With standing room only 200 activists from throughout the region - from Redcar in Cleveland in the south to Northumberland in the North and Cumbria in the East and all the major unions were represented - CWU, FBU, GMB, PCS, Unite, NAPO, UCU. NUT. NASUWT and NTUC as well as UNISON.
Workshops were held which brought together activists from local areas to discuss the programme of action outlined by keynote speaker Clare Williams, convenor for the Northern region.
It was agreed to prioritise promoting an alternative economic agenda, producing PSA publicity., organising in workplaces, establishing community coalitions in towns and cities throughout the region and mobilising for the Durham Miners Gala on July 10th to promote the Public Services Alliance campaign.
Also it was agreed to bring together youth under the NTUC young members banner to ensure we engage with young workers and students. A communications plan will be developed to reach the widest possible audience.
Mobilising for the European wide day of action on September 29th and proposing a major national demonstration on October 20th which is the day the outcome of the comprehensive spending review will be announced.
Encouraging activists to respond to the online consultation launched by Cameron to promote the alternative economic agenda.
This week has witnessed the start of the fight to defend our public services in the Northern region.
The 200 strong demonstration on budget day followed by last night's joint union council of war shows we are ready.
This Government has no mandate and we can break the coalition and bring about another general election and that has to be our aim.
Kenny Bell
