RECENTLY a few invited members and supporters of the National Liberal Party met to discuss the next steps in organising the National Liberal Trade Unionist movement.
The NLTU is sponsored by the National Liberal Party and seeks to “promote a sensible non-socialist trade unionism.” Instead of promoting political or class warfare, the NLTU supports the “principles of liberty (putting the individual member first) and patriotism (defending workers from globalisation), and be liberal (increasing employee share ownership) and economic (focusing activity in the workplace) in practice.”
The three main speakers at the planning meeting were David Kerr, Glen Nicklasson and Graham Williamson. Devon-based Mr. Nicklasson is both Chairman of the NLTU and a active trade unionist. Belfast man Mr. Kerr is a member of NLPs Steering Committee and an active trade unionist and community worker whilst Mr. Williamson is also a trade unionist, community worker and human rights campaigner.
The meeting covered six main topics:
a) The production of educational booklets tracing the history of Liberal trade unionism in Britain and mainland Europe.
b) The production of an A4 broadsheet – provisionally entitled Liberal Worker – and A5 leaflets.
c) Producing more articles looking at the work of the NLTU.
d) To step up recruitment of members
e) To co-operate with other Liberal (non-socialist) trade unionists and other Liberal and Libertarian trade unions.
f) To create a 10 point ‘policy statement.’
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