n By Keith Hatch


The general secretary also laid a wreath on behalf of Unite at the grave of James Hammett, the only one of the Tolpuddle Martyrs to remain in the village following their return from transportation in Australia. Joining her paying their respects was Steve Leniec representing Unite’s agricultural workers.


In the Unite Marquee the Unite leader spoke to members, officers and organisers to find out how the weekend had been going.


Throughout the festival the Unite Marquee had not only been a place to discover more about Unite campaigns, pick up resources and join Unite, but it also hosted a series of speaker sessions from the Landworker and Unite South West region.


These incredibly popular sessions focused on issues including Rural Women in Rebellion, The Bristol Bus Boycott, problems facing Migrant Workers and why Social Security is a Trade Union issue.


Organisers brought together a fantastic array of speakers to bring the issues to life. The Bristol Bus Boycott session was particularly moving as Unite South West Equality Officer Lorraine Gibbs interviewed pioneer Joyce Morris-Wisdom about her experiences of workplace racism in Bristol during the 1960s.


Later, Landworker Editor Amanda Campbell started a workshop on rural women with a stirring account of the Ascott Martyrs, before Unite national officer for agriculture, Bev Clarkson, and EC member Angela Duerden, with Hajera Blagg, Landworker reporter highlighting many of the issues facing female workers in the countryside, both in the UK and abroad, and how Unite provides support.


For the last session of the day Unite member and Jersey deputy Beatriz Porée, Unite convenor migrant worker, Iulian Firea, and award-winning journalist Emiliano


Mellino joined former Unite officer Chris Kaufman to discuss the appalling conditions faced by many migrant workers.


There was even time for some sparkle and entertainment as Unite drag stars Dave and Istvan Imre performed a Gypsy circle dance before lifelong trade unionist FMI Clatters closed Saturday with a set of rousing songs and shanties.


Unite regional secretary Steve Preddy said, “The Unite South West team had a fantastic time, and were kept very busy talking to members about their workplace issues, setting up sessions in the marquee and distributing resources and promotional materials to a constant queue outside our space.


“We also handed out a lot of membership forms. It was fortunate that we had managed to negotiate a larger space this year as the sessions were packed, with standing room only at times.


“It was really good to have the general secretary at the festival this year and drop in on the Unite Marquee to find out about all the hard work the team in the South West are doing to support members and organise workplaces.”


On the main stage the music was just as diverse as folk duo FFTP, shared a stage with Welsh nu-rave act No Good Boyo along with the infectious ska of Dakka Skanks and the summery street vibe of Zimbabwe’s Gonora Sounds.


The general secretary finished her barnstorming main stage speech by encouraging 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.


“Because another world is possible, we must level the playing field, mobilise and join together, use our brains as well as our brawn.


“The rebirth of a trade union movement is truly in hand, an industrial base fit for working class politics, a politics of struggle, a politics of hope.


“Solidarity!” 11 uniteLANDWORKER Autumn 2024


UNITE VOX POPS


‘REALLY IMPRESSED’


This is the first time I’ve ever been to the 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


David Borthwick, scaffolder,


Hinkley Point C


‘OUTSTANDING’


‘OUTSTANDING’


This is my first Tolpuddle, but it certainly won’t be my last. I wasn’t too sure what to expect, but the Unite Marquee has been brilliant, there have been lots of good discussions. The welcome from the region was outstanding.


Stuart Grice, construction worker and EC member


‘IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THE MARTYRS’


I thought the workshops in the Unite tent have been very good, particularly the session on migrant workers. Hearing from the speaker from Jersey was very interesting. It’s important that we are remembering the Tolpuddle Martyrs


Joyce Morris-Wisdom, Bristol Bus Boycott veteran


This is my first Tolpuddle, but it certainly won’t be my last.


I wasn’t too sure what to expect, but the Unite Marquee has been brilliant, there have been lots of good discussions. The welcome from the region was outstanding


Stuart Grice, construction worker and EC member


All photos: Mark Thomas


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40