James O'Brien - The Whole Show Should 16-year-olds really be allowed to vote?
Apr 15, 2025
Delve into the heated debate over allowing 16-year-olds to vote, exploring the implications for democracy and the need for electoral education. The podcast also highlights the struggles of Birmingham refuse workers fighting against pay cuts, emphasizing the importance of union solidarity. There's a critique of governmental decisions impacting workers' rights, as well as an examination of media portrayals of labor disputes. Additionally, the evolving social norms around names and identity spark interesting discussions about tradition versus personal choice.
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Trade Unions Secure Worker Rights
- Trade union rights secure worker protections, including resisting unfair pay cuts.
- Attacking unions leads to a race to the bottom, where all workers lose rights and pay.
Resist Pay Cuts by Withdrawing Labour
- Resist imposed pay cuts by refusing to work until wages are maintained.
- Understand the value of collective bargaining and the power of industrial action.
Andy’s Bin Collection Experience
- Andy became a bin wagon driver after redundancy, recognizing the dangers and challenges of the job.
- He highlights high injury rates and hopes Birmingham doesn't outsource to low-wage agencies.