At the Hackney TUC AGM on 14 February, we recommitted to campaigning against the BNP in the run up to the European Elections in June (where there is a real risk that they may get a MEP elected). However, we also agreed that, as well as working with community groups, we needed to make progress in building our own trade union base.

We now have a temporary, part time organiser, who is going to concentrate part of their efforts on trade unionists in the borough. Can I therefore ask you to assist this effort, by forward me contact details (email and phone number, plus workplace) of trade unionists you know who live or work in Hackney. If you could send me some 'leads' by Friday, we can begin to follow them up. Also, if you would be prepared to do a ring round and contact trade unionists as part of this campaign, please let us know.

As part of the anti-BNP campaign we have drafted a leaflet (attached) for distribution over the next couple of weeks.
We are looking for volunteers to help distribute this leaflet door to door across wards in the borough. If you work in the borough, perhaps you can get colleagues to agree to spend a lunchtime doing three or four streets close to your workplace?

If you live in Hackney, perhaps you can leaflet your street, or your estate?

We are also looking for help with funding this leaflet. We aim to get 2 - 3 thousand leaflets out in each ward, that about 50,000 leaflets, and a hefty printing bill. Donations to Hackney TUC to support its campaign would be very welcome. Perhaps making a donation is something you can raise with your Branch Committee? Please make cheques payable to Hackney TUC and posted to PO Box 44656, London N16 5YX.

Finally, if your branch is not affiliated to HTUC, please consider getting affiliated. The more delegates we have the greater our democratic accountability.

Details of affiliation are available on request.

Yours fraternally

John Page