The Reading Trades Union Council

The RTUC is the focal point of the trade union movement in Reading – and so much more. As well as local trade unions, the RTUC meets and organises with groups and individuals from the Reading area who are committed to supporting and improving the social, political and working conditions in the local community and workplaces. We also celebrate important local events – contemporary and historical – related to the Reading area which promote trade unionism, workers’ rights and community causes.

Thursday, 11 February 2021

HeartUnions: COVID19 and the Arts

This year's HeartsUnions event, co-sponsored by Reading Trades Union Council, Reading Socialist Club and Reading District Labour Party, took place on ZOOM and was themed 'COVID19 and the Arts'. Introduced by RTUC Treasurer, John Partington (TSSA), the programme included RTUC delegates, Nicole Johnson (MU) and John Oversby (UCU), speaking on 'Why Music, Where Next?' and 'The strength of the unions through the lens of choral music: collaboration', respectively. A regular visitor to Reading, Janine Booth (RMT) completed the event, speaking on 'Poets versus Covid and Cut'.

Discussion occurred after each presentation and the evening rounded off with a general discussion on strategies for the arts as we emerge out of the pandemic. Click on the image above to see a recording of the evening.