Eira Ekenberg-Jones, Rhondda Cynon Taff Socialist Party
The Socialist Party, alongside Caerphilly Trades Union Council and Unite the Union, hosted a benefit gig in Pontypridd, south Wales, for the striking Birmingham bin workers.
Countless people, mainly young, flooded in from the street, completely filling our venue. The atmosphere was electric, lively, and unforgettable. Multiple local musicians performed.
For a month prior, our RCT Socialist Party branch all got involved putting up posters in shops and public areas, inviting friends, and advertising on social media. Locals could hardly go anywhere in Pontypridd without seeing posters.
Mariam Kamish, Socialist Party and trades union council secretary, and Kerry Owens, Wales member on Unite the Union executive, talked about the strike. I was the event’s MC.
We had a pop-up stall with copies of the Socialist, ‘What We Stand For’ pamphlets, and books on the miners’ strike. The message of local solidarity for striking workers clearly resonated, as four people approached us about joining the Socialist Party by night’s end.
Between selling tickets and Birmingham bin strike merch, provided by Unite, we raised over £300 – smashing even our most ambitious target. Caerphilly Trades Union Council also presented Kerry Owens with a £500 cheque towards the bin workers’ strike fund.
We are already planning another benefit gig for the Cwm Taf health visitors, who are likewise striking for fair pay. The trades union council also paid £100 towards their strike fund.
The Birmingham binworkers aren’t alone in their struggle. An attack on one worker is an attack on all of us.
