On 4 June 2022, Reading Trades Union Council joined Reading's annual Waterfest event, promoting the value and importance of the Kennet and Avon Canal to the people of Reading and affording community groups the opportunity to promote their activities and causes.
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| John Partington, Sue Taylor and Tanya Wills with a volunteer (2nd right) |
John Partington (TSSA), Sue Taylor (PCS) and Tanya Wills (Unite Community) represented RTUC with assistance from volunteers. As well as being used to distribute trade union literature, the event provided a platform for discussion of trade union activities with the passing public and - especially topical - was an ideal opportunity for RTUC to promote the 18 June 'Britain Deserves Better' cost of living crisis march and rally in London. See here for details. Unite and Unison/NEU are providing coach travel to the event and back from Reading and elsewhere. Coach spaces can be booked through Unite via Joe on SE.mobilise@unitetheunion.org or via Unison on ceberkunison@reading.gov.uk.
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| RTUC Acting President, Tanya Wills, with a Waterfest visitor |
The public engagement with trade unionism was heartening and the anger, frustration and - in some cases - fear caused by the cost of living crisis and the Tory government's lack of imagination or sympathy when considering responses to it are sure to strengthen trade unionism and build a strong event on 18 June.
