Minutes of the Trades Council meeting held on
20 October 2010 at 7:30pm.
Location:CVS Offices, Guild Hall Precinct, Preston.
Delegates present:Lynne Wallace (LW),Carl Crompton(CC ) Dave Rochester (DR) Dave Wilson (DW), Derek Barton (DB), Gavin Hartley (GH) Jim Leigh (JL) Paddy Magill (PM) Steve Radcliffe (SR) Terry Bayes (TB), Andy O’Donnell (AO)
Guests/observers present:Mick Mulcahy (MM), Micheal Lavalette.
Apologies for absence given: Andrew Wheatley (AW) Andy Birchall (AB) David Savage (DS), Janet Newsham (JN) Phil Crowe (PC) Sarah Robinson (SR) Ian Mcgill (IM) John Pearson (JP) Michael Parkinson (MP) Matthew Brown (MB), Shaun Cairns (SC), Amjad Ismail (AI) Helen Mamwell Holmes, (HH), (SR), , Patrick Coyne (PC)Stephen Smith (SS), Darryl Fryer (DF), Heather Park (HP)Glyne Greenidge (GG) Ian Leeming (IL)
Presidents Remarks TB opened the meeting with his observations that the working class were being crucified and the impacts of the cuts on the working class were totally unfair and unjustified. He also made reference to the cuts being made by a government that had 19 millionaires within the cabinet. The underprivileged were being targeted and suffering as a result. He stated that the trade councils should have a programof events to highlighting these issues. There was a need for more participation by unions working together with community activists.
Minutes of the last meetingThe minutes of the last meeting were agreed.
Matters arisingPA system
LW gave some feedback on the research MP and OD had undertaken looking at the costs and implications of purchasing a PA system. Insurance and other related matters were discussed. ML reported he had access to a PA system for £15 which was the same one use at the Gaza public meeting. This was provided he was given sufficient notice to book the equipment. AO said he would research what was available in terms of hand held megaphones and report back.
(AP1) AD to research into availability of megaphones and report back to next P&SRTC
Treasures ReportNon received
Secretaries ReportAffiliation Update
LW gave an update on branches now affiliated to P&SRTC. LW reminded everyone the importance of completing the affiliation forms and returning them as ASAP. LW reported that cheque had been handed to herto forward on to the treasurer in respect of an increase in affiliation fees.
(AP 2) LW to forward on cheque to PC
Organising Committee Report Public meeting held on 20 October
The public meeting held on the flag market earlier in the day to mark the announcement of the public spending review was discussed. AO was thanked for chairing the event. Although there was a good turn out it was disappointing more unions had not taken the opportunity to join in. The event received good publicity from the press.
Next steps protecting public services campaign
A furtherdiscussion followed on the next steps to take. It was agreed by the trade council that there was a need for an anti cut group in Preston. This would be supported and sponsored by the P&SRTC but would be all inclusive involving unions, community groups, voluntary organisations, public and private sector representatives as well as representatives from political groups and people of Preston not represented by any formal organisation.
It was agreed that members of the trade council organising committee and volunteers would meet separately to the full trade council to discuss and set up further public meetings (Preston Against Cuts). The main objective would be to publicise the events and hopefully engage with other organizations within the community. It was envisaged that several smaller meeting would be held prior to a larger scale public rally. The 20th November was proposed for the main public rally depending on feasibility to arrange venue etc.
(AP3) P&SRTC Organising Committee to meet to arrange and publicise further public meetings.
Workers memorial Day
DW reported the next Workers Memorial Day meeting was being held on 8th November at 10.30 at the City BusinessCentre.
TU Education
LW gave an update on the TU courses being held in Preston. The running of the courses is being supported by the P&SRTC. She reminded everyone to book on the courses or risk losing them.
Guild
There was no further information regarding preparations for the Guild.
Avondale Unit (SAFE).
LW informed everyone that an event was being held on the flag market in support of saving the Avondale unit (SAFE) on the 23rd of October.
(AP 4)All delegates to make an effort to attend and support the event)
Protest updateLib Dem demonstration Liverpool
LW gave feed back on the event and explained how she had managed to arrange a bus at short notice which was funded by PCS. TB and MM also gave feed back on the success of the event in terms of turn out and publicity.
Tory Conference Protest Birmingham
MM gave feed back on the protest in Birmingham. He provided a breakdown on the monies spent and received regarding the bus provided by P&SRTC. He handed the money and cheques to the secretary to pass on to the treasurer.
(AP 5) LW to forward on the cheques and receipts to PC
Love Music Hate Racism – Unite Against Facism.
ML gave information on an event being held in London Love Music Hate Racism. A proposal was raised that the trade council should make a donation towards transport for the event. It was agreed that the trade council would donate £300.
(AP 6)LW to find out details of who to sent the donation to ensure sure the donation was sent in time.
CWU motion PM raise a CWU motion regarding keeping the post public. SR also spoke on the motion. P&SRTC agreed to fully support the motion raised.
Workplace ReportsReports received sent out electronically.
Meetings AttendedBritish Pensioners
DB gave an update on the British Pensioners Conference he had attended. It was agreed DB’s expenses for the meeting would be paid by the trade council as he was attending as their delegate.
(AP 7) DB to provide proof of expense to LW so he could be reimbursed for expenses.
Services without building
DW gave an update on the meeting he attended regarding mental health issues.
Correspondence Sent via email or made available at the meeting.
Any other businessThere is an alternative
AO gave information on the Alternative to the cuts agenda which is a PCS campaign that is gaining support in other unions and gaining public awareness from media. He gave out leaflets to those presents. More could be obtained on request.
EDL meetingin Preston 27 November
ML gave an update on the EDL meeting in Preston on the 27 November and the importance of showing trade council resistance against what they stood for. After some discussion it was agreed that the P&SRTC would support a statement being issued against the EDL which would be circulated for signatory prior to being published in the press. It was also agreed the P&SRTC would be involved in events held on the 27 November in resistance to the EDL presence.
(AP 8) LW to support statement being issued against EDL on behalf of the trades council and to circulate.
(AP 9) ML to involve P&SRTC organising committee in any events being held on the 27 November.
Disability History Event
DW informed of a disability history event being held in London on 22 November.
Datesand times of next meetings7.30pmWed17 November
Venue of meetingsCVS office, Guild Hall, Preston
Lynne Wallace
Secretary
c/o PCS Office | Floor 10 | The Unicentre | Lords Walk | Preston | PR1 1DH
Telephone: 01772 234944 | Email: