Annual Report 2013

Secretary’s Report for the year ended 31 December 2013

Introduction

During the year the Southend TUC:

·         Held 9 general meetings with an average attendance of 7 delegates

·         We received affiliation fees from 11 branches from the following unions :
CWU, PCS, RMT, UNISON, UNITE

·         Affiliated to the Essex County Association of Trades Councils.

·         Work of the Year

·         Cuts and Public Services

·         Throughout the year we have supported the activities, including the street stalls and public meetings organised by the Southend against the Cuts campaign group

·         We expressed support for the strike action by unions in the public sector in defence of public sector pensions and opposing privatisation of services.

·         Trade Union Solidarity

·         During the year I sent a number of messages of solidarity to trades unionists in struggle, both in the UK and internationally.

·         We organised a mini-bus to the Burston March and Rally on 4^th September

·         Community Involvement

·         We maintained our support for the Leigh Folk Festival, and held a stall at the festival over the weekend of 22^nd and 23^rd June. The Trades Unions have now been recognised as the major sponsors of the Festival.

·         On 4^th September, we held a public meeting to encourage workers at Southend Airport to join trades unions which was addressed by our Regional Secretary, Megan Dobney.  We were able to meet a group of workers, already trade union members, and offered them advice on their issues.

Summary

During 2013, the Southend TUC has supported the ongoing campaign against the austerity policies of the Government. We have maintained our profile both within our local community as well as in the labour and trade union movement. We are in a good position to continue our campaigning activities during 2014.

Ian Pope

Secretary