But I am quite prepared to say I pay my union dues, in fact I am proudly a member of a union. You have to remember that Labour (the workers) is not the same as Labor (the party). As I see it, if you work for a large employer (and I always have) and you take the union negotiated pay rises you gotta be prepared to put your money where your mouth is.
This is not to say I am a flag waving, card carrying member nor do I support everything unions do but I'm a worker and the unions should put a bit more of the power balance in the hands of the workers. And as someone who has been made redundant twice during my working career, I know that the Strawbs were taking crap when they said "You can't touch me I'm part of the Union" but it's still good to have someone fighting for your interests.
Anyway, I have never been to a Labour Day Parade and I will never march in one but today I thought I'd arm myself with a camera and see for myself. I found it quite emotional.
I do have a word of advice for those who organise union rallies. Can we get some new chants?
"The workers united, will never be defeated" and the "What do we want. The right to..." war cries are getting a bit tired and old. Much preferred the BLF who had a group of cheerleaders heading their section of the parade proudly waving pom poms to "We're Not Gonna to Take it".
It was a good day. My group was within earshot of the pipers so you always keep in step...I agree, we could do with some more creative chanting but we followed the combined unions choir so there was some very good singing to be had...
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your sentiments re unionism.
Great pic Susan.
ReplyDeleteFor which there is a great song by the written by John Ford & Richard Hudson performed by the "Strawbs"
Now I'm a union man
Amazed at what I am
I say what I think
That the company stinks
Yes I'm a union man.
When we meet in the local hall
I'll be voting with them all
With a hell of a shout
It's out brothers out
And the rise of the factory's fall.
Oh you don't get me I'm part of the union
You don't get me I'm part of the union
You don't get me I'm part of the union
Till the day I die, till the day I die.
sometimes it takes a bit more power to get what you need, not necessarily what you want, nice pictures
ReplyDeleteThis picture of the bagpiper puffing his cheeks made me giggle a bit...is that wrong?! People look so funny sometimes concentrating
ReplyDeleteExactly my response. I thought he was hilarious
DeleteLooks like he may pass out!
ReplyDeleteIt's harder than it looks to play the pipes although he is making it look pretty difficult!
ReplyDeleteI am sure he is supposed to keep his cheeks in when puffing, bit like on a clarinet? Makes a funny photo though. those cheer leaders are really giving it some!
ReplyDeleteI've heard of Labour Day but I didn't know what it was before. How amazing to have such a thing. Brilliant photos, really atmospheric and show the passion.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up