Friday 24 June 2011

NUT & PCS united in action - RMT victory shows the way

It was a privilege to be invited to speak to the AGM of the PCS London and South East Region at PCS Headquarters this afternoon - and an honour to be able to hear Steve Hedley from the RMT give one of the first reports of their stunning victory over the victimisation of RMT rep, Arwyn Thomas.

As Steve made clear, the employers had showed no intention of reinstating Arwyn, despite him winning his Tribunal for unfair dismissal. But a clear program of action had persuaded them to listen. He warned the meeting that the stakes were even higher over pensions - and that public sector unions needed to be ready to declare an equally determined program of action  if we are to force the Government back. Steve also announced a joint meeting in London on July 18th, already supported by the RMT, FBU, CWU and NSSN, to discuss how we build the campaign against all the cuts and attacks in the Autumn.

Dave Bean from the PCS and I described the growing momentum towards June 30. The PCS will be well kitted out at the rallies and marches with T-Shirts and whistles! I called on PCS members who are parents to offer encouragement to teachers - and get ready to strike together in our hundreds of thousands on June 30!

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