International Workers' Memorial Day in Reading

Solidarity with fallen workers at the Henry West Memorial

Reading Trades Union Council organised the 2019 memorial service for fallen workers and those injured in the course of their employment duties on 28 April. RTUC delegates present were Steve Geary (USDAW), Sarah Hacker (Unite), Keith Jerrome (Unite), Dave McMullen (GMB), Ray Parkes (Unite), John Partington (TSSA), Chris Reilly (RMT), Sue Taylor (PCS) and Tanya Wills (Unite), with other attendees present.

RTUC President, Chris Reilly (RMT), opens proceedings

RTUC President, Chris Reilly, opened proceedings by reflecting on the varied nature of workplace hazards, from historic ones involving asbestos and silica - the consequences of which are still being felt today - to risks around machine use, road risk and mental distress in the workplace.

Chris spoke about Henry West, at whose memorial in St Laurence's Churchyard the gathering took place. Henry was the first known fatality in Reading in the railway industry; a carpenter at Reading Railway Station, picked up in a whirlwind in 1840 and thrown to his death in a freak accident. His workmates paid for the memorial, three times renewed, at the station. To this day, on the old station building wall on platform 7, can be found a brass plaque remembering Henry's sad demise.

Keith Jerrome (Unite)

Other speakers followed Chris, including Keith Jerrome, emeritus member of RTUC, who reflected on the evolution of working practices, with discussion had about safety legislation, personal protective equipment and the need to consult and agree on protection with the workforce in order to get staff support for its use.

The Henry West Memorial in Reading Railway Station

RTUC proud to support JVL's showing of WitchHunt

Attendees at WitchHunt

On 16 April 2019 from 18:00 to 22:00, trade unionists, socialists, Labour members and supporters, human rights activists and anti-racists gathered in central Reading to watch a showing of WitchHunt, a film that showcases the persecution and ultimate expulsion from the Labour Party of Jackie Walker, a longtime activist in human rights struggles.

The film-makers introduce the movie thus:

"In 2015, while the far right was gaining ground around the world, socialist MP Jeremy Corbyn was elected as leader of the UK Labour Party in a landslide victory. Accusations of antisemitism within the party immediately began to circulate. Well-known anti-racists and left-wing Jews, such as Jackie Walker, were amongst the chief targets.

"WitchHunt sets out to investigate the stories and the people behind the headlines, examining the nature of the accusations. Is this a witch hunt, as some claim? If so, who is behind it, and what is the political purpose of such a campaign? Has the media failed in its duty to fairness and accuracy in reporting on such serious allegations? Through a series of interviews, analysis and witness testimony, WitchHunt explores the connections between the attacks on Labour, the ongoing tragedy of Palestine and the wider struggle against race-based oppression. It argues that if it is to mean anything at all, the fight against racism must  be a shared one that includes all peoples" (https://witchhuntfilm.org/).

Jackie Walker, 2nd right, the public face of the WitchHunt in the film

Following the viewing, the film-makers, Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi (executive producer) and Jon Pullman (director), answered questions from the 80-strong audience. When asked how the left can push back against the witch hunt within the Labour Party, Jon urged those present to keep fighting fascism and racism in society - but he also encouraged people - Labour members and others - to watch the film and join the fight for truth and justice for the likes of Jackie Walker and Chris Williamson MP - a friend of the Reading labour movement who is currently suspended from the Labour Party.

Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi (executive producer) and Jon Pullman (director)
answer questions following the screening

The film is not for sale - it can be viewed for free here: https://witchhuntfilm.org/. Contact Jewish Voice for Labour if you would like to arrange speakers to introduce the film and answer questions on it.

https://www.jewishvoiceforlabour.org.uk/blog/antisemitic-misconduct/