Annual Report 2006
Colchester & district Trades Union Council
Compiled by Christopher. G. Burrow - Secretary to the Council
I am pleased to report that this Trades Council is making progress,
albeit slowly. This year 3 further branches affiliated, PCS Customs
& Excise, CWU and Transport & General 1/372. We now have 11
union branches affiliated, representing some 6500 union members in
the Colchester area.
It is of concern that there are several important unions who are not
represented at Council. Steps are being taken to try and remedy this,
though this will necessarily take time.
Meetings have been kept to the familiar format, with the addition
of speakers, to give meeting a broader interest. I will look to bring
further speakers during the year.
The year has seen Trades Council involved in a number of events, pensions
meeting, signature collection for NHS campaign, attending rallies
etc. It is likely this will become a more important feature of our
activities.
Trades Council Conference was attended at short notice by Bob Lambert,
who proposed the 2 resolutions put forward by the Essex County Association
of TUCs. Both of which were endorsed by the conference.
Many issues cause concern to the Council, Pensions, Public Services,
the NHS. However there are many other issues affecting working people
wherever they work. These include low pay, health & safety, managing
attendance, stress etc. The Secretary has written letters on numerous
topics, which come within the Council's remit.
This year we applied for a Development Grant from the TUC, to help
establish a Trades Council Website and towards the cost of acquiring
a Marching Banner for the Council. Our business case was successful
and we received £250 from the TUC towards those objects. Branches
were very supportive with additional funding. The Banner is now fully
fitted for use and the website is well under way.
The Alternative Oyster Feast was held as usual in October, another
successful event. Thanks to Councillor Dave Harris and his colleagues
in the local labour party for their help and support. Also Trades
Council affiliated unions for their generous financial support.
As my circumstances have altered during the course of the year I have
been able to spend more time on Trades Council activities.
The Council is I feel starting to have more impact and we are looking
positively towards the future.
There remains much work for the Council to do in our communities,
with so many issues confronting us. I am grateful of the support from
delegates and unions.
Christopher. G. Burrow ACIB
Secretary to the Council
January 2007
