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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 14 November 2008

After 175 years... a march for Martyrs

Organiser of tribute to transported farm labourers warns of threats workers face today

THE organiser of a march through Islington to commemorate the Tolpuddle Martyrs, forerunners of the trade union movement, has warned that today’s workers need protection as the recession threatens jobs.
In 1834 more than 150,000 people demonstrated support for the Martyrs – six West Country farm labourers transported to Australia for forming an early version of a trade union – in Copenhagen Fields in Barnsbury.
The protest was critical in securing the eventual return and release of the Martyrs, as well as preventing any plans the government of the day had for criminalising the early unions.
The event is commemorated locally by the mural on the side of the Mitre pub in CopenhagenStreet.
Now, employment rights worker David Renton has launched an Islington Tolpuddle Group, which met at the Mitre pub last week.
He aims to organise activities to mark the 175th anniversary of the Tolpuddle protest in April next year.
The group is supported by Tufnell Park resident Dick Muskett, who has helped present the Tolpuddle Festival in Dorset for 10 years, and Islington Trades Council.
Mr Renton, who lives on the Bemerton estate in Barnsbury with his partner Ann and their baby son, feels the time is right to learn the lessons of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.
“I’ve been a trade unionist all my life,” he said. “And in my job giving advice to workers I come across extraordinary stories of exploitation.”
He believes there are now more restrictions on trade unions than ever before.
“The International Labour Organisation has repeatedly said that restrictions on the right to strike in Britain are a contravention of international labour standards. We also work very long hours in this country,” he said.
The plan is for a week-long series of events, culminating in a march with bands through Islington to Edwards Square near the mural.
To contact the group, email davidkrenton@gmail.com

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