Morning Star the left's daily paper, essential reading for all trade unionists

Wolverhampton, Bilston & District Trades Union Council (established 1865)

Secretary: Nick Kelleher PO Box 2917 Wolverhampton WV2 2YA This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (07932 797139

Secretary's Reports

December 2008

Wolverhampton, Bilston & District Trades Union Council Secretary's Report December 2008 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 23 affiliated branches 18,700 trade unionists

Anti-fascism

We will organise a mass leafleting operation to ensure the fascists are stopped by urging voters to come out and vote for other parties if they dare stand in Heath Town in the new year by-election.
Walsall by-election - anti fascist leafleting helped slash the fash vote to just 90.

The Hope Not Hate dayschool Sat. 7th Feb'09.

Reclaim the Night women-only walk highlighted the campaign against rape and male violence against women.
Our delegates were also involved in the balloon launch at this week's Wolves home game to mark the White Ribbon Campaign.

Union party night (£3 ticket-only entry).
It's directly after the December 18th trades council meeting. Contact for tickets
07932797139

Several delegates got up early to help the RMT distribute postcards to passengers about its campaign to save the Wolverhampton-Walsall rail link.

Wed 17th Dec. 3-30pm sharp, UNISON lobby of council meeting in civic centre regarding council cuts announced. Council service users welcome.

TUC Education
Stewards Stage 1 course will start on Tuesday 27th January 09 and run over 10 weeks
H&S Reps course will start on Wednesday 28th January 09 and run over 10 weeks
in the Community Room City College, Wellington Road site, Bilston.
ENQUIRIES: WEA: West Midlands Regional Office, 4th Floor, Lancaster House, 67 Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 1NQ 0121 237 8120 (9am-4.30pm)

WB&DTUC's 145th AGM
Thurs 15th January ‘09

PCS(Midlands) and CWU(WMids&Worcs) branches have affiliated for 2009.
Affiliations are due from all other branches. Nominations for 2009 officers also due.

Please note change of venue for delegate meeting and earlier 7pm start & 8pm finish

November 2008

Wolverhampton, Bilston & District Trades Union Council Secretary's Report November 2008 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 22 affiliated branches 18,600 trade unionists

Anti-fascism
We distributed 9,500 anti-fascist postcards. The fascist BNP have stood 4 times now in Wednesfied North and twice in Wednesfield S. without success. Their vote has been successively driven back to barely over 300. Thanks to all volunteers.
We will organise a mass leafleting operation to ensure the fascists are stopped by urging voters to come out and vote for other parties if they dare stand in Heath Town in the forthcoming by-election.
HELP NEEDED: Walsall by-election anti fascist leafleting 07941 834125 NOW!

The Hope Not Hate dayschool due on 22nd Nov is now on the 29th in Manchester but focussing on NW euro elections so I do not think it so appropriate for us.

Employment Bill - the United Campaign to Repeal Anti-TU Laws, supported by the TUC, promoted three trade union freedom bill amendments, clauses 1, 2 and 3. WB&DTUC helped with their postcard campaign.
Despite constant pressing from MPs, the Minister for Employment Relations, Pat McFadden MP [W'ton SE], refused to offer even a consultation to address the weaknesses in the law.
A vote was forced on clause 2, relating to proposed new duties on "employers in relation to industrial action ballots". Gordon Brown suffered his biggest Commons rebellion as 45 Labour MPs voted in favour of the amendment, [none of the W'ton MPs].
The United Campaign had assisted in, drafting, and supporting a new clause 6, also promoted by Searchlight. The clause would have given unions the automatic right to expel fascists from their membership. Pat McFadden refused to give any ground on this amendment although this clause was not put to the vote.

Reclaim the Night
Women-only 2mile walk around West Park highlighting campaign against rape and male violence against women.
Saturday 22nd November 6pm

Once again we've organised a union party night (£3 ticket-only entry). It's directly after the December 18th trades council meeting. Contact Secretary for tickets & posters for your branch.

UNISON has launched a campaign to defend victimised local trade unionist & WB&DTUC delegate Andy Goodall (UNISON Health), who has been suspended by New Cross as a result of defending overtime payments by organising nurses to resist introduction of plain-rate overtime. He'll be at our delegate meeting to explain the campaign.

STOP PRESS: we have the pleasure of welcoming two Palestinian trade unionists to our next delegate meeting on 20th November.
They are being hosted by the Walsall-Palestine twinning group.

October 08

Secretary's Report
Wolverhampton, Bilston & District Trades Union Council

October 2008 22 affiliated branches 18,600 trade unionists This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HELP NEEDED:
BNP is standing in the October 23rd by-elections in Wednesfield North and Wednesfield South, taking place following the unceremonious exit of the sitting Tory councillors. The fascists have stood 3 times now in Wednesfied North without success. Their vote has been successively driven back since its initial highest point, but it is essential we do not let them get a foot-hold. Wolverhampton Trades Union Council is organising a massive leafleting operation to ensure the fascists are stopped by urging voters to come out and vote for other parties. Our campaign is already underway. We've produced 10,000 anti-fascist postcards.
Remaining October leafleting sessions:
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th @ 10.30am

Tuesday 14th Wednesday 15th Friday 17th

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th @ 10.30am

PLEASE INVITE ANY H&S REPS TO ASBESTOS IN THE WEST MIDLANDS - 8pm CIVIC CENTRE
THURS 16th OCTOBER

Wed 22 Oct. TUC / Pensioners Convention state pension lobby of Parliament coach from Pipers Row organised by UNISON  554095 for details

WB&DTUC meeting: November - Zapatista Solidarity

Save Sedgley Fire Station - see our website for the online petition

Once again we've organised a union party night. It's directly after the December trades council meeting. Contact Secretary for tickets & posters for your branch.

September 08

Secretary's Report
Wolverhampton, Bilston & District Trades Union Council

September 2008

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Saturday 13th Sept. Chainmakers' festival, BCLMuseum + Bay City Rollers !

Wed 17th Sept 7pm Birmingham Council House B1 1BD - Asbestos in the West Midlands - the terrible Truth

WB&DTUC Thurs 18th Sept at the Civic Report-back from the TUC

Council pay dispute some of Britain's lowest paid workers went on strike for 2 days in July because employers are asking them to take a pay cut.
Keep the pressure up & Join the march and rally for local government workers at the Labour Party conference, Manchester
Sunday 21st September
Free coach leaves probably 10am from Faulkland Street Coach Park, (next to Carvers on ring road)

RING NICK TO BOOK SEATS & CONFIRM TIMES 07932 797139
Wed 22 Oct. TUC / Pensioners Convention state pension lobby of Parliament coach from Pipers Row organised by UNISON  554095 for details

We took the WB&DTUC banner on the August demo in Derbyshire against BNP festival:

We have an invite to speak on the Friday evening politics hour on Wolverhampton's WCR FM. where we discuss political issues relevant to the city 7-8pm, date of our choice - volunteers?

A new website has been designed for us by LeftSpace, see www.wolvestuc.org.uk
Please check it out

Provisional future speakers at our WB&DTUC meeting:
October - West Midlands Asbestos Support Group
November - Zapatista Solidarity

Save Sedgley Fire Station - see our website for the online petition

WB&DTUC:
22 Affiliated branches 18,600 affiliated trade unionists

July 08

June 08

Wolverhampton, Bilston & District TUC Secretary's Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.wolvestuc.org.uk JUNE 2008

Class Words – over 40 pages of socialist songs & poems, now available £3 from WB&DTUC (published by Worcester TUC)

Tolpuddle 18-20 July – TUC leaflet circulated

Ask your boss for a free eye test (TUC leaflet enclosed)
More than a third of workers are unaware of their legal right to a free eye test, while some are too afraid to ask their boss, according to a report
A survey of 2,100 adults by the College of Optometrists showed that one in five were "uncomfortable'' about asking their employer for an eye examination.
Two thirds had never asked for an eye test, with 7% saying there was "no point'' because their boss would refuse. Dr Rob Hogan, president of the College of Optometrists, said: "While computers may not damage your eyesight, they can make already existing problems more uncomfortable. This can include making it difficult to focus or concentrate or causing headaches, blurriness or tiredness. If you work at a computer, you're entitled to ask your employer to provide an eye examination free of charge, and people shouldn't feel uncomfortable or afraid about asking. If you need glasses to work at the computer, your employer is also obliged to help you towards costs.''

Stop the BNP demo Sat 21st June £5 Unwaged, £10 Waged
Coach for demo from Wolves Faulkland Street Coach Park 8:00am

Public Sector Conference called by Bham TUC, CWU, GMB, NUT, PCS, UCU, UNISON, UNITE Tuesday 24th June 7.30pm Birmingham Council House, Victoria Sq.

22 Affiliated branches 2008 (18,600 affiliated trade unionists)
ASLEF, ASPECT, ATL, CWU (W.Mids & Worcs), Community(Hall Palm), CWU (Wolverhampton), FBU, GMB X13, NASUWT, NUT, POA, UCU (City College), UNISON General, UNISON Health, UNISON Healthcare PCT UNISON University, UNITE 0758M, UNITE 5/836, UNITE 5/998, UNITE 3210M, UNITE-CYWU, UNITE 5/748 not affiliated this year: UCU University
________________________________________
STOP PRESS:
There will be a motion put to this month’s delegate meeting from the NUT with regard to the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution

Additional speaker at 19th June WB&DTUC delegate meeting
as we send out this mailing we received a letter from a local young Unite – Amicus member (John Millington) about the government’s 42-day internment plans. He has agreed to come and speak to the trades council this week to put the case against and encourage a debate.

July 17th delegate meeting speaker confirmed as Di McDonald (& Carol Naughton?) Weapons of Mass Destruction Awareness Programme, showing Deadly Cargo about Trident transportation through Britain. They are providing cheese & wine.

May 08

Wolverhampton, Bilston & District TUC Secretary's Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.wolvestuc.org.uk MAY 2008

Fri 16th May, public meeting `Palestine What Now` 7pm, (doors open 6.30 for refreshments) St Andrew’s Church Hall next to Avion Centre, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton speakers Kamel Hawwash , Midlands Palestine Community Association & Christian Aid

TUC Shop Steward courses Stage 1, 10 Tuesdays from 13 May, Stage 2, 10 Thursdays from 15 May, H&S 10 Wednesdays from 14 May @ Wolverhampton College 0121 237 8120

Sat 17th May International Day Against Homophobia, Chamberlain Sq Birmingham, start 3pm . All welcome. Speakers, and singers and a moments silence. Organised by Midland TUC LGBT Committee

Class Words – over 40 pages of socialist songs & poems, now available £3 from WB&DTUC (published by Worcester TUC)

Hundreds of local people and activists packed the 14th annual 1st May celebrations in Wolverhampton. It was again the biggest attendance ever.
Thanks to all the trade unions which sponsored it, the performers and volunteers who helped make it work so well.

Tolpuddle 18-20 July spare leaflets available for branches
30 attended the lunchtime Workers’ Memorial Day event although many passers-by also stopped to listen to the speeches. Civic flags were lowered as a mark of respect by the council.

A copy of one of the 8,000 anti-BNP postcards we produced and used in the election, has been enclosed for information.

April 08

Wolverhampton, Bilston & District TUC Secretary's Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.wolvestuc.org.uk April 2008

Affiliated branches 2008
ASLEF, ASPECT, ATL, CWU (W.Mids & Worcs), Community(Hall Palm), CWU (Wolverhampton), FBU, GMB X13, NASUWT, NUT, POA, UNISON General, UNISON Health, UNISON Healthcare PCT, UNISON University, UNITE 0758M, UNITE 5/836, UNITE 5/998, UNITE 3210M, UNITE-CYWU, UNITE 5/748

Still to re-affiliate this year– please raise with your branches:
UCU City College, UCU University,

TUC Shop Steward courses Stage 1, 10 Tuesdays from 13 May, Stage 2, 10 Thursdays from 15 May, H&S 10 Wednesdays from 14 May @ Wolverhampton College 0121 237 8120

Our WEBSITE www.wolvestuc.org.uk is working again thanks to Sis. Halfpenny’s sister. The software is out of date and so a new site will be developed (it can be viewed at www.wolvestuc.org.uk/new )
Any comments please on updating of OLD site and what could be improved for new site would be appreciated.

Helpers for this year’s May Day event – turn up 6.30pm sharp at Pegasus--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Love Music Hate Racism free carnival, Babyshambles, Tony Benn etc Sun 27th April London, coach from Telford may pick up here if any interest
Dave 01902 554093 (day)
Get fit this month with the Trades Council!
Free exercise classes every Saturday & Sunday and selected evenings during the weeks up to 1st May.
Planned routes have been produced for 1-2 hour walking sessions in Bushbury North and Wednesfield North wards. Approved bending exercises will be incorporated while small training weights in the form of anti-fascist election leaflets will be provided. Bring a friend or two and you will make new friends as you will go out in groups of 3 or 4. Full tuition and instruction provided. Light alcoholic refreshment will be available after sessions. 07932 797139 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to join up.

March 08

Wolverhampton, Bilston & District TUC Secretary's Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.wolvestuc.org.uk March 2008

Affiliated branches 2008
ASLEF, ASPECT, ATL, CWU (W.Mids & Worcs), Community(Hall Palm), CWU (Wolverhampton), NUT, POA, UNISON General, UNISON Health, UNISON Healthcare PCT, UNITE 5/836, UNITE 5/998, UNITE 3210M, UNITE-CYWU, UNITE 5/748

Still to re-affiliate this year– please raise with your branches:
FBU, GMB X13, NASUWT, UCU City College, UCU University, UNISON University, UNITE 0558,

TUC shop stewards courses Stage 1 & Stage 2, & H&S - local venue
Run by WEA 0121 237 8120 to book April courses

APPEAL for HELP re WEBSITE www.wolvestuc.org.uk

February 08

Wolverhampton, Bilston & District TUC Secretary's Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.wolvestuc.org.uk February 2008

Affiliated branches 2008
ASLEF, Community(Hall Palm), CWU (Wolverhampton), NUT, POA, UNISON General, UNISON Health, UNISON Healthcare PCT, UNITE 5/998, UNITE 3210M, UNITE-CYWU, UNITE 5/748
Welcome back to the POA who have re-affiliated after several years

Still to re-affiliate this year– please raise with your branches:
ASPECT, ATL CWU (W.Mids & Worcs), FBU, GMB X13, NASUWT, UCU City College, UCU University, UNISON University, UNITE 0558, UNITE 5/836,

TUC shop stewards courses Stage 1 & Stage 2, & H&S - local venue
Run by WEA 0121 666 6101 to book April courses

APPEAL for HELP re WEBSITE www.wolvestuc.org.uk – I can no longer update it, (though the site is still on the web) – it appears the computer code the site was designed with is no longer fully compatible with the webhost. It needs to be completely redesigned – has anyone got experience with Dreamweaver or Frontpage software who could help initially?

Any suggestions for this year’s May Day event, speakers, entertainment? Contact me if you would like to help this year’s Committee.
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report by Sis Taylor, WB&DTUC Vice –President:
Wolverhampton Together Steering Group Meeting
Both Sis Halfpenny and myself attended the steering group meeting on 31st January 2008. Sis. Welch was also in attendance, as were representatives from the Labour, Conservative and Liberal groups of the Council as well as from faith groups and the Indian Workers Association.
The Trade Union representatives did stress the fact that we were disappointed that it had taken six months from the initial meeting to call the steering group together. It was emphasised that this work had to be more than knee jerk reactions at election time to be effective in challenging the BNP and fascism in Wolverhampton. The Councillors tended to see things in terms of electoral success and Sis Halfpenny strongly challenged them about the number of votes polled being significant. The work of Wolverhampton TUC in the last local elections was acknowledged.
No one present had any intelligence of any BNP activity in the City currently. No one had knowledge that they would be fielding any candidates in the forthcoming local elections. The representatives pointed out that this was possibly due to splits in the BNP at the moment and that we should not be complacent.
It was agreed that we needed to continue to monitor BNP activity and act strategically. It was agreed that a proactive campaign to promote diversity and community cohesion was necessary. It was agreed that challenge to the BNP was necessary and Trade Union representatives promoted the Searchlight approach. This was emphasised by a priest from Walsall who joined the meeting and basically stated the same thing based on Walsall Together experience.
Councillor Andrew Johnson was to bring back to the next meeting logo and funding opportunities to develop a programme at the next meeting. We emphasised Holocaust Memorial Day, May Day and City Show.
The next meeting has been arranged for March 13th 2008 at 7.00pm

January 08

Secretary's Supplementary Report January 2008

Wolverhampton, Bilston & District TUC info@ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

TU branches already affiliated for 2008:

ASLEF, CYWU-Unite, NUT, UNISON General, UNISON Health

Nominations President: Dave Cole (NUT)

submitted by Vice-President: Marie Taylor (CYWU-Unite)

UNISON, NUT & CYWU Secretary: Nick Kelleher (UNISON)

for Officers: Treasurer: John Grant (UCU)

Assistant Secretary: Marion Halfpenny (NUT)

No nominations for Publicity Officer and there are a number of vacancies on the EC.

NATIONAL MARCH AND RALLY IN SUPPORT OF

THE BURSLEM STRIKE - 19^TH JANUARY 2008

13.30 ASSEMBLE AT BURSLEM DELIVERY OFFICE:

SCOTIA BUSINESS PARK, SCOTIA ROAD, BURSLEM, STOKE ON TRENT. ST6 4RG

a shuttle service is available from the Stoke on Trent main line train station from 12 midday. The bus will be clearly marked and will be making regular trips to the assembly point for anybody who is travelling by train. In addition if any car's get lost they can make their way to the train station which is clearly sign posted on the roads leading in to Stoke and follow the bus to the assembly point.

Unite Against Fascism W.Mids Steering Committee

Wed 23^rd Jan 7.30pm T&G office 9-17 Victoria St, West Bromwich B70 8HX

Last year, Stoke South Labour Party held their first Anti-BNP Weekend where we deliver approx 21,000 over the weekend. This year we would like to do the entire constituency (36,000) but need your help!

On the 25^th, 26^th & 27^th January meeting at LP office 283 Weston Road, Weston Coyney, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 6HA at 10.30am. Leaflets will be distributed from there. After a few hours you are invited back for a bite to eat and then hopefully you will want to work off the calories and go out again for an hour or so.

Sunday 27^th January 2008 Holocaust Memorial Day, 10.15am

speakers include Dave Cole President WB&DTUC

& Reg Sidebottom LGBT Network

wreath laying & speeches St Peters Sq, by WMDay tree/ Cenetaph

7pm Thurs 31^st Jan Wolverhampton Together Committee meeting - Exchange House, opp Cuban Exch

Proposed closure of courses and redundancies at Keele University

management proposals to destroy the Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management Group at Keele University, UCU has asked for our support in opposing them. Details emailed and available from Secretary

Sat 29 March West Midlands Pensioners Convention rally Carrs Lane Centre, Birmingham 2-4pm Commemoration of 100 years state pension

Mon 28^th April - Workers Memorial Day ceremony, at WMD Tree, lunchtime

Thurs 1^st May - Workers Day festival Whitmore Reans evening

TU Xmas Party night 237 tickets sold, which raised £591 after costs

Annual Report of Work 2007-8

Wolverhampton, Bilston & District Trades Union Council

Secretary's Annual Report of Work 2007-8

The Trades Union Council is an organising body for local union campaigns and the link between trade unions and the communities we are part of.

143 years ago, WB&D TUC was founded, following a period of strife between workers, and employers who had attempted to thwart the organisation of labour. Wolverhampton & Bilston trade unionists continue the fight today, with delegates from the local unions. Concerted action in unity with other workers achieves so much more than can be done in isolation.

UNITED WE STAND!

www.wolvestuc.org.uk This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PO Box 2917 Wolverhampton WV2 2YA (01902)686613
WB&D TUC meets 3rd Thursday of each month 7.15pm, Civic Centre Entry through outside car park entrance.
All trade unionists are welcome to attend. 2nd Thursday is Executive.

Trades Union Councils represent an important form of union organisation: local trade union branches acting together in pursuit of a common agenda within the community.
Only through union strength can we win rights at work and deliver a better quality of life for people throughout society.

Local trade union branches affiliate to Wolverhampton, Bilston & District Trades Union Council to work with each other to build organisation locally, but also take a lead in forging links with other parts of the community and raise the profile of the labour movement generally.
Crucial to this is identifying issues on which unions and other organisations share a common agenda - an agenda based on the pursuit of social justice. The capacity for a reinvigorated trades union council to take action and to mobilise workers in support of campaigns is vast.
Affiliation details are listed on our website www.wolvestuc.org.uk or by contacting WB&DTUC by phone, mail or email.

This report is an analysis of the our work in 2007, another active year for us, with a number of public events and positive media coverage. It uses the annual Programme of Work drawn up by the TUC General Council to provide a framework for our work in 2008 and specifically, what action we will take.

It prioritises 3 broad areas of work: Public Services, Trades Union Council Activity in the Community and Employment Rights;.

Public Services
The Labour government has continued its cuts to the public sector. Its workers' have once again received real term pay cuts and resentment increases.
Our role is to support action taken by public service unions and to help promote and co-ordinate their actions. We will organise public rallies and petitioning to build support for industrial action as appropriate. We can also assist in building for national demonstrations and co-ordinating coaches.
-FREE music festival ENTRY for trade unionists-
£16,000 has been raised in the last nine years by voluntary work for our TUC - mainly by non-delegate trade unionists. Funds are split between WB&DTUC and the Morning Star - this doubles our annual affiliation income. Wolverhampton TUC gets £6.90/hour for each worker from the Workers' Beer Company (set up by Wandsworth & Battersea TUC) by sending teams to work on the bars at Glastonbury and other festivals. This has allowed us to increase activity, spending it on increased solidarity to strikers, organising rallies & demos, anti-BNP campaigning, May Day, subsidising coaches to national demos etc

2008 bar worker volunteers needed for:
Glastonbury (June)
Leeds (August bank holiday weekend)
plus London festivals,

What do you get? What’s expected of you?
free entry to a festival (worth £100+) no experience needed
free meal & 2 pints each day serving pints 6 hours/day (with breaks)
free festival T-shirt hard work, reliability and a sense of humour
secure camping you'll also need a tent for weekend festivals
hot showers, flush toilets transport is sorted out between us
subsidised bar, open until you drop! - if you offer to work, you must be available

Wolverhampton Palestine Solidarity Campaign organises regular public meetings, local leafleting and organises transport to national demos.
Always in need of new members.
01902 450640
or c/o WB&DTUC.

The Morning Star is a lone voice for trade unionists, reporting on issues that directly involve our class and our organisations.

Any regular reader of our national press could be excused for believing that the only people living on planet earth are the Royals and celebrities. Media bias begins with the censorship of news that does not appeal to the handful of super-rich individuals and multinational corporations that control the newspaper industry. www.morningstaronline.co.uk

Day in day out, there’s only one daily paper telling real stories of real people. Available at all newsagents on order 60p daily, & now on the shelf at many places. Local Readers & Supporters’ Group 686613

Wolverhampton Cuba Solidarity - the Group holds regular meetings & socials.
£5/£2 to join, details: WB&DTUC website, 01902 429591 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WB&DTUC Activity in the Community

13th annual Wolverhampton May Day Festival, sponsored by FBU & UNISON West Midlands, with anti-fascism Rights theme. Most agreed it was one of the best May Days ever held, with 250 enjoying the evening. The highlight apart from the usual range of excellent speakers was rant poet Attila the Stockbroker. The £1200 cost was covered by generous union donations. Over the last decade the event has been built from scratch into a major part of the Wolverhampton calendar.
action: WB&D TUC is part of the W’ton May Day Committee. More help is needed so VOLUNTEER NOW.
The WB&D TUC website has a downloadable document written by the Committee, explaining how we run May Day.
This year’s festival is on Thursday May 1st ‘08

Recruitment - listing of WB&DTUC phone number in Yellow Pages and on publicity and website generates enquiries for joining trade unions. Information of relevant unions is provided by us.

Schools – WB&DTUC officers are available on request to give talks on trade unionism at schools as part of the citizenship national curriculum

Anti-War and global climate change issue campaigns will be continued to be supported and organised as required.

Employment Rights
Migrant Workers - The Secretary gave input to the Inland Revenue regarding a presentation for migrant workers to be rolled out nationally, providing TUC information about employment rights and H&S info in various languages which they had not included and they seemed very receptive to providing such employment rights. They intend to take to workplaces and community groups.
action: Trades Union Councils should promote the economic and social case for migrant workers. Without migrant labour many of our public services could not function e.g. health. Migrant workers are helping to grow the economy and are net contributors - to a greater extent on average than non-migrant workers.
Many people arriving in the UK are unaware of their rights, and organisations working with migrant workers have to recognise their specific needs and be able to provide them with sound advice. For trade unions it is also an opportunity to organise and recruit these new entrants to the workforce. Trades Union Councils should support migrant workers in their communities, as well as helping unions to organise migrant workers in the workplace by:

• working with unions to identify workplaces with a migrant workforce.
• working with community groups and unions to ensure that H&S legislation is understood by migrant workers and complied with in their work environment.
• identifying people with language skills who can help talk to migrant workers
• organising advice surgeries for migrant workers.
• use of informal or social events to initially draw in migrant workers
• promoting an awareness of the difference between asylum-seekers & migrant workers and countering myths.

We have continued to assist the Rahimi Family Must Stay Campaign, to help maintain the profile of this locally based family who organised workers in Iran and face dire consequences if they are deported. They still after 3 years await a decision from the Home Office. Ken Purchase MP has been assisting. The family support and attend many local trade union events.

After last year's campaign to bring TUC stewards’ and H&S courses back to Wolverhampton after many years absence, they have continued to run. We help promote these courses which have had good uptakes so far.
action: in the next year we need to try to get an input into trade union steward training so that the role and value of Trades Union Councils can be explained. This wasn't done this year.

Thanks to the outgoing Officers:

President          Dave Cole (NUT)
Vice-President Marie Taylor (CYWU-UNITE)
Secretary   Nick Kelleher   (UNISON)
Treasurer   John Grant   (UCU)
Minutes Secretary Marion Halfpenny (NUT)

action: after 5 years in existence, we should redesign the website. Trade
union branches can submit their forthcoming events and campaigns by email or post for listing on the site.
Email   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be added to our email contact list and receive all the latest information on local trade union events.

Funding - affiliation is 10pence per member for each affiliated branch, which gives us an income of £1,800 p.a. This is supplemented by £1,700 raised by organising teams of volunteer bar workers at Glastonbury and Leeds music festivals,
action: to continue our high level of activity, we need to increase fundraising.

We again run the annual council unions’ Xmas party night. UNISON, CYWU, NUT, NASUWT, UNITE & UCATT were involved. We booked a night club and the night went very well with almost 250 attending with a good mixture of people. We raised significant funds.

We received a TUC Development Grant of £250 for the anti-fascist activity around May Day.

TUC conferences - Over the last decade we have sent between 2 and 4 observers to the TUC Equality conferences (Women’s, Black, Disabled, LGBT) each year, probably more than any other TUC in Britain. We also send delegates to Trades Union Councils’ regional and national conferences. It is important that anyone who attends a conference on our behalf, participates fully and provided a report, giving action plan for follow-up work for our TUC as a result of attending.

Workers’ Memorial Day 28th April almost 40 people attended.
• speakers: Nick Kelleher, Secretary WB&DTUC, Rob Marris, Ken Purchase & Pat McFadden the local Labour MPs.
• wreaths were laid by WB&DTUC, UNISON, TGWU, MPs, CYWU
• Industrial Chaplain Rev. Benson Headley led a service dedicated to those killed at work.
It should be noted that this event should not just be a commemoration but a focus for activity around Health & Safety campaigns.
We will organise a lunchtime event in Wolverhampton for the 17th year, on Monday 28th April 2008.

Remember the Dead and Fight for the Living!

Tackling Racism
Wolverhampton & Bilston Trades Union Council run an anti-fascist Hope Not Hate election campaign. 37 volunteers distributed 21,000 leaflets in under 3 weeks, using national Searchlight as well as producing our own local anti-BNP leaflets for each ward, calling for voters to come out and vote against the fascists. The local LP asked us not to leaflet areas where the BNP were expected to get votes - we ignored this, targeting those areas. We got full trade union support for this action which was deemed to be an outdated, failed strategy. Follow up meetings are planned.
The fascist BNP stood in Wolverhampton Council election in one ward in 2006, coming third with over 26%. In 2007 it was 6 wards, losing all. Their vote dropped to 22% in that ward but got 22% in another - both of these had ex-Tories standing, showing their true colours. Other wards got 18%, 13%, 11% and 6%. They were 3rd or 4th in each ward.
There were no fascist gains in Walsall, Dudley or Sandwell where anti-fascists campaigned heavily – all the votes dropped significantly, as they have in recent local by-elections where we have been out to help leaflet.
WB&DTUC prepared a guide to running an anti-BNP campaign which was distributed to all UNISON branches in the region.
Wolverhampton Together – an initial meeting was held in the summer bringing together a wide range of groups to get involved, organised by Rob Marris MP and the Bishop, though it is yet to get up and running.
action: we will work with the group and call on it to organise letter writing campaigns, publicising/supporting leafleting in Wolverhampton & other by-elections, education event, interview/article e.g. from a Wolves player.
We will run anti-fascist election campaigns as the need arises.
The TUC is committed to tackling racism in all its forms. Trades Union Councils support those communities being targeted and challenge the arguments of racist groups that attempt to intimidate, spread fear and increase racial hatred.
Trades Union Councils should work with trade unions within their region to help challenge racism within the workplace. This could include strategies to reach out to young people, working with groups such as Kick Racism out of Football. Religious leaders should also be asked to provide statements against racism and fascism.
action: create links with ethnic minority self-help groups and Community Cohesion groups to promote equality at work and celebrate diversity
• monitor the media for appearances by fascists and watch out for the circulation of racist propaganda or graffiti.
• the Trades Union Councils should continue to co-operate with Searchlight & Black Country Unite Against Fascism campaigns and where possible students' unions and community groups to increase voter registration.

One of our priorities last year was to address the religification of the event which we established. Vic Dunthorne anti-fascist veteran of 1936 Battle of Cable Street, and the LGBT Network injected some welcome political reality into last year’s Wolverhampton Holocausts Memorial Day, (85 attended, WB&DTUC laid a wreath).

The next event is Sunday 27th January ’08.
Trades Union Council Organisation

The local union branches that affiliated to WB&DTUC last year were:
ASLEF, ASPECT, ATL, Community(Hall Palm), CWU (W’ton), CWU (W.Mids & Worcs), FBU, GMB X13, NASUWT, NUT, UCU City College, UCU University, UNISON General, UNISON Health, UNISON PCT, UNISON University and Unite branches: Amicus 0558, Amicus 3210M, CYWU, TGWU 5/748, TGWU 5/836, TGWU 5/998,
There are still a few local union branches that do not affiliate.
action: increasing our affiliation base is a key to increased activity and effectiveness for our campaigns. The Executive Committee constantly looks at this. Some Regional Offices pay affiliations on behalf of their branches e.g. Community, TGWU, UCU & UNISON, so there should be higher levels of affiliation from these unions. Many local trade union branches have very small branch meetings or seem not to function. WB&DTUC is thus the ideal platform for increasing the capacity for involvement in public work.
Our monthly delegate meetings involve an outside speaker and are open to all trade unionists (but voting by delegates only).
This year our meetings heard speakers on: all the TUC conferences, Shop Stewards Network, Gaza, Ireland, Iran, Cuba, Philippines, EU, migrant workers, LGBT laws and regular workplace, conference and industrial reports.
Many visitors have gone onto become delegates and got new affiliations.
Executive meetings have not been very successful this year and are in need of rejuvenation. The Executive should meet a week before delegate meeting to make recommendations to delegate meeting, plan work & stuff envelopes, but have often been inquorate.
action: the Executive is a weak side of our activity as there is little successful delegation of organising work, though delegates get involved in campaigning.

action: branches still need to attract new names to be put forward as delegates. There is still a huge potential for increasing our affiliation base and delegates can assist by contacting unaffiliated branches with which they have dealings.

How we keep in contact
 Monthly paper mailing to 70 delegates
 Email contacts - 70 contacts on WB&DTUC list approx 10 emails sent per month additional email lists for STW, anti-fascists etc
 Group texts to mobiles are used for urgent activity.
 For all the latest info on local labour movement events, visit www.wolvestuc.org.uk We average about 30 visitors to the site each day. Updated by Secretary with a volunteer webmaster.