22 June 2025Secretary's Report
Berwick Trades Union Council 2024 for 25
Summary of Secretary’s Report for 2024
Our central role in supporting the RMT in opposing the closure of the local Railway Ticket Office had been highly successful. We gathered over 3000 signatures. Local protests outside the Guild Hall opposed austerity, support for Palestine, and supporting the teachers in their pay dispute which was settled after strike action.
Close links established with the NEU and the local officer is now serving on the TCs committee.
The February meeting with Mike Bowman, who had returned to the UK after walking from Calais to Palestine. He gave a clear picture of what was happening in the West Bank.
The restructuring of the education system in Berwick: Action involved the teachers’ unions, GMB, Unite and Unison. Picket lines were supported by the trades Council.
International Workers’ Memorial Day: the council was represented at the wreath laying.
By the end of the year our Secretary Sarah had to step down due to ill health. Her hard work over the last few years in rejuvenating the council is much appreciated. Fortunately, we have a new secretary willing to build on that work.
The last item Sarah worked on was a message to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. “…Berwick Trades Union Council views the budget as representing a tax on the cost of living rather that on wealth.”
Recently (June 2025) we have the sad news of the death of Cara, a local artist, who designed the art work of our banner. The banner has been with us on many a demo and displayed at TC events.
29 March 2025SUPPORT FOR PALESTINE DEMONSTRATION IN BERWICK.
Members and supporters of Berwick and Borders Trade Union Council and Palestine Solidarity Campaign supporters turned out in numbers to support the Film Makers for Palestine vigil at Berwick Town Hall on Saturday in support ansd solidarity with the people of Gaza and the West Bank. Events took place across the UK in support of the Palestinian people and against the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Trump and Netanyahu who clearly want illegal possession of Gaza and the West Bank.