The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition is hosting a forum of leading trade unionists on 6 April. This initiative has come from the RMT transport workers’ union with the aim of broadening trade union support for TUSC.
There will be three sessions at the forum, with an introductory speaker from the RMT executive. These will include a discussion on the struggle for trade union rights and how this can be made a feature of the 2015 general election; standing in local council elections and discussing what support trade unions can give to councillors, particularly those in Labour-run authorities, who are prepared to vote against cuts in the council chamber; and a discussion on the options available to utilise union political funds to stand trade union anti-austerity candidates in elections, recognising the different situations that exist in different unions.
The trade union forum will be a ‘working meeting’ of trade unionists at an NEC or section, regional or group executive level rather than a larger ‘rally’-type event, which will allow questions about TUSC to be properly addressed and a greater cross-flow between participants.
It could be another important step in the growing debate in the labour movement on what needs to be done to build a political alternative to fight back in the age of austerity.
For further information contact RMT executive member Daren Ireland at [email protected]
