RMT AT GLASTONBURY

RMTnews :: august/september 2007 :: www.rmt.org.uk 32 B ob Crow joined a panel of trade union activists from the UK and South America at the Left Field Stage at Glastonbury. Addressing a crowded marquee, he called for solidarity with the people of Latin America. The Latin American Resistance panel discussion, chaired by NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear, also included the TUC’s Brendan Barber, Hugh Lanning (PCS) and Columbian campaigners Wilson Borja and Carlos Lozarro. Bob said: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with those that want a better society. RMT has given practical support to Cuba and will continue to do so, the Cuban revolution is in the hearts and minds of the Cuban people. We say Viva Cuba, Viva Fidel and Viva Solidarity”. The event was was aimed at highlighting the success of social movements in Latin America, but also to introduce a new website supporting Colombian campaigners. Justice for Columbia, with support from the FBU and NUJ, is launching Otra Voz to give Columbians an opportunity to tell the world what is really happening in their country. Congressman Wilson Borja, from Bogota thanked trade unionists in the UK for organising the event. “In Columbia today unions are attacked on a daily basis, 3,000 trade unionists have been assassinated, along with many others,” he said. “We have to ask why are people being attacked, why 40 per cent of our population have no access to health care and 3 million children have no access to education,” he said. “It is governments such as the US and UK stealing these natural resources and using the excuse of the war against drugs to attack the Columbian people. It is the Trade Union movement, leading the fight against poverty, that it is attacked.” Carlos Lozarro, Editor of Voz in Columbia, added that he has survived numerous assassination attempts “There is no free press or freedom of expression in in Columbia, many journalists and corespondents across the country are assassinated, and live under constant death threat from para-militaries. “People need to see what is really happening in Columbia.” The discussion was just one of the highlights of a packed Left Field. With two stages of music and political debate over four days. Speakers ranged from Tony Benn and centenarian Spanish civil war veteran Howard “Andy” Andrews to Gemma Turnelty from the NUS. A vibrant musically line-up included Joss Stone and Billy Bragg, up and coming acts including Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly! and The Kings Blues, as well as a secret gig by Hard-Fi. WORKERS’ BEER Amongst the crowd was RMT member, and delegate to the Battersea and Wandsworth TUC, Richard Alcock. Richard was working at the festival for the Workers Beer Company, “I always come to Glastonbury with the WBC, its been great to see the Left Field here the last few years. “Its interesting to see political debate along with all the music and entertainment.” Speaking about the WBC Richard said: “Its hard work with long shifts but you get to meet a lot of people involved in the movement and there's a great spirit and comradeship, which you need in this weather. “The server groups all have a good time and it helps raise money for their campaigns, I’d suggest to anyone that needs to raise funds for their branch or group to contact them,” he said. Back on the stage Bob was encouraging people to get involved; “Sign up for Justice for Columbia, have a look at the website and promote peace in South America.” To find out more about what’s happening in Columbia log onto www.otravoz.org RMT AT GLASTONBURY RMT member Richard Alcock volunteers for duty