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Constructing solidarity at Tolpuddle
Building workers from across the UK joined the crowds at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival in July, writes Keith Hatch many for the first time.
The festival is held every year in the Dorset village to celebrate one of the defining moments in trade union history.
Unite is always a major presence, and this year Sharon Graham addressed the cheering crowd from the main stage saying, “This is the first time in 14 years that Tolpuddle has met without the cloud of the Tories hanging over us.”
Sharon encouraged people to organise and stand together in solidarity.
“Friends, almost 200 years on from the Martyrs, it’s time for our unions, all of us together, to embark on our essential mission to fight for workers, to make another world possible.”
The Unite Marquee was a hub for members across the site to meet colleagues, attend workshops, pick up resources and find out about the latest campaigns.
David Borthwick is a scaffolder, and Unite Branch Secretary, at Hinkley Point C. He told buildingWORKER, “This is the first time I’ve ever been to the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival, and it’s great! It’s a big platform for Unite, and all unions, and I’ve taken the opportunity to go to lots of talks and find out about different issues.
“I’m really impressed by how positive the atmosphere is here!”
Also attending was Executive Committee member Stuart Grice, who said, “This is my first Tolpuddle, but it certainly won’t be my last. I wasn’t too sure what to expect when I arrived, but the Unite Marquee has been brilliant, there have been lots of lively discussions – with both comradely agreement and disagreement.”
Gathering with thousands of trade unionists Stuart highlighted what he hoped to see from the new government, saying, “I really want Labour to focus on housebuilding, and the skills the country needs to carry out this work. We’re 250,000 trades people short and need a massive construction apprenticeships programme following years of Tory cuts in construction training.”
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Another first-time festival goer was Darren Goldstone who took a Unite organised coach from London with his son and sister-in-law.
Unite convenor Darren explained, “I found out about the festival through the branch and decided to go. All the stalls were great, I had a couple of drinks, watched some great bands and really enjoyed the day.”
Darren joined other members in the Unite block at the front of the march, and said, “We all marched together through this country village listening to brass bands and remembering early trade unionists – the whole experience was fantastic.”
Darren is reporting back to his next branch meeting, and recommending that others join him, as he is “definitely going back next year”.
Solidarity – Scaffolder David Borthwick (l) loved his visit to Tolpuddle
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