South West Region Public Service Liaison Group

Those of us who attended the lobby of Parliament and rally in London 19th October have been impressed with the success of the event and the enthusiasm for unity demonstrated by those who attended.

So, taking a lead from national level and following discussion with senior officials from the Public service unions a South West Region Public Service Liaison Group has been established.

An update from the above meeting. This was called to kick start the Devon/Cornwall Campaign, and set up a Regional Public Service Liaison Group and work towards the London Demo March 26th.

Mark Macshehey from Exeter Anti Cuts Alliance was also elected to represent the group. These groups are appearing nationally and it was agreed to work with these groups who have members from all trade unions as well as members of the public and service users groups.

The function of these Regional and County Groups will be to :

1. Coordinate union efforts to promote and defend public services in each county.

2. Build alliances with community and user groups to maximise public support for public services.

3. Highlight the effects of the budget cuts on public services and service users.

An inaugural meeting of each County Group will be convened as soon as possible no later than 19th November.

Each union will be responsible for designating who will attend to represent their union. UNISON has agreed that one of their Regional Officials will take responsibility for convening the inaugural meeting in each county area. This will be followed by a meeting of the Regional Group on 19th November to receive feedback and views from county-level Liaison Groups.