2nd meeting of solidarity group 3 November

2nd meeting of Tyneside Postal Workers Solidarity group
15 people present (activists from 11 different union branches including Unison, CWU, Unite, UCU, NUM as well as students / unemployed activists)
there we also apologies from a number of activists including some who were at Keep Metro Public meeting

Tony from CWU gave brief report:
- at the end of the talks last week Royal Mail failed to respond to CWU proposals
- further action is planned for Friday this week and Monday next week (both dates will include all workers)
- further talks have been taking place at TUC but no statements will be made
- CWU is taking RM to high court about illegally using casual workers to cover work of striking workers

A discussion followed including:
- targetting other couriers and links with other unions for these couriers
- organsing to prevent scab recruitment
- targetting workplaces which had highest level of strike breakers (although it was recognised the dispute was very solid at few had broken picket lines)
- need for CWU leaflet and posters (Tony will get some printed asap)

Practical solidarity was reported on including CWU speakers at a number of union branches including Gateshead, Newcastle Unison branches, UCU branches and due to speak at Unite branch next week over £1000 donates to strike fund from branches reported just the last 7 days alone.

Also students had done collection and raised £36

Report on blog: http://www.tynepostsolidarity.blogspot.com/ which will carry reports of meetings and any practical solidarity actions / events that come out of the local solidarity committee as well as annoucements and information from CWU on strike actions and local stalls / fundraising activities planned

Proposed regular activities
It was agreed to try and keep regular public stalls and Simon agreed to get permission for stall in town for Saturdays from 2om this saturday
Ed will email tony for PDFs and leaflets / collection sheets

Various social / fundraising events were discussed

Proposals to follow up specific union branches to get CWU speakers to meetings / workplaces were discussed

Next meeting will now be on Wednesday 11 November (the day after CWU branch committee) at 6pm Gateshead Civic Centre


Ed Whitby
http://www.tynepostsolidarity.blogspot.com/