More than shouting at the news
As a teenager, I was involved with various activist groups. Then life took over, and my activities outside of work tended to revolve around that wonderful place known as the pub. Two decades later, with a Tory government in power again, that feeling of injustice is back with a vengeance.
I have worked in care for the vast majority of my adult life, and seeing how devastating this government has been to so many vulnerable people, I had to do something.
I have been a union rep for 12 years on and off, but this didn’t fulfil my desire to make a difference. I needed somewhere I could discuss the changes that must happen, rather than just shouting at the news.
Through chance, the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) appeared in front of me, hidden away in a BBC list of all the parties standing in the local elections.
I have said (some say shouted) for years that the unions should stop paying for the Labour Party. By getting involved in TUSC, I met members of the Socialist Party (which is one of the constituent parts of TUSC).
Getting active
My timing could have been better – my wife was expecting our first baby and the unions were calling everyone out on strike. But here I am, a fully paid up member of the Socialist Party, and waiting for a new son any day now. I am determined to attend more of the meetings when I can, and if I change jobs I hope to stand in the local elections for TUSC.
