Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
IT WAS the height of Covid, meeting for a coffee or a pint was forbidden, let alone holding mass rallies or meetings. The TV was full of statements about key workers but we saw a gap.
Where was the link between the key workers in our schools, hospitals and supermarkets and the workers’ movement in this country?
This is how we started. We decided we were going to remind people that it was only through struggle that we gain the rights we take for granted.
Megapicket to shut down Birmingham’s refuse sites
Solidarity is needed for the longest strike in NHS history, argues HENRY FOWLER of Strike Map
Since 2023, Strike Map has evolved from digital mapping at a national level to organising ‘mega pickets’ — we believe that mass solidarity with localised disputes prepares the ground for future national action, writes HENRY FOWLER
This ‘Big Meet’ our focus is building the next ‘Megapicket,’ say HENRY FOWLER and GAWAIN LITTLE of the General Federation of Trade Unions


