UNISONActive is an unofficial blog produced by UNISON activists for UNISON activists. Bringing news, briefings and events from a progressive left perspective.

Monday 16 July 2012

Tolpuddle Martyrs remembered in Samba style!

UNISON's Samba dance band went down a storm on the parade in Tolpuddle yesterday, as thousands of trade unionists gathered at the three day festival to commemmorate the Tolpuddle Martyrs who were transported to Australia in 1834 for 'administering an unlawful oath'.

Brendan Barber, attending the festival for the final time as TUC General Secretary, spoke of the enormous debt modern trade unionists owe to our 19th century predecessors.

A UNISON workshop on direct action, led by campaigning journalist Ewa Jasiewicz, was well attended. Over the weekend UNISON South West region activists mobilised support for the campaign against the pay cartel formed by the local NHS employers to drive down the pay of health workers in the region:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-18831275