Austerity bus rolls into town

IN an indifferent world, it's not every day you get asked for your tales of hardship.

But this week, union leaders are looking for exactly that – and they will doubtless find rich pickings, as it were, in various blighted districts of Merseyside.

Evidence that can be used against the Government's austerity programme will be collected from Bootle, Everton, Kirkby and Norris Green when the TUC’s Austerity Uncovered campaign bus arrives tomorrow (June 19).

Lynn CollinsThe bus tour is part of a two-week national and regional programme of events launched by the TUC.

On board will be a documentary film crew, together with union leaders, campaigners and journalists who will be gathering evidence about the damage to people and local communities by the government’s failed austerity programme.

TUC North West Regional Secretary Lynn Collins said: ”Merseyside has been hit harder than most by austerity and we want to hear people's own stories about the impact on their lives.

“We want to hear from those who are suffering the most under the Government’s austerity programme – their personal stories, experiences, worries and concerns.

“We hope the people of Merseyside will come along to meet us and give their evidence about austerity which is cutting their public services, living standards, and pay and conditions."

The Merseyside visit will get under way at 8am on Wednesday when the campaign bus will arrive at UNISON’s national conference at the Liverpool Echo Arena to meet local people and hear their stories of austerity.

Who knows what they will do with them, but if you don't telll....

At 9 am, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady will meet Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis on board the bus, where they will be available for a photo opportunity and media interviews.