NSSN banner, supporting the Bromley anti-privatisation struggle, June 2015, photo Rob Williams

NSSN banner, supporting the Bromley anti-privatisation struggle, June 2015, photo Rob Williams   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

A strategy to beat the bosses

Come to the National Shop Stewards Network conference: Appeal from a trade union activist

Mark Robertson, shop steward, Tyneside Safety Glass

If you are a shop steward, trade unionist, or anti-cuts campaigner, and if you want to fight attacks on our working conditions – then the National Shop Stewards Network (NSSN) conference is the place to go.

When I’m there, I particularly want to thank the conference for all the support given to Tyneside Safety Glass workers during last year’s successful industrial action.

Our strike showed that militancy works. Going back to 2009, trade union membership in our factory had fallen to around 30% of the workforce. We hadn’t had a pay increase for two years, and were facing a third year with no raise.

Ironically it was the company which pushed me into the position of shop steward. They wouldn’t let me attend a meeting they were having with the union unless I was an elected rep. They forced me back into activism!

This Tory government is hell bent on making it easier for bosses to attack our wages and conditions. To face down this attack we need to pull together. Whether it’s finance, advice, moral support or coordinated action – it’s solidarity that makes us strong.

Members at my workplace have supported disputes this year at Barbour clothing and Kone engineering.

Invaluable

The NSSN is an invaluable resource for activists. At conference, we can have an exchange of ideas and build links across the union movement.

The NSSN lobbying the TUC, 7.9.14, photo P Mason

The NSSN lobbying the TUC, 7.9.14, photo P Mason   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Personally, I want to go to hear people like NSSN chair Rob Williams and Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition chair Dave Nellist. Then there’s Tony Mulhearn, a former Liverpool councillor who won millions back from Thatcher.

I’m also looking forward to hearing from other workers who have embarked on struggle. Plus leaders from some of our most militant union will be on the platform (see left). The conference’s speakers have a wealth of ideas.

I know this year’s conference will be inspirational. The NSSN brings people together who have demonstrated their commitment to the working class.

Make sure you get along!

National Shop Stewards Network

9th annual conference

Stop the Tory union busters!

Saturday 4 July, 11am to 4.30pm

Conway Hall, Holborn, London WC1R 4RL

www.shopstewards.net

Confirmed speakers include

  • PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka
  • BFAWU general secretary Ronnie Draper
  • FBU general secretary Matt Wrack
  • RMT president Peter Pinkney
  • Youth Fight for Jobs organiser Helen Pattison
  • Anti-blacklisting campaigner Dave Smith
  • Tamil Solidarity trade union coordinator Isai Priya