Unions back G20 march

The TUC and wide range of individual unions are backing a Put People First march in London on 28 March. It will take place as leaders of 20 of the world’s economic powers — the G20 — prepare to meet in London for a summit on 2 April. The event is billed as a march for jobs, justice and climate, and organisers are calling for an end to global poverty and inequality, decent jobs and public services, and a green economy.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: “People are angry at the job losses caused by this recession made in the world’s banks and at the slow response of world leaders to the challenges of poverty and climate change.”

And general secretary of the UNISON public services union, Dave Prentis, said that it was time to “reassert the public interests and the values of fairness and solidarity that public services exemplify”. The coalition behind the event involves many organisations that were part of Make Poverty History. The recession should not, they say, be an excuse for putting off action for global justice or preventing climate chaos.

Although the event is London-based, organisers are looking for people to help mobilise in their own areas. Meetings are already being planned in Bath/Bristol, and in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, Nottingham and Sheffield.

More information is on the campaign website www.putpeoplefirst.org.uk