A benefit gig to raise money for striking postal workers has sold out in Stoke Newington. ‘Hackney Stands By Our Posties Party!’, organised by the Hackney North and Stoke Newington Constituency Labour Party (CLP) will be held on December 2 with all funds going to the Communication Workers Union hardship fund.

George Binette, Liaison Officer for Hackney North and Stoke Newington CLP told Eastlondonlines: “We’ve been offering support for postal workers. There’s no strike pay for these workers. They’ve lost £100,000 by taking the action in [protesting]. The event is a fundraiser, [the money] will go to the union hardship fund where members claim back the income lost from the industrial action.” 

Binette said he hoped this solidarity event will help bring relief: “I feel excited and [am] passionate about the cause. In many ways, [this is] a bleak period. With a high rate of inflation, cuts to the public sector, it is an exceptionally tough time for people who are unemployed.” 

The event is “going to be a funny evening not simply about politics,” he added. There are band performances featuring the Ukulele Ska Collective and Hackney councillor Fliss Premru with her Joli Blon Cajun Band.  

The Ukulele Ska Collective said that they are pleased to be part of the event: “We play great ska songs on ukuleles – from Prince Buster to Toots and the Maytals; the perfect mix to get everyone dancing the night away.”  

The local band hopes to “add the fun element to the evening” and said: “It’s a shame there’s so few tickets really, [but] it’s great news that everyone is coming out in the winter to support not only the post office workers [but also] live music.”  

The night will be hosted by the trade unionist and founder member of Poetry on the Picket Line, Chip Hamer, and is going to be packed with both music and special guest speakers.