From the Morning Star, December 30th
Canada steelworkers hail global solidarity
A United Steelworkers of Canada protest against Brazilian transnational Vale Inco
Canadian steelworkers locked in dispute with an "autocratic" Brazilian transnational has praised the solidarity that workers around the world have rendered since 3,500 miners downed tools in mid-July.
One of the most successful campaigns of its kind has attracted 8,000 protest messages from across the globe sent to Roger Agnelli, CEO of Vale Inco.
The protest message campaign is being run via LabourStart, the international trade union news service.
In addition, unions around the world are rallying to provide practical and financial support to over 3,500 strikers at Vale Inco sites in Sudbury, Port Colborne and Voisey's Bay.
United Steel Workers of Canada (USW) members have rejected the company's demands for massive concesions on pensions, profit-sharing bonuses and workplace and seniority rights.
Vale Inco is demanding these huge concessions from its Canadian workers, even though they generated a record £2.56 billion in profits from 2006 to 2008.
Worldwide, Vale bosses enjoyed a record £8.25bn profit in 2008 and the firm remains highly profitable, despite the global recession.
Vale's bosses have awarded themselves pay increases of 121 per cent in the last two years.
The 8,000 email protest messages condemn Vale management's labour relations strategy, which includes hiring scabs in a bid to divide workers and split communities.
Speaking on national Canadian television, USW international president Leo Gerard said: "We don't view this dispute being just about our members and our union.
"This dispute is also about the quality of life we've built in our community - our union is very active in the community and 90 per cent of the wages that are earned or the bonuses that are paid are spent in our community."
Mr Gerard explained that the strike is "about keeping our community strong as well as a decent collective agreement."
He charged that Vale bosses were "autocratic" and "used to hiring and firing people at will," noting that they fired 3,600 junior employees in Brazil last year.
Mr Gerard stressed that the USW has offered to talk to bosses without pre-conditions, "but the company only talk through their PR company or via hired bloggers, who are attempting to get to our members."
He applauded the "tremendous global support we are receiving from south Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa and from Workers Uniting, the first global union formed by us and Britain's Unite," which he said was "working hard to support our brothers and sisters in Canada.
"What our fellow members are doing is more than standing up to one company.
"They are standing up for us and working families everywhere as we take on the ills of globalisation," Mr Gerard said.
Letter from USW to LabourStart
LabourStart Campaign Against Vale a Tremendous Success
Published: December 30, 2009
Posted in: News, Release
29 December, 2009
Eric Lee
Editor
LabourStart
Dear Eric:
In the last few weeks, more than 8,000 protest messages have been sent directly to the chief executive of Brazil-based Vale SA, condemning the mining conglomerate’s callous treatment of workers.
The United Steelworkers (USW) wishes to thank LabourStart for launching this e-mail petition in support of 3,500 USW members in Canada who are into the sixth month of a strike against Vale Inco. The petition reinforces the USW’s global solidarity campaign which is building alliances with Vale workers and communities around the world who are demanding better treatment from this giant multinational.
The USW and its striking members in Canada are grateful for the support and solidarity they have received from LabourStart and the petitioners who made this such a successful campaign. It has been heartening to see thousands of people speak out, within such a brief timeframe, to help expose Vale’s attacks on working families and their communities.
Vale is massively profitable, yet it has provoked a strike in Canada by demanding huge concessions from workers. To date, the company has refused to negotiate a resolution to the dispute, rejecting the USW’s offer to resume meaningful, good-faith bargaining, free of pre-conditions.
Working people around the world joined LabourStart’s petition against Vale because they recognize it is unacceptable, arrogant and callous for a highly profitable foreign corporation to try to impose drastic concessions on workers and their communities, while removing greater amounts of wealth from those communities.
Until Vale decides to negotiate a fair deal with its Canadian workers, we will continue our international solidarity campaign against this company’s attacks on working families and their communities. USW members and their families would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to LabourStart and our allies around the world for your ongoing support in our struggle.
In Solidarity,
Ken Neumann
USW National Director for Canada
Also here is a video of a holiday message to the Vale
strikers. Please pass on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md9RaZc02UI
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Workers Uniting To Investigate Private US Companies Bidding For NHS Contracts
Workers Uniting the world's first global trade union is to launch an investigation into private US-based companies which are bidding for contracts in the NHS.
Workers Uniting, which brings together the US-Canadian United Steelworkers and Unite, is to launch the investigation following the passing of US President Barack Obama's Health Care Bill through the US Senate.
Currently, 47 million US citizens are without health insurance - despite gross profits for the private health industry topping $25 billion (£15bn).
Many of the private companies being offered contracts in the NHS by the Department of Health have, ironically, actively lobbied and campaigned against the Bill in the US.
Companies bidding for contracts in the NHS to provide services include United Healthcare, BUPA and Europe's largest accounting firm KPMG.
Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail explained that the "creeping privatisation" must be debated and exposed.
"Just as Workers Uniting is fighting to win health care for all in the US the global union is also working to prevent the profits-over-people privatisation of the UK health system," she said.
"The global union is launching an investigation of the preferred bidders chosen by the Department of Health to work within the NHS.
"Union activists from primary care trusts all over the UK will be debating the creeping privatisation of NHS services at the conference."
United Steelworkers International vice-president Carol Landry said that millions of workers around the world "believe now is the time to stop putting profits over people and to recognise that health care is a human right, no matter where you live."
Workers Uniting, which brings together the US-Canadian United Steelworkers and Unite, is to launch the investigation following the passing of US President Barack Obama's Health Care Bill through the US Senate.
Currently, 47 million US citizens are without health insurance - despite gross profits for the private health industry topping $25 billion (£15bn).
Many of the private companies being offered contracts in the NHS by the Department of Health have, ironically, actively lobbied and campaigned against the Bill in the US.
Companies bidding for contracts in the NHS to provide services include United Healthcare, BUPA and Europe's largest accounting firm KPMG.
Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail explained that the "creeping privatisation" must be debated and exposed.
"Just as Workers Uniting is fighting to win health care for all in the US the global union is also working to prevent the profits-over-people privatisation of the UK health system," she said.
"The global union is launching an investigation of the preferred bidders chosen by the Department of Health to work within the NHS.
"Union activists from primary care trusts all over the UK will be debating the creeping privatisation of NHS services at the conference."
United Steelworkers International vice-president Carol Landry said that millions of workers around the world "believe now is the time to stop putting profits over people and to recognise that health care is a human right, no matter where you live."
Felixstowe Port Workers - Massive Vote To Reject Pay Deal
Fresh talks are due to take place in the January over a proposed pay increase for Felixstowe port workers after a ballot indicated they would be willing to take industrial action.
Unite members voted 1,577 voted in favour of action with 30 no votes rejecting the one per cent pay offer and sending a clear message to management.
If no acceptable new offer is received, the next stage will be a postal ballot on industrial action.
Union officials apparently asked the company for 5pc plus a £500 lump sum for each worker to make up for the two days' compulsory unpaid leave workers had to take this year as part of the earlier cuts.
Changes this year included scrapping of all bonus schemes, compulsory unpaid leave, axing of the “hot seat” changeover payments, removal of canteen subsidies, and closure of the port on Boxing Day.
Unite members voted 1,577 voted in favour of action with 30 no votes rejecting the one per cent pay offer and sending a clear message to management.
If no acceptable new offer is received, the next stage will be a postal ballot on industrial action.
Union officials apparently asked the company for 5pc plus a £500 lump sum for each worker to make up for the two days' compulsory unpaid leave workers had to take this year as part of the earlier cuts.
Changes this year included scrapping of all bonus schemes, compulsory unpaid leave, axing of the “hot seat” changeover payments, removal of canteen subsidies, and closure of the port on Boxing Day.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Vale Inco Latest: Leo Gerard: "Damn Right I'm Angry"
Excellent interview given by USW's Leo Gerard on the Vale Inco dispute.
Don't forget you can support the 4,500 striking USW-Workers Uniting members in Sudbury, Canada by donating much needed cash and sending messages of support by visiting
http://unitingworkers.net/international/support_usw_striking_miners_at/show_your_support.aspx
To watch Leo Gerard interview visit
http://www.usw.org/media_center/news_articles?id=0472
Don't forget you can support the 4,500 striking USW-Workers Uniting members in Sudbury, Canada by donating much needed cash and sending messages of support by visiting
http://unitingworkers.net/international/support_usw_striking_miners_at/show_your_support.aspx
To watch Leo Gerard interview visit
http://www.usw.org/media_center/news_articles?id=0472
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Charity staff balloted over 'sackings'
Unite is preparing for an industrial action ballot of its members at Action for Children.
The dispute involves staff at the charity's House on the Hill project in Lewisham, south London.
Talks between Unite and Action for Children broke down after the charity refused to reinstate employees whose contracts it terminated with notice earlier this month.
The organisation then issued new inferior contracts for employees to sign, which the union argued would mean that some employees will lose annual leave and other conditions relating to pay and status.
The "sackings" followed a 14-month dispute between the employees and Action for Children over weekend working.
Unite national officer Rachael Maskell said: "Employees are feeling totally demotivated and fed up by the way they have been treated by Action for Children.
"Employees are shocked that Action for Children would risk losing the majority of the staff team rather than sit down and come to a resolution that would benefit the organisation, employees and the children."
The dispute involves staff at the charity's House on the Hill project in Lewisham, south London.
Talks between Unite and Action for Children broke down after the charity refused to reinstate employees whose contracts it terminated with notice earlier this month.
The organisation then issued new inferior contracts for employees to sign, which the union argued would mean that some employees will lose annual leave and other conditions relating to pay and status.
The "sackings" followed a 14-month dispute between the employees and Action for Children over weekend working.
Unite national officer Rachael Maskell said: "Employees are feeling totally demotivated and fed up by the way they have been treated by Action for Children.
"Employees are shocked that Action for Children would risk losing the majority of the staff team rather than sit down and come to a resolution that would benefit the organisation, employees and the children."
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
"It's A War Zone Here" - Vale Inco Latest
From the Toronto Star.....
Workers' mettle gets test as Vale Inco strike drags into bitter northern winter , It's a war zone here. Their tactics are designed to provoke us like never before. They're not interested in getting back to bargaining.
SUDBURY–Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" is blasting from a satellite radio in the tent's makeshift living room.
A couple of plush La-Z-Boy rockers and a couch surround a blazing wood stove. The fresh Christmas tree in the corner gives the place a cozy holiday feeling.
Three hearty men in heavy overcoats and toques hover around the stove, slap their gloves and exchange brotherly greetings. The song ends and they step outside into another world.
There's not a lot of love or warmth there. They're on the picket line just after sunrise a few days before Christmas at Vale Inco's Clarabelle Mill.
It's a flashpoint in the five-month standoff between some 3,100 workers and one of the world's biggest mining companies.
The workers face a bitter wind, -20C temperatures and a company spending millions of dollars to keep them in line. Strikers walk the line and delay trucks and cars for 12 to 15 minutes before allowing them through to the sprawling mill up the road.
Then, they walk some more.
Guards from a Toronto security firm monitor their movements. There are cameras on telephone poles, industrial lights for surveillance at night and parabolic dishes to pick up conversations hundreds of feet away.
The two sides don't talk to each other. Like the ground beneath them, it's a deep freeze.
"It's a war zone here," says millwright and picket captain James Joudrey. "Their tactics are designed to provoke us like never before. They're not interested in getting back to bargaining."
Sudbury is used to strikes, but this one is different. It's not like the walkouts of 1958, 1966, 1969, 1978-79, 1982, 1997 and 2003. The change is apparent everywhere.
"There is no doubt this one is like no other (strike) in Inco's history," says Rick Bertrand, vice-president of United Steelworkers Local 6500, about the current dispute.
Some of those long strikes temporarily crippled the local economy because the city relied so much on "Mother Inco" and its payroll. In the 1970s, Inco represented 25 per cent or more of the local workforce. Now, it counts for less than 5 per cent.
The bustling city of 157,000 has diversified into other sectors, from mining innovation and equipment manufacturing to education, healthcare and tourism.
Some local manufacturers, retailers and families are hurting but the hardship isn't as widespread as in past walkouts, when children came to school with smaller and smaller lunches. Many families now have second-income earners to cushion the financial blow.
The big change is ownership. Vale SA, a Brazilian-based mining behemoth, is the new owner in town. The Brazilians are shaking things up: they have strong views on how to run a mining company and deal with workers.
Since taking control in 2006 from Inco Ltd. in a $19.4 billion deal, Vale has slowly overhauled operations with a sharp eye on cost-cutting and maximizing profit.
That change, and the resistance to some of it, is now starkly playing out at the Clarabelle picket line and the entrances to many other Vale Inco operations around the city.
Since the start of the strike in July, the two sides have not returned to the bargaining table. No one on the street, in the shops or other plants raises an eyebrow about the prospect of this walkout surpassing the 261-day strike in 1978-79, the biggest in Canadian history in terms of person days lost.
"This looks like 1978 but worse," says Bertrand.
The company, whose parent continues to post strong profits, is seeking changes so it can make money all the time in an industry notorious for up-and-down business cycles. It wants to reduce bonus incentives and pension plan costs, increase contracting-out and limit job transfers.
Vale says it expects production costs to rise as the mining infrastructure ages and it digs deeper in the Sudbury ground, one of the richest nickel deposits in the world.
"On top of that, the global nickel market is becoming increasingly competitive with world nickel inventories approaching all-time highs," adds Inco spokesperson Cory McPhee.
"It is against that backdrop we are positioning ourselves. We are building a long-term, sustainable future in the nickel business."
The union has remained firm. It refuses to accept concessions at a profitable company marching to the drumbeat of globalization. "It's more about them showing their power," the burly Bertrand says.
Animosity and cynicism toward Vale is rampant among workers. They say the company will pay dearly in future productivity and profits when the strike ends.
Second- and third-generation Inco lifers vow they will never recommend working there to sons, daughters, relatives or friends under the new regime.
Veteran mill labourer Roger St. Amour says Inco had improved labour relations during the past two decades, but the new owners have destroyed all trust.
"Vale is used to treating people poorly in third-world countries and they expect to eventually do the same here, but it's not going to work," he says, standing beside the tent's tree with industrial-looking ornaments and a star on top with the words "Shame on Inco."
Labour relations under the old Inco had matured to the point where the company and union respected each other's positions during strikes, despite inevitable hard feelings. The company never mined or processed ore and the union minimized flare-ups.
But when workers walked off the job in July, Vale jolted the Steelworkers by quickly announcing it would soon start some mine production with salaried staff and other unionized workers not on strike.
The company expanded its work to moving ore to the mill and is now training staff to run the nearby smelter. "In the absence of any willingness by the union to negotiate, we can't allow our operations to sit idle," McPhee says.
One union leader suggested the decision would enrage workers and trigger picket line violence. But seasoned Inco strike watchers say the walkout has been relatively peaceful and a far cry from past disputes, when some workers toted guns on the line. In one strike, a worker drove a trunk full of dynamite to a plant gate in a show of force.
Vale has still gone to court three times, charging that the union and its members are breaking labour laws governing picket-line activity. The company has also fired some workers and this week slapped a multimillion-dollar civil lawsuit on seven employees for allegedly defying court orders, threatening people, disrupting production and causing monetary damage.
Although Inco is generating some revenue, it is still losing millions every week. On the other side, the union estimates it is paying out about $650,000 weekly.
The union is paying strikers $200 a week plus life insurance, emergency dental work and prescription drugs. It added a holiday gift of $100 and organized a children's Christmas party.
The union also runs a food bank for needy families and some Sudburians have "adopted" them during the strike.
Business is feeling the effects, but the economic hit is harder on local manufacturers than retailers.
The mining equipment manufacturing sector, which has grown significantly during the past two decades and relies less on Inco than in the past, is still feeling some of the sting, according to Dick DeStefano, executive director of the Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association.
"Some companies have had to cut back," he says. "There is job sharing and layoffs."
Gary Cormier, manager of the Notre Dame Boys furniture and appliance store, says his firm is "holding its own" but that could change dramatically after the Christmas season. "January could be the crusher," he says.
Across the city at a small Home Hardware store, owner Michael Skakoon has noticed no real decline and found that strikers are finding the time to buy his goods for house repairs and renovation projects.
"I've had more guys coming in for household repairs than ever before," he says.
While the community and many businesses generally support the workers' cause, there is an element of indifference to their plight by some people.
They don't feel sorry for workers who earn the city's top industrial wages of $29 an hour, plus periodic big bonuses, and spend freely while they make less.
Mayor John Rodriguez, who has openly supported the strikers, says there is some jealousy and a lack of understanding by other workers, pointing out that everyone in the city benefits when Inco workers are spending freely.
City council unanimously passed a resolution for both sides to return to bargaining before the strike starts causing long-term damage to the city. That was more than two months ago.
Back at strike headquarters, Bertrand says if Inco manages to restart the smelter and smoke rises from the Superstack, the strike will take on a new dimension
"The fight would go up a few levels in terms of anger and all hell could break loose," he says.
"Vale underestimates the strong labour history here and what our forefathers fought for to give us the quality of life we have today.
"We're not giving that up."
Unite and Workers Uniting are fully behind our brothers and sisters in the USW in Sudbury. Please send them messages of support and donations. Remember there are over 4,000 USW members on strike!
http://unitingworkers.net/our_issues/support_usw_striking_miners_at/show_your_support.aspx
Workers' mettle gets test as Vale Inco strike drags into bitter northern winter , It's a war zone here. Their tactics are designed to provoke us like never before. They're not interested in getting back to bargaining.
SUDBURY–Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" is blasting from a satellite radio in the tent's makeshift living room.
A couple of plush La-Z-Boy rockers and a couch surround a blazing wood stove. The fresh Christmas tree in the corner gives the place a cozy holiday feeling.
Three hearty men in heavy overcoats and toques hover around the stove, slap their gloves and exchange brotherly greetings. The song ends and they step outside into another world.
There's not a lot of love or warmth there. They're on the picket line just after sunrise a few days before Christmas at Vale Inco's Clarabelle Mill.
It's a flashpoint in the five-month standoff between some 3,100 workers and one of the world's biggest mining companies.
The workers face a bitter wind, -20C temperatures and a company spending millions of dollars to keep them in line. Strikers walk the line and delay trucks and cars for 12 to 15 minutes before allowing them through to the sprawling mill up the road.
Then, they walk some more.
Guards from a Toronto security firm monitor their movements. There are cameras on telephone poles, industrial lights for surveillance at night and parabolic dishes to pick up conversations hundreds of feet away.
The two sides don't talk to each other. Like the ground beneath them, it's a deep freeze.
"It's a war zone here," says millwright and picket captain James Joudrey. "Their tactics are designed to provoke us like never before. They're not interested in getting back to bargaining."
Sudbury is used to strikes, but this one is different. It's not like the walkouts of 1958, 1966, 1969, 1978-79, 1982, 1997 and 2003. The change is apparent everywhere.
"There is no doubt this one is like no other (strike) in Inco's history," says Rick Bertrand, vice-president of United Steelworkers Local 6500, about the current dispute.
Some of those long strikes temporarily crippled the local economy because the city relied so much on "Mother Inco" and its payroll. In the 1970s, Inco represented 25 per cent or more of the local workforce. Now, it counts for less than 5 per cent.
The bustling city of 157,000 has diversified into other sectors, from mining innovation and equipment manufacturing to education, healthcare and tourism.
Some local manufacturers, retailers and families are hurting but the hardship isn't as widespread as in past walkouts, when children came to school with smaller and smaller lunches. Many families now have second-income earners to cushion the financial blow.
The big change is ownership. Vale SA, a Brazilian-based mining behemoth, is the new owner in town. The Brazilians are shaking things up: they have strong views on how to run a mining company and deal with workers.
Since taking control in 2006 from Inco Ltd. in a $19.4 billion deal, Vale has slowly overhauled operations with a sharp eye on cost-cutting and maximizing profit.
That change, and the resistance to some of it, is now starkly playing out at the Clarabelle picket line and the entrances to many other Vale Inco operations around the city.
Since the start of the strike in July, the two sides have not returned to the bargaining table. No one on the street, in the shops or other plants raises an eyebrow about the prospect of this walkout surpassing the 261-day strike in 1978-79, the biggest in Canadian history in terms of person days lost.
"This looks like 1978 but worse," says Bertrand.
The company, whose parent continues to post strong profits, is seeking changes so it can make money all the time in an industry notorious for up-and-down business cycles. It wants to reduce bonus incentives and pension plan costs, increase contracting-out and limit job transfers.
Vale says it expects production costs to rise as the mining infrastructure ages and it digs deeper in the Sudbury ground, one of the richest nickel deposits in the world.
"On top of that, the global nickel market is becoming increasingly competitive with world nickel inventories approaching all-time highs," adds Inco spokesperson Cory McPhee.
"It is against that backdrop we are positioning ourselves. We are building a long-term, sustainable future in the nickel business."
The union has remained firm. It refuses to accept concessions at a profitable company marching to the drumbeat of globalization. "It's more about them showing their power," the burly Bertrand says.
Animosity and cynicism toward Vale is rampant among workers. They say the company will pay dearly in future productivity and profits when the strike ends.
Second- and third-generation Inco lifers vow they will never recommend working there to sons, daughters, relatives or friends under the new regime.
Veteran mill labourer Roger St. Amour says Inco had improved labour relations during the past two decades, but the new owners have destroyed all trust.
"Vale is used to treating people poorly in third-world countries and they expect to eventually do the same here, but it's not going to work," he says, standing beside the tent's tree with industrial-looking ornaments and a star on top with the words "Shame on Inco."
Labour relations under the old Inco had matured to the point where the company and union respected each other's positions during strikes, despite inevitable hard feelings. The company never mined or processed ore and the union minimized flare-ups.
But when workers walked off the job in July, Vale jolted the Steelworkers by quickly announcing it would soon start some mine production with salaried staff and other unionized workers not on strike.
The company expanded its work to moving ore to the mill and is now training staff to run the nearby smelter. "In the absence of any willingness by the union to negotiate, we can't allow our operations to sit idle," McPhee says.
One union leader suggested the decision would enrage workers and trigger picket line violence. But seasoned Inco strike watchers say the walkout has been relatively peaceful and a far cry from past disputes, when some workers toted guns on the line. In one strike, a worker drove a trunk full of dynamite to a plant gate in a show of force.
Vale has still gone to court three times, charging that the union and its members are breaking labour laws governing picket-line activity. The company has also fired some workers and this week slapped a multimillion-dollar civil lawsuit on seven employees for allegedly defying court orders, threatening people, disrupting production and causing monetary damage.
Although Inco is generating some revenue, it is still losing millions every week. On the other side, the union estimates it is paying out about $650,000 weekly.
The union is paying strikers $200 a week plus life insurance, emergency dental work and prescription drugs. It added a holiday gift of $100 and organized a children's Christmas party.
The union also runs a food bank for needy families and some Sudburians have "adopted" them during the strike.
Business is feeling the effects, but the economic hit is harder on local manufacturers than retailers.
The mining equipment manufacturing sector, which has grown significantly during the past two decades and relies less on Inco than in the past, is still feeling some of the sting, according to Dick DeStefano, executive director of the Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association.
"Some companies have had to cut back," he says. "There is job sharing and layoffs."
Gary Cormier, manager of the Notre Dame Boys furniture and appliance store, says his firm is "holding its own" but that could change dramatically after the Christmas season. "January could be the crusher," he says.
Across the city at a small Home Hardware store, owner Michael Skakoon has noticed no real decline and found that strikers are finding the time to buy his goods for house repairs and renovation projects.
"I've had more guys coming in for household repairs than ever before," he says.
While the community and many businesses generally support the workers' cause, there is an element of indifference to their plight by some people.
They don't feel sorry for workers who earn the city's top industrial wages of $29 an hour, plus periodic big bonuses, and spend freely while they make less.
Mayor John Rodriguez, who has openly supported the strikers, says there is some jealousy and a lack of understanding by other workers, pointing out that everyone in the city benefits when Inco workers are spending freely.
City council unanimously passed a resolution for both sides to return to bargaining before the strike starts causing long-term damage to the city. That was more than two months ago.
Back at strike headquarters, Bertrand says if Inco manages to restart the smelter and smoke rises from the Superstack, the strike will take on a new dimension
"The fight would go up a few levels in terms of anger and all hell could break loose," he says.
"Vale underestimates the strong labour history here and what our forefathers fought for to give us the quality of life we have today.
"We're not giving that up."
Unite and Workers Uniting are fully behind our brothers and sisters in the USW in Sudbury. Please send them messages of support and donations. Remember there are over 4,000 USW members on strike!
http://unitingworkers.net/our_issues/support_usw_striking_miners_at/show_your_support.aspx
Sunday, December 20, 2009
TULO Xmas Card To Cameron
Sign TULO's Christmas Card to David Cameron.
TULO say they have had over 1000 signatures in the first hour of this campaign but they still need more.
TULO will be handing in the Christmas card directly to David Cameron on Monday - so join them in demanding that the Tories drop their threat to scrap the legal guarantees that give us 4 weeks paid leave.
http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/CallousChristmas
TULO say they have had over 1000 signatures in the first hour of this campaign but they still need more.
TULO will be handing in the Christmas card directly to David Cameron on Monday - so join them in demanding that the Tories drop their threat to scrap the legal guarantees that give us 4 weeks paid leave.
http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/CallousChristmas
Solid Support For Fujitsu Strikes As Steria Agree Pensions Deal
Unite Fujitsu members and supporters protested at the IT companies London headquarters on Friday as strike action took place across the company.
The walkouts started a series of stoppages stretching into the New Year. Picket lines were set up at Fujitsu offices across the country, including Manchester, Warrington, Crewe and Belfast as 1,600 Unite members took industrial action for the first time.
Unite IT national officer, Peter Skyte, said that the union hoped that the action would be enough to convince Fujitsu management to rethink its position on pay, pensions and job cuts. Compulsory redundancy is simply unacceptable, especially considering that Fujitsu is expecting record earnings next year," he said. "Turnout has been strong around the country today, and this demonstrates how deep the feelings are against Fujitsu management," he said.
Les Bayliss, Unite Assistant General Secretary and Workers Uniting Group candidate for Unite General Secretary stood alongside members at the London demo said: "Fujitsu is a highly profitable multi national business and their proposals to put workers out of work and close the final salary pension scheme are not acceptable. The pensions changes alone amount to a 20% pay cut for our members. If we don't fight - this it will knock onto other IT companies"
"For many of our members this is the first time they have been involved in industrial action, so the support of Unite members is crucial - I would ask Unite members support our members when the strikes in the New Year go ahead - I certainly will be."
Fujitsu Unite member Dave Seymour, dressed as "Scrooge" who has worked at the company for nine years slammed Fujitsu management. I'm paid a bloody pittance and have only had four crappy pay rises since I've been working here. Seymour said he currently earns £18,000 per year, and said he would continue to strike in the hope that Fujitsu bosses will eventually sit-up and listen to the firm's unhappy UK staff. I'm losing money standing here today, but I'm not going to give up," he said.
Meanwhile IT services supplier Steria has signed a new deals on pensions. From April 2010 Steria will close the defined benefit scheme to future accrual and instead offer employees access to a Steria defined contribution pension scheme on terms designed to reflect the benefits of their original scheme.
Peter Skyte, Unite National Officer for IT and Communications, welcomed Steria's co-operation on the deal. “We welcome, the fact that pensions of members will broadly mirror what they currently could expect under the final salary pension scheme," he said. The approach taken by Steria towards these negotiations contrasts markedly with the approach taken by other companies."
Dates for your diary: Fujitsu's six days of strike action will continue on 7th, 8, 11th, 14th and 15th January. More information as we get it.
The walkouts started a series of stoppages stretching into the New Year. Picket lines were set up at Fujitsu offices across the country, including Manchester, Warrington, Crewe and Belfast as 1,600 Unite members took industrial action for the first time.
Unite IT national officer, Peter Skyte, said that the union hoped that the action would be enough to convince Fujitsu management to rethink its position on pay, pensions and job cuts. Compulsory redundancy is simply unacceptable, especially considering that Fujitsu is expecting record earnings next year," he said. "Turnout has been strong around the country today, and this demonstrates how deep the feelings are against Fujitsu management," he said.
Les Bayliss, Unite Assistant General Secretary and Workers Uniting Group candidate for Unite General Secretary stood alongside members at the London demo said: "Fujitsu is a highly profitable multi national business and their proposals to put workers out of work and close the final salary pension scheme are not acceptable. The pensions changes alone amount to a 20% pay cut for our members. If we don't fight - this it will knock onto other IT companies"
"For many of our members this is the first time they have been involved in industrial action, so the support of Unite members is crucial - I would ask Unite members support our members when the strikes in the New Year go ahead - I certainly will be."
Fujitsu Unite member Dave Seymour, dressed as "Scrooge" who has worked at the company for nine years slammed Fujitsu management. I'm paid a bloody pittance and have only had four crappy pay rises since I've been working here. Seymour said he currently earns £18,000 per year, and said he would continue to strike in the hope that Fujitsu bosses will eventually sit-up and listen to the firm's unhappy UK staff. I'm losing money standing here today, but I'm not going to give up," he said.
Meanwhile IT services supplier Steria has signed a new deals on pensions. From April 2010 Steria will close the defined benefit scheme to future accrual and instead offer employees access to a Steria defined contribution pension scheme on terms designed to reflect the benefits of their original scheme.
Peter Skyte, Unite National Officer for IT and Communications, welcomed Steria's co-operation on the deal. “We welcome, the fact that pensions of members will broadly mirror what they currently could expect under the final salary pension scheme," he said. The approach taken by Steria towards these negotiations contrasts markedly with the approach taken by other companies."
Dates for your diary: Fujitsu's six days of strike action will continue on 7th, 8, 11th, 14th and 15th January. More information as we get it.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Support Fujitsu Members - Demo's and Pickets
Don't forget the London Fujitsu "Scrooge" protest Friday!!
The “Scrooge” protest will be outside Fujitsu’s HQ at LON22, which is 22 Baker Street, London, W1U 3BW at 12:00 on Friday 18th December.
Fujitsu will be visited by the ghosts of pensions past, jobs present and pay that is yet to come. The protest should attract considerable media interest, helping our campaign. The intention is then to pop round the corner onto Oxford Street to leaflet outside one or two of Fujitsu’s High Street customers. Activities should be complete by 2pm.
The more people who join in, the better. You can bring along family and friends.
UNITE members in many parts of the country have already arranged with their Regional Officers for the union to cover their fares to London to take part. If you haven’t already done so, don’t delay.
There are still places left on the coach from the north-west, which is picking up:
• Leaving 6am sharp, Chorlton Street, Manchester City Centre, alongside the coach station
• Be at M6 Knutsford Services (southbound) by 6:20am
• Be at M6 Sandbach Services (southbound) by 6:35am
The coach will leave London for the return journey at 3pm. Please saying where you want to be picked up and providing your mobile number.
Other local pickets and protests
Members around the country are making plans for their local pickets and activities. Here are some we have been able to collate so far:
• Belfast: Picket IRE11 from 06:45-10:00. Brunch. Leafleting in city centre.
• Crewe: Picket from 07:30 – 10:00.
• London: meet outside the Canary Wharf underground station (Jubilee line) 9am-10am. Protest outside LON22, noon, then leaflet Oxford Street till 2pm.
• Manchester: Picket 06:30-10:30. Brunch. Leafleting in city centre.
• Midlands: Train to London for the protest.
• Stevenage: Picket at STE04 from 07:00. Train to London for the protest.
• Wakefield: Picket 07:30-09:15. Train to London for the protest.
• Warrington: Pickets in two shifts, from 05:30-09:00 and 09:00-12:30.
The “Scrooge” protest will be outside Fujitsu’s HQ at LON22, which is 22 Baker Street, London, W1U 3BW at 12:00 on Friday 18th December.
Fujitsu will be visited by the ghosts of pensions past, jobs present and pay that is yet to come. The protest should attract considerable media interest, helping our campaign. The intention is then to pop round the corner onto Oxford Street to leaflet outside one or two of Fujitsu’s High Street customers. Activities should be complete by 2pm.
The more people who join in, the better. You can bring along family and friends.
UNITE members in many parts of the country have already arranged with their Regional Officers for the union to cover their fares to London to take part. If you haven’t already done so, don’t delay.
There are still places left on the coach from the north-west, which is picking up:
• Leaving 6am sharp, Chorlton Street, Manchester City Centre, alongside the coach station
• Be at M6 Knutsford Services (southbound) by 6:20am
• Be at M6 Sandbach Services (southbound) by 6:35am
The coach will leave London for the return journey at 3pm. Please saying where you want to be picked up and providing your mobile number.
Other local pickets and protests
Members around the country are making plans for their local pickets and activities. Here are some we have been able to collate so far:
• Belfast: Picket IRE11 from 06:45-10:00. Brunch. Leafleting in city centre.
• Crewe: Picket from 07:30 – 10:00.
• London: meet outside the Canary Wharf underground station (Jubilee line) 9am-10am. Protest outside LON22, noon, then leaflet Oxford Street till 2pm.
• Manchester: Picket 06:30-10:30. Brunch. Leafleting in city centre.
• Midlands: Train to London for the protest.
• Stevenage: Picket at STE04 from 07:00. Train to London for the protest.
• Wakefield: Picket 07:30-09:15. Train to London for the protest.
• Warrington: Pickets in two shifts, from 05:30-09:00 and 09:00-12:30.
Unite's Rachel Maskell Calls For "Pontius Pilate" Bishops To Resign
The resignation of two Church of England bishops was called for, for presiding over ‘a culture of neglect and bullying’ in the Diocese of Worcester.
The call came as the vicar, Revd. Mark Sharpe and his family, who have suffered four years of torment, left their home, the rectory at Hanley Broadheath, near Worcester, after eviction proceedings were started.
Unite represents 2,500 faith workers, has asked that the Archbishop of Canterbury, to set up a high-level and immediate investigation into the four year-old campaign of harassment that Rev. Sharpe and his family have experienced.
Unite has called for the Rt. Revd. John Inge, Bishop of Worcester and Rt. Revd. David Walker, the Suffragan Bishop of Dudley, to step down immediately ‘for washing their hands like Pontius Pilate’.
The union also wants the diocesan surveyor, Mark Wild and the diocesan registrar, Michael Huskinson to quit.
Unite said that the bishops allowed Revd. Sharpe, rector of Teme Valley South, his wife Sara and their four children to suffer a campaign of intimidation from parishioners when they moved to the rectory in remote Worcestershire in 2005.
Rachael Maskell, Unite national officer, community and non profit sector: ”The two bishops have washed their hands like Pontius Pilate - and, unfortunately, we know of other cases in the diocese where a culture of bullying, neglect and poor housing for members of the clergy prevails. The two bishops should resign immediately, as should the diocesan surveyor and diocesan registrar.
”Unite would like the Archbishop of Canterbury to order an investigation into the events surrounding Mark and his family.
”The fact that Mark and his family have been forced to leave their home during the so-called season of goodwill at the pinnacle of the Christian year is a disgrace, and a dark stain on the church’s reputation.“
Revd. Sharpe’s parishioners sent him and his family ‘to Coventry’, and exposed them to a campaign of abuse and intimidation after he exposed long-standing irregularities in parish affairs.
Unite had been negotiating a settlement for Rev. Sharpe, who has been off sick with stress since April 2006, but before it could be reached, announcements were made in the parish’s churches; contrary to advice, that he was leaving his post.
Rachael said: ”This is a toxic parish with a 40-year history of clergy leaving abruptly or in broken health. The bishops knew the history involved and failed to exercise their duty of care in the legal or moral respects. They have failed both as employers and Christians.
”The Church of England needs to introduce the full range of employment rights for its entire clergy, including Section 23 of the 1999 Employment Relations Act.”
The campaign of harassment included the tyres to Revd. Sharpe’s car being slashed twice; the poisoning of a pet dog; the theft of central heating oil three times; his family being sworn at; his post being tampered with; and his internet and phone connections being cut.
Because of constant prowlers, CCTV cameras were installed at the rectory in Hanley Broadheath, near Worcester. The family is now moving to rented accommodation.
Despite pleas to the Bishops of Dudley and Worcester, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Rowan Williams and John Sentamu respectively, Revd. Sharpe said the church authorities have done nothing to help or support him.
Revd. Sharpe is appealing to an Employment Tribunal. His case rests on the fact that the church should have warned him of the nature of the parish and its problems before offering him the post.
Revd. Sharpe was in a ‘Catch 22’ situation. Until he could move to new accommodation, he lived in the dilapidated rectory which he couldn’t move from; otherwise he and his family would have been homeless. The building was riddled with damp and mould; had asbestos problems; part of the ceiling had given way; the chimney was unsafe; and tiles were falling off the roof. He, his wife and children became seriously ill because of the problems in the rectory.
Revd. Sharpe said: ”My career has been ruined, my health and that of my wife and children has been shattered, and my family has suffered terribly from all the strain.
”When we came here in 2005, I was told by the church that they were looking for stability, as the last vicar had left after 18 months for health reasons.
”I found a situation that was allowed to fester for decades, where of the four parishes only three were legally constituted. The treasurer and parochial church council (PCC) were not legal entities. There was also the case of the village hall refurbishment which had not been properly managed.
”These admin and financial problems were all eventually sorted out, but this seemed to spark a wave of resentment from the community which has culminated in my family and I living in a climate of fear in a supposedly rural idyll.
”There have been too many incidences of harassment over the last four years for them to be the odd coincidence.
”I need the Church to compensate us for the damage that it has caused so that we can rebuild our lives. Those who have failed us should also be asked to account for their actions. The Church of England also needs to recognise that it has a duty of care to their clergy generally, especially when they have a difficult parish.
”The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have been written to for their support. They seem quite happy to comment extensively on global affairs, but not on how one of the clergy has been subject to harassment.”
The call came as the vicar, Revd. Mark Sharpe and his family, who have suffered four years of torment, left their home, the rectory at Hanley Broadheath, near Worcester, after eviction proceedings were started.
Unite represents 2,500 faith workers, has asked that the Archbishop of Canterbury, to set up a high-level and immediate investigation into the four year-old campaign of harassment that Rev. Sharpe and his family have experienced.
Unite has called for the Rt. Revd. John Inge, Bishop of Worcester and Rt. Revd. David Walker, the Suffragan Bishop of Dudley, to step down immediately ‘for washing their hands like Pontius Pilate’.
The union also wants the diocesan surveyor, Mark Wild and the diocesan registrar, Michael Huskinson to quit.
Unite said that the bishops allowed Revd. Sharpe, rector of Teme Valley South, his wife Sara and their four children to suffer a campaign of intimidation from parishioners when they moved to the rectory in remote Worcestershire in 2005.
Rachael Maskell, Unite national officer, community and non profit sector: ”The two bishops have washed their hands like Pontius Pilate - and, unfortunately, we know of other cases in the diocese where a culture of bullying, neglect and poor housing for members of the clergy prevails. The two bishops should resign immediately, as should the diocesan surveyor and diocesan registrar.
”Unite would like the Archbishop of Canterbury to order an investigation into the events surrounding Mark and his family.
”The fact that Mark and his family have been forced to leave their home during the so-called season of goodwill at the pinnacle of the Christian year is a disgrace, and a dark stain on the church’s reputation.“
Revd. Sharpe’s parishioners sent him and his family ‘to Coventry’, and exposed them to a campaign of abuse and intimidation after he exposed long-standing irregularities in parish affairs.
Unite had been negotiating a settlement for Rev. Sharpe, who has been off sick with stress since April 2006, but before it could be reached, announcements were made in the parish’s churches; contrary to advice, that he was leaving his post.
Rachael said: ”This is a toxic parish with a 40-year history of clergy leaving abruptly or in broken health. The bishops knew the history involved and failed to exercise their duty of care in the legal or moral respects. They have failed both as employers and Christians.
”The Church of England needs to introduce the full range of employment rights for its entire clergy, including Section 23 of the 1999 Employment Relations Act.”
The campaign of harassment included the tyres to Revd. Sharpe’s car being slashed twice; the poisoning of a pet dog; the theft of central heating oil three times; his family being sworn at; his post being tampered with; and his internet and phone connections being cut.
Because of constant prowlers, CCTV cameras were installed at the rectory in Hanley Broadheath, near Worcester. The family is now moving to rented accommodation.
Despite pleas to the Bishops of Dudley and Worcester, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Rowan Williams and John Sentamu respectively, Revd. Sharpe said the church authorities have done nothing to help or support him.
Revd. Sharpe is appealing to an Employment Tribunal. His case rests on the fact that the church should have warned him of the nature of the parish and its problems before offering him the post.
Revd. Sharpe was in a ‘Catch 22’ situation. Until he could move to new accommodation, he lived in the dilapidated rectory which he couldn’t move from; otherwise he and his family would have been homeless. The building was riddled with damp and mould; had asbestos problems; part of the ceiling had given way; the chimney was unsafe; and tiles were falling off the roof. He, his wife and children became seriously ill because of the problems in the rectory.
Revd. Sharpe said: ”My career has been ruined, my health and that of my wife and children has been shattered, and my family has suffered terribly from all the strain.
”When we came here in 2005, I was told by the church that they were looking for stability, as the last vicar had left after 18 months for health reasons.
”I found a situation that was allowed to fester for decades, where of the four parishes only three were legally constituted. The treasurer and parochial church council (PCC) were not legal entities. There was also the case of the village hall refurbishment which had not been properly managed.
”These admin and financial problems were all eventually sorted out, but this seemed to spark a wave of resentment from the community which has culminated in my family and I living in a climate of fear in a supposedly rural idyll.
”There have been too many incidences of harassment over the last four years for them to be the odd coincidence.
”I need the Church to compensate us for the damage that it has caused so that we can rebuild our lives. Those who have failed us should also be asked to account for their actions. The Church of England also needs to recognise that it has a duty of care to their clergy generally, especially when they have a difficult parish.
”The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have been written to for their support. They seem quite happy to comment extensively on global affairs, but not on how one of the clergy has been subject to harassment.”
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Workers Uniting Demands Help For Corus
US and British governments urged to save Corus jobs
Global union Workers Uniting have demanded more government intervention to support the ailing British steel industry following the threat to axe jobs at the Corus plant on Teesside.
At the beginning of the month Corus announced it would mothball its slab steel plant in Redcar by the end of January with the loss of 1,700 skilled jobs.
At a conference in Geneva of Workers Uniting - the global union between Unite and the United Steelworkers there were demands for more government intervention to support the steel industry in Britain, Canada and the US.
Globalisation is acting against national interests, Unite national officer Terry Pye told delegates, and the government must "actively intervene" to support industry, skills and jobs.
"The tragic news that 1,700 steelworkers face redundancy at Corus in the UK is proof why the UK government should do everything possible to keep a steel making infrastructure in Teesside and preserve the valuable skills of the workforce," Terry said.
USW international vice-president Carol Landry said that domestic manufacturing strategies would go a long way to solving economic problems, protect quality jobs and "secure a brighter future for our world's middle class."
She urged the US and British governments for more action in creating and protecting jobs.
Les Bayliss, the Workers Uniting Group candidate for Unite General Secretary supported the call saying: "The steel industry is vital to the UK, US and Canadian economies. The demand for steel will return as the recession ends in the UK and USA and without the skilled workforce and the plants to make steel our economies will be uncompetitive. Other countries such as Germany have protected their steel industry. We expect our Governments to do the same! Once steelmills close they don't open up again and we just can't leave such an important industry to the so called free-market"
Global union Workers Uniting have demanded more government intervention to support the ailing British steel industry following the threat to axe jobs at the Corus plant on Teesside.
At the beginning of the month Corus announced it would mothball its slab steel plant in Redcar by the end of January with the loss of 1,700 skilled jobs.
At a conference in Geneva of Workers Uniting - the global union between Unite and the United Steelworkers there were demands for more government intervention to support the steel industry in Britain, Canada and the US.
Globalisation is acting against national interests, Unite national officer Terry Pye told delegates, and the government must "actively intervene" to support industry, skills and jobs.
"The tragic news that 1,700 steelworkers face redundancy at Corus in the UK is proof why the UK government should do everything possible to keep a steel making infrastructure in Teesside and preserve the valuable skills of the workforce," Terry said.
USW international vice-president Carol Landry said that domestic manufacturing strategies would go a long way to solving economic problems, protect quality jobs and "secure a brighter future for our world's middle class."
She urged the US and British governments for more action in creating and protecting jobs.
Les Bayliss, the Workers Uniting Group candidate for Unite General Secretary supported the call saying: "The steel industry is vital to the UK, US and Canadian economies. The demand for steel will return as the recession ends in the UK and USA and without the skilled workforce and the plants to make steel our economies will be uncompetitive. Other countries such as Germany have protected their steel industry. We expect our Governments to do the same! Once steelmills close they don't open up again and we just can't leave such an important industry to the so called free-market"
Support and Donate To Vale Inco Dispute
You can now read more about the dispute in Canada, send messages of support and make donations to the strike fund by visiting
http://www.workersuniting.org/our_issues/support_usw_striking_miners_at.aspx
Please give our brothers and sisters - all 3500 of them your messages of support from your branch or workplace and send them some money to help them through the festive season.
http://www.workersuniting.org/our_issues/support_usw_striking_miners_at.aspx
http://www.workersuniting.org/our_issues/support_usw_striking_miners_at.aspx
Please give our brothers and sisters - all 3500 of them your messages of support from your branch or workplace and send them some money to help them through the festive season.
http://www.workersuniting.org/our_issues/support_usw_striking_miners_at.aspx
Keep Cadbury Independent
Sign the on-line petition at
http://www.unitetheunion.org/campaigns/keep_cadbury_independent_petit.aspx
http://www.unitetheunion.org/campaigns/keep_cadbury_independent_petit.aspx
Monday, December 14, 2009
Printers To Ballot For Strike at Souhernprint
Unite members at Southernprint are on course to ballot for industrial action in the New Year as a result of their ongoing dispute over redundancy pay, Unite regional officer Martin Hodges has said.
According to Martin, negotiations with Southernprint's management have reached an impasse that has left staff at the site with no alternative other than to ballot with January the earliest time that a vote can be practically conducted.
Hodges has been involved in the dispute since former owner Newsquest "unilaterally changed" the terms of employment for staff at Southernprint, reducing their redundancy entitlement, prior to the printer's sale to Wyndeham Press Group-owner Walstead Investments.
Hodges said that Unite's members had not agreed to the reduction in their redundancy pay, from two weeks for every year served to a starting point of statutory redundancy, and therefore Newsquest's change to the terms of employment represented a breach of contract.
The dispute had not been resolved at the time of the acquisition and subsequent talks have also failed to reach a conclusion.
He said: "It is the company that's taken something away from the members, and as such it's a breach of contract. The company says it's not, so we've exhausted the disputes procedure and even asked the company if they would be willing to go to binding arbitration, but they don't want to do that either. What option has that left us?
"This isn't a dispute over pay or something that's going to be an additional cost to the company - our members are being told to give up their contractual rights, which won't cost the company anything unless it makes people redundant".
According to Martin, negotiations with Southernprint's management have reached an impasse that has left staff at the site with no alternative other than to ballot with January the earliest time that a vote can be practically conducted.
Hodges has been involved in the dispute since former owner Newsquest "unilaterally changed" the terms of employment for staff at Southernprint, reducing their redundancy entitlement, prior to the printer's sale to Wyndeham Press Group-owner Walstead Investments.
Hodges said that Unite's members had not agreed to the reduction in their redundancy pay, from two weeks for every year served to a starting point of statutory redundancy, and therefore Newsquest's change to the terms of employment represented a breach of contract.
The dispute had not been resolved at the time of the acquisition and subsequent talks have also failed to reach a conclusion.
He said: "It is the company that's taken something away from the members, and as such it's a breach of contract. The company says it's not, so we've exhausted the disputes procedure and even asked the company if they would be willing to go to binding arbitration, but they don't want to do that either. What option has that left us?
"This isn't a dispute over pay or something that's going to be an additional cost to the company - our members are being told to give up their contractual rights, which won't cost the company anything unless it makes people redundant".
Soccer Players Support Corus Steelworkers
Championship footballers have showed solidarity with steel workers who are facing redundancy.
Players from Middlesbrough FC wore "Save Our Steel" t-shirts to warm up ahead of their home fixture with Cardiff City.
They were supporting workers at the Corus factory, at Redcar, who are facing a bleak Christmas after plans were announced to mothball part of its giant plant in the New Year, with the loss of 1,700 jobs.
Up to 100 steel workers and their families marched around the Riverside Stadium ahead of kick off parading banners before lining up to welcome the teams onto the pitch.
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson said: "We were devastated to hear this potentially catastrophic news for Teesside and we will do all in our power to continue to support steel workers in their fight to get Government intervention.
"The issue is of huge importance to the whole area and we want our local MPs to fight not just to get cash for training but to save these jobs."
Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon added: "The people of Teesside simply do not accept the Government's position to let the steel industry in this region die without a fight with the loss of so many jobs and the human cost that brings.
"I know the people want action from this Government to keep the furnace open. Along with Steve Gibson and the unions, I will be relentless in my pursuit of that action."
The demonstration follows a massive show of unity on the day of the game against Ipswich Town earlier in the season when fans of both sides applauded a delegation of steelworkers as they paraded around the perimeter of the Riverside pitch.
Players from Middlesbrough FC wore "Save Our Steel" t-shirts to warm up ahead of their home fixture with Cardiff City.
They were supporting workers at the Corus factory, at Redcar, who are facing a bleak Christmas after plans were announced to mothball part of its giant plant in the New Year, with the loss of 1,700 jobs.
Up to 100 steel workers and their families marched around the Riverside Stadium ahead of kick off parading banners before lining up to welcome the teams onto the pitch.
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson said: "We were devastated to hear this potentially catastrophic news for Teesside and we will do all in our power to continue to support steel workers in their fight to get Government intervention.
"The issue is of huge importance to the whole area and we want our local MPs to fight not just to get cash for training but to save these jobs."
Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon added: "The people of Teesside simply do not accept the Government's position to let the steel industry in this region die without a fight with the loss of so many jobs and the human cost that brings.
"I know the people want action from this Government to keep the furnace open. Along with Steve Gibson and the unions, I will be relentless in my pursuit of that action."
The demonstration follows a massive show of unity on the day of the game against Ipswich Town earlier in the season when fans of both sides applauded a delegation of steelworkers as they paraded around the perimeter of the Riverside pitch.
Irish Unions To Stand Together
Irish union leaders plan to get private sector workers on board for a disruptive campaign of industrial action after public servants suffered a €1bn pay cut. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions will propose that they escalate their campaign by including members from all sectors.
Unions are expected to announce their strategy in the wake of what they described as a "callous and uncaring" Budget at a meeting of the ICTU executive council last week.
Although they have not ruled out all-out strikes, union leaders are expected to unveil a campaign based on non co-operation, including work-to-rule actions, and are looking into the possibility of taking legal action over the pay cuts.
Sources said unions with a large private sector membership, including SIPTU and Unite will propose members are also included to widen the campaign and add to the Government's difficulties.
A spokesperson for SIPTU said the campaign was "not just a public sector issue" but would protest against other demands that have not been met, including a substantial jobs protection programme and protections for mortgage-holders in difficulty.
The campaign is not expected to begin until the New Year as some unions have to give up to two weeks' notice of industrial action under agreements with employers.
A senior union source admitted that what was happening was "reactive" and that a strategy would have to be worked out to decide exactly what unions wanted to achieve.
Unions are expected to announce their strategy in the wake of what they described as a "callous and uncaring" Budget at a meeting of the ICTU executive council last week.
Although they have not ruled out all-out strikes, union leaders are expected to unveil a campaign based on non co-operation, including work-to-rule actions, and are looking into the possibility of taking legal action over the pay cuts.
Sources said unions with a large private sector membership, including SIPTU and Unite will propose members are also included to widen the campaign and add to the Government's difficulties.
A spokesperson for SIPTU said the campaign was "not just a public sector issue" but would protest against other demands that have not been met, including a substantial jobs protection programme and protections for mortgage-holders in difficulty.
The campaign is not expected to begin until the New Year as some unions have to give up to two weeks' notice of industrial action under agreements with employers.
A senior union source admitted that what was happening was "reactive" and that a strategy would have to be worked out to decide exactly what unions wanted to achieve.
2 Sister Race Firm Face Strike Ballot
Unite members at a meat supplier in Birmingham are to be balloted for strike action in support of 59 colleagues who were sacked by management for challenging racist behaviour at the site.
Three hundred and eighty workers employed by 2 Sisters poultry suppliers in Birmingham - a firm which holds contracts with a number of major supermarket chains including Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Asda - are to vote on industrial action.
The 59 sackings followed an incident in July at the 2 Sisters factory, which employs mainly migrant workers, when a security guard at the site is alleged to have abused a shop steward by calling him a "Fucking Paki bastard."
The shop steward was then disciplined but no action was taken against the security guard. The shop steward challenged the decision but his appeal was rejected. The plant convener went to his aid and was suspended.
Fifty-four workers then stopped work and five shop stewards acted immediately to get them to resume production, according to Unite. The five shop stewards were then suspended and subsequently sacked together with the 54 workers.
A legal battle over the sackings, which will see the company facing charges of unfair dismissal and race discrimination at an employment tribunal, is scheduled to begin in the new year.
The result of the ballot is expected on January 4.
Unite deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said: "Fifty-nine workers and their union representatives were sacked for standing up to racism in the workplace. Now hundreds of workers at 2 Sisters will decide if they too stand up to racism and support their victimised workmates. The message from the workforce is clear - this is wrong and they will strike for what is right."
Three hundred and eighty workers employed by 2 Sisters poultry suppliers in Birmingham - a firm which holds contracts with a number of major supermarket chains including Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Asda - are to vote on industrial action.
The 59 sackings followed an incident in July at the 2 Sisters factory, which employs mainly migrant workers, when a security guard at the site is alleged to have abused a shop steward by calling him a "Fucking Paki bastard."
The shop steward was then disciplined but no action was taken against the security guard. The shop steward challenged the decision but his appeal was rejected. The plant convener went to his aid and was suspended.
Fifty-four workers then stopped work and five shop stewards acted immediately to get them to resume production, according to Unite. The five shop stewards were then suspended and subsequently sacked together with the 54 workers.
A legal battle over the sackings, which will see the company facing charges of unfair dismissal and race discrimination at an employment tribunal, is scheduled to begin in the new year.
The result of the ballot is expected on January 4.
Unite deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said: "Fifty-nine workers and their union representatives were sacked for standing up to racism in the workplace. Now hundreds of workers at 2 Sisters will decide if they too stand up to racism and support their victimised workmates. The message from the workforce is clear - this is wrong and they will strike for what is right."
Sunday, December 13, 2009
BA Strike Ballot Result on Monday
13,000 BA cabin crew Unite members have now completed voting on whether to take strike action in their long running dispute over pay, redundancies and working conditions.
The betting is that they have delivered a Yes vote which would mean that the action will take place over the next month, raising the prospect of BA being grounded during Christmas.
The ballot result will be made public at a mass meeting at Sandown Park racecourse in Surrey.
Strike dates could be made public at the same time.
The betting is that they have delivered a Yes vote which would mean that the action will take place over the next month, raising the prospect of BA being grounded during Christmas.
The ballot result will be made public at a mass meeting at Sandown Park racecourse in Surrey.
Strike dates could be made public at the same time.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Fujitsu Strikes Start December 18th - Give Them Your Support
Unite members at Fujitsu are to strike over six separate days of industrial action, starting next week, in a dispute over job cuts, pay and pensions.
The IT firm has been served notice that one-day strikes will take place on 18 December, and 7, 8, 11, 14 and 15 January, after workers voted with a majority of 75% to take industrial action.
The strike was sparked after Fujitsu announced plans to make 1,000 redundancies in the UK and close the final salary pension scheme to future accrual, and then imposed a pay freeze earlier in the year.
Strike action was originally planned for November, but this was halted after Fujitsu agreed to talks and to relax deadlines on jobs and pensions. The talks resulted in an offer from Fujitsu which was rejected by 83% of members.
Derek Simpson, Unite joint general secretary, said: "While we remain ready and willing to talk at any time, this further rejection of the company's position leaves no doubt our members are saying enough is enough."
Workers Uniting Group Candidate for Unite General Secretary Les Bayliss said: "I would ask Unite members and Workers Uniting Group supporters to join me at the protest in London on Friday to support our comrades from Fujitsu. Our members are facing challenges to their pay and pensions. We should contrast the company's treatment of our members with last year's £200m profit and the £1.6m paid out to two directors who were made redundant!"
To support our members there will be “Scrooge” protest outside the company head office at 22 Baker Street, London, W1U 3BW at 12:00 on Friday 18th December.
Unite will be providing a coach from the North West leaving Central Manchester with pick ups at Warrington and Crewe at 7am on December 18th.
The IT firm has been served notice that one-day strikes will take place on 18 December, and 7, 8, 11, 14 and 15 January, after workers voted with a majority of 75% to take industrial action.
The strike was sparked after Fujitsu announced plans to make 1,000 redundancies in the UK and close the final salary pension scheme to future accrual, and then imposed a pay freeze earlier in the year.
Strike action was originally planned for November, but this was halted after Fujitsu agreed to talks and to relax deadlines on jobs and pensions. The talks resulted in an offer from Fujitsu which was rejected by 83% of members.
Derek Simpson, Unite joint general secretary, said: "While we remain ready and willing to talk at any time, this further rejection of the company's position leaves no doubt our members are saying enough is enough."
Workers Uniting Group Candidate for Unite General Secretary Les Bayliss said: "I would ask Unite members and Workers Uniting Group supporters to join me at the protest in London on Friday to support our comrades from Fujitsu. Our members are facing challenges to their pay and pensions. We should contrast the company's treatment of our members with last year's £200m profit and the £1.6m paid out to two directors who were made redundant!"
To support our members there will be “Scrooge” protest outside the company head office at 22 Baker Street, London, W1U 3BW at 12:00 on Friday 18th December.
Unite will be providing a coach from the North West leaving Central Manchester with pick ups at Warrington and Crewe at 7am on December 18th.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Unite Sets Up Campaign At Cadbury's After Campaign To Save Diegeo Ends
Unite is opposoing Kraft’s hostile bid to takeover of Cadbury.
Unite union will launch a “Keep Cadbury Independent” campaign and write to shareholders, politicians and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, arguing that a takeover would threaten jobs and the company’s future.
According to Tribune, West Midlands Labour MPs are discussing how to oppose the move, with a member of the Government declaring that a takeover would not be in Cadbury’s best interests.
Unite has been concerned about job losses since Kraft announced it was bidding to buy Cadbury, which employs 6,200 staff in Britain and Ireland. Cadbury is expected to reject the purchase offer on Monday.
Unite said there was “nothing in Kraft’s revised bid which persuades us this is a good deal. We’ll be setting out why independence for Cadbury is best for workers and stability”.
Meanwhile the campaign at Diageo is being wound down after Unite secured a much improved redundancy deal for the 900 workers who will lose their jobs when plants at Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow close.
In July 20,000 people marched through Kilmarnock to support efforts to keep the sites open.
But the campaign to save the jobs ended as Unite said it had achieved a redundancy package which was a "far better deal" than originally offerred.
Diegeo said the job losses would be off-set by the creation of up to 400 new jobs at a packaging plant in Fife.
Unite union will launch a “Keep Cadbury Independent” campaign and write to shareholders, politicians and Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, arguing that a takeover would threaten jobs and the company’s future.
According to Tribune, West Midlands Labour MPs are discussing how to oppose the move, with a member of the Government declaring that a takeover would not be in Cadbury’s best interests.
Unite has been concerned about job losses since Kraft announced it was bidding to buy Cadbury, which employs 6,200 staff in Britain and Ireland. Cadbury is expected to reject the purchase offer on Monday.
Unite said there was “nothing in Kraft’s revised bid which persuades us this is a good deal. We’ll be setting out why independence for Cadbury is best for workers and stability”.
Meanwhile the campaign at Diageo is being wound down after Unite secured a much improved redundancy deal for the 900 workers who will lose their jobs when plants at Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, and the Port Dundas grain distillery in Glasgow close.
In July 20,000 people marched through Kilmarnock to support efforts to keep the sites open.
But the campaign to save the jobs ended as Unite said it had achieved a redundancy package which was a "far better deal" than originally offerred.
Diegeo said the job losses would be off-set by the creation of up to 400 new jobs at a packaging plant in Fife.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Unite Members Strike At Car Parts Firm
40 Unite members at Metaldyne in Halifax – which makes car-engine parts – held a 24-hour strike to protest over proposed changes to working patterns.
Terry Copley, a member of Unite and an employee of 26 years, said: "Shifts have already changed twice in the past 12 months and we have bent over backwards and worked the new hours at the drop of a hat. All we want is the guarantee that our hours will stay the same."
Staff currently work three 12-hour shifts but say they have been asked to change to five eight-hour turns. Workers proposed a 12-month shift guarantee but say that was rejected and a six-month one was offered.
"We said that we wouldn't go on strike if a compromise of nine months was agreed but this was also rejected so we had no choice but to take action."
Union members say they plan to take further industrial action on December 17 if the issue is not resolved.
Terry Copley, a member of Unite and an employee of 26 years, said: "Shifts have already changed twice in the past 12 months and we have bent over backwards and worked the new hours at the drop of a hat. All we want is the guarantee that our hours will stay the same."
Staff currently work three 12-hour shifts but say they have been asked to change to five eight-hour turns. Workers proposed a 12-month shift guarantee but say that was rejected and a six-month one was offered.
"We said that we wouldn't go on strike if a compromise of nine months was agreed but this was also rejected so we had no choice but to take action."
Union members say they plan to take further industrial action on December 17 if the issue is not resolved.
Reaction to Pre-Budget Report
Unite's joint general secretary Tony Woodley commenting on the Chancellor's statement said: "The tax on bankers is welcome and must now mark the beginnings of a fairer tax regime. The recession is not over even if the bankers that caused the crisis act like it is. The chancellor must resist scaremongering from the city over 'brain drain' , with unemployment set to rise, this is a time to put jobs and families first. Public sector workers should not have to pay the price for the economic crisis caused by casino capitalism. We oppose a cap on public sector pay but the Tories would freeze pay now and make brutal cuts to public services.
"When it comes to a choice at the next election voters will reflect on who acted to save jobs, protect our services and build a fairer future for Britain. Labour must stick to its guns and defend what is just and right for the vast majority, not the excessively privileged few".
Gail Cartmail, Assiiant General Secretary for the Public Sector reacted angrily to the freeze on public sector pay: "We know the Treasury and Number 10 are targeting high earners in the public sector but we urgently need to talk to the Treasury about an across the board pay cap. A pay cap would hit the lowest paid hardest. One per cent for the lower paid is a pittance, but the highest earners would get significantly more cash.
"The proposed cap also compromises the independent pay review bodies which were set up to take the politics out of public sector pay. Labour's implementation of the review bodies has been a success and to ride roughshod over them is a step in the wrong direction.
"We know that the Tories' plans for our public services are far worse than Labour's. The Tories will slash our public sector and we could see up to a million job cuts. This is precisely why Labour must make a stand for our public sector workers and make the wealthy pay their fair share rather than place the burden on low paid public servants."
Les Bayliss Workers Uniting Group Candidate for Unite General Secretary welcomed the one-off "super-tax" on banker's bonuses: "It's long overdue. It's good that the Goverment has refused to be blackmailed by the City and it's good news for everyone who campaigned for the tax and against the bankers "business as usual" attitude.
"We shouldn't forget it is ordinary working families and our members who are paying the price for their recklessness and saving the banks and financial institutions from crashing in the long run".
"Thousands of Unite finance sector workers, those in manufacturing and the public servcies, and young people who can't find a job are now being asked to pay the price".
"The decision to impose a 1% cap on public sector pay is unacceptable. Once again working families, especially those employed in the public sector are being asked to pay the price. They are being asked to share an unfair burden."
"When it comes to a choice at the next election voters will reflect on who acted to save jobs, protect our services and build a fairer future for Britain. Labour must stick to its guns and defend what is just and right for the vast majority, not the excessively privileged few".
Gail Cartmail, Assiiant General Secretary for the Public Sector reacted angrily to the freeze on public sector pay: "We know the Treasury and Number 10 are targeting high earners in the public sector but we urgently need to talk to the Treasury about an across the board pay cap. A pay cap would hit the lowest paid hardest. One per cent for the lower paid is a pittance, but the highest earners would get significantly more cash.
"The proposed cap also compromises the independent pay review bodies which were set up to take the politics out of public sector pay. Labour's implementation of the review bodies has been a success and to ride roughshod over them is a step in the wrong direction.
"We know that the Tories' plans for our public services are far worse than Labour's. The Tories will slash our public sector and we could see up to a million job cuts. This is precisely why Labour must make a stand for our public sector workers and make the wealthy pay their fair share rather than place the burden on low paid public servants."
Les Bayliss Workers Uniting Group Candidate for Unite General Secretary welcomed the one-off "super-tax" on banker's bonuses: "It's long overdue. It's good that the Goverment has refused to be blackmailed by the City and it's good news for everyone who campaigned for the tax and against the bankers "business as usual" attitude.
"We shouldn't forget it is ordinary working families and our members who are paying the price for their recklessness and saving the banks and financial institutions from crashing in the long run".
"Thousands of Unite finance sector workers, those in manufacturing and the public servcies, and young people who can't find a job are now being asked to pay the price".
"The decision to impose a 1% cap on public sector pay is unacceptable. Once again working families, especially those employed in the public sector are being asked to pay the price. They are being asked to share an unfair burden."
Monday, December 7, 2009
Iggesund workers vote for strike action
Unite members at Iggesund's paper mill in Workington have voted in favour of strike action, with an overwhelming majority of 266 to 30.
The ballot, which began in November, is in response to 99 proposed redundancies at the mill, as well as its imposed selection criteria for redundancies and what members claim are inferior severance payments.
Peter Ellis, Unite national officer, said: "This result demonstrates the depth of resentment and frustration felt by our members at the way the company and local management have handled the proposed closure of a board machine identifying a loss of 99 jobs."
He said the union was looking forward to "realistic and constructive discussions" at a mill conference.
"The company has now agreed to the conference having said they didn't see the point in meeting with us within the national agreement procedure," he added.
The union claimed that company bosses have refused to follow dispute procedures and that negotiations over the planned redundancies have failed.
In October last year, it was announced that 99 employees at the 484-staff Iggesund mill were to be made redundant as part of plans to close one of the company's two machines.
Iggesund Paperboard is a member of the Holmen Group and manufactures high-quality virgin fibre paperboard for the packaging and graphics sectors.
The ballot, which began in November, is in response to 99 proposed redundancies at the mill, as well as its imposed selection criteria for redundancies and what members claim are inferior severance payments.
Peter Ellis, Unite national officer, said: "This result demonstrates the depth of resentment and frustration felt by our members at the way the company and local management have handled the proposed closure of a board machine identifying a loss of 99 jobs."
He said the union was looking forward to "realistic and constructive discussions" at a mill conference.
"The company has now agreed to the conference having said they didn't see the point in meeting with us within the national agreement procedure," he added.
The union claimed that company bosses have refused to follow dispute procedures and that negotiations over the planned redundancies have failed.
In October last year, it was announced that 99 employees at the 484-staff Iggesund mill were to be made redundant as part of plans to close one of the company's two machines.
Iggesund Paperboard is a member of the Holmen Group and manufactures high-quality virgin fibre paperboard for the packaging and graphics sectors.
Evo Wins In Bolivia - Bolivarian Revolution Continues!
Evo Morales wins landslide victory in Bolivian presidential elections
Morales supporters celebrate in La Paz as rival candidates concede defeat
President Evo Morales won a landslide victory in Bolivian elections yesterday bolstering his efforts to empower the country's indigenous majority under a socialist banner.
Exit polls and an unofficial count gave the country's first indigenous president an unassailable lead, prompting rival candidates to concede and supporters to celebrate in the capital La Paz.
"This process of change has prevailed," Morales told a cheering throng from the balcony of the presidential palace. He said the result, following a tumultuous first term that wrought sweeping changes over the Andean country, was a mandate for further transformation.
Based on a count of 91% of votes, the polling firm Equipos-Mori gave Morales 63% of ballots, way ahead of a crowded field of nine candidates. His Movement Toward Socialism party won control of both chambers of congress, though in the lower house it was expected to fall just short of a two-thirds majority needed for constitutional changes.
Aymara and Quechua Indians queued from early morning to vote for the former llama herder who has nationalised key sectors of the economy, boosted social spending and clashed with the United States.
Bolivia's transformation was irreversible and redressed a historic injustice, said Fidel Surco, an indigenous leader and senate candidate for Morales' Movement Toward Socialism party.
"There is no way back, this is our time, the awakening of the indigenous people. We'll keep fighting till the end. Brother Evo Morales still has lots to do, one cannot think that four years are enough after 500 years of submission and oppression."
As well as pensions and subsidies to slums and impoverished rural highlands, the government has championed indigenous languages and traditional community justice, a "refounding" of the state cemented in a constitutional overhaul earlier this year.
"The decision is for change," Morales said after voting in the central coca-growing region of Chapare.
Inequality and poverty remain extreme, and land redistribution has been cautious, but indigenous voters backed Morales, 50, as an agent of transformation, said Mario Galindo, an analyst with the CEBEM thinktank.
The three political parties that ruled Bolivia for decades were all but wiped out. Within hours of polling stations closing, rival candidates had accepted defeat.
Manfred Reyes, a former army captain and state governor, came second with 27%, and Samuel Doria Medina, a cement magnate, came third with 6%, according to exit polls.
Since 2005 GDP in Bolivia, one of South America's poorest countries, has jumped from $9bn to $19bn, pushing up per capita income to $1,671. Foreign currency reserves have soared thanks partly to revenue from the nationalised energy and mining sectors. The IMF expects the economy to grow 2.8% next year, stellar by regional standards.
But efforts to tap lithium deposits and increase gas production have faltered for lack of foreign investment. Relations with Washington are toxic: the US ambassador and US anti-narcotic officials were expelled as meddlers and spies
Morales supporters celebrate in La Paz as rival candidates concede defeat
President Evo Morales won a landslide victory in Bolivian elections yesterday bolstering his efforts to empower the country's indigenous majority under a socialist banner.
Exit polls and an unofficial count gave the country's first indigenous president an unassailable lead, prompting rival candidates to concede and supporters to celebrate in the capital La Paz.
"This process of change has prevailed," Morales told a cheering throng from the balcony of the presidential palace. He said the result, following a tumultuous first term that wrought sweeping changes over the Andean country, was a mandate for further transformation.
Based on a count of 91% of votes, the polling firm Equipos-Mori gave Morales 63% of ballots, way ahead of a crowded field of nine candidates. His Movement Toward Socialism party won control of both chambers of congress, though in the lower house it was expected to fall just short of a two-thirds majority needed for constitutional changes.
Aymara and Quechua Indians queued from early morning to vote for the former llama herder who has nationalised key sectors of the economy, boosted social spending and clashed with the United States.
Bolivia's transformation was irreversible and redressed a historic injustice, said Fidel Surco, an indigenous leader and senate candidate for Morales' Movement Toward Socialism party.
"There is no way back, this is our time, the awakening of the indigenous people. We'll keep fighting till the end. Brother Evo Morales still has lots to do, one cannot think that four years are enough after 500 years of submission and oppression."
As well as pensions and subsidies to slums and impoverished rural highlands, the government has championed indigenous languages and traditional community justice, a "refounding" of the state cemented in a constitutional overhaul earlier this year.
"The decision is for change," Morales said after voting in the central coca-growing region of Chapare.
Inequality and poverty remain extreme, and land redistribution has been cautious, but indigenous voters backed Morales, 50, as an agent of transformation, said Mario Galindo, an analyst with the CEBEM thinktank.
The three political parties that ruled Bolivia for decades were all but wiped out. Within hours of polling stations closing, rival candidates had accepted defeat.
Manfred Reyes, a former army captain and state governor, came second with 27%, and Samuel Doria Medina, a cement magnate, came third with 6%, according to exit polls.
Since 2005 GDP in Bolivia, one of South America's poorest countries, has jumped from $9bn to $19bn, pushing up per capita income to $1,671. Foreign currency reserves have soared thanks partly to revenue from the nationalised energy and mining sectors. The IMF expects the economy to grow 2.8% next year, stellar by regional standards.
But efforts to tap lithium deposits and increase gas production have faltered for lack of foreign investment. Relations with Washington are toxic: the US ambassador and US anti-narcotic officials were expelled as meddlers and spies
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Vale Inco Latest - CEO Wins Global Bad Corporate Citizen Award
Steelworkers Name Vale CEO Winner of Global Bad Corporate Citizen Award
The award recognizes the Brazilian-based company’s confrontations with workers and its impact on communities and the environment.
USW members and strikers from the U.S. and Canada converged on the Waldorf Astoria hotel to present the award to Agnelli.
Agnelli is expected in New York to receive a “Global Citizenship Award” from the Business Council for International Understanding, for “exceptional accomplishments in corporate social responsibility.”
USW members, including 3,500 Canadian miners in the fifth month of a strike against Vale, are outraged that the company’s CEO is receiving such an award.
Vale purchased Canadian-based Inco Ltd. in 2006 and Inco’s workforce immediately provided record returns – US $4.1-billion profit in two years. Vale’s global operations earned a $13.2-billion profit last year.
Despite this massive profitability, Vale is demanding historic concessions from Canadian miners, to their pensions, profit-sharing, seniority rights and other hard-earned gains. These unprecedented demands have resulted in a lengthy strike by 3,500 workers and potential devastation to affected communities.
Meanwhile, Citizen Agnelli and Vale’s five other top executives have had pay increases of 121 percent in two years, pulling down $33 million last year alone.
Organizations representing millions of workers on every continent have signed a declaration protesting Vale is attacking Canadian workers “for the purpose of setting a precedent (and) to export its anti-worker, anti-union practices in Brazil to the rest of the world.”
“USW members have met with workers and union activists at numerous Vale operations worldwide,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. “These workers tell us they and their communities face similar problems with Vale. We think all of this makes Vale a deserving recipient of the USW’s Global Bad Corporate Citizen Award.”
Vale Inco has long been one of Canada’s top polluters, ranking second and third in on-site releases of toxins in the 2006 National Pollution Release Inventory. Yet the company lobbies government for an exemption from stricter pollution emission limits. Vale also lobbies government to allow mine waste disposal in healthy water bodies, proposing to dump tailings in a pristine Newfoundland lake.
Vale has been fined millions for environmental violations, including a penalty of about U.S. $3 million in 2008 for the illegal sale of timber in Brazil and a 2003 fine of about U.S. $3.5 million following a spill of toxic chemicals into a Brazilian river. Vale also sought a court injunction against Brazilian landless workers’ protests rather than negotiate to resolve complaints of industrial pollution and flooding of homes.
In April 2009, a toxic acid spill from a Vale Inco plant in New Caledonian killed thousands of fish and affected a World Heritage site.
“These are not ‘exceptional accomplishments in corporate social responsibility,’” said Gerard.
“To USW members, the idea that Vale or its leadership would be honored for ‘good’ corporate citizenship is a bad joke. It adds insult to injury for thousands of Vale workers, their families and their communities. And we believe it cheapens the integrity of the BCIU and sets a lousy example for future ‘honorees.’”
The award recognizes the Brazilian-based company’s confrontations with workers and its impact on communities and the environment.
USW members and strikers from the U.S. and Canada converged on the Waldorf Astoria hotel to present the award to Agnelli.
Agnelli is expected in New York to receive a “Global Citizenship Award” from the Business Council for International Understanding, for “exceptional accomplishments in corporate social responsibility.”
USW members, including 3,500 Canadian miners in the fifth month of a strike against Vale, are outraged that the company’s CEO is receiving such an award.
Vale purchased Canadian-based Inco Ltd. in 2006 and Inco’s workforce immediately provided record returns – US $4.1-billion profit in two years. Vale’s global operations earned a $13.2-billion profit last year.
Despite this massive profitability, Vale is demanding historic concessions from Canadian miners, to their pensions, profit-sharing, seniority rights and other hard-earned gains. These unprecedented demands have resulted in a lengthy strike by 3,500 workers and potential devastation to affected communities.
Meanwhile, Citizen Agnelli and Vale’s five other top executives have had pay increases of 121 percent in two years, pulling down $33 million last year alone.
Organizations representing millions of workers on every continent have signed a declaration protesting Vale is attacking Canadian workers “for the purpose of setting a precedent (and) to export its anti-worker, anti-union practices in Brazil to the rest of the world.”
“USW members have met with workers and union activists at numerous Vale operations worldwide,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. “These workers tell us they and their communities face similar problems with Vale. We think all of this makes Vale a deserving recipient of the USW’s Global Bad Corporate Citizen Award.”
Vale Inco has long been one of Canada’s top polluters, ranking second and third in on-site releases of toxins in the 2006 National Pollution Release Inventory. Yet the company lobbies government for an exemption from stricter pollution emission limits. Vale also lobbies government to allow mine waste disposal in healthy water bodies, proposing to dump tailings in a pristine Newfoundland lake.
Vale has been fined millions for environmental violations, including a penalty of about U.S. $3 million in 2008 for the illegal sale of timber in Brazil and a 2003 fine of about U.S. $3.5 million following a spill of toxic chemicals into a Brazilian river. Vale also sought a court injunction against Brazilian landless workers’ protests rather than negotiate to resolve complaints of industrial pollution and flooding of homes.
In April 2009, a toxic acid spill from a Vale Inco plant in New Caledonian killed thousands of fish and affected a World Heritage site.
“These are not ‘exceptional accomplishments in corporate social responsibility,’” said Gerard.
“To USW members, the idea that Vale or its leadership would be honored for ‘good’ corporate citizenship is a bad joke. It adds insult to injury for thousands of Vale workers, their families and their communities. And we believe it cheapens the integrity of the BCIU and sets a lousy example for future ‘honorees.’”
We'll Fight To Save Stadco Plant
Unite reps have vowed to “move heaven and earth” to protect 165 threatened jobs at Coventry’s Stadco plant.
Unite members met with bosses last week to look at alternatives to closing the car parts factory, which could shut as early as September next year.
The closure was proposed by management last week, as part of cost-cutting measures to survive the downturn.
But union leaders branded the news as a ‘complete betrayal’ and are now determined to fight the plans which, if given the go-ahead, will see the first wave of redundancies taking place in February.
Coventry Unite leader Adrian Ross said: “We did not gain any further details as such from the company, but management were keen to stress that closing the factory was still only a proposal and they want to continue talks with us.
“At this stage we do not know whether we will be able to keep the company in Coventry, but we promise that we will move heaven and earth to keep these jobs in the city.
“There is tremendous potential for Stadco in Coventry. It was not that long ago that they were looking to get a new site in the city and we believe the business opportunities for the company in Coventry are excellent when you consider that most of their work is for Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin. For us, closure is not an option.
“The workers have made tremendous sacrifices for the company over the last year. Recently the staff have taken a four per cent pay cut and the shop floor have been working on reduced hours and this has been to protect the company. If they were to lose their jobs now, it would be incredibly unfair. They deserve better than this.”
Unite members met with bosses last week to look at alternatives to closing the car parts factory, which could shut as early as September next year.
The closure was proposed by management last week, as part of cost-cutting measures to survive the downturn.
But union leaders branded the news as a ‘complete betrayal’ and are now determined to fight the plans which, if given the go-ahead, will see the first wave of redundancies taking place in February.
Coventry Unite leader Adrian Ross said: “We did not gain any further details as such from the company, but management were keen to stress that closing the factory was still only a proposal and they want to continue talks with us.
“At this stage we do not know whether we will be able to keep the company in Coventry, but we promise that we will move heaven and earth to keep these jobs in the city.
“There is tremendous potential for Stadco in Coventry. It was not that long ago that they were looking to get a new site in the city and we believe the business opportunities for the company in Coventry are excellent when you consider that most of their work is for Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin. For us, closure is not an option.
“The workers have made tremendous sacrifices for the company over the last year. Recently the staff have taken a four per cent pay cut and the shop floor have been working on reduced hours and this has been to protect the company. If they were to lose their jobs now, it would be incredibly unfair. They deserve better than this.”
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Corus Union Reps Vow To Support Redcar Members
Scunthorpe union reps have vowed to mount a campaign to save the jobs of their Teesside colleagues.
Mick Fell, the chairman of the local works multi-union committee, said he and his colleagues would be pressing the Government to come up with an emergency package of support for the Redcar site.
Mick Fell warned the company's decision to partially mothball the Teesside Casts Products (TCP) plant would have disastrous consequences for the UK economy.
The Scunthorpe chairman said he was planning a meeting as soon as possible with his Teesside counterpart Geoff Waterfield to draw up a joint plan of action.
Mr Fell said: "We were told earlier this week Corus was still considering other options to save TCP so the announcement came as a great shock.
"It seems to be a fait accomplis."
And Bill Gray, Unite's rep for 1,800 craft workers on the Scunthorpe site, said he would be chairing a meeting in Leeds of the Unite trade union on Tuesday and the Teesside jobs would be the top of the agenda.
Mr Gray said: "We are bitterly disappointed the Labour Government is not doing more to save the jobs of our colleagues at Redcar.
"The benefits of keeping open the TCP far outweigh any benefits that may or may not be coming the way of Scunthorpe."
Mick Fell, the chairman of the local works multi-union committee, said he and his colleagues would be pressing the Government to come up with an emergency package of support for the Redcar site.
Mick Fell warned the company's decision to partially mothball the Teesside Casts Products (TCP) plant would have disastrous consequences for the UK economy.
The Scunthorpe chairman said he was planning a meeting as soon as possible with his Teesside counterpart Geoff Waterfield to draw up a joint plan of action.
Mr Fell said: "We were told earlier this week Corus was still considering other options to save TCP so the announcement came as a great shock.
"It seems to be a fait accomplis."
And Bill Gray, Unite's rep for 1,800 craft workers on the Scunthorpe site, said he would be chairing a meeting in Leeds of the Unite trade union on Tuesday and the Teesside jobs would be the top of the agenda.
Mr Gray said: "We are bitterly disappointed the Labour Government is not doing more to save the jobs of our colleagues at Redcar.
"The benefits of keeping open the TCP far outweigh any benefits that may or may not be coming the way of Scunthorpe."
Unionised workers earn 12.5% more than those in non-unionised organisations
From Personnel Today.
Workers in a union earn 12.5% more per hour than employees in non-unionised workplaces, a report by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has found.
The Union Advantage report showed unionised workers had hourly earnings of £13.07 compared to £11.62 for non-unionised workers.
The presence of a union was also found to push training up the workplace agenda, with more than 230,000 staff having been helped into some form of work-based learning by their union last year.
The report also found unionised workers were less likely to leave their jobs because they were given a voice to solve their problems, and that saved employers up to £143m in recruitment costs.
The TUC report aims to encourage staff who have never thought about joining a union to do so.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "These are tough times for workers and unions alike, and now more than ever workers need the protection of a union.
"And it's not just employees who stand to gain from being involved with a union - employers who work closely with union reps know only too well the benefits of having experts in safety, learning and employment law at close call for advice and help should the need arise.
Workers in a union earn 12.5% more per hour than employees in non-unionised workplaces, a report by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has found.
The Union Advantage report showed unionised workers had hourly earnings of £13.07 compared to £11.62 for non-unionised workers.
The presence of a union was also found to push training up the workplace agenda, with more than 230,000 staff having been helped into some form of work-based learning by their union last year.
The report also found unionised workers were less likely to leave their jobs because they were given a voice to solve their problems, and that saved employers up to £143m in recruitment costs.
The TUC report aims to encourage staff who have never thought about joining a union to do so.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "These are tough times for workers and unions alike, and now more than ever workers need the protection of a union.
"And it's not just employees who stand to gain from being involved with a union - employers who work closely with union reps know only too well the benefits of having experts in safety, learning and employment law at close call for advice and help should the need arise.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Bus Strike Off As First Make Pay Offer
Bus strikes in Leeds cancelled after new pay offer
A strike planned by Unite bus drivers in Leeds on Monday has been called off after they were offered a new pay deal.
First Bus drivers voted for a series of one-day strikes in the run-up to Christmas in protest at a pay freeze.
However, Unite agreed to suspend industrial action after a meeting with First directors at the company's Leeds HQ on Thursday.
A revised pay offer will be put to Unite's 1,025 members in Leeds in a ballot on Tuesday.
Dave Alexander, managing director of First in West Yorkshire, said: "I would like to thank Unite for suspending Monday's strike action and ensuring that our customers will not be inconvenienced."
Unite regional officer Phil Bown said: "A revised pay offer has now been put to us and we will put that before our members to vote on."
A strike planned by Unite bus drivers in Leeds on Monday has been called off after they were offered a new pay deal.
First Bus drivers voted for a series of one-day strikes in the run-up to Christmas in protest at a pay freeze.
However, Unite agreed to suspend industrial action after a meeting with First directors at the company's Leeds HQ on Thursday.
A revised pay offer will be put to Unite's 1,025 members in Leeds in a ballot on Tuesday.
Dave Alexander, managing director of First in West Yorkshire, said: "I would like to thank Unite for suspending Monday's strike action and ensuring that our customers will not be inconvenienced."
Unite regional officer Phil Bown said: "A revised pay offer has now been put to us and we will put that before our members to vote on."
News of the World apologises and pays damages to Derek Simpson
News of the World pays libel damages to Unite union leader Derek Simpson
The News of the World has apologised to Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite trade union and has paid libel damages after the paper falsely claimed he breached election rules to give himself an unfair advantage.
Derek Simpson sued the News of the World for an article that appeared in October. It alleged that he had been guilty of a breach of election rules and misusing union funds which gave him an unfair advantage in Unite's election in March.
The newspaper's solicitor told the high court that it wished to make clear that it had been entirely mistaken in publishing the allegations, adding: "It did so in reliance on a source which it believed to be reliable. As such, the News of the World apologises to Mr Simpson for this article and for the distress and embarrassment it has caused him."
The News of the World claimed Derek had sent a mailshot to Unite's members six weeks before the election and as a result was to be fined £100,000 or would have to retire early. The paper's allegations were wholly untrue.
The News of the World's publisher, News Group Newspapers, (that's Rupert Murdoch just in case you didn't know), a subsidiary of News International, had apologised and agreed to pay Derek Simpson damages and his legal costs.
The News of the World has apologised to Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite trade union and has paid libel damages after the paper falsely claimed he breached election rules to give himself an unfair advantage.
Derek Simpson sued the News of the World for an article that appeared in October. It alleged that he had been guilty of a breach of election rules and misusing union funds which gave him an unfair advantage in Unite's election in March.
The newspaper's solicitor told the high court that it wished to make clear that it had been entirely mistaken in publishing the allegations, adding: "It did so in reliance on a source which it believed to be reliable. As such, the News of the World apologises to Mr Simpson for this article and for the distress and embarrassment it has caused him."
The News of the World claimed Derek had sent a mailshot to Unite's members six weeks before the election and as a result was to be fined £100,000 or would have to retire early. The paper's allegations were wholly untrue.
The News of the World's publisher, News Group Newspapers, (that's Rupert Murdoch just in case you didn't know), a subsidiary of News International, had apologised and agreed to pay Derek Simpson damages and his legal costs.
Corus Job Losses: "Dark day for British manufacturing" - Derek Simpson
1,700 jobs to go as Corus mothballs plant
Steelmaker Corus has confirmed it will curtail production at its Teesside Cast Products factory, putting 1,700 people out of work.
It had been announced in May that the 150-year-old Redcar plant was to be mothballed.
The plant had been at risk since a 10-year deal suddenly fell through.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson expressed his disappointment, saying it would be a "very difficult time for the workforce".
The deal that had fallen through was signed by an international consortium, led by Italian steel specialists Marcegaglia, in 2004, and committed the consortium to buy just under 78% of the Redcar plant's production.
Corus said that 1,700 jobs would go, which is about 600 fewer than had been previously thought. It says 2,300 people work at the facility.
"This is a dark day for British manufacturing," said Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of the Unite union.
"Unite will do everything possible to prevent this closure from going ahead. The government must now act to save Teesside as decisively as it acted to save the banks last year."
Steelmaker Corus has confirmed it will curtail production at its Teesside Cast Products factory, putting 1,700 people out of work.
It had been announced in May that the 150-year-old Redcar plant was to be mothballed.
The plant had been at risk since a 10-year deal suddenly fell through.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson expressed his disappointment, saying it would be a "very difficult time for the workforce".
The deal that had fallen through was signed by an international consortium, led by Italian steel specialists Marcegaglia, in 2004, and committed the consortium to buy just under 78% of the Redcar plant's production.
Corus said that 1,700 jobs would go, which is about 600 fewer than had been previously thought. It says 2,300 people work at the facility.
"This is a dark day for British manufacturing," said Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of the Unite union.
"Unite will do everything possible to prevent this closure from going ahead. The government must now act to save Teesside as decisively as it acted to save the banks last year."
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Unite Underground Members To Stage OT Ban
Around 500 Unite engineering and electrical workers voted to take action short of a strike, following a dispute over pay and the rejection by union members of a two-year pay deal.
Workers were balloted in response to London Underground’s "final" two-year offer, which was a 1.5 per cent pay rise this year followed by an inflation-plus-0.5 per cent rise in 2010-11.
Unite members voted against a full strike, opting instead for an overtime ban.
The ban and a work-to-rule policy will begin from the 7th December.
Workers were balloted in response to London Underground’s "final" two-year offer, which was a 1.5 per cent pay rise this year followed by an inflation-plus-0.5 per cent rise in 2010-11.
Unite members voted against a full strike, opting instead for an overtime ban.
The ban and a work-to-rule policy will begin from the 7th December.
Walk Out At IT Company HP
Unite has said it will organise a strike, involving about 100 staff, on 7th December. The dispute surrounds the transfer of 150 workers from HP to HP CDS, a subsidiary company.
The union accuses HP of "taking advantage of weaknesses in current employment legislation to remove pay and pension benefits, including a performance bonus scheme worth up to £2000 and the final salary pension scheme".
Unite members last month voted by a 77 per cent majority to walk out over the row.
Unite members also plan to refuse to do overtime and will work to rule from 4 January. Two further two-day strikes and a five-day strike are planned for January and February.
The union accuses HP of "taking advantage of weaknesses in current employment legislation to remove pay and pension benefits, including a performance bonus scheme worth up to £2000 and the final salary pension scheme".
Unite members last month voted by a 77 per cent majority to walk out over the row.
Unite members also plan to refuse to do overtime and will work to rule from 4 January. Two further two-day strikes and a five-day strike are planned for January and February.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Unite Job Fears At Cadbury
Unite has said they fear a take over of Birmingham-based chocolate firm Cadbury by US company Kraft will lead to "massive" job losses.
Unite spoke out after a recent meeting between the union and Kraft. A union spokesman said the firm did not give any guarantees over the workforce.
Cadbury has rejected Kraft's £9.8bn ($16.4bn) takeover offer but it will now go to shareholders.
Jennie Formby, the union's officer for the food sector, said nothing had been said by Kraft to allay concerns over jobs, particularly at the Somerdale plant in Keynsham.
'Lack information' She said Kraft had said it could not give guarantees as Cadbury had not provided enough information, given that it was a hostile takeover.
In her letter, Jennie Formby said: "Our major concern is to understand how you would achieve the quoted savings of $625m (which some analysts believe will need to rise to as much as £1.5bn) without significant restructuring involving the loss of jobs and sites."
Reports say US firm Hershey is also considering bidding for the firm.
Unite spoke out after a recent meeting between the union and Kraft. A union spokesman said the firm did not give any guarantees over the workforce.
Cadbury has rejected Kraft's £9.8bn ($16.4bn) takeover offer but it will now go to shareholders.
Jennie Formby, the union's officer for the food sector, said nothing had been said by Kraft to allay concerns over jobs, particularly at the Somerdale plant in Keynsham.
'Lack information' She said Kraft had said it could not give guarantees as Cadbury had not provided enough information, given that it was a hostile takeover.
In her letter, Jennie Formby said: "Our major concern is to understand how you would achieve the quoted savings of $625m (which some analysts believe will need to rise to as much as £1.5bn) without significant restructuring involving the loss of jobs and sites."
Reports say US firm Hershey is also considering bidding for the firm.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Unite Leaders To Fight For Labour
The last of Unite's industrial conference in Brighton concluded on Friday 26th November with Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson vowing to use their remaining time in office to fight for a fourth Labour term.
The earliest the election of a new Unite general secretary could take place is June, but Mr Woodley and Mr Simpson made it clear that they would fight to ensure that their last months as joint leaders did not coincide with the final months of Gordon Brown's premiership.
"Labour must be re-elected because the alternative doesn't bear thinking about," declared Tony Woodley.
"Our union has to be on the front line, working for a Labour victory in next year's elections," he insisted.
The earliest the election of a new Unite general secretary could take place is June, but Mr Woodley and Mr Simpson made it clear that they would fight to ensure that their last months as joint leaders did not coincide with the final months of Gordon Brown's premiership.
"Labour must be re-elected because the alternative doesn't bear thinking about," declared Tony Woodley.
"Our union has to be on the front line, working for a Labour victory in next year's elections," he insisted.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Letter on Honduras to The Guardian
The letter below was published in The Guardian today, Friday 27 November, and can also be seen at the website of the Emergency Committee Against the Coup in Honduras.
Latin America faces the greatest threat to its democracy in decades. The military coup that overthrew elected president Manual Zelaya and seized power in Honduras in June is now seeking to legitimise its illegal government through the international recognition of elections on 29 November. Such recognition would give a green light to opponents of democracy throughout the continent that military coups will be tolerated. Free and fair elections on November 29 are impossible. Human rights, freedom of assembly and of the press have all been under attack in Honduras. Repression under the coup regime has seen at least 20 people killed, more than 600 people injured and 3,500 people detained.
The legitimate Honduran president, Manual Zelaya, has called for supporters of democracy not to recognise the elections under the military coup regime. Nearly all of Latin America's governments have declared that they will not do so. Worryingly the US has indicated it will recognise these illegitimate elections. We call on all governments, including the Obama administration, to not recognise the elections on 29 November under the military coup regime.
* Colin Burgon MP Chair, All-party Parliamentary Group on Venezuela
* Jon Cruddas MP,
* Ken Livingstone,
* Baroness Gibson Chair APPG on Latin America,
* Brendan Barber General secretary, TUC,
* Jamie Hepburn MSP (SNP),
* Adam Price MP (Plaid Cymru),
* Caroline Lucas MEP Leader, Green party,
* Bruce Kent,
* David Hare,
* John Pilger,
* Lowkey (Musician),
* Brian Eno,
* Dr J Buxton Centre for International Co-operation and Security, University of Bradford
* Tony Lloyd MP Chair, Parliamentary Labour Party
* Doreen Massey, Professor of Geography at the Open University
* Johan Harri, commentator
* Ann Cryer MP
* Brian Simpson MEP
* Colin Challen MP
* Clare Short MP
* Dave Anderson MP
* David Chaytor MP
* David Drew MP
* David Martin MEP
* David Taylor MP
* Diane Abbott MP
* Gordon Prentice MP
* George Galloway MP
* Harry Cohen MP
* Hywel Williams MP
* Ian Davidson MP
* Jeremy Corbyn MP
* Jean Lambert MEP
* John Battle MP
* John Battle MP
* John Hemming MP
* John McDonnell MP
* Lord Nic Rea
* Mark Fisher MP
* Martin Caton MP
* Michael Cashman MEP
* Neil Gerrard MP
* Nigel Griffiths MP
* Paul Flynn MP
* Paul Holmes MP
* Rob Marris MP
* Steve Pound MP
* Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson Joint general secretaries, Unite the Union
* Sally Hunt General secretary, UCU
* GMB union
* Alan Ritchie General secretary, Ucatt
* Luke Crawley Assistant general secretary, Bectu
* Mick Shaw President, FBU
* Matt Wrack General secretary, FBU
* Gerry Doherty General secretary, TSSA
* Bob Crow General secretary, RMT
* Steve Hart - Unite London & Eastern Regional Secretary
* Chris McLaughlin Editor, Tribune
* Sam Tarry National chair of Young Labour
* Chris Weldon Labour party NEC
* Kaveh Moussavi University of Oxford's Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Head of the Public Interest Law Programme
* Professor Keith Ewing
* Professor Mary Davis
* Dr Steve Ludlam Department of politics, University of Sheffield
* Diana Raby Senior fellow, Latin American studies, University of Liverpool
* Barry Cannon Postdoctoral fellow, school of law and government, Dublin City University
* Hazel Marsh School of politics, social & international studies, University of East Anglia
* Dr Michael Derham School of arts and social sciences, Northumbria University
* Rod Stoneman Director of the Huston school of film & digital media
* Dr Stephen Wilkinson Director, Centre for Caribbean and Latin American research and consultancy, London Metropolitan University
* Professor Ernesto Laclau University of Essex
* Cuba Solidarity Campaign
* Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign
* Venezuela Solidarity Campaign
Latin America faces the greatest threat to its democracy in decades. The military coup that overthrew elected president Manual Zelaya and seized power in Honduras in June is now seeking to legitimise its illegal government through the international recognition of elections on 29 November. Such recognition would give a green light to opponents of democracy throughout the continent that military coups will be tolerated. Free and fair elections on November 29 are impossible. Human rights, freedom of assembly and of the press have all been under attack in Honduras. Repression under the coup regime has seen at least 20 people killed, more than 600 people injured and 3,500 people detained.
The legitimate Honduran president, Manual Zelaya, has called for supporters of democracy not to recognise the elections under the military coup regime. Nearly all of Latin America's governments have declared that they will not do so. Worryingly the US has indicated it will recognise these illegitimate elections. We call on all governments, including the Obama administration, to not recognise the elections on 29 November under the military coup regime.
* Colin Burgon MP Chair, All-party Parliamentary Group on Venezuela
* Jon Cruddas MP,
* Ken Livingstone,
* Baroness Gibson Chair APPG on Latin America,
* Brendan Barber General secretary, TUC,
* Jamie Hepburn MSP (SNP),
* Adam Price MP (Plaid Cymru),
* Caroline Lucas MEP Leader, Green party,
* Bruce Kent,
* David Hare,
* John Pilger,
* Lowkey (Musician),
* Brian Eno,
* Dr J Buxton Centre for International Co-operation and Security, University of Bradford
* Tony Lloyd MP Chair, Parliamentary Labour Party
* Doreen Massey, Professor of Geography at the Open University
* Johan Harri, commentator
* Ann Cryer MP
* Brian Simpson MEP
* Colin Challen MP
* Clare Short MP
* Dave Anderson MP
* David Chaytor MP
* David Drew MP
* David Martin MEP
* David Taylor MP
* Diane Abbott MP
* Gordon Prentice MP
* George Galloway MP
* Harry Cohen MP
* Hywel Williams MP
* Ian Davidson MP
* Jeremy Corbyn MP
* Jean Lambert MEP
* John Battle MP
* John Battle MP
* John Hemming MP
* John McDonnell MP
* Lord Nic Rea
* Mark Fisher MP
* Martin Caton MP
* Michael Cashman MEP
* Neil Gerrard MP
* Nigel Griffiths MP
* Paul Flynn MP
* Paul Holmes MP
* Rob Marris MP
* Steve Pound MP
* Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson Joint general secretaries, Unite the Union
* Sally Hunt General secretary, UCU
* GMB union
* Alan Ritchie General secretary, Ucatt
* Luke Crawley Assistant general secretary, Bectu
* Mick Shaw President, FBU
* Matt Wrack General secretary, FBU
* Gerry Doherty General secretary, TSSA
* Bob Crow General secretary, RMT
* Steve Hart - Unite London & Eastern Regional Secretary
* Chris McLaughlin Editor, Tribune
* Sam Tarry National chair of Young Labour
* Chris Weldon Labour party NEC
* Kaveh Moussavi University of Oxford's Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Head of the Public Interest Law Programme
* Professor Keith Ewing
* Professor Mary Davis
* Dr Steve Ludlam Department of politics, University of Sheffield
* Diana Raby Senior fellow, Latin American studies, University of Liverpool
* Barry Cannon Postdoctoral fellow, school of law and government, Dublin City University
* Hazel Marsh School of politics, social & international studies, University of East Anglia
* Dr Michael Derham School of arts and social sciences, Northumbria University
* Rod Stoneman Director of the Huston school of film & digital media
* Dr Stephen Wilkinson Director, Centre for Caribbean and Latin American research and consultancy, London Metropolitan University
* Professor Ernesto Laclau University of Essex
* Cuba Solidarity Campaign
* Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign
* Venezuela Solidarity Campaign
Unite National Industrial Sector Conferences Report
Unite National Industrial Sector Conferences Report by Workers Uniting Group Supporters.
"A momentous week for Unite and Workers Uniting" - Les Bayliss: Workers Uniting Group candidate For Unite General Secretary
During the week of November 23rd to 27th, Unite activists and reps from all of the unions' 24 Sectors took part in conferences which debated and decided their own industrial policies.
Delegates heard excellent plenary speeches from Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley - on organising, politics and international issues and the conferences welcomed guests from Venezuela, Columbia, USW and representatives of 3500 striking Steelworkers in Canada.
It was also a week when Workers Uniting - the merged global union between Unite and the United Steelworkers was put firmly on the trade union map.
Les Bayliss, candidate for Unite General Secretary who is supported by the Left Progressive Workers Uniting Group said: "This was a momentous week for Unite and Workers Uniting. The work being done in print and paper; in the NHS and healthcare; in the finance sector and in Columbia and the Bangladeshi ship breakers was highlighted by Unite's senior officers and our Steelworker comrades. No delegate attending the conferences in Brighton could be left in any doubt that Workers Uniting will be a global union to be reckoned with. I am proud to have been part of helping develop Workers Uniting and will continue to work to strengthen it. The support both morally and financially for Workers Uniting-USW members on strike at Vale Inco in Canada was magnificent."
Comrades representing striking Steelworkers from the Brazilian multi-national Vale Inco in Canada explained the background to their strike along with the need for a strong global union. Senior officers of the United Steelworkers Jon Geenen and Carol Landry put the case for building Workers Uniting as a global union and they received unanimous support each day and at each conference.
In a number of key debates delegates discussed issues pertinent to their own industries and sectors including the fight back against the attacks by employers on pay and conditions; the privatisation of the NHS and local services; pay claims; health and safety etc.
Delegates also had a daily opportunity to question Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley on a wide range of issues - especially on the organising strategy, the financial crisis, pay, conditions, democratic union structures, Europe, the health service, pensions etc.
They also had the chance to learn about the positive developments in Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua reports back from Unite delegates who have attended recent solidarity delegations to Latin America - as well as hearing about the difficult situation in Columbia and Honduras at evening fringe meetings.
Chairing two of the fringe meetings on Latin America Les Bayliss said: "Unite's work in Latin America is vitally important. It has helped us understand how these countries are developing socialist policies which suit them and the threats they may face from reactionary forces in the region and elsewhere. We will also need to re-double our efforts to help trade unionists facing repression and imprisonment in Columbia and Honduras".
The weeks conferences also gave an opportunity for delegates to gauge the campaigning already underway for the General Secretary-ship of Unite. In his winding up remarks at the plenary sessions Joint General Secretary Derek Simpson, referred to the no-hoper candidates, saying that we could run the General Secretary election like the "X Factor" where members could vote an aspiring candidate off every week until we get to the election proper!
Workers Uniting Group candidate Les Bayliss was on hand to meet groups of delegates from different sectors and to listen to their views. He said: "It was good to listen to our reps. They told me they want to develop a united, strong and powerful union. They are looking for a financially sound and growing union, one which is responsive to the real needs of our members".
Les Bayliss added: "It is clear that our reps want a democratic and accountable union with equalities for all, with well trained reps who really represent people in work - those who face a boss everyday, with no going back to a re-hash of previous unions. They want Unite to help them when they need it, to defend workers and their families and not get side tracked by personal ambition or by fanciful politics and undeliverable policies".
Unite can be proud of running 24 succesful conferences - which should be a good prelude to the main policy Unite conference in 2010.
More information on the the Vale Inco Strike can be found at
http://unitingworkers.net/international/support_usw_striking_miners_at.aspx
Daily reports from the weeks Unite Industrial Sector Conferences can be found on the Morning Star website
http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php
"A momentous week for Unite and Workers Uniting" - Les Bayliss: Workers Uniting Group candidate For Unite General Secretary
During the week of November 23rd to 27th, Unite activists and reps from all of the unions' 24 Sectors took part in conferences which debated and decided their own industrial policies.
Delegates heard excellent plenary speeches from Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley - on organising, politics and international issues and the conferences welcomed guests from Venezuela, Columbia, USW and representatives of 3500 striking Steelworkers in Canada.
It was also a week when Workers Uniting - the merged global union between Unite and the United Steelworkers was put firmly on the trade union map.
Les Bayliss, candidate for Unite General Secretary who is supported by the Left Progressive Workers Uniting Group said: "This was a momentous week for Unite and Workers Uniting. The work being done in print and paper; in the NHS and healthcare; in the finance sector and in Columbia and the Bangladeshi ship breakers was highlighted by Unite's senior officers and our Steelworker comrades. No delegate attending the conferences in Brighton could be left in any doubt that Workers Uniting will be a global union to be reckoned with. I am proud to have been part of helping develop Workers Uniting and will continue to work to strengthen it. The support both morally and financially for Workers Uniting-USW members on strike at Vale Inco in Canada was magnificent."
Comrades representing striking Steelworkers from the Brazilian multi-national Vale Inco in Canada explained the background to their strike along with the need for a strong global union. Senior officers of the United Steelworkers Jon Geenen and Carol Landry put the case for building Workers Uniting as a global union and they received unanimous support each day and at each conference.
In a number of key debates delegates discussed issues pertinent to their own industries and sectors including the fight back against the attacks by employers on pay and conditions; the privatisation of the NHS and local services; pay claims; health and safety etc.
Delegates also had a daily opportunity to question Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley on a wide range of issues - especially on the organising strategy, the financial crisis, pay, conditions, democratic union structures, Europe, the health service, pensions etc.
They also had the chance to learn about the positive developments in Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua reports back from Unite delegates who have attended recent solidarity delegations to Latin America - as well as hearing about the difficult situation in Columbia and Honduras at evening fringe meetings.
Chairing two of the fringe meetings on Latin America Les Bayliss said: "Unite's work in Latin America is vitally important. It has helped us understand how these countries are developing socialist policies which suit them and the threats they may face from reactionary forces in the region and elsewhere. We will also need to re-double our efforts to help trade unionists facing repression and imprisonment in Columbia and Honduras".
The weeks conferences also gave an opportunity for delegates to gauge the campaigning already underway for the General Secretary-ship of Unite. In his winding up remarks at the plenary sessions Joint General Secretary Derek Simpson, referred to the no-hoper candidates, saying that we could run the General Secretary election like the "X Factor" where members could vote an aspiring candidate off every week until we get to the election proper!
Workers Uniting Group candidate Les Bayliss was on hand to meet groups of delegates from different sectors and to listen to their views. He said: "It was good to listen to our reps. They told me they want to develop a united, strong and powerful union. They are looking for a financially sound and growing union, one which is responsive to the real needs of our members".
Les Bayliss added: "It is clear that our reps want a democratic and accountable union with equalities for all, with well trained reps who really represent people in work - those who face a boss everyday, with no going back to a re-hash of previous unions. They want Unite to help them when they need it, to defend workers and their families and not get side tracked by personal ambition or by fanciful politics and undeliverable policies".
Unite can be proud of running 24 succesful conferences - which should be a good prelude to the main policy Unite conference in 2010.
More information on the the Vale Inco Strike can be found at
http://unitingworkers.net/international/support_usw_striking_miners_at.aspx
Daily reports from the weeks Unite Industrial Sector Conferences can be found on the Morning Star website
http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php
Thursday, November 26, 2009
US investigation into health and safety cash scandal prompts UK campaign
US investigation into health and safety cash scandal prompts UK campaign
UK paper manufacturing procedures will be reviewed after a survey revealed staff at mills in the US are being given financial incentives not to report health and safety incidents.
The US campaign was launched by Workers Uniting – the world's first global union that consists of the United Steelworkers (USW) from America and Canada, and Unite the Union.
It found that the recent increase in fatalities and serious injuries in the paper manufacturing industry may have been caused by employers trying to increase profit margins at the expense of safety.
It also said there have been widespread cut backs on safety training and a reduction of union safety committees.
Workers Uniting will follow up the US campaign with a transatlantic investigation to be launched in the UK in January.
Tony Burke, Unite assistant general secretary, announced the plans at the union's print and paper conference in Brighton.
He said globalisation in the paper industry was "pushing employers to shirk their responsibilities for the health and safety of staff".
"Workers Uniting is very concerned with the emergence of financial reward schemes for reduction in reporting accidents in the workplace," he said. "It is a cynical development designed to hide safety problems and avoid investigation."
USW's International vice president Jon Geenan added: "The safety problems we have discovered in America will already be in existence or will soon be imported into the UK."
The UK campaign will offer a free phone number for members to report unsafe work practices, which will be reported to health and safety authorities in both the US and the UK.
UK paper manufacturing procedures will be reviewed after a survey revealed staff at mills in the US are being given financial incentives not to report health and safety incidents.
The US campaign was launched by Workers Uniting – the world's first global union that consists of the United Steelworkers (USW) from America and Canada, and Unite the Union.
It found that the recent increase in fatalities and serious injuries in the paper manufacturing industry may have been caused by employers trying to increase profit margins at the expense of safety.
It also said there have been widespread cut backs on safety training and a reduction of union safety committees.
Workers Uniting will follow up the US campaign with a transatlantic investigation to be launched in the UK in January.
Tony Burke, Unite assistant general secretary, announced the plans at the union's print and paper conference in Brighton.
He said globalisation in the paper industry was "pushing employers to shirk their responsibilities for the health and safety of staff".
"Workers Uniting is very concerned with the emergence of financial reward schemes for reduction in reporting accidents in the workplace," he said. "It is a cynical development designed to hide safety problems and avoid investigation."
USW's International vice president Jon Geenan added: "The safety problems we have discovered in America will already be in existence or will soon be imported into the UK."
The UK campaign will offer a free phone number for members to report unsafe work practices, which will be reported to health and safety authorities in both the US and the UK.
Superdrug Win!
Unite members working at Superdrug's national distribution centre in West Yorkshire have claimed a major victory following strike action in a dispute over pay and conditions.
The dispute, which was sparked by the retailers' bid to make fundamental changes to the workers' terms and conditions led to a two week strike which began on November 4th . The dispute has now been resolved. The workforce, both UK and Polish, also led protests outside Superdrug stores throughout Yorkshire and the North East.
The 261 workers have returned to work after an agreement was reached which means that the company will not force through changes to overtime payments, sickness entitlement and flexible hours of work. In return, the workers have agreed to a £10 a week reduction in shift pay for the afternoon shift.
Unite's John Evans said: "As a result of our members standing firm and fighting to protect their pay, terms and conditions, Superdrug's management were forced back to the table and agreed to reverse their proposals. Our members have claimed a major victory following their courageous two week strike action. "
"We are proud that both Polish and UK workers stood shoulder to shoulder to resist the company's attempts to worsen their terms and conditions.
"Our members have gone back to work even more committed to their union and they are going back united. "
The dispute, which was sparked by the retailers' bid to make fundamental changes to the workers' terms and conditions led to a two week strike which began on November 4th . The dispute has now been resolved. The workforce, both UK and Polish, also led protests outside Superdrug stores throughout Yorkshire and the North East.
The 261 workers have returned to work after an agreement was reached which means that the company will not force through changes to overtime payments, sickness entitlement and flexible hours of work. In return, the workers have agreed to a £10 a week reduction in shift pay for the afternoon shift.
Unite's John Evans said: "As a result of our members standing firm and fighting to protect their pay, terms and conditions, Superdrug's management were forced back to the table and agreed to reverse their proposals. Our members have claimed a major victory following their courageous two week strike action. "
"We are proud that both Polish and UK workers stood shoulder to shoulder to resist the company's attempts to worsen their terms and conditions.
"Our members have gone back to work even more committed to their union and they are going back united. "
Engineering construction industry union members accept new national employment agreement
Engineering construction industry union members accept new national employment agreement
Unite and GMB members in the engineering construction industry have voted to accept a new national employment agreement from the sector's main employers' body.
The vote came after the Unite union recommended the new deal proposed by the Engineering Construction Industry Association, stating that it would address many of the grievances that workers have recently experienced.
The agreement prohibits employers from hiring non-UK labour at a site before unions have been formally advised in a reasonable timescale. This clause follows wildcat strikes at Lindsey oil refinery and other power plants earlier this year over the use of foreign workers.
All vacancies on long-term and maintenance repair projects will also have to be advertised via local jobcentres for three days and then UK-wide for a further two days before it can be advertised overseas. Any contractor using overseas labour will have to comply with UK health and safety legislation and all terms of the national agreement, including rates of pay, welfare provision and trips home.
Unite's assistant general secretary, Les Bayliss, said: "We are pleased that our members have accepted the deal which we believe provides an opportunity for stability in an industry that has been plagued by unrest, thanks to certain unscrupulous employers."
The union said it would be working closely with employers to ensure that the two-year agreement was implemented.
Unite and GMB members in the engineering construction industry have voted to accept a new national employment agreement from the sector's main employers' body.
The vote came after the Unite union recommended the new deal proposed by the Engineering Construction Industry Association, stating that it would address many of the grievances that workers have recently experienced.
The agreement prohibits employers from hiring non-UK labour at a site before unions have been formally advised in a reasonable timescale. This clause follows wildcat strikes at Lindsey oil refinery and other power plants earlier this year over the use of foreign workers.
All vacancies on long-term and maintenance repair projects will also have to be advertised via local jobcentres for three days and then UK-wide for a further two days before it can be advertised overseas. Any contractor using overseas labour will have to comply with UK health and safety legislation and all terms of the national agreement, including rates of pay, welfare provision and trips home.
Unite's assistant general secretary, Les Bayliss, said: "We are pleased that our members have accepted the deal which we believe provides an opportunity for stability in an industry that has been plagued by unrest, thanks to certain unscrupulous employers."
The union said it would be working closely with employers to ensure that the two-year agreement was implemented.
Workers Uniting Group Yorkshire and Humberside Meeting
Please note the nexy meeting of the Workers Uniting Group in Yorkshire and Humberside will be on
Sunday 6th of December
Sheffield Trades & Labour Club
200 Duke St, Sheffield, S2 5QQ
Time 11 am till 1 pm
Open to all Unite members
Sunday 6th of December
Sheffield Trades & Labour Club
200 Duke St, Sheffield, S2 5QQ
Time 11 am till 1 pm
Open to all Unite members
A Rubbish Pay Dispute
The following article was sent to Workers Uniting Group by Colin Burgon MP
As always we are happy to publish this.
A rubbish pay dispute
In its failed attempt to cut refuse workers' pay by a third, Leeds council has cast itself as an enemy of the low-paid working class
Beyond television shots of piling rubbish and narrow Victorian terraces, a surprise victory for Leeds refuse workers will send national reverberations to elected politicians, employers and public sectors workers alike. Attempts by the Liberal Democrat/Conservative ruling coalition to cut the already modest pay of refuse collectors from £18,000 to £13,000 a year, all the while "modernising" the service they provide, were roundly rejected by the workforce and public opinion.
If any reader is unsure of what modernising would entail, imagine forward-thinking concepts such as more work and less pay; in the case of the Leeds bin workers, 33% less pay, at a time of economic hardship. This resonated with the public and attempts by the council to isolate the strike by employing an even more desperate and mistreated strata of our labour market – agency workers – only hardened the strikers' backbone.
As the dispute approached week 12, many suspected that talks were being deliberately stalled by the council as this staging post would mean it could sack the entire workforce under existing employment law. But gradually, aided by generally objective reporting on the part of the local media, the council PR machine found itself making no headway even as the rubbish accumulated on city streets.
Watching from the wings, councils such as Bradford, Wakefield and Kirklees quickly settled their pay and grading reviews without dispute and Brighton swiftly came to a deal with its workforce rather than risk the scenes of rubbish piling up on their own streets.
What lessons for all parties, locally and nationally? For local authorities, the hard ball, zero dialogue tactics with a group of low-paid workers deployed by Leeds City Council proved a singular failure; especially as the trade unions involved (GMB and Unison) were ready to talk from day one. This obstinacy stalled negotiations for a month and did little to mobilise public opinion against the refuse workers as council leaders had hoped. Only the public and many of the low-paid striking workers who were already in debt before this dispute started suffered.
This has cast Leeds council in a bad light, and other local authorities should take note. Public opinion does not favour punishing hardworking people who have done little to cause this recession. Within the Leeds Labour party there are now few echoing the calls of some of the London-based chattering classes for an alliance with progressive elements within Liberal Democrats, who regionally, have form.
Back in December 2008 when the recession began to bite hard, a Labour and Green coalition tried to secure a "Leeds Living Wage" to anyone directly or indirectly employed by the council.
The Liberal Democrat council leader, Richard Brett, strongly opposed the move, even telling the executive board that low-paid workers were "lucky" to have a job at all owing to the current economic conditions.
Later, Brett had the cheek to cite the example of students being paid badly in casual employment across the city to call into question any special treatment for the bin workers. Brett knew perfectly well that the student unions of Leeds Met and Leeds University both campaigned passionately for the "Leeds Living Wage" status that he and his party opposed and blocked.
Nationally, the workforce flexibility so admired by New Labour and the conservatives has increasingly left lower-paid workers vulnerable to the tumult of privatisation, the use of agency workers and the threat of dismissal after the 12-week period on strike is reached. It is patently obvious that this is very, very unpopular with marginalised working class voters.
And these disputes are as much about the future of the services as they are about a fair deal for the low paid. During the most bitter impasse in Leeds – in sentiments remarkably similar to implications briefed by Royal Mail and Lord Mandleson during the recent postal strikes – the leader of the council warned on record "if there's no resolution to this dispute, we may have to privatise". This naked preference to flog public services demonstrates that at this time of severe economic difficulty, ideological agendas overran the plight of the low paid.
We are now seeing groups of workers ready to stand up to oppose deteriorating wages and conditions. They feel that the economic crisis should not be solved at their expense and are showing a real combative attitude when attacked. The Leeds bin workers' stance and their ultimate victory under extremely difficult circumstances prove that working people are not willing to be turned over; their example will be followed by others.
As always we are happy to publish this.
A rubbish pay dispute
In its failed attempt to cut refuse workers' pay by a third, Leeds council has cast itself as an enemy of the low-paid working class
Beyond television shots of piling rubbish and narrow Victorian terraces, a surprise victory for Leeds refuse workers will send national reverberations to elected politicians, employers and public sectors workers alike. Attempts by the Liberal Democrat/Conservative ruling coalition to cut the already modest pay of refuse collectors from £18,000 to £13,000 a year, all the while "modernising" the service they provide, were roundly rejected by the workforce and public opinion.
If any reader is unsure of what modernising would entail, imagine forward-thinking concepts such as more work and less pay; in the case of the Leeds bin workers, 33% less pay, at a time of economic hardship. This resonated with the public and attempts by the council to isolate the strike by employing an even more desperate and mistreated strata of our labour market – agency workers – only hardened the strikers' backbone.
As the dispute approached week 12, many suspected that talks were being deliberately stalled by the council as this staging post would mean it could sack the entire workforce under existing employment law. But gradually, aided by generally objective reporting on the part of the local media, the council PR machine found itself making no headway even as the rubbish accumulated on city streets.
Watching from the wings, councils such as Bradford, Wakefield and Kirklees quickly settled their pay and grading reviews without dispute and Brighton swiftly came to a deal with its workforce rather than risk the scenes of rubbish piling up on their own streets.
What lessons for all parties, locally and nationally? For local authorities, the hard ball, zero dialogue tactics with a group of low-paid workers deployed by Leeds City Council proved a singular failure; especially as the trade unions involved (GMB and Unison) were ready to talk from day one. This obstinacy stalled negotiations for a month and did little to mobilise public opinion against the refuse workers as council leaders had hoped. Only the public and many of the low-paid striking workers who were already in debt before this dispute started suffered.
This has cast Leeds council in a bad light, and other local authorities should take note. Public opinion does not favour punishing hardworking people who have done little to cause this recession. Within the Leeds Labour party there are now few echoing the calls of some of the London-based chattering classes for an alliance with progressive elements within Liberal Democrats, who regionally, have form.
Back in December 2008 when the recession began to bite hard, a Labour and Green coalition tried to secure a "Leeds Living Wage" to anyone directly or indirectly employed by the council.
The Liberal Democrat council leader, Richard Brett, strongly opposed the move, even telling the executive board that low-paid workers were "lucky" to have a job at all owing to the current economic conditions.
Later, Brett had the cheek to cite the example of students being paid badly in casual employment across the city to call into question any special treatment for the bin workers. Brett knew perfectly well that the student unions of Leeds Met and Leeds University both campaigned passionately for the "Leeds Living Wage" status that he and his party opposed and blocked.
Nationally, the workforce flexibility so admired by New Labour and the conservatives has increasingly left lower-paid workers vulnerable to the tumult of privatisation, the use of agency workers and the threat of dismissal after the 12-week period on strike is reached. It is patently obvious that this is very, very unpopular with marginalised working class voters.
And these disputes are as much about the future of the services as they are about a fair deal for the low paid. During the most bitter impasse in Leeds – in sentiments remarkably similar to implications briefed by Royal Mail and Lord Mandleson during the recent postal strikes – the leader of the council warned on record "if there's no resolution to this dispute, we may have to privatise". This naked preference to flog public services demonstrates that at this time of severe economic difficulty, ideological agendas overran the plight of the low paid.
We are now seeing groups of workers ready to stand up to oppose deteriorating wages and conditions. They feel that the economic crisis should not be solved at their expense and are showing a real combative attitude when attacked. The Leeds bin workers' stance and their ultimate victory under extremely difficult circumstances prove that working people are not willing to be turned over; their example will be followed by others.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Meet Venezuelan Union Leaders!!
The VSC have emailed Workers Uniting Group with details of meetings, discussions and receptions with visiting Venezuelan Comrades - Eglé Sanchez - General Secretary of the Venezuelan Graphical, Print & Paper Workers’ Union; Organiser for and representative of workers within, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela and recent recipient of a May Day award from Hugo Chávez recognising her contribution to the revolution and Elias Rodriguez – Union President and activist of the PSUV and Bolivarian Workers’ Force.
Details so far:
BRIGHTON
November 25th - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Dave Lovelidge (Unite NEC) reporting on the recent Unite GPM and VSC delegation to Venezuela.
Time and Place: 7pm, Pelham Room, Brighthelm Church & Community Centre, North Road, BN1 1YD
MANCHESTER
November 26th – Public Meeting and Reception - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez. Chair: Eddy Redmond, UNISON Manchester.
Time and Place: 7-9pm. Buffet Served from 6.30pm.
The venue is now confirmed as The City Road Inn Pub, 14, Albion St, M1 5NZ, which is opposite Deansgate Locks. The nearest tram stop is G-Mex and nearest Railway station is Deansgate.
ALSO - FILM SHOWING
November 26th – Lewisham & Greenwich VSC - Film Showing: Tocar y Luchar (To Play & to Fight)With: A film showing followed by discussion. The documentary portrays the inspirational stories of world class musicians trained by the Venezuelan system including world renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Time and Place: 7.30pm (film starts 8.15pm,) Café Crema, 306 New Cross Road. London SE14 6AF. £6 including food or wine and cake. Tickets available from the café in advance.
LONDON FUND RAISING DINNER
VSC Fundraising Dinner with Guests from Venezuela
Time and Date: From 7pm, 28th November Venue: La Piragua Restaurant, 176 Upper Street , Islington, N1. Tubes: Highbury and Islington, Angel
Price: £20 per ticket, including Latin food, beer or wine and a Mojito. Kindly supported by UNISON Greater London Region.
Places are limited so book early - contact info@venezuelasolidarity.co.uk to reserve your place.
CHELMSFORD
November 30th - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Dave Lovelidge (Unite NEC GPM Sector) reporting on the recent Unite and VSC delegation to Venezuela. Venezuelan Rum Cocktails and refreshments will be served.
Time and Place: 6-8pm, Thompsons Offices, Grosvenor House, 53 New London Road, CM2 0ND
Hosted by Thompsons Solicitors & Chelmsford TUC
LONDON
Q&A WITH VENEZUELAN SPEAKERS FOR VSC MEMBERS & ACTIVISTS - DECEMBER 1st, 7 - 9PM, ROOMS 3/4, UNITE THE UNION BUILDING, 128 THEOBALD'S ROAD, LONDON.
LEEDS
December 2nd – Rum Reception & Public Meeting – 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez plus Colin Burgon MP and Louise Cousins (Unite NEC GPM Sector) reporting on the recent Unite and VSC delegation to Venezuela.
Chair: Davey Hall, Unite Regional Secretary.
Refreshments and Venezuelan Rum Cocktails will be served.
Time and Place: 6-8.30pm (Meeting starts 6.30pm,) Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR
BIRMINGHAM
December 3rd – 10 Years of Social Progress: No to US Intervention, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Francisco Dominguez (VSC) updating on Honduras.
Time and Place: 7pm, UNISON Regional Centre, 24 Livery Street, Birmingham, B3 2PA.
LONDON
December 4th - Invite to Roundtable Discussion and Reception with Venezuelan Trade Union Leaders, 2pm, Unite, 128 Theobald's Road, London , WC1X 8TN . The discussion will take place from 2pm-3.30pm , at the Unite the Union Building on Theobald's Road (nearest tube Holborn) on December 4th. This will be followed by short reception with the guests and Venezuelan Ambassador at a nearby bar.
This event is sponsored by UNISON Greater London Region and is part of a national tour to mark 10 years of social progress in Venezuela supported by Unite the Union , the UNISON General Political Fund and Thompson's Solicitors.
LONDON
December 5th – Latin America 2009 Conference and Fiesta Latina
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez plus speakers from Honduras, Cuba, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Nicaragua.
Time and Place: 9.30am – 5pm, followed by cultural celebration from 5pm-10pm, TUC Congress House, London. Visit www.latinamerica2009.org.uk For more information and to register online.
For more information contact:
Matt Willgress
Co-ordinator
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign (formerly VIC)
Tel: 020 7420 8963
www.vicuk.org
Details so far:
BRIGHTON
November 25th - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Dave Lovelidge (Unite NEC) reporting on the recent Unite GPM and VSC delegation to Venezuela.
Time and Place: 7pm, Pelham Room, Brighthelm Church & Community Centre, North Road, BN1 1YD
MANCHESTER
November 26th – Public Meeting and Reception - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez. Chair: Eddy Redmond, UNISON Manchester.
Time and Place: 7-9pm. Buffet Served from 6.30pm.
The venue is now confirmed as The City Road Inn Pub, 14, Albion St, M1 5NZ, which is opposite Deansgate Locks. The nearest tram stop is G-Mex and nearest Railway station is Deansgate.
ALSO - FILM SHOWING
November 26th – Lewisham & Greenwich VSC - Film Showing: Tocar y Luchar (To Play & to Fight)With: A film showing followed by discussion. The documentary portrays the inspirational stories of world class musicians trained by the Venezuelan system including world renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Time and Place: 7.30pm (film starts 8.15pm,) Café Crema, 306 New Cross Road. London SE14 6AF. £6 including food or wine and cake. Tickets available from the café in advance.
LONDON FUND RAISING DINNER
VSC Fundraising Dinner with Guests from Venezuela
Time and Date: From 7pm, 28th November Venue: La Piragua Restaurant, 176 Upper Street , Islington, N1. Tubes: Highbury and Islington, Angel
Price: £20 per ticket, including Latin food, beer or wine and a Mojito. Kindly supported by UNISON Greater London Region.
Places are limited so book early - contact info@venezuelasolidarity.co.uk to reserve your place.
CHELMSFORD
November 30th - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Dave Lovelidge (Unite NEC GPM Sector) reporting on the recent Unite and VSC delegation to Venezuela. Venezuelan Rum Cocktails and refreshments will be served.
Time and Place: 6-8pm, Thompsons Offices, Grosvenor House, 53 New London Road, CM2 0ND
Hosted by Thompsons Solicitors & Chelmsford TUC
LONDON
Q&A WITH VENEZUELAN SPEAKERS FOR VSC MEMBERS & ACTIVISTS - DECEMBER 1st, 7 - 9PM, ROOMS 3/4, UNITE THE UNION BUILDING, 128 THEOBALD'S ROAD, LONDON.
LEEDS
December 2nd – Rum Reception & Public Meeting – 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez plus Colin Burgon MP and Louise Cousins (Unite NEC GPM Sector) reporting on the recent Unite and VSC delegation to Venezuela.
Chair: Davey Hall, Unite Regional Secretary.
Refreshments and Venezuelan Rum Cocktails will be served.
Time and Place: 6-8.30pm (Meeting starts 6.30pm,) Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR
BIRMINGHAM
December 3rd – 10 Years of Social Progress: No to US Intervention, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Francisco Dominguez (VSC) updating on Honduras.
Time and Place: 7pm, UNISON Regional Centre, 24 Livery Street, Birmingham, B3 2PA.
LONDON
December 4th - Invite to Roundtable Discussion and Reception with Venezuelan Trade Union Leaders, 2pm, Unite, 128 Theobald's Road, London , WC1X 8TN . The discussion will take place from 2pm-3.30pm , at the Unite the Union Building on Theobald's Road (nearest tube Holborn) on December 4th. This will be followed by short reception with the guests and Venezuelan Ambassador at a nearby bar.
This event is sponsored by UNISON Greater London Region and is part of a national tour to mark 10 years of social progress in Venezuela supported by Unite the Union , the UNISON General Political Fund and Thompson's Solicitors.
LONDON
December 5th – Latin America 2009 Conference and Fiesta Latina
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez plus speakers from Honduras, Cuba, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Nicaragua.
Time and Place: 9.30am – 5pm, followed by cultural celebration from 5pm-10pm, TUC Congress House, London. Visit www.latinamerica2009.org.uk For more information and to register online.
For more information contact:
Matt Willgress
Co-ordinator
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign (formerly VIC)
Tel: 020 7420 8963
www.vicuk.org
Meet Venezuelan Union Leaders!!
The VSC have emailed Workers Uniting Group with details of meetings, discussions and receptions with visiting Venezuelan Comrades - Eglé Sanchez - General Secretary of the Venezuelan Graphical, Print & Paper Workers’ Union; Organiser for and representative of workers within, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela and recent recipient of a May Day award from Hugo Chávez recognising her contribution to the revolution and Elias Rodriguez – Union President and activist of the PSUV and Bolivarian Workers’ Force.
Details so far:
BRIGHTON
November 25th - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Dave Lovelidge (Unite NEC) reporting on the recent Unite GPM and VSC delegation to Venezuela.
Time and Place: 7pm, Pelham Room, Brighthelm Church & Community Centre, North Road, BN1 1YD
MANCHESTER
November 26th – Public Meeting and Reception - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez. Chair: Eddy Redmond, UNISON Manchester.
Time and Place: 7-9pm. Buffet Served from 6.30pm.
The venue is now confirmed as The City Road Inn Pub, 14, Albion St, M1 5NZ, which is opposite Deansgate Locks. The nearest tram stop is G-Mex and nearest Railway station is Deansgate.
ALSO - FILM SHOWING
November 26th – Lewisham & Greenwich VSC - Film Showing: Tocar y Luchar (To Play & to Fight)With: A film showing followed by discussion. The documentary portrays the inspirational stories of world class musicians trained by the Venezuelan system including world renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Time and Place: 7.30pm (film starts 8.15pm,) Café Crema, 306 New Cross Road. London SE14 6AF. £6 including food or wine and cake. Tickets available from the café in advance.
LONDON FUND RAISING DINNER
VSC Fundraising Dinner with Guests from Venezuela
Time and Date: From 7pm, 28th November Venue: La Piragua Restaurant, 176 Upper Street , Islington, N1. Tubes: Highbury and Islington, Angel
Price: £20 per ticket, including Latin food, beer or wine and a Mojito. Kindly supported by UNISON Greater London Region.
Places are limited so book early - contact info@venezuelasolidarity.co.uk to reserve your place.
CHELMSFORD
November 30th - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Dave Lovelidge (Unite NEC GPM Sector) reporting on the recent Unite and VSC delegation to Venezuela. Venezuelan Rum Cocktails and refreshments will be served.
Time and Place: 6-8pm, Thompsons Offices, Grosvenor House, 53 New London Road, CM2 0ND
Hosted by Thompsons Solicitors & Chelmsford TUC
LONDON
Q&A WITH VENEZUELAN SPEAKERS FOR VSC MEMBERS & ACTIVISTS - DECEMBER 1st, 7 - 9PM, ROOMS 3/4, UNITE THE UNION BUILDING, 128 THEOBALD'S ROAD, LONDON.
LEEDS
December 2nd – Rum Reception & Public Meeting – 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez plus Colin Burgon MP and Louise Cousins (Unite NEC GPM Sector) reporting on the recent Unite and VSC delegation to Venezuela.
Chair: Davey Hall, Unite Regional Secretary.
Refreshments and Venezuelan Rum Cocktails will be served.
Time and Place: 6-8.30pm (Meeting starts 6.30pm,) Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR
BIRMINGHAM
December 3rd – 10 Years of Social Progress: No to US Intervention, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Francisco Dominguez (VSC) updating on Honduras.
Time and Place: 7pm, UNISON Regional Centre, 24 Livery Street, Birmingham, B3 2PA.
LONDON
December 4th - Invite to Roundtable Discussion and Reception with Venezuelan Trade Union Leaders, 2pm, Unite, 128 Theobald's Road, London , WC1X 8TN . The discussion will take place from 2pm-3.30pm , at the Unite the Union Building on Theobald's Road (nearest tube Holborn) on December 4th. This will be followed by short reception with the guests and Venezuelan Ambassador at a nearby bar.
This event is sponsored by UNISON Greater London Region and is part of a national tour to mark 10 years of social progress in Venezuela supported by Unite the Union , the UNISON General Political Fund and Thompson's Solicitors.
LONDON
December 5th – Latin America 2009 Conference and Fiesta Latina
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez plus speakers from Honduras, Cuba, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Nicaragua.
Time and Place: 9.30am – 5pm, followed by cultural celebration from 5pm-10pm, TUC Congress House, London. Visit www.latinamerica2009.org.uk For more information and to register online.
For more information contact:
Matt Willgress
Co-ordinator
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign (formerly VIC)
Tel: 020 7420 8963
www.vicuk.org
Details so far:
BRIGHTON
November 25th - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Dave Lovelidge (Unite NEC) reporting on the recent Unite GPM and VSC delegation to Venezuela.
Time and Place: 7pm, Pelham Room, Brighthelm Church & Community Centre, North Road, BN1 1YD
MANCHESTER
November 26th – Public Meeting and Reception - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez. Chair: Eddy Redmond, UNISON Manchester.
Time and Place: 7-9pm. Buffet Served from 6.30pm.
The venue is now confirmed as The City Road Inn Pub, 14, Albion St, M1 5NZ, which is opposite Deansgate Locks. The nearest tram stop is G-Mex and nearest Railway station is Deansgate.
ALSO - FILM SHOWING
November 26th – Lewisham & Greenwich VSC - Film Showing: Tocar y Luchar (To Play & to Fight)With: A film showing followed by discussion. The documentary portrays the inspirational stories of world class musicians trained by the Venezuelan system including world renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Time and Place: 7.30pm (film starts 8.15pm,) Café Crema, 306 New Cross Road. London SE14 6AF. £6 including food or wine and cake. Tickets available from the café in advance.
LONDON FUND RAISING DINNER
VSC Fundraising Dinner with Guests from Venezuela
Time and Date: From 7pm, 28th November Venue: La Piragua Restaurant, 176 Upper Street , Islington, N1. Tubes: Highbury and Islington, Angel
Price: £20 per ticket, including Latin food, beer or wine and a Mojito. Kindly supported by UNISON Greater London Region.
Places are limited so book early - contact info@venezuelasolidarity.co.uk to reserve your place.
CHELMSFORD
November 30th - 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Dave Lovelidge (Unite NEC GPM Sector) reporting on the recent Unite and VSC delegation to Venezuela. Venezuelan Rum Cocktails and refreshments will be served.
Time and Place: 6-8pm, Thompsons Offices, Grosvenor House, 53 New London Road, CM2 0ND
Hosted by Thompsons Solicitors & Chelmsford TUC
LONDON
Q&A WITH VENEZUELAN SPEAKERS FOR VSC MEMBERS & ACTIVISTS - DECEMBER 1st, 7 - 9PM, ROOMS 3/4, UNITE THE UNION BUILDING, 128 THEOBALD'S ROAD, LONDON.
LEEDS
December 2nd – Rum Reception & Public Meeting – 10 Years of Social Progress & Democracy: Achievements & Threats, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez plus Colin Burgon MP and Louise Cousins (Unite NEC GPM Sector) reporting on the recent Unite and VSC delegation to Venezuela.
Chair: Davey Hall, Unite Regional Secretary.
Refreshments and Venezuelan Rum Cocktails will be served.
Time and Place: 6-8.30pm (Meeting starts 6.30pm,) Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR
BIRMINGHAM
December 3rd – 10 Years of Social Progress: No to US Intervention, including Q&A with Venezuelan Speakers
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez, plus Francisco Dominguez (VSC) updating on Honduras.
Time and Place: 7pm, UNISON Regional Centre, 24 Livery Street, Birmingham, B3 2PA.
LONDON
December 4th - Invite to Roundtable Discussion and Reception with Venezuelan Trade Union Leaders, 2pm, Unite, 128 Theobald's Road, London , WC1X 8TN . The discussion will take place from 2pm-3.30pm , at the Unite the Union Building on Theobald's Road (nearest tube Holborn) on December 4th. This will be followed by short reception with the guests and Venezuelan Ambassador at a nearby bar.
This event is sponsored by UNISON Greater London Region and is part of a national tour to mark 10 years of social progress in Venezuela supported by Unite the Union , the UNISON General Political Fund and Thompson's Solicitors.
LONDON
December 5th – Latin America 2009 Conference and Fiesta Latina
With: Eglé Sanchez and Elias Rodriguez plus speakers from Honduras, Cuba, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Nicaragua.
Time and Place: 9.30am – 5pm, followed by cultural celebration from 5pm-10pm, TUC Congress House, London. Visit www.latinamerica2009.org.uk For more information and to register online.
For more information contact:
Matt Willgress
Co-ordinator
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign (formerly VIC)
Tel: 020 7420 8963
www.vicuk.org
Friday, November 20, 2009
LRD Says Pay Freezes To Continue
Labour Research Department
Pay freezes to continue into 2010
While the economy may be poised for recovery, and overall there is a decline in the proportion of freezes in data from the Labour Research Department (LRD), we have not seen end of wage freezes yet.
This is borne out by statistics from LRD’s Payline database. The peak for pay freezes was in the three-month period from April to June, when 25% of all deals and 33% of new deals (i.e. excluding second or subsequent stages of long-term pay agreements) were freezes. This period also saw the highest number of wage cuts registered on Payline.
There has been a steady decline in pay freezes as a proportion of all settlements since then: that is, including all stages of long-term deals. In May-July, the proportion of all pay deals was 23%; in Jun-Aug it was 22%; in July-September it was 21%, in August-October (a quiet period for pay settlements) it was 14%. However, it is not possible to state confidently that the trend will continue to be downwards as the figure may have increased again according to the provisional figure for the three months from September to November 2009, to 19% of all pay agreements across the economy (see table/graph below).
However, for newly-agreed settlements (one-year and first-stage long-term agreements), the pattern is less clear. Although there have been periodic decreases since April, it is evident that new deals are still suffering the brunt of freezes, while employers are not showing any obvious signs of relaxing their pressure on pay.
From a high in April-June of 33% of new pay deals, the three-month periods May-July and June-August both saw freezes at 28% of new deals. But they increased again in July-September to 32%, then dipped to 23% in the quiet period over the summer from August to October, then rose again in the latest three-month figures to November, once again reaching 32%. As November has not yet concluded, it is too early to say whether this change is significant.
The figures do not suggest that the rate of pay freezes among new deals has really changed significantly since the depths of the recession. What is more, further pay freezes are expected in the New Year, according to LRD data on long-term pay settlements and already-known agreements.
“The bad news isn't necessarily over even though the recession may soon be,” said Lewis Emery, LRD’s pay and conditions researcher.
“There are known pay freezes coming in the New Year and the continuing rise in unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, means things will be difficult again in 2010. The fact that there is a downward trend in freezes overall could mark a positive turn. But this is not by any means the last we will see of pay freezes."
Pay freezes to continue into 2010
While the economy may be poised for recovery, and overall there is a decline in the proportion of freezes in data from the Labour Research Department (LRD), we have not seen end of wage freezes yet.
This is borne out by statistics from LRD’s Payline database. The peak for pay freezes was in the three-month period from April to June, when 25% of all deals and 33% of new deals (i.e. excluding second or subsequent stages of long-term pay agreements) were freezes. This period also saw the highest number of wage cuts registered on Payline.
There has been a steady decline in pay freezes as a proportion of all settlements since then: that is, including all stages of long-term deals. In May-July, the proportion of all pay deals was 23%; in Jun-Aug it was 22%; in July-September it was 21%, in August-October (a quiet period for pay settlements) it was 14%. However, it is not possible to state confidently that the trend will continue to be downwards as the figure may have increased again according to the provisional figure for the three months from September to November 2009, to 19% of all pay agreements across the economy (see table/graph below).
However, for newly-agreed settlements (one-year and first-stage long-term agreements), the pattern is less clear. Although there have been periodic decreases since April, it is evident that new deals are still suffering the brunt of freezes, while employers are not showing any obvious signs of relaxing their pressure on pay.
From a high in April-June of 33% of new pay deals, the three-month periods May-July and June-August both saw freezes at 28% of new deals. But they increased again in July-September to 32%, then dipped to 23% in the quiet period over the summer from August to October, then rose again in the latest three-month figures to November, once again reaching 32%. As November has not yet concluded, it is too early to say whether this change is significant.
The figures do not suggest that the rate of pay freezes among new deals has really changed significantly since the depths of the recession. What is more, further pay freezes are expected in the New Year, according to LRD data on long-term pay settlements and already-known agreements.
“The bad news isn't necessarily over even though the recession may soon be,” said Lewis Emery, LRD’s pay and conditions researcher.
“There are known pay freezes coming in the New Year and the continuing rise in unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, means things will be difficult again in 2010. The fact that there is a downward trend in freezes overall could mark a positive turn. But this is not by any means the last we will see of pay freezes."
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