Politics for the Many

UK Disability History Month 2023
2023-11-16 - 2023-12-16
This Autumn 2023 UKDHM focusses on the Experience of Disablement amongst children and young people in the past, now and what is needed for the future. UKDHM comes from a Social Model/Human Rights approach, so that all children and young people with long term impairment will not experience the social exclusion of stigma, stereotypes, negative attitudes and socially created barriers in the environment and the way things are organised.
UKDHM 2023 provides an opportunity for all councils, service providers, education establishments, youth, play and sports organisations, health providers and employers to examine their approaches to disabled children and youth. Those in the media, publishing and image making can challenge the way they have portrayed disabled people in the past and create inclusive and non-stereotypical ways forward, in conjunction with disabled young people.
From a history of neglect, harsh punishment, segregation, bullying and ignorance we must learn to challenge our prejudices and discriminatory practices. The way disabled children and young people have been and are treated is an indicator of how inclusive and rights respecting we are as a community and society.
Impairment is a natural part of human existence, but societal responses have varied across cultures and time. Disabled people including children have often been falsely blamed and scapegoated for society’s ills. If one grows up on the receiving end of negativity, then one often internalises that negativity.
Most important in bringing about positive change is how we think about impairment and disablement.
Disabled people themselves over the last 60 years in the Disabled People’s Movement have separated impairment (our difference of physical, psycho-social or mental function) from the social response to it. Disabled people reject ideas of ‘normal’ and require acceptance of us as we are. We require the barriers that prevent us participating whether of attitude, organisation or environment, to be dismantled. We as disabled people become accepted and society becomes more inclusive and equal.
This sounds easy but making the change happen is blocked by many forces who pay lip-service to equality, while shoring up the current rotten system.
UKDHM gives us a chance to understand this and make real changes.
Find out more in the 2023 Broadsheet

THE RAGGED TROUSERED PHILANTHROPISTS - TOUR DATES
2023-11-15 - 2023-12-21
One person Magic Lantern show of the classic book The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists adapted by Neil Gore from the book by Robert Tressell directed by Louise Townsend
Neil Gore, presents a one-person version of the classic novel by Robert Tressell featuring projection, political conjuring tricks, live music and song. Meet the famous characters and enjoy the scenes, speeches and songs, featuring the Great Money Trick as its centrepiece.

NOV 15 – 7.30PM – SEVERN THEATRE SHREWSBURY
RANKWELL QUAYSHREWSBURYSHROPSHIRESY3 8FT
TICKETS
NOV 16 – 7.30PM – MARSDEN MECHANICS
PEEL ST, MARSDEN, HUDDERSFIELD HD7 6BW
BOX OFFICE: 01484 844587 / WEBSITE
TICKETS
NOV 17 – 7.30PM – CELTIC CLUB IRVINE
BRIDGEGATE, IRVINE KA12 8BQ
BOX OFFICE: arthurwest7@hotmail.co.uk / WEBSITE
NOV 23 – 7.30PM – SEVEN ARTS LEEDS (SPONSORED BY NEU)
BOX OFFICE: richard.raftery@virginmedia.com / WEBSITE
NOV 24 – 7.30PM – SEVEN THEATRE ARTS LEEDS (SPONSORED BY NEU)
BOX OFFICE: richard.raftery@virginmedia.com / WEBSITE
NOV 25 – 7.30PM – WARKWORTH WAR MEMORIAL HALL
40 CASTLE ST, WARKWORTH, MORPETH NE65 0UN
TICKETS
DEC 5 – 7.30PM – UPSTAIRS AT THE WESTERN, LEICESTER
TICKETS
DEC 6 – UPSTAIRS AT THE WESTERN LEICESTER
TICKETS
DEC 7 – 7.30PM – UPSTAIRS AT THE WESTERN LEICESTER
TICKETS
DEC 9 – 8PM (DOORS 7.30PM) – BOLTON SOCIALIST CLUB
16 WOOD ST, BOLTON BL1 1DY
BOX OFFICE: heyes12@yahoo.com / WEBSITE
DEC 14 – THE CORO, ULVERSTON
COUNTY SQUARE, ULVERSTON, CUMBRIA, LA12 7LZ
DEC 21 – TBC – COVENTRY MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Respect for Shopworkers Week
2023-11-13 - 2023-11-19
Usdaw’s survey results have shown a troubling increase in violence and abuse against retail workers in recent years.
We know our members suffer appalling abuse and violence while at work, however the official retail crime figures don’t always reflect the true picture. This is because not all retail crime is reported.
The campaign can be anything from a stall in your workplace or canteen, to a few simple conversations with colleagues (please see below for more ideas). Whatever the format of your campaign – there are three simple actions we are focusing on, to engage with staff in your store:

Talk to members and non-members about Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear campaign. Encourage all staff in your store to report every incident of violence or abuse to store management and to the police if necessary.
Ask members and non-members to fill in the Freedom From Fear survey. We know that violence, threats and abuse against retail workers doubled during the height of the Coronavirus crisis. The real life stories of our members bring this campaign to life and we want to hear about everyone’s experiences.
Ask any non-members who engage with the campaign to join Usdaw. Our campaigning strength is only as strong as our Union. Together we are stronger.

We hope that you are able to help. For further information please do not hesitate to contact Michael in the Politics Office on 0161 249 2452.
Contact your local Usdaw office for more information or email: freedomfromfear@usdaw.org.uk

West Yorkshire - Holmfirth Street Stall
2023-11-11 11:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London)
Please join us at our street stall!
Saturday 11th November we are holding a stall in Holmfirth (more details to come) Call by for a chat, pick up leaflets, stickers and postcards to send to your MP, or just say Hi. Do make yourself known as we will be pleased to have you with us.
If you can let us know you are coming that would be even better. Feel free to contact us if you have any queries about location, times or our message. mvmwestyorkshire@yahoo.com

West Yorkshire at Yorkshire & Humberside Liberal Democrat Conference
2023-11-11 09:00 - 17:00
Please join us at Yorkshire & Humberside Liberal Democrat Conference (details TBA)!
Feel free to contact us if you have would like to be involved mvmwestyorkshire@yahoo.com

The Cost of Living Crisis (and how to get out of it)
2023-11-08 13:00 - 16:00
Supported by leading progressive economists Costas Lapavitsas, James Meadway and Doug Nicholls, to explore the economic issues that affect trade unions.

Free for affiliates to GFTU
£25 for non-affiliates

Register here

To get you prepared, you can download a FREE copy of the accompanying publication ‘The True Causes of Inflation: Weak Production and High Profits’

Download your copy here

You can watch an interview with Doug Nicholls talking about the pamphlet on the GFTU YouTube channel.

Watch now on YouTube

Sustainable travel for all -a Greener Workplaces Network event
2023-11-07 10:00 - 12:00
Can greener travel be fair, affordable and accessible for all?
Join us at this event, where we’ll be looking at the issues surrounding the move to greener modes of travel, what these mean for workers and why it is an important issue for trade unions.
As part of the event, we’ll be launching our newly updated bargaining guide for reps on negotiating for sustainable travel at work. We’ll look at trade union campaigns and bargaining strategies including:

How can we support and enable members who want to choose more sustainable modes of transport?
What do fair workplace travel plans look like?
Unite’s campaign to save our bus routes – why buses are a vital part of a just transition
Introduction of electric car fleets in workplaces – what are the issues for workers?
What is the role of regional and national transport policy?

Speakers:

Chris Roberts – Sustainable travel campaigner and Wales TUC bargaining guide author
Alan McCarthy – Regional Officer, Unite the Union
Mark Holt – Green/H&S rep, Communication Workers Union (CWU)
Nisreen Mansour – Policy Officer, Wales TUC

As well as hearing from guest speakers, the event will include opportunities for participants to network, join in discussion and share good practice.

Living Wage Week
2023-11-06 - 2023-11-12
Living Wage Week is the annual celebration of the Living Wage movement. Our movement has never been more important than against the backdrop of spiralling prices and a cost of living crisis, so we want to celebrate the employers and individuals pushing our movement forward and encourage others to join the movement of over 13,000 accredited employers.
Living Wage Week comes just two weeks after the announcement of our new Living Wage rates and is the perfect opportunity for you to promote your Living Wage accreditation to staff, stakeholders and the public.

Oxfordshire Coffee Morning
2023-11-01 11:00 - 13:00
Just turn up and find us at the table with MVM stuff! No booking needed.
Weston Library Café, next to Blackwells Bookshop, Broad Street, Oxford.

How well are the UK's ethnic minority communities served by UK democracy? online event
2023-10-30 08:00 - 17:00
We’re marking Black History Month with a very special event.
Join our expert panel as we discuss, how well are the UK’s ethnic minority communities served by UK democracy?
Our panel will include:

Lee Jasper, Political Adviser & Activist

Dr Shabna Begum, co-CEO of the Runnymede Trust

Breon N. Wells, President & Founder of The Daniel Initiative

SIGN U

SERIES LAUNCH Manifesto Press: The Workers' & Students' Guide to Capitalism
2023-10-27 19:30 - 21:00
You are invited to join us at the launch of the Workers’ and Student Guides on 27 October at the Marx Memorial Library between 6:30pm and 9:30pm.

There will be presentations from the writers of the 5 guides that are currently published:

Nigel Flanagan, author of Organising Our Trade Unions

Stewart McGill, author of The Top Ten Economic Myths, Straight Lefts on Inflation and Socialism or Extinction

C. Ritchie, author of Marxism and Philosophy in the 21st Century.

There will opportunities to discuss the guides, pick up some copies signed by the authors, and drink some wine. See you there.

Tackling racism and the far-right - a trade union response
2023-10-25 11:00 - 17:00
Across the country, we are seeing racists and fascists look to divide our communities. In the North West, we’ve seen anti-migrant and refugee sentiment on the rise, protests at hotels and far-right candidates standing in local elections.
Increasingly, far-right groups and individuals are using conspiracy theories as a recruiting ground. No longer is it just about migrants and race, but about LGBT+ and more.
The response from government has just been more rhetoric, fuelling divisions and seeking to pit people in communities against each other.
Our movement is founded on one of solidarity and justice. We’ve seen our unions call out and take on the government’s Rwanda plans, propose better solutions to theirs and where appropriate, protest against those who seek to divide us.
This full day event will bring together representatives from unions, community groups, anti-racism and anti fascism organisations to share updates, spread best practice on tackling these organisations and individuals and help narrow our focus on how we defeat the poisonous narrative in the run up to the next election and beyond.
A full agenda will be circulated in the coming weeks. In the meantime, sign up to reserve your place.

European Health and Safety Week 23-27 October 2023 - 'Safe and healthy work in a digital age'
2023-10-23 - 2023-10-28
The campaign is actually a nexus for thousands of local actions in workplaces, within unions, in towns and in cities. Typical events are exhibitions, training events, film screenings, photo calls or ‘stunts’ to raise awareness, training events, briefings and conferences.
It is an opportunity for for workplace and local campaigning and awareness raising about the positive role of unions and the difference we make to safety, health and well-being at work in a period of rapid technological change.
The TUC LESE executive committee wished to make sure that unions, union activists and trades councils in our region are aware of the campaign week.
It is short notice but here are a few ideas for things you, your branch or your trades council might do to support the week, and indeed raise the union movement’s profile using the campaign week as an asset:

Use union noticeboards and email networks, and similar, to promote awareness of the issue and the campaign week.
Send an alert about the campaign week to branch members, delegates and contacts.
Send social media messages, and post on Facebook, including forwarding other organisation’s tweets.
Mapping to scope problems caused by the digital age and search to see if there is a case-study of a worker whose health, safety or well-being has been negatively affected by the ‘digital age’. And even better, if that impact has been mitigated by positive action by a trade union, and write it up.
Write to the local press about the issues and the importance of the trade union response.
Arrange a photo call/photo stunt on the theme, using a bit of artistic creativity.
Add a small element about the issue to an existing event or action.

If your branch or trades council does decide to do something, please let TUC LESE know (email lese@tuc.org.uk), so we can capture and publicise it.

Training Camp for Coordinators of Citizens' Assemblies - Birmingham
2023-10-23 - 2023-10-26
The first ever training camp in the UK! Join us to explore deliberative democracy and the minutiae of the design of citizens’ assemblies.
What is it
The Training Camp is a comprehensive course for present and future coordinators of citizens’ assemblies worldwide. Our experience in supporting and running deliberative processes has taught us many lessons and led us to develop our own, quality-driven, values-based methodology that we would now love to bring to the broader community of practitioners. We envision a world where citizens’ assemblies are well designed, held to high quality standards, and executed with confidence, ease, and joy. Capacity building is an essential ingredient of making that happen.
Who is it for
The Training Camp is intended for members of organizations and groups interested in designing and running citizens’ assemblies – with or without prior experience. We also happily welcome unaffiliated individuals with a passion for democratic innovation and systemic reform.

Resisting Thatcherism in 1980s Sheffield
2023-10-21 14:00 - 18:00
On Saturday 21st October, Sheffield Transformed is hosting a workshop that will explore how left-wing activists and politicians in 1980s Sheffield attempted to resist the dominance of Thatcherism and implement their own political ideas.
During the 1980s, the term ‘Socialist Republic of South Yorkshire’ was coined to describe the region’s left-wing political culture. With contributions from historians and local campaigners, this workshop will examine the left-wing, trade union, feminist, and anti-racist activism that made up the Socialist Republic.
Through presentations and group discussion, we’ll examine the extent to which there was a concerted and successful attempt to build a left-wing alternative to Thatcherite ideology in Sheffield. We’ll discuss what we can learn from this pivotal period in political history and how we can apply it to our present situation.
A full programme for the day is available here, which includes some suggested further reading and resources. As well as the scheduled sessions, there will also be an exhibition of local political memorabilia and photographs from the 1980s that people can view during the breaks and at the end of the event.
Tickets are free but, as Sheffield Transformed has no regular source of funding, any donations will help us to host future events.
Thank you to GMB, NEU, the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, Sheffield Trades Council, UCU and Unite for generously supporting this event.
Guest speakers

Sheena Clarke – local councillor from period
Damon Fairclough – writer and photographer
Kate Flannery – local activist
Sarah Kenny – historian
Daisy Payling – historian
Anandi Ramamurthy – academic
Emma Rattenbury – local activist

2023 TUC Midlands Equalities Conference
2023-10-21 12:00 - 16:00
The annual TUC Midlands Equalities Conference will be held this year at Unite’s regional office in Birmingham.
(Unite the Union, 30 Jennens Rd, Birmingham, B7 4EH, 11am, 21 October)
The conference will hear from national trade union speakers as well as from the various equality networks and committees in the midlands about their work.
Workshops will also be held whereby attendees will be able to discuss, in depth, with the various equality strands to help shape the work and priority of our equalities work for the forthcoming year.

West Yorkshire - Otley Street Stall
2023-10-21 12:00 - 15:00
Please join us at our street stall!
Saturday 21st November we are holding a stall in Otley, Kirkgate opposite the Black Horse Hotel. Call by for a chat, pick up leaflets, stickers and postcards to send to your MP, or just say Hi. Do make yourself known as we will be pleased to have you with us.
If you can let us know you are coming that would be even better. Feel free to contact us if you have any queries about location, times or our message. mvmwestyorkshire@yahoo.com

Black History Month
2023-10-01 - 2023-10-31
Join us in ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ and the #WEMATTER movement during Black History Month 2023
The theme Saluting our Sisters pays homage to black women who had contributions ignored, ideas appropriated, and voices silenced.
2023 LISTINGS

Liberal Democrat Conference: ‘Clean up our politics to restore our democracy’
2023-09-24 19:15 - 20:15
Hosted by Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform, with Unlock Democracy, Make Votes Matter and Electoral Reform Society
Sleaze scandals bursting out from the corridors of power; MPs second jobs and big money funding; absolute power for governments despite winning less than half the votes – no wonder people decide their votes are wasted. What’s the reform agenda?
Speakers include:

Christine Jardine MP, Cabinet Office Spokesperson

Jess Sargeant, Associate Director, Institute for Government

Tom Brake, Director, Unlock Democracy

Klina Jordan, Chief Executive, Make Votes Matter

Note: You have to be registered for the Party Conference to attend this meeting.
Meyrick Suite, Bournemouth International Centre

How to have conversations about climate change that matter
2023-09-21 13:30 - 14:30
In a world where most people now accept that climate change is real, what stops people from engaging in this vital issue?
Unison has teamed up with Larger Us – which works to build broader coalitions for change – to deliver free online training to anyone who wants to up their game when it comes to climate conversations.
This webinar explains the project in detail and explores what the training will look like and what this pilot project will involve.
You can find out more and register here.

LSE Women's Network Event - Spy Cops Scandal - hybrid
2023-09-19 13:00 - 15:00
Women activists speaking about their fight for justice after being deceived into intimate relationships with undercover police.
Between 1968 and at least 2010, 139 undercover police officers were sent on deployments and spied on more than 1,000 mainly left wing and progressive groups. At least 6 undercover officers deceived women into intimate relationships during their covert deployments
This is a hybrid event being held in person at the Civil Service Club (lunch provided) and virtually via Zoom.

Street stall, Formby Village, Sefton & West Lancs
2023-09-16 11:00 - 14:00
Please join us at our stall in Formby Village!
Can you join us to send a message to our local First Past the Post supporting MPs, Ashley Dalton and Bill Esterson, that there is a public demand for PR.
In the run up to the Labour Party conference we’re running street stalls in Skelmersdale (9th Sept) and Formby (16 Sept) to collect postcards from members of the public who want PR, to send to Ashley and Bill.
On 16th September we’ll be in Formby village at the junction of Chapel Lane and Three Tuns Lane from 10-13.00hrs.
Please come along to meet fellow PR supporters and to show there is a public demand for PR. If you’ve never done a street stall before don’t worry, we’ll buddy you up with one of our experienced volunteers.
Please reply by email to mvm.sefton.wl@gmail.com if you can help at one of the stalls.

Green UNISON Week
2023-09-15 09:00 - 2023-09-22 18:00
This September, the union will once again be supporting and encouraging branches to mark Green UNISON Week, using it to celebrate, discuss and share how the union is working to green public services.
From Friday 15th to Friday 22nd of September inclusive, branches across the UK will be asked to consider organising a week of activities to call for urgent action to tackle climate change.
Find out more about Green UNISON Week.

How proportional representation can unlock economic equality - TUC fringe
2023-09-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Revolución de Cuba, Unit 17, Liverpool, L3 4AF
TUC fringe with tapas, wine, beer and soft drinks.

Economic equality cannot be achieved without political equality. To achieve that we need a fairer voting system so the voices of working people are heard clearly in Westminster at all times.
Speakers:

John McDonnell MP
Dr. Justine Mercer, UCU President
Maria Iacovou, Professor in Quantitative Sociology – University of Cambridge and LCER
Mark Serwotka, General Secretary PCS
Rob Ford, Professor of Political Science – University of Manchester
Chaired by: Lynn Henderson, Chair, Politics for the Many

Description:
A growing number of unions are now backing a proportional voting system (PR) because they can see the current system isn’t working for working people.
PR is about ensuring that workers’ rights and pay improve over time. It’s about reversing the trend where FPTP over-represents governments hostile to working people and, as a consequence, sees their rights and conditions eroded over time.
Join us in a sociable environment to get your questions answered and hear about how PR can ensure trade unionists always have a seat at the table.

Safe Passage for Refugees: PCS TUC Fringe event
2023-09-12 13:45 - 15:00
PCS has been at the forefront of campaigning for a safe and legal means for refugees to claim asylum without resort to the dangerous Channel crossing in small boats and free from the exploitation by those that profit from it.
Last year, PCS in partnership with Care4Calais published our ‘Safe Passage for Refugees: humane alternative to the Rwanda policy’ paper, which garnered support across the trade union movement and beyond.
With the government’s Illegal Migration Act receiving Royal Assent in July this year, the context of our campaign is shifting and adapting. This fringe meeting will address that and discuss how the movement can take forward the campaign for refugees’ rights.
The event will be chaired by PCS national president Fran Heathcote and speakers include: Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary; Clare Moseley, founder of Care4Calais; Weyman Bennett, Stand up to Racism.

LSE Women's Network - Coffee Morning - online
2023-09-11 11:00 - 12:00
London and the Southeast Women’s network is having a virtual coffee morning. The event is being held via Teams, Come along for an informal chat about the issues of the day.
All women in the London and the Southeast are welcome to join

Event Contact

contact: londonse@pcs.org.uk

TUC Congress 2023
2023-09-10 - 2023-09-14
The 155th annual TUC Congress will be held in Liverpool from the 10-13 September 2023. Further information available from the general TUC events page.
Background
Congress is the policy making body of the TUC; the annual congress normally meets for four days each year during September. Each affiliated union can send delegates. At congress motions are proposed and discussed and form the basis of the TUC’s work for the next year. Congress is usually attended by about 600 delegates from 48 affiliated unions, has an exhibition, a comprehensive fringe programme and receptions and an annual General Council dinner.
Around 3,000 people would normally come through the doors over the course of the four days to take part in debate, the fringe, to exhibit or to report on the policy debates at Congress. This is a high-profile media event, widely regarded as the first big set piece occasion after the summer break, before the start of the political party conferences.

Street Stall, Skelmersdale, Sefton & West Lancs
2023-09-09 11:00 - 14:00
Please join us at our stall in Skelmersdale!
Can you join us to send a message to our local First Past the Post supporting MPs, Ashley Dalton and Bill Esterson, that there is a public demand for PR.
In the run up to the Labour Party conference we’re running street stalls in Skelmersdale (9th Sept) and Formby (16 Sept) to collect postcards from members of the public who want PR, to send to Ashley and Bill.
On 9th September we’ll be in Skem on the walkway between the library, the swimming pool and the Concourse from 10-13.00hrs.
Please come along to meet fellow PR supporters and to show there is a public demand for PR. If you’ve never done a street stall before don’t worry, we’ll buddy you up with one of our experienced volunteers.
Please reply by email to mvm.sefton.wl@gmail.com if you can help at one of the stalls.

HOW DID OTHER DEMOCRACIES GET PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION?
2023-09-07 20:00 - 21:30
How did other democracies get proportional representation? What can we learn from them? These are the questions that Dr. Dennis Pilon will be hoping to answer at the virtual webinar we’re co-hosting on 7th September. You can register for the event here: https://buff.ly/3P7e1f7

South Asian History Month Event
2023-09-07 09:00 - 18:00
Overview

Join us for a special event to mark South Asian History Month, with a programme packed full of workshops and discussion sessions.
AGENDA
10:00 Refreshments
10:30 Welcome and Introductions (Rupinder Panesar, Nashila Premji, Shirley-Allen-Jackson, Matt Pointon, WEA)
Possibly opening speakers – Lee Barron (TUC), Simon Parkinson (WEA), an Asian MP
10:50 Fashion Workers Advice Bureau – Leicester (FAB-L)
11:20 Rebecca Sixsmith-Hughes & Adam Alarakhia (CWU) – building South Asian activism in the unions
11:50 Break
12:00 Indi Deol (DesiBlitz) – Film on South Asians from East Africa
12:30 Panel discussion (chaired by Rupinder Panesar)
13:00 Lunch & networking with stalls
14:00 Workshops – choose from:
#1: Abda Khan, Culturally-sensitive communications
#2: Keith Lewis and Sohail: Harmful gambling in the Asian community
#3: Potential third workshop on building Asian activism by Rebecca Sixsmith-Hughes
15:00 Poetry and presentation from Sharena Lee Satti
15:30 Discussion, Q&A, closing remarks and networking (Rupinder Panesar)
16:00 Close
