Waltham Forest Trade Union Council (WFTC) was pleased to welcome strikers, trade unionists and supporters to its Solidarity Rally earlier this week. At this very vibrant meeting decisions were made to support local strikers – mainly key workers – over the Christmas season and into the new year. Many sensed that joint strike action of all unions may well be on the cards in the not-too-distant future, and all laid the blame unequivocally at the door of intransigent employers and the Tory government.

Speakers described terrible working conditions.

RMT underground worker Nathan Wallace described “how it is not just about our pay not keeping pace with inflation, but the employers’ proposals to cut maintenance workers by half, and to shut ticket offices.” He declared they were in the “fight of their lives” not just for themselves but to ensure passengers travelled in safe conditions.

Len Hockey of Unite at Whipps Cross Hospital explained how unions can win.… Read on ...

Local homelessness and poverty activist Tommy Anderson has started his usual pre-Christmas drive to help and highlight those having difficulties by holding a food bank drive this year. The help will be provided via four local food banks, Cann Hall Community Kitchen, St Andrews Church, The Hornbeam Food Bank and Crates 4 U Leytonstone and will be provided to residents and those homeless in need of support in the borough.

The drive, which has already started and seeing some success, is focussed on donations made via Walthamstow’s Rose & Crown pub. Food donations and the drive will close on 21 December and we encourage the general public to support this important and timely local initiative.

There will be a fund and food raising night featuring local stars Steve White And The Protest Family at The Hoe Street Club on 16 December (flyer attached).

This initiative is supported by Waltham Forest Trades Council who have made a small donation to the fundraising and whose members have made donations to the food collection.… Read on ...