Support the Rally to save Bombardier Jobs

Bombardier trade unions are urging support for the Parliamentary rally to save Bombardier jobs on Wednesday 12th October, Committee Room 10, House of Commons, London.

At the Parliamentary Transport Committee on 7th September both the Secretary of State for Transport and representative of the European Commission admitted it was legally possible to reverse the decision to award the Thameslink trains contract to Siemens of Germany.

Last week the TUC unanimously agreed to back the campaign and there is now overwhelming political, media and popular support for the government to reverse their disastrous decision.

And we know if it is allowed to go ahead the impact of the government’s decision will go beyond Derby. Tens of thousands of supply chain jobs in nearly every constituency in the country will be affected.

That is why every single MP in the country has been invited to the rally on 12th October to hear how the threat to Bombardier in Derby could also threaten the livelihoods of their constituents.

Answers to a parliamentary question from John McDonnell MP last week have further demonstrated the scandalous nature of the government decision. Ministers have admitted that almost £20m has been spent on consultants to provide advice on a process that could spell the end of UK train manufacturing

Please support the rally on 12th October and ask your MP to attend. Please also ask your MP to sign the parliamentary motion tabled by Chris Williamson MP. You can check if your MP has signed by clicking here

The contract is still at preferred bidder stage. There is still time to reverse this decision. Please support the rally on 12th October

Trades Council Meeting: September

There will be a meeting of the Eastbourne Trades Council at 7.30pm, Tuesday 27th September, at the Unite Eastbourne Centre (formerly T&G) , Grand Parade, Eastbourne. All local trade unionists are invited, (although only delegates from affiliated unions may vote on financial and policy matters.)

Stephen Lloyd, the MP for Eastbourne will be our guest speaker. Stephen was elected as the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne at the 2010 election. Prior to this, he worked in small business development, with a particular focus on disability issues. Stephen will speak about his work in promoting econominc development in Eastbourne, particularly the creation of apprenticeships, and will ,of course answer questions on the full range of his work as a Member of Parliament.

A G E N D A
1. Introductions and apologies for absence
2. Approval of new affiliations.
3. Minutes of previous meeting
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes.
5. Treasurer’s report
6. Guest Speaker: STEPHEN LLOYD MP. 7. Trades Council Priorities for 2011-12: The TUC has issued its programme of work for the next twelve months- copies are available online via the website www.eastbourneTUC.blogspot.com. The meeting to decide how Eastbourne Trades Council can incorporate these priorities into its work.
8. Union Campaigns: Colleagues invited to provide information on their Unions’ local and national campaigns, and any support that the Trades Council could give.
9. Articles and timing for next workplace newsletter
10. Any other business

As always, the bar will be open after the meeting !
Apologies or requests for documents etc. to the Secretary at secretary@east-sussex.nut.org.uk