Trade unionists gathering near parliament for a Kill-the-Bill protest called by the bakers' union, 14.9.15, photo Paula Mitchell

Trade unionists gathering near parliament for a Kill-the-Bill protest called by the bakers’ union, 14.9.15, photo Paula Mitchell   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Parliament protest against the anti-union bill

On 14 September trade unionists and activists came together to protest against the second reading of the Tories’ anti-trade union bill. For about an hour workers organised by the BFAWU, NSSN and others lobbied outside parliament. It took place as delegates at the TUC Congress were discussing the possibility of co-ordinated action against the bill.

There was a perceptible buzz around the subsequent rally when we were addressed by new shadow chancellor John McDonnell who said it was time for the “trade union leaders to step up to the plate” with regard to taking general strike action.

A question was also asked by Claire Laker-Mansfield on what role Labour would play, will councillors refuse to implement attacks on facility time and check off? Catherine West MP fudged the question, merely pointing out that she had been on picket lines before.

Neil Cafferky of the NSSN was the last speaker, he said that the union leaders “cannot abdicate their responsibility on this”. But he did say that we cannot afford to wait for right-wingers who are dragging their feet. The more militant union leaders organise a “coalition of the willing” to fight the Tories every step of the way.

Paul Callanan