Another successful Tolpuddle festival
17th July 2012
A strong CWU contingent braved the inclement weather to
descend on Tolpuddle in Dorset over the weekend to mark the
birthplace of the trade union movement. Joined by thousands of
trade unionists, the annual three-day Martyrs' Festival
culminated in the traditional parade of banners through the town
lead by stalwarts of the trade union movement including retired
Labour MP, Tony Benn, TUC general secretary Brendan Barber, and a
host of Labour Party politicians.
A celebration of trade unionism and labour politics since the
1930s, the festival has grown over the last few years attracting a
plethora of prolific guest speakers and hosting wide ranging
discussions, debates, music and performing arts. More recently, the
festival has developed into an avenue to discuss the fight-back
against the Coalition Government's agenda of cuts and austerity
and how best to defend the rights of workers, not only in the UK
but all over the world.
Co-ordinating the CWU's efforts, Kevin
Beazer South West regional secretary, said: "The
Martyr's Festival is a great event not only because it brings
together trade unions in a festival of celebration of our shared
history but also deals with the current issues facing workers. This
year's festival was yet another successful event for the CWU
with festival goers continually stopping by the stand to learn more
about the union and the work that we do.
"It is clear that the CWU is very well respected in the
trade union movement and has established itself alongside other
major unions."
Kevin went on to thank the South West regional sub committees
for their role in raising the profile of the union and for all the
hard work involved in organising and running a very busy CWU stand.
For more information on the history of the event visit Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival.
