TSSA - Tolpuddle Martyr’s Festival
On the 18th – 20th July, two young TSSA members, Matt Smith, and Máedóc Ellis attended the Tolpuddle Festival on behalf of the union.
Attending the festival was a great experience for us as young trade unionists, and an occasion for us to represent what our union stands for. Throughout the weekend we ran a stall where we spoke to members of the public and other trade unionists about our new campaign to Keep Transport Workers Safe – the merchandise was certainly a draw!
We had interest from those whose family worked in the transport industry, as well as other unions. It was interesting to hear from USDAW members who face similar levels of abuse in a retail environment, and highlighted the need for better safety for all workers that interact with the public.
We also attended a range of the talks relating to the wider trade union movement, and the need to push further and harder on the rollback of anti-trade union legislation. Valuable connections were also made with an organisation fighting against sweatshop labour, No Sweat!, which we would encourage TSSA to consider sourcing union clothing from in future.
Particular moments of pride were speaking to Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, who thanked TSSA for writing to Labour to ask for his suspension to be lifted, as well as marching in the parade through Tolpuddle village carrying our union’s flag.
We both found it a very valuable weekend and would encourage all young members to apply to attend next year!
