The Daves rounding off the Unison young members gig photo Leeds Socialist Party

The Daves rounding off the Unison young members gig photo Leeds Socialist Party   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Kieran Herbert, Leeds Socialist Party and Unison member (personal capacity)

Around 50 people turned up to enjoy a Unison-sponsored gig for young and potential members at the Fenton pub in Leeds on 25 November, an event which was about more than just music and comedy.

This evening was filled with entertainment, speeches, and political discussion. Starting the night off was comedian Mabel Flattery, followed by acoustic acts Rose Kincaid and Dan Noble, and then rounded off with the bands Toodles and the Hetic Pity and the Daves.

Speeches by Leeds Unison young members officer Ben Mayor, and Iain Dalton from the Yorkshire and Humber TUC Youth Forum added to the political debate.

The main focus of the evening was to promote the need for people to join trade unions particularly for young people.

With more jobs being based on zero-hour contracts and exploited ‘self-employed’ workers, unions are very important for young workers to fight back for their employment rights and fair pay.

Events such as this gig are great opportunities for young workers to socialise and mobilise.