Around
30 people gathered in the English Riviera sunshine on May 5th for
the first International Workers day event in Torbay for many years.
Representatives
had been invited from a number of Trade Unions and political parties of the
left, but only official representatives from the Unite community branch, Torbay
Trades Council and the Communist Party of Britain attended. Apologies were
received from CND and Exeter Left Unity, Sean Brogan of the Socialist Party and
Lynton North of Green Left. Others spoke in an individual capacity.
The
event took the form of an ‘Occupy’ style open discussion, with everyone given
the opportunity to say a few words. People spoke about the Bedroom Tax, cutting
Civil List payments, the Living Wage, unemployment, privatisation and the
Bedroom Tax, with some speaking on
personal experiences. However the overall theme was of unity in the face of
savage attacks by the ConDems on ordinary people.
The
event ended with live music in the form of protest songs from up and coming
musician Steven Moonfox Gladwyn and friends.
The
format, although totally different from other May Day rallies, was more people
orientated and it seemed to work. Torbay Fightback hope to be involved in organising
another rally next year.
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| People gathering at the first International Workers Day event in Torbay for many years |
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| All those present had an opportunity to speak |
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| Tim Gulliver, Executive Committee member of the Communist Party of Britain spoke at the rally |
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| Unison member and secretary of Torbay & District Anti Cuts Alliance, Michelle Louise Goodman |
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| Anarchist, Anonymous and Communist Party flags at the rally |
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| The Morning Star on sale |
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| Music to end the rally |
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