WORKERS’ VOICES AND VISIONS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: sept 2014 :: RMTnews 29 Voice and Vision is a two-CD collection of radical song compiled by the GFTU Educational Trust together with Topic Records in order to celebrate this important label’s 75th year and our 115th anniversary. Dedicated to the memory of Bob Crow and Tony Benn, these songs reflect a collective experience of hundreds of years of social development. Deep meaning is conveyed in beautifully-crafted tunes and words. These performers are singing about us improving our fortunes as a class, not to make a fortune for themselves. This collection begins with a ballad reflecting on the first socialists who emerged during the mid- seventeenth century revolution The World Turned Upside Down and ends with a reggae song called War, a call to arms against the neoliberal blitz on the people and all we have achieved. There are songs about organising workers, work and leisure, fighting back against class oppression and its heroes including mythical characters like General Ludd, Robin Hood and Captain Swing. The CD contains legendary world class performers like Anne Briggs, Norma Waterston, Ewan McColl, Paul Robeson, Martin Carthy, Roy Harris, Chumbawamba, Banner Theatre, Roy Bailey and others and combines them with brilliant young artists such as Fran Morter and Piers Haslam and veterans that demand a wider audience such as Jack Forbes and Kiti Theobald whose work today shows the relevance and delights of this singing tradition. There are many songs about trade unions. We include Peggy Seeger’s magnificent song If You Want a Better Life, which perfectly song expresses the very essence of the particular kind of democracy within trade unions that uniquely propel them as the most powerful organisations in society. Like Joe Hill, these songs will never die. Our hope is that this CD will keep them alive by inspiring another generation to take on the fight of our lives. Part of this fight is to ensure that they do not extinguish our history. Keep music live. Keep songs alive. For more information go to www.gftu.org.uk or www.topic.co.uk In a recent ABI survey* it was identified that the average motor insurance premium has fallen by 13% over the past 18 months from around £414 to £361 per year. Since April 2013 insurers have passed on total savings to motorists of £378 million as a result of lower premiums. As an RMT member why not call UIA for a motor insurance quote on 0800 030 4606 or get a quote online at www.rmtinsurance.co.uk *Details provided by the Association of British Insurers as at 5/8/14. UIA Car Insurance is provided by a third party seewww.uia.co.uk/terms – conditions for details. RMT is an Introducer Appointed Representative of UIA (Insurance) Ltd. MOTOR INSURANCE PREMIUMS ARE FALLING WORKERS’ VOICES AND VISIONS General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) general secretary Doug Nicholls unveils a new CD collection of radical song