The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival returns to Dorset this month – and as part of it Unite has a new and larger marquee with an expanded programme of workshops and discussions.
Unite South West and The Landworker have joined forces this year, and on top of all the practical advice and top quality giveaways they have some thought provoking debates as well as some real trade union ground-breaking firsts!
A Unite spokesperson said: “Unite proudly brings you a weekend which includes toe-tapping, glass raising, mind-changing events – all paying homage to the great Martyrs and which we hope you will enjoy very much.”
The running order for the weekend is:
Saturday 20 July
11:15 – 12:30 Rural Women in Rebellion session – The battles, the victories
Featuring women’s stories of struggle against the odds
13:00 – 14:00 Bristol Bus Boycott Pioneer Interview
Featuring an interview with the Pioneers of the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott including Joyce Morris-Wisdom with Lorraine Gibbs Regional Women’s Officer, Charm McFarlane Young Member, and the Southwest Regional BAEM Committee.
14:15 – 16:15 Migrant Workers – the truth and the celebration
Featuring Jersey Channel Islands workers, Chris Kaufman, Unite Migrant Construction workers, and Dave and Istvan our Drag Queens on Roma circle folk dance.
17:00 – 18:00 Live Music from FMI Clatters
From classic pop through comedy, and shanties, you’ll hear them all delivered in Nigel ‘Clatter’s’ Clatworthy inimitable style.
Sunday 21 July
9:45 – 10:45 Social Security is a Trade Union Issue (workshop)
With Angela Duerden Unite the Union Executive Council member for women, Fran Heathcote General Secretary of PCS, and Paul Fleming General Secretary of Equity
There will also be members from the local Tolpuddle Branch and regional Unite team to help with workplace issues and signpost members, and potential members, on ways to get support.
More about Unite South West can be found on the website:
https://www.unitetheunion.org/what-we-do/unite-in-your-region/south-west
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