In the wake of the mysterious remarketing of the Rise festival, various Trade Unions have been withdrawing their support.
Megan Dobney, Regional Secretary of SERTUC (the TUC in London, the South East and East of England):
“Trade unions are greatly offended by the removal of the central anti-racist message as well as by the ban on an organisation supported by the TUC. Trade union negotiation has proved fruitless and SERTUC is therefore left with no alternative but to withdraw.”
Steve Hart, Unite London Regional Secretary:
“Rise, or Respect as it was known, was launched by the trade unions as a means of involving mainly young people in anti-racism in the wake of the Stephen Lawrence and other racist murders. What is the point of what was explicitly an anti-racist festival if it drops its commitment to anti-racism?”
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary:
“We have supported the Rise Festival as a celebration of London’s diverse communities and of anti-racism. It appears that this clear message is now being lost and the FBU no longer feels able to participate. We remain committed to any genuine initiative aimed at combating racism.”
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OK, I guess I could go and do the research myself. But it’s late and I’m having some “me time”.
At what point does the withdrawal of union funding mean that the GLA is going to have to pony up more of our cash to keep this year’s Rise Festival from being cancelled completely?
Or does it not work like that?
I’m not sure, I’m afraid. These are recent statements and – as far as I’m aware – nobody from the Johnson Administration and GLA has countered them.
There’ll be more soon, hopefully.
Without the anti-racist message, Rise is merely promoting the sponsors, mainly the London Assembly and the Bojo administration.