Join UNISON Cymru/Wales this Saturday (27 January) on the TUC march to protect the right to strike in Cheltenham.
UNISON is running a coach picking up in Swansea, Port Talbot and Cardiff and there’s still time to book your seat email cymruwales@unison.co.uk
Here’s the latest information (updated Monday 23 Jan):
Pick up locations and times:
- 8.00am – Swansea Guildhall
- 8.30am – Port Talbot Hospital
- 9.30am – Cardiff Museum
March & Rally
- 12pm – gather at Montpellier Gardens
- 12.30pm – march departs through town centre to Pittville Park (approximately 1 hour walk)
- 1.30pm – rally in Pittville Park
Flags and placards can be picked up by UNISON activists/staff from the Queens Hotel, which is close to the starting line-up.
Disabled Access
The shorter march for disabled and elderly guests is on “Boots Corner” (GL50 4DJ) this is where The Promenade meets the High Street and is at the bottom of North Street.
The exact location is on the map here: https://g.co/kgs/emGbkNy
There will also be a disabled and elderly persons marquee at the rally with seating that is positioned just to the side of the main stage and facing the front. BSL interpreters will be supporting the event. There will be toilets including a disabled toilet at Pittville Park.
Return – Pick Up
Event organisers will be confirming pick up points later in the week.
You will be provided details on the day, along with contact details for the coach steward. We will confirm the leaving time with the driver on the day, likely to be around 3.30pm.
More information can be found by emailing cymruwales@unison.co.uk and via the TUC at Protect the right to strike march and rally | TUC.
UNISON Cymru/Wales convenor Jan Tomlinson (pictured above) will be attending the event and said: “This Conservative government’s goal is and has been to undermine and destroy trade unionism.
“It won’t be allowed to happen.
“We as UNISON Cymru/Wales will be there shouting loud and proud with our regional banner held high.
“Enough is enough, it is our right should we choose to take strike action not theirs to deny it us.”
Nick Davies, young members’ officer at UNISON Cymru/Wales and the South Gas branch, (pictured above) said: “As young people are disproportionately likely to suffer low wages and precarious contracts, the right to strike is even more important.
“I encourage all young members to attend this event.”
Terry Evans, UNISON Cwm Taf local government area branch communications officer, has been a member of the union for 40 years.
Terry is a highways engineer working for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and said: “Going on strike is always a last resort.
“No one would ever chose to go through that hardship, but sometimes, when negotiations fail, it is the only option.
“I have been on strike several times over the years, defending terms and conditions, trying to protect our pensions and fighting for better pay.
“We do not always get what we want, but we always secure an improved offer, even though we had initially been told there was no room for improvement.”
