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The winner of the National Eisteddfod’s Crown made an inspiring call for unity and co-operation at a recent Wales TUC meeting in Cardiff on the Welsh language and trade unions.
Catrin Dafydd, the prize-winning author and poet

Catrin Dafydd, the prize-winning author and poet said: 

“Thanks to austerity, workers and communities across Wales are under great strain.  Capitalism has been extremely successful at dividing us.  For the Welsh language, workers and minorities, we need to co-operate in order to create unity and power.

She added:

“We need to think creatively about how to show young people that there is home for them in the trade unions and to show them the positive results that come from working together.

On the Welsh language, Catrin said:

“The Welsh language is for everyone.  When you’re making the case for the Welsh language you’re representing the people of Wales.  Everyone who lives in Wales has a right to see the language thrive, even if they don’t use it themselves.

Responding, Dilwyn Roberts-Young from the teaching union Ucac said:  “It is good to see Wales TUC making more use of the Welsh language as part of its modernisation agenda.  It is relevant to our union and all others in Wales.”

Wales TUC’s meeting was chaired by Craig Stephenson, a member of public services union, the FDA.  Craig is the first Welsh language representative on the Wales TUC’s general council. 

Elsewhere during Eisteddfod week, trade unions were given a warm welcome. 

The prestigious opening concert featured a starring role for the miners’ unions, alongside Bryn Terfel, in a musical about the life story of the black concert artist and activist, Paul Robeson.  

Elaine Edwards, the outgoing general secretary of the teaching union, Ucac was invested into the Gorsedd of Bards, in recognition of her work, this being one of the highest honours in Welsh language life. 

Teaching unions were well represented at the Eisteddfod with NAHT, NASUWT, NEU and UCAC all welcoming visitors to their stands.