Gloucestershire’s phlebotomists have brought their historic strike to a close after almost a year of action, leaving a legacy of determination – and a clear lesson about the power of solidarity in the face of anti-union laws and austerity, says FBU general secretary STEVE WRIGHT
BRITAIN has given the world many valuable inventions. From Isaac Newton’s reflecting telescope, Jethro Tull’s seed drill and John Harrison’s marine chronometer to Richard Trevithick’s steam engine and George Cayley’s first human-carrying heavier-than-air flying machine.
I could go on at some length with Michael Faraday’s electric motor, George Stephenson’s passenger railway, right up to John Logie Baird’s television until we reach Tommy Flower’s electronic programmable computer and Tim Berners-Lee’s world wide web.
But in the long battle for the advancement of the human condition none of them get near six Dorset farm workers who 185 years ago earned their place to be named among our country’s greatest inventors. They gave us, and the world, trade unions.
ANSELM ELDERGILL examines the legal case behind this weekend’s Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival and the lessons for today
The courage of striking Unison members across south-west England shows workers are ready to fight for their rights – and win, says Unison South West regional secretary KERRY BAIGENT
As the labour movement meets to remember the Tolpuddle Martyrs, MICK WHELAN, general secretary of train drivers’ union Aslef, says it’s an appropriate moment to remind the Labour government to listen to the trade unions a little more
BILL GREENSHIELDS invites all and sundry to this years’ Derby Silk Mill Lockout March, Rally and People’s Festival on June 7



