Secretary's Annual Report - year ended 31 December 2007

Introduction

In 2007, the Southend TUC convened 7 meetings with an average attendance of 4 members/delegates. The number of meetings held was the same as 2006, with a slightly increased level of attendance compared to last year.

The following Branches affiliated in 2007:

CWU Essex (Amalgamated)
FBU East Anglia
PCS DWP Essex
PCS Southend HQ HMRC
PCS South Essex HMRC Network
RMT South Essex
TSSA Great Eastern
UNISON Southend Borough Council
UNITE Basildon Craft
UNITE Dagenham Motor Vehicles No. 0283

Pleasingly, a greater number of Branches re-affiliated to the Southend TUC during the year.

Work of the Year

Although it proved not to be possible to organise any campaigning activity by the Southend TUC, we have continued to express our support for both campaigns and industrial action taken in the public sector. Our September Meeting was addressed by local CWU Branch Officials, who were involved in a national strike action over pay and conditions. In addition, I attended the demonstration organised by the Remploy Trade Unions to defend and keep open the factory in Southend.

Throughout the year, I have maintained the website for Southend TUC - www.southendtuc.co.uk

We have continued to play our part in the Essex Association of Trades Councils throughout the year. In 2007, Derry Thorpe was re-elected as Essex CATC Treasurer and whilst I was elected as
Vice -Chairperson.

During the year the Southend TUC maintained our links with the Pensioners Action Association and their campaigns for dignity in retirement.

On a personal note, I am standing down from the position of Secretary after serving for 11 years, at the 2008 Annual General Meeting. It is my belief that the Southend TUC needs to be taken forward by a new Secretary with new ideas. I am happy to say the Southend is a much healthier condition than when I became Secretary in 1997. I wish my successor well in the tasks ahead.

Ian Pope
Secretary - Southend TUC
February 2008