NSSN lobby, 13.9.15

NSSN lobby, 13.9.15   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Lobby the trade union leaders this Sunday!

NSSN chair Rob Williams

Just as hundreds of trade union delegates meet in Brighton at this year’s TUC Congress, the Tories will be trying to sneak their anti-union Trade Union Bill through another parliamentary stage. This vicious legislation that builds on Thatcher’s laws, is designed to shackle the unions just as Osborne unleashes billions of pounds more in Tory austerity.

If passed, their plans would make official strikes much more difficult, give far more advantage to employers while cutting away democratic union rights. One of the most sinister measures involves forcing one picket on strike to give their personal details to the police, opening up the way to arrest and criminal charges!

We should remember that in 1972 when the Tories previously attempted to impose anti-union laws, they nearly provoked a general strike by jailing five London dockers.

The National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) is lobbying TUC Congress this Sunday, 13th September, to push for the action that is necessary to confront the Tories and their Bill.
NSSN supporters lobbying the TUC in September 2014, photo Bob Severn

NSSN supporters lobbying the TUC in September 2014, photo Bob Severn   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

We will be supporting Congress motions such as those from the RMT, FBU, CWU and PCS that between them call for a mass demonstration outside parliament in November when the third and final reading of the Bill is planned; and coordinated strike action if it becomes law; as well as against the cuts and the pay cap. The general secretaries of these unions will be on our platform.

But we’re not just waiting until November. The Tories haven’t confirmed the day next week when they will go for the second reading but we call on all our supporters and affiliates to organise protests on the day, even if they have to be called at the last minute.

Whether it’s your lunch break or after work – get your union banners and flags out with the hashtags #KillTheBIll and #RightToStrike.

Then get to Manchester on Sunday 4th October to protest outside the Tory party conference and prepare for November.

NSSN banner at a protest outside Pizza Express (NSSN chair Rob Williams on the right). September 2015

NSSN banner at a protest outside Pizza Express (NSSN chair Rob Williams on the right). September 2015   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)


Come to the NSSN lobby – tell the TUC it’s time to demonstrate and strike together!

[email protected]

NSSN public rally and lobby of TUC Congress in Brighton

Speakers to include:

  • Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary
  • Mick Cash, RMT general secretary
  • Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary
  • Ronnie Draper, BFAWU general secretary
  • Steve Gillan, POA general secretary
  • Dave Ward, CWU general secretary
  • Suzanne Muna, Unite executive

1pm Sunday 13 September

Charlotte Room in the Grand Hotel, 97-99 King’s Rd BN1 2FW (next to the Brighton Conference Centre)


Kill the Bill: defeat the Tories’ anti-union plans

A new Socialist Party pamphlet

£2.00 Available from Left Books

PO Box 24697, London E11 1YD

020 8988 8789 www.leftbooks.co.uk

[email protected]

Make cheques payable to ‘Left Books’


This version of this article was first posted on the Socialist Party website on 8 September 2015 and may vary slightly from the version subsequently printed in The Socialist.