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Solidarity forever

13 August 2009

Before trade unions existed, the Tolpuddle Martyrs were a group of 19th century labourers convicted and deported for swearing a secret oath as members of a trade society. Wales YM convenor Chris Musgrave went to the annual festival in Dorset to celebrate their memory.

Every July trade unionists far and wide gather to remember the Tolpuddle six and what they did for our movement.

The life of a labourer at that time was very hard. Wages were low and employers, who owned large areas of land, attempted to drive wages down further.

Some of the men resisted this and were transported to Australia for seven years. What they did planted the seeds of the trade union movement.

Relevant today

For this reason, thousands flock to Dorset every year for an event packed with speeches, music, debate and green initiatives.
PCS were prominent amongst the many trade union stalls.

I had the opportunity to discus with others about engaging young members on environmental issues.

The evenings at Tolpuddle are filled with entertainment. Many songs are trade union renditions of classics.

The open mic sessions are entertaining and there was loads of talent on show, adding to the friendly atmosphere.

The eight mile march is in remembrance of the Tolpuddle six and their transfer to Dorchester Prison.

This was even more topical this year as the march was also in opposition to the government’s plans to privatise large chunks of the prison service.

Trade union pride

I was proud to carry the PCS banner down the main street to cheers from residents and union comrades. It’s awe inspiring to see thousands of trade unionists coming together in a show of solidarity.

With a ‘prisons are NOT for profit’ t-shirt and my PCS flag I finished up the march back at Tolpuddle to the sound of a full brass band.

The highlight was Tony Benn’s speech. Tony was sensational and right on the money, opposing cuts to the civil service and arguing that the money wasted on Afghanistan, Iraq and trident should be spent on a decent welfare state and sustainability initiatives.

Tolpuddle is an exciting and inspirational weekend. Many thanks go to the South West TUC for their superb organisation. I’d encourage all members to support the festival next year.

For more information visit: www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk