Friday 31 October 2014

We Marched !

Eastbourne Trades Council were very proud to be well represented at the TUC's Britain Needs A Pay Rise demonstration in London on 18th October.

The trades council once again funded train tickets for local trade unionists (with special thanks to the NUT for their sponsorship) , and others made their way there with their own unions' transport. Eastbourne trade unionists were well represented from Unite the Union (a superb turnout), NUT, Unison, Equity, CWU and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists amongst others.

Tens of thousands of trade unionists joined from all over the country to march through central London, and to hear from a range of speakers, compered by comedians Andy Parsons and Amy Lamé.

TUC General Secretary, Frances O'Grady said:
"Our message is that after the longest and deepest pay squeeze in recorded history, it’s time to end the lock-out that has kept the vast majority from sharing in the economic recovery.  The average worker is £50 a week worse off than in 2007 and five million earn less than the living wage. Meanwhile, top directors now earn 175 times more than the average worker.  
“If politicians wonder why so many feel excluded from the democratic process, they should start with bread and butter living standards.  
“An economy that finds money for tax cuts for the rich and boardroom greed, while the rest face a pay squeeze and big cuts to the welfare system –that any of us might need – is no longer working for the many.”  

Tuesday 7 October 2014

Remembering the Dock Strike of 1889- Hastings Event

To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the London Dock Labourer's strike,
Hastings District Branch of Unite the Union SE/6253  is holding a meeting to celebrate the strike which along with the Matchwomen and Gas Workers strikes launched the New Union movement.

Speakers include:
 
Louise Raw:  Author of the ground breaking book  Striking a Light which gives a detailed account of the 1888 strike at Bryant and Mays and the working women who led and took part in it.
 
Terry McCarthy: Author of Dock Strike 1889  Terry is also the former Director of the National Museum of Labour History.

 
The meeting is to be held at the White Rock Hotel Hastings in the Sea Front Lounge 2.30pm till 6.00pm on Saturday  the 25th of October. The White Rock Hotel is on the Seafront  opposite the Pier, the Postcode is TN34 1JU.

There will be plenty of time for debate. Anyone who can sing can contribute ! This is an open meeting all are welcome
Contact 'hastings@unitetheunion.org' for further details