Chelmsford TUC

Monthly Reports

JANUARY 2012 GENERAL MEETING

Chelmsford TUC started 2012 by expressing its outrage at the Government’s proposal to close 39 local DVLA offices and enforcement centres by 2013. Amongst those affected by the closure will be 70 staff employed at Chelmsford. The Government’s proposals are outlined in its consultation paper ‘Transforming DVLA Services’ and is the first step towards making more of its transactions online. Delegates agreed to support the campaign against the closures and they will be distributing hundreds of leaflets to branches and also to the public. We will be making our opposition to the closures known to the DfT through its website at www.dft.gov.uk/dvla//consultations/currentconsultations/ Response_Form.aspx

With Fairtrade Fortnight to be celebrated next month trade union branches are to be encouraged to affiliate to Chelmsford Fairtrade Town Campaign.

Delegates heard at the meeting that nearly two thousand leaflets have been circulated by their colleagues opposing the recent train fare increases.

Chelmsford TUC will hold its traditional rally at Friends Meeting House on 1 May with Manuel Cortes (TSSA General Secretary) and Hope Daley (Unison Health & Safety Officer) as the speakers. Exhibitions in the public square of Chelmsford Library have been booked for International Women’s Day and Workers’ Memorial Day.

Delegates were pleased to hear that Thompsons Solicitors will be providing a speaker for our March meeting on legal issues that particularly impact on women.