RTUC joins the SEND National March

Dave McMullen (GMB)
with the RTUC banner

Reading Trades Union Council joined other groups and individuals in Forbury Gardens on 30 May 2019 to protest the Conservative government's attacks on children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). 'Well done to Annabel Yoxall and her team for organising today’s march calling for an end to the SEND crisis', declared David McMullen (GMB) of RTUC. Annabel, Joolz Scarlett and Matt Rodda all gave informative and poignant talks about the state of the current situation, then led a march through Reading town centre. Friends of RTUC such as Angie Burnish, Cllr Sarah Hacker and Julie Sherratt were present too.

Labour's Matt Rodda MP
supports the movement

According to the 'SEND National Crisis March' Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/pg/SENDNationalCrisis/about/):

"NATIONAL MARCH 30 MAY 2019 I have decided to act instead of repeatedly say the words 'we need a march or something'. I've been saying this for almost two years now and nothing has changed to the effect of making any difference. I believe it's time we all united and stood up to the powers that refuse to provide our young people with the education that is rightfully theirs! There are so many of us struggling and battling an unfair system for our children or the people we care for and it is an exhausting process that hammers us into the ground daily. If we do what we have been saying we want to do and march TOGETHER in our masses, then we can no longer be ignored. If you want to make a change then lets start here. We have a page with the same name and are linked to other groups and petitions circulating for the same cause. Our aim: we want the current SEN and EHCP legislation to be re-assessed and we demand continuity amongst regions, We are asking for independent parent governor boards to have enforcement powers to ensure appropriate actions by local authorities throughout the SEN / EHCP process. Thanks for joining us and being part of the process of change!"

RTUC was proud to have been there!

May Day 2019

Keith Jerrome (Reading International Brigades Memorial Committee)

Organised by Ray Parkes and Keith Jerrome of the Reading International Brigades Memorial Committee, the International Workers' Day commemoration took place in the Forbury Gardens. Staged at the Reading International Brigades Memorial, Chris Reilly (RMT), President of Reading Trades Union Council, introduced the event, calling on Keith to deliver the first oration. Keith reminded his listeners of the selfless sacrifices of the volunteers to Spain, committed to defeating fascism as soldiers, medics and administrators. He drew parallels to today's struggles, with the far right confident on the streets of Britain and elsewhere, and the left being called upon to continue the fight to keep society free of fascist violence and other oppressions.

Chris Reilly (RMT/RTUC) introduces the speakers

Chris himself spoke with passion about the modern far right in the European elections with the Brexit Party and UKIP garnering over 34% of UK votes.

Cllr Sarah Hacker (Unite/Labour Party)

Cllr Sarah Hacker (Unite/Labour Party) presented her personal history, entering the labour movement through trade unionism, confronting workplace obstacles to advance workers' rights before following her commitment for justice into the Labour Party. She successfully stood for Reading Borough Council in 2010 and has held the Culture, Heritage and Recreation portfolio since 2017.

Robert Wilkinson (Oxford & District Trades Council)

Bob Wilkinson spoke next, a guest from the Oxford Trades Council. He expatiated with passion about the international swing to the right, with Brexit extremists in Britain, Donald Trump's presidency in the USA and Alternative fuer Deutschland in Germany. He urged the left to not only refute right populism but to offer alternatives which address the lowering of living standards, the spread of misinformation and the privatisation drive in public services (including healthcare).

Cllr John Ennis (Labour Party)

Cllr John Ennis (Labour Party) reiterated the threat from the right and called on the left to unite behind the Labour Manifesto and avoid divisions which can weaken the labour movement.

Plan C

Bringing new enthusiasm and 'a plan' to May Day, a speech was delivered on behalf of Plan C, a group outside traditional party structures, organising in the community to engage the public around causes. Following his speech, and thanks from Chris, Plan C marched around Reading town centre, being seen off with ovations from the assembled crowd.

Plan C on the march

Just as the event was winding up, George Wills stepped forward, red flag in hand, a guest from distant Essex, and delivered an impromptu speech of fire and brimstone. Talking of the struggles, defeats - and victories - in his lifetime, fascism militant across Europe, its subjugation, the emergence of the welfare state - and now attacks from the right and the need for renewal. George appealed to young people - while asserting that all those who were gathered were young by his mature standing - and waved them onward in the fight for peace, freedom and justice!

George Wills wraps up with passion!

Following the speeches and Plan C's march, social time was declared with a move to the Outlook Pub and refreshments in a convivial atmosphere! 

Tanya Wills (Unite/RTUC) and Kathy McCubbing
(Palestine Solidarity Campaign)

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/

RTUC supports the Vigil for Christchurch

Labour's Matt Rodda MP addresses the assembly

Shocked by the murderous extremism of the white supremacist in Christchurch, New Zealand, who killed 50 and injured 50 more in an attack on two mosques on 15 March, Nada al-Sanjari, Vice-President of Reading Trades Union Council, organised a vigil on 22 March.

Nada al-Sanjari, RTUC Vice-President

Impassioned speeches were made by Nada herself as well as others, including Reading East's Labour MP, Matt Rodda. After he spoke, Matt listened on humbly, joining the audience, one among equals.

Matt Rodda MP listens, one among equals, to speakers

The mood of the gathering was a combination of compassion for the victims and those touched directly by the crimes, and a sense of solidarity and resistance. Extremists will not prevail - they shall not pass. No Passaran!

*** In solidarity with the New Zealand Labour Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern's sentiment, this blog post does not name the killer: "he will [...] be nameless" ***

RTUC at International Women's Day 2019

As is traditional in Reading, International Women's Day was marked in Town Hall Square under the able stewardship of Nada al-Sanjari, Vice President of Reading Trades Union Council. Nada's speech, honouring local campaigner for LGBT+ rights and the rights of refugees, Alice Driver, who was too ill to be present, is here:
https://www.facebook.com/ReadingTUC/videos/542800682876075/.

The headline theme covered the impact of austerity on women in Britain and the importance of solidarity with women's struggles abroad; the richness of the event was in the variety of speakers and topics covered.

Nada Al-Sanjari (RTUC Vice-Chair) introduces the event 

Kathy McCubbing from Palestine Solidarity spoke eloquently for 10 minutes on the struggle of Palestine in the Great March of Return which commenced on 30 March 2018 - protests at the fence which divides Palestinians from the Occupied Territories. Kathy cited examples of personnel sacrifice and remembered a number of victims, fatally wounded by Israeli troops, taking part in the protests. Watch Kathy's talk here:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=366406354209167.

Cllr Sarah Hacker (Labour Party & Unite) related her own experiences as a woman in the labour movement, firstly joining a trade union, then becoming a representative - then broadening her approach by successfully running for Reading Borough Council. Her story can be heard here:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=341184080073561.

Merry Cross (Disabled People Against Cuts) spoke with passion about the plight of disabled women in society - living with impairment but disabled by society. She talked about the need to make sacrifices in the face of incessant attacks against rights and benefits. Movingly, she asked 'I am disabled - am I not a woman?' to which the assembled bellowed 'Yes!' Catch the full oration here:

https://www.facebook.com/ReadingTUC/videos/281251762806961/.

Naheed Mehdi spoke about the community of migrant women, supporting each other in the difficult times of integration into new societies. She spoke of the abuses suffered by women in Pakistan who are seeking equality - but also about the support generated by the solidarity groups in the country and abroad. The speech can be heard in full here:
https://www.facebook.com/ReadingTUC/videos/2226207234266602/.

Sara Davies of Reclaim Reading and a SEND school governor spoke about the affects of Conservative Government austerity on local people - teachers having to buy school materials out of their own pockets, mothers who cannot afford homes large enough for bedrooms for their kids so the parents sleep on the sofa, families who cannot afford even local holidays. Her speech can be found in full here:
https://www.facebook.com/ReadingTUC/videos/1019445091600003/.

Marcia Alves, a Brazilian activist presented the conditions for women in Jair Bolsanaro's far right regime following his election in Brazil in January. The short speech can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/ReadingTUC/videos/2374780842534425/

The event was closed with musical entertainment from Nicole  Monique Johnson (https://www.facebook.com/ReadingTUC/videos/534949876995153/ and https://www.facebook.com/ReadingTUC/videos/405887326857408/), Rona Topaz (DPAC) and traditional Palestinian dancing (https://www.facebook.com/ReadingTUC/videos/1912094545583646/).

Following the event, many of those present adjourned to the Reading International Solidarity Centre for their 'Celebration of Palestinian Women' event.

'Love Not Hate!' The Trade Union Movement marches for Inclusion

Reading Trades Union Council leads the Procession 

On 16 February 2019, Reading Trades Union Council, supported by Unite the Union – and bolstered by masses of popular support – staged the ‘Love Not Hate’ march, ably coordinated by Nikki Dancey (GMB/RTUC).

Solidarity from Swindon Trades Council

Nikki Dancey (GMB/RTUC) - Lead
Coordinator of the Event

The event was a defiant response to the recent upsurge in far right hooliganism, fascist attacks and nationalist hijacking of the Brexit campaign. Examples of fascist aggression in the past year have been the Law and Freedom Foundation’s targeting of the Zainabiya Welfare Foundation in Tilehurst for intimidation (24 April), the assault of RMT Senior Assistant General Secretary, Steve Hedley, and others in the beer garden of the Westminster Arms pub, Central London, by the English Defence League following a counter-protest to a rally in support of Tommy Robinson and Donald Trump (14 July), the vandalism of the socialist bookshop, Bookmarks, in Central London by ‘Make Britain Great Again’ and UKIP members (4 August) and British nationalist Brexiteers’ daily words of intolerance towards EU citizens whom they want to ‘go home’ after 29 March this year.

Nada Al-Sanjari (NEU/RTUC) and Matt
Rodda MP (Labour, Reading East)

Billie Reynolds (Unison) and  Angie Burnish (DPAC)

The march and social in Reading on 16 February asserted – loud and clear – that for those of EU origin, Palestinian refugees and other international migrants, members of the LGBT+ community, people with physical and mental impairments, peace campaigners, environmentalists, women suffering under patriarchal institutions, trade unionists and socialists – you are welcome in Reading and the trade union movement is with you. And to the far right, we declared: ¡No pasarán!

John Gillman and Neil Adams (both Unite/RTUC)
with the Socialist Party contingent

Labour Councillor, Sarah Hacker (Unite) with her Pride Ambassador flag

Assembling in Market Place, the gathering of several hundred listened to an opening address by Nada Al-Sanjari (NEU), Vice-President of RTUC. Nada welcomed everyone and thanked all for attending, explaining the context of the event and describing the route of the march.

Labour Councillors, Ellie Emberson and John
Ennis fraternise with the assembled

Ray Parkes (Unite), John Partington (TSSA)
and Nada Al-Sanjari (NEU) of RTUC

Headed up by the banners of the Reading Trades Union Council and Swindon Trades Council, with flags flying from GMB and TSSA, the procession commenced at Buttermarket before proceeding along Broad Street, Oxford Road and Alfred Street.

Nada Al-Sanjari (NEU) welcomes the marchers

Assembling for the kick-off speech

At Chatham Place, Matt Rodda MP, Labour representative for Reading East, addressed the close of the march, focusing on Brexit and pledging his commitment to fight for an inclusive deal for EU citizens who choose to remain in post-Brexit Britain.

Following Matt’s address the processionists gathered in The Butler pub, Reading’s friendly refuge for the left, where tables were stocked by RTUC, Berkshire Antifascists and a solidarity bookstall from Bookmarks, attended by Antifa and RTUC volunteers. The landlord of The Butler laid out a buffet as the evening progressed, an address was made by Louise Raw, historian of the women’s labour movement, and music was performed by Nicole Johnson, Grant Sharkey, Boom Boom Raccoon and The Incendiaries.

  

Marching through Broad Street 

The convivial, comradely environment of The Butler lent itself to political discussion on such hot topics as the economic impact of Brexit, Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party and the need to change government, and local government policy under austerity.

Matt Rodda MP (Labour, Reading East) closes the march

The close of the march - before reconvening in The Butler pub

Louise Raw addresses the post-march social

John Partington also brought the TSSA’s ‘Inclusive Rail’ campaign, encouraging people to script a poster suggesting how the railway can become more inclusive for members of the LGBT+ community, both as passengers and as employees in the industry. Matt Rodda MP, a member of Labour’s Shadow Transport Team, promoted station staffing as a security measure to support vulnerable groups; Helen Caney, Reading & District Labour Party’s secretary, advocated retaining guards on trains, again as a security measure; and Steve Geary of USDAW and RTUC called on management to back their staff when faced with abuse.

Grant Sharkey

The Incendiaries

Boom Boom Raccoon

Entertainment from Nicole Johnson

The event was a great success – its popular support on the ground mirrored by the silence of the local and regional media. Reading is energised – and RTUC looks forward to future actions around International Women’s Day, May Day – and supporting workers’ struggles and defending public services wherever they are attacked. ¡No pasarán!

John Partington (TSSA/RTUC) and Matt Rodda MP
(Labour, Reading East) promote LGBT+ rights
in TSSA's 'Inclusive Rail' campaign

Steve Geary (USDAW/RTUC)
promotes 'Inclusive Rail'

Helen Caney (Secretary, Reading & District
Labour Party) promotes 'Inclusive Rail'