Forty years ago – on 25th Jan 1984 - Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government attacked trade union rights at Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) in Cheltenham. Union members were told to resign their membership of the union or be sacked. After a long campaign marked by the fortitude of the workers and their families, and the solidarity of the whole movement, they were finally reinstated.

Today, the government has passed so-called 'Minimum Service Levels' laws that could restrict the right to strike for over five million workers. The right to strike is a fundamental right, backed by international labour standards. We must defend it. 

Read more about the union ban at GCHQ and more recent attacks on workers rights on the TUC website here. The TUC are supporting this march and rally, which is organised by PCS South West.

Timings

12pm - gather at Montpellier Gardens

12:30 - march departs through town centre to Pittville Park (approximately 1 hour walk)

13:30 - rally in Pittville Park 

Getting to Cheltenham

Cheltenham is a very well-connected town, with frequent train services to all major UK cities, an extensive bus network, good road and motorway links. 

Train 

Train connections are excellent from across the UK to Cheltenham Spa station. The station is served by approximately 8 to 12 trains every hour during Mondays to Saturdays although it is always best to check live timetables for up-to-date information. Use the National Rail website for live timetables and to see a full overview of the station's facilities.

Cheltenham train station is a two platform station, with road-side exits on both sides. A short walk from your platform to the main entrance, finds you at the Bus Station and the Taxi rank. 

Buses and coaches 

Take a look at the trade union-sponsored coaches available to book

The coach listings are being updated frequently.

If you can't see a local bus listed, contact your union branch or local trades council to see if they are planning to run a coach to Cheltenham. 

Apologies!