other useful contacts | Who are we and why do we care?

We are so used to landlords - and the power they have - that they can seem unchallengeable. They make profit from our need for a home, and using the courts and the police, can make us homeless.