Dear Colleague
Unite the Resistance, a network of trade unionists from many unions, is pleased to announce ways forward for fighting back against the austerity and cuts, for you to be able to join with other like minded people. You are not alone and together we can find ways to build unity. This unity is for our livelihoods, our parent’s future, our children’s future, the future of the NHS and many other professions and industries where the cuts and austerity measures are not the answer to provide growth and development.
We are witnessing aggressive attacks on our working conditions, through re-structuring of laws such as employment law, health and safety law and institutions such as the NHS, education and other public services. The attacks are not in one area – they affect pay, working conditions, pension, job security and the list goes on.
There are other ways.
UTR has put together a pamphlet, ‘Trade Unions and the Fight Against Austerity’, packed with a collection of ideas for an action plan (brief outline attached). You are invited to put your name to the UTR statement and take the accompanying motion to your union branch to give support – including financial (copies attached). You can email address below to receive regular updates by email to receive news, find out about opportunities to show solidarity and support campaigns:
bristolunitetheresistance@gmail.com
There will be a South West Regional Conference on 8th June 2013 to help us to learn from others and to find out what has been happening throughout the region and nationally so we can learn from other successes and struggles – all are welcome.
In solidarity
Kathy Taylor, Unite Bristol Health Branch Secretary
WE the undersigned agree to:
Support resistance to all the attacks on working people: against cuts in services and privatisation, against job losses, pay curbs and attacks on welfare.
Encourage the development of networks of trade unionists and activists in our local area that link rank and file workers and union officials who are prepared to lead a fight within and across trade unions and between workplaces. These should link up with community, anti-cuts and student organisations. They can also campaign for national industrial action and coordinated strikes and push to maximise the impact of national initiatives.
Campaign for the TUC to turn words into action and implement the call for a general strike and popularise the general strike call across the public and private sector.
Build maximum support and solidarity with any workers taking action such as the on-going dispute in Yorkshire by health workers (who we hope will visit the area to talk to trade unionists about their fight). Provide a forum in which activists can discuss and debate the way forward and organise action such as solidarity with health workers in the South West resisting attacks on pay. We should approach union branches, local trades councils and other relevant groups to be part of organising regional Unite the Resistance events.
Support, learn from and build solidarity for struggles in other parts of the world including initiatives such as international delegations, twinning and inviting international speakers.
Support resistance to racism, fascism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, disablism, attacks on migrants, scapegoating of people on benefits, or anything else that divides workers.
Support campaigns to defend our right to organise against the anti trade union laws and other attacks on our right to strike or protest.
Present a positive alternative to austerity based on the Unite the Resistance action plan as outlined in the Trade Unions and the Fight Against Austerity booklet launched November 2012.
We pledge to argue to get national strike action back on the agenda and for the coordination of action wherever possible between those unions who are willing to fight.
We will be part of publicising and building the planned Unite the Resistance regional conference for the South West (provisionally scheduled for Saturday 8th June 2013).
To add your name to the statement please email bristolunitetheresistance@gmail.com
National Unite the Resistance website http://uniteresist.org/
Signed by,
Kathy Taylor , UNITE Bristol Area Health Sector branch secretary, Chrissie Gardner, UNITE Bristol Area Health Sector branch assistant secretary, UNITE National Industrial Sector Committee for health (support staff), Workplace rep, Gwyneth Powell-Davies, UNITE Bristol Area Health Sector branch Vice-chair , Stephen Buckingham, UNITE Bristol Area Health Sector branch treasurer, Workplace rep.,Brian Harder, UNITE Bristol Area Health Sector branch -Workplace rep, Salena Williams, International Officer, Central Bristol Health UNISON (personal capacity), Pam Ward,Steward, North Bristol NHS Trust (personal capacity), Huw Williams, Branch Secretary, South Gloucestershire UNISON (personal capacity), Matt Proom, Communications Officer, South Gloucestershire UNISON (personal capacity), Denis Wise, International Officer, Bristol UNISON (personal capacity), Rich Gurney, Shop Steward, Banes UNISON (personal capacity), Celia Hollingworth, UCU (Bristol University) Exec member and local rep (personal capacity), Jon Reddiford , Division Secretary, North Somerset NUT, Anne Lemon, NUT National Exec., Pete Smith, NUT Swindon Divisional Secretary, Jon Timbrell, NUT Rep., Swindon Academy, Jez Longden, NUT Rep., Cotham, Gurchetan Shoker, NUT Rep., Ashton Park, Jaz Thomas, Avon FBU vice-chair, Emy Castelao, USDAW rep., Taunton (personal capacity).
new additions to the statement: Tony Staunton (Chair, Plymouth TUC (personal capacity); Bernie Parkes (Branch Chair, Dorset County Unison, personal capacity); Michal Nahman, (UCU, University of the West of England); Lyn Parfitt (Union Learning Rep, Bristol City Unison, personal capacity); Debbie Clough (Union Learning rep. Bristol City Council Unison, personal capacity); Lyndsey Wall, Bristol City Council, Unite).
Bristol and South West Unite the Resistance 