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Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 6 November December |
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Top marks after school visits
Schoolchildren from Wakefield gave Supporting Parents and Carers a resounding vote of support when they were treated to a visit from a campaigning trio.
Usdaw activist, and deputy mayor, councillor Darran Travis, Pontefract and Castleford MP Yvette Cooper, and recruitment and development officer Liz Hampson visited youngsters at the Three Lane Ends Primary School in October.
The three met teachers and the school's councillors, children elected by their peers, for an in-depth discussion about the campaign's aims.
"We had a real grilling from the children," said Darran. "They could relate to the issues of rights for working parents because their parents all worked.
"This was a very successful visit in a number of ways. It was good to get the chance to introduce trade unions to the children who in fairness knew a fair deal because their mums and dads are union members.
"The children were eager to sign the banner and were well aware of the difficulties their parents face balancing work and looking after them.
"Two Usdaw branches have agreed to make a £100 donation to the school, part of which will go towards sponsoring a poster competition supporting the campaign. The teaching staff also congratulated Usdaw on its hard work on the issues.
"We also spoke to the parents at the school gate who signed our petition and were very positive about the campaign. Other local MPs have already voiced their support for the campaign as well."
Scarborough visit
Activist Hayley Pickles kept it in the family when she raised the campaign's profile in the Scarborough area.
Hayley gave out Usdaw leaflets to working parents at a local school to help them claim in-work tax credits and the schoolchildren were given free Usdaw pencil cases.
"My son Rhys (right), nephew Connor and niece Katie are pupils at the school so it seemed like the perfect link between Usdaw, working mums and dads, and the children who will benefit from our campaign. The day was a great success."
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