Aelodaeth Plaid Cymru wedi codi 23%

27/01/2012

Toreth o aelodau newydd yn ymuno er mwyn chwarae eu rhan dros Gymru well

Mae Plaid Cymru wedi datgelu bod ei aelodaeth wedi cynyddu 23% dros y pedwar mis diwethaf. Wrth i enwebiadau gau am hanner nos neithiwr, dywedodd y Blaid bod yr ymgyrch aelodaeth wedi bod yn lwyddiant eithriadol ac yn argoeli’n dda i’r dyfodol wrth i’r Blaid barhau gyda’r broses o adnewyddu.

Ers mis Hydref mae’r Blaid wedi bod yn ymgymryd ag ymgyrch aelodaeth fwyaf erioed, yn annog pobol i fod yn rhan o Blaid Cymru yn yr amser tyngedfennol yma yn nhyfiant ein cenedl.

Defnyddiodd yr ymgyrch aelodaeth ddulliau traddodiadol a chyfryngau newydd i gyfathrebu neges y Blaid i ddegau o bobol dros y pedwar mis diwethaf- gan ddefnyddio hysbysebu ar-lein, facebook, negeseuon testun ynghyd a thechnegau arloesol i gyfathrebu gyda miloedd o aelodau potensial sydd yn rhannu ein gweledigaeth am Gymru well. Gyrrwyd llythyr i filoedd o aelodau, canghennau, etholaethau ar draws Cymru sydd wedi cymryd rhan yn yr ymgyrch er mwyn cyrraedd ein cefnogwyr newydd.

Dywedodd Prif Weithredwr Plaid Cymru:

“Ym mis Hydref mi lansiwyd yr ymgyrch aelodaeth fwyaf arloesol y mae’r Blaid wedi ymgymryd a hi erioed. Ers hynny rydym wedi gweld twf eithriadol yn ein ffigyrau aelodaeth wrth i bobol ymuno a’r Blaid a chwarae rhan yn symud Cymru ymlaen.

“Mae’n haelodaeth wedi cynyddu 23%. Rydym yn arbennig o falch nid yn unig i groesawu cyn aelodau yn nôl, ond croesawu aelodau newydd sydd wedi ymuno am y tro cyntaf.

Yn gwneud sylw am y rhesymau tu ôl i gynnydd yn yr aelodaeth, ychwanegodd Rhuanedd Richards;

“Mae’r adfywiad i’r Blaid yn ei hun wedi ysbrydoli nifer i ddod adref i’r Blaid. Mae’r ddadl ar ddyfodol Cymru yn bwysig i nifer o bobol ac felly wedi penderfynu mai dim ond wrth ymuno a Phlaid Cymru y gallwn gael y gorau ar gyfer ein cenedl a’i phobol. Mae’r broses arweinyddol gyffrous wedi rhoi ysgogiad ychwanegol i bobol ymuno.

“Mae’n glir bod ein haelodau hen a newydd wedi eu huno gan weledigaeth ar gyfer yr hyn y gellir ei gyflawni, gyda’n gilydd ar gyfer pobl Cymru. Ar ddiwedd y dydd, nid oes unrhyw un arall yn mynd i roi Cymru’n gyntaf fel gwnaiff Plaid Cymru.

“Mae ein aelodau ar lawr gwlad yn ran annatod o Plaid Cymru. Nhw yw’r bobol sydd yn mynd i helpu i symud y Blaid ymlaen a chyfathrebu ein gweledigaeth bositif yn eu cymunedau ar draws Cymru. Rydym yn hynod falch o groesawu cymaint o aelodau newydd ac yn edrych ymlaen i gyd-weithio gyda hwy i helpu Cymru flodeuo a chyrraedd ei photensial dros y blynyddoedd nesaf.” 

Plaid membership up 23%

27/01/2012

Wave of new members pledge to play part in making Wales better

Plaid Cymru has revealed that its membership has increased 23% in the past 4 months.

As nominations closed at midnight last night, the party said that its recent membership drive had been a big success and bodes well for the future as the party continues the process of renewal.

Since October the party has been undertaking one of its biggest ever membership drives, encouraging people to be part of Plaid at this crucial time in the nation’s development.

The membership drive used traditional and new media to communicate Plaid’s message to tens of thousands of people over the last four months - using online advertising, facebook, text messaging as well as other innovative techniques to communicate with the thousand of potential members who share in its vision for a better Wales. A letter was send to thousands of known supporters and branches, constituencies and members across Wales have all participated in the campaign to reach out to new supporters.

Plaid Chief Executive Rhuanedd Richards said:

"In October we launched the most innovative membership drive we’ve ever undertaken as a party. Since then be have seen our membership figures surge as people join the party to play their part in moving Wales forward.

“Our membership has increased by 23%. We’re delighted not only to be welcoming so many former members back, but were also welcoming many new members who have joined the party for the very first time.

Commenting on the reasons behind the membership increase, Rhuanedd Richards added;

“The fact that the party is renewing itself has inspired many to come home to Plaid. The debate on Wales’ future is very much at the forefront of people’s minds and many have decided that it’s only by joining the Party of Wales can we get the best for our nation and its people. The exciting leadership process has of course added an extra incentive to people to join.

“It’s clear that our membership, both new and existing members, have a renewed and united sense of what can be achieved for the people of Wales if we work together. After all, nobody else is going to put Wales first like Plaid will.

“Our grassroots members are a vital part of the Plaid. They’re the people who are ultimately going to help move the party forward and communicate our positive vision for Wales in their communities across Wales. We’re delighted to be welcoming so many new members and are looking forward to working with them to help Wales flourish and reach its potential over the following years.” 

Partnership of equals: the only positive way forward for the nations of these Isles

25/01/2012

Current devolution settlement will always hold our nation back

As the Scottish Government today announces its plans for the independence referendum, Plaid Cymru’s MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, Jonathan Edwards has said that the current devolution settlement delivered by Labour wasn’t sustainable and would always hold our nation back.

He said that public opinion and events had left most of the political establishment behind over further constitutional change and the time had now come for Wales to chart its own course and take control over the vital job-creating economic levers in order to flourish.

Plaid’s Jonathan Edwards MP said;

“As these events unfold in Scotland, people in Wales are already talking about what's best for our nation’s future and considering independence as a real choice.

“The status quo, supported by all three of the Westminster parties, isn’t serving Wales well – and taking greater control over our own affairs through independence, with the agreement of the people of Wales, will mean that we can create more jobs, help our businesses grow and help our nation reach its potential.

“Even for those who believe in the preservation of the UK, a partnership of equals with England, Scotland, Ireland will never be achieved under the current settlement.

“The Labour First Minister has recently made a few belated statements in reaction to events in Scotland, suggesting that making alterations to the makeup of the House of Lords would be enough.

“Public opinion has left him behind on this issue.

“The truth is that a little tinkering on the edges of the UK’s constitution whilst keeping so many of the job-creating economic levers at Westminster, as he is advocating, will neither be sustainable or in Wales’ best interests.

Jonathan Edwards added;

“Unionism is in crisis. The Westminster parties are unable to present a coherent and positive argument for the preservation of the United Kingdom in its current form, or for that matter, in any form.

“The big question that needs asking is if the United Kingdom is so good for Wales, how has it, and successive Westminster Governments, Labour, Tory or Liberal continued to see Wales fall behind.

There’s no good tinkering on the edges as the First Minister is suggesting – we need to know details of exactly what job-creation and economic levers he will support.

“We in Plaid Cymru want our country to stand on its own two feet, an independent nation with the tools to help improve the lives of our people.

“Plaid will be putting forward detailed proposals to the Silk commission on the next steps we want Wales to take to improve the lives of our citizens, create jobs and help our nation flourish. The question now is whether the Westminster parties will join with us in seeking the powers to help Wales chart its own course with the economic levers we need to succeed. 

Lack of delivery - hallmark of Labour government

24/01/2012

Plaid Cymru AM, Bethan Jenkins, has said that Labour’s lack of delivery is a record to be ashamed of. The Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales West said that the reality of Labour government has been uncertainty, confusion, downgraded services, reduced terms and conditions for council workers and a distinct lack of delivery.

Bethan Jenkins AM highlighted areas where she said that Labour has failed to deliver:

- On the economy - the Labour government has failed to deliver a proper economic stimulus plan to help the people of Wales through these tough economic times

- On education – the Labour government has delivered uncertainty in schools with the banding system which has undermined schools and cause confusion amongst pupils and parents

- On health – rather than delivering, the Labour government appears intent on dismantling the health service on a local level

- In local government – Labour councils have treated their workforces with contempt slashing 40% off the wages of some of the lowest paid workers, even threatening them with a lock-out if they did not accept.

Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins said:

“Labour should be ashamed of their record of delivery in the eight months since they formed the Welsh government. In education, health, the economy and local government they have delivered nothing of value. At a time when the people of Wales are looking to their government to help protect their jobs, Labour has failed to deliver a proper economic stimulus plan. In health they are intent on delivering what they promised they would not deliver – a downgrading plan which will dismantle the health service on a local level. In education, their school banding plans have caused uncertainty among parents, pupils and teachers and have undermined the standing of schools in their communities.

“In Labour run councils in Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot and RCT, they have treated their workforces shamefully, slashing wages by up to 40% and threatening lock outs and dismissal for non-compliance.

“Labour seems content to sit-back and let Wales feel the full force of the economic crisis so that they can blame the Tories for all that goes wrong.” 

Stop subsidising Labour

This Labour Party has been in government for 10 years and has done very little to help the workers of Wales and the UK. During this time we have seen massive cuts in UK manufacturing and a constant barrage of abuse from the Labour leadership towards the unions who need to "modernise or die" and the Workers who have left "scars on my back". If you have had enough of Labour's attitude then you should opt out and stop paying the Labour party.

Plaid Cymru supports the unions and actively encourage our members to join a union. We also value the good political work that unions do and think that it is important that people support the General Political Funds that many unions use to campaign for better and more equal rights for all workers.

We also believe that union members should have the right to decide for themselves whether or not the Labour party is representing their interests. At the moment many union members do not realise that they are paying money to the Labour party.

If you do not want your union money to go to the Labour party then create an email to your union by clicking on the logo below. Fill in your name, address and the date and send it. Your union will then stop giving your money to the Labour party.

 GMB

 Aslef

 Community

 Communications and workers union

 BECTU

  Unsain

  Unite (Formerly T&GWU and Amicus)

 Usdaw

 Unity

 UCATT

 Musicians union

 Bakers, Food and Allied workers union

If you do not have a mail manager (e.g. outlook express) and are having any problems creating an email simly copy and paste the following text into an email and send it to your union.

FORM OF EXEMPTION NOTICE.

POLITICAL FUND (EXEMPTION NOTICE)

I give notice that I object to contributing to the Labour Party through the Political Fund of the Union, and am in consequence exempt, in the manner provided for by Chapter VI of Part 1 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, from contributing to any political fund that donates to the Labour party. 

Name:

Address:

Date:

60,000 mwy o geiswyr swyddi na swyddi yn dangos yr angen am weithredu brys

Plaid yn galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i flaenoriaethu amddiffyn a chreu swyddi

Mae Plaid Cymru wedi galw ar Lywodraeth Cymru i weithredu ar frys er mwyn amddiffyn a chreu swyddi yng Nghymru, wedi i ffigyrau swyddogol ddatgelu tystiolaeth bellach o’r argyfwng swydid yng Nghymru.

Amlygodd y blaid ffigyrau sydd yn dangos fod nifer y bobl sy’n chwilio am swyddi yng Nghymru yn awr yn fwy o 60,000 na nifer y swyddi gwag.

Dywedodd llefarydd Plaid Cymru ar yr economi, Alun Ffred Jones AC, fod y ffigyrau yn brawf pellach o’r argyfwng swyddi difrifol sydd wedi taro Cymru. Ond rhybuddiodd y gallai’r sefyllfa ddirywio ymhellach oni fyddai Llywodraeth Cymru yn gweithredu ar frys.

Dengys y ffigyrau, a gyhoeddwyd gan y Swyddfa Ystadegau Genedlaethol, fod 76,210 o bobl yng Nghymru yn chwilio am waith, gyda dim ond 16,094 o swyddi gwag yn cael eu hysbysebu mewn canolfannau gwaith. Mae’r sefyllfa yn arbennig o ddrwg ym Mlaenau Gwent lle dengys y ffigyrau fod 17 o bobl am bob swydd wag.

Meddai llefarydd Plaid Cymru ar yr economi, Alun Ffred Jones AC;

"Gobeithio y bydd y ffigyrau brawychus hyn yn gwneud rhywbeth i brocio’r llywodraeth Lafur　 swrth hon i weithredu. Mae’r sefyllfa ar lawr gwlad i bobl sy’n chwilio am waith yn enbyd, gyda thrigain mil yn fwy o bobl yn chwilio am waith nac syd do swyddi’n cael eu hybsysebu. Mae’r ffaith fod cymaint o bobl yn cael eu gorfodi i fynd ar ôl yr un swyddi yn darlunio’n glir beth yw realiti’r argyfwng sy’n dyfnhau.

"Mae Llafur wedi gwastraffu’r rhan fwyaf o flwyddyn yn eistedd ar eu dwylo, a dengys y ffigyrau hyn yn glir na ellir caniatau i hyn barhau. Maent wedi gwrthod cynlluniau cadarnhaol a gynigiwyd gan Blaid Cymru i ddiogelu miloedd o swyddi yn ein busnesau bychain, ac i greu miloedd o swyddi trwy fuddsoddi mewn prosiectau seilwaith. Y broblem yw y　 buasai’n well gan Lafur eistedd yn ôl a beio’r Toriaid am yr hyn sy’n digwydd."

60,000 more job seekers than jobs shows need for urgent action

Labour must wake up to drastic job situation says Plaid

Labour needs to wake up to the drastic situation facing people looking for work in Wales.　 That was the message today from Plaid Cymru’s economy spokesperson Alun Ffred Jones AM.　 The Plaid Cymru AM for Arfon pointed to official figures which show that there are over 60 thousand more people looking for jobs, than there are jobs available.　 Mr Jones said that he hopes that these　 shocking figures will make Labour realise just how serious the situation is for people living with the reality of the current economic situation.　

The figures, published by the Office for National Statistics, show that there are 76,210 people in Wales looking for work with only 16,094 live unfilled vacancies being advertised in job centres.　 The situation is particularly bad in the Blaenau Gwent local authority where the figures show 17 people chasing every job vacancy.　

Plaid Cymru’s Economy spokesperson Alun Ffred Jones AM said;

"I hope that these shocking figures will act as a wake up call to this lethargic Labour government.　 The situation for people on the ground looking for work is drastic, with sixty thousand more people looking for work than there are jobs being advertised.　 The fact that so many people are being forced to chase the same jobs is a stark illustration of the reality of the deepening economic crisis.　　

"Labour has wasted the best part of a year sitting on its hands, these figures clearly show that this cannot be allowed to continue.　 Plaid Cymru will maintain the pressure on Labour to take action to boost the economy. Labour needs to sit up and take action to kick start the economy for 2012.　 We will continue to press the Labour government to adopt our positive proposals to protect jobs and help small businesses, as well as taking forward our ‘Build for Wales’ plan which could create up to 50,000 jobs, providing a much-needed economic boost in 2012."