The rally and March was
originally suggested at this year’s CWU annual conference by Dave Ward to demand
that the government back off from its attacks on a public postal service and
those who work in it.
Myself and the branch chairman Andy Beeby arrived at the assembly point at around 11.30am. There were a few people and banners already there and this soon built up to fill up most of the assembly point.
Banners from every region of the CWU were on display and it wasn’t long before our banner was on display. CWU flags and whistles were handed out by Jane Loftus.
A group of GMB union members
from the Remploy factories also took part.
The Rally commenced just after11.45am and Jane Loftus CWU President kicked off the proceedings.
John Grogan Labour MP for Selby constituency, Katie Clark Labour MP for North Ayrshire and Arran Steve Farley the chair of North West TUC and Labour Lord Tony Clarke of Hampstead were in attendance and all went down very well with the assembled CWU activists and members.
John Grogan said there were three good reasons to be cheerful,
Alan Leighton leaves Royal Mail in March next year a beaten man without the shares he so wanted.
The CWU secured agreement at the Labour Party National Policy Forum on the words that will go into the party manifesto for the next General Election.
John Hutton Secretary of State at DBERR has stated that there is a consensus that regulation isn’t working and needs changing.
Former CWU leader Lord Tony Clarke hit out at post office closures and the regulation of the industry which he described as a "sham". He also said the introduction of competition, had provided a cash bonanza for private companies.
Dave Ward, CWU deputy general
secretary (postal), told the rally “Even the most loyal Labour supporter must
realise 100 percent that the policies of New Labour have made the industry a
disaster zone.”
Billy Hayes, CWU General Secretary told the rally that the Labour government must fulfil its promises and maintain a fully publicly owned and fully integrated postal service.
After the Rally Andy and I marched through Manchester with the branch banner along with all the other CWU members and activists and their banners. Our destination was Labour Party Conference. Once the CWU arrived outside Labour Party Conference a song went out “Are you Tories, Are you Tories, Are you Tories in disguise?” Some of the Labour Party delegates were outside the conference hall and there was mixed reaction from them some looked bemused whilst others showed their support.
The Rally and March were very worthwhile and I feel that we chose an effective method to drive home our point not just to the Labour Government but the rank and file Labour Party members.
The CWU should look to utilise this method more often as it is very high profile and can help attract public support for CWU views and policies.
Darrell Herd
CWU Eastern 5 Branch Political Officer