Chelmsford TUC

A report by the CWU delegate updated the Council on the latest situation arising from the postal dispute and said that staff reductions were envisaged to be about 10-15%; the only positive feature was that a significant amount of money has been invested in first aid training. Following a report from delegates that a Postal Workers’ Support Group has been established it was agreed that Council members would attend the next meeting on 14 January.

Delegates then heard that at a recent conference at the TUC proposals were discussed about establishing trades councils at Thurrock, Witham and Braintree and this will be on the agenda at the next County Association meeting.

The meeting received a report on the enquiry into Basildon Hospital and concern was expressed that sections of the press had distorted some of the statistics, that many of the figures used were out of date, and no recognition was made of the fact that the negative features reported have been rectified. Delegates noted, with pleasure, that Chelmsford Borough Council had received “Gold” status from Investors in People. Delegates were delighted to hear that two Venezuelan trade union leaders had had an extremely enjoyable day in Chelmsford as part of their national tour. After meeting the Mayor and visiting sites in Chelmsford, they later gave a talk at Thompsons Solicitors who, along with Unison and Unite, sponsored the tour. Delegates expressed their alarm at David Cameron’s recent speech on health and safety and the Secretary was asked to write to him and Simon Burns expressing worries at any erosion of the existing legislation. At the end of the evening delegates sat down to an excellent meal.