Berwick & District Trades Union Council

May Day Solidarity!

►This May Day weekend sees the National Education Union, the Royal College of Nursing and the Public and Civil Service Union on strike for improvements in pay and conditions.  Plus the Assoc. of School and College Leaders is balloting its members for strike action for the first time ever.  The Junior Doctors have just ended their second round of strike action, and the National Pensioners Convention has organised a demonstration against the raising of the State Pension age to 68! 

►The trade unions are not just fighting to increase individual pay packets or reduce individual workloads.  Their campaigns for improved health and education services, better conditions and job structures, will benefit us all.

►The RCN’s campaign demands the Government invest in recruitment and retention and improved conditions that will enable nurses to run safer hospital wards.  The NEU calls for universal free meals in English primary schools so teachers are freed from providing crisis support for children living in poverty.

►‘Patients on Pickets’ express their solidarity with health strikers by pointing out the Billons wasted on dodgy COVID contracts.  And ‘Pay Up! Save Our Schools’ make a similar point saying there is enough money in the economy to afford all the public sector pay increases – but it is about priorities – what we value and believe is worth it.

►The Government has responded by bringing in the Minimum Services Level Bill. The Fire Brigades Union described the Bill as a draconian attack on the rights of working people and called for a joint campaign of non-compliance. 

►Our trade unions are our collective voice – we are stronger together.  Berwick Trades Council is in solidarity with those on strike and who are fighting for the public services our communities need.  May Day Solidarity!

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