The Conservative government realises that trade unions are a threat to the devastating cuts and privatisation currently being inflicted on our public services. This is why the government is fast-tracking a sinister piece of legislation called the Trade Union Bill.

Strikes are at historically low levels yet TUC general secretary, Frances O’Grady said the bill threatened “the very principle of the right to strike” and will allow employers to “bus in agency workers to break a strike”.

The Conservative Party hold their annual conference in Manchester from 3-7 October this year. The People’s Assembly and the TUC are organising a national protest outside the conference on Sunday 4th October, and a series of protests and events during the conference period.

Free transport is available via coach from Gloucester and Stroud – details below – thanks to a local Unison branch. Booking is essential – please email branch.office@unisongloslg.org.uk

TIMELINE – ANTI AUSTERITY MARCH – OCTOBER 4TH

8.00 am – Depart Merrywalks Bus Station – Stroud

8.30 am – Depart Lister Building (by Bus Station) – Gloucester

11.45 am – Arrive Manchester Oxford Road

12.00 pm – Rally & March begins

5.30 pm – Rally & March ends

6.00 pm – Depart Manchester Liverpool Road, Lower Byrom Street and Water Street, close to the end of the march for pick up and dispersal.

9.15 pm – Arrive Lister Building (by Bus Station) – Gloucester

9.45 pm – Arrive Merrywalks Bus Station – Stroud