April 2006

APRIL 2006 Secretary’s Report WB&DTUC   www.wolvestuc.org.uk
TU branches affiliated for 2006, (12,340 affiliated trade unionists):
Amicus-GPM, Amicus 3120M (Craft), Amicus 0758, ASLEF, ASPECT, Community(Hall Palm), CWU(W.Mids & Worcs), CYWU, FBU, NASUWT, NATFHE (University), NUT, TGWU 5/748, TGWU 5/836, UNISON General, UNISON PCT

fascist BNP standing in Wolverhampton council election for first time. Dennis Anthony Organ from low Hill is standing in Wednesfield North. We will be leafleting the ward before May 4th election day.
We need volunteers and rotas for leaflet drops of whole ward.
• report any activity of bnp in area
• get other people you know in area to volunteer to help

There were 50 picket lines on March 28th across Wolverhampton to Defend Local Government Pensions. Several hundred strikers from a number of affected unions, attended a rally called by WB&DTUC and addressed by several of our delegates. The latest strike (April27th) HAS BEEN SUSPENDED, prior to council elections, as new negotiations begin over proposals to reduce pension benefits for local government workers. (Average pension is £3,800 pa)
Further education college strike over an “insulting“ 1.5% pay offer.
Members of the six unions of the National Joint Forum (NATFHE, UNISON, Assoc. College Managers, ATL, TGWU & GMB have voted to walk off the job for two days on May 2nd & 3rd.

WMCATUC (2 delegates are needed still, election at delegate meeting – 2 meetings left this year)

Easy trade union recruitment – free advertising
It is possible to be listed for free in the YELLOW PAGES under trade unions section
 free on 0800 555444 option2 – deadline 23rd May
Only ATL, FBU, GMB, NUT, TGWU, UNISON and WB&DTUC are currently listed in the Wolverhampton directory. Potential members do ring WB&DTUC asking to join unions quite regularly and are passed on to the relevant unions. it is a good contact for press to contact you too.

Workers’ Memorial Day, Friday 28th April 12.30pm at the WMDay Tree, next to the war memorial, St.Peter’s Sq. outside St Peter’s church/Civic Centre, speakers: Roger McKenzie, Midlands TUC Secretary, MPs, wreath laying ceremony by the Industrial Chaplain

Wolverhampton’s 12th International Workers` Day Festival, Monday 1st May, Pegasus Pub Function Room, Craddock Street, Whitmore Reans,
doors open;12.30pm to visit stalls, bouncy castle and bar
1pm begins
1.15pm magician Kris Krendo stage show followed by close-up magic at your table
speakers: Mary Pearson, Troops Out, Easter Rising & Hunger Strike anniversaries
Darrall Cozens, Hands Off Venezuela, on Latin America Fights Back
Ali Rahimi, Workers Rights & May Day in Iran
Avtar Sadiq, President Indian Workers Association
Asian Buffet, Live entertainment until 4pm ALL FREE  theme `Union Rights are Human Rights`  further details or to book stalls etc