Jerry Hicks

March will be a big massive month for us all. We will see the result of the ballot for the Unite NEC elections beginning on the 25th. Where, thanks to the support via nominations, I am delighted to say that we have seven candidates standing under the banner of Grass Roots Left in both Regions and Sector, offering a real alternative for our members.

At the moment the 'Grass Roots Left', which rose out of the fantastic campaign that supported Jerry Hicks for General Secretary, is 'a banner' by which people can come together. 'Grass Roots Left' is independent of the union machine and committed to: 'Election of all officials'; 'Confront the anti-union laws in the UK or EU'; 'A fighting union, not just campaigning'; 'Members decide, the union Provides'.

The next day on 26th March, hundreds of thousands of trade unionists and public service users will arrive in London for the TUC 'march against the cuts'. At least 40,000 Unite members are booked up on buses and trains arriving from all over the country. Not only do we have an excellent opportunity to get the vote out for our seven candidates and make a big leap forward in transforming Unite - It is also a chance build for a large and inspiring 'Grass Roots Left' Supporters Conference in London on May 7th. 3E, University of London Union, Malet Street, London, WC1. 11.30am to 4pm.

This is where and when we can discuss - What it is the 'Grass roots Left'? - What do we see and want for the future of 'Grass Roots Left'. Grass Roots Left activists in London are asking for your help on the day of the March [26th], looking for as many volunteers as possible to help with Grassroots Left stalls on the day, along the route of the TUC march and at the rally point.

Let me know as soon as possible if you can help out, so we can get an idea of how many stalls we are able to run, so we can keep things organised on the day. Tel: 07817827912 or jerryhicks4gs2010@yahoo.co.uk

Finally, please do all you can to support the candidates below and let me know if you how many leaflets you would like for your workplaces and/or coaches traveling to the demo. jerryhicks4gs2010@yahoo.co.uk or 07817827912.

LESLEY MANSELL: Women Seat: NHS Equality Officer: Branch Equality Rep.

GOLAM BHUIYAN: London & Eastern Region: BAA Shop Steward at Heathrow Airport .

MARK EVANS: London & Eastern Region: Branch Secretary, Chair of Cambridge Trades. Marshalls Cambridge Rep

JON LOCKE South West Region: Area Activists’ Chair, Convenor of Bristol Rolls-Royce Test Site.

KELLY ROBERTS South West Region: Home Care Worker, Bristol City Council and Rep.

MARTIN HARTNETT: West Midlands Peugeot Coventry Convenor, Senior H & S rep.

NEIL ARMITAGE: Aerospace & Shipbuilding: Electronics Engineer, Senior Rep GE Aviation. Cheltenham 1003 Branch Chair.

Keep on keeping on and expect the unexpected.

Download a leaflet from here