The blog of Rugby TUSC
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
RUGBY TUSC SPEAKS OUT IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC SECTOR PENSIONS STRIKES
Following the issue of a Media Release outlining how Rugby TUSC had been promoting the Public Sector Pensions Strike on Nov 30 with stalls and leaflets, BBC CWR contacted local TUSC spokesperson Pete McLaren and subsequently interviewed him live on Saturday December 3rd about the impact of the strike. The interview can be heard at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00ltpvt
Thursday, 1 December 2011
TUSC REACTS TO VILE COMMENTS BY JEREMY CLARKSON WITH IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE
JEREMY CLARKSON SHOULD BE SACKED AND CHARGED WITH HATE CRIME
Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has been reported as saying that public sector strikers should be shot. On the ‘One Show’, he apparently said, “I’d have them all shot. I would take them outside and execute them in front of their families.”
“If the report is accurate, and Jeremy Clarkson did say that public sector strikers should be shot dead, then I believe, at the very least, he should immediately be charged with Hate Crime and sacked by the BBC,” Pete McLaren, spokesperson for Rugby Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC), said today. “There may be other offences he has committed as well. “
“Whether or not he said it tongue in cheek, and I did not see the programme, his reported comments are extremely offensive and bordering on the fascist. You can not make a joke about executing people in front of their families. These reported comments are beyond reproach even in a society that correctly values freedom of speech. Such a freedom should not extend to the right to publicly call for mass exterminations, which is effectively what Clarkson was reported to have said.”
“This is more than just an insult to the millions of public sector workers on strike today to defend pensions and fight cuts. If the comments have been accurately reported, they indicate a desire to wage terror and war on ordinary working people whose jobs are in the public sector. The authorities must deal with this immediately,” Pete McLaren concluded.
Monday, 21 November 2011
HOW TO SUPPORT THE PUBLIC SECTOR PENSION STRIKES ON NOVEMBER 30
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ON NOVEMBER 30th
* Early morning workplace pickets at the following workplaces
– Warwickshire college, Lower Hillmorton Rd, Rugby
- Rugby St Cross Hospital, Barby Rd
– Warwickshire college, Lower Hillmorton Rd, Rugby
- Rugby St Cross Hospital, Barby Rd
* 10.15am Cathedral Steps, Priory Street Coventry March/Rally
* 12 noon TUC March through Birmingham - Assemble Lionel
St/Livery St car park
* 1.30pm Rally with TUC Gen Sec Brendan Barber, hopefully
Banner Theatre, & others National Indoor Arena, B’ham
* 7.30pm NSSN Public Meeting ‘Building on Nov 30’ Methodist
Central Hall, Coventry
Monday, 14 November 2011
RUGBY TUSC CAMPAIGNS AGAINST LOCAL HEALTH CUTS
"The Rugby TUSC branch has gained considerable publicity for opposing the closure of a ward at Rugby St Cross hospital", reports Rugby TUSC Convenor Pete McLaren. "We were initially contacted by our daily local Paper, the Warwickshire Telegraph, ten days ago asking for a comment on the sudden announcement by hospital bosses. We followed that up with a Media Release which was immediately taken up by BBC Coventry And Warwickshire who interviewed me and subsequently broadcast aspects of it on news items. Yesterday our weekly Rugby Advertiser carried the Media Release in full, using it to counter pose the claim of the NHS Trust Chief Executive that the hospital remained safe! Their heading was "Campaigners fear for future of hospital" This is the first time I have ever had a Media Release reproduced in the Media in full.
We are in the process of contacting the on site Trade Unions suggesting a joint campaign of action, and, amongst other things, we are offering that TUSC would promote any press statements the Unions wanted to make."
The Press article can be read at tp://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/local/decision_to_close_birch_ward_at_rugby_s_hospital_of_st_cross_came_out_of_the_blue_1_320
We are in the process of contacting the on site Trade Unions suggesting a joint campaign of action, and, amongst other things, we are offering that TUSC would promote any press statements the Unions wanted to make."
The Press article can be read at tp://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/local/decision_to_close_birch_ward_at_rugby_s_hospital_of_st_cross_came_out_of_the_blue_1_320
REPORT FROM FIRST MEETING OF TUSC INDEPENDENT SOCIALIST NETWORK - a body for independent socialists
There were 16 TUSC supporters present. It was agreed Pete McLaren take notes of the meeting. Those in attendance introduced themselves and described their political backgrounds
There was a lot of general discussion about the significance of TUSC and the role independents could play within it. Some decisions were made about how the ISN should develop - these are listed at the end of the report
GENERAL DISCUSSION ABOUT TUSC, THE POLITICAL SITUATION WE FACE AND HOW THE LEFT SHOULD RESPOND
The following were amongst the main points made:
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TUSC
• TUSC is a Coalition with huge potential
• The importance of TUSC is that it has Trade Union backing, along with the SP and SWP<!--more-->
• TUSC must have electoral and non electoral strategies. Campaigning will bring genuine people on board, including those who will not come to meetings. We should use modern technology
ROLE OF THE ISN
• Independent socialists will now have a say on the TUSC SC through the ISN
• The ISN can remain even if TUSC dissolves for some reason
• Independents can come together to provide a coherent voice
• Independents need to relate to the rest of the left
THE NEED FOR A NEW LEFT PARTY
• The Left needs to find a way of coming together with a federal structure to keep everyone on board. People would then join the alliance, not its component parts as happened with the original SA to an extent
• The objective situation is worse today and Labour is no longer reclaimable. We therefore need to build quickly, with democratic structures and individual membership to attract
• It will not be easy – we need trade unionists on board and branches on the ground
• We must learn from the positives from past projects, such as building from below
• There is support for socialist ideas, evidenced by new waves of protest, but no real alternative is being offered. This is where TUSC should step in – and take our socialist ideas to the wider community
• We need to be careful that the far right does not fill the vacuum
• We need to persuade the majority of people of the need to change society. We need a Party to do this, but stepping stones towards it can be laid now. TUSC can be part of that. We need a movement that inspires and encourages socialism in a language people can understand
• Building a new Left Party is not utopian, it is happening in many European countries
TUSC BRANCHES AND MEMBERSHIP
• Building local TUSC branches, and establishing local memberships, will strengthen the argument for TUSC to move towards a national membership structure
• Local branches are emerging and calls are growing for membership to be introduced
• We need to be wary both of sectarianism and bureaucracy, and promote discussions to overcome these problems. We must use our influence as independents
INCLUSION
• We must be more inclusive by ensuring meetings are accessible and not by relying only on traditional forces like TUs, many of which have historically been male dominated. The cuts are affecting the most vulnerable groups, those the left ignores. We must avoid excluding minorities
• TUSC must develop its policy on women and reflect women’s’ concerns. Meetings for women should be organised
TUSC AND DEMOCRACY
• Does TUSC have any democratic structures? Why has there been no open Conference?
• Could the ISN have two representatives on the TUSC Steering Committee (SC) to represent different interests?
• Members of the TUSC Steering Committee are wary of moving too fast because of past mistakes with other left projects
• The TUSC Steering Committee is federal with decisions by consensus only
• The Steering Committee has met since July to discuss the London elections: it has not yet addressed the issues raised at the July Conference
• Although we need a new Party, calling for one now may threaten the future of TUSC because it could threaten the existence of existing supportive parties
• The July TUSC Conference broadened out the SC and thus improved democracy within TUSC. Not only has representation of independents been accepted, but it has been agreed to find ways of giving representation to supportive political groups, local TU branches and local TUSC branches
• TUSC has a very underdeveloped programme which must be changed: the question is, how?
WHAT CAN THE ISN DO TO BUILD TUSC AND ITSELF, AND HOW SHOULD THE ISN BE ORGANISED?
Nick Wrack explained the present TUSC programme was limited to what the different groups involved in TUSC could agree on to stand candidates together. The ISN could raise additional policies for consideration. Those present suggested the following ways of building TUSC and the ISN:
• We must intervene wherever we can and be seen to have a national presence as the ISN , eg on N30. To do this we need local contacts on the ground, and then to set up networking/mapping arrangements
• We need a common script – the need for a new workers’ party should be part of it
• We should work to set up local TUSC branches, out of Anti Cuts Groups where appropriate, and then use such branches to encourage local membership
• Local TUSC branches must be recognised by the SC
• Independents should try to build local TUSC branches
• It may prove more difficult to set up branches in areas dominated by the SP or SWP
• As we build TUSC, we build the ISN, but not by acting against existing socialist groups
• We must use the ISN web site to get branches and independents together
• We must not underestimate our potential influence
• TUSC branches should promote TUSC on N30
• The ‘Unique Selling Point’ of the ISN is the arguing for the creation of a new socialist party
THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONAL POINTS FOR THE ISN WERE AGREED
• We agree to establish the ISN as a national body working in TUSC
• This meeting becomes a sort of steering committee for the ISN
• ISN members would help develop TUSC branches wherever possible
• ISN members would work within existing left forums to promote both TUSC and the ISN
• A network of local ISN contacts will be established
• Create a map of independent left groups and local independent socialists across the country
• The ISN web site to be developed to become more proactive
• The need for a new socialist party to be central to the ISN’s work
• The ISN will promote TUSC and the ISN on N30
ELECTION OF THE ISN REPRESENTATIVE TO THE TUSC STEERING COMMITTEE
Will McMahon, Pete McLaren and Steve Ballard were nominated. Will McMahon received 8 votes, Pete McLaren received 6 votes, Steve Ballard received 1 vote, with one person not voting. Given the votes for Will and Pete it was agreed to ask the Steering Committee if both could attend meetings, otherwise they will alternate attendance.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to Nick Wrack and Will McMahon for organizing the meeting.
It was agreed to hold the next national ISN meeting on Saturday 14 January 2012 in London. A pooled fare would operate
Pete McLaren 06/11/11
There was a lot of general discussion about the significance of TUSC and the role independents could play within it. Some decisions were made about how the ISN should develop - these are listed at the end of the report
GENERAL DISCUSSION ABOUT TUSC, THE POLITICAL SITUATION WE FACE AND HOW THE LEFT SHOULD RESPOND
The following were amongst the main points made:
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TUSC
• TUSC is a Coalition with huge potential
• The importance of TUSC is that it has Trade Union backing, along with the SP and SWP<!--more-->
• TUSC must have electoral and non electoral strategies. Campaigning will bring genuine people on board, including those who will not come to meetings. We should use modern technology
ROLE OF THE ISN
• Independent socialists will now have a say on the TUSC SC through the ISN
• The ISN can remain even if TUSC dissolves for some reason
• Independents can come together to provide a coherent voice
• Independents need to relate to the rest of the left
THE NEED FOR A NEW LEFT PARTY
• The Left needs to find a way of coming together with a federal structure to keep everyone on board. People would then join the alliance, not its component parts as happened with the original SA to an extent
• The objective situation is worse today and Labour is no longer reclaimable. We therefore need to build quickly, with democratic structures and individual membership to attract
• It will not be easy – we need trade unionists on board and branches on the ground
• We must learn from the positives from past projects, such as building from below
• There is support for socialist ideas, evidenced by new waves of protest, but no real alternative is being offered. This is where TUSC should step in – and take our socialist ideas to the wider community
• We need to be careful that the far right does not fill the vacuum
• We need to persuade the majority of people of the need to change society. We need a Party to do this, but stepping stones towards it can be laid now. TUSC can be part of that. We need a movement that inspires and encourages socialism in a language people can understand
• Building a new Left Party is not utopian, it is happening in many European countries
TUSC BRANCHES AND MEMBERSHIP
• Building local TUSC branches, and establishing local memberships, will strengthen the argument for TUSC to move towards a national membership structure
• Local branches are emerging and calls are growing for membership to be introduced
• We need to be wary both of sectarianism and bureaucracy, and promote discussions to overcome these problems. We must use our influence as independents
INCLUSION
• We must be more inclusive by ensuring meetings are accessible and not by relying only on traditional forces like TUs, many of which have historically been male dominated. The cuts are affecting the most vulnerable groups, those the left ignores. We must avoid excluding minorities
• TUSC must develop its policy on women and reflect women’s’ concerns. Meetings for women should be organised
TUSC AND DEMOCRACY
• Does TUSC have any democratic structures? Why has there been no open Conference?
• Could the ISN have two representatives on the TUSC Steering Committee (SC) to represent different interests?
• Members of the TUSC Steering Committee are wary of moving too fast because of past mistakes with other left projects
• The TUSC Steering Committee is federal with decisions by consensus only
• The Steering Committee has met since July to discuss the London elections: it has not yet addressed the issues raised at the July Conference
• Although we need a new Party, calling for one now may threaten the future of TUSC because it could threaten the existence of existing supportive parties
• The July TUSC Conference broadened out the SC and thus improved democracy within TUSC. Not only has representation of independents been accepted, but it has been agreed to find ways of giving representation to supportive political groups, local TU branches and local TUSC branches
• TUSC has a very underdeveloped programme which must be changed: the question is, how?
WHAT CAN THE ISN DO TO BUILD TUSC AND ITSELF, AND HOW SHOULD THE ISN BE ORGANISED?
Nick Wrack explained the present TUSC programme was limited to what the different groups involved in TUSC could agree on to stand candidates together. The ISN could raise additional policies for consideration. Those present suggested the following ways of building TUSC and the ISN:
• We must intervene wherever we can and be seen to have a national presence as the ISN , eg on N30. To do this we need local contacts on the ground, and then to set up networking/mapping arrangements
• We need a common script – the need for a new workers’ party should be part of it
• We should work to set up local TUSC branches, out of Anti Cuts Groups where appropriate, and then use such branches to encourage local membership
• Local TUSC branches must be recognised by the SC
• Independents should try to build local TUSC branches
• It may prove more difficult to set up branches in areas dominated by the SP or SWP
• As we build TUSC, we build the ISN, but not by acting against existing socialist groups
• We must use the ISN web site to get branches and independents together
• We must not underestimate our potential influence
• TUSC branches should promote TUSC on N30
• The ‘Unique Selling Point’ of the ISN is the arguing for the creation of a new socialist party
THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONAL POINTS FOR THE ISN WERE AGREED
• We agree to establish the ISN as a national body working in TUSC
• This meeting becomes a sort of steering committee for the ISN
• ISN members would help develop TUSC branches wherever possible
• ISN members would work within existing left forums to promote both TUSC and the ISN
• A network of local ISN contacts will be established
• Create a map of independent left groups and local independent socialists across the country
• The ISN web site to be developed to become more proactive
• The need for a new socialist party to be central to the ISN’s work
• The ISN will promote TUSC and the ISN on N30
ELECTION OF THE ISN REPRESENTATIVE TO THE TUSC STEERING COMMITTEE
Will McMahon, Pete McLaren and Steve Ballard were nominated. Will McMahon received 8 votes, Pete McLaren received 6 votes, Steve Ballard received 1 vote, with one person not voting. Given the votes for Will and Pete it was agreed to ask the Steering Committee if both could attend meetings, otherwise they will alternate attendance.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to Nick Wrack and Will McMahon for organizing the meeting.
It was agreed to hold the next national ISN meeting on Saturday 14 January 2012 in London. A pooled fare would operate
Pete McLaren 06/11/11
NUNEATON AGAINST THE CUTS INVITES TUSC SPEAKER
Nuneaton Against the Cuts invited Pete McLaren, Convenor of the Rugby TUSC Branch, to speak at their meeting last week about setting up a TUSC branch. They are planning to stand four or five TUSC candidates next year.
“I explained that, in Rugby, TUSC emerged directly out of Rugby Against the Cuts when it was decided to stand anti cuts candidates in every ward,” Pete McLaren explained. “This followed the refusal by any establishment parties or candidates to sign our Pledge to Oppose All Cuts. The Rugby TUSC branch was set up on March 2: by the end of the month we had seven candidates, including three leading members of local trade unions who agreed there was an urgent need for a political dimension to the anti cuts struggle.”
“I went on to outline how TUSC had developed nationally, including the decisions taken at the TUSC Conference in July, and that since then the London Region RMT had agreed to promote an anti cuts challenge in the Greater London assembly and Mayoral Elections in 2012, suggesting this could take place under the name of TUSC. This has since been firmed up with a letter from leading RMT and FBUofficials, in a personal capacity, calling for TU and socialist candidates across London.”
“I concluded by announcing the formation of an Independent Socialist Network within TUSC, with the first national meeting taking place on October 29”
Nuneaton Against the Cuts Secretary Tom Sidwell afterwards said the meeting had been positive. “We were particularly encouraged to hear that Rugby TUSC had delivered their main leaflet to every household in the seven wards and put out three leaflets in total, both on stalls and through doors. had raised £2,000, £1,330 of which had come from trade unions and put out 15 Media releases since March, leading to 15 press articles, three radio interviews and three lead items on socialist blogs. Rugby TUSC averaged 7.2% of the vote with a ratio to Labour votes of 1:4. The national TUSC average was 4.7%, a ratio to Labour of 1:10
“We have now written asking Rugby TUSC to provide us with examples of their press releases. We are trying to encourage others in the group to produce these more regularly and we think the talk Pete McLaren gave will really help us focus on future activities as TUSC”, he concluded. Pete McLaren 04/10/11
“I explained that, in Rugby, TUSC emerged directly out of Rugby Against the Cuts when it was decided to stand anti cuts candidates in every ward,” Pete McLaren explained. “This followed the refusal by any establishment parties or candidates to sign our Pledge to Oppose All Cuts. The Rugby TUSC branch was set up on March 2: by the end of the month we had seven candidates, including three leading members of local trade unions who agreed there was an urgent need for a political dimension to the anti cuts struggle.”
“I went on to outline how TUSC had developed nationally, including the decisions taken at the TUSC Conference in July, and that since then the London Region RMT had agreed to promote an anti cuts challenge in the Greater London assembly and Mayoral Elections in 2012, suggesting this could take place under the name of TUSC. This has since been firmed up with a letter from leading RMT and FBUofficials, in a personal capacity, calling for TU and socialist candidates across London.”
“I concluded by announcing the formation of an Independent Socialist Network within TUSC, with the first national meeting taking place on October 29”
Nuneaton Against the Cuts Secretary Tom Sidwell afterwards said the meeting had been positive. “We were particularly encouraged to hear that Rugby TUSC had delivered their main leaflet to every household in the seven wards and put out three leaflets in total, both on stalls and through doors. had raised £2,000, £1,330 of which had come from trade unions and put out 15 Media releases since March, leading to 15 press articles, three radio interviews and three lead items on socialist blogs. Rugby TUSC averaged 7.2% of the vote with a ratio to Labour votes of 1:4. The national TUSC average was 4.7%, a ratio to Labour of 1:10
“We have now written asking Rugby TUSC to provide us with examples of their press releases. We are trying to encourage others in the group to produce these more regularly and we think the talk Pete McLaren gave will really help us focus on future activities as TUSC”, he concluded. Pete McLaren 04/10/11
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Rugby TUSC Public Meeting
Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition - Rugby Branch - Public Meeting
THE FIGHT AGAINST ALL CUTS GOES ON
SAVE OUR SERVICES – FIGHT FOR THE ALTERNATIVE!
Speakers;
Bob Crow RMT General Secretary
Steve Roberts FBU Chair Warwickshire
Jane Nellist NUT Joint Secretary, Coventry
Jodie Hannis Youth Fight for Jobs, Coventry & Warwickshire
Speakers;
Bob Crow RMT General Secretary
Steve Roberts FBU Chair Warwickshire
Jane Nellist NUT Joint Secretary, Coventry
Jodie Hannis Youth Fight for Jobs, Coventry & Warwickshire
Come along and meet the Jarrow marchers!
Wednesday 26th October - 7pm
United Railwaymen's Club - Spring Street, Rugby
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