Chelmsford TUC

Monthly Reports

JUNE 2012 MEETING

At the June meeting of Chelmsford TUC delegates expressed their disappointment at the response to our letter from Simon Burns MP regarding the Chancellor’s broken promise on age-related tax allowances. They shared the comments of the National Pensioners’ Convention that it was “a standard response from a loyal government-supporting politician – which typically either evades the issues or only gives half the story.” Delegates were urged to sign the petition on the HM Government website calling for the freeze on age- related tax allowance to be reversed. This has the backing of the NPC and can be seen at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/31778.

Delegates reviewed the May Day Rally and Workers’ Memorial Day activities and were delighted with the support that they had received. Following a call by the TUC for a national demonstration on 20 October, plans are being made to maximise attendance and it is expected that a number of unions will be organising coaches. It was noted that Chelmsford Against The Cuts will be publishing a new leaflet to build support for the demonstration.

Following a discussion on the NHS it was agreed to invite a speaker to address the Council on Health Watch. Delegates were pleased to record that the UNISON Anglia Ruskin University branch has affiliated to the Trades Union Council. A donation of £50 is to be sent to the campaign to save the Women’s Library which is based at London Metropolitan University Library. Following the closure of The Red Lion all future General Meetings will be held at Transport House, Springfield Road.