Rally Against School Cuts October 24th

Rally Against School Cuts October 24th

From the National Education Union

Join parents, heads, teachers and support staff and community leaders at a rally to call on the government to reverse school cuts and fairly fund schools. Show your support for the mass lobby of MPs which has been organised to put pressure on the chancellor to take action on funding ahead of next month's budget. The rally starts at 10.30 but if you simply want to show your support at the rally, there will be further events at 12.30.

The Emmanuel Centre, Marsham Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3DW 

At the morning rally we have the following speakers:

- Angela Rayner MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education
- Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Education
- Vix Lowthion, Green Party Education Spokesperson
- Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary, National Education
- Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary, National Education Union 
- Paul Whiteman, General Secretary, NAHT

At 1pm, the programme of speakers will include:

- John McDonnell, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
- Sir Vince Cable MP
- Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary, National Education 
- Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary, National Education Union
- Paul Whiteman, General Secretary, NAHT
- Vix Lowthion, Green Party Education Spokesperson

More TBC

Because of shortfalls in funding, 88% of schools are still facing real-terms cuts despite Government announcements about more money going into the system.

That means less for our children and young people, bigger classes, fewer teachers and staff, a reduced curriculum and parents plugging the gaps.

Hundreds of parents and school staff will be lobbying their MP on the day. To find out how, see https://neu.org.uk/funding

Greener Jobs Alliance Newsletter.

Colleagues

Below is the link to the latest Greener Jobs Alliance Newsletter. Please forward to contacts who want an update on labour movement responses to climate change and progress to a low carbon economy.

http://www.greenerjobsalliance.co.uk/?page_id=29

Regards

Graham (GJA Secretary)

SERTUC activities and news

SERTUC activities and news

SERTUC East of England TU network

Saturday 30 September 10.30am Cambridge. More info richarde@pcs.org.uk

SERTUC Race Relations Committee

Monday 2 October 6pm in Congress House, celebrating the contribution of Jayaben Desai with Tim Roache GMB general secretary, Betty Joseph SERTUC RRC chair, Kamaljeet Jandu GMB national equality officer, Megan Dobney SERTUC regional secretary. Followed by refreshments https://www.tuc.org.uk/events/sertuc-race-relations-committee-tribute-jayaben-desai-monday-2-october-2017

SERTUC H&S reps conference

Friday 6 October in Congress House “What effect will Brexit have on Health, Safety and Well-being in the workplace?” 10amhttps://sertucresources.wordpress.com/sertuc-events/

SERTUC East of England TU network training day

Saturday 28 October Bury St Edmunds. More info richarde@pcs.org.uk

SERTUC/ACAS London conference

Friday 3 November – note the date, more info to come

SERTUC xmas celebration

Friday 8 December 2pm to 4pm Congress House

Britain needs a pay rise/Lift the pay cap

London pay demonstration – CHANGE OF DATE

ASLEF, BFAWU, CWU, FBU, GMB, NEU, PCS, POA, RCN, RMT, SERTUC, TSSA, UCU, Unison, Unite, URTU Tuesday 17 October assemble 5.30pm opposite Downing Street, march via Departments of Health, Treasury, and Education and then rally outside Parliamenthttps://www.facebook.com/events/1295709963872854/

The TUC is organising a focussed lobby earlier in the day and the march will end at the TUC’s rally (7pm) outside Parliament

Norwich march & rally

Saturday 14 October 12 noon onwards, more details from davespencerkent@gmail.com

King’s Lynn rally

Saturday 28 October 12 noon at the Bandstand, march to the town centre. Speakers at rallies before and after Alex Mayer MEP, Megan Dobney SERTUC, Chris Jenkinson Unison, John Lister, Steve Sweeney Morning Star, Riccardo de Torre FBU. More info fromjo4nn3rust@hotmail.co.uk

TUC

Unionlearn Supporting Learners event

Thursday 2 November 10am London https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/supporting-learners-event-london-tickets-35813096937?ref=ebapi

TUC education – win an iPad…

https://www.tuceducation.org.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=71897

Trades Council actions

Colchester: Banner Theatre The union makes us strong

Tuesday 21 November 7.30pm details from r.pigott@levysolicitors.co.uk

Trade Union actions

Unite: King George Hospital march and rally

Saturday 14 October assemble 11am Central Park Dagenham, 11.45 march to Redbridge Town Hall, 3pm rally. Supported by GLATUC, Barking, Dagenham & Havering, and Waltham Forest trades councils. Contact s.aitouaziz@hotmail.co.uk

NEU: Celebrating the 1967 Abortion Act

Organised by the NEU Women’s Network with Abortion Rights Wednesday 11 October 6.30pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1986023054964039/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22page%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22page_upcoming_events_card%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A[]%7D]%22%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D

Other actions/events

Marx Memorial Library film festival Spark

A festival of revolutionary film 24 September to 12 November at the Rio (Dalston) and Phoenix (East Finchley) cinemashttp://www.1917.org.uk/spark-film-festival/

People’s Assembly demo at Tory conference

Sunday 1 October Manchester http://www.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/manchester2

·         Portsmouth coach organised by Portsmouth City Unison. Seats £20 waged/£5 unwaged (non-Unison members welcome). Coach leaves the Hard at 6.30am, Students Union at 6.40, Fratton 6.45, North End 6.50, Cosham 7am. Aiming to return by 9pm. Book seats with Mark on 07816 835 261

·         RMT London Region coach leaving the British Library (near Kings Cross) at 8am. Contact rossmarshallrmt@gmail.com 07932 576 955

·         Unite Southampton coach leaving SeaCity Museum 6am, University Interchange 6.20am, Eastleigh Railway Station – details and booking here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southampton-coach-protest-the-tory-party-conference-no-more-austerity-tickets-37884982001

·         Bromley trades council coach seats £10 (£15 solidarity, unwaged £6). Leaving the H G Wells Centre at 5.30am. Contact Arthur Shawa.shaw27@ntlworld.com

Grunwick 40: mural unveiling

Saturday 30 September from noon at Dollis Hill – more info here https://www.facebook.com/events/167554937136743/?ti=icl&mc_cid=3ec9b1117e&mc_eid=ef28fe1172

We are the lions, Mr Manager Grunwick play

Townsend Theatre Productions present their new play on the Grunwick dispute http://www.townsendproductions.org.uk/shows/we-are-the-lions-mr-manager/

·         Saturday 14 October Bedford

·         Tuesday 7 November Southsea

·         Thursday 9 November Ruskin College Oxford

·         Friday 10 November Lowestoft

·         Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 November London

Campaign Opposing Police Surveillance, Peterborough

A demonstration for Peterborough Conservative Councillor to resign Wednesday 11 October 6pm http://campaignopposingpolicesurveillance.com/event/demo-andy-coles-resignation-peterborough-2/

List help: <https://riseup.net/lists>

C04 Climate change Motion 10 and amendments passed unan 12/9/2017

C04 Climate change Motion 10 and amendments passed unan 12/9/2017

 Congress notes the irrefutable evidence that dangerous climate change is driving unprecedented changes to our environment such as the devastating flooding witnessed in the UK in 2004. Congress further notes the risk to meeting the challenge of climate change with the announcement of Donald Trump to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Similarly, Brexit negotiations and incoherent UK government policy risk undermining measures to achieve the UK carbon reduction targets.

 Congress welcomes the report by the Transnational Institute Reclaiming Public Service: how cities and citizens are turning back privatization, which details the global trend to remunicipalise public services, including energy, and supports efforts by unions internationally to raise issues such as public ownership and democratic control as part of solutions to climate change.

 Congress notes that transport is responsible for a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions and believes that a reduction in carbon dioxide levels must be the basis of the UK’s future transport policy in addition to building public transport capacity and moving more freight from road to rail.

Congress believes that to effectively combat climate change and move towards a low carbon economy we cannot leave this to the markets and therefore need a strong role for the public sector in driving the measures needed to undertake this transition.

 Congress notes that pension schemes invest billions of pounds into fossil fuel corporations. To this end, Congress calls on the TUC to:

i.                     work with the Labour Party and others that advocate for an end to the UK’s rigged energy system to bring it back into public ownership and democratic control

ii.                   . advocate for a mass programme of retrofit and insulation of Britain’s homes and public buildings

iii.                  . lobby to demand rights for workplace environmental reps iv. lobby for the establishment of a Just Transition strategy for those workers affected by the industrial changes necessary to develop a more environmentally sustainable future for all, and develop practical steps needed to achieve this as integral to industrial strategy v. consult with all affiliates to seek input into the development of a cross sector industrial strategy that works towards delivering internationally agreed carbon emission reduction targets

iv.                 . investigate the long-term risks for pension funds investing in fossil fuels, promote divestment, and alternative reinvestment in the sustainable economy.

Mover: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union

Seconder: Communication Workers Union

Supporters: Fire Brigades Union; ASLEF; TSSA

Grunwick 40: The mural is finally ready!

The mural is finally ready! Grunwick 40 is delighted to announce that the mural commemorating the Grunwick strike will be unveiled on Saturday 30th September at noon. The mural has been two years in the planning and is a few months late owing to circumstances beyond our control but it is finally happening! Designed by artist Anna Ferrie and more than 60 participants at community workshops, the artwork has been a collaborative effort reflecting both memories of the strike for those who were present and the hope it represents for younger generations. Join us on Saturday 30th September from noononwards at the former factory site by Dollis Hill station (MAP HERE) as we reveal a colourful memorial to mark this seminal moment in British history! Tell us you're coming on the Facebook event and don't forget to share and retweet. This will be the final event in the Grunwick 40 commemoration project, and we'd like to thank all the supporters and donors who helped make the project possible. For those of you who donated money – as the design is finalised we are now able to produce the crowdfunder rewards and these will be sent out during October as soon as possible after the unveiling. Thank you for bearing with us so patiently. In solidarity The Grunwick 40 team

A New Lucas Plan: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

A New Lucas Plan: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

Function room, Yates Brighton pub, 59 West St, Brighton BN1 2RA (200m from The Brighton
Centre) 6pm September 11 2017 

In the 1970s, workers at Lucas Aerospace showed how livelihoods under threat could be saved by converting production from arms to socially useful products, such as wind turbines, hybrid car engines and medical equipment. 40 years later, militarism, environmental and economic crises make the Lucas workers’ inspiring ideas, and their approach of bottom-up planning even more necessary. Come and discuss the idea of a new Lucas Plan with one of the original Lucas Aerospace shop
stewards and other leading trade unionists at our TUC fringe meeting.

Speakers:
• Phil Asquith, former Lucas Aerospace shop steward
• Sam Mason, PCS/Lucas Plan group
• Manuel Cortes, TSSA

Chaired by Romayne Phoenix of the New Lucas Plan group

Free. To get to Yates Brighton pub, leave the Brighton Centre, turn left and left again on West Street, pub is 150 yards on the right side.

For more information, visit lucasplan.org.uk, or email info@breakingtheframe.org.uk.

Peoples' Assembly: The Scrap the Pay Cap / Macdonalds strike/ Manchester demo

Important actions across several sectors coming up in the next few days can help maintain the pressure on this weak and divided government. It's vital we stay on the offensive: We've seen incredible strike action from Unite Members in Mixed Fleet and at Serco, along with Unite and UNISON members out in Birmingham over the refuse collection disputes. We're now about to see a historic strike for fast food workers, as McDonalds staff in BFAWU Union go on the strike for the first time. McDonald’s workers balloted at Crayford (south east London) and Cambridge stores have voted by an incredible 95.7 percent for strikes, and their BFAWU bakers’ union has now named Monday 4 September as the first strike day. A strike committee of workers met and decided to go for the date for their historic action–the first ever strike at McDonald’s in the UK. The workers taking this bold step need the URGENT solidarity of the wider trade union movement. The Scrap the Pay Cap campaigns from the RCN and others continue too, as well as an upcoming Day of Action against Sports Direct organised by Unite Community. Please get involved and get along to any of the event below near you! FASTFOOD WORKERS STRIKES Saturday 2 September, BFAWU is holding a protest at McDonald’s HQ in East Finchley, north London. We are calling on solidarity from the wider movement on this day, with banners, collections etc, brought along in support. Join and share the Facebook page for the protest HERE. Monday 4 September, workers at the Cambridge site will picket from 6 – 7am, while workers at the Crayford site will picket from 6 – 7.30am. Main Rally, Parliament 10.30am speakers include Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell Other rallies on the strike day are as follows: LondonMcDonald’s @ King’s Cross / Pentonville Road Come along to show some solidarity, to inform workers, customers and passers-bys about the strike. Join the Facebook page for the event HERE Manchester 5pm, McDonald’s Manchester Picadilly Gardens Mcdonalds, M1 1LY Manchester Join the Facebook page HERE Birmingham 5 PM – 6 PM, McDonalds Unit 4 Cherry Street Temple Row, Birmingham, B2 5AL Join the Facebook page HERE SheffieldGleadless Valley branch of Heeley (Sheffield) CLP and Sheffield Needs a Pay Rise campaign are organising solidarity action for 4 September at McDonald’s branch in Heeley constituency, probably 2 stints one lunchtime and one tea time. See details HERE LiverpoolJoin the Liverpool #McSolidarity protest, 4-6pm outside the McDonalds on Lord Street in the city centre (82/86 Lord St, Liverpool L2 1TL). Join the Facebook page HERE Oxford 6 – 7PM, McDonald’s, Cornmarket Street, Oxford, OX1 3HB Join the Facebook page HERE Cardiff 5 PM – 7 PM, Mcdonalds, Queen street 12-14 Queen St, W2 4 Cardiff Join the Facebook page HERE Brighton 6pm at the McDonald’s on Western Road and on London Road Blackpool 12 – 2PM outside McDonald’s in the town centre in Bank Hey St FY1 4PX Milton Keynes 12pm McDonalds, the Centre MK, 52-56 Midsummer Blvd Calderdale Monday 4 September, Midday – 2pm, outside McDonald’s 22/24 Old Market, Halifax HX1 1TN Clacton on Sea MONDAY 4th September 12.00 until 13.00 McDonald’s Clacton Town Center. Leafleting in Support of the McDonalds workers Strike.BFAWU bakers’ union has now named Monday 4 September as the first strike day. Note: Placards to use on the day are: #McStrike placard1 and #McStrike placard2. Please use #McStrike and #FastFoodGlobal hashtags when posting on social media. SCRAP THE CAP UK Scrap the Cap Rally Wednesday 6 September, The RCN has called, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Parliament Square, London, SW1P 3 SPORTS DIRECT DAY OF ACTION  Wednesday 6 September, Unite Community has called a Nationwide Day of ActionFor more details click here.  Take Back Manchester Festival 2017 is on 30 September - 4 October  We'll be holding a series of gigs, parties, rallies, meetings, screenings, comedy nights, educational events, and a National Demonstration on Sunday 1 October, in the city to let them know that we won't rest until we have chased them out of office. Transport information can be found here Book you coaches and send us the information to office@thepeoplesassembly.org.uk We need all the help we can get, it we want to make this as successful as it can be. Please support our Manchester Appeal here: Click here to make a donation See you on the streets! The People's Assembly Against Austerity http://www.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/