March and Rally - Birmingham for the Alternative

Date: Sunday 18 September
Assemble at 11 am on Granville Street B1 1JW

Speakers include: Frances O'Grady TUC, Billy Hayes CWU, Mark Serwotka PCS, Christine Blower NUT, Paul Kenny GMB

This year the Lib Dems are having their annual conference in Birmingham and the TUC is organising a march and rally to show opposition to the Coalition Government's disastrous policies of pay freezes, cuts and attacks on public services that are producing rising unemployment, cuts in living standards and stagnation. The march will also show the support for The Alternative. We need jobs, growth and justice for a sustainable future and this event will send that message loud and clear.

We call for the maximum support and are specifically asking unions and trades councils to:

• Encourage all your members to attend, a flier is available to download [PDF] and printed copies are available, to order leaflets e mail mkesterton@tuc.org.uk clearly stating the number of leaflets wanted and a postal address for delivery, allow 5 working days for delivery ,
• Let us know if you are booking transport and we can give advice on drop off, parking and collection,
• To ensure that we have an effective and safe event we need a number of stewards and all affiliates are asked to nominate a number of stewards, please e mail contact details of potential stewards to mkesterton@tuc.org.uk
• Consider making a donation to help fund the campaign.

There will be provision for marchers with disabilities, including a short route. It would be helpful if organisations could give as an indication of what their members access requirements are and we will do our very best to ensure that they are met.

B'ham & Coventry NUJ September Branch Meeting

Tuesday 13th September 2011
Old Windmill pub
Spon Street
Coventry
CVl 3BA
Meet 6:00 pm for 6:30 start

Light refreshments will be served

Agenda:
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of August meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Guest speaker - Charles Atangana, Journalist in Exile
6) BBC dispute - Work to rule, is it working?
6) Any other business

Early day motion 2137: Campaign to Save The Irish Post Newspaper
That this House expresses its concern at the sudden decision of the Cork-based Thomas Crosbie Holdings to close the longest running, largest circulation community weekly newspaper for the Irish in the UK; notes the belief of former staff and management that viable alternatives to closure are available and their launch of a community campaign to `Save the Irish Post'; further notes that the Federation of Irish Societies, with more than 150 affiliated clubs and societies throughout England and Wales, has described the Post as a central pillar of the community; further notes that the Irish Post has, for more than forty years, been the `voice of the Irish in Britain', defended the community against discrimination, promoted peace and reconciliation, celebrated Irish identity, ethnicity, history and culture; showcased Irish talent and promoted trade and commerce; believes that a vibrant and diverse community press and media is vital to the promotion of good relations in society; and supports the Irish community in its battle to save this vital resource.
Primary sponsor: Chris Ruane, Date tabled: 05/09/2011


Early day motion 2133: Casual Workers' Rights
That this House is troubled at the lack of protection for casual workers in the United Kingdom; notes with disappointment that at present casual workers can have their shifts cut short with no prior notice; acknowledges that temporary agency workers can often be amongst the most vulnerable in the United Kingdom; and calls on the Government to introduce stronger minimum rights for casual workers, including a minimum notice period before a shift can be cut short, to ensure that they are treated fairly and with respect in the workplace.
Primary sponsor: Katy Clark, Date tabled: 05/09/2011