Chelmsford TUC

Monthly Reports

JULY MEETING

Chelmsford TUC delegates, at their July meeting, discussed a number of issues affecting their place of work. They also received a report on the first event to establish Chelmsford as a Transition Town which was initiated by the Trades Council. They welcomed the proposals to set up an email network in order to build contacts before lauching an official group, and heard that the group would focus on pollution and traffic congestion.

The Secretary said that letters had been sent to several MPs regarding the Council’s opposition to the blockade of Gaza and that they had responded positively. Delegates then had a wide-ranging discussion on public service cuts and reiterated their opposition to the proposed “Free” schools, academies and Trust Schools. Concern was voiced at the proposed job cuts to take place at the Mid Essex Hospitals Trust and in the local fire service. The meeting then finalised plans for the public meeting to be held against the cuts in public services at Christ Church on 22 September, with delegates emphasising that alternatives to solve the economic crisis had been put forward by many trade unions but these had not been reflected in the media.

Two delegates reported on the meeting they had attended at Friends Meeting House which was linked to the Peace March from London to Colchester. Plans were agreed to mark Black History Month and to work with others to oppose any racist activity in Chelmsford, delegates being reminded that many community groups and Chelmsford Borough Council had signed an Anti-Racist Charter.