A Great Rally - but also a missed opportunity

At the end of the London march about 2,000 packed into Central Hall. The atmosphere was vibrant. Teachers enthusiastically applauded all speakers, both experienced trade union leaders and tentative young teachers. Whenever anyone made any comment that articulated the plight of teachers, cheers went up and whistles rang out. And when Brendan Barber of the TUC highlighted the Fair Deal for Public Services Campaign and said that what was needed was “action together”, it struck a chord.

Unfortunately, however, he did not follow through. He failed to commit the TUC to calling such joint action. He spoke of the 26 public sector service unions needing to “pool resources”, but went no further. He had a real chance to raise the idea clearly of a one-day public sector strike. It would have drawn mass support form teachers, got massive media headlines and sent a shockwave through government circles.

If New Labour only listens through pressure, then a TUC a one-day public sector strike would be the strongest possible pressure! A great rally, but also a missed opportunity.

Linda Taaffe, Waltham Forest NUT