REPORT OF MEETING OF NSSN SOUTH WEST, 26TH June 2008
by GLEN BURROWS
NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY 24TH JULY, 7.30PM. GWRSA STAFF CLUB, BRISTOL TEMPLE MEADS STATION
Apologies: Jaz Thomas (FBU)
1 National Conference 28th June
• There will be a 5-minute rule on all contributions, to enable as many contributions from delegates as possible, and lunch-time caucuses for unions attending. 50 volunteers sought for National Steering Committee. If more than 50, or union or regional imbalance, regional groups will be asked afterwards to co-opt, or reduce members. From South West region: D Chapple, G Burrows, G Shorter, A Newman, P Dyer will volunteer for Steering Committee. A Newman pointed out that Morning Star & Socialist Worker are advertising the national conference. There is currently no alternative viable organisation, so we must build with confidence.
• There is a need for fund-raising for the National body. Branches are asked to affiliate at £20 minimum ( leaflet attached, with affiliation form – please ask your branch to affiliate)
2 NSSN – FINANCIAL REPORT
• Treasurer Paul Dyer reported £400 in account – enough to fund leaflet and next
conference/ Paul distibuted Standing Order mandates, asking for individuals to take
out minimum £1 per month( please email me with your address if you’d like a form)
3 SOUTH WEST LEAFLET
• Further amendments agreed. A Newman to arrange printing of 1,500 for distribution at Tolpuddle. D Chapple to enquire about a road-side stall at Tolpuddle
4 COMMUNICATION
• Agreed to remove the SW email group, and develop the web-site. A Newman will keep it up-dated. Please send contributions: strike, workplace reports, meetings, branch news to andyd1961@yahoo.co.uk
• G Burrows to maintain email list and send reports & notices
5 BNP
• A Newman reported on successful Corsham by-election leafletting, organised by FBU. BNP now taking SW seriously and putting up “respectable” candidates. D Chapple reported on Chard leafletting, where BNP got 154 votes. Somerset Association of Trades Councils setting up a Chard Trades Council. Need to keep unions at forefront of local organising against BNP. Unions need to commit pump-priming finds for local campaigning
• Agreed to organise an Autumn conference, either: a) fighting the BNP b) fighting racism & islamophobia. Discussion over which would be the best focus for Conference. ( Comments and ideas for next meeting please, to bristolrail@rmt.org.uk )
6 STRIKE HANDBOOK
• G Burrows is re-writing the Rank & File Handbook (1979) “Organising a Strike”, supplied by A Newman. To be published as an NSSN SW Region Handbook. A draft will be circulated for additions/amendments.The following sections were agreed: INTRODUCTION; BEFORE THE STRIKE; TYPES OF ACTION; ORGANISATION; COMMUNICATION; PICKET-LINE; KEEPING THE MOMENTUM; SCABS; MONEY; THE LAW.
Comments/ideas welcome – bristolrail@rmt.org,uk
