REPORT FROM RUGBY AGAINST THE CUTS 07/10/10

IN ATTENDANCE: Roy Sandison (Green Party); Geoff Dewhirst (Unite); Pete McLaren (SA); Clive Dunkley (SP); Paul Sandison (Green Party); Julie Weekes (UCU).  Roy Sandison offered to chair.

APOLOGIES – Steve Roberts (FBU); Marcus Giles (FBU); Liz Peck (RRGA); Martin Eversfield (Rugby TUC); Julie Weekes (UCU) - lateness 

REPORT FROM MEETING TO SET UP RUGBY AGAINST THE CUTS 22/09/10, AND ANY MATTERS ARISING NOT ON THE AGENDA

The report was agreed as correct.  Roy was thanked for creating such a good web site.  He suggested setting up a Facebook site as well, which was agreed.  It was also agreed to check emails regularly and to include the names of officers on the web site.  The SA PO Box – PO Box 4123, Rugby, CV21 9BJ – would be our postal address, and 07881 520626 would be our phone contact (Pete’s mobile).  It was further agreed to add to the web site that functional officers had been elected to get the campaign going

REPORT FROM PUBLIC MEETING IN COVENTRY LAST TUESDAY

Roy Sandison reported that around 120 had attended including a number of trade unionists.  There was much discussion about solidarity action.  It was more a rallying meeting for activists than a forum for community groups, but it had been a positive meeting with useful statistics given.

REPORT FROM THE ANTI CUTS DEMO AT THE TORY CONFERENCE

It was reported that around 7,000 had attended with a large number of TU banners.  There had been a wide range of speakers, including Dave Nellist and Salma Yaqoob.

CAMPAIGNING IDEAS 

a) LOCAL PUBLIC MEETING? - It was agreed this should be once the cuts were known.  It was reported that in Warwickshire the Council was using possible cuts to push through changes, and in addition was planning to close homes for the elderly

B) ACTIVITY ON OCTOBER 20^th – The meeting confirmed support for the Coventry protest: 5.30pm outside Coventry Council House

c) LOCAL LEAFLET – Pete McLaren circulated a draft.  In light of comments made during the discussion, he agreed to re-draft it as a work in progress which could be used, or adapted, at any time.  It was suggested that, for the longer term, we try to come up with a standardised format and logo

d) LOBBY OF MARK PAWSEY MP – It was agreed we should lobby Mark Pawsey to ask him what the Public Spending Review (PSR) would mean for Rugby and Warwickshire, and ask him how he would protect our services.  It was further agreed this should be as soon as possible after the PSR on October 20, possibly on Friday Oct 22.  Pete McLaren agreed to arrange and then publicise it.

INVOLVING LOCAL TRADE UNIONS

Pete McLaren circulated a draft letter to TUs, political and community groups.  It was agreed Pete email it to Roy Sandison to distribute with agreed changes, and print hard copies for Rugby TUC to send out 

FINANCE

It was reported Warwickshire FBU had agreed to donate £100.  Julie Weekes agreed to set up a bank account in the name ‘Rugby Against the Cuts’, with herself, Pete McLaren and Harry Weekes as signatories 

AFFILIATIONS TO AND FROM Rugby Against the Cuts (RAtC)

It was agreed to encourage affiliations to RAtC by donation with a suggested minimum of £10

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed this would be on Thurs October 21, 8 – 9pm at The Three Shoes, to discuss the Public Spending Review, the Lobby of Mark Pawsey MP, and a Press Release on such events.

                       

                                                                                               Pete McLaren 11/10/10