SERTUC annual report 2 01 4 About the region

SERTUC, the Southern & Eastern Region of the TUC, is the largest of the TUC’s regions and covers three European parliamentary constituencies: London, the South East, and East of England. Two million trades unionists live and work within the region. The Regional Council is appointed annually by affiliates and county associations of trades councils and meets four times a year to discuss both how to achieve policy determined at the national Trades Union Congress and to make specific policies on regional issues. At its Annual General Meeting it elects officers and an Executive Committee that meets monthly. Affiliated trade unions and county associations also nominate to SERTUC’s industrial and equality subgroups who use their workplace and life experience to inform the activities of the Regional Council. SERTUC staff administer the Regional Council, deliver services to affiliates, represent the TUC in relations with public bodies, campaign for Congress policies, and SERTUC deliver learning and education to workers in Congress House the Region. Great Russell Street There are 11 members of staff and a full list London WC1B 3LS with contact details is on page 39 020 7467 1220 President’s foreword

defences each year, and that wasn’t true either. Well, what should we expect, he used to work in PR. Is Osborne a hero or a villain? Did his ‘Plan A’ save Britain? The truth is that the British economy is growing, albeit slowly, despite Osborne’s austerity programme, and not David Cameron is a liar, or stupid, or both. because of it. Remember the growth targets He said that a government led by him would missed in 2 01 0-11, 2 011-1 2 and 2 01 2-1 3, not fix the deficit in a way that made the remember that Britain’s national debt is now poor poorer, that harmed public services, or hundreds of billions of pounds higher than divided Britain. Witness hundreds of he projected in 2 01 0 and remember that the thousands more people living in poverty, deficit will not be eliminated by 2 01 5, as he punishing benefit cuts, and riots on our promised. Remember that the economy is streets. Witness the attempts to drive a still smaller than it was in 2008, which is wedge between benefit recipients and the evidence of three (plus) wasted and painful rest of society, and the scape-goating of years. And note that the growth we have is migrant workers. He said that any minister in driven by increasing house prices and debt- his government who wanted to cut front fuelled consumer spending, not the increase line services would have to come and see in private sector investment and export him at his office. Well, there must be a long drive that Osborne predicted. On the queue outside Dave’s office on most days. contrary, private sector investment is down He said that the NHS was safe in his hands and our import/export balance is a and there would be no top down re- shambles. Cable and Carney agree: we have organisation. Witness the massive attack on the wrong sort of growth. the NHS and rampant privatisation of its Think on these facts about Cameron’s services. He said that spending on health Britain. We have had the biggest fall in real would be protected in real terms, but the wages for a hundred years and a cost of UK Statistics Authority rebuked him when living crisis. We have more than a million spending on the NHS went down. people on zero hours contracts. We have Meanwhile, the ‘whole truth’ is that this had ruthless cuts in the benefits paid to the government plans health spending to be 9.2 most vulnerable people in our society. We per cent lower per head in 2 01 8-1 9 than it now have more children who are living in was in 2 01 0-11. Cameron said that his poverty, resident in households where at government has spent more on flood least one person works, than in workless

1 households. And we have the national tougher, but at this moment politics in this shame of the use of food banks increasing country are febrile and in the balance. The by 50 per cent per year, such that more next general election, which will be in June than half a million people were dependent 201 5 at the latest, will be the most important upon them last year. And contrast those since 197 9. We have a chance to build a facts with this: during the recession the stronger fairer Britain, and we must have richest 1,000 people in Britain increased their vaulting ambition, unity and a clear wealth by £1 90bn. Austerity economics are programme. working, transferring wealth from the It is often said that politics is far too poorest to the wealthy, and that was always important to be left to politicians. It is true. its core objective. The choice offered at the next general Should we be surprised? Are Cameron and election must not be between austerity Osborne fools? No, this is government for economics and austerity-lite economics. the rich, by the rich. Cameron and Osborne We need a ‘can do’ government with a bold speak platitudes and nonsense, but they programme; growth, an industrial strategy, practice naked class politics. massive infrastructure investment, fair pay, We watched a world dominated by full employment, a youth jobs guarantee, tax capitalism, casino banking, markets, justice and decent welfare standards, a privatisation and greed, fail. Then we were million new low cost public sector homes, forced to pay for its redemption. And now public services, stronger employment rights, we are told that our future depends upon an active commitment to an equalities even more rapacious capitalism, suppressed strategy and a recognition that unions are a pay, worse employment rights and savage force for good and a force for progressive cuts to public services. change in society. I recommend the People’s Charter to all trade unionists. This is a crucial moment in history. Can the Tories persuade enough of the public to fall Sadly, Nelson Mandela died this year, but his for their scam and bluster? Now they have work was done. He was not perfect but he the audacity to call the Conservative Party a was a revolutionary, the father of a nation, workers’ party. Well not from where I am the liberator of the South African people, standing it aint, and it never has been. It is black and white, and he remains a politician the party of privilege, greed and inequality, who is an inspiration to people across the run by posh boys who famously ‘do not planet. Compared to him, Cameron and know the price of a bottle of milk ’. Osborne are pin-pricks on history. The government has inflicted defeats on us We should follow Mandela’s example: be in the last year, not least the privatisation of confident that we are right, express a clear the Royal Mail, and the massive rip-off, as programme based on fundamental the shares were sold at half their true value. principles, build alliances with progressive And savage cuts to the fire service despite forces, educate all who will listen, organise, overwhelming opposition from the public. campaign and struggle. Above all we must have hope and we must give hope to others. But it is our task as trade unionists to understand where we are and how we got Trade unionism remains the hope of the here, to explain to others and to educate world and it is our duty to make our future the many, to describe an alternative world a socialist one, with trade unionism at its and to convince the many that it is possible core. to build it, and to give hope. The year that Martin Gould passed was tough, this year will probably be SERTUC President

2 Secretary’s introduction

It’s been an interesting year. “Interesting” contributes his expertise on transport issues in the nature of the (alleged, but probably on a weekly basis, including this year untrue) Chinese curse. Certainly we are preparing a briefing paper on the cursed by a ConDem government, but complexities of funding for the CrossRail more of that elswhere. This annual report project for our Canadian brothers and will give you a flavour of the activities of sisters in Toronto and by joining the TUC’s SERTUC, affiliates and trades councils in the Action for Rail steering group. Dick Muskett Region, but I begin with thanks. who has given invaluable support to our Thanks firstly to our officers, Martin Gould , Pensioners Network at the same time as Tony Lennon , Linda Perks and Carolyn being the motor for the London Simpson . Their support and contribution Unemployed Strategies project and acting as over the year has been invaluable. the secretary to its management committee. Peta Steel , journalist and writer, who Secondly to the thousands of trade union researched and wrote our publication on officers and activists in the Region who do the Spithead and Nore mutinies. These the work that exposes the wider population voluntary additions to our capacity have to the policies developed, through our made an enormous difference and we thank democratic structures, by the TUC and them all. SERTUC. In the face of a largely hostile media, without them we would be a close- And finally, I thank the SERTUC staff. kept secret hidden from the public. We have had a difficult year with cuts to unionlearn funding leading to loss of jobs. Thirdly to the many volunteers who have And this, of course, doesn’t affect only those contributed to our work, making generous who leave us, but has a major impact on offers or responding to our calls for help. I those that remain. Their commitment and John Ball must mention who continues to (almost) continuous good humour has made support our economic development work in all the difference in these very challenging the south east of the Region as well as times. In addition, Regional Council staff have assisting our South East Trade Union also moved office within Congress House Network, our involvement in the Work and this year; an event ranked next only to Well-being agenda, and by representing the divorce for stress creation! TUC on the HSE Estates Excellence national board. Suha Din-Abdul who made a major With a general election in May 2 01 5, the administrative input in ensuring that our next year is vital for our two million Reps’ database was brought up to date. members and we will continue to fight for a Alice Dupont who is carrying out a number victory for working class interests. of mapping projects for us, including of food Megan Dobney banks in the Region. Joel Kosminsky who Regional Secretary 3 SERTUC campaigns and events For a future that works... In May 2 01 3 the TUC General Council To provide a context for the government’s agreed a Campaign Plan, which signalled a austerity programme and a stimulus for refocusing of national and regional TUC hope, SERTUC organised a showing of Ken Spirit of ’45 resources towards campaigning activities. It Loach’s film . The 51 2 seats for also formalised the campaign work into five this event were booked within 24 hours pillars, which have provided a structure for demonstrating the hunger for inspiration and SERTUC’s campaign work. These pillars are: the belief in a socialist alternative. I Growth and quality jobs SERTUC maintained our unity with real I Fair pay for all people on the streets and in their I Quality public services and decent welfare community. We were at the launch of the for all who need it Unite Austerity bus tour in June and took I A stronger voice in the workplace for our own Austerity Uncovered bus to Luton trade unions and to Reading, where we interviewed I Stronger unions hundreds of members of the public, as well SERTUC publicised and attended the launch as visiting workplaces, such as GM Vauxhall of the People’s Assembly in London in June. Motors, a Council Waste Depot in Luton, The unity of purpose and sense of hope at and an NHS hospital. We visited a TUC the event was impressive. SERTUC actively Unemployed Workers’ Centre, a food bank, supported the many local People’s Assembly we met a pensioners’ Action Group and the meetings subsequently organised in our Reading Youth Cabinet, seeking different region and we were a joint organiser of the perspectives on the impact of austerity and Women’s Assembly Against Austerity government cuts. In addition to gaining (below) in February 2 01 4. excellent campaign assets and building new

4 Campaigning against austerity, right Kelvin Hopkins, MP for Luton North, with George Osborne... and stronger campaign relationships we unwitting accomplice. And we proved that were able to judge the degree to which our the impact of austerity is ubiquitous, as right campaign agenda was known and supported. in the heart of Reading’s uber shopping Most importantly through talking to victims district, we found legions of low-paid retail of austerity we were able to learn new assistants and cleaners suffering the curse of things, or new emphases. We met a huge zero hours contracts, minimum wage, number of people who had been affected massive increases in their cost of living and by the government’s ‘fit for work’ tests and loss of local services on which they the stress it had caused them. We met an depended. enormous number of young people who SERTUC supported trade union and trades had received a benefit suspension, many councils’ campaign for assisted area status on thought erroneously so. We met people in the Isle of Wight, To build profile and collect Luton who had had their tenancy agreement evidence and case-studies, we will take a cancelled because greedy landlords wanted mini-austerity bus around the island whilst to take advantage of housing benefit this report is being printed. We will visit four recipients who had been displaced from locations, workplaces, meet politicians and London Boroughs by benefit cuts and speak at a public meeting. The impact of ceilings. When talking about the cost of living austerity economics and cuts alongside and pay, low paid workers were far more geographical marginalisation, dependence on concerned about the number of hours they a tourism based economy and the could secure and regular employment, profiteering cost of ferry fares to the rather than an increase in the national mainland, give the Isle of Wight an almost minimum wage or their hourly rate, though unique set of problems, but the TUC’s better pay rates would of course be alternative economic strategy offers a way welcomed too. And we learned that the forward. whole weight of austerity was bearing down on very young people as they were To document the impact of recession on confronted by a dearth of work experience communities SERTUC nominated Reading, and Saturday jobs. This, plus the huge cost Islington and Bedford as locations for in- of going to university and massive depth research on the broad impact of the unemployment rates, meant that they felt government’s cuts programme, particularly that their parents were putting even greater the fierce and long-term cuts to local pressure on them, and becoming austerity’s authority grants and to welfare benefits. 5 first NAPO in York second Unite Hunt for Hunt

above London FBU against fire station closures left Queuing up in Hastings to support CWU’s campaign to retain the Crown Offices

SERTUC joined the Yorkshire & The Not every campaign we supported to Humber TUC region’s noisy and colourful defend public services was equally successful. ‘Better Way’ demonstration in York at the SERTUC supported CWU’s principled Liberal Democrats’ Spring Conference. campaign to stop the sell-off of the Royal SERTUC supported the Unison and Mail, but sadly the ‘rip-off’ privatisation went community campaign to save A&E services ahead. SERTUC analysed the proposed at Lewisham hospital and many other NHS London Fire Safety Plan and wrote model campaigns during the year. We circulated answers for the public consultation, and we information about Unite’s very successful spoke at many rallies against the cuts to fire ‘Hunt for Hunt’ in his own constituency in services in the Region. In London, two of the June. And the SERTUC banner was carried fire-stations were saved, including Clapham, the full length of the long march in where the SERTUC banner was prominent Manchester past the Conservative Party in an impromptu march which blocked conference, twice. Over 50,000 attended Clapham High Street, but was popularly this national TUC demonstration in support received. Sadly, 10 Fire Stations were closed of the NHS on a spectacular day of protest. and more than 550 firefighter posts deleted

6 in London. SERTUC was represented at campaigns to organise events and photo- events to mark the closure of many of those opportunities to launch the campaign in their stations, including Belsize Park, Southwark, area. We will use the message ‘Britain Clerkenwell, Kingsland and Downham on 9 Needs a Pay Rise’ throughout the fortnight, January 2 01 4. urging activists to localise the slogan to SERTUC supported the Action for Rail where they live or work. We attended a campaign, fighting for the public ownership lobby organised by ‘My Fair London’ aimed of rail services and putting people and at exposing pay inequality and corporate quality services before profits. SERTUC greed in London. We supported unions’ participated in many days of action, including campaigns for better pay at work, such as events at Euston Station and Oxford Circus. the rejection of a one per cent offer by unions that organise in local government. The campaign against welfare reform and We supported union campaigns for a living benefits cuts was largely organised at wage, such as Unite’s successful campaign at national level, and in London by London the Royal Opera House. And we continued Unemployed Strategies, which is the to campaign for fair pay for women, jointly outcome of a successful grant application. organising an event with the NUT, called SERTUC continued to brief unions on the ‘Fighting For Fair Pay’, at which Christine ‘rolling car crash’ that Universal Credit has Blower, NUT general secretary, was the become, fulfilling our predictions. SERTUC keynote speaker. continued to support the campaign work of Disabled Person’s Against the Cuts. Their We were active in many ways to win a commitment to dynamic campaign action is stonger voice at work and to build a an example to all. SERTUC mapped the stronger trade union movement. location of food banks in the SERTUC region, as a campaign tool for unions, trades councils and anti-cuts campaigns. We continued to write short economic briefings for reps, published on the SERTUC Resources website, and the fall in real pay and the cost of living squeeze was a key issue. SERTUC is supporting Fair Pay Fortnight, urging trades councils and anti-cuts 7 Regional Council speakers have included Ann Field on the Pentonville Five battle, Ricky Tomlinson left on the Shrewsbury campaign, and Manuel Cortes TSSA gen sec on the unions’ campaign against London ticket office closures

first Catherine West with Martin Gould at the SERTUC trades councils’ conference. Key note speaker was chair of the TUC’s trades councils committee Bob Crow second BFAWU in Oxford Street campaigning for rights for fast food workers

We supported unions in struggle, including We supported campaigns to win trade the NUT and NASUWT regional strike days union and employment rights for workers in in October, speaking at their rallies; UCU, companies that do not presently recognise Unite and Unison in their ‘United for unions, including a campaign against Amazon Education’ campaigns in universities and and a ‘Fast Food Rights’ campaign led by colleges; FBU in its pension disputes; RMT BFAWU, which has targeted Macdonalds. and TSSA in their industrial action against Building stronger links between unions, and ticket office closures and redundancies on between unions and communities, remains a London Underground; and PCS action priority. We spoke at many branch against the closure of HMRC Tax Enquiry meetings, such as Unison County Branch Centres. We supported the NUJ’s campaign AGM, at numerous trades council meetings to win better terms and conditions for including Lewes trades council’s Festival of journalists on local and regional newspapers. Socialism. We organised a trades councils Trade union reps are the magic dust of our conference to explore how we might build movement, but sadly, they are often stronger trades councils, we organised a victimised. We did what we could to offer reception at TUC Congress for trade support to Jon Bigger, PCS rep at the Home unionists, with Richard Howitt MEP, and we Office, and officer of the SERTUC continued to support the East of England International Committee, in the campaign to and South East Trade Union Networks. We resist his compulsory redundancy. mapped all the anti-cuts campaigns that we

8 Burston Strike School Sharpen the sickle!

The 2 01 3 Burston Strike School Rally took As part of the place under dry skies and was delighted to celebration SERTUC welcome as speakers TUC President 2 01 2-1 3 has developed and Lesley Mercer right , Steve Turner from Unite, produced three short Richard Howitt MEP and Bob Crow RMT. films (about 15 The Rally was jointly chaired by Megan Dobney minutes in total) SERTUC regional secretary, and Pilgrim Tucker intended for use on from Unite Community. Music was provided by trade union Reps’ Leon Rosselson, Red Flags and the RMT Brass courses. Band. The films cover: The But the real challenge and pleasure is that 2 01 4 Rural Condition, The is the centenary of the children’s strike and the Strike, and Solidarity , Thankyou Bob Rally Committee has organised additional and are accompanied Crow for your events around the 1 April anniversary. by tutors’ notes to consistent and As well as a re-enaction of the children’s support discussion innovative support “candlestick” march round Burston by about and learning. for the Burston 80 children from the local school, followed by a After the launch in Strike School Rally. celebration on the Green, there will be a play early April they will You were due to in the evening at Diss High School, written and be freely available on speak at the 2 01 4 performed by Stuff of Dreams. our resources Rally and we will celebrate your past The Rally on Sunday 7 September will welcome website http://sertucresources. contribution in Owen Jones as one of the speakers and we wordpress.com/ September. look forward to seeing you there.

9 Blacklisting

Blacklisting was a curse and it remains a of human rights and good industrial relations. curse. It has ruined the lives of thousands of And victims of blacklisting need justice, and workers, and had massive consequences for proper compensation. their families. It should be unimaginable that working lives could be ruined just because a SERTUC joined the anti-blacklisting rally construction worker joined a union, or had outside the Houses of Parliament in the temerity to raise a health and safety November 2 01 3. SERTUC President, Martin issue at work. For years major construction Gould, pictured left, holding a SERTUC flag, companies promised that blacklisting was a was once a heating and ventilation engineer myth, but it was true, and a brutal fact of life on major construction contracts, and a for activists in the construction industry. leading trade union activist in the construction industry. He suffered decades The sinister practice is not a thing of the of victimisation by building contractors. past; it is very much a real and present danger. We need a full inquiry into its scope. Workers who think that they might have The TUC demands that the inquiry must been blacklisted should contact their union. have the legal power to call witnesses, seize A real campaign success during the year was records and put employers on the spot. the ‘anti-blacklisting’ campaign, which gained Companies guilty of blacklisting should be real traction in the media and with barred from public contracts until they can politicians. demonstrate that they understand the basics

10 At TUC Congress 2013, SERTUC worked with East of England MEP Richard Howitt to organise an informal discussion and reception for Congress delegates from that region. Pictured is Richard second left with USDAW delegates and SERTUC Regional Secretary

The 2 01 3 Levellers’ Day parade through Burford

could find in the SERTUC region and sought published and launched a history of the to give them inspiration and campaign Spithead and Nore rebellions at events in materials to organise local campaign actions Portsmouth and Leigh on Sea, supported by against austerity and for the alternative. RMT and Nautilus International. SERTUC was pleased to support May Day SERTUC contributed to the inaugural events, including London, Bedford, Ipswich, Centre for Labour and Social Studies Norwich, Croydon and Oxford. We conference and we worked with academics supported another superb Burston Strike from the LSE on ‘governance and School Rally and we made preparations for democracy’ and from UCL on ‘diversity’. centenary events in 2 01 4. We began to publish regular information SERTUC joined in the organisation of and campaign bulletins about migration and Levellers’ Day events in Burford, migrant working, began working with Hope Oxfordshire, including a march through the not Hate and Migrant Voice on a project in town centre. And SERTUC researched, Southampton and hosted an event for

11 Spithead and Nore

In October SERTUC published this small booklet about these important marine events in 179 7. Sponsored by RMT and Nautilus International, and written by Peta Steel, it was launched at both Leigh on Sea and Southsea. The Spithead and Nore mutinies of 1797 didn’t happen in a vacuum. They took place in the context of desperate poverty, corrupt use of state power, and the advent of new enlightened philosophies. The booklet outlines the revolt and rebellion that marked the late 18th century, much of it in our Region. Spithead is an area of the Solent between Gosport on the mainland and Ryde on the Isle email, telephone and social media is accessible of Wight; the Nore is a sandbank at the mouth and simple, we can only wonder at the of the Thames Estuary between Shoeburyness organisation that led to the disciplined action of in Essex and Sheerness in Kent, and they were the sailors. Indeed it is worth noting that the the sites of the important working class actions 18th century equivalent, ships’ flags, led to the known as the Spithead and Nore Mutinies. red flag being raised in what was probably its The mutinies were in fact strikes against first use as a rallying cry for workers. seamen’s wages that had remained static for The mutinies took place in an a political over 100 years, but which became increasingly environment that followed the gradual shift in unreasonable as high inflation in the last period thinking expressed in the ‘Age of of the 18th century eroded their value even Enlightenment’ that challenged established ideas further, and also against the increasingly on faith, societal structure and the rights of brutalised working conditions in the fleet. working people. In SERTUC we are committed Today, when contact between workers by to both celebrating our past and learning from Carolyn Simpson it, so this booklet also provides a number of Peta Steel and context pieces that demonstrate the changes Jonathan Havard and influences of the time. in Leigh Hence it includes chapters on thinkers and activists William Blake, Edmund Burke, Robert Burns, Tom Paine, Wolfe Tone, and Mary Wollstonecraft, as well as a description of the American, French and Haitian revolutions, the activities of the London Corresponding Society; and a note on the British Parliamentary system and the role of the monarchy. 12 Spanish and Portuguese migrant workers. And we are publishing a myth busting booklet called ‘Truth, Lies and Migrants’, based on the excellent booklet first published by our colleagues in the South West Regional TUC. We continued to oppose racist and fascist parties and race hatred on a national, local and regional level, such as at the Searchlight conference in November, the Stand Up Against Racism march and rally in London in March, and the community mobilisation rights and health and safety standards for against the BNP in Croydon in October. construction workers building the 2022 We sought to maintain links with affiliates World Cup stadia. SERTUC attended the and sister campaign organisations in European Capital Cities trade union innovative ways, for example, sponsoring an assembly and contributed to research and exhibition of art by PCS members at communication projects with numerous Congress House, called ‘Art Against the European regional trade union Cuts’, speaking at and publicising National confederations including CGIL, CSIL UGT, Pensioners’ Convention events and CC.OO, DGB, FO, CGT and CFDT, on sponsoring an exhibition commemorating matters such as strengthening European the Anti Apartheid Movement Campaign. Works Councils and building collective SERTUC has a deep commitment to bargaining links. internationalism and a few examples of our SERTUC produces an almost-weekly e- activity this year include supporting the newsletter containing links to events of Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, supporting relevance in the Region. Register to receive the Miami 5 Campaign, protesting alongside it by emailing [email protected] the ITF outside the South Korean Embassy Laurie Heselden against the dismissal of 8,000 trade unionists Regional Campaigns & Policy Officer for taking strike action to oppose the privatisation of railways and joining a lobby of FIFA demanding proper employment 13 Rommel Abellar and Mark Serwotka

SERTUC unionlearn and TU education Annual Conference 2013 very exciting initiative between Unite and The 8th annual SERTUC unionlearn regional the Prison Officers’ Association. We conference, held at the Toynbee Hall in brokered meetings between Unite, the POA November, was chaired by Megan Dobney, and the lead ULR at BMW in Oxford that regional secretary, and was attended by 73 led to a series of learning open days on the delegates. Speakers included Kay Carberry, BMW site which employs between 4,000 TUC assistant general secretary, Mike and 5,000 people. These took place over Ellicock, chief executive of the National three days in three different locations and Numeracy Campaign, and Alan Fraser, GMB included Exercise, Nutrition and Health, regional education officer. Mental Health Awareness, and Diabetes Awareness. Alongside these accredited Kay presented certificates to Lee Foster, courses we also promoted the free Massive Unite, as the Regional Union Learning Online Open Courses found on the Representative of the year. Jane Collier, Futurelearn website www.futurelearn.com Unison; Lloyd Collier, Prospect; Maura Winchester, USDAW; Nerbel Singh, Unite, The first day we were on site in one of the and Wes Lee Emond, GMB were all highly canteens from 8am until 5.30pm and it was commended. Learner of the Year Certificate the most successful open day they have had was won by Summer Hunter, POA, and on site. We spoke to over 100 people and Dave Robinson, Unite; Martin Vince, GMB; took a further 30 learning surveys. We Lucy White, POA; Mike White, Unite and signed people up there and then and carried Tina Thompson, USDAW were highly out five inductions on site. commended learners. PCS Defence Sector and HMRC ULR Network meetings conference The team also held successful events around We spoke at the conference and promoted the region including workshops on the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Functional Skills and Equalities. Languages)/Nexus website and Futurelearn courses. There were 60 ULRs attending and At the Kent network meeting Jane Gaffney they requested the flyers and promotional from the University of Kent community posters that signpost reps and their learners participation team was invited to give a to wide variety of free learning websites. presentation on the access courses and taster sessions that the University delivers. Employer Ownership of Skills BMW and POA The Employer Ownership of Skills Energy efficiency partnership has now received a We have also led on what promises to be a 14 grant offer letter for learning/training, of Trade union education Partners which we are part, and includes the partners : There are 14 partnerships with of the Green Skills partnership. Colleges of Further Education and the Community activity London Workers’ Education Association to provide TUC education programmes for We have brokered a successful partnership union reps. From the end of April Central with providers and a community group at Bedfordshire College will cease providing the Redmond community centre in Hackney TUC programmes due to the college’s for delivery to 27 unemployed members of concentration on 14-1 9 vocational pathways. the community to take their PTLLS TUC qualifications qualifications (free to residents who met the : All TUC education criteria). courses are accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN). This We have also brokered a successful allows union representatives to gain trade partnership with Unite and providers to union qualifications at Award, Certificate and deliver work skills and short vocational Diploma levels. Discussions on the level of programs for the unemployed using Unite’s funding for qualifications in the academic learning centres. 40 people went through year 2 01 4-201 5 are ongoing. the programme with 27 of them going on to TUC Reps’ training programme take short vocational courses, including Food : Latest figures Hygiene and Health and Safety. (2 01 2) show we provided training for 13,460 union representatives, Health & Safety reps, This has led to another programme being and Union Learning Representatives. The piloted for young people 16-1 8 year olds 201 3 figure will be confirmed in May. Given (NEETS) to be offered a study course the economic situation and the pressures including functional skills, ICT and Workskills being placed on time off, it is a superb to be delivered at the Herts Trade Union achievement to maintain this level of training. Learning centre. This could be expanded to Thanks are due to the tutors, the providing other Unite learning centres if successful. colleges and the WEA, and for the support Apprenticeships of affiliates (and in particular Reps) for encouraging peers to attend courses. We continue to be members of the London Developments in the Reps’ Programme : New Councils’ Apprenticeship Task Group. materials have been produced for the Stage We have also been raising the awareness of 1 Union Representatives, Employment Law ULRs in some of the Local Authorities with Certificate and the Occupational Health regard to the Apprentice Mentoring Course Diploma. offered by unionlearn. 15 The 2 01 3 Women Officers’ Summer School at the House of Commons. They commented on how the course had given them the energy, motivation and confidence to progress issues and themselves further in the union movement

Women Officers’ Summer School: The TUC Stage 1 course for union reps is In July 2 01 3, regularly updated. The focus of the course is the Region again had the privilege of hosting the workplace, and the skills and knowledge the Women Officers’ Summer School. needed by new union reps. Fifteen women union officers from a range The latest edition of the Stage 1 materials of unions and roles attended. The 2 01 4 places a greater emphasis on the use of Summer School will be held from 7 to 11 electronic resources and also embeds key July, contact Jaspal Ghtoray elements of the ULR role that is so [email protected] for more information. important for union teams at all levels. Community & TU Learning Centre The TUC Employment Law Certificate is The Community & Trade Union learning designed for union representatives who have Centre (CTU) was established to assist already completed the TUC Stage 1 course workers on the Olympic site, workers and its principal concern is how knowledge employed in the local area, and members of of and confidence in using employment law the local community, develop their skills and can improve workplace bargaining. knowledge. It closed in February 2 01 4. The Diploma in Occupational Health and CTU registered 528 learners since opening Safety’s fourth edition was published in in January 2 01 0 and delivered 2 ,1 37 learning December 2 01 3. This year-long diploma opportunities. It engaged with 15 trade continues to be essential for the unions, 39 employers and 21 community development of the higher level skills organisations. The learning offered has been needed by TUC health and safety wide ranging and included communications, representatives to deal with challenges literacy, the application of numbers, ICT, emanating from deregulation proposals. French and Spanish. Working with Job Key resources and e-notes: National TUC Centre Plus, CTU has helped local people Education have developed new editions of become job-ready and was awarded the Working Women TUC Workplace and the Inspire Mark in recognition of the Centre’s Manual. achievements. A key development is also the production of Many thanks for the work done by our the hugely popular e-notes (online, short, unionlearn team over 2 01 4. This has not been interactive briefings) which are an essential an easy year with funding cuts leading to loss of resource for all trade union representatives. jobs and service. Goodbye and best wishes to See www.tuclearning.net Sonia Dawson, Johanna Garcia, Mick Hadgraft, Union Professionals: Angela King, Joanna Lucyszn, Tanya Nelson, In 2 01 2, 21 0 staff Phil Spry, and Jon Tennison, all of whom have employed by affiliates were trained. left us. 16 London unemployed strategies (LUS)

The London Unemployed Strategies project Nevertheless some projects have is sponsored jointly by Trust for London and cooperated with us and we have gone on to SERTUC. Our main slogan is ‘A Voice for run discussion groups with unemployed London’s Unemployed’. During the first six people to explore results arising from the months I have been trying to give that surveys further, and these have worked well. phrase meaning in as many ways as possible. The aim is to aggregate all this evidence A major obstacle to this process has been towards the end of my first year and fear of a backlash as a ‘punishment’ for produce what should be a revealing insight speaking out. This has been even more of a into the contemporary experience of Benefits Street problem since the Channel 4 unemployed people in London from all debacle. Stories of people being bullied and walks of life. This can be used as a lever for ridiculed for daring to speak up for change, hopefully in policies, but certainly in themselves and others suffering from attitudes towards claimants who deserve poverty and unemployment have abounded better treatment and support than they since then. receive at present. A key method we have developed to It would be wrong to wait until we have counteract this approach is the Claimants’ built up the confidence of the majority of Survey. This is a document which is fairly unemployed people to speak up for quick and easy to fill in but which themselves before acting to help them. Thus, nevertheless gives quite an in-depth ‘A Voice for London’s Unemployed’ can also reflection of people’s specific experiences of be taken to mean representing their support (or lack of) at Jobcentres, and the interests by whatever means possible. To general impact of unemployment on their this end, we have formed links with many finances, health and well-being. I am doing trades councils throughout London, the face-to-face work using the Survey as an major trades unions, local advice agencies, engagement tool, and other organisations and the voluntary sector, to form a united such as community centres and FE Colleges front with and for unemployed people. are giving me access to their unemployed This is well demonstrated by – well, users to gather this information. demonstrations! The photo shows our It is a shame that many training providers presence at Ealing JC+ which was part of a who could give us access to their series of nationwide demonstrations in unemployed users are themselves scared to February against Atos, the company which do so, as they are often dependent on has caused suffering to so many through its Jobcentre and DWP funding so do not want punitive methods of assessing sick and to be seen to bite the hand that feeds them. disabled people’s rights to benefits. 17 LUS is always looking for more grassroots is a government scheme which gives financial work to come out of these initiatives. For support to disabled employees and example, in Ealing, Waltham Forest, Islington employers who take on disabled people to and Southwark, we are now working with provide a variety of resources and the local trades councils, advice agencies, and adaptations to make the work experience Unite Community to do joint community suitable. This money is underspent year after engagement exercises during the TUC’s Fair year, in part because of lack of awareness of Pay Fortnight. We will discuss with local its existence, so a guide, along with an people on low/no pay their experiences of awareness and takeup campaign, should be unemployment, their benefits’ entitlements, launched within the next few weeks. their rights if they are sanctioned, and the This report is inevitably a combination of advantages of union membership. Where work in progress and in prospect, rather these councils have adopted the London than a list of done deeds. The short time I Living Wage we shall also cooperate with have had in post has highlighted both the them in promoting this more widely. The enormity of the task and the potential for aim therefore is not just to provide achievement. ‘Challenging’ is certainly both information and advice but to encourage an understatement and a positive way of those suffering from both in and out of work looking at the time ahead. During that time I poverty to get involved and get organised in will continue to engage trades unions, tackling the issues that affect them. groups and committed individuals in the Another dimension to our work has been cause of providing ‘A Voice for London’s around people with disabilities who, with the Unemployed’. Whether you are employed, right support, would wish to get into or back unemployed, or underemployed – as my old to work. To this end we have been working mum used to say (or was it Lenin?) - ‘don’t to pull together the major disabilities be backward in coming forward!’ organisations including DPAC, Inclusion Nick Phillips London and Disability Rights UK to produce Community & Volunteer Organiser a beginner’s guide to Access To Work. This

18 Disabled Workers’ Network I Since the AGM we have had a full year on The Bedroom Tax disregarding the key issues such as the Bedroom Tax, and accommodation needs of disabled people, Disabled Living Allowance being replaced by such as needing space for special equipment. I Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The terrible and very serious issue of I Disabled Living Allowance has been Disability Hate Crime. For victims of it and a replaced by Personal Independence fear of it resulting in disabled people not Payment. We made it clear that the doing everyday things such as using public Network does not have an issue with transport. The perception that if I wait at the employees of ATOS that administer it. The bus stop or the railway station Disability issue is with the Personal Independence Hate Crime can happen. Or going round a Payment itself. Successful appeals have been shopping centre and it happening there. I made against PIPs being stopped. There is There is a serious lack of caring services the serious matter of disabled people not support from local councils for disabled receiving benefits for several months while people. For instance one hour or less of these appeals are being conducted. support either do some household cleaning I The SERTUC Disabled Workers’ or shopping for a disabled person. That can Network has actively supported the work of make a difference to whether or not a DPAC (Disabled People Against the Cuts). disabled person can go out to work. I I The Network has been working with the The Care Homes whistleblowing issue. SERTUC Transport Industries Network on When workers in Care Homes do come key issues such as access to disabled people forward very bravely and genuinely the law for all types of transport. For instance does not give them sufficient protection. underground and railway stations having lifts The SERTUC Disabled Workers’ Network so that they are accessible to disabled has been very active on a wide range of people. As well as bus routes beyond issues and campaigns over the past year and London using vehicles that have ramps, so is very proud of the work that it has done that they can be used by disabled people. on issues and campaigns for the Region. I There has been the issue of reasonable Damion Ibison, CWU, Chair adjustments in the workplace for people Fariborz Taherinia, PCS, Vice Chair with visible and invisible disabilities. This Christopher Miles, PCS, Secretary covers the right to homeworking as well as Marsha De Cordova, Unite, Assistant Secretary physical equipment. I The serious issue of trigger points for warnings for sick leave from employers as above Paralympian Tara Flood, Roger Lewis well as concerns about employers restricting from DPAC, and Megan Dobney at the seminar disability leave. “Young Disabled People, employed and I The issue of carers for disabled people empowered?” organised jointly by the Disabled being allowed flexible working patterns. Workers’ and Young Workers’ Networks 19 WRC FGM meeting speakers September 2013 Women’s Rights Committee Another packed year for the WRC starting with the AGM in May when Carolyn Simpson and Dorothy Amos were re- elected as Chair and Secretary respectively – Marj Broughton was re-elected as Vice Chair in July. The ‘action plan’ for the year was debated again at an event to mark ‘Zero debated and agreed and at the meeting in Tolerance Day’ in February, where July we were delighted to have guest Thompsons Solicitors informed those speakers from Breakthrough Cancer who present about the rights of women not to explained their campaigning work to us, as be abused – whether at home or at well as Susan Murray (Unite Health and work/play. Safety officer) who spoke eloquently on the Our November meeting saw Phil Gowan H&S implications and dangers to women in (unionlearn) speak about the courses particular (eg. shift working) and what we available to women and the work of should be looking out for in our own bodies. unionlearn in the region. Sisters were able to take away handouts and information to share with their branches. Carolyn was invited to speak at two Unison events during the year on the work of August saw us undertaking another Go SERTUC – specifically relating to women in London walk – a success, as always, and the workplace and the effects of austerity enjoyed by all the sisters who were able to together with building stronger unions for join it. These walks have become a regular the future. feature of our programme and our thanks to Rachel Kolsky whose knowledge and spirited At the time of writing, the first SERTUC delivery are both educational and Women’s Seminar is being planned for 29 entertaining in equal measures! March with guest speakers including Megan Dobney (SERTUC), Caroline Underhill In September, we held an open meeting to (Thompsons Solicitors), Kat Banyard (UK discuss the appalling crime of Female Genital Feminista), Anita Wright (National Assembly Mutilation and welcomed Hilary Burrage of Women), Susan Murray (Unite H&S (author and sociologist), Kiri Tunks (NUT) officer), and Scarlet Harris (TUC Women’s and Rukayah Sarumi (Forward) as guest Officer). This event is open to all sisters in speakers. The meeting was well attended the Region and will be held at Unite, and a real eye opener to all of us. The Moreland Street (details available from the number of girls at risk in the UK every year is SERTUC office). in excess of 26,000 and we are now working with a number of organisations in Again, we have had a great year and all campaigning to eliminate this disgusting looking forward to 2 01 4-1 5!! practice. In support of this campaign, Carolyn Simpson, Unite, Chair Regional Council passed a motion Marjory Broughton, Unite, Vice Chair unanimously in January and the matter was Dorothy Amos, NUT, Secretary 20 Construction Committee

The Committee has met regularly on a quarterly basis, and the meetings have been well attended with lively debates on the current state of the construction industry in London and the South East. Various campaigns have been supported, most of which have been ongoing since the last period. Members attended the lobby of Parliament over blacklisting that was held on the 20 November. The thousands affected by blacklisting are still waiting for justice as inspect the construction of stadiums for the employers continue to contest liability. 2022 football World Cup. The committee Members attended the presentation of a decided to support the campaign to shame petition at Downing Street demanding the Qatari government into protecting justice for the Shrewsbury 24. workers lives, wages and conditions on these Members also attended demonstrations stadiums. It also agreed to support the outside two Laing O’Rourke sites in London, “Show FIFA the Red Card” campaign of the the “Cheesegrater” in Leadenhall Street and Building and Woodworkers International. the Crick Laboratory in St Pancras. The good news is that London Hazards There were also demonstrations against Centre trust was reconstituted in blacklisting and support was given to Unite’s November. This organisation has always campaign against the employer BAM Nuttall been at the forefront of all construction on the Crossrail project. The Committee will campaigning and the members look forward be coordinating the organisation of events to a productive relationship with the new around International Workers’ Memorial worker. Chair Day this year. Kieran Campbell, Unite, Kevin Williamson, Unite, Secretary Other activities concerned the outlawing of bogus self-employment in the construction industry, a practice which is now creeping into other sectors, and campaigning for proper compensation for the victims of asbestos-related diseases. At the November meeting a report was given of a visit by Sister Gail Cartmail, Unite AGS, to Qatar to

21 Race Relations Committee

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that are indeed grim times but they are no time comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. for defeatism. This is our moment, trades Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head unions were invented for tough times and pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments for struggle. Trade unionism and socialism when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, are the light and our way ahead. but I would not and could not give myself up to Sadly, Nelson Mandela died this year, but his despair. That way lays defeat and death.” legacy lives on. If he could struggle and win, Nelson Mandela so can each of us, individually and collectively. Metaphorically, this has been a long and dark It is important to remember our past, winter, and it isn’t over yet. There are a lot especially our struggles and particularly our of reasons to foster despair; poverty up, half victories, and how they were achieved. The a million people dependent upon food Committee was pleased to invite speakers, banks, real wages down, utility bills up, state Christabel Gurney and Jeff Howarth, from pension squeezed, more than a million the Anti-Apartheid Memorial Campaign, people trapped on zero hours contracts, which is documenting the epic struggle to welfare benefits cut savagely, Universal defeat apartheid and to free Nelson Credit a shambles, the bedroom tax Mandela from jail. The Committee was keen imposed and benefit suspensions up, a to work with the Campaign, but it also took shameful level of youth unemployment etc the opportunity to emphasise the etc. Welcome to Cameron’s Britain! And if importance of recognising the contribution you are from a Black, Asian or Minority of Black trade unionists and campaigners to Ethnic community the odds are that your life the struggle, in both narrative and images. is even tougher, since the unemployment The Committee was privileged to have rate for BAME workers is twice that of white Mohammad Taj, TUC President, as a European workers for each skill level. speaker. Taj said that there were four things Discrimination is still an ever-present that he wanted to achieve in his year as menace, life expectancy is 10 years shorter in TUC President: meet and support grass many areas and housing standards typically roots trade unionists and promote bottom worse. up trade union growth and organisation; So there are many reasons for despair, but work to ensure that BNP and other far-right we must reject them all. We have to get candidates do not get elected to the angry and we have to get organised. We European Parliament in the European must build our own future together, not elections; help young people understand wait for it to be gifted to us. We have a duty trade unionism and help them understand to inspire others, especially the young. These our movement’s great achievements, our 22 TUC President Mohammad Taj with SERTUC Race Relations Committee chair Claude James

legacy, our heroes and our values; and to communities. Wherever the EDL attempted argue for a Ministry of Labour to promote to organised a march the Committee was trade union rights, health and safety, eager to support counter-demonstrations equalities and productivity. The Committee expressing communities’ positive attitude to was pleased to pledge its support to him. multiracialism and tolerance. And it is important to build strong The Committee’s perspectives were community alliances to secure our future in internationalist. It continued to support a multicultural society, so the Committee Unite’s campaign to protect the rights of was pleased to invite Paul Richards from the domestic service workers as a campaign UpRise campaign, who reported on its theme, circulating campaign materials. And it current programme of activities and its plans co-sponsored a briefing for trade unionists for another UpRise anti-racist festival, this on ‘the danger of the far-right in Greece’, time in Peckham, South London. Of course, with the SERTUC International Committee. the Committee was keen to support, Officers of the Committee and its members publicise and contribute UpRise’s work. made a commitment during the year to seek Only a few, the rich and powerful, have to increase the number of delegates and prospered from austerity economics, whilst attendance at meetings. This was a partial the many have been losers. But some losers success and will remain ‘work in progress’. have suffered worse than others, including Sadly, the number of delegates was static, women and migrant workers. March is but the good news is that average home to both International Women’s Day attendance at meetings increased. Across and St Patrick’s Day and so we invited the the year, delegates from 10 unions and two London Irish Women’s Network and the County Associations attended meetings. I SERTUC Women’s Rights Committee to hope the efforts to strengthen the speak at our March 2 01 4 meeting. This is Committee will be renewed in 2 01 4-1 5. part of our deliberate effort to reach out The email bulletin compiled and sent out by and to build campaign alliances. the SERTUC office following each quarterly Defeating the far-right and hate politics is a Committee meeting has proven to be very priority for the Committee. In terms of popular and is particularly useful for elected politicians, the SERTUC region is delegates unable to get to a meeting. now a fascist-free zone. The English Defence Claude James, TSSA, Chair League continued to disintegrate this year, Lorraine Eytle, NUT, and Judy L Richards, and the role of trade unionists in that Unison, Vice Chairs collapse is to be celebrated, but the EDL Mark Benjamin, PCS, and Austin Harney, PCS, Joint Secretaries remains a menace on our streets and in our 23 International Committee

As ever this was a busy year for the International Department who updated us Committee with three meetings and a on the Playfair Campaign. He reminded us further one to come in early April. We have of the progress resulting from the campaign heard from a variety of guest speakers and in the run up to London 2 01 2, in particular several Committee members have travelled the improvements in working conditions in abroad, and been involved in a variety of some of the factories where Olympic demonstrations and conferences in this merchandise is produced. Sam also updated country. us on the campaign’s liaison with Brazilian At our first meeting in June 2 01 3 Adrian Trades Unions in the run up to both the Weir from Unite spoke to the committee World Cup and the 2 01 6 Olympics. The about his visit to Venezuela where he was Brazilians are focussing on the health and part of a delegation observing the first safety of the construction sector and the presidential elections following the death of rights of garment workers. The Playfair Hugo Chavez. He described the high level of Campaign is also hoping to focus upon the scrutiny around, and the transparency of, the plight of migrant workers in the run up 2022 voting process and recounted his World Cup in Qatar where many deaths experiences of the influence of the United have already been reported. We also had a States government with its support for the talk from Angie Hsu from Kav LaOved, an defeated right wing opposition party and NGO based in Tel Aviv working with the refusal to recognise the outcome of the Palestinian General Federation of Trades election. Adrian’s report was circulated to Unions in furtherance of the rights of the committee. Palestinian workers in the private sector. Angie outlined some of the issues being The committee also heard a report from Jim tackled by Kav LaOved – Palestinian workers Kelly of Unite, who had been part of a who are ‘bound’ to their employer, the Unite/TSSA delegation to the West Bank. existence of an informal blacklist if workers Jim outlined the key issues including: the raise queries issues and the failure of some ongoing illegal Israeli settlement building, the employers to pay the minimum wage as ongoing violence and intimidation of local they exploit workers through a complex Palestinians, as well as the Israelis’ use of system of sub-contracting. natural resources such as water as a political weapon against the local Palestinian The Committee followed up on the population. Jim’s delegation met a number of Palestinian issue at our December meeting organisations including the Arab Workers when it received reports from Kiri Tunks Union, the Palestinian teachers union and and Bernard Regan (Committee Chair) of the Palestinian TU federation. Jim’s report the NUT, and Gordon Lean from Unite, on was also circulated to the committee. their recent visits as part of various delegations to Palestine. At the September meeting one of our guest speakers was Sam Gurney from the TUC Kiri reported that the Palestinians are very

24 SETUN The South East Trade Union Network has met five times since SERTUC AGM 2 01 3. We have met twice with Labour MP Caroline Flint and other Labour Party MPs appreciative of the support of the UK and council leaders. public and very clear about the failures of Regarding public services SETUN has the UK Government to translate this continued to keep attacks on service cuts, support into effective action/deeds. She jobs and conditions under review and also outlined the future priority of the discussion. We have taken every NUT in looking to build pressure on the UK Government to act in relation to the opportunity to raise issues with Labour MPs indignities and cruelty suffered by the and council leaders when we have met and Palestinian people, in particular the have constantly raised the issue of a living existence and treatment of child prisoners. wage for all workers and will continue to do She reported that to date 31 MPs have so. signed pledges of support for this Through SERTUC we continue to be campaign. involved in the HSE South East Estates Gordon expressed his shock and disgust at Excellence programme covering high risk the ‘apartheid’ barriers which have been industrial estates from Kent to Oxfordshire. created in the Palestinian territories, but SETUN has also had involvement in the found a tremendous spirit existing amongst the Palestinian people. The Committee Healthy Workplace programme regionally. also nominated him to attend the The Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in Palestinian Solidarity AGM on its behalf. our region are now starting to involve us Outside of its regular meetings, the and SETUN members have represented the Committee was also involved, along with Region at a number of consultation events. the SERTUC Race Relations Committee in the organisation of an anti-fascist, anti- SETUN has also been active in encouraging racism meeting relating to the rise of the activities in our local trades councils and will Far Right in Greece which took place at continue to improve communications to and Congress House. Additionally, the from local trades councils in order to co- committee supported the Vigil for the ordinate SERTUC campaigns. Miami 5, was represented at the Gaza Other issues we have been involved with memorial demonstration in January 2 01 4, include BAe job losses and other participated in the Miami 5 International Commission of Inquiry and had attendees redundancy issues in the region, public at the highly successful Latin America 2 01 3 transport including rail franchises and SE7 Conference at Congress House. which covers proposed plans for county Bernard Regan, NUT, Chair councils to share services and procurement Jayne Fisher, Unite, Vice Chair tenders. Martin Andrews, PCS, Secretary Brian Walter, Unison, Chair Alan Durrant, GMB, Convenor John Ball, SERTUC office support 25 Young Workers’ Network

Our Young Workers’ Network has rollout of Young Workers Month, however, continued to flourish and build active young the rollout was moved from November trade unionism in the UK. Through ground- 201 3 to March 2 01 4. SERTUC Young breaking initiatives like Young Workers Workers’ Network believes March is Month and networking leading lights in International Women’s Month and should young trade unionism, SERTUC Young stay that way. We have been given full Workers’ Network is making an impact in assurances that the festival will be annualised this great movement of ours. from November 2 01 4. By maintaining activity and limiting talking The Great Youth Unemployment Lockout shops, we’ve been able to engage young – key event activists and develop their communication, organising and campaigning skills whilst 201 3 marked the centennial of the Dublin delivering credible outputs. Lockout and to pay homage to Jim Larkin we decided to utilise this theme with our Young Workers’ Month Youth Unemployment seminar during Launched by SERTUC Young Workers Young Workers Month. Network in 2 01 2, Young Workers’ Month is The event was well attended, with a mix of a festival organised to motivate trade unions both union and non-union members. to deliver active democratic regional young Speakers included TUC Senior Policy members’ participation with activity taking Officer, Richard Exell and special guest place throughout November. Our vision is Ignacio Doreste from the European Trade to create activity where inactivity exists by Union Congress (ETUC) who gave a asking unions to put together young perspective and explained the proposals laid members’ events whilst we reach out to out in the European Union’s ‘Youth young people who are not members and Guarantee’ programme. Network Secretary run campaigns on key issues that affect us. Hazel Nolan led the section on the Dublin The 2 01 3 Programme consisted of 14 events Lockout, which included a detailed video across the UK, 11 blogs written by young documentary and presentation from the people and 800 participants in our online incredible Austin Harney. Campaign group actions. ‘Youth Fight for Jobs’ led a workshop on direct action as well as providing ideas and Having heavily lobbied TUC Young Workers space for future campaigns. Conference and Forum we won the national 26 TEheT EastU of EnN gland Trade Union Network meets on a Saturday to enable the participation of lay delegates without access to paid time off for weekday meetings. The Regional Secretary attends the meetings to report from the Executive Committee. In 2 01 3 the EDL attempted to stage a further ‘national mobilisation’ in Cambridge. ETUN Our biggest success of this event was the gave support to the local community attendance of a group of Sixth Form mobilisation with Cambridge UAF, uniting the students and their teacher from a local trades council, union delegations from school who are currently involved in a neighbouring cities and towns, the Cambridge project on youth unemployment. The group Muslim Council and other community activists of six teenagers having known very little in a peaceful march and demonstration about trade unions before the event have through the main streets of Cambridge. The asked to find out more about unions and we EDL were only able to muster a handful of are organising a follow up visit to the TUC. supporters and were confined to a park. Under 25s welfare access ETUN continued to support the initiative of supporting the work of the Anne Frank Trust Our online campaign to ask Prime Minister in our communities, and particularly with our David Cameron to rescind his comments on schools. Unison funded an AFT project in a the removal of Under 25s access to welfare number of schools in the East of England. In payments attracted 600 signatures in just 48 Norwich the trades council and PCS Eastern hours. We have just relaunched this petition sponsored a two week exhibition in the and would be grateful if you could support. prestigious Forum centre, alongside Petition can be found on our website: presentations by Holocaust survivors and the www.youngworkersmonth.org showing of a Holocaust related film in the With special thanks to David Braniff- independent Cinema City on Holocaust Herbert, Lauren Usher and Joanne Adams Memorial Day. for resourcing and developing the network. ETUN discussed the trade union response to Special thanks also to those branches who the attacks on the most vulnerable in our helped fund our Young Workers Month communities as a result of the imposition of activity. the Bedroom Tax. It was agreed that we Chair Alex Etches, Unite, should ask the Labour Party affiliated unions Vice Chair Fern McCaffrey, GMB, to lobby the Party and at local council level Gavin Sibthorpe, Unite, Secretary not to support or instigate the eviction of Hazel Nolan, GMB, Assistant Secretary tenants who were in arrears as a direct result of the cuts in Housing Benefit. Teresa MacKay, Suffolk CATC, Chair Richard Edwards, PCS, Convenor

27 Public Services Committee

Mark Campbell (PCS) continuing as Vice- Chair and Sasha Pearce (Unison) as Assistant Secretary. The Committee met in June (AGM), September, December and, at the time of writing, is due to meet again in March. With the threats from this Government to We have continued to address priorities our public services continuing to intensify established in the previous year’s Work Plan across the SERTUC Region, the Public including encouraging attendance at Services Committee has again sustained its committee meetings; supporting unions work in publicising and support the taking action against cuts and privatisation; campaigns and struggles being fought by our and building support for TUC trade union affiliates. demonstrations and events. The work plan is At our AGM in June, Andy Thomas (PCS) being reviewed and updated to reflect TUC was elected as the new Secretary of the imperatives including those established in the A Future That Works committee. Martin Powell-Davies (NUT) document. continued to Chair the Committee with As well as receiving regular reports from affiliates on campaigns and disputes, the Committee has taken forward a wide range of issues including inviting guest speakers on the issues of the Living Wage; victimisation of trade union activists; and Universal Credit. Our other initiatives have included building support for the demonstration at the Conservative Party conference on 29 September 2 01 3. Martin Powell-Davies, NUT, Chair Mark Campbell, UCU, Vice-Chair Andy Thomas, PCS, Secretary Sasha Pearce, Unison, Assistant Secretary

left At the SERTUC PSC’s 2 01 3 conference Resisting Austerity in Europe and in the UK : Owen Jones, Alexis Tsipras and Paul Mackney

28 Transport Industries Network

TIN held four meetings in the year, keeping represented at present which we want to get new and long –standing members updated on involved – for example, air transport. We also developments across the transport sectors. sought to strengthen the exchanges with the Speakers were invited in the year to cover key Pensioners Committee and the Disability concerns such as the problems on the tube Network, including a possible conference on system in relation to ticket office closures and issues of joint concern. staff cuts, addressed at our December meeting We have invited guest speakers during the year with RMT speakers. There are a number of but pressures on those in the industry present standing items that are examined regularly challenges.Tommy Molloy of Nautilus/ITF who such as Rural & Small Urban Areas Transport spoke to TIN in March 2 01 3 year had such an Services; Government plans; Action for Rail; important presentation on the union campaign Water-borne transport; air transport; to fight the horrific working conditions and CrossRail and TfL. This year road freight virtual slavery of foreign-flagged ships round transport issues have had a higher profile. the world that he was invited to address the A number of concerns raised by different full Regional Council in July 2 01 3. We are unions have been supported and information seeking a BALPA (British Air Line Pilots' provided; this has included: Association) presentation for 2 01 4 on flight I rural train level crossings, time hours and safety/staffing issues. I treatment of road traffic accidents under TIN contributed toward a paper deposited health & safety; with the House of Commons Transport Select Committee on passenger services to isolated I staffing levels; communities. I closure of rail and Underground/ Other areas of concern were cyclist deaths and Overground ticket offices; injuries, the deceits over the ‘New Bus for I cuts in rural bus services; London’, rail refranchising for political dogma I campaign on pay & conditions and the purposes which will cost the government (and franchising regime on London buses; hence the taxpayers) a loss of income, rail and I taxi issues; bus fares rises, and air safety incidents. I conditions for workers in shipping; and Chair I port developments. Roger Sutton, GLATC, Mark Steele, ASLEF , Vice Chair TIN also follows up previous incidents that Joel Kosminsky, TSSA, Secretary have not been fully resolved. Gwen Cook, GLATC, and Mike Hedges, Unite, We welcomed several new members on to the Assistant Secretaries TIN, including from non-transport unions and trades councils/county associations. Union members and their families as users of the transport system are a key part of the work we carry out. There are some areas not

29 LGBT Network

Since the last reconstitution of SERTUC in St Petersburg – Ira Rukki, who herself had April 2 01 3 the SERTUC LGBT has this year: fled Russia earlier in the year. Ira gave an In May we held our AGM where we elected excellent presentation, which was followed a new Co-Chair – Gerard McGrath from by questions and discussion. The meeting Unison and a new Secretary, David Sharkey was chaired by Dorothy Amos (NUT), Co- (Unite). We have held our regular meetings, Chair of the SERTUC LGBT Network. The the last one being in January 2 01 4. flyer for the meeting was designed by Timothy Wang, who has also designed the In July David Sharkey was the SERTUC flyer for our fringe meeting at the TUC observer to the TUC LGBT Conference, LGBT Conference and the flyer for our where we also held a Fringe Meeting on Next Wave Activism LGBT History Month event of 2 01 2. Our topic of which David thanks to Unite LE /1148 Workers in Social spoke at along with an activist from NUS Inclusion & Care Branch for sponsoring the LGBT Campaign and a member of the meeting, which allowed food to be London Queer Social Centre. The meeting provided. In December Ira faced fast-track looked at getting new LGBTQ activists deportation. The Network, along with other involved and take the lead. LGBTQ bodies, were involved in successfully In July our meeting was addressed by a lobbying for Ira to be taken out of the fast- London Queer Social Centre activist and track line and released from detention. At community artist Jacob V Joyce who talked time of writing this report Ira is still working about how art can be used to take a through the legal process to remain in the message into the community. UK for asylum as she will be at risk if returns The plight of LGBT communities in various to Russia. countries, such as Russia, Nigeria, India and In December our Secretary represented us Uganda has been at the fore of our minds at the London Pride public consultation this past year. In August there were large meeting, which was held at Congress House, demonstrations outside Downing Street hosted by the TUC LGBT Committee. about the situation in Russia for LGBT In January 2 01 4 we hosted an informal communities, we were pleased to see a presentation of work by a Portuguese artist strong trade union presence at the second and activist who was visiting London, demonstration. Antonio Onio, in Congress House. In October the Network held a well- Antonio’s topic was using your vulnerability attended public meeting at Congress House Homophobia in Russia as resistance to capitalism and the current on which was austerity in Portugal and the rest of Europe. addressed by a LGBTQ activist from The presentation was opened by Maria Exall

30 Speakers and chair at the Network’s fringe meeting “Next Wave Activism” at TUC LGBT conference 2 01 3

– TUC LGBT Committee Chair. Again this turned away, so thanks to our friends at was well attended and people found it a Unite London & Eastern Region LGBT very positive event, especially what Antonio Committee for hosting a further screening at had to say. The feedback was that this type Unite House. The film was made with of event and format be done again. There is support from Unite LE /1148 Branch. Thanks, a video of the presentation, which we to Timothy Wang who designed the flyer believe would be good to screen and allow for the event. more people the opportunity to see David Sharkey has been representing the Antonio’s presentation. Network at the planning meetings for the February 2 01 4 saw LGBT History Month. LGBTQ People’s Assembly against austerity. This year the Network held a joint event As part of getting the message out about with the TUC LGBT Committee. The event austerity and what it means for LGBTQ was to showcase what unions have and communities, Anton Johnson (SERTUC EC continue to do for LGBT rights; this was member) and Peter Purton, TUC Disability QX done by having stalls in the Marble Hall from & LGBT Policy Officer, met magazine. Morning Star trade unions and the , with a Following that meeting our Secretary had a welcome from Frances O’Grady, TUC piece in the magazine attached to a feature General Secretary. Our Secretary, David on austerity and the X-press Yourself Sharkey also spoke on behalf of the Against Austerity exhibition, which was Network. Along with the stalls there was a shown from January to March 2 01 4 at the screening of a short film about the Brixton White Rabbit, with an opening hosted by Fairies and the South London Gay Centre in Unite London & Eastern Region LGBT Brixton of the 1970s. The film was made up Committee. Morning of interviews of people who were involved Our thanks to the SERTUC office, with the Brixton Fairies. The screening was Star QX and Unite London & Eastern Region for opened by Patrick Cash – magazine assistance in our work this past year. Assistant Editor and was followed by a Q&A Dorothy Amos, NUT, Co-Chair with the film maker Taha Hassan (London Gerard McGrath, Unison, Co-Chair Queer Social Centre) and chaired by David David Sharkey, Unite, Secretary Sharkey. The film prompted a lively Anton Johnson, Unite, SERTUC EC LGBT seat discussion looking at alternatives for LGBTQ people in a commercially-driven scene. There was an interview with Taha in that QX week’s online edition of . The demand to see the film was high and people had to be

31 Trades union councils Campaigning against the bedroom tax at the Andover carnival. left to right Tandy Davies, Jo Colby and Pete Millward

Throughout the year, and all around the Region, trades councils have been carrying out their historic role as the voice of workers and their families in our Region’s communities. Here’s a snapshot of activity. Andover The TUC conducted four lively campaigns during 2 01 3. Not put off by very cold weather we began the year delivering postcards to hard-pressed commuters as Action for Rail part of the national campaign. This was very well received and saw us leaflet a few stations in the surrounding area too. Our May public meeting was on the Assembly meeting in London, and also to It’s time to take over the banks theme . The the Tower Hamlets anti-fascist mobilisation. main speaker was Matt Wrack, FBU general We look forward to supporting the TUC Britain Needs A Pay Rise secretary, who put forward the case for mass demonstration public ownership of the finance industry to on 18 October . enable planning, investment and job creation. Bedford You would think a top Tory star We used the opportunity of publicising the turning up in a marginal seat would arrive meeting for other activities in Andover town with all the glitz and fanfare of a James Bond centre, both to make ourselves more widely premiere. known and to encourage discussion on a socialist alternative to the cuts agenda. In July Let’s Axe the Bedroom we commenced our Tax petition. This saw us again in the town centre but also talking to people at the local carnival and going door to door on the most affected housing estates. Finally, we rounded off the year with a quick leafleting campaign Save Our Royal Mail to . In addition to our campaign activity, we have also sent representatives to support various national trade union demonstrations, to the People’s

32 TUCJCC south east region

The Trades Union Councils Joint Consultative the TUC’s Annual Trades Council Conference Committee report for the South East Region: by holding a rally in Camden Town Hall. Their It goes without saying that with an unholy hospitality was much appreciated. coalition currently holding power in Greenwich & Bexley hosted the Banner Westminster, life has been none too easy for Theatre’s Fighting the Cuts production and, in many people, especially those facing cuts on the July, East Kent Coast Trades Council launched. front line – and there are far too many of Later on in the year, GLATUC held a them. However, it is also true to say that the commemoration of the Pentonville 5 and actions of this government have seen a Medway held a public meeting entitled Unity is resurgence in trade union council activity and a Strength . coming together of communities that we At the end of September, a lot of trade union haven’t seen in a very long time. The popularity councils’ work came together nationally with a of the People’s Assembly at Westminster march and rally at the Tory Party Conference Methodist Hall showed how angry people were in Manchester, the theme of which was Save with what is happening to their services, their Our NHS, Defend Jobs and Services, No To jobs and the rise in unemployment, and their Austerity. Coaches came from all over the willingness to take action to fight back. country including from our region, amongst In London and the South East, many trade them Ealing, Camden and Haringey. It was a union councils have been involved in activity on great effort by everybody and it is just a shame a practically week to week basis organising that we have to wait a year to do it all over marches, public meetings and street stalls again! Meanwhile TUCs all across the region highlighting the attacks on the very basics we will still be holding public meetings, organising all rely on, namely the NHS and public services. street stalls and protests because, sadly, the There have been too many events for me to work goes on as this government still isn’t name them all but I will highlight a few. listening. There is still work to be done and the Trade Unions and the Trade Union Councils May saw a flurry of activity which was to be are still best placed to rise to the challenges expected with many trade union councils ahead. We ARE in this together. Solidarity rallying around May Day. The annual march comrades. from Clerkenwell Green to Trafalgar Square highlighted the cuts as did the march by Linda Kietz, GLATUC president and South East Croydon TUC through the centre of Croydon. TUCJCC representative Battersea & Wandsworth held a May Day party in the Bread and Roses Club to prove we would not be subdued and a demonstration took place The picture above shows NUT general in London in support of the NHS. At the end of secretary Christine Blower at the London May, Camden TUC set off the proceedings for May Day rally 2 01 3

33 left Cambridgeshire unions defending the NHS below Protest against the threat of closure of 23 Surestart children’s centres led by Save Kent’s children centres and supported by Dover, Canterbury, Medway TUCs and Kent association of trades councils and affiliated trade unions and community activists

Instead Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education, slipped into Bedford on Friday like a thief in the night. Mr Gove was invited to speak at a private Conservative Party bash at the Park Inn on Friday evening. Before that he visited Bedford Free School, in Cauldwell Street, Bedford. But, he did not turn up until the school had closed for the day and darkness group in opposition to privatisation of the had descended, and was thereby spared NHS and cuts I having to meet most of the children. Lobbied Norman Lamb MP’s office The visit was not announced by the against privatisation of the NHS I Conservative Party or the school. The news Supported the TUC day of civil had leaked out, rather than being trumpeted. disobedience in support of NHS which The teachers’ unions had also heard their consisted of street theatre “Guy Fawkes” favourite hate figure was coming to Bedford, bank robbery with the money being then and a small demonstration gathered outside delivered to the local hospital I the Park Inn, to give him the traditional Supported the TUC demonstration in welcome! Manchester to defend the NHS I North Norfolk Over the past year North Saturday High Street stalls in Sheringham, Norfolk trades council has been involved in Cromer and North Walsham the following activities: I Distributed leaflets criticising UKIP and I Affiliated to Unite Against Fascism exposing their racism I I Supported King’s Lynn trades council in a Collected signatures for petitions around “pyjama protest” against the bedroom tax opposition to cuts, defence of the NHS, outside the Queen’s palace in Sandringham opposition to bedroom tax and for the I Supported the Campaign to Defend renationalisation of fuel companies I Mental Health Services in Norfolk and Supported anti-bedroom tax campaign Suffolk including pushing for “no-evictions” policy I I Lobbied the local health commissioning Organised a public meeting about energy

34 left North Norfolk below Norwich trades council TUC Silver Badge supporting the NHS presentation: Peter Bartram, Treasurer; Teresa with street theatre MacKay, TUCJCC Rep; Geraldine Murray, former “Guy Fawkes” bank Secretary (receiving her own badge and also a robbery with the posthumous one for her partner, Sid Frisby); money then delivered Sarah Lark, current President (not receiving a to the local hospital badge!); and Cid Gibbs, former President

prices with three speakers: Jo Rust, Alicia audience. A local reporter was there. Hull and Mary Littlefield. Alicia’s emphasis Southampton trades council; the president was on investing for sustainable energy, Jo’s reports: Following from an on-line petition on the need to change the Labour Party and about the NHS it was decided to hold a Mary’s on recent changes in public opinion meeting with a view to setting up an NHS in favour of nationalisation. The Libs and support group. Abelado Clariana-Piga agreed Tories, despite being invited, did not show. to take on the organisation of this and since From the floor there were a variety of very then there has been the growth of intelligent contributions. The discussion Southampton Keep our NHS Public with moved away from fuel prices to wider issues Abelado still taking a leading role. like how investment could be controlled and whether a citizen’s income could be viable. During March the Executive Committee started to meet to discuss the TUC’s new We were very pleased that all three “Rules for TUCs”, a task which took up speakers were women, and almost half the several months and will be confirmed at the

35 AGM. Also in March I attended a SERTUC conference in London; a PCS picket, and on the same day, the presentation of a petition on the NHS to the City Council. In April the AGM of Hampshire County Association of TUCs was held, and I visited a picket line outside the HMRC offices and a meeting about the Bedroom Tax. In May I attended a lobby of the Council on the Bedroom Tax at the Civic Centre. June was largely taken up with organising the celebration for NHS day on 5th July meeting of Southampton People’s Assembly supported by Hampshire Health Unison (my and have subsequently attended Steering branch). Committee meetings along with Tomasa We hope that in five years time we can truly Bullen and Steve Squibbs of our TUC. In celebrate the 70th birthday in the September I went to Manchester on one of knowledge that our NHS is still safe! the coaches organised by Unite to I also attended a meeting of the Hampshire demonstrate at the Conservative Party County Association of TUCs with the Conference. The march was extremely large Secretary and Minutes Secretary on the 6th and very noisy, I subsequently heard from a July where our new banner designed by reporter inside the building, that the chants Steve Moore was much admired and it was of the march could be heard clearly and agreed that a banner for HCATUCs would seemed to go on for hours as we passed by. be produced. In October I attended the HCATUC On 11 September I attended an inaugural meeting and a People’s Assembly Steering

36 Southampton & South West Hampshire TUC organised a highly successful 65th birthday celebration for the NHS with the assistance of Unison and Unite. The sun shone on the gathering as we sang, had speeches from local MP Alan Whitehead, and Labour councillors Sarah Bogel and Satvir Kaur and others, and handed out large quantities of birthday cakes, with the slogan “Cut the cake, not the NHS”

Committee meeting. Also in October I etc. we do not receive any minutes or attended and spoke at a rally of NUT information of its activities. members in Hoglands Park. As delegates know, the trades council has a In January I attended a meeting of HCATUC facebook page. Recently when I looked at with our other delegates, and visited UCU the page, I was concerned to see, that the pickets outside Solent University on their last 15 entries are by a member of the two strike days. Labour Party promoting his activities in In February I attended a rally of Unite elections etc. This gives me cause to think, members outside the Civic Centre at 1pm that there are elements who wish to use the protesting about their low pay; I also trades council as a vehicle to promote the attended rallies of UCU, Unison and Unite Labour Party. In my opinion this is not outside both universities (in the pouring acceptable as the trades council is, and rain), despite the weather their mood was always will be, an independent trade union high; as well as attending a PA Steering organisation, and one should have care that Committee. they do not find themselves in conflict with the Representation of the People’s Act. Wisbech and March trades council: “When Adam delved and Eve span who was then In the course of last year, seven of the the Gentleman?” meetings were inquorate or did not take place. We carried out a number of reviews In the early part of the year, we held a public in an effort to raise the interest level, but this meeting, to combat what turned out to be did not come to any fruition, as it is not the activities of UKIP, who were using race viable to organise public meetings, street and immigration to gain election support for activity or speakers for the council if no one the County Council Elections. Although we turns up. were successful in holding a Public meeting and setting up, the WE ARE WISBECH It is therefore up to you, the Delegates, to group, UKIP made gains on the CC. decide if you really want a Trades Council in Wisbech. Only you can make it happen. The WE ARE WISBECH group became independent from the Trades Council, with Dean Reeves a member of the Labour Party becoming its Chair. Although the group did asked the TC to pay a £1 00 bill for leaflets

37 Inter-Regional TUC

SERTUC continues to play a major role in the Inter-Regional TUC with eight other trade union confederations (from Nord-Pas de Calais in France, and Hainaut and West Flanders in Belgium). The SERTUC regional secretary is the IRTUC vice-president until November 2 01 4 when the UK assumes the presidency. The Committee meetings are attended by a wide variety of EURES advisers, TU reps and officers, and over the year we have been able to give a number of colleagues from our Region the opportunity to meet and discuss with their mainland Europe partners. Pictured left is Lauren Usher from unionlearn addressing the meeting on the situation facing young workers. Once again, many thanks are due to former SERTUC EURES adviser Les Ford for his unstinting linguistic and political support.

38 SERTUC officers and staff

President Martin Gould Vice Presidents Tony Lennon Linda Perks Treasurer Carolyn Simpson

Regional Secretary Megan Dobney 020 7467 1291 Regional Campaigns and Policy Officer Laurie Heselden 020 7467 1292 Administrative Secretary Darren Lewis 020 7467 1220 Administrative Assistants Joanne Adams 020 7467 1218 Jaspal Ghtoray 020 7467 1248 Alyx Jenkins 020 7467 1237 Regional Education Officers Rob Hancock 020 7467 1369 Phil Gowan 020 7467 1238 Senior Union Support Officer Stuart Barber 020 7467 1385 Union Support Officers Oreleo du Cran 020 7467 1368 Adrian Ryan 020 7467 1339 all email addresses are first name initial followed by [email protected]

39 Executive Committee attendance 2 01 3-2 01 4

Trade union section Women’s seats ASLEF Mark Steele 7 CWU Linda Kietz 9 BECTU Tony Lennon 8 NUT Dorothy Amos 8 CWU Jim Kirwan 3 Unite Sithabile Tabi Mpala 3 CWU Paul Moffat 4 Young trade unionist FBU Ian Leahair 4 vacant GMB Charles Harrity 3 Black trade unionists NASUWT Timothy Ramsden 9 GMB Dotun Alade-Odumosu 3 Nautilus Int’l Jonathan Havard 7 PCS Dil Joshi 4 NUT Alex Kenny 5 Unison Gloria Hanson 5 PCS Richard Edwards 6 TSSA Steve Leggett 8 Disabled trade unionist Unison Linda Perks 6 vacant Unison Phil Wood 6 LGBT trade unionist Unite Martin Gould 7 Unite Anton Johnson 8 Unite Peter Kavanagh 5 County Associations Unite Jim Kelly 9 Cambs CATC Tony Carter 8 Treasurer (ex officio) GLATC Roger Sutton 8 Unite Carolyn Simpson 9 Hants CATC Louis Mac Donald 5 Oxon CATC Sue Tibbles 7 Suffolk CATC Teresa MacKay 8

Attendances are from a possible total of 9 (the April 2 01 4 meeting is not included)

40 Delegate monitoring

Attendance at meetings of the Regional Council 2 01 3-2 01 4 Meeting Union delegates Unions CATC delegates Observers Total (2 01 2- 13)

April 96 17 21 12 117 (121) July 60 15 21 7 81 (66) October 69 16 18 8 87 (87) January 53 15 15 2 68 (45)

Gender monitoring Total Male Female

Regional Council (nominated) 161 109 50 (31%) Executive Committee (elected) 29 21 8 (28%)

Ethnic monitoring White Afro Caribbean African Asian Other No response

Regional Council (nominated) 120 834323 Executive Committee (elected) 22 12121

41 Campaign account 1 January to 31 December 2 013

Receipts Payments Advertisements Interest 19.33 Campaign Fund donations CSC Cuba Si 70.00 CWU (2012 & 2013) 4,800.00 PPPS Austerity Conference 50.00 FBU East Anglia 100.00 PPPS New Year 200.00 FBU London 1,000.00 PPPS May Day 200.00 NUJ 137.25 PPPS Vic Turner 200.00 PCS 800.00 VSC 125.00 Affiliations TSSA 50.00 Unison Eastern 1,000.00 Abortion Rights 75.00 Unison London 1,200.00 ACTSA 40.00 Spithead & Nore booklet sponsorship Baby Milk Action (2 01 2 & 2 01 3) 115.00 Nautilus International 250.00 CND 75.00 RMT 1,000.00 Cuba Solidarity Campaign (2 01 2 & 2 01 3) 100.00 Sale of books to Tolpuddle Museum 50.00 End Child Poverty 100.00 Young Workers Month donations International Brigade Memorial Trust 125.00 GMB NW London 25.00 National Assembly of Women 45.00 GMB Islington 100.00 National Penioners’ Convention 30.00 FBU Congress House fees 1,890.00 Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign 75.00 WRC walking tour fees 55.00 Socialist Health Association 25.00 Unite Against Fascism 50.00 Venezuela Solidarity Campaign 80.00 Women’s Resource Centre 54.00 Donations Abortion Rights centenary 100.00 ALLFIE 50.00 CND Bus Campaign 50.00 Construction Safety Campaign 75.00 George Tapp blacklisting 100.00 Health Emergency 100.00 Summary SERTUC Campaign Account IBMT 100.00 Latin America 2 01 3 250.00 Balance in bank at 1 January 2 01 3 Leigh Folk Festival 100.00 Current account 1,000.00 Levellers’ Day 250.00 Lewisham SOS NHS 100.00 Deposit account 19,749.79 London May Day Organising Committee 1,200.00 Total 1 January 2 01 3 20,749.79 London Socialist Film Co-op 30.00 Add Receipts 12,476.58 Medical Aid for Greece 120.00 Norwich Pride 100.00 33,226.37 Orgreave Truth & Justice Campaign 50.00 Subtract payments 10,531.93 PCS Hardship Fund 200.00 22,694.44 York Disabled Workers Cooperative 100.00 Miscellaneous Credit balance at 31 December 201 3 £22,694.44 Bank charges 12.00 42 Delegates to Pensioners’ Parliament 245.80 FBU Congress House fee 1,890.00 LGBT delegate fee to IER conference 80.00 PSC conference delegate fee 5.00 Taxi Claude James 4.00 WRC walking tour Rachel Kolsky 176.00 Xmas celebration (drinks) 56.74 Young Workers’ Network media 411.42 SERTUC Film Club Spirit of ’45 Licence for 55.00 Panel travel expenses 181.50 SERTUC Regional Council Travel expenses Ricky Tomlinson 100.40 Travel expenses Tommy Sheridan 196.70 SERTUC Trades Councils Conference travel Brighton & Hove 12.90 Cambridge 18.85 Ipswich 54.25 Norwich 97.40 Peterborough 25.85 Southend 11.10 Spithead & Nore booklet Expenses Peta Steel 32.00 Printing Upstream 1,956.00

Sylvia Pankhurst account Receipts Summary Sylvia Pankhurst Memorial Committee Balance in bank at 1 January 2 01 3 Interest 19.59 Donations 1,145.00 Current account 1,000.00 Payments Reserve account 19,623.04 Bank charges 12.06 Plinth Michael Benson 1,300.00 Total 1 January 2 01 3 20,623.04 Add Receipts 1,164.59 21,787.63 Subtract payments 1,312.06 20,475.57 Credit balance at 31 December 201 3 £20,475.57

43 44 45 printed by Upstream 020 7358 1344 [email protected]