Reading Trades Union Council at Tolpuddle 2018

RTUC assemble, including John Partington (left, TSSA), Dave
McMullen (2nd left, GMB) and Keith Jerrome (right, Unite)

On 22 July 2018, the labour movement assembled in a Dorset village to complete the weekend celebration of trade unionism with the annual Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival march and rally. This year - as ever - saw a Reading Trades Union Council presence, though made especially joyous by the debut of RTUC's new banner.

Reading Trades Union Council on the march

Leading the procession through Tolpuddle was the Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn MP, who laid the ceremonial wreath on James Hammett's grave - the only one of the six martyrs who remained in Dorset. Later in the afternoon, Jeremy closed the speeches by enthusing the assembly with socialist policies and appealing to all supporters of Labour to be ever on an election footing.

Jeremy Corbyn MP leads the procession through Tolpuddle

Reading Trades Union Council was well represented, with Nikki Dancey and Dave McMullen (both GMB), Keith Jerrome (Unite), Steve Geary (USDAW) and John Partington (TSSA) in attendance.

Steve Geary (right, USDAW) of RTUC

John Partington (TSSA) with the reverse of the RTUC banner

The weekend was rounded off with a concert by Billy Bragg, a regular entertainer at the Festival. The whole weekend proved a shot in the arm for the activists - and a great occasion for old friends of the left to reunite from across the country.

Billy Bragg closes the festival with a suite of labour songs

RTUC at the NHS 70th Birthday March

The RTUC Contingent at the NHS 70th Birthday!
Cllr Ruth McEwan (3rd left, Unison), Nada Al Sanjari (4th left, NEU),
John Partington (2nd right, TSSA), Nick Hatton (far right, UCU)

On 30 June 2018, health workers and patients alike - many with their trade union paraphernalia - assembled in Portland Place and processed through London to the centre of political power - Whitehall - to both celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS and to protest Conservative policies leading to the privatisation of our universal health care system.

Slough Trades Council on the march!

Organised by the People's Assembly, Reading Trades Union Council delegates along with comrades from Palestine Solidarity, the Labour Party and the Socialist Party, converged on Whitehall and met in the blistering sunshine to celebrate the benefits of a cradle-to-grave healthcare system free at the point of use and listen to the speeches from health professionals, politicians and trade unionists warning of the damage the NHS is suffering under Tory reforms.

RMT backing a publicly owned and controlled NHS

The shot in the arm came from Frances O'Grady, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, expressing the trade union movement's determination to fight Tory privatisation of the NHS. 

TUC General secretary, Frances O'Grady,
addresses the assembly

Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn MP, wows the crowd with
the promise of undoing Tory privatisations in the NHS

She was followed by Jeremy Corbyn's pledge, as leader of the Labour Party, to reverse privatisation and re-establish the NHS on the basis of the founding principles of 1948: a universal coverage, paid for through progressive taxation, available to all free at the point of use.

Oxford Unite join the march

In addition to RTUC delegates, Oxford workers from Unite were spotted with their banner - members of Oxford & District Trades Union Council with whom the RTUC has cooperated in the past. Also, RTUC's partner in the Berkshire Association of Trades Councils, Slough Trades Council, was in attendance.

Nada (far left) and Ruth (2nd right) join comrades on Whitehall

The Reading contingent was represented at the event by Nada Al Sanjari (NEU), Joan Boyd (NEU), Kevin Brandstatter (GMB), John Gillman (Unite), Nick Hatton (UCU), Kathy McCubbing (Palestine Solidarity), Cllr Ruth McEwan (Unison), John Partington (TSSA) and Billie Reynolds (Unison).

Nick, Nada and John await speeches in Whitehall

Joan Boyd (NEU) and John en route to Whitehall

Billie Reynolds (Unison), Nada and Kathy McCubbing
(Palestine Solidarity) at the end of the march

Many leaflets and magazines were distributed at the event, but perhaps that of the Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist-Leninist) captured the basic appeal of the protesters most concisely: 'Save Our NHS'.

An example of pro-NHS publicity
distributed during the march

RTUC - Flying a Banner for Reading Workers

RTUC Banner - the official unveiling at the delegates' meeting

After more than a year of discussion concerning design and production, the Reading Trades Union Council banner was officially unveiled at the RTUC delegates' meeting on 13 June 2018 - from a design finalised by Nick Hatton. Its obverse iconography represents a wealth of Reading history, with key workplaces such as the Royal Berkshire Hospital and Reading Railway Station (and, from the past, Huntley & Palmers' Biscuit Factory) keeping company with such Reading symbols as the Maiwand Lion, the memorial to the volunteers of the International Brigades and the Red Kite. Reading's proud symbols of struggle are also represented, with banners on display representing the Suffragettes, Pride and Peace. And foregrounding it all is the diverse Reading population - with persons from all ethnicities standing shoulder to shoulder, defending past victories and promoting a better future.

On the reverse, the banner pays a special homage to three pillars of the local labour movement - Thora Silverthorne, Ian Mikardo and Lorenzo ('Len') Quelch.

The reverse detail during the May Day march

Thora was a volunteer nurse in the Spanish Civil War, caring for the fallen heroes of Spanish democracy under the auspices of the Spanish Medical Aid Committee and in so doing becoming a hero herself. On her return to Britain, she was instrumental in founding an independent trade union for nurses - the National Nurses Association - and as a paid employee of the Socialist Medical Association, through which she lobbied for the creation of the NHS in the 1940s.

Ian was the Labour member of parliament for Reading/Reading South (1945-59). Although never a cabinet minister, he did chair the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries and had stints as Chair of the Labour Party and Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party.

Len started his career as a trade unionist, serving as Secretary of the Berkshire Branch of the English Land Restoration League and being active in the Agricultural and General Workers' Union. He was also seconded to Gibraltar for a period, reorganising the Coal Porters' Union. In politics, he was a Reading Borough Councillor from 1914 to 1937, being elevated to the Aldermanic Bench from 1933 to 1937.

Heading Reading's May Day march

Although officially unveiled on 13 June, the RTUC banner had already made two public appearances by that date: on 7 May it headed the annual Reading May Day march through the town, with RTUC President Chris Reilly (RMT) leading the way; and on 7 June the banner was flown outside the Reading Town Hall, while BBC Question Time was being filmed, as part of a vigil for Palestinian victims of Israeli aggression.

The RTUC banner on display at the vigil for Palestine

RTUC joins DPAC to Oppose Attacks on Mobility

DPAC & RTUC at the Reading Civic Offices

On 11 June 2018, Berkshire Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) organised a vocal demonstration outside the Reading Civic Offices to protest against Reading Borough Council's proposals to restrict free travel on buses for disabled people and their helpers. The Reading Trades Union Council was strong in its support of the protest, recognising not only the fundamental injustice of restricting mobility in itself - but also understanding the negative impact RBC's actions would have on disabled people finding employment and commuting to work. Nada Al-Sanjari (NEU), Nikki Dancey (GMB), Ginnette Hargreaves-Lees (Unite), Kevin Jackson (Unison), John Partington (TSSA) and Sue Taylor (PCS) represented RTUC at the event.

The protesters leafleted the general public and attracted their attention with the flying of banners and placards and the chanting of 'No more cuts - cuts kill!' Although the Borough Councillors did not pass by the protesters - preferring to enter the Civic Offices by the back door to get to their debate on the subject - the presence of Reading Chronicle and Get Reading journalists should alert them to the anger and opposition their proposals have roused.

DPAC leaflet for the protest

Whereas free travel passes are currently available to mobility impaired persons plus a helper all day everyday, the RBC's proposals would see disabled people having to pay for bus travel before 09:30 and after 23:00 - and free travel for their helpers would be abolished altogether. In addition, disabled people would have to pay for all travel on the hop-and-stop style Readibus service.

Ginnette Hargreaves-Lees (Unite, left), Nada Al-Sanjari (NEU, right) and
John Partington (TSSA, second right) of RTUC join DPAC protesters

The June meeting of RBC is unlikely to decide policy on disabled persons' bus travel concessions - it will continue to be debated in July and perhaps also in September - so DPAC and others supportive of disabled people's struggles for life and liberty have time to make their case for the retention of free bus travel. As RTUC's involvement demonstrates, DPAC is keen to build a broad coalition - so those interested in supporting the campaign should contact Berkshire DPAC via its Chair, Merry Cross, on jollyangry@gmail.com.

RTUC Supports Oxford's March for the NHS

Unison head the march from Cowley Road

Organised by Oxfordshire Health Unison and Unite, Oxford's march for the NHS included representatives of Oxford Keep Our NHS Public, trade unions, health campaigners, the Labour and Green parties and the sympathetic public. Beginning on Cowley Road, the march proceeded down High Street, Cornmarket Street and ended with speeches on Broad Street.

Wolvercote Ward Labour Party parade down Cornmarket Street

In order to capture the mood of the afternoon, a good friend of Reading Trades Union Council and the chair of Oxford & District Trades Union Council, Pól Ó Ceallaigh (Unison) has permitted the reprinting in full of his address to the rally:

"Friends, Comrades, Sisters and Brothers!

"The Health & Social Care Act 2012 introduced by the Tory-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government is the enabling legislation that allows for the fragmentation and dismantling of the NHS.

Oxford & District Trades Union Council join the march

"Despite what they may say both the Tories and the Liberal Democrats are responsible for the worst crisis in the NHS’s 70 years of existence.

"The deliberate underfunding of the NHS that has occurred in the last 8 years is clear for all to see. When they, the Coalition Government took office, few NHS Trusts were in deficit; now nearly all are as a direct result of this government’s policies. 

Student nurses prepare to march

"Recently a Tory MP suggested that we should move over to a Health Insurance-based system, rather than the current NHS system.

"Insurance companies use 'Actuaries' to calculate the likelihood of something happening to their customers.

Pól Ó Ceallaigh (Unison) speaks for O&DTUC

"So for example:

i.   if a teacher retires at 55, actuarially they have a life expectancy of about 30 years.

ii.  if they retire at 60, actuarially they have a life expectancy of about 10 years.

iii. if they retire at 65, actuarially they have a life expectancy of about 2 to 3 years.

Labour Councillor, Nadine Bely-Summers

"In Ireland they have a mixed Healthcare System; if you are working, you are required to have Health Insurance. 

"Three years ago my nephew, who was 27 and working, went to his GP as he was feeling unwell. Eventually he was referred to a consultant for tests; all those came back negative. When he asked if it could be cancer, he was told that the type of cancer it could be normally only affects people over 50 so the Health Insurance Company would not pay for those tests.

March organiser, Ian McKendrick (Unison)

 "As ACTUARIALLY, he would not have it!

"So after extended periods of illness, he lost his job due to sickness absence.

"My nephew then took a job in Munich in April last year where once again he was taken ill. They did do all the test there and the doctor could not believe that having ruled everything else out the Health Insurance Company in Ireland would not pay for the next set of tests as the symptoms all indicated that it was Oesophageal Cancer.

Pól Ó Ceallaigh (O&DTUC) and John Partington (RTUC)

"In May last year he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Oesophageal Cancer, has undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, and was given the all clear at the end of the course of treatment.

"On his second three-month follow up appointment, he was told that the cancer had returned.

Joan Boyd (second left, NEU) and John
Partington (second right, TSSA) of RTUC

"Last week he was given a prognosis of a year, give or take a few months.

"This is not some case where there are no symptoms, there were the classic symptoms of Oesophageal Cancer, but because it is UNUSUAL for people under 50 to get that, the so called Health Insurance company would not pay for the tests that could have discovered the cancer at an earlier stage and improved his chances of survival.

Oxford's cost-of-living crisis - causing
an NHS staffing crisis

"So, in conclusion, it is REALLY IMPORTANT, that you come to the national demonstration on 30 June in London. Book a seat on the coach and let this government know that they have to take their grubby hands off Our NHS."

Leaflets from the march

After two hours, the approximately 300 marchers dispersed - many of whom will no doubt reassemble for the national march in London to celebrate the NHS's 70th anniversary on 30 June. From the RTUC, John Partington (TSSA) and Joan Boyd (NEU) marched in Oxford. It was a pleasure to join comrades in a cause of such monumental importance.

A New Deal For Working People 12 May 2018

RTUC assemble at the rally: Billie Reynolds (Unison),
John Partington (TSSA) and Steve Geary (USDAW)

On 12 May 2018 from 11:00 until 16:00, trade unionists and others battling for workers' rights, the NHS and public services assembled in London and marched and rallied under the banner of 'a new deal for working people'.

John Gillman (RTUC & Unite)

Reading Trades Union Council delegates were there with their trade unions and political; parties, including Billie Reynolds (Unison), Steve Geary (USDAW), Kevin Jackson (Unison), Cllr Ruth McEwan (Unison), John Partington (TSSA), John Gillman (Unite) and Neil Adams (Unite).

John Partington (right, TSSA & RTUC) with his
Network Rail North London Branch Chair, Andy Bain

The TSSA delegation, included members from its affiliate branch to the RTUC, Andy Bain (Network Rail North London Branch Chair) and John Partington, who were joined on the march by their General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, and Assistant General Secretary, Steve Coe.

TSSA delegation, led by Assistant General Secretary, Steve
Coe (left), and General Secretary Manuel Cortes

As has become standard, pro-NHS campaigners joined trade unionists, so interrelated are their respective struggles.

NHS campaigners, shoulder to shoulder with trade unionists

Of the more impressive banners on display, a mention must go to the RMT's (Liverpool No. 5 Branch), sporting an image of the great Bob Crow with his immortal words, 'If you fight you might lose but if you don't fight, you will always lose'.

RMT marching for their members' rights

As the marchers congregated at Hyde Park and the rain began to fall, Manuel Cortes of the TSSA kept spirits up with a rousing speech on the need for rail nationalisation and highlighting the Conservatives urge for privatisation and attacks on public services.

Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary,
addresses the rally

Dave Prentis of Unison restated the need for workers to defend the government attacks on public services and to reject any continuing cap on public sector pay.

Dave Prentis, General Secretary of Unison 

Patrick Roach of the NASUWT bemoaned spending inequalities in education and the government's loading the dice in favour of academies, free schools and - more recently - grammar schools.

Patrick Roach, General Secretary of the NASUWT

Why we marched and rallied!

Mark Serwotka of the PCS followed in the strong roster of speakers.

Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of PCS

Matt Wrack of the FBU gave an impassioned speech in support of the emergency services, reflecting on the approaching anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire disaster and the government's reluctant relaxation on the public sector pay freeze for fire fighters. Matt pointed out - every one of the fire fighters who risked their lives in Grenfell Tower were trade unionists!

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades' Union

The TUC General Secretary, Frances O'Grady, followed Matt, speaking but briefly, introducing the man many trade unionists are placing their hopes in for a reversal of austerity politics - Jeremy Corbyn MP.

General Secretary of the Trades union Congress, Frances O'Grady

As Labour leader, Jeremy recommitted the party to reforming trade union law, ensuring all workers received representation and protection at work without fear of recrimination. He promised an enquire into the Orgreave scandal, when miners were attacked by South Yorkshire Police during the Great Strike of 1984-85 - and no officers have been brought to justice yet. He promised to roll back privatisation of health provision and maintain a fully public National Health Service. He said Labour would end the scandal of railway franchisee charging exuberant fares and receiving public subsidy. Labour would nationalise the railways, water and the postal service - policies the public are keen to see. Despite the rain, Jeremy captivated his audience and received round after round of applause.

Jeremy Corbyn MP, leader of the Labour Party

Following Jeremy, Gill Walton of the Royal College of Midwives restated the call - made by several speakers already - for the maintenance of a public health service, free at the point of use, and fair pay for the staff keeping it going.

Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives

Gill encouraged her audience to return to London on 30 June to celebrate the NHS's 70 birthday and to be vocal about our desire to preserve it and keep it public.

Advertising the next protest - fighting on all front!

Dave Ward of the Communication Workers' Union followed, reiterating Jeremy's call for a renationalised postal service and alerting his listeners to the efforts in the telecommunications industry to deskill and reduce wages for staff.

Dave Ward, General Secretary of the Communication Workers' Union

The final speaker was the heavyweight of the trade union movement, leader of the largest trade union in Britain, Len McCluskey of Unite. He gave a ringing endorsement for Jeremy Corbyn's leadership and committed his trade union to fighting for a Corbyn-led Labour government at the next general election.

Len McCluskey, General Secretary of Unite

Despite the rain, it was a great day, recharging the radical batteries and sending everyone home with a sense of purpose - and urgency; end Tory rule and fight for workers' rights, the NHS - and Corbyn-led Labour government!

Unison assemble, including Kevin Jackson (second right)
and Cllr Ruth McEwan (right) of the RTUC

The following are examples of radical literature being distributed during the march and rally: