Reading Trades Union Council at Pride

On 31 August 2019, Reading Pride marched through the town and took up residency on Kings Meadow. As is customary, trade unionists assembled, lining up alongside political and social marquees and stalls, from the NHS to the Reading & District Labour Party.

Rob Sterling (GMB), Nikki Dancey (GMB) and Kevin
Brandstatter (GMB) in the RTUC gazebo

Reading Trades Union Council parked its gazebo alongside that of its affiliated trade union, the GMB, and members of the RMT, Unite, the Musicians' Union, Unison, NEU and other trade unions promoted their campaigns and fraternised with members, prospective members and other sympathisers.

Cllr Rachel Eden (GMB), Matt Rodda MP (Labour, Reading
East) and Paul Sony (GMB) at the GMB gazebo

RTUC distributed literature on the minimum wage, transport policy and workplace equality and held conversations to promote the power of collective strength in defending minorities and other groups and individuals striving for equality.

RTUC would like to acknowledge the fine work done by Plan C Reading, Abingdon Queer Action and other groups which led a protest against the presence of the Atomic Weapons Establishment, the Ministry of Defence and the Conservative Party at Reading Pride, despite their support for arms trading with regimes which persist in criminalising homosexuality. Plan C Reading wrote up the protest as follows:

RTUC Joins Protest at Frimley Health NHS Trust

On 21 August 2019, Berkshire County Trades Association, represented by delegates from Reading Trades Union Council and Slough Trades Council, supported Unison, GMB and Unite members of Frimley Health NHS Trust in a protest against privatisation proposals.

Margery Thorogood (left, GMB/STUC) and David
McMullen (2ndright, GMB/RTUC)

The Trust's Deputy Chief Executive, Janet King (Janet.king18@nhs.net), attempted to brief staff at Wexham Park Hospital on proposals to create a wholly owned, arm's length subsidiary which would see non-clinical jobs at Wexham, Frimley and Heatherwood hospitals transferred from the NHS to a new company, affecting around 1000 staff. Her attempt to exclude trade union organisers from the briefing, however, led to a walk out by trade unionist members.

RTUC banner greets workers assembling in protest

The GMB Southern Region report of the meeting can be found here: https://www.gmb-southern.org.uk/news/gmb-members-walk-out-of-frimley-health-nhs-trust-privatisation-meeting.

The 'Morning Star' reports employer repression by Trust management here: https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/b/union-reps-physically-assaulted-by-senior-management-at-frimley-health-nhs-foundation-trust-privatisation-meeting-gmb-claims.

In addition to the principled opposition health privatisation, the trade unions, including GMB, Unite and Unison, fear the transfer will lead to job losses and worsened terms and conditions.

GMB members have staged lunch-time demonstrations against the plans and have launched a consultative ballot on the plans.

Reading Trades Union Council's banner joined the flags and banners of other trade unions, proudly sported by the RTUC secretary, Dave McMullen (GMB).

Reading's Coalition of the Left Protests Universal Credit

The issues at stake!

On 1 August 2019, from 18:00 to 19:00, a protest of about fifty people, plus many more passes-by, assembled at Town Hall Square, Reading, to share experiences about the trauma of Universal Credit.

John Partington (3rd left, TSSA) and Chris Reilly (far right, RMT)
with fellow Reading Labour Party Executive members

Reading Trades Union Council was well represented, with delegates present including John Gillman (Unite), Ginnette Hargreaves-Lees (Unite), Dave McMullen (GMB), John Partington (TSSA), Chris Reilly (RMT), Sue Taylor (PCS) and co-organiser, Jim Parker (Unite).

Ginnette Hargreaves-Lees (Unite) addresses the protest

The event was co-organised by Berkshire Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) and the Community branch of Unite the Union. Jim Parker took the lead in distributing leaflets while Merry Cross of DPAC opened the speeches and encouraged speakers to come forward.

John Partington (TSSA) speaks on Universal Credit and fear

RTUC provided two speakers, John Partington (TSSA), who referenced the fear Universal Credit applicants have in protesting or even being seen at protests in case their benefits are stopped, and Ginnette Hargreaves-Lees (Unite), who spoke of her own struggles accessing support.

Merry Cross (DPAC) leads the condemnations

With the new wind of change blowing through Reading & District Labour Party following its Annual General Meeting on 25 July, eight of its elected executive committee joined the protest, two of whom are RTUC delegates: Chris Reilly (RMT) and John Partington (TSSA).

Alison Peyton (ReadiFood) speaks

Cllr Rachel Eden, Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate in Reading West, also spoke against Universal Credit before being joined after the speeches by Cllrs Micky Leng, John Ennis and Sarah Hacker to pledge opposition to Universal Credit and offer support for its scrapping once a Labour Government is formed.

Cllr Rachel Eden (Labour) supports the protest

Alison Peyton of Readifood, Reading's primary food bank, gave anecdotal evidence of the increase in food bank use in the town since Universal Credit was introduced for new applicants. Austerity is - according to the Tories - over, yet Alison sees more food bank users now than ever before.

Rona Topaz shares her experiences

Two further Universal Credit claimants rounded off proceedings. Rona Topaz spoke of the difficulty in accessing support under Universal Credit tests.

John Hoggett expresses anger through
call-and-response poetry

And John Hoggett, in his unique style, used art - in this case poetry - to condemn Universal Credit and to dignify welfare claimants, reminding his listeners that the means to a basic existence is a human right and rather than stigmatise them, we should celebrate benefits claimants for their resilience in the face of extreme hardship and deprivation.

Reading Labour councillors, Micky Leng, John Ennis, Sarah Hacker and
Rachel Eden pledge to support the scrapping of Universal Credit

Reading RMT Branch Social welcomes RTUC Delegates

RMT Branch members and RTUC guests assemble

On 27 July 2019, Reading Trades Union Council delegates joined the Reading Branch of the RMT as esteemed guests for the annual RMT branch social. The feast was staged at Wallingford Station before the teetotal attendees were invited to take a turn driving a steam train on the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway. Kevin Brandstatter (GMB), Nikki Dancey (GMB), James Denny (RMT), James Ford (RMT), Colin Masters (RMT), Dave McMullen (GMB), Jim Parker (Unite), Chris Reilly (RMT), Barbara Roberts (RMT) and Tanya Wills (Unite) attended from RTUC.

Taking a possession (of sorts) of the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway...

The event, while being a comradely, lighthearted social, nonetheless had a sobering, generous purpose to it: £247 was raised on the day (rounded up to £500 by the Reading RMT branch) for the families of Michael Lewis and Gareth Delbridge, the railway workers killed by a train near Port Talbot on 3 July. The railway fraternity and the trade union movement more generally must continued being social - but we must also never forget the sacrifices of those who have gone before.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson - Not Welcome in Reading

The National Education Union, supported by the Reading Trades Union Council, GMB, TSSA and members of the Labour Party, assembled on 23 July 2019 for the peak time rush at Reading Railway Station to protest the appointment by the Conservative Party of Boris Johnson as British Prime Minister - without an election. Johnson's record of deceit and racism - and his close bond with the misogynist, racist and homophobic American President, Donald Trump, makes his appointment both a disgrace and a national humiliation.

Johnson's commitment to achieving British withdrawal from the European Union by 31 October 2019 on any terms demonstrates a flagrant disregard - or ignorance - of the negative impact a no-deal Brexit (or Brexit on World Trade Organisation terms) would inflict on the British economy. Johnson's announcements of prospective tax cuts for wealthy individuals and large corporations signals an ideological shift rightwards, as he aims to distinguish himself from Theresa May by advocating more reactionary, regressive policies.

With a speech from the NEU delegate, leafleting of commuters arriving in Reading from the station and conversations between protesters and the public beneath the fluttering trade union banners, the message was loud and clear - Reading rejects the ideology of Boris Johnson!

Love Pies, Hate Racism - the left at play

Reading Trades Union Council at play!

On 16 June 2019, Reading Trades Union Council joined other left activists at the Castle Tap pub in a social event and fundraiser for the diversity of causes supported by the town's comrades. Sue Taylor (PCS), Kevin Brandstatter (GMB), Nikki Dancey (GMB), Steve Geary (USDAW), John Partington (TSSA) and Tanya Wills (Unite) attended from RTUC.

A social on the initiative of Reading Red Corner

In addition to RTUC, Reading Red Corner (the initiators of the event), Reading Refugee Support Group, Reading Hunt Saboteurs, Plan C Reading, Berkshire Antifascists, Reading IWW and Reclaim Reading set up stalls, and all were entertained by musicians Lee Reed and Kay the Aquanaut.

RTUC spreading the word

The emphasis of the day was relaxation, kicking back, refreshing mind and body - and exchanging ideas and networks.

Antifascist Action's banner

The entertainment, food and drink was great - and the comradeship fantastic. One suspects more parties, hootenannies, rallies, marches and protests, comrades shoulder to shoulder, will follow as these networks expand and interact.

Hunt Saboteurs Association banner

RTUC in solidarity with the Oxford NHS and Pride Events

Reading Trades Union Council joined Oxford Unison Health Branch's 'March for the NHS' on 1 June 2019. Having joined the event last year, RTUC were proud to again support comrades in a hospital city which offers such great care to its people as well as patients from the rest of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and beyond.

The March reaches St Clement's

The organisers publicised the event thus:

"Oxfordshire's NHS staffing crisis continues. Lack of staff is undermining services and patient care. Action is urgently needed to enable NHS staff to afford to live in the area to solve the staffing crisis.

"We also need to address the catastrophic drop in nurse trainees and the governments plan to de-skill nurses to bring down wages.

"Critical services such as diagnostic scanners for Oxford cancer care are being hived off to private companies. Scarce NHS resources are being siphoned off to profit fat cats."

March organiser, Ian McKendrick (Unison) 

The marchers demanded:

● An end to the staffing crisis - extend London weighting to Oxford - bring back bursaries;

● No to longer waiting times; and

● Stop cuts and privatisation - put patients before profits.

John Partington (TSSA) took solidarity from RTUC

In addition to John Partington (TSSA) from RTUC, trade union solidarity was offered by the North Central Postal Branch of the Communication Workers' Union.

The CWU joins the march

The march commenced on Cowley Road, crossed St Clement's to High Street before turning down Catte Street where it merged with Oxford Pride.

RTUC Joins Oxford Pride's Civic March,

1 June 2019

The Oxford Pride march was a great show of acceptance, friendship and fun - and RTUC was proud to be represented.

Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service support Pride

As well as the fire service, police officers, faith groups and students, trade unions were a visible presence.

Unison - Proud of Pride! 

Unison flew the banner for Oxford's trade unionists and John Partington (TSSA) represented the RTUC on the march.

Unison on the March

Next up - Reading Pride on 31 August!

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/