Tolpuddle Martyrs’ guide dispute attracts Unite support
11 August 2010
A group of professional tour guides specialising in Dorset’s
Tolpuddle Martyrs, currently striking over paltry pay, are being
supported by Unite, the largest union in the country.
Unite, which embraces the 500-strong Association of Professional
Tourist Guides (APTG), has come out in support of the 11 striking
Blue Badge guides, who are paid a daily rate of just £26.65 to show
tourists around the Old Crown Court in Dorchester, where the
‘martyrs’ were tried.
The guides asking for a rate of £50-a-day from West Dorset
district council, which is still £25 below the recommended industry
rate.
Unite regional officer for the APTG, Andrew Murray, said: “It is
ironic that the guides are experts in the Tolpuddle Martyrs –
agricultural labourers who were transported to Australia in 1834,
after protesting against continuous wage cuts.
“Nothing much seems to have changed in West Dorset in the last
176 years in relation to fair pay for a fair day’s work.”
Unite/APTG joint chair, Tony McDonnell, said: “In London we have
fought many such battles and we still have to remind people that,
although we all love our job, it is a profession, not a hobby.
“Guides deserve fair pay for their job, particularly after all
the work that goes into qualifying for the Blue Badge – the highest
level achievable for tourist guiding. We fully support our Dorset
colleagues.
“We hope this will be a springboard to other Blue Badge tourist
guides around the country to organise and improve their pay and
conditions. Unite stands ready to assist any of them in their
struggle.”
ENDS
For further information contact Andrew Murray on 07768 931290 or
Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite Press Office on 020 7420 8914 or
07980 224761.
Notes to editors:
Unite/APTG, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year,
wants to see greater regulation in place by the time of the 2012
London Olympics when Britain will be visited by millions of
tourists.
The Blue Badge is the highest award in tourist guiding in
Britain and is awarded only after a rigorous training course and
extensive written and practical exams.
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