NOVEMBER 30TH STRIKE DAY ACTION IN DEFENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND STATE PENSIONS IN THE MIDLANDS

 Large and successful marches and Rallies took place in most of the large population centres in the Region. 

The March and Rally In Leicester attracted 5000 people and was cheered and encouraged on by the many spectators, it was without question the largest and most successful march and Rally held in Leicester for many decades. The venue of the Rally was large but could only hold a small proportion of the marchers, many of whom stayed outside the venue and networked, there was a great atmosphere. There were many hundreds of pensioners both on the march and in the rally, they came from a vat=riety of trade unions. The Midlands TUC Pensioners Network and the National Pensioners Convention were both very successful in handing out both NPC Newspapers and Network leaflets dealing with pensions issues. The Rally was first class having four main speakers, a number of speakers from the floor, with plenty of good music supplied both by a group and a solo artist - a great day on which to build future activity. The Unite Leicester Branch of the Retired Members Association was well represented on the day.

Nottingham: - there were 7000 marchers and only 900 of them were able to attend the Rally, because of the size of the venue, again the day was very successful with tremendous support from the public. One of the National Pensoioners Convention and TUC Network stalwart (David Jones) did manage to speak during the Rally. He was approached by the Midlands BBC TV afterwards and gave a good interview. again there were many retired members present on the day, as were the Nottingham Pensioners Action Group with their banner.

Derby: - We understand that there were at least two thousand people participting oin the March and Rally in Derby, which was judged to be very successful by its local organisers. The East Midlands Secretary (Brian Herbertson)of the National Pensioners Convention was one of the Speakers from the Rally platform and was well received by the strikers.

Birmingham: - we understand that this March and Rally was very successful with 15,000 paricipants, however we lack detail, although thay did have some very important speakers on the platform. There was also successful events held in Northampton, Lincoln, Burton on Trent and Coalville - all in all it was was a very good day and a highly successful one.