NSSN Conference says “Strike Together” amidst Tory Crisis
Hundreds of trade union reps, members and activists took part in the 15th NSSN Conference last Saturday. After a video showing photos from countless picket lines with NSSN supporters bringing solidarity to, NSSN Chair Rob Williams opened up the event by giving support and solidarity to all workers in struggle in the growing strike wave as prices spiral and real wages fall.
Rob said that in particular the RMT rail strikes both nationally and on London Underground had been a “game-changer” for the union movement, in giving workers confidence to fight. Workers can see the crises in Johnson’s Tory government, which has deepened in the last day with resignations of leading ministers. It is vital that the unions come together to co-ordinate ballots and strikes.
Fighting national union leaders such as Sarah Woolley, BFAWU General Secretary, Terry Pullinger, CWU Deputy General Secretary Postal, Daniel Kebede, NEU President and NAPO National Official Annoesjka Valent, spoke from the platform.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham and RMT Senior Assistant General Secretary Eddie Dempsey had to give their apologies but there were great speeches from their respective unions by Unite National Lead Officer Onay Kasab, striking Coventry bin worker Pete Randle and RMT National Rail and London Underground reps Paul Reilly and Noreen Hayes (both speaking in personal capacities). GMB Regional Organiser Helen O’Connor spoke about the strike action by outsourced South London hospital workers.
After the platform speakers, there was a fantastic discussion from the conference floor, where reports from countless disputes were given.
Conference agreed to build support for the NSSN Rally and lobby of TUC Congress in Brighton in September to call for co-ordinated action of unions across the private and public sectors against the cost of living crisis.
** NSSN TUC Congress Rally & Lobby #StrikeTogether - 1pm Sunday 11th September Holiday Inn Brighton Seafront