Working people are using food banks in Swansea – it's time to demand better
The event is an opportunity for working people to come together to say a resounding ‘no’ to pitiful pay awards and vindictive attacks on terms and conditions, and to demand fair pay and decent living standards for all.
Ahead of the rally Gareth Bromhall, the Secretary of Swansea trades council, writes about the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on people in Swansea.
I live in a working-class community in the centre of the city. People have been running food banks for some time. But now there are baby banks and warm banks which faith organisations and independent groups have set up. There are several baby banks in Swansea. They provide nappies, milk, Moses' baskets and other vital products for new mothers who can’t afford them.
Warm banks offer a place people can go to get central heating if they can’t afford it in the evenings. Working and unemployed people are using these services.
It’s time to stand in solidarity with workers on strike for better pay and conditions
If people in Swansea want to help those in need, I think a good place to start is to help build solidarity with the workers who are on strike for better pay. Strikes are raising the sights of working people. People are sticking their necks out in the rail and communication industries.
People should get involved in their unions and support initiatives going forward.
People should join a union and build for action. Especially after the mini budget crashed the pound and initially rewarded the richest 5 per cent with lavish tax cuts. We all need to start doing this together.
Join us in Swansea on 10 October
Workers are taking action to deal with the individual issues they face in their workplace, but many issues affect all workers. We want to get people talking and supporting everyone else and coordinating action.
I’m excited that we are going to hearing from union leaders and from ordinary workers who have been striking for better pay and condition. It will be good to hear from people on the coal face.
Register to attend the Wales Demands Better rally on 10 October
The Wales Demands Rally takes place at the Volcano Theatre, 27, High Street, Swansea, SA1 1LG at 7pm on 10 October.
Speakers include:
- Shavanah Taj, the General Secretary of Wales TUC
- John Leach, Assistant General Secretary, RMT
- Libby Nolan, Vice-President, Unison
- Mark Serwotka, General Secretary, PCS
- Kevin Courtney, General Secretary, NEU
- Orla Tarn, President, NUS