Eastbourne Trades Council: March 2017

Wednesday, 22 March 2017

AGM 2017- priorities ahead!

A good turnout at the 2017 AGM saw trade unionists discuss the challenges facing the movement in the coming year.

Guest speaker Bob Ellis, head teacher of Seaford Head School and an activist in school leaders' union ASCL, spoke about the FlatCashEd campaign by East Sussex head teachers and governors against the massive funding cuts facing schools in our area. The title refers to the government's pledge to protect school funding at 2015 cash levels only- no funding for additional wage, national insurance or utility bills.

Lucette Davies spoke about the new East Sussex Save the NHS campaign- seeking to bring local campaigners together, particularly to campaign against the implications of the so-called Sustainability and Transformation Plans that seek to cut billions from the NHS.

The officers elected for 2017-18 were Chair: Valerie Thomas (NASUWT), Vice-Chair: Mick Litchfield (TSSA), Secretary: Dave Brinson (NUT), Assistant Secretary: Chrissie Parsons (Unison) and Treasurer: Gordon Dyer (Unite the Union)

The Len Caine Award was presented to Keith Mitchell of the RMT. Keith has worked tirelessly to support his members in Eastbourne, in a year that has seen considerable hardship and struggle to defend passenger safety through the vital safety-critical guard on our trains. The meeting sent solidarity to RMT members, and saluted Keith's energy and commitment to his members.

Thursday, 9 March 2017

Trades Council AGM: Tuesday 21st March

The AGM of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be at 7.30pm, Tuesday 21st March, at the View Hotel (formerly T&G/Unite Centre) , Grand Parade, Eastbourne.

All local trade unionists (including retired trade unionists) are invited, although only delegates from affiliated unions may stand as officers or vote on financial or policy matters.

A G E N D A

1. Introductions and apologies for absence
2. Minutes of the AGM from 2016
3. Adoption of Rules for 2017 (proposal is same as for 2016) and new affiliates.
4. Officers' Reports and Accounts
5. Election of Officers for 2017

a) Chair
b) Vice Chair
c) Secretary

d) Assistant Secretary
e) Treasurer
f) Additional non-officer members of the Executive Committee, if required

6. Guest Speaker(s) to be confirmed

7. Campaign Updates- including local and national Union campaigns, County Association of Trades Councils, Eastbourne People's Assembly etc.

8. Pattern of meetings for 2017
9. Campaign Contacts for 2017

10. Presentation of the Len Caine Award to Keith Mitchell of RMT

Trades Councils in the Community

Your union branch speaks up for your members and potentialmembers in the workplace. Whether it’s pay, rights at work, healthand safety or lifelong learning, your branch exists to get a better dealfor your members.

Unions also need to raise their voice in the world beyond the workplace when:
• the public services delivered and used by union members come under threat
• racists and fascists try to divide local communities
• local authorities seek to reduce democratic control of education or housing.

That’s where your local trades union council comes in. Trades councils bringtogether local union branches to campaign across a community on issuesthat matter to working people.

Facing closure?: Your trades council can provide practical support and solidarity.
Tackling racism? Your trades council can help unite local people against the haters.
Privatisation problems? Your trades council can help campaign for public ownership and democratic control.

Eastbourne Trades Council represents workers in public and private sector employment across the Borough of Eastbourne and the parish of Willingdon and Jevington.