GFTU BGCM 2019 Minutes

I also want to say that the motion on music cooperatives has also resonated

with our members with two motions before my own union’s conference this

year, one looking at the supply of musical instruments and teachers within the

classroom and a dodgy one that is calling for the introduction of punk music to

be integrated into the school curriculum, demonstrating that people are now

thinking more than ever about the value of music in our lives.

The GFTU has demonstrated its full support for the renationalisation of our

railways as requested in the TSSA motion of 2017 and will continue to

campaign until we return a Labour Government that is committed to taking it

back into public ownership. We will continue to support brothers and sisters in

struggle, whether they are fast food workers, underground workers, artists,

precarious workers, workers within the gig economy, young or old. That is what

trade unionism is about and this organisation wants to be at the heart of it.

I think that we accept that there are some motions that we have not done

enough to fulfil, but, comrades, that does not mean to say that they have been

forgotten. We are a small organisation with a big agenda, limited finances but

dreams of growth. Thank you to all of you for the part that you have played in

changing our movement for the better and for the improvements you will

facilitate in the future. The magic of the GFTU is that collectivity will get things

done. Solidarity, comrades. (Applause)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Ronnie. Thank you for that comprehensive report on

what happened at the last BGCM. Just before we embark on our important

education debate, I want to introduce a union that is not yet a member of the

GFTU that, like a number of unions, are coming as guests and observers and

we hope will affiliate very soon. Please welcome Sasha Kaplin from the

Psychotherapy and Counselling Union. Sasha, would you like to say a few

words?

SIS SASHA KAPLIN (Psychotherapy and Counselling Union): Hello, everybody. I

am not used to speaking through a mike or speaking to so many people. It is a

surprise to be here, as I am actually representing someone who is unwell.

However, just to say I am excited by everything I have heard so far. In terms of

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