"We the people of Colchester are totally opposed to all those
who seek to promote racism in our society. We strongly believe that
the lessons of history show that racism and fascism, if unchallenged,
will provoke fear amongst many within our community. We believe that
diversity is a strength and a cause for celebration, and that those
who promote racism divide our community. All signatories to this statement
have a shared belief in justice, fairness and equality. We oppose
racism wherever it takes place.We declare our willingness to co-operate
with political parties, faith groups and others that take a stand
against those that promote racist and fascist political views"
We will be developing the Action Plan, over the coming months and
look to our branches to gives us support in this campaign.
Local Government Pay Dispute - 16/17 July
Colchester Borough Council is not affected as they have a local pay
agreement. Essex County Council was affected by the strike. Efforts
will be made to ascertain any strike/ picket line activity in the
Colchester area.
Secretary's Report
Reported on the recent meeting of TENPAG, the Tendring Pensioners
Action Group. He noted that TENPAG were well organised and the meeting
very well attended.
The Speaker's at the meeting were David Lines - chairman of Tendring
District Council, Stephen Mayzes - councillor Tending District Council,
Ivan Henderson - Labour PPC for Clacton & Frank Cooper president
NPC.
He went through the correspondence and noted that all branches had
now re-affiliated.
He thanked all those branches that made additional donations to support
our work.
Copies of Sheila Cohen's booklet " The Truth About Work "
were available to delegates.
There are a few surplus copies available at £3 each - please
advise if you would like one.
Trades Council Conference
Pete Norfolk our delegate gave a report on the conference, Sheffield
14/15 June 2008. He noted that there were no controversial motions
- but there was good debate on a range of issues Sheffield TUC was
celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, Pete noted that Sheffield
had been badly affected during the Thatcher years and that only of
recent years had its situation begun to improve.
Pete Norfolk was thanked for attending the conference on behalf
of the Council.
Finance
The Secretary took the financial report and advised the balances in
the main account and Sub Committee account. Donations had recently
been received totalling £100 in support of our Anti Fascist
& Anti Racist campaigning.
The following payments were agreed -
£20 Love Music Hate Racism - donation
£50 Justice For Colombia - affiliation
£20 Unite Against Fascism - Affiliation
It was also agreed to meet expenses of £60 for Richard All day
in relation to anti NP campaigning.
Alternative Oyster Feast
Dave Harris was present and advised he would be talking to the local
Labour party in relation to funding for the 2008 event.
There may be vacancies for places at this years event and branches
were asked to consider nominating their retired members.
The issue of a speaker for the event was actively being pursued.
Delegates Reports
Amongst those Reporting
Mike Fletcher - Unison NEMHT - Spoke on the Unison Conference
Chris Burrow PCS - Ongoing pay dispute in DWP
Dave Harris - Spoke on BNP activity in his area
There was no other urgent business - the meeting closed at 10.15pm
