In Greater Manchester alone, we've seen union members in Salford and Bolton victimised over the last few months. In Salford there's the ongoing saga of the Council trying to remove democratically elected UNISON Branch Treasurer, Ameen Hadi, who has challenged cuts and supported both his members and community campaigns to defend public services.
At the University of Salford, two UCU members were sacked for no apparent reason, leading to recent strike action, while at Bolton University, Damien and Jenny Markey were sacked in March, following allegations about leaks to the press with the aim of `bringing the University into disrepute'. All denied, of course.
Commenting on the latter case, Salford-based actress Maxine Peake spoke out in disgust... "Attacks on trade unionists are part of a growing trend towards shutting down dissent" she said "We need transparency and accountability from our public institutions and political representatives."
Ameen, as representative of Greater Manchester Unite the Resistance, and Samantha Bowker, the victimised Salford University UCU rep, will be amongst the speakers on Tuesday night for a Defend Our Unions Forum at the King's Arms.
"The Tories are pushing through a new swathe of anti-trade union legislation to yet further restrict workers' right to defend themselves" states Unite The Resistance which is organising the Forum "We already have some of the harshest anti-union laws in Europe, now new ballot thresholds and a `strike-breakers charter' that will allow agency workers to replace strikers are on the way. We have to resist these laws and the attacks on our unions.
"We also have to build solidarity for the growing number of strikes at the centre of resistance to austerity" it adds "All-out strikes by Glasgow Homelessness Caseworkers and Tayside NHS porters, the battle at the National Gallery against privatisation and to defend sacked PCS rep Candy Udwin and the disputes at Bromley and Barnet Councils against wholesale privatisation are examples of the important fights that need all our solidarity and support. Come and join in the debate on how we can best defend our unions, build solidarity for those in struggle and push for the nationally co-ordinated strike action we will need to halt austerity."
After today's march in London against austerity, it's back to the day-to-day realities of Tory rule next week...
Defend Our Unions Forum
Speakers...
Samantha Bowker, Salford UCU
Candy Udwin, PCS National Gallery Strikers
Manchester Homeless Camp
Ameen Hadi, Greater Manchester Unite the Resistance
Stand up to UKIP
Chair: Marilyn McCathy, Bakers Union(BFAWU)
Tuesday 23rd June 7pm free
Kings Arms Pub
11 Bloom St,
M3 6AN
For further details on Unite The Resistance click here
Cartoon by the legend Steve Bell
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