Politics for the Many

The Cost of Living Crisis (and how to get out of it)
2023-11-08 13:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London)
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

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

West Yorkshire - Holmfirth Street Stall
2023-11-11 11:00 - 14:00
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

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

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

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 Break Up of Britain? (Edinburgh)
2023-11-18 09:00 - 19:00
This is a major conference on the democratic future of the United Kingdom and its constituent nations. One of the speakers, Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, calls the event “incredibly timely and important.”
Other speakers include The National columnist Lesley Riddoch, writer Neal Ascherson, journalist Isabel Hilton, Clive Lewis MP, The Scotsman journalist Joyce McMillan, prize-winning novelist James Robertson, Professor Richard Wyn Jones, former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood and Radical Independence Campaign founder Jonathon Shafi – with many more speakers from across Britain, Ireland and Europe soon to be confirmed.
Why Now?
Tom Nairn was a political thinker and theorist of unparalleled range and audacity. His work on nationalism, the British state and globalisation in the era of market supremacy remains an inspiration to radicals and reformers everywhere. We want to celebrate Tom’s life not by looking back on his thought but by embracing his spirit of restless engagement with reality.
The greatest danger to our democracy is the status quo. A once suffocating but stable consensus has been replaced by an increasingly authoritarian state coordinating assaults on immigrants, the labour movement and the right to protest. Meanwhile, Scotland is trapped in an involuntary union, Wales strains for more autonomy, and Northern Ireland is held hostage.
The cry for an ‘independent global Britain’ in the Brexit referendum made sovereignty a live issue, as it expressed a desire to end unaccountable elite rule. Tragically, this sentiment was displaced onto the EU, distracting from the major culprit: Westminster. Now Brexit is failing and progressives across the UK, Ireland and Europe need to develop a coherent alternative vision for the future of these islands. This is an urgent strategic priority for democrats of all parties and none. It demands engaging with the disruptive democratic energies that emerged during the 2014 and 2016 referendums.
In Edinburgh this autumn, we plan a major gathering of progressives to start this process. We will challenge the reactionary drift of British politics and assert the right of Scotland, Wales, England and Ireland to self-determination as a core principle of any democratic future. We will also debate the central questions raised by Tom Nairn’s work. Do we need to break up to shape up? What does nationalism mean in 21st-century Europe? What should come after the United Kingdom?

The Future of Democracy, with Frances Crook OBE and Femi Oluwole
2023-11-18 11:00 - 12:15
Join us for a lively discussion on the future of our democracy featuring Frances Crook OBE, Co-Convenor of the Commission on Political Power, and political commentator and activist, Femi Oluwole.
We’ll be diving into the challenges and opportunities facing democracy in the 21st century.

Young Workers winning at work – Joint TUC and Wales TUC event for Young Workers Month
2023-11-18 11:00 - 15:30
Over the past year, we seen union members up and down the country take action to win pay rises. During Young Members Month, join us for a day of practical workshops and talks on winning pay rises in your workplace. It’s an opportunity to:

Learn skills for negotiating pay claims
Understand how to escalate action in your workplace alongside negotiations and learn new organising tactics
Meet other young members across the movement and learn from each other’s experiences
Hear from guest speakers on the importance of working with unions

This event is open to all members who meet their union’s definition of young.

Register now

Violence in the workplace webinar
2023-11-22 12:30 - 13:30
To mark the United Nations International Day to End Violence Against Women and Girls, the National Women’s Committee has organised a webinar on Violence in the workplace and International Labour Organization Convention 190 (ILO C190).
This webinar will explore experiences of unions in dealing with violence in the workplace, including domestic violence and the experience of unions in putting forward C190 provisions on the collective bargaining discussion table and the role of the union in pressing for a bipartite protocol on violence and harassment in the workplace.
Register for the event

2023 National Young Member Conference (Newcastle)
2023-11-24 - 2023-11-26
UNISON’s Young Member Self-Organised Group Committee has agreed to hold a Young Members Self-Organised Group Conference on Friday 24th November at 4pm, finishing Sunday 26th November 2023 at 12:30pm.
We have now opened the Online Conferencing System (OCS) to allow submission of motions in line with the rule-book requirements. Information on when, how and who can submit it can be found in the NYMC bulletin.
Please note the deadline to submit motions on OCS is 12.00 noon on Friday 28th July 2023.
UNISON’s Young Member Self-Organised Group Conference takes place over Three day. Voting on motions is restricted to delegates only. Delegates should attend all sessions of Conference.
The conference bulletin will have further information on motion submission from the SOC and submission deadlines.
If you have any queries, please contact the Conference Office at conferences@unison.co.uk

Next Gen Conference 2023
2023-11-25 09:00 - 17:00
The Youth Conference of the Year is back: Experience the Future at Next Gen Conference 2023!
Join us on Saturday, November 25th, 2023, from 09:00 to 17:00 at Plexal in London for the Next Generation Conference—an event that’s all about inspiring young minds and forging connections. Get ready for an extraordinary, FREE experience where you’ll find inspiration and connect with young changemakers, leading activists, industry experts, influencers, and political figures not just from the UK but from across the globe. Discover innovative ways to bring your boldest ideas to life.
Young people are demanding for their voices to be heard. Join us as we explore youth-led solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. Our dynamic panel discussions include:
My Future, My Vote Campaign
Navigating the Cost of Living Crisis: Impact on Mental Health
The Fashion Industry’s Role in Tackling the Climate Crisis
Clicktivism: Digital activism in the modern age
Don’t miss out! Registration is completely FREE. Stay updated by following us on Instagram and Twitter (@mylifemysay) for event details and travel information. You can also click here to check out the agenda for a sneak peek at what the day holds.
This year, BBC 1Xtra presenter Swarzy Macaly will host the conference, featuring an impressive lineup of speakers. And yes, you read it right—REGISTRATION IS FREE!
Launched by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in November 2018, this conference has been a gathering ground for tech pioneers, business leaders, political influencers, and cultural icons. It unites young visionaries, policymakers, and academics annually to reshape economic, political, and community life. My Life My Say provides young people with a platform to empower themselves as they emerge from challenging times. MLMS is BACK, and it’s stronger than ever!
Hurry, register now while tickets last.
Important Note: This event is for ages 16-30. All attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tackling racism and the far-right - a trade union response (Manchester)
2023-11-25 10:00 - 16:00
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.
We’ll be discussing:

What we are doing to be an anti-racist movement
Institutional racism and Windrush
Working in communities to combat those targeting hotels
Safe passage for refugees
How we tackle the rhetoric and narrative in politics and beyond

Speakers include:

Kim Johnson MP
Riz Hussain, TUC
Weyman Bennett, Stand up to Racism
Hannah Marwood, Care 4 Calais
More to be confirmed

Oxfordshire - CHRISTMAS STALL @ GREEN FAIR
2023-11-25 10:30 - 16:00
Get involved with MVM Oxfordshire!
We’ll be talking to people at the Green Fair, Oxford Town Hall, Saint Aldate’sOxford, England, OX1 1BX
Email sueledwith1@gmail.com to get involved!

ASK HER: 1:1 TIME WITH THE ELECT HER TEAM
2023-11-27 10:00 - 20:30
We love speaking directly to you, the women in our community!
It really helps us to understand how we can best support you on your journey to elected office, what you need and how the work of Elect Her can adapt in response to your needs.
This year, we want to offer the opportunity to women in our community to book in specific 1:1 time with us, to talk, ask questions and catch up with the Elect Her Team. We are putting aside a day each month to have a chat and a blether.
We want to give you the personal space and time you need, to ask us anything about your journey to elected office so we can signpost you directly to resources and opportunities that we and our partners have in place. Do you have questions you’d like to ask about how to get started, what support the political parties have in place, questions about funding or just a general catch up about where you are and where you’d like to be? These 1:1 appointments are the perfect place to ask! If we can help we will, and if not we can refer you to other organisations! There is a whole host of support out there and sometimes you just need a nudge to access it.
We are available for 20 minute slots on Monday 27th November 2023 between 10am – 8:30pm.
Book in some time with us!
If you find all the slots are fully booked, don’t worry – we run these sessions on the last Monday of every month.
Please only book an appointment if you know you are able to attend. We have limited spaces and often they book out very quickly. If you book an appointment but something else comes up, just email us to let us know so we can offer it to other women in our community.

The Future of Democracy in the UK: Public Attitudes and Policy Options
2023-11-27 13:00 - 14:15
This seminar gathers leading figures from Westminster, together with an expert on public attitudes and members of the project team, to explore the findings of the final report of the Democracy in the UK after Brexit project.
Over the past two years, a Constitution Unit team has been examining public attitudes to democracy in the UK. The project’s final report will draw together the findings – from two large-scale surveys and a citizens’ assembly – and reflect on implications for policy-makers. It will examine what kind of democracy people in the UK want and consider what changes in policy or behaviour may be needed in response.
Marking the report’s launch, this seminar will gather several leading figures from Westminster, together with an expert on public attitudes and members of the project team, to explore the findings and identify possible next steps.
Speakers:

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Shadow Cabinet Office Minister
Wendy Chamberlain MP, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip in the House of Commons
Damian Green MP, former First Secretary of State, and chair of the One Nation Conservatives
Professor Maria Sobolewska, Professor of Political Science, University of Manchester
Professor Alan Renwick, Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit

Chair:
Professor Meg Russell, Director of the Constitution Unit

Organising to win on pay and jobs in the arts & culture sector (London)
2023-11-27 19:00 - 20:30
The meetings aims to bring people together across the Arts & Culture sector in London & South East to discuss some common problems we face and what we might do to address them, including the:

impact of Covid
cost of living crisis
threat posed by AI and how we might combat them
SAG-AFTRA strike in the US

We pleased to announce that we have the following speakers:

Jamie Pullman (Musicians’ Union)
Denise Alder (We Are Doc Women – supporting TV’s Women Directors)
Dr Olugcan Ekiz (Swansea University)
Liam Budd (Equity)

Following our speakers, there will be plenty of time for questions/contributions from those attending.
If you want to reserve a place, please email: lese@tuc.org.uk It would be helpful if you could specify if you wish to attend in person or log in online.

BE A COUNCILLOR: NOVEMBER
2023-11-28 19:30 - 21:00
Change “somebody should do something about that…” into “I’ve decided to be that somebody.”
We are inviting all women in England interested in local politics to join our Be a Councillor workshop. Hear from inspirational women in local politics to discover if becoming a councillor is right for you and how to get there, whilst building a supportive community.
For women to be able to participate, progress and stay in local politics, we need new forms of networks and support that work for us. By bringing women together across England with varying levels of experience, we hope to spark skill-sharing, strength, encouragement, and an opportunity for you to hear from current councillors about their experiences.
So whether you’re unsure if local politics is right for you or thinking of standing, join us as we share resources and advice to help you get started on your political journey. We’ll be hosting this gathering on Tuesday, 28th November, from 7:30-9 pm.
All women are welcome to register for these sessions. Non-binary people whose experiences or identities intersect with women’s and therefore feel they would benefit from accessing a women-centred space are welcome to join us.

The People's Powerhouse This Is the North Convention 2023 - Preston
2023-11-29 - 2023-11-30
This exciting two-day event will take place on 29th and 30th November across multiple venues in Preston, and promises to bring together thought leaders, activists, and change-makers from across the North to discuss, learn, and embolden the power of citizens at a local and regional level.
This Is the North Convention is a platform for individuals and organizations committed to creating positive change in our society. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, environmental sustainability, economic reform, or want to explore people-powered solutions to 21st century challenges, this convention is your opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain the knowledge and inspiration needed to drive meaningful change.

Radical Clerkenwell: A Collaboration between MML & London Metropolitan Archives
2023-11-29 17:00 - 18:30
Join us for an evening of document displays at London Metropolitan Archives and Marx Memorial Library, and a guided walk across Clerkenwell with David Rosenberg.

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 – 5:00pm
, 37A Clerkenwell Green, London, EC1R 0DU

DISABLED WOMEN IN POLITICS NETWORK
2023-11-30
In partnership with our friends at Centenary Action Group and the Disability Policy Centre, we currently run a bi-monthly roundtable for d/Deaf and Disabled women and those with long term health conditions who are active in politics and activism to come together, share experience and learnings and support us in developing a programme of support for the next generation of Disabled women in politics.
Find community and strength from connecting with women with similar intersecting identities. To register your interest in attending please email: contact@dispolcentre.org

ONLINE & ONSITE PANEL: Lessons of the 2022-2023 Trade Union Offensive
2023-11-30 19:00
Our panel is set to deliberate on the latest surge in industrial militancy – its origins and impact – , examining challenges and opportnities in organising and sustaining collective action. The discussion will delve into the lessons gleaned from recent experiences and outline the strategic steps forward, especially in the face of escalating legal assaults on trade union freedoms. We will hear from:
Alex Gordon, President of the RMT
Helen O’Connor, Organiser at GMB
Xav Cohen, Organiser at Unison
Our panellists are speaking in a personal capacity

World Aids Day
2023-12-01
Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people living with HIV. More than 35 million people have died as a result, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Many people still don’t know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for people living with the condition. People living with HIV are also more likely to experience poverty, hardship and inequalities.
Marking World AIDS Day shows a genuine commitment to equality and diversity.
We are winning the fight against HIV, but we are losing the fight against ignorance. HIV diagnoses are falling in the UK, meaning the spread of the virus is slowing down, but the fight is not just about the virus. There are still 101,000 people living with HIV in the UK, there is no cure, and people still face ignorance and discrimination that can limit their opportunities, preventing them from living full and happy lives. HIV means you are more likely to live in poverty, and more likely to have poor mental health.
Although the epidemic is slowing in the UK, nearly half of people who test positive are finding out they have HIV very late, meaning the virus may have damaged their health permanently.
On World AIDS Day, use materials to help raise awareness in your workplace, and raise vital funds to help end new transmissions, end stigma and end the inequalities faced by people living with HIV.
Find out more from the National AIDS Trust website.

Campaign update: wrapping up the year - 2023 (online)
2023-12-06 18:00 - 19:00
2023 has been an important year for the #Labour4PR campaign.
We’ve seen probably the biggest grassroots effort influence the National Policy Forum in Labour’s history. We’ve seen the party formally adopt its party programme in preparation for the general election. And we’ve seen that policy – for the first time – include damning criticism of First Past the Post.
Join the Labour for a New Democracy team as we look back at what we’ve accomplished in 2023 – and forward next year and the general election.
Virtual event: A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP
Host Contact Info: hello@labourforanewdemocracy.org.uk

Climate & ecological emergency annual meeting
2023-12-07
The Climate & ecological emergency annual meeting will be on Thursday, 7 December 2023,
Venue and timings
The conference will be online using Zoom from 11am – 4pm.
REGISTER HERE
Registration deadline – Thursday 30 November
Nominations – The deadline for submission of nominations is 5pm, Thursday, 23 November.

Young Organisers' Network - Taster and Launch Event
2023-12-09 10:00 - 16:00
The Young Organisers’ Network weaves elements of training and development alongside the general principle of a network of solidarity – recognising that many young workers make a start in precarious and low-paid work, it aims to give them a jumpstart on organising skills as well as a space to share what impacts them and the changes they need to overcome challenges for young workers. It also aims to provide them with a safe environment to workshop plans and strategy for effective workplace organising.
Come along to this inaugural/taster session where we will explore workplace organising, campaigning for the right to strike, and get to know other young activists over lunch.

2024 National Black Members Conference (Brighton)
2024-01-19 - 2024-01-21
UNISON’s National Black Members Self-Organised Group Committee has agreed to hold a National Black Members Self-Organised Group Conference from 1.00pm Friday 19th January to 12.30pm Sunday 21st January 2024.

Marking 40 years since the ban on trade union rights at GCHQ & the union fightback
2024-01-25 18:00 - 19:30
Forty years ago Margaret Thatcher’s government announced its decision to impose a total ban on trade union membership at Government Communication Headquarters, (GCHQ). Staff were ordered to resign their membership or face dismissal – 14 refused to do so and were sacked. For more than 13 years, a small group of GCHQ staff and unions campaigned for the right to belong to a union, which was restored in 1997.
This event will remember the historic campaign, consider the importance of trade union rights today and the current attacks by the Tory government on workers’ rights.
Speakers:
Martin Cavanagh, PCS national deputy president
Cllr James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council
Kate Haigh, former activist in GCHQ campaign
Liz Blackshaw, TUC regional secretary
Gaz Jackson, RMT regional organiser
Chair, Jane Aitchison, Leeds TUC president

MVM North London Roadshow - Golders Green
2024-01-27 11:00 - 14:00
We are going to Golders Green because Finchley and Golders Green is a swing seat MVM will target in it General Election campaign this year.
Golders Green is on the Northern line Edgware branch via Camden Town and Kings Cross Buses H1 H2 N5 13 83 102 139 183 210 240 245 260 268 460 631 go to Golders Green.
Golders Green in the vicinity of the Clock Tower at the cross roads by the station632A Finchley RoadNW11 7RRLondon
We will be handing out leaflets and speaking to locals. And we will also have Badges, Car Stickers, Bag & Case Stickers and Posters for supporters
For details contact David Brown on 07763 334128 or davidvital@talktalk.net

Protect the right to strike march and rally
2024-01-27 12:00 - 14:00
Our workers rights are under attack again.
Join us at Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham at 12pm on Saturday 27 January. Celebrate our history. Protest against the government. Stand up for your rights.
Forty years ago – on 25th Jan 1984 – Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government attacked trade union rights at GCHQ. Union members were told to resign their membership or be sacked. After a long campaign marked by the fortitude of the workers and their families, and the solidarity of the whole movement, they were reinstated when an incoming Labour government repealed the ban.
Today, the government has passed laws that could restrict the right to strike for over five million workers.. The right to strike is a fundamental British liberty. We must defend it at all costs.
We have won before. We will win again. Join our march and rally on 27 January.
The TUC are supporting this march and rally, which is organised by PCS South West.
Ban of trade unions at GCHQ and the union fightback
40 years ago, Margaret Thatcher’s government announced its decision to impose a total ban on trade union membership at Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). Staff were ordered to resign their membership or face dismissal – 14 refused to do so and were sacked. For more than 13 years, a small group of brave GCHQ staff and their unions campaigned for the right to belong to a union, commanding huge support throughout the labour movement. Marches regularly took place in Cheltenham – where many GCHQ staff are based – between 1984 and 1997. Their principled and sustained campaign ended in 1997, when the Labour government overturned the ban on unions. Staff at GCHQ are now members of PCS. The right to organise collectively to protect people in and out of work is a fundamental human right. Come to our event to learn from the past and celebrate the trailblazing campaign to restore workers’ rights at GCHQ.
Threats to union rights today
The fight for our union rights is not over. Last year, the Tories launched their latest move to restrict workers’ rights, introducing the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act. The law stipulates that when workers in certain sectors lawfully vote to strike, they could be forced to attend work – and sacked if they don’t comply. This undemocratic new law could curtail the right to strike for 1 in 5 workers. This is the last thing our crumbling public services or our dedicated frontline workers need – these draconian laws will poison industrial relations and drag out disputes. Ministers are punishing paramedics and rail staff for daring to stand up for decent pay and better services. But make no mistake. We won’t stand by and let workers get sacked for defending their pay and conditions. And we won’t rest until this law has been repealed. Our message is loud and clear. The entire trade union movement will rally behind any worker who loses their fundamental right to strike.
Timings and location
12pm – gather at Montpellier Gardens
12:30 – march departs through town centre to Pittville Park (approximately 1 hour walk)
13:30 – rally in Pittville Park
