Following on from the inspiring national conference of the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN), supporters of the NSSN in Coventry called a meeting titled ‘What next after 30 June?’ on the evening of the strikes.
Despite many people having been on picket lines since 6am, there was a very good turnout of 26 people, with representation from Unite, Unison, GMB, PCS, FBU, NUT, UCU and CWU unions.
After short introductions from NUT anti-academy strike leader Jane Nellist and a general overview of the current situation from CWU branch secretary Judy Griffiths, there was a wide-ranging discussion with reports from the picket lines in the city and updates on how the cuts are going to affect us all.
The meeting provided an excellent forum for an exchange of experiences and ideas, and to discuss future tactics in the struggles ahead.
A number of unions have already committed funds to booking a coach to go to the lobby of the TUC called by the NSSN in September.
It was clear from members of the many unions attending this meeting, and the events of the day, that if the TUC organised a 24-hour public sector general strike it would be met with huge support from trade union members. The NSSN will do all in its power to help make this take place.
