From the Morning Star....
by Paul Haste
US union members are to take over the massive Chrysler car firm in what would be a stunning blow for rich investors on Wall Street, it was revealed on Tuesday.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union will own 55 per cent of Chrysler and its health-care trust for retired workers will get a seat on the management board if union members vote for the deal this week.
Shopfloor factory reps voted unanimously on Monday night to recommend some concessions that UAW union president Ron Gettelfinger said would help keep the carmaker out of bankruptcy and keep as many as 54,000 workers in their jobs.
Under the deal, Italian car firm Fiat will own 35 per cent of a restructured Chrysler with the remaining 10 per cent stake divided between the US government and banks.
Chrysler is currently surviving on $4 billion (£2.73bn) in US government loans and President Obama has insisted that private investors fund at least 50 per cent of Chrysler's union-run trust fund which provides health care for retired workers.
Union leaders say that ratification votes at car plants across the US should be finished on Wednesday - one day before Chrysler's government-imposed deadline to restructure or receive a cut-off in aid that would send the company into liquidation.
Under the UAW deal reached with Chrysler, Fiat and the US Treasury Department, cost-of-living pay rises will be suspended until 2011, but, after this, a new collective agreement must increase hourly wages to a rate comparable to Chrysler's US competitors, including foreign-owned manufacturers.
"We fought to maintain our wages, our health care and our jobs," Mr Gettelfinger and UAW vice-president General Holiefield said in a letter to workers.
"In the face of adversity, we negotiated new opportunities for UAW involvement in future business decisions."
The deal could serve as an example for another agreement with the huge General Motors car firm, which is also receiving cash from the Obama administration.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Unite For Jobs May 16th - Update!!
The Unite For Jobs website has been updated and now contains more details of the coach pick up points and times throughout the UK.
You can also sign the petition (along with 15,000 others!), download posters and leaflets, find out who the Regional Co-Ordinators are etc.
http://action.unitetheunion.com/content
You can also sign the petition (along with 15,000 others!), download posters and leaflets, find out who the Regional Co-Ordinators are etc.
http://action.unitetheunion.com/content
Unite e-petition urges support for Visteon workers
Unite, Britain's biggest union, has sent an e-petition to 250,000 members urging them to support 600 workers from Visteon, who were sacked with only a moment's notice, without redundancy pay, or their company pensions.
Unite believes Ford were complicit in this action. Now hundreds of workers and their families face a very uncertain future.
Unite is campaigning for proper compensation and for the sacked workers to be given jobs at Ford. At the beginning of this year Visteon had in excess of $1 billion in the bank. Unite believes the company can easily afford to pay for a just compensation package. Ford also remains a major Visteon client, the company was the workers' former employer and could utilise these workers' skills as they approach retirement age.
The e-petition is in response to the fury expressed to the union by the public over the company's callous behaviour and to step up the pressure on both Ford and Visteon to end the misery of the 600 now jobless workers.
Unite's joint general secretary, Tony Woodley, said: “We are asking a quarter of a million members to send a clear message to companies like Ford and Visteon that their behaviour will not be tolerated. We intend to show the UK government that the British people want justice for workers, now.
“This shameful behaviour has to end. UK employment laws must change to stop the callous mistreatment of UK workers.”
Unite's joint general secretary, Derek Simpson, said: “Visteon has thrown our members on the dole, plunged their pensions into uncertainty and denied them redundancy pay that is rightfully theirs.
“I say to Visteon and Ford, you cannot wash your hands of these workers. They must do the decent thing by the workers and their families. Secure them work and compensate them justly for sacking them in such an atrocious manner.”
The e-petition can be found at: http://www.savemanufacturing.co.uk/sayno
Unite believes Ford were complicit in this action. Now hundreds of workers and their families face a very uncertain future.
Unite is campaigning for proper compensation and for the sacked workers to be given jobs at Ford. At the beginning of this year Visteon had in excess of $1 billion in the bank. Unite believes the company can easily afford to pay for a just compensation package. Ford also remains a major Visteon client, the company was the workers' former employer and could utilise these workers' skills as they approach retirement age.
The e-petition is in response to the fury expressed to the union by the public over the company's callous behaviour and to step up the pressure on both Ford and Visteon to end the misery of the 600 now jobless workers.
Unite's joint general secretary, Tony Woodley, said: “We are asking a quarter of a million members to send a clear message to companies like Ford and Visteon that their behaviour will not be tolerated. We intend to show the UK government that the British people want justice for workers, now.
“This shameful behaviour has to end. UK employment laws must change to stop the callous mistreatment of UK workers.”
Unite's joint general secretary, Derek Simpson, said: “Visteon has thrown our members on the dole, plunged their pensions into uncertainty and denied them redundancy pay that is rightfully theirs.
“I say to Visteon and Ford, you cannot wash your hands of these workers. They must do the decent thing by the workers and their families. Secure them work and compensate them justly for sacking them in such an atrocious manner.”
The e-petition can be found at: http://www.savemanufacturing.co.uk/sayno
Morning Star Report of Workers Uniting Group Meeting.
From the Morning Star.....
Now's the time to get stronger, Unite body tells delegates
Monday 27 April 2009
THE Unite union's new left progressive group Workers Uniting warned yesterday that recruitment and organisation must be a top priority.
The warning was made after the new group met in Derby on Sunday to debate a statement of its principles and agree a constitution.
Over 100 Unite members attended and agreed that the Workers Uniting group will organise and inform left progressive members, while promoting and supporting policies based on the organisation of workers, international solidarity and a left-led and progressive Labour Party.
Delegates also said that the group must support the recruitment and organisation of workers into Unite with the goal of a 100 per cent membership.
In order to do this, delegates said that there was a need to build strong and effective union structures in every workplace and develop networks and combines supported by well-trained union reps.
Internationally delegates re-affirmed that support for the expansion of the new global union ‘Workers Uniting’ by Unite and the United Steelworkers.
They welcomed pro-worker legislation eminanting from Europe but it was agreed to campaign and fight against the European Court of Justice decisions, which undermine social Europe, national agreements and collective bargaining.
Politically, the conference agreed that Workers Uniting group will campaign to build a strong and left-progressive Labour Party in Britain and in Europe.
It would support the selection and election of Labour Party candidates who fully support the policies of the group and who can demonstrate a proven track record to this end.
Now's the time to get stronger, Unite body tells delegates
Monday 27 April 2009
THE Unite union's new left progressive group Workers Uniting warned yesterday that recruitment and organisation must be a top priority.
The warning was made after the new group met in Derby on Sunday to debate a statement of its principles and agree a constitution.
Over 100 Unite members attended and agreed that the Workers Uniting group will organise and inform left progressive members, while promoting and supporting policies based on the organisation of workers, international solidarity and a left-led and progressive Labour Party.
Delegates also said that the group must support the recruitment and organisation of workers into Unite with the goal of a 100 per cent membership.
In order to do this, delegates said that there was a need to build strong and effective union structures in every workplace and develop networks and combines supported by well-trained union reps.
Internationally delegates re-affirmed that support for the expansion of the new global union ‘Workers Uniting’ by Unite and the United Steelworkers.
They welcomed pro-worker legislation eminanting from Europe but it was agreed to campaign and fight against the European Court of Justice decisions, which undermine social Europe, national agreements and collective bargaining.
Politically, the conference agreed that Workers Uniting group will campaign to build a strong and left-progressive Labour Party in Britain and in Europe.
It would support the selection and election of Labour Party candidates who fully support the policies of the group and who can demonstrate a proven track record to this end.
Unite For Jobs Campaign - Survey
Unite is holding a massive Unite for Jobs March and Rally on 16th May in Birmingham.
Ahead of May 16th Unite would like to assess the opinions of members on matters that affect working people.
Unite would be grateful if you could help by completing the survey which will only take a couple of minutes.
Thank you
Click here:
http://www.questback.com/isa/qbv.dll/SQ?q=9QvBNNGJZDWrCkZ7ZldhwgB3KdMA81XtM%2F0FfY%2FkU%2BTPHg%3D%3D
Ahead of May 16th Unite would like to assess the opinions of members on matters that affect working people.
Unite would be grateful if you could help by completing the survey which will only take a couple of minutes.
Thank you
Click here:
http://www.questback.com/isa/qbv.dll/SQ?q=9QvBNNGJZDWrCkZ7ZldhwgB3KdMA81XtM%2F0FfY%2FkU%2BTPHg%3D%3D
Monday, April 27, 2009
Autologic Backs Down on Unite de-recognition
Autologic, one of the UK's main car delivery companies, has been forced to back down in its battle with Unite over de-recognition.
In a return to the 1980s when workers faced de-recognition by signing individual contracts of employment, the Northampton-based firm wrote to its 280 drivers, warning them that they could lose their jobs unless the union was derecognised.
Unite members refused to sign the contracts even though they were offered £2000 each to sign up.
Autologic, is headed by "tough new chief executive Avril Palmer-Baunack" (as the Daily Mail described her).
The vast majority of Unite drivers refused to take the money.
A joint statement has now been issued saying: 'Both parties are pleased to confirm that there is full agreement between Unite and Autologic to work together for the long-term benefit of the company and its employees. Additionally, Autologic would like to make it clear that it is not seeking union derecognition.'
It is understood that the two letters to the workers have been withdrawn.
According to the union bashing Daily Mail: "The speed at which the company backed down from its previous anti-union stance is remarkable. The threat of legal and industrial action and an acknowledgment that the letter was inflammatory is understood to have forced a change in attitude.
The first letter said: 'Autologic can offer you good pay, good conditions and a good future. The trade union can offer you tea and biscuits when you've lost your job.'
The letter concluded: 'Think long and hard about about the lack of jobs available outside if you decide against derecognition.
'Think long and hard about how you will continue caring and looking after your families and your dependants with no job.'
By midweek the tone had changed dramatically. 'In return for signing their employment contract each driver has been offered payment of £2,000 in consideration of any perceived change,' the second letter said.
'The management believe that they are working in the best interest of all - let's not forget we are all employees and the financial future of the company affects everyone.'
And by Friday the mood had softened further and the company was looking for a peaceful solution".
A company source said: 'It looks like a sensible compromise is going to be agreed. The situation has moved forwards substantially. There is recognition that the status quo had to change and I think that both sides will give a little.
To see the letter containing the £2,000 offer, go to thisismoney.co.uk/autologic.
In a return to the 1980s when workers faced de-recognition by signing individual contracts of employment, the Northampton-based firm wrote to its 280 drivers, warning them that they could lose their jobs unless the union was derecognised.
Unite members refused to sign the contracts even though they were offered £2000 each to sign up.
Autologic, is headed by "tough new chief executive Avril Palmer-Baunack" (as the Daily Mail described her).
The vast majority of Unite drivers refused to take the money.
A joint statement has now been issued saying: 'Both parties are pleased to confirm that there is full agreement between Unite and Autologic to work together for the long-term benefit of the company and its employees. Additionally, Autologic would like to make it clear that it is not seeking union derecognition.'
It is understood that the two letters to the workers have been withdrawn.
According to the union bashing Daily Mail: "The speed at which the company backed down from its previous anti-union stance is remarkable. The threat of legal and industrial action and an acknowledgment that the letter was inflammatory is understood to have forced a change in attitude.
The first letter said: 'Autologic can offer you good pay, good conditions and a good future. The trade union can offer you tea and biscuits when you've lost your job.'
The letter concluded: 'Think long and hard about about the lack of jobs available outside if you decide against derecognition.
'Think long and hard about how you will continue caring and looking after your families and your dependants with no job.'
By midweek the tone had changed dramatically. 'In return for signing their employment contract each driver has been offered payment of £2,000 in consideration of any perceived change,' the second letter said.
'The management believe that they are working in the best interest of all - let's not forget we are all employees and the financial future of the company affects everyone.'
And by Friday the mood had softened further and the company was looking for a peaceful solution".
A company source said: 'It looks like a sensible compromise is going to be agreed. The situation has moved forwards substantially. There is recognition that the status quo had to change and I think that both sides will give a little.
To see the letter containing the £2,000 offer, go to thisismoney.co.uk/autologic.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Workers Uniting Group - Statement of Principles
At a meeting of over 100 Unite members which took place in Derby on April 26th the following statement of principles was agreed and endorsed.
In addition steps were put in place to create a formal Workers Uniting Group Steering Committee based on Unite members from each of the Unite regions as well as co-ordinators of Workers Uniting Groups in every region and sector of Unite.
The Workers Uniting Group
For a Global Union
Statement of Principles
Agreed April 26th, 2009
The Workers Uniting Group will seek to organise and to inform left-progressive members of Unite, internationally, nationally, regionally and in Unite’s sectors.
Workers Uniting Group is open to all members of Unite who share the aims and values of the group and who are prepared to accept and promote the policies determined by the collective decision of the members of the group.
The aims of the Workers Uniting Group are to develop and advance the left-progressive policies and objectives of Unite and to build a strong, cohesive, collective and financially sound union so Unite members can defend and advance their interests at work regardless of job, trade or profession.
Workers Uniting Group will help to build Unite based on the influence of members through their workplace representatives within a democratic structure that excludes outside vested interests.
Workers Uniting Group believes in lay led organisation and control of the union as a fundamental principal.
Workers Uniting Group supports equality for all members at work and within Unite and is opposed to any form discrimination on grounds of gender, sexuality, race, disability, age or religion.
Workers Uniting Group will promote and support policies based on the main pillars on which Unite was founded: Organisation; International; Political
Organisation
Workers Uniting Group supports the recruitment and organisation of workers into Unite in all the industries, services and sectors where Unite members work.
Organising, recruitment and building a strong workplace organisation must be a priority for Unite. These aims and organising campaigns must cover all sectors and regions of the union. Workers Uniting Group will support organising campaigns to secure 100% union membership and to win union recognition in all workplaces where Unite has members.
In order to build strong and effective union structures in every workplace, in groups of companies and in multi-nationals we support the education of reps and the development of union reps networks/combines supported by well-trained union reps and officials in every workplace where Unite has members.
Workers Uniting Group will support Unite members and workers in struggle and who are fighting to improve, enhance and defend pay and working conditions.
Workers Uniting Group supports mergers with like-minded unions in order to create a strong and united union.
International
Workers Uniting Group believes in internationalism.
We support the creation and expansion of the global union ‘Workers Uniting’ by Unite and the United Steelworkers to fight back against global capital; defend members and support workers in struggle where ever they are.
We will support organizations, campaigns and policies, which build international solidarity with other union’s worldwide.
Workers Uniting Group supports the full implementation of pro-worker legislation emanating from Europe. We oppose and will campaign against the European Court of Justice decisions, which undermine social Europe, national agreements and collective bargaining in Europe.
Political
Workers Uniting Group will campaign and fight to create an economic and political system in the countries where Unite members live and work which provides financial security and equal opportunity for all. Working with the Labour Party in the UK can provide this.
Workers Uniting Group will support and campaign to build a strong and left-progressive Labour Party in the UK and in Europe.
Workers Uniting Group will organise to gain Unite greater influence within the Labour Party at Westminster, in the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly, and all political levels in Great Britain and with the Government of the Republic of Ireland in order to win polices to enable our members and workers to protect and defend their interests.
Workers Uniting Group supports the selection and election of Labour Party candidates who fully support the policies of Workers Uniting Group and Unite and who can demonstrate a proven track record to this end.
Workers Uniting Group will campaign and fight against the BNP and other racist and fascist groups where ever they are - in the UK, Europe and throughout the world.
In addition steps were put in place to create a formal Workers Uniting Group Steering Committee based on Unite members from each of the Unite regions as well as co-ordinators of Workers Uniting Groups in every region and sector of Unite.
The Workers Uniting Group
For a Global Union
Statement of Principles
Agreed April 26th, 2009
The Workers Uniting Group will seek to organise and to inform left-progressive members of Unite, internationally, nationally, regionally and in Unite’s sectors.
Workers Uniting Group is open to all members of Unite who share the aims and values of the group and who are prepared to accept and promote the policies determined by the collective decision of the members of the group.
The aims of the Workers Uniting Group are to develop and advance the left-progressive policies and objectives of Unite and to build a strong, cohesive, collective and financially sound union so Unite members can defend and advance their interests at work regardless of job, trade or profession.
Workers Uniting Group will help to build Unite based on the influence of members through their workplace representatives within a democratic structure that excludes outside vested interests.
Workers Uniting Group believes in lay led organisation and control of the union as a fundamental principal.
Workers Uniting Group supports equality for all members at work and within Unite and is opposed to any form discrimination on grounds of gender, sexuality, race, disability, age or religion.
Workers Uniting Group will promote and support policies based on the main pillars on which Unite was founded: Organisation; International; Political
Organisation
Workers Uniting Group supports the recruitment and organisation of workers into Unite in all the industries, services and sectors where Unite members work.
Organising, recruitment and building a strong workplace organisation must be a priority for Unite. These aims and organising campaigns must cover all sectors and regions of the union. Workers Uniting Group will support organising campaigns to secure 100% union membership and to win union recognition in all workplaces where Unite has members.
In order to build strong and effective union structures in every workplace, in groups of companies and in multi-nationals we support the education of reps and the development of union reps networks/combines supported by well-trained union reps and officials in every workplace where Unite has members.
Workers Uniting Group will support Unite members and workers in struggle and who are fighting to improve, enhance and defend pay and working conditions.
Workers Uniting Group supports mergers with like-minded unions in order to create a strong and united union.
International
Workers Uniting Group believes in internationalism.
We support the creation and expansion of the global union ‘Workers Uniting’ by Unite and the United Steelworkers to fight back against global capital; defend members and support workers in struggle where ever they are.
We will support organizations, campaigns and policies, which build international solidarity with other union’s worldwide.
Workers Uniting Group supports the full implementation of pro-worker legislation emanating from Europe. We oppose and will campaign against the European Court of Justice decisions, which undermine social Europe, national agreements and collective bargaining in Europe.
Political
Workers Uniting Group will campaign and fight to create an economic and political system in the countries where Unite members live and work which provides financial security and equal opportunity for all. Working with the Labour Party in the UK can provide this.
Workers Uniting Group will support and campaign to build a strong and left-progressive Labour Party in the UK and in Europe.
Workers Uniting Group will organise to gain Unite greater influence within the Labour Party at Westminster, in the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly, and all political levels in Great Britain and with the Government of the Republic of Ireland in order to win polices to enable our members and workers to protect and defend their interests.
Workers Uniting Group supports the selection and election of Labour Party candidates who fully support the policies of Workers Uniting Group and Unite and who can demonstrate a proven track record to this end.
Workers Uniting Group will campaign and fight against the BNP and other racist and fascist groups where ever they are - in the UK, Europe and throughout the world.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Unite statement on Jack Jones
Unite statement on Jack Jones
Wednesday, 22, Apr 2009 12:00
It is with the greatest sadness that I must advise you that Jack Jones, former general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, died late yesterday.
We have lost the greatest trade unionist of the entire post-war era, a man whose name will be forever associated with the finest achievements and highest values of our movement. Indeed, the entire history of trade unionism in Britain yields few comparable figures.
Our first condolences are of course extended to Jack’s family, above all his sons Jack and Michael. We share their sorrow and also their pride in the life of their remarkable father.
Jack Jones led the T&G to become the strongest working-class organisation our country has ever seen, more than two million men and women united to secure a better life both at work and in the wider society.
When he was our general secretary, no great question of industrial policy or economic management could be addressed without the T&G’s input. Nor did the smallest detail of union organisation or industrial negotiation in any of the industries in which our union represented working people escape his attention.
In all this work he was guided by a profound concern to improve the lot of the ordinary people of this country whose only strength, he understood, lay in collective organisation. From his earliest days as a T&G organiser in Coventry, he placed the organisation of the union in the factories at the heart of his work, developing and promoting the shop stewards movement.
Jack’s greatness as a leader rested above all on his belief in the instincts and outlook of the membership. He was always a partisan of lay democracy, of the union being run by the men and women who joined it, and with authority being devolved to the districts and the workplaces. Building on the achievements of Frank Cousins, he entrenched progressive values and democratic tolerance at the heart of the T&G.
At the same time he led from the front, animating the whole of our union with his broad conception of the role of trade unionism. While a master of industrial detail, he never lost sight of the wider socialist perspective which had motivated him from his earliest days working on the Liverpool docks. This informed his commitment to full equality for working women, his opposition to all forms of racism and injustice, and his unflinching support for workers fighting oppression in all lands.
He was loyal to the Labour Party, knowing that only a Labour government could both protect working people from the worst ravages of capitalism and also work towards that brighter future. He always fought his corner within the Party and always urged it, sometimes most vocally, to remain true to its roots.
Jack will also be forever linked with the struggle for democracy and against fascism. As a young man he put his life on the line to go to Spain to fight in support of the elected government of the Republic against the fascist insurrection, and was wounded in that struggle. The people of Spain and all internationalists across the world have lost a comrade.
Older workers in Britain also have cause to give particular thanks for Jack’s campaigning zeal, since he devoted most of his post-retirement years to championing the case for justice for pensioners and in particular to see the state pension secured at a decent level. Not for Jack a life of cosy retirement. Every breath he gave to the struggle.
Jack strongly supported the formation of Unite, the merger of the T&G and Amicus, as being the best way to carry forward in new circumstances the values of the union he had built. Disappointed, of course, at the setbacks of the last generation, he never lost his optimism and was delighted to see our union recover its organising and fighting back spirit.
For thousands of us still active in the movement, Jack was a friend and a mentor, always ready to offer wise counsel when it was sought, right down to the last months of his life. Always sharp in his understanding of our problems, modest in his lifestyle, uninterested in any honour beyond serving the movement, he embodied everything a trade unionist should be.
Dockers and car workers, bus drivers and engineering workers, white-collar employees and farmworkers, those driving a lorry or working in an aircraft cabin – we are all today bereft. For millions of working people, the comforts we enjoy, such security as we have established and the social gains we have secured, all of these stand on the shoulders of the organisation that Jack Jones developed and of the leadership he gave. As he took forward the work of Bevin and Cousins, so shall we carry forward the legacy of Jack Jones into the future, the unbroken tradition of working-class solidarity and struggle.
Today, with profound emotion, Unite dips its banner in memory of the greatest amongst us. Tomorrow, as Jack Jones would have wished, we shall put our shoulders to the wheel once more, working as he did for justice for workers, for internationalism, peace and socialism.
Tony Woodley
Joint General Secretary, Unite
General Secretary – T&G section
Wednesday, 22, Apr 2009 12:00
It is with the greatest sadness that I must advise you that Jack Jones, former general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, died late yesterday.
We have lost the greatest trade unionist of the entire post-war era, a man whose name will be forever associated with the finest achievements and highest values of our movement. Indeed, the entire history of trade unionism in Britain yields few comparable figures.
Our first condolences are of course extended to Jack’s family, above all his sons Jack and Michael. We share their sorrow and also their pride in the life of their remarkable father.
Jack Jones led the T&G to become the strongest working-class organisation our country has ever seen, more than two million men and women united to secure a better life both at work and in the wider society.
When he was our general secretary, no great question of industrial policy or economic management could be addressed without the T&G’s input. Nor did the smallest detail of union organisation or industrial negotiation in any of the industries in which our union represented working people escape his attention.
In all this work he was guided by a profound concern to improve the lot of the ordinary people of this country whose only strength, he understood, lay in collective organisation. From his earliest days as a T&G organiser in Coventry, he placed the organisation of the union in the factories at the heart of his work, developing and promoting the shop stewards movement.
Jack’s greatness as a leader rested above all on his belief in the instincts and outlook of the membership. He was always a partisan of lay democracy, of the union being run by the men and women who joined it, and with authority being devolved to the districts and the workplaces. Building on the achievements of Frank Cousins, he entrenched progressive values and democratic tolerance at the heart of the T&G.
At the same time he led from the front, animating the whole of our union with his broad conception of the role of trade unionism. While a master of industrial detail, he never lost sight of the wider socialist perspective which had motivated him from his earliest days working on the Liverpool docks. This informed his commitment to full equality for working women, his opposition to all forms of racism and injustice, and his unflinching support for workers fighting oppression in all lands.
He was loyal to the Labour Party, knowing that only a Labour government could both protect working people from the worst ravages of capitalism and also work towards that brighter future. He always fought his corner within the Party and always urged it, sometimes most vocally, to remain true to its roots.
Jack will also be forever linked with the struggle for democracy and against fascism. As a young man he put his life on the line to go to Spain to fight in support of the elected government of the Republic against the fascist insurrection, and was wounded in that struggle. The people of Spain and all internationalists across the world have lost a comrade.
Older workers in Britain also have cause to give particular thanks for Jack’s campaigning zeal, since he devoted most of his post-retirement years to championing the case for justice for pensioners and in particular to see the state pension secured at a decent level. Not for Jack a life of cosy retirement. Every breath he gave to the struggle.
Jack strongly supported the formation of Unite, the merger of the T&G and Amicus, as being the best way to carry forward in new circumstances the values of the union he had built. Disappointed, of course, at the setbacks of the last generation, he never lost his optimism and was delighted to see our union recover its organising and fighting back spirit.
For thousands of us still active in the movement, Jack was a friend and a mentor, always ready to offer wise counsel when it was sought, right down to the last months of his life. Always sharp in his understanding of our problems, modest in his lifestyle, uninterested in any honour beyond serving the movement, he embodied everything a trade unionist should be.
Dockers and car workers, bus drivers and engineering workers, white-collar employees and farmworkers, those driving a lorry or working in an aircraft cabin – we are all today bereft. For millions of working people, the comforts we enjoy, such security as we have established and the social gains we have secured, all of these stand on the shoulders of the organisation that Jack Jones developed and of the leadership he gave. As he took forward the work of Bevin and Cousins, so shall we carry forward the legacy of Jack Jones into the future, the unbroken tradition of working-class solidarity and struggle.
Today, with profound emotion, Unite dips its banner in memory of the greatest amongst us. Tomorrow, as Jack Jones would have wished, we shall put our shoulders to the wheel once more, working as he did for justice for workers, for internationalism, peace and socialism.
Tony Woodley
Joint General Secretary, Unite
General Secretary – T&G section
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Jack Jones - "a giant of the trade movement and a true fighter"
Jack Jones, who led the Transport and General Workers' Union (now part of Unite) in the 1970s, has died at the age of 96.
He was one of the most important figures of the 20th century, a giant of the trade union movement, and a true fighter for his class.
There will be countless tributes over the next few days, however, here is the report currently appearing on the BBC website.
Jack Jones' son Mick said Mr Jones died peacefully in a care home in Peckham, south London, on Tuesday evening.
Mr Jones was born in Liverpool and was general secretary of the TGWU from 1969 to 1978 at a time when it was one of the country's most powerful unions.
Veteran Labour politician Tony Benn described Mr Jones as "one of the finest men" he ever met.
"I feel a real sense of personal bereavement," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
"Everything he said, he believed. He was bitterly attacked [but] if he was powerful it was only because he represented people."
Former Labour leader, Lord Kinnock, described Mr Jones as a "normal man" who used his life to help others.
"No airs and graces, easily approached, he was strong and he used his strength for its best possible use - that's to help people who either permanently, because of disadvantage, or temporarily, because of illness or age or youth, weren't strong.
"That's what he thought the privilege of strength was."
Mr Jones fought in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s and served as a Liverpool city councillor between 1936 and 1939.
He became a TGWU organiser in Coventry and worked his way up through the union to become general secretary. He was on the Labour Party's policy-forming National Executive Committee from 1964 to 1967.
Mr Jones, who turned down a peerage, continued his campaigning - for pensioners' rights - after retirement from his union post.
Former TUC general secretary Norman Willis said Mr Jones was a "fighter" who would be fondly remembered.
"I worked with Jack in the T&G and through the TUC for many years. Jack Jones was a great fighter for ordinary people whether they were at work or unemployed or later as pensioners," he said. "He never forgot the underdog and will be remembered with affection."
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said Mr Jones was a "true giant of the Labour movement".
"He was a passionate internationalist showing raw courage on the battlefields of the Spanish Civil War," he said.
"After his working life as a trade unionist, he became a champion for pensioners, holding ministers to account without fear or favour and urging governments to deliver dignity to the elderly."
He was one of the most important figures of the 20th century, a giant of the trade union movement, and a true fighter for his class.
There will be countless tributes over the next few days, however, here is the report currently appearing on the BBC website.
Jack Jones' son Mick said Mr Jones died peacefully in a care home in Peckham, south London, on Tuesday evening.
Mr Jones was born in Liverpool and was general secretary of the TGWU from 1969 to 1978 at a time when it was one of the country's most powerful unions.
Veteran Labour politician Tony Benn described Mr Jones as "one of the finest men" he ever met.
"I feel a real sense of personal bereavement," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
"Everything he said, he believed. He was bitterly attacked [but] if he was powerful it was only because he represented people."
Former Labour leader, Lord Kinnock, described Mr Jones as a "normal man" who used his life to help others.
"No airs and graces, easily approached, he was strong and he used his strength for its best possible use - that's to help people who either permanently, because of disadvantage, or temporarily, because of illness or age or youth, weren't strong.
"That's what he thought the privilege of strength was."
Mr Jones fought in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s and served as a Liverpool city councillor between 1936 and 1939.
He became a TGWU organiser in Coventry and worked his way up through the union to become general secretary. He was on the Labour Party's policy-forming National Executive Committee from 1964 to 1967.
Mr Jones, who turned down a peerage, continued his campaigning - for pensioners' rights - after retirement from his union post.
Former TUC general secretary Norman Willis said Mr Jones was a "fighter" who would be fondly remembered.
"I worked with Jack in the T&G and through the TUC for many years. Jack Jones was a great fighter for ordinary people whether they were at work or unemployed or later as pensioners," he said. "He never forgot the underdog and will be remembered with affection."
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said Mr Jones was a "true giant of the Labour movement".
"He was a passionate internationalist showing raw courage on the battlefields of the Spanish Civil War," he said.
"After his working life as a trade unionist, he became a champion for pensioners, holding ministers to account without fear or favour and urging governments to deliver dignity to the elderly."
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
CUP - Latest - Company extend consultation
Cambridge University Press (CUP) has extended its consultation period with staff affected by the proposed job cuts within its printing division. The deadline for talks has been put back to 30 April as the university and Unite continue to thrash out details of how many jobs could be saved at the historic site.
Cambridge University Press originally entered into a 90-day consultation with staff in January with a view to cutting around 130 positions. However, in March it was revealed that nearly half of the 120 proposed print job cuts could be retained.
Since then, Unite has vowed to "press for more jobs" to be retained with national officer Ann Field claiming the union "won't rest until we have secured more employment". She added: "If not, we want decent redundancy packages for those affected."
A chapel meeting will be held on 24 April.
Cambridge University Press originally entered into a 90-day consultation with staff in January with a view to cutting around 130 positions. However, in March it was revealed that nearly half of the 120 proposed print job cuts could be retained.
Since then, Unite has vowed to "press for more jobs" to be retained with national officer Ann Field claiming the union "won't rest until we have secured more employment". She added: "If not, we want decent redundancy packages for those affected."
A chapel meeting will be held on 24 April.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Unite demands support for manufacturing in Budget
Unite has called on the chancellor to put manufacturing "at the heart of the Budget" when he unveils his plans for the rescue of the UK economy in the bdget on Wednesday.
Unite, says that despite the government must not "shy away from continuing to invest in the future through effective economic stimulus packages. It would be a catastrophic mistake to reign in investment," said Derek Simpson.
Derek Simpson added: "Unions and employers are united in calling for Wednesday's Budget to contain measures to support manufacturing jobs through this recession.
"If these jobs go, they will not come back; supporting these workers is investing in Britain's future."
Specifically Unite is calling for "speedier access to credit from the banks to ensure immediate support for manufacturing business" and government support to manufacturing businesses "in keeping with the levels of assistance provided… by our overseas competitors".
Unite, says that despite the government must not "shy away from continuing to invest in the future through effective economic stimulus packages. It would be a catastrophic mistake to reign in investment," said Derek Simpson.
Derek Simpson added: "Unions and employers are united in calling for Wednesday's Budget to contain measures to support manufacturing jobs through this recession.
"If these jobs go, they will not come back; supporting these workers is investing in Britain's future."
Specifically Unite is calling for "speedier access to credit from the banks to ensure immediate support for manufacturing business" and government support to manufacturing businesses "in keeping with the levels of assistance provided… by our overseas competitors".
Friday, April 17, 2009
Visteon Dispute Latest
An excellent article on the Visteon Dispute from The Morning Star.
The struggle continues
Thursday 16 April 2009
Paul Haste
"Occupations and protests are what seem to get results. Whatever happens, you have got to get together, organise and do something. Don't just sit there and take it," says Piers Hood, Unite deputy convener at Visteon's Enfield factory in north London.
The company's 600 skilled manufacturing workers, who were summarily dismissed without redundancy pay on March 31 after their bosses claimed bankruptcy, are maintaining an occupation of the Visteon plant in Belfast, a mass picket at the Enfield factory and continuous protests at the car parts manufacturer's site in Basildon.
A "derisory" offer from Visteon executives at negotiations with Unite in London this week was thrown out without ceremony by the workers' reps, and their bosses' failure to concede even basic redundancy pay has left them more determined to fight on.
"All the reps to a man turned round and said this offer wasn't good enough and we want people treated with dignity and respect," Unite national officer for the automotive industry Roger Maddison explained at the time.
"But, if it hadn't been for the sit-ins, we wouldn't even have had this meeting with Visteon."
The workers' determination not to become just another statistic in the never-ending litany of mass redundancies has been fuelled by revelations that Visteon intended to close its British plants long before the recession hit.
Investigations into the murky circumstances surrounding Ford's decision in 2000 to spin off Visteon as a separate company have led to the discovery that executives deliberately planned to run down the Belfast plant and move the work to factories in South Africa, China, India and the Philippines.
The chief executive of Visteon's Basildon plant has also been exposed setting up a separate car parts firm just weeks before the mass sackings, raising concerns that he intends to reopen the factory after the dispute, employing new workers on lower wages.
Copies of the secret Project Protea plan to run down Visteon's Belfast plant, obtained by the Morning Star, spell out the depths of bosses' cynicism.
Despite claims that the company has no links to Ford, the Project Protea document states that management will "engage Ford for assistance in transferring products to new locations, and actively work with Ford to re-source business out of Visteon."
Executives are also instructed to "minimise information leaks by creating isolated project teams," at the same time that these bosses were transferring their pensions to Visteon Engineering, a part of the corporation that was to remain open.
Visteon workers insist that this evidence of collusion with Ford proves that the giant US car firm has a responsibility to honour the agreements that it signed with their union in 2000.
"We're not going to rest until Ford live up to the agreements they gave," stresses the Belfast site's Unite convener John Maguire.
"The separation agreement they signed clearly states that Visteon will 'adopt and honour Ford collective agreements,'" he adds.
Bosses told workers at the time that, "for the duration of your employment with Visteon, your terms and conditions will mirror Ford conditions. This means lifetime protection while an employee of Visteon of all your contractual conditions of employment."
The documents add that "accrued seniority and all existing terms and conditions, in particular pension entitlements, will be transferred to the new employment contracts," but now Visteon's pension fund is in deficit and no-one seems to know where the money has gone.
Hood explains that executives must have been "fiddling the figures, because we have found that money has been moved from one place to another because they still kept two separate entities going - VES and VCTC.
"But VES is an engineering company and, even though we weren't having anything engineered, they were still draining off millions of pounds," he relates.
Meanwhile, Ford executives have washed their hands of any responsibility, claiming that the mass sackings and the closure of Visteon's plants are "nothing to do with us."
"Since 2000, Visteon has been an independent company supplying parts to Ford. Ford has no contractual or other responsibility towards the Visteon UK workforce. Ford has acted responsibly and met, or exceeded, its commitments under the Visteon agreement of 2000," a Ford spokesman coldly stated on Thursday.
But such denials of responsibility are treated with contempt by the sacked workers.
"These are Ford terms," declares Dan, brandishing his employment contract at the gates to Visteon's Enfield plant, "so we want the same conditions that we've always had."
In a strategy to broaden the dispute and hold Ford to account, Visteon workers have sent delegations to Ford's Southampton and Dagenham plants, returning with pledges to boycott Visteon products which have come from factories in South Africa or Spain.
The workers have also been handing out leaflets at Ford motor dealerships and have been deluged with solidarity and donations from teachers, postal workers, bus drivers and London Underground workers.
Unite convener Kevin Nolan says that the mass pickets at Enfield will continue, pointing out that the workers had already succeeded in turning away representatives from administrators KPMG, which is suspected of wanting to sell the stock, machinery and tools left in the plant back to Ford at knock-down prices.
The north London workers have barricaded the plant with huge rubbish containers and are keeping up shifts of pickets through the night to prevent the factory being stripped, while workers in Belfast are determined to continue the three-week occupation of their workplace.
"If this isn't sorted out we plan to step up the protests," states Maguire. "If we have to be here for six months, we'll be here."
The struggle continues
Thursday 16 April 2009
Paul Haste
"Occupations and protests are what seem to get results. Whatever happens, you have got to get together, organise and do something. Don't just sit there and take it," says Piers Hood, Unite deputy convener at Visteon's Enfield factory in north London.
The company's 600 skilled manufacturing workers, who were summarily dismissed without redundancy pay on March 31 after their bosses claimed bankruptcy, are maintaining an occupation of the Visteon plant in Belfast, a mass picket at the Enfield factory and continuous protests at the car parts manufacturer's site in Basildon.
A "derisory" offer from Visteon executives at negotiations with Unite in London this week was thrown out without ceremony by the workers' reps, and their bosses' failure to concede even basic redundancy pay has left them more determined to fight on.
"All the reps to a man turned round and said this offer wasn't good enough and we want people treated with dignity and respect," Unite national officer for the automotive industry Roger Maddison explained at the time.
"But, if it hadn't been for the sit-ins, we wouldn't even have had this meeting with Visteon."
The workers' determination not to become just another statistic in the never-ending litany of mass redundancies has been fuelled by revelations that Visteon intended to close its British plants long before the recession hit.
Investigations into the murky circumstances surrounding Ford's decision in 2000 to spin off Visteon as a separate company have led to the discovery that executives deliberately planned to run down the Belfast plant and move the work to factories in South Africa, China, India and the Philippines.
The chief executive of Visteon's Basildon plant has also been exposed setting up a separate car parts firm just weeks before the mass sackings, raising concerns that he intends to reopen the factory after the dispute, employing new workers on lower wages.
Copies of the secret Project Protea plan to run down Visteon's Belfast plant, obtained by the Morning Star, spell out the depths of bosses' cynicism.
Despite claims that the company has no links to Ford, the Project Protea document states that management will "engage Ford for assistance in transferring products to new locations, and actively work with Ford to re-source business out of Visteon."
Executives are also instructed to "minimise information leaks by creating isolated project teams," at the same time that these bosses were transferring their pensions to Visteon Engineering, a part of the corporation that was to remain open.
Visteon workers insist that this evidence of collusion with Ford proves that the giant US car firm has a responsibility to honour the agreements that it signed with their union in 2000.
"We're not going to rest until Ford live up to the agreements they gave," stresses the Belfast site's Unite convener John Maguire.
"The separation agreement they signed clearly states that Visteon will 'adopt and honour Ford collective agreements,'" he adds.
Bosses told workers at the time that, "for the duration of your employment with Visteon, your terms and conditions will mirror Ford conditions. This means lifetime protection while an employee of Visteon of all your contractual conditions of employment."
The documents add that "accrued seniority and all existing terms and conditions, in particular pension entitlements, will be transferred to the new employment contracts," but now Visteon's pension fund is in deficit and no-one seems to know where the money has gone.
Hood explains that executives must have been "fiddling the figures, because we have found that money has been moved from one place to another because they still kept two separate entities going - VES and VCTC.
"But VES is an engineering company and, even though we weren't having anything engineered, they were still draining off millions of pounds," he relates.
Meanwhile, Ford executives have washed their hands of any responsibility, claiming that the mass sackings and the closure of Visteon's plants are "nothing to do with us."
"Since 2000, Visteon has been an independent company supplying parts to Ford. Ford has no contractual or other responsibility towards the Visteon UK workforce. Ford has acted responsibly and met, or exceeded, its commitments under the Visteon agreement of 2000," a Ford spokesman coldly stated on Thursday.
But such denials of responsibility are treated with contempt by the sacked workers.
"These are Ford terms," declares Dan, brandishing his employment contract at the gates to Visteon's Enfield plant, "so we want the same conditions that we've always had."
In a strategy to broaden the dispute and hold Ford to account, Visteon workers have sent delegations to Ford's Southampton and Dagenham plants, returning with pledges to boycott Visteon products which have come from factories in South Africa or Spain.
The workers have also been handing out leaflets at Ford motor dealerships and have been deluged with solidarity and donations from teachers, postal workers, bus drivers and London Underground workers.
Unite convener Kevin Nolan says that the mass pickets at Enfield will continue, pointing out that the workers had already succeeded in turning away representatives from administrators KPMG, which is suspected of wanting to sell the stock, machinery and tools left in the plant back to Ford at knock-down prices.
The north London workers have barricaded the plant with huge rubbish containers and are keeping up shifts of pickets through the night to prevent the factory being stripped, while workers in Belfast are determined to continue the three-week occupation of their workplace.
"If this isn't sorted out we plan to step up the protests," states Maguire. "If we have to be here for six months, we'll be here."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Unite describe Visteon offer as "derisory'
An offer to end the Visteon dispute made by the firm’s US management has been dismissed as "derisory" by representatives of Unite.
US management had presented Unite negotiators with a proposal the company hoped would settle the dispute over redundancy pay for former employees of Visteon UK, which was placed into administration 31st March.
The offer included providing payments to the former employees, which would include an immediate lump sum equivalent to 16 weeks of their previous pay. Additional staged payments would have been made, increasing total severance benefits to the approximate amounts staff would have received under their most recent contract.
Unite convener Kevin Nolan said Visteon’s proposed deal was “very vague” and misleading.
“What they've offered us is the pay in lieu which legally they have to do anyway. They said what they would do is set up a fund from the sale of the company's assets and if there was any money left we would get it.”
US management had presented Unite negotiators with a proposal the company hoped would settle the dispute over redundancy pay for former employees of Visteon UK, which was placed into administration 31st March.
The offer included providing payments to the former employees, which would include an immediate lump sum equivalent to 16 weeks of their previous pay. Additional staged payments would have been made, increasing total severance benefits to the approximate amounts staff would have received under their most recent contract.
Unite convener Kevin Nolan said Visteon’s proposed deal was “very vague” and misleading.
“What they've offered us is the pay in lieu which legally they have to do anyway. They said what they would do is set up a fund from the sale of the company's assets and if there was any money left we would get it.”
Monday, April 13, 2009
WORKERS UNITING GROUP MEETING - April 26th
WORKERS UNITING GROUP MEETING
The Workers Uniting Group is the broad based left-progressive organisation within Unite the Union.
A meeting of Workers Uniting Group Supporters will take place at:
Hallmark Hotel
(Previously The Midland Hotel)
Midland Rd, Derby, DE1 2SQ
(Opposite Derby Railway Station)
Sunday, April 26th at 11.00am
“Facing The Future - The Way Forward For Unite”
Speakers will include
Derek Simpson
Joint General Secretary Unite the Union
The Workers Uniting Group is the broad based left-progressive organisation within Unite the Union.
A meeting of Workers Uniting Group Supporters will take place at:
Hallmark Hotel
(Previously The Midland Hotel)
Midland Rd, Derby, DE1 2SQ
(Opposite Derby Railway Station)
Sunday, April 26th at 11.00am
“Facing The Future - The Way Forward For Unite”
Speakers will include
Derek Simpson
Joint General Secretary Unite the Union
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Sacked Visteon staff vow to continue blockade
From the Morning Star
by Paul Haste in north London
VISTEON workers fighting for justice after being summarily sacked vowed on Friday to blockade their factories into next week.
A High Court injunction that forced an end to the workers' takeover of Visteon's Enfield plant in north London has failed to stop the mass picket being mounted at the factory's gates.
The 200 workers voted to end their occupation on Thursday but have remained at the site to stop their bosses from stripping the factory of machinery, while pledging to continue blockading the car parts manufacturer until Visteon bosses meet their Unite union reps next Tuesday.
Some 650 skilled manufacturing workers at Visteon's factories in Belfast, Basildon and London were given just a few minutes notice on March 31 that they were being thrown out of work - without any redundancy pay.
The workers in Belfast and London immediately took over their factories, while others in Basildon barricaded their plant's gates.
After nine days of occupation, many workers are confident that they are about to win.
Unite convener Kevin Nolan related that he had attended negotiations between the union and Visteon bosses in New York on Wednesday and said that the talks were "positive.
"He said: "Having Derek Simpson negotiating on your behalf, you couldn't have got anything better. He did a fantastic job."
"But I'm more optimistic now that we can get a result, but we are still prepared to be here until we get justice," he insisted.
Linda, another worker standing at the factory gates in the light rain, added that the workers "will never give up."
She held out a letter given to her by Ford when the car company turned its car parts division into the separate Visteon corporation in 2000.
"'For the duration of your employment with Visteon, your terms and conditions will mirror Ford conditions. This means lifetime protection while an employee of Visteon of all your contractual conditions of employment," she read.
"We are hoping for a deal that honours this contract, gives us the same redundancy pay that any Ford worker would get, and gives us a guarantee on pensions - these are the things we are fighting for," Linda stressed.
by Paul Haste in north London
VISTEON workers fighting for justice after being summarily sacked vowed on Friday to blockade their factories into next week.
A High Court injunction that forced an end to the workers' takeover of Visteon's Enfield plant in north London has failed to stop the mass picket being mounted at the factory's gates.
The 200 workers voted to end their occupation on Thursday but have remained at the site to stop their bosses from stripping the factory of machinery, while pledging to continue blockading the car parts manufacturer until Visteon bosses meet their Unite union reps next Tuesday.
Some 650 skilled manufacturing workers at Visteon's factories in Belfast, Basildon and London were given just a few minutes notice on March 31 that they were being thrown out of work - without any redundancy pay.
The workers in Belfast and London immediately took over their factories, while others in Basildon barricaded their plant's gates.
After nine days of occupation, many workers are confident that they are about to win.
Unite convener Kevin Nolan related that he had attended negotiations between the union and Visteon bosses in New York on Wednesday and said that the talks were "positive.
"He said: "Having Derek Simpson negotiating on your behalf, you couldn't have got anything better. He did a fantastic job."
"But I'm more optimistic now that we can get a result, but we are still prepared to be here until we get justice," he insisted.
Linda, another worker standing at the factory gates in the light rain, added that the workers "will never give up."
She held out a letter given to her by Ford when the car company turned its car parts division into the separate Visteon corporation in 2000.
"'For the duration of your employment with Visteon, your terms and conditions will mirror Ford conditions. This means lifetime protection while an employee of Visteon of all your contractual conditions of employment," she read.
"We are hoping for a deal that honours this contract, gives us the same redundancy pay that any Ford worker would get, and gives us a guarantee on pensions - these are the things we are fighting for," Linda stressed.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Crash - A View From The Left e-book
Downloadable e-book edited by Edited by Jon Cruddas and Jonathan Rutherford
© Soundings 2009
Published in association with the media department at Middlesex University Supported by the Amiel Trust
We are at a turning point in the life of our country - before us lies a period of economic dislocation unparalleled since the 1930s, while the dangers of climate change and resource depletion loom ever larger.
The Crash offers an alternative to the compromised policies of the G20. Contributors analyse and explain the economic and social issues that lie at the heart of our crisis: the credit crisis, the housing disaster, secrecy jurisdictions, the practices of private equity firms and the intellectual failure of orthodox economics. They put forward ideas for a new kind of agriculture to ensure food security, a People's Post Bank, and a Green New Deal for tackling global warming; and make the case that Britain should think seriously about joining the Euro. And, taking a wider view, contributors identify historical trends in economic crashes, the immorality of inequality, and the arguments for a left alternative.
http://www.lwbooks.co.uk/ebooks/crash.html
Warning over 100 pages long on pdf but well worth reading.
© Soundings 2009
Published in association with the media department at Middlesex University Supported by the Amiel Trust
We are at a turning point in the life of our country - before us lies a period of economic dislocation unparalleled since the 1930s, while the dangers of climate change and resource depletion loom ever larger.
The Crash offers an alternative to the compromised policies of the G20. Contributors analyse and explain the economic and social issues that lie at the heart of our crisis: the credit crisis, the housing disaster, secrecy jurisdictions, the practices of private equity firms and the intellectual failure of orthodox economics. They put forward ideas for a new kind of agriculture to ensure food security, a People's Post Bank, and a Green New Deal for tackling global warming; and make the case that Britain should think seriously about joining the Euro. And, taking a wider view, contributors identify historical trends in economic crashes, the immorality of inequality, and the arguments for a left alternative.
http://www.lwbooks.co.uk/ebooks/crash.html
Warning over 100 pages long on pdf but well worth reading.
Visteon Meeting - "Simpson did a fantastic job'
A meeting between Unite and Visteon Corporation executives in New York yesterday has given encouragement to the 227 workers who were made redundant with just a few minutes' notice.
The Unite convener at the in Ponders End Kevin Nolan returned from New York this morning and went straight back to the protest.
He said: "It was a positive meeting, the company are back at the table.
"Having Derek Simpson the general secretary of Unite negotating on your behalf, you couldn't have got anything better. He did a fantastic job."
Negotiations continue after Easter as Visteon bosses come over the UK for a further meeting with the conveners of the three protest plants on Tuesday.
Hundreds of people are at the Morson Road plant this morning to lend their support to the protesters, who are due to be evicted at noon.
Workers have been at the plant for eight days, sleeping on the floor of their former paintshop and surviving on donations and deliveries from family and well-wishers for food.
KMPG, the administrators of Visteon UK, which went into administration last week got the court order they were looking for at the High Court on Monday.
Mr Nolan said the protesters would leave but would then picket the front gates of the plant.
"The protest goes on," he said. "They've put 650 workers' families into poverty. It's a scandal."
The Unite convener at the in Ponders End Kevin Nolan returned from New York this morning and went straight back to the protest.
He said: "It was a positive meeting, the company are back at the table.
"Having Derek Simpson the general secretary of Unite negotating on your behalf, you couldn't have got anything better. He did a fantastic job."
Negotiations continue after Easter as Visteon bosses come over the UK for a further meeting with the conveners of the three protest plants on Tuesday.
Hundreds of people are at the Morson Road plant this morning to lend their support to the protesters, who are due to be evicted at noon.
Workers have been at the plant for eight days, sleeping on the floor of their former paintshop and surviving on donations and deliveries from family and well-wishers for food.
KMPG, the administrators of Visteon UK, which went into administration last week got the court order they were looking for at the High Court on Monday.
Mr Nolan said the protesters would leave but would then picket the front gates of the plant.
"The protest goes on," he said. "They've put 650 workers' families into poverty. It's a scandal."
Unite For Jobs Facebook site - sign up!
The Unite For Jobs Facebook site is up and running...sign up NOW!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=86803214133
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=86803214133
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Ford gave Visteon wokers "lifetime guarantee"
Reports in the media this week show that Ford told Visteon staff they would have “lifetime protection” of their pay and conditions if they agreed to leave the Ford and join Visteon.
Documents now circulating in the UK media show that the company told staff they would not lose out. To the question, “How long are our pay and conditions guaranteed?”, the company answered: “For the duration of your employment with Visteon UK, your terms and conditions . . . will mirror Ford conditions. This means lifetime protection while an employee of Visteon UK of all your contractual conditions of employment.”
However, Ford have said it was under no “legal or moral” obligation to help, saying it had hired 560 Visteon staff back since the split. KPMG, appointed administrator last Tuesday, said Ford “assured” it this was the case.
Other media reports say that internal documents suggest Visteon UK’s management were preparing for the closure of the Belfast plant as early as January 2007. A report entitled Project Protea discusses the development of “duplicate sources for all the Belfast product lines by the end of 2007”. Managers involved aimed to “minimise information leaks by creating isolated project teams”.
Workers in the Visteon sites are still occupying the factories with a demonstration called for April 9th at the Enfield site.
Documents now circulating in the UK media show that the company told staff they would not lose out. To the question, “How long are our pay and conditions guaranteed?”, the company answered: “For the duration of your employment with Visteon UK, your terms and conditions . . . will mirror Ford conditions. This means lifetime protection while an employee of Visteon UK of all your contractual conditions of employment.”
However, Ford have said it was under no “legal or moral” obligation to help, saying it had hired 560 Visteon staff back since the split. KPMG, appointed administrator last Tuesday, said Ford “assured” it this was the case.
Other media reports say that internal documents suggest Visteon UK’s management were preparing for the closure of the Belfast plant as early as January 2007. A report entitled Project Protea discusses the development of “duplicate sources for all the Belfast product lines by the end of 2007”. Managers involved aimed to “minimise information leaks by creating isolated project teams”.
Workers in the Visteon sites are still occupying the factories with a demonstration called for April 9th at the Enfield site.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Visteon: Rally at Enfield Factory 9 April 11am
Urgent - Rally at Enfield Factory Thursday 9th 11am - please publicise
A Rally at the Visteon, Enfield plant is being held on on Thursday at 11am organised by the local trades council.
The occupiers have, technically, till midday to leave and will be meeting to decide what to do then, following feedback from the meeting with Visteon in New York City.
They will need all the support they can get.
Bring Union banners, noise and support!
A Rally at the Visteon, Enfield plant is being held on on Thursday at 11am organised by the local trades council.
The occupiers have, technically, till midday to leave and will be meeting to decide what to do then, following feedback from the meeting with Visteon in New York City.
They will need all the support they can get.
Bring Union banners, noise and support!
Unite For Jobs- Sign The Petition
Unite For Jobs Campaign - Demo in Birmingahm, May 16th.
Sign the Unite For Jobs Petition and pass on to other Unite members and trade unionists!
http://action.unitetheunion.com/page/s/uniteforjobs
Sign the Unite For Jobs Petition and pass on to other Unite members and trade unionists!
http://action.unitetheunion.com/page/s/uniteforjobs
Friday, April 3, 2009
Derek Simpson Meets Ford Europe Boss As Visteon Occupation Continues
In a meeting with Derek Simpson, Unite's joint general secretary and John Fleming, Ford's European Chairman today, Ford were urged to honour its moral obligations to the workers at Visteon, who were laid off with only a few minutes' notice and without their rightful redundancy pay.
Further meetings are planned with Visteon's senior management to press the case for compensation for the workers.
When the union's members left Ford to work for Visteon nine years ago they were guaranteed Ford terms and conditions for life.
The union believes this should cover enhanced redundancy pay for those unfortunate enough to lose their jobs. Mr Fleming undertook to raise this with Visteon's senior management in the US.
Derek said: "I am convinced that Ford have a moral obligation to these workers who have been cruelly laid off with only a few minutes' notice. Visteon have a contractual obligation, as well as a moral obligation to these workers.
"The unacceptable treatment of Visteon's workers will be taken up with the senior management at Visteon. Unite will press the case for compensation. We hope that Visteon will do the right thing.
"These workers must be treated with dignity and respect. This is yet another example of our weak labour laws letting skilled manufacturing workers down."
Further meetings are planned with Visteon's senior management to press the case for compensation for the workers.
When the union's members left Ford to work for Visteon nine years ago they were guaranteed Ford terms and conditions for life.
The union believes this should cover enhanced redundancy pay for those unfortunate enough to lose their jobs. Mr Fleming undertook to raise this with Visteon's senior management in the US.
Derek said: "I am convinced that Ford have a moral obligation to these workers who have been cruelly laid off with only a few minutes' notice. Visteon have a contractual obligation, as well as a moral obligation to these workers.
"The unacceptable treatment of Visteon's workers will be taken up with the senior management at Visteon. Unite will press the case for compensation. We hope that Visteon will do the right thing.
"These workers must be treated with dignity and respect. This is yet another example of our weak labour laws letting skilled manufacturing workers down."
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Visteon Occupations Continue
Edited from from the BBC report......Thursday.
Sacked workers from the car components firm Visteon are continuing to occupy a factory in Belfast.
Protesting staff at the firm also staged a rooftop protest at a plant in Enfield, London while others held a sit-in in Basildon in Essex.
The company's former owner, Ford, had promised redundancy contracts which they now want to see honoured.
Jimmy Kelly of the Unite union said they were to have talks with Ford representatives today in London.
"We are hoping that some progress can be made," he said.
The Joint General Secretary of Unite, Tony Woodley, will lead the talks with a senior representative of Ford Europe.
The Visteon workers want their guarantees on pay and conditions, when the company was established out of Ford nine years ago, to be honoured.
Visteon had a total workforce of 610 in the United Kingdom. Five hundred and sixty five of them were sacked on Tuesday.
Robert Fitch, the shop steward for the Unite union at the Basildon plant, said staff were facing financial hardship. "They've basically said the business is no longer here, you're not getting anything. You have to write to the government and the administrators to try and get some help, but next week I won't be getting a pay packet and I've got all my bills to pay."
Sacked workers from the car components firm Visteon are continuing to occupy a factory in Belfast.
Protesting staff at the firm also staged a rooftop protest at a plant in Enfield, London while others held a sit-in in Basildon in Essex.
The company's former owner, Ford, had promised redundancy contracts which they now want to see honoured.
Jimmy Kelly of the Unite union said they were to have talks with Ford representatives today in London.
"We are hoping that some progress can be made," he said.
The Joint General Secretary of Unite, Tony Woodley, will lead the talks with a senior representative of Ford Europe.
The Visteon workers want their guarantees on pay and conditions, when the company was established out of Ford nine years ago, to be honoured.
Visteon had a total workforce of 610 in the United Kingdom. Five hundred and sixty five of them were sacked on Tuesday.
Robert Fitch, the shop steward for the Unite union at the Basildon plant, said staff were facing financial hardship. "They've basically said the business is no longer here, you're not getting anything. You have to write to the government and the administrators to try and get some help, but next week I won't be getting a pay packet and I've got all my bills to pay."
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Workers Uniting Responds To Global Crisis
Workers Uniting, the first global union created through the coming together of Unite, the UK’s biggest union and the USW, the largest private sector union in the USA and Canada, has set out their response to the global crisis.
Workers Uniting, which represents three million working people from every industrial sector in Britain, Ireland, the USA, Canada and the Caribbean, is challenging the G20 global leaders to protect working people as the current financial crisis jeopardises millions of jobs and livelihoods.
The global union is calling for support for the manufacturing sector, particularly the auto companies and their suppliers. Workers Uniting has set out immediate and medium term strategies to address the consequences of the financial mismanagement exercises over recent years in the private sector.
Workers Uniting will be campaigning politically for job retention and job creation through policies which facilitate sustainable growth and the transition to a greener economy.
Unite is the Labour Party’s biggest affiliate and donor and the USW is a major contributor to and supporter of the Democrats in America and the New Democrats in Canada.
Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary of Unite, said: “Workers Uniting has today set out our demands for G20 global leaders to support workers through this period of recession, and beyond. The action taken so far by our national governments are simply not enough.
“We have seen that the free market policies advocated by most domestic governments are totally discredited. We need fundamental change to ensure we put people first. There can only be one solution to this downturn and that is through worker prosperity and the creation of supportive jobs.”
Leo W Gerard, USW President, said: “Governments around the world must step forward to provide meaningful economic stimulus to mitigate the impact of what is rapidly becoming a devastating worldwide recession. They must also begin to re-establish their role in regulating economic activity in a manner that ensures that the interests of working people are properly addressed.”
Tony Woodley, Joint General Secretary of Unite, said: “Workers Uniting is fighting to ensure individual workers are not made to suffer in the current downturn. G20 world leaders must take decisive action to mitigate the recessionary impact to build sustainable growth.
“Workers across the world are calling for an end to the unregulated markets and a new approach is needed. We now have a unique opportunity to lift people out of poverty and create good quality jobs.”
Workers Uniting, which represents three million working people from every industrial sector in Britain, Ireland, the USA, Canada and the Caribbean, is challenging the G20 global leaders to protect working people as the current financial crisis jeopardises millions of jobs and livelihoods.
The global union is calling for support for the manufacturing sector, particularly the auto companies and their suppliers. Workers Uniting has set out immediate and medium term strategies to address the consequences of the financial mismanagement exercises over recent years in the private sector.
Workers Uniting will be campaigning politically for job retention and job creation through policies which facilitate sustainable growth and the transition to a greener economy.
Unite is the Labour Party’s biggest affiliate and donor and the USW is a major contributor to and supporter of the Democrats in America and the New Democrats in Canada.
Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary of Unite, said: “Workers Uniting has today set out our demands for G20 global leaders to support workers through this period of recession, and beyond. The action taken so far by our national governments are simply not enough.
“We have seen that the free market policies advocated by most domestic governments are totally discredited. We need fundamental change to ensure we put people first. There can only be one solution to this downturn and that is through worker prosperity and the creation of supportive jobs.”
Leo W Gerard, USW President, said: “Governments around the world must step forward to provide meaningful economic stimulus to mitigate the impact of what is rapidly becoming a devastating worldwide recession. They must also begin to re-establish their role in regulating economic activity in a manner that ensures that the interests of working people are properly addressed.”
Tony Woodley, Joint General Secretary of Unite, said: “Workers Uniting is fighting to ensure individual workers are not made to suffer in the current downturn. G20 world leaders must take decisive action to mitigate the recessionary impact to build sustainable growth.
“Workers across the world are calling for an end to the unregulated markets and a new approach is needed. We now have a unique opportunity to lift people out of poverty and create good quality jobs.”
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More Visteon Workers Occupy Factories
Workers at the UK arm of US car parts firm Visteon have now occupied a factory in Enfield, north London, Unite says.
They are also protesting at a plant in Essex, while 80 workers are still taking part in a sit-in at a factory in Belfast which began on Tuesday.
The workers are angry about more than 500 job losses and what they see as derisory redundancy packages.
The company was placed into administration on Tuesday.
Visteon, the US-based firm which was spun-off from Ford, has had a presence in the UK since 2000 through Visteon UK Ltd.
The subsidiary has racked up losses of £669m since then.
As a result, Visteon stopped funding the operation and appointed KPMG as administrators, who immediately shut down production at the three factories and announced 565 redundancies.
According to KPMG, production has been diverted to other Visteon factories outside the UK.
The workers are protesting at what they see as rough treatment.
"They are just looking for a fair deal," said Pauline Doyle at Unite.
Depending on length of service, they are only entitled to statutory redundancy. This is capped at £350 a week, and runs for a maximum of 30 weeks, said KPMG.
But only workers who have been employed by Visteon for two years or more will qualify for redundancy.
The protestors claim the company's former owner and main customer, Ford, had promised much more generous redundancy contracts which they now want to see honoured.
There are also question marks over the workers' pensions.
They might eventually be placed into the government's Pension Protection Fund. However, as yet the fund has "not even been informed officially of any insolvency", a PPF spokesman said. "We're not involved at all at the moment," he said.
The above taken from the latest update on the BBC
They are also protesting at a plant in Essex, while 80 workers are still taking part in a sit-in at a factory in Belfast which began on Tuesday.
The workers are angry about more than 500 job losses and what they see as derisory redundancy packages.
The company was placed into administration on Tuesday.
Visteon, the US-based firm which was spun-off from Ford, has had a presence in the UK since 2000 through Visteon UK Ltd.
The subsidiary has racked up losses of £669m since then.
As a result, Visteon stopped funding the operation and appointed KPMG as administrators, who immediately shut down production at the three factories and announced 565 redundancies.
According to KPMG, production has been diverted to other Visteon factories outside the UK.
The workers are protesting at what they see as rough treatment.
"They are just looking for a fair deal," said Pauline Doyle at Unite.
Depending on length of service, they are only entitled to statutory redundancy. This is capped at £350 a week, and runs for a maximum of 30 weeks, said KPMG.
But only workers who have been employed by Visteon for two years or more will qualify for redundancy.
The protestors claim the company's former owner and main customer, Ford, had promised much more generous redundancy contracts which they now want to see honoured.
There are also question marks over the workers' pensions.
They might eventually be placed into the government's Pension Protection Fund. However, as yet the fund has "not even been informed officially of any insolvency", a PPF spokesman said. "We're not involved at all at the moment," he said.
The above taken from the latest update on the BBC
March For Jobs- Birmingham Demo - 16th May
Jobs must come first, as Unite announces March for Jobs
A massive march for jobs through the UK’s manufacturing heartland has been called by Unite, in a major effort to ensure that action to protect jobs and skills is first among the government’s recession-beating priorities.
The March through central Birmingham in May is announced as the jobs toll in manufacturing ticks towards 20,000 skilled jobs gone in the six months since the slump took hold, added to the tens of thousands more lost in financial services and other key sectors, and amid fears that not enough is being done to save jobs in critical parts of the economy.
Announcing the March, Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite said: “Workers did not cause this recession but they are paying for it hand over fist with their jobs.
“Twenty thousand jobs have disappeared from manufacturing since this recession took hold, and thousands more in finance and other core sectors. Unemployment blights lives and leaves communities in despair so we will not stand by while our jobs and the very skills that will help pull us out of this downturn are swept away by the recession tide.
“People desperately need some assurance that they will remain in work and can keep a roof over their families' heads, and companies cannot keep the lights on in factories with promises alone. No more delay - we need action now or we will see our skills base and vital manufacturing sector shattered for a generation.”
The union is joined in its call for action by leading figures in the business world, including ex-CBI chief and former government minister Lord Digby Jones and Paul Everitt, the CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers, as well as Jon Cruddas MP and Professor David Bailey from the Birmingham University Business school, in pressing for manufacturing to be restored to the heart of the economy.
Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite, added: “If the state’s help is good enough for the banks, then it is surely good enough for the UK’s workers.
“Right across the economy, from the car industry to the financial sector, fear of unemployment is stalking our communities and wrecking confidence. A clear plan now from government to support the skilled jobs and businesses of which this country can be rightly proud, to save jobs and stimulate consumer demand, will be effort and money well spent.
“Investment now will show that jobs and people that come first, and will demonstrate to workers that government hears their fears and is on their side.”
The March is set to take place on Saturday, May 16th through Birmingham city centre and will be the centrepiece of the union’s Unite for Jobs campaign to secure urgent and strategic action to defend jobs within the beleaguered manufacturing sector, including:
* The urgent implementation of a temporary short time working compensation scheme to save the jobs hundreds of thousands of skilled workers and sustain our manufacturing base in the immediate term. A joint proposal from the TUC and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) estimated that a £1.2bn package of wage subsidies would save some 600,000 jobs.
* Speedier access to credit from the banks, again to ensure immediate support for manufacturing businesses;
* Extra government financing for the sector, in keeping with the levels of assistance provided to manufacturers by overseas competitors;
* Action to stimulate consumer demand, including a car scrappage scheme coupled with improved access to finance for buyers;
* A national strategy for jobs to ensure we have a clear road map out of this recession, to create secure, skilled work and which places manufacturing at its heart.
Unite is urging the swift introduction of a short-time working subsidy, citing its past effectiveness as proof that it can save jobs and key skills. Such a scheme was last used in the recession of the late 1970s/early 1980s and helped save thousands of jobs in demand-sensitive industries, which at the time were textiles and footwear. The Temporary Employment Scheme (TES) came into operation in August 1975 and at its height in 1977 covered 190,000 people. It was estimated in 1982 that around 39% of jobs covered had been saved.
Put the date in your diary, and pass on this information to your Unite Branch's, Workplaces, Activists Committee's.
A massive march for jobs through the UK’s manufacturing heartland has been called by Unite, in a major effort to ensure that action to protect jobs and skills is first among the government’s recession-beating priorities.
The March through central Birmingham in May is announced as the jobs toll in manufacturing ticks towards 20,000 skilled jobs gone in the six months since the slump took hold, added to the tens of thousands more lost in financial services and other key sectors, and amid fears that not enough is being done to save jobs in critical parts of the economy.
Announcing the March, Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite said: “Workers did not cause this recession but they are paying for it hand over fist with their jobs.
“Twenty thousand jobs have disappeared from manufacturing since this recession took hold, and thousands more in finance and other core sectors. Unemployment blights lives and leaves communities in despair so we will not stand by while our jobs and the very skills that will help pull us out of this downturn are swept away by the recession tide.
“People desperately need some assurance that they will remain in work and can keep a roof over their families' heads, and companies cannot keep the lights on in factories with promises alone. No more delay - we need action now or we will see our skills base and vital manufacturing sector shattered for a generation.”
The union is joined in its call for action by leading figures in the business world, including ex-CBI chief and former government minister Lord Digby Jones and Paul Everitt, the CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers, as well as Jon Cruddas MP and Professor David Bailey from the Birmingham University Business school, in pressing for manufacturing to be restored to the heart of the economy.
Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite, added: “If the state’s help is good enough for the banks, then it is surely good enough for the UK’s workers.
“Right across the economy, from the car industry to the financial sector, fear of unemployment is stalking our communities and wrecking confidence. A clear plan now from government to support the skilled jobs and businesses of which this country can be rightly proud, to save jobs and stimulate consumer demand, will be effort and money well spent.
“Investment now will show that jobs and people that come first, and will demonstrate to workers that government hears their fears and is on their side.”
The March is set to take place on Saturday, May 16th through Birmingham city centre and will be the centrepiece of the union’s Unite for Jobs campaign to secure urgent and strategic action to defend jobs within the beleaguered manufacturing sector, including:
* The urgent implementation of a temporary short time working compensation scheme to save the jobs hundreds of thousands of skilled workers and sustain our manufacturing base in the immediate term. A joint proposal from the TUC and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) estimated that a £1.2bn package of wage subsidies would save some 600,000 jobs.
* Speedier access to credit from the banks, again to ensure immediate support for manufacturing businesses;
* Extra government financing for the sector, in keeping with the levels of assistance provided to manufacturers by overseas competitors;
* Action to stimulate consumer demand, including a car scrappage scheme coupled with improved access to finance for buyers;
* A national strategy for jobs to ensure we have a clear road map out of this recession, to create secure, skilled work and which places manufacturing at its heart.
Unite is urging the swift introduction of a short-time working subsidy, citing its past effectiveness as proof that it can save jobs and key skills. Such a scheme was last used in the recession of the late 1970s/early 1980s and helped save thousands of jobs in demand-sensitive industries, which at the time were textiles and footwear. The Temporary Employment Scheme (TES) came into operation in August 1975 and at its height in 1977 covered 190,000 people. It was estimated in 1982 that around 39% of jobs covered had been saved.
Put the date in your diary, and pass on this information to your Unite Branch's, Workplaces, Activists Committee's.
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