Join the SAVE OUR LIBRARIES ESSEX March and Rally on Saturday 9th February in Chelmsford! #savelibraries @Essex_CC @EssexLibraries @essexlive @ChelmsfordSole @UNISONEastern

Join the SAVE OUR LIBRARIES ESSEX March and Rally

 WHERE: Saracens Head Hotel, 3 High Street, Chelmsford CM1 1BE
 WHEN: Saturday 9th February, 12:00 – 2:00
 EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/352674068844486


This public march in Chelmsford on Saturday 9th February is organised by campaign group Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE). SOLE are asking for people to meet at 12 noon, Chelmsford High Street, outside of the Saracens Head Hotel.

For up-to-date information on the SOLE campaign, including this march, please visit, like and share their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurLibrariesEssex

Essex County Council is currently consulting residents on plans to close libraries across Essex while having other libraries run by volunteers. If this goes ahead one-third of libraries in Essex will close and many more will be under threat. Find out if your local branch library is under threat at: https://bit.ly/2FPYGOk

By downgrading or closing these 44 libraries, Essex County Council hopes to save an estimated £3 million pounds* which could easily be sourced from the £340.2 million† they have in reserves.

Libraries are an essential part of the community and need to be defended. With nearly half of library users being either under the age of 9 or over the age of 60 these closures will impact on the most vulnerable members of our society. It will mean the loss of local services that support parents and children. It will mean the loss of Internet services to the community. It will mean an increase in loneliness to those living in isolation.

If you have not already done so then please:

  1. Sign the petition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-our-essex-libraries
  2. Complete the Essex County Council survey: https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/libraries-consultation

YOUR VIEWS MATTER SO MAKE SURE THEY ARE HEARD


Click here to download the SOLE March & Rally flyer.

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” Albert Einstein

“When in doubt, go to the library.” J.K. Rowling

“Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future.” Ray Bradbury

“Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities” R. David Lankes


* Essex Future Library Services Strategy 2019-2024, p.20
Essex County Council Statement of Accounts 2017/18, p.20

Southend UNISON Xmas Social 2018 – Wishing Everyone a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year & Solidarity with the Birmingham Care Workers!

Announcement graphic reading: "Merry Xmas Everyone! & Solidarity with the Birmingham Care Workers." This announcement text overlays a group photograph of Southend UNISON members holding 'Solidarity with the Birmingham Care Workers' posters taken at the branches' Xmas Social on Saturday 7th December 2018.

This year’s Xmas Social was a great success with everyone enjoying the delicious buffet, drinks, quiz, raffle, entertainment and good company!


Additionally, we extended solidarity with the Birmingham Care Workers who have been in a 12 month dispute with their employer, Birmingham Council, who are insisting on making substantial cuts to essential care services.

For more information visit the Birmingham Homecare Workers Facebook page and support the Strike Hardship Fund at GoFundMe.


Southend UNISON Xmas Social in pictures.

Southend UNISON members join thousands of anti-racists campaigners in London on Sunday 9th December #NoRacismNoFascism

Photograph of march vanguard at the Unite Against Fascist Tommy Robinson counter demonstration on Sunday 9th December 2018. Banner reads: “NO TO TOMMY ROBINSON, NO TO FASCISM”
March vanguard at the Unite Against Fascist Tommy Robinson counter demonstration on Sunday 9th December 2018. Photograph by Louise Raw

Thousands of people gathered outside BBC headquarters at Portland Place under the banner “NO TO TOMMY ROBINSON | NO TO FASCISM” before marching through central London, via Trafalgar Square to Whitehall.

We rallied to oppose the so-called “Brexit Betrayal” march led by racist Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) and UKIP leader Gerrard Batten. Robinson and Batten’s racist gang was easily outnumbered by around 3 to 1 and were consequently humiliated on London’s streets as they attempted to capitalise on the government’s Brexit crisis.

The message of our counter-demonstration was clear that both leavers and remainers alike will not stand for fascists attempting to profit from a crisis; and that we will not stop until the rise of the far-right, and the wave of hate crime that has accompanied it, has been defeated.

A broad coalition of groups mobilised for the counter-demonstration included Stand Up To Racism, Momentum, Muslim Association of Britain, Jewish Socialist Group, Brazilians Against Fascism, local Labour Parties as well as Trade Unions including UNISON, UCU, NEU, FBU, TSSA, PCS, CWU, NAPO, RMT and Unite who brought both banners and numbers.

Video Report

Photograph of anti-racists at the Unite Against Fascist Tommy Robinson counter demonstration at Whitehall, London on Sunday 9th December 2018.
¡No pasarán! (They shall not pass) – Anti-racists at the Unite Against Fascist Tommy Robinson counter demonstration at Whitehall, London on Sunday 9th December 2018. Photograph by Jess Baines, UCU

Related Articles

The Guardian Anti-racist marchers in London claim victory over far-right protest
BBC Rival marches ahead of Brexit vote


SAVE THE DATE: On Saturday 16 March 2019, Stand Up To Racism will be back on the streets in big numbers again on UN Anti Racism Day, where internationally anti-racist movements are holding marches to say #NoRacismNoFascism. Given the growth of the far right, racism and fascist forces across Europe, the US and Brazil, this year’s march takes on an even greater urgency now.
 
Join, invite to, and share the Facebook event page for UN Anti Racism Day today.

STAND UP TO RACISM International Conference – Call for people to join the National Unity Demonstration on Saturday 17th November | #N17

Photograph showing a large group of STAND UP TO RACISM International Conference attendees holding National Unity Demonstration posters above their heads as a sign of support – the accompanying text reads: “National Unity Demonstration Saturday 17 November.”

The STAND UP TO RACISM International Conference in central London on Saturday 20th October brought together trade unionists, campaigners, parliamentarians, and faith and community leaders from across the UK, Europe and the US to help build a mass movement against the far right on our streets, in our workplaces, on our campuses and in our communities.

Around 1,400 people attended throughout the day – themes included combating racism, building solidarity with refugees, and defending migrants’ rights – with a resounding call for people to join the forthcoming National Unity Demonstration on Saturday 17th November.

If you’re a Southend UNISON member and would like to join the National Unity Demonstration on Saturday 17th November please contact the branch ASAP to book your coach seat.

If you know a non-UNISON member who would also like to attend this national demonstration please get them to contact us.

For more information please read this previous post and/or contact the Branch Office.


STAND UP TO RACISM International Conference in pictures.

Click here to view more pictures from the STAND UP TO RACISM International Conference and for more information about the proceedings download the Conference Agenda and read Tomáš Tengely-Evans’ article: Anti-racist conference meets in London and pledges to push the racist right back

Black History Month event at Southend Borough Council – Tuesday 23rd October, 12:30 – 2:00pm

Announcement graphic reading: “Join us for an event to celebrate Black British History. Speakers, stalls, refreshments, live jazz. Tuesday 23rd October, 12:30 – 2:00pm. Southend Borough Council, First Floor Foyer, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6ER.” Black History 365, UNISON Southend-on-Sea and Southend Borough Council logos are displayed beneath.

Photographs showing guest speaker Josephine Melville (left) and Southend UNISON stall (right) at this year’s Black History Month event at Southend Borough Council.
Guest speaker Josephine Melville (left) and Southend UNISON stall (right) at this year’s Black History Month event at Southend Borough Council.

Photographs by Louise McDermott (President, Southend UNISON)

Photographs showing Sam Adams (LGBT+ Support Officer) and guest speaker Josephine Melville (left) and Pekance Tani (Social Worker, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council) and Pam Drever (Retired Members’ Officer) on Southend UNISON stall (right) at this year’s Black History Month event at Southend Borough Council.
Sam Adams (LGBT+ Support Officer) and guest speaker Josephine Melville (left) and Pekance Tani (Social Worker, SBC) and Pam Drever (Retired Members’ Officer) on Southend UNISON stall (right) at this year’s Black History Month event at Southend Borough Council.

Photographs by Kate Stafford (Local Organiser, UNISON Eastern)

Join us for an event to celebrate Black British History including speakers, refreshments, live jazz music and stalls from groups including UNISON Black Members.

WHERE: Southend Borough Council, First Floor Foyer, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6ER
WHEN: Tuesday 23rd October, 12:30 – 2:00pm


EVENT PROGRAMME

12:30 pm

Welcome by Niki Mistry
(Southend-on-Sea Borough Council BAME Forum Chair)

Speakers:

Emma Cooney
(Forum Sponsor and Director of Regeneration & Business Development)

Tim Roberts
(UNISON Eastern Region)

Ranjit Singh Rana
(Equality & Diversity Consultant)
Equalities: Progress on Equality Law and the Future

Mike Meehan
(Community Engagement Worker – Dementia)
The Impact of Dementia on Southend’s African/Caribbean Community

13:00 pm

Entertainment from jazz singer Dawnette Fessey – and a chance to chat and socialise!


EVERYONE WELCOME, WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

STOP THE SOUTHEND HMRC AND DWP CLOSURES – Please download the petition here and get your workmates, friends and family to sign.

Announcement/decorative image showing details from the STOP THE HMRC AND DWP CLOSURES campaign flyer – full flyer text transcribed in post.

Please supports the PCS (Public and Commercial Services Union) STOP THE SOUTHEND HMRC AND DWP CLOSURES campaign.

The government plans to close the Southend HMRC office in 2022 and Southend Benefit Service Centre by 2020. This will remove around 1,500 jobs from our community.

If these plans aren’t stopped the closures will:

  • Deny the local community access to important public services.
  • Significantly reduce the spending power of DWP and HMRC staff who live and shop in the area. PCS has estimated that £34 million per year will disappear from the local economy.
  • Lose essential, specialist VAT and customs knowledge in the run up to Brexit and beyond. Arguably at a time when this knowledge is most needed.
  • Axe around 1,500 good quality jobs from our community at a time when Southend’s unemployment rate is already higher than the national average.

WHAT WE CAN DO TO SUPPORT THE PCS CAMPAIGN

  • DOWNLOAD THE PETITION calling on Southend MPs to intervene to keep the offices open and get your workmates, friends and family to sign.
  • DROP OFF COMPLETED PETITIONS to Southend Jobcentre Plus in an envelope marked for the attention of Rachel Heemskerk (Branch Secretary, PCS DWP Essex), alternatively drop off at the UNISON Southend-on-Sea Branch Office.
  • Share this post and the STOP THE HMRC AND DWP CLOSURES campaign flyer on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Keep up-to-date with the PCS national campaign against office closures at: https://www.pcs.org.uk/campaigns/office-closures

Southend Pride’s Amazing Parade & Festival 2018 | #SouthendPride

Photograph of UNISON stall at Southend Pride Festival at Warrior Square Gardens.

On Saturday 21 July, UNISON members joined hundreds of people on the Southend Pride Parade – the culmination of a range of fantastic events throughout the week to celebrate the LGBT+ community.

The parade gathered at Royal Plaza and was opened by Southend Pride organiser, Dan Turpin, UNISON Southend-on-Sea Secretary, Claire Wormald, and the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Derek Jarvis.

After these speeches and a workout with Active Life everyone proudly marched up the High Street to the Festival in Warrior Square Gardens, and then on to an After Party at The Cliff Pub.

Southend Pride in pictures:

“SAY IT LOUD, SAY IT CLEAR: DONALD TRUMP’S NOT WELCOME HERE”

Photograph of Baby Trump Blimp and placard reading: DUCK OFF DONALD

On Friday 13 July, UNISON members joined hundreds of thousands of people who took to the streets in Southend-on-Sea, London and towns and cities across the country to stand up against Donald Trump’s visit and values – a dangerous man that represents bigotry, hatred, misogyny and racism – and threatens both our environment and international peace.

What we saw was a day of celebration, noise and action. A day of joy, love, solidarity and resistance as we stood together in celebration of the diverse communities which make up our great country.

TOGETHER WE SAID IT LOUD, SAID IT CLEAR: DONALD TRUMP’S NOT WELCOME HERE!

Photograph of UNISON Southend-on-Sea members and protestors at the SOUTHEND-ON-SEA AGAINST TRUMP march on Friday 13th July.
UNISON Southend-on-Sea members and protestors at the SOUTHEND-ON-SEA AGAINST TRUMP march on Friday 13th July.

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA AGAINST TRUMP videos.

Claire Wormald (Secretary, UNISON Southend-on-Sea) talks about the importance of standing up against Donald Trump’s visit and values.

UNISON Southend-on-Sea members and protestors at the SOUTHEND-ON-SEA AGAINST TRUMP march.

Protester Tony Groves talks about his own Baby Trump at the SOUTHEND-ON-SEA AGAINST TRUMP march.


SOUTHEND-ON-SEA AGAINST TRUMP march, BRING THE NOISE Women’s March and TOGETHER AGAINST TRUMP National Demonstration in pictures.

UNISON Southend-on-Sea members and Save Southend NHS campaigners join the huge Our NHS is 70 Celebration & Demonstration on Saturday 30th June

Photograph of UNISON Southend-on-Sea members and Save Our Southend NHS campaigners at the ‘Our NHS is 70 Celebration & Demonstration' on Saturday 30th June.
UNISON Southend-on-Sea members and Save Our Southend NHS campaigners at the ‘Our NHS is 70 Celebration & Demonstration’ on Saturday 30th June.

UNISON Southend-on-Sea members and Save Southend NHS campaigners join the huge Our NHS is 70 Celebration & Demonstration on Saturday 30th June in London.

We stopped outside Downing Street demanding Theresa May’s resignation en route to a rally where we were greeted by the National Health Singers choir singing “the NHS needs saving, don’t let them break it”.

Photograph of Claire Wormald (Secretary, UNISON Southend-on-Sea) addressing protestors at the ‘Our NHS is 70 Celebration & Demonstration' on Saturday 30th June.
Claire Wormald (Secretary, UNISON Southend-on-Sea) addressing protestors at the ‘Our NHS is 70 Celebration & Demonstration’ on Saturday 30th June.

Doctors, nurses, union leaders, actors and politicians including Jeremy Corbyn addressed around 40,000 people – demanding an end to government cuts and further privatisation of the health service, for staff to no longer be subcontracted to private companies and for social care to be properly funded.

Photograph of Jeremy Corbyn (Leader of the Labour Party) addressing 'Our NHS is 70' rally at Westminster, London. (30 June 2018)
Jeremy Corbyn (Leader of the Labour Party) addressing ‘Our NHS is 70’ rally at Westminster, London. (30 June 2018)

Our NHS is 70 Celebration & Demonstration in pictures.