(30 Oct 2014, 8:24 pm)aureolin wrote I dunno mate... I guess if I was in the same situation on the picket line, I'd want my general secretary standing in front and leading the membership. It wouldn't happen these days of course, with the mass restrictions on Trade Unions and picketing. I've stood and taken abuse on picket lines, and you literally can't say a thing back to them, or you'll be hauled in for breaching picketing laws. Of course those abusing you would only be ticked off under the public order act.
Ricky Tomlinson was one of the pickets arrested in Shrewsbury, and fronts the Shrewsbury 24 campaign. He spoke during a fringe event at my union's conference this year, and there was standing room only.
Was he any good?
Missed him at the gala last year.
Was stood chatting on the racecourse, not realising I was smack bang in the middle of the area the guests etc walk by to get to the stage.
Saw a fella who looked like him, didn't think anything of it - until he was seated on the stage.
I needed to scoot off and missed his speech.