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| David McMullen (right, GMB) |
Over the weekend of 15 to 17 July 2022, Reading Trades Union Council showed solidarity with comrades across the workers' movement by attending the annual Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival. Kevin Brandstatter (GMB), Nikki Dancey (GMB), James Denny (RMT), Keith Jerrome (Unite), Dave McMullen (GMB) and John Partington (TSSA) represented their respective trades unions and the RTUC.
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| John Partington (right, TSSA) |
On the Saturday, Mick Lynch, RMT General Secretary, addressed enthusiastic supporters about the recent and ongoing strikes across the rail industry.
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| Kevin Brandstatter (GMB) |
On the Sunday, the procession through Tolpuddle Village was impressive by its strength of numbers, demonstrating that two years of truncated, virtual festivals had done nothing to dampen enthusiasm.
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| RTUC proudly affiliated to the Shrewsbury Campaign |
The key speakers on Sunday included Angela Rayner MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, who promised support for a summer of industrial action, and Frances O'Grady, giving her final speech to Tolpuddle as TUC General Secretary, while Robb Johnson and Billy Bragg provided entertainment from the main stage.
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| Frances O'Grady, outgoing TUC General Secretary |
There was plenty of opportunity to expand knowledge on key current issues as well as learn from past struggles to advance present campaigns. The Martyrs' Marquee hosted speakers and entertainers the whole weekend while stalls of books, pamphlets, leaflets and other information filled the space. Radical Films were projected in the mobile cinema and trade union stalls facilitated sharing of information and focal points for members of the respective unions. And the Tolpuddle History School ran throughout the festival.
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| James Denny (right, RMT) |
The weekend was great preparation for - to quote Mick Lynch - a "Sizzling Summer of Solidarity"! Billy also sent us off with a message to the fascists who might try to get in our way!
