September 2019

Wolverhampton, Bilston & District Trades Union Council

Report SEPTEMBER 2019 (for use at your branch meeting when giving a TUC report)

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Wodenstock – Estimated 700 attended over the afternoon. We believe, and from feedback we received on day and after, Wodenstock was very successful. There was a good and diverse range of local people attending and performing.

Local sponsoring unions provided all the volunteers who organised the event and 16 stewards on the day.

The Gudwara gave out somosas and tea; Wednesfield Community Centre sold refreshments; Wednesfield Historic society, St Johns Ambulance and about 6 local charity/voluntary groups had stalls to fund-raise for themselves. FBU, PCS, UNISON, UNITE, GMB, Wolverhampton TUC also had stalls.

The Fire Brigade brought a fire appliance and showed children around it.

There was a varied range of music to suit all tastes, a mix of folk, blues, reggae, ska, punk, pop and indie.

Local businesses took part – doughnut van and bouncy castles which also subsidised event. Market traders gave out flyers.

Free Circus skills was very popular with both kids and adults all afternoon and from social media seemed a big attraction for many with young kids.

Sandwell College sacked UCU branch secretary Dave Muritu has accepted a financial settlement after a failed vote for strike action at the college. He is now working as a TU Regional Officer.

Wolverhampton Amnesty International Group Friday September 20th 7-9pm. – the situation in Myanmar. Speakers Kate Allen, Director of AIUK and Eleanor Smith MP. @ Tractor Shed, Bantock Park, Wolverhampton WV3 9LQ

Four of our delegates volunteered at Tolpuddle festival on the bar and raised about £700 for us.

Branches that affiliated to us in 2019: ASLEF, Community W’ton Craft, CWU Musicians Union, NEU, RMT, PCS (Associate members), PCS (B’ham DSS), UCU (University), UNISON Wolverhampton City, UNITE WM6150, UNITE WM7085 (W’ton Homes).

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