Unite South West unveil new banner

Unite South West have unveiled a brand new union banner for the region highlighting the areas working history and tradition of fighting for peoples rights.

The banner recognises some of the trade union heroes from across the region, with images of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, the Bristol Bus Boycott and Tony Benn gracing the front and a map of the South West on the reverse side.

Unite Regional Secretary Steve Preddy said; “The Unite South West new regional banner has been beautifully crafted by Durham Bannermakers and designed with regional members’ input.”

“The banner will be carried with pride in support of members in dispute and at events supporting Unites proud traditions of Unity Equality and for a fairer society.”

The new banner is traditionally hand painted, with the design style inspired by the trade union banners that process every year through Durham as part of the “Big Meeting.” 

The first outing for the new banner was in Bristol Cathedral last Friday (31 January) for the memorial service for Bristol Bus Boycott pioneer Dr Paul Stephenson, who died last November aged 87.

Unite members joined with over 500 people remembering the life of the human rights campaigner.

The new banner will take pride of place at the front of the procession at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival in July, and be in the Unite Marquee throughout the annual trade union event.

By Keith Hatch