For the first time in decades, local trades unionists from different trade unions, workplaces, jobs and professions came together and voted unanimously to join the new Mendip Trades Union Council.

Meeting at the Radstock Workingmen’s Club on 29th May, members of the UCU, UNISON, CWU, Unite, PCS, NEU (NUT), NEU (ATL), and NASUWT unions resolved to encourage all local workers to join a trade union and fight for their rights.

NHS ambulance and admin workers, university lecturers and school teachers, postal workers, retired and community union members were all represented.

Dave Chapple, South West Region TUC trades union council’s rep, who organised the meeting, said: “The Radstock area was once, probably, the strongest trade union part of Somerset, but has seen a sad decline during decades of closures of unionised workplaces. Working-class living standards and social welfare provision have both suffered as a result.

“However, in supermarkets, Royal Mail Delivery Offices, Job Centres, schools, colleges, quarries, rail freight depots and factories, local workers, organising in their trade unions, elect their representatives, negotiate with employers, and, generally, improve the working lives of all their members.

“The decision of Radstock area trades unionists to improve their organisation and fighting ability by taking part in the UK’s newest trades union council bodes well for the future, and if reps and shop stewards from other unions, union branches or workplaces are interested in joining up, please contact Bevis Miller on: 01749 87007 / [email protected] or Dave Chapple on: 07707 869144 /