Present Sister Phillips (Unite, Treasurer), Brothers Carley (UCU, Secretary), Russell (Unite), Bampfylde (Unite, Chair), Lucas (Unite).
Apologies Kasprowski (Unite), Gurney (Unison).
Branch reports
Sister Phillips reported that the Key Workers summit organized by Bath, Gloucester and Bristol Trades Councils was to take place on 22 April, with all trade-unionists, keyworkers, and NHS supporters welcome. Unite are still campaigning on scrapping Universal Credit and for maintaining the increase in payments which began during the pandemic.
Brother Russell reported on a Unite motion regarding the printing of Dan Norris’s election material. At this point Brother Lucas inquired who to vote for to keep the Tories out.
Brother Carley reported that UCU is concerned about the reopening of campuses and potential risk of covid infection.
Brother Bampfylde noted that British Gas have sacked five hundred workers in order to rehire them on worse terms and conditions. It was AGREED send a message of support to the GMB.
Treasurer’s report
We have £1075 in the bank. May Day event Sister Phillips has been in touch with Seize The Day who need someone to film them. We also need some means of broadcasting the event. It was AGREED to hold the event on 1 May if possible and to use the event
to raise funds for unions in dispute.
Brother Lucas noted that since peace vigils are recommencing at the Abbey, in a socially distanced manner, it should be possible to hold an event outdoors on May Day. It was noted that there was to be a protest against the new Police Bill on that day. It was AGREED that we should circulate information about the protest.
Any other business
People’s Assembly
Six people from Bath have restarted People’s Assembly activity in the city.
Venue
It was AGREED that we should try to find a venue for an in-person meeting in May.