EMERGENCY ANTI CUTS MEETING CALLED FOR BROADSTAIRS

An emergency meeting is being held in Broadstairs on Wed September 12 to organise opposition to Government cuts in health and welfare spending.

Anti Cuts Thanet and the Thanet Trades Union Council have called the meeting amid growing concern over the impact of cuts in public spending on the Thanet area.

Christine Tongue, a founder member of Anti Cuts Thanet, said: “Thanet is a very poor area with many people who are critically depending on public spending. The coming Government cuts are going to hit them – and hit them harder than in other parts of the south east of England.

”In particular we’re worried about the future of the NHS in the area, both the services provided by GPs and by QEQM hospital. All these services are now in a state of flux and reorganisation – which in itself will undoubtedly be a way of cutting back on services.

“We’re holding the meeting to see how we can fight back against these cuts and try to protect ourselves against their damaging effects.”

The meeting will also be discussing transport arrangements to get as many people as possible from Thanet to the TUC rally which will take place in London on October 20.

The meeting is at 7pm, Wednesday 12^th September in the Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Road, Broadstairs CT10 2BT.

More info: ring Christine Tongue 01843 604 253,

UNIONS PLAN DAY OF ACTION IN THANET

Workers are preparing for an all-out day of action in Thanet on Wednesday November 30^th.

 

Teachers, nurses, and council workers are all due to walk out of their workplaces following votes by Britain’s biggest trade unions.

 

The action is a protest against government reform of public sector pensions, but many workers see the day as a chance to protest against cuts in public services.

 

Jon Flaig of Anti-Cuts Thanet, who are organising support for the action, said: “Schools and other public services across Thanet are suffering because of the cuts and there’s much worse to come.  But we mustn’t wait for the cuts to come, we must draw a line in the sand. That is what this day of action is all about.”

 

Mr Flaig added: “Some people may complain today that a school is closed or a public service is not available, but these are tiny inconveniences compared to what we’ll see in the future if we don’t take concerted action now.”

 

The Red Hall in Broadstairs has been designated strike headquarters by Thanet’s Trades Union Council, and strikers will be offered hot drinks and cakes, shown films and discuss what happens next.

         

Mr Flaig said: “We are providing a base for all who take industrial action on November 30^th, giving strikers are chance to share their experiences and find out what’s happening in the rest of the country.

 

“Many people think the cuts are inevitable, but that isn’t true. It’s up to everyone who feels they should not happen to stand up now and support this action.”

 

Broadstairs-based Film-maker Christine Tongue is also supporting the day of action. Christine said: “We are going to film the day of action in Thanet, visiting picket lines across the isle and interviewing workers about why they’re taking part in this national walk-out.” Christine added: “The film, I hope, will be a record of an important and historic event in this area.”

 

The Red Hall will be open for strikers and their supporters from 2pm to 6pm on Wednesday November 30^th.

 

For more information ring Christine Tongue on 01843 604253 or Jon Flaig on  07789 961744