2011 Reports

Secretary’s Report  

Read more: December 2011

‘pay more’,  ‘work longer’ and ‘get less’

or join the largest British strike since the 1926 General Strike.

Action on Pensions—help needed ring Nick 07932 797139

Thurs 17^th  Nov. 7.15pm   WB&DTUC discussion on Nov.3o @Civic

Simultaneous TU stalls:

Saturday 26th November 10.30am til 12.30

Bilston High St

Saturday 26th November 10.30am til 12.30

Wednesfield High St

leafleting Wolverhampton commuters

7.30am Monday 28th November Railway/Bus station

7.30am Tuesday 29th November Railway/Bus station

(& Wed 30th Railway/Bus station – 7.30am?)

Tuesday 29th November - Stewards/activists meet on/outside civic centre outside car park

at 5pm and 6.30pm to put up strike placards on workplace gates in readiness for morning in places where picket lines not needed.

Wolverhampton rally and demoWednesday November 30th:

11am assemble outside Civic Centre, after morning picketing

Azaad Dhol Players

11.15am to 11.30, short speeches from local leaders of striking unions

 Short demo around town from civic

12noon outside Civic final rally until 12.15pm

 West Midlands regional march and rally in Birmingham on November 30^th from 12.30 @ National Indoor Arena. Brendan Barber to speak.

The latest  Programme of Work for Trades Union Councils encouraged us to work together with local Peoples’ Charter organisations (we are affiliated to Peoples Charter). 

With this in mind an organising meeting has been arranged with an open invitation from Bob Crow to trades union councils.

Saturday December 10^th  1pm – 3pm at The Waterfall Bar, Midland Railway Institute Building, Railway Terrace, Derby, DE1 2RU (directly opposite Derby Railway Station).

TUC’s Chainmakersmotion passed at last month’s meeting won’t be debated at the West Midlands County Association of TUCs until Dec3rd, after the Midlands TUC discusses it. It has been copied to some members of the executive.

Rob Johnston new Midlands TUC Secretary to speak at December 15th meeting 

Saturday 19th November: a national ‘Action Saturday’ with campaign activity taking place across the country – we have local leaflets for the public explaining the issues provided by UNISON – other unions can use own leaflets too.

We will organise a Wolverhampton demo/rally; there will be a West Midlands regional march and rally in Birmingham on November 30^th.

Fight the Cuts – Banner Theatre - a cabaret of resistance featuring music, video, comedy and song

 Friday 11^th  NovemberArena Theatre Wolverhampton 

 - further details and subsidised tickets for trade union members ring UNISON 01902 554095

The latest  Programme of Work for Trades Union Councils encouraged us to work together with local Peoples’ Charter organisations (we are affiliated to Peoples Charter). 

With this in mind an organising meeting has been arranged with an open invitation from Bob Crow to trades union councils.

Saturday December 10^th  1pm – 3pm at The Waterfall Bar, Midland Railway Institute Building, Railway Terrace, Derby, DE1 2RU (directly opposite Derby Railway Station).

Birmingham’s March for The Alternative, organised by Midlands TUC @ Lib Dem conference demo attracted over 3,000 whilst the two Wolverhampton coaches joined 35,000 a fortnight later at the Tory conference demo, in Manchester.

TUC’s Chainmakersevent at Cradley went ahead as planned with a full programme for the day; but with only 800 attending, maybe due to very late publicity to unions. We had a stall and sold our merchandise.

The Bnp turned up the same day in Cradley so an impromptu delegation from the Chainmakers’ event went to meet them in the High Street. We surrounded them and told them to get off the streets which they obligingly did after about 15 minutes.

What’s on September 2011
Wolverhampton, Bilston & District TUC
Secretary’s Report www.wolvestuc.org.uk This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fri 2nd September in the Library Theatre, Birmingham. http://www.townsendproductions.org.uk/home
new production of 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists'. £10 union sponsored

new venue: The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Saturday 15October,Pattingham WV6 7BB

Defending the NHS - Stop the Health & Social Care Bill
Saturday 3rd September 2011
10am till 1pm
Queens Square Wolverhampton
stall organised by Labour Party and its Trade Union and Labour Organisation (made up of the fifteen trade unions that are affiliated to the Labour Party).

Bombardier job cuts - UNITE, RMT, TSSA, GMB representing the Bombardier workforce in Derby mobilised 10,000 in a mass demonstration this summer. Over 50,000 have signed a petition in protest.

 Sign the e-petition

Birmingham’s March for The Alternative,  organised by Midlands TUC

tens of thousands expected@ Lib Dem conference  demo

Sunday 18th September

assemble 11am Granville Streetcentral Birmingham B1 1JW

we have 1000 copies of the TUC's flyer - available to local branches for distribution - please contact us for copies

`ARNA'S CHILDREN' 6 pm  Thursday 22^nd September @ Light House  WV1 1HT 

Film showing in collaboration with West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign & Birmingham-Ramallah Twinning Committee, introduced by Chris Khamis, cousin of the director.

Grace Petrie who was the best act at Tolpuddle this year

(a more tuneful version of Billy Bragg). Love Music Hate Racism benefit

Sunday 25^th September 7.30pm    tickets£5    07876 250871

River Rooms, Mill Race Lane, Stourbridge DY8 1JN    + punk support acts Huffy & Crossfire

thanks to the volunteers raised over £1000 for our campaigns by working on the bars at Glastonbury and Leeds festivals this summer.

UCU University branch and RMT Wolverhampton branch have both rejoined us this summer, with a full list of new delegates from the RMT – welcome back.

Branches affiliated for 2011:  ASLEF, ASPECT, ATL, Community (Hall Palm),  Community 17000,CWU(Worcs&WMids), CWU(W’ton), CYWU-UNITE , FBU, GMBx13, NASUWT, NUT, PCS(West Mercia) , PCS(CPS West Mids), POA, RMT, UCU College, UCU(University), UNISON General, UNISON University, UNITE 5/748, UNITE 5/836, UNITE 5/998, UNITE 3120M, UNITE 0758M

Bombadier – UNITE, RMT, TSSA, GMB - Saturday 23rd July - protest at plans to axe over 1400 jobs as a result of the Governments’ refusal to award the company the Thameslink carriage contract. 10am assemble, on Bass's Recreation Ground Derby (Close to Bus Station)

7pm Thursday 28^th July 2011  2^nd planning meeting @ Pegasus WV6 0QQ for next year’s Workers’ Day event 1^st May 2012 (Tuesday)  contact info@This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for minutes We’d be grateful if your branch saw it fit to make a donation this year (to “Wolverhampton May Day Committee”)

UCU, PCS, NUT and ATL strike over pensions, pay, cuts on 30^th June - successful local joint action by unions. Numerous pickets were held, an impromptu march and 200 strong rally. In a half hour rally there were speeches from Gail Cartmail, Assistant General Secretary of UNITE the union, Tony Tonks national executive and local trade unionists: Debra Elson PCS, Stuart Grant NUT, Brenda Walters & Sam Bechler ATL, John Grant UCU, Nick Kelleher WB&DTUC, Adrian Turner UNISON and Dave Jones CWU.

Fri 2^nd Septemberin the Library Theatre, Birmingham. http://www.townsendproductions.org.uk/home

Shrewsbury 24 Pickets  - At its last meeting, Shropshire & Telford Trades Union Council regretfully agreed, that in view of the current divisions with the Shrewsbury 24 campaign and this Trades Council’s failure to bring both sides together again, it must cancel the event scheduled for Saturday 10th September in Shrewsbury.  The Trades Council is still committed to seeing Justice for the Shrewsbury 24, but whilst there are divisions the TC cannot be seen to be taking sides.  If and when these divisions are healed we will be more than ready to pick up where we left off. 

Sat 17^th September TUC’s 7^th annual Chainmakers festival@ Bearmore Mound playing fields, Cradley Heath, B64.

tens of thousands expected at Midlands TUC’s demo @ Lib Dem conference  Sunday 18^th September assemble noon Moor St Station

Law on Agency Workers will change in October  Regulations will give agency workers the entitlement to the same or no less favourable treatment as comparable employees with respect to basic employment and working conditions, if and when they complete a qualifying period of 12 weeks in a particular job.
 Employment Tribunals will have the power to impose a fine of up to £5,000 per agency worker on employers found to be involved in illegal avoidance practices (for example hiring workers for up to 12 weeks then re-hiring them).    Acas has released guidance online for employers.

Branches affiliated for 2011:  ASLEF, ASPECT, ATL, Community (Hall Palm),  Community 17000,CWU(Worcs&WMids), CWU(W’ton), CYWU-UNITE , FBU, GMBx13, NASUWT, NUT, PCS(West Mercia) , PCS(CPS West Mids), POA, UCU College, UCU(University), UNISON General, UNISON University, UNITE 5/748, UNITE 5/836, UNITE 5/998, UNITE 3120M, UNITE 0758M

I spoke at Corby & Kettering TUC’s inaugural AGM alongside Cheryl Pidgeon Regional TUC Secretary.

Cuban to visit Wolverhampton

Gladys Ayllon, European Officer, Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP)

7pm MONDAY 13th June @The OLDE WHITE ROSE, Lichfield St, BILSTON WV14 0AG

Thurs 30^th June UCU, PCS, NUT and ATL strike over pensions, pay, cuts 

Latest details on www.wolvestuc.org.uk

PCS(West Mercia) invited me to speak at a well attended rally to build for 30th June.

Wolverhampton TUC 's offer to assist with any lunchtime rally/march was well received by the DWP workers,. Awaiting responses from other unions.

I attended a regional meeting of anti-cuts groups Walsall, Coventry, Birmingham, Rugby, Shrewsbury, Sandwell, Telford and Dudley groups were all represented and much more active than us here. Most areas seem to be planning to hold a local march/rally on June 30th and some then going onto a major rally planned in Birmingham centre for noon with a march leaving 12.30.

10,000 UNISON manual workers in Birmingham also expected to be taking strike action that day over cutting of weekend rates etc.

The local Govt. Assoc is meeting in Birmingham 29/30 June with Nick Clegg speaking on 29th so activity is expected also on 29th with a camp-out overnight.

Bhopal exhibition– 25 years on from the world’s worst industrial disaster at the Union Carbide plant – free - now until 25^th June @ Lighthouse W’ton

2^nd Septemberin the Library Theatre, Birmingham. http://www.townsendproductions.org.uk/home

new production of 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists'by Townsends productions.

The FBU have assisted in supporting this production - along with several other unions.

Shrewsbury 24 Pickets  there will not be a march on July 2^nd this year

Saturday 10^th September 7.30pm fund raising event for the Shrewsbury 24. UNISON Club, Shirehall, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND   showing  Shrewsbury 24 film; invited speakers include Ricky Tomlinson.

tens of thousands expected at Midlands TUC backed demo @ Lib Dem conference

Sunday 18^th September assemble noon Moor St Station

Branches affiliated for 2011:  ASLEF, ASPECT, ATL, Community (Hall Palm),  Community 17000,CWU(W’ton), CWU(Worcs&WMids), CYWU-UNITE , FBU, GMBx13, NASUWT, NUT, PCS(West Mercia) , PCS(CPS West Mids), POA, UCU College, UNISON General, UNISON University, UNITE 5/748, UNITE 5/836, UNITE 5/998, UNITE 3120M, UNITE 0758M

Read more: conference of Trades Union Councils 2011 report

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Thurs 19^th May 11am

See separate report re anti-fascist campaign success

 28^th April Workers’ Memorial Day  50-60 in attendance, bigger than Birmingham & Chesterfield’s events this year.

Could anyone who took pics of either events please email some to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  thanks.

31^st  May 8.20pm, & 1^st  June 6pm Battleship Potemkin-  one of the most influential propaganda films of all time, and was named the greatest film of all time @ Lighthouse

9^th-25^th June exhibition @ Lighthouse W’ton - Bhopal – 25 years on from the world’s worst industrial disaster at the Union Carbide plant - free

Shrewsbury24the 3^rd annual March and Rally due to be held on

Saturday July 2nd 2011. However Shropshire & Telford TUC are still in discussion with the campaign and instead of a march & rally this year there may be a social event in the UNISON Club at the Shirehall,  showing the Shrewsbury 24 film and inviting speakers including Ricky Tomlinson.

2^nd Septemberin the Library Theatre,Birmingham. http://www.townsendproductions.org.uk/home

new production of 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists'by Townsends productions.

The FBU have assisted in supporting this production - along with several other unions.

Midlands TUC backing demo @ Lib Dem conference Sunday 18^th September

Branches that have affiliated for 2011: 

ASLEF, ATL, CWU(W’ton), CWU(Worcs&WMids), Community (Hall Palm),  Community 17000 (formerly 4333) FBU, GMBx13, NASUWT, NUT, PCS(West Mercia) , PCS(CPS West Mids), POA, UCU College, UNISON General, UNISON University, UNITE 5/748, UNITE 5/836, UNITE 5/998, UNITE 3120M, UNITE 0758M, CYWU-UNITE

 The fascists are standing in 3 wards: council elections are THURSDAY 5th MAY

BUSHBURY NORTH - Simon Patten, nephew of Tory Leader lives, stands and loses here; after we leaflet the ward. Last election result here, when he got 621 votes and was last.

BILSTON NORTH - we leafleted here in April & July 2009 a postcard then purpose-written A4 newssheet. They had their worst vote ever 131, in last July's by-election.

SPRINGVALE -sole Lib Dem stronghold in the borough, not stood here before. Last election result here. Sadly it is not the Lib Dem mayor seeking re-election; who was recently arrested in relation to a cannabis farm.

Wolverhampton & Bilston TUC's anti-Bnp council election campaign timetable;

there will also be some weekday/night sessions - let me know if you are available 07932 797139.

Leaflets have been designed for each ward: 5000 A4 colour newletters. These are not just an anti-Bnp message, but a positive union ALTERNATIVE to the cuts crisis

9^th&10^th April leafleting Bushbury 60% of ward leafleted - 5 fascists were out leafleting were out together leafleting, near the home of the candidate using leftover national leaflets

Saturday 16th April Hope not Hate National Weekend of Action Stoke-on-Trent transport provided from Wolverhampton free

SATURDAY 16th April local leafleting if you haven't got a full day available to go to Stoke - text  07932 797139 for details

SUNDAY 17th April 10.30am Bushbury/Bilston/Springvale

Thursday 21st April WB&DTUC meeting 7.15pm Civic Centre

SATURDAY 23rd April & SUNDAY 24th April 10.30am Bilston/Springvale

Thursday 28^th April Workers’ Memorial Day12.30pm at WMDay tree, St Peters Sq. 1,000 A4 colour flyers being printed now – please make requests now for copies to circulate to your members

FRIDAY 29th April - unless you are at your street party!

SATURDAY 30th April 10.30amBilston/Springvale

Sunday 1st May NorSCARF/ Hope not Hate Day of Action.

March 26th anti-government demo – over half a million of us there including ten coaches from Wolverhampton

Branches that have affiliated for 2011: 

ASLEF, ATL, CWU(W’ton), CWU(Worcs&WMids), Community (Hall Palm),  Community 17000 (formerly 4333) FBU, GMBx13, NASUWT, NUT, PCS(West Mercia) , PCS(CPS West Mids), POA, UCU College, UNISON General, UNISON University, UNITE 5/748, UNITE 5/836, UNITE 5/998, UNITE 3120M, UNITE 0758M, CYWU-UNITE

Non-affiliated branchesUNITE(Banks), UCU University,  both agreed to affiliate but have not since responded.

ASPECT, GMB Springvale, UNISON Health, USDAW, RMT, TSSA & UCATT have not replied

NB – see enclosed flyers for our public meetinginstead of normal delegate meeting at Civic

 on Thursday 17^th March at Dunstall Community Centre

If there is time at 7pm we will hold a formal meeting  preceding the public meeting at 7pm We’ll set up chairs from 6.45 pm

AGENDA:

1) Introductions to delegates & visitors, new & old, & apologies

2) Minutes of February meeting - corrections & matters arising

(these are not available at time of this mailshot – they will be online by the time you receive this and will be sent electronically – contact secretary if you want a paper copy posted)

3) Executive Committee Report & correspondence

4) Reports/discussion:

a) delegates' workplace reports

 b) Secretary’s report- May Day 1-5-11; Workers Memorial Day 28-4-11+ March 26th demo

c) Palestine Solidarity campaign

d) Anti-fascist campaign

5) Any Other Business;   (only official delegates have voting rights)

March 26^th anti-government demo– our coach is full, now trying to place enquiries on spare seats on the 8 coaches leaving from Wolverhampton.

Thursday 28^th April Workers’ Memorial Day12.30pm at WMDay tree, St Peters Sq. 1,000 A4 colour flyers being printed now – please make requests now for copies to circulate to your members

Sunday 1^st May Pegasus, Whitmore Reans, Workers’ Day celebration Attila the Stockbroker, Fargo band and Transit Trix breakers all confirmed to perform

Anti-cuts victory– we were involved in helping service user groups on several street stall petitions and lobbies for Meals-on Wheels and against day centre charges imposed by the previous ConDem council. The Labour council has this month reduced meals-on-wheels from £4.40 to £3.40 and at day centres to £2.90, slashing the ConDem’s 83% price hike that they imposed in less than a year.  Labour has also reduced day centre attendance charges in response to the public petition.

We have received a £500 donation for our work from the Prison Officers’ Association

elected at last delegate meeting:

Executive Committee – Dave Cole NUT, Brian Clarke POA

Treasurer - John Grant UCU                          Assistant Secretary(minutes) - Marion Halfpenny NUT

Publicity Officer - Bobbie Petford & Sindu Sebastian UNITE 0758M

 Last month’s march in Shrewsbury in protest at cuts to public sector services and jobs, rallied over 1,000 people the biggest in recent memory there.

Good turnout at Lobby of budget-setting council meeting

Branches that have affiliated for 2011: 

ASLEF, ATL, CWU(W’ton), CWU(Worcs&WMids), Community Hall Palm & Community 17000 (formerly 4333) NASUWT, NUT, PCS(West Mercia) , PCS(CPS West Mids), POA, UCU College, UNISON General, UNISON University, UNITE 5/836, UNITE 5/998, UNITE 3120M, UNITE 0758M, CYWU-UNITE