This from Monday's Independent.
Comrades will recall a posting taken from an IMF news item a few days ago about this disgraceful situation.
Workers Uniting (Unite and USW) are committed to helping these workers.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/alang-the-place-where-ships-go-to-die-1779656.html
Alang: The place where ships go to die
Thanks to the recession, Gujarat's ship-breaking yards are booming – but the impact on the environment is toxic
By Andrew Buncombe
Largely untrained workers break the ships apart using hand-tools.
It is known as the graveyard of ships, a place where ageing vessels are torn apart by unskilled labourers and the metal then sold on as scrap. In recent years these often deadly and dangerous ship breakers' yards, which stretch a full seven miles along the coastline of the Indian state of Gujarat, have themselves been a little on their uppers.
Booming demand for freight meant that it made sound economic sense to keep even older ships in operation, and many of the labourers in the Gujarati yards were laid off.
But now, by no small irony, these workers in the world's largest ship-breaking yard have been saved by the global recession. The economic downturn and a subsequent fall in demand for cargo ships has meant that for many ship owners it makes better sense to send an ageing ship to the scrapyard rather than to keep her maintained but idle.
But while the recession may have been good news for the owners of the ship-breaking firms, it is very bad news for the environment. The scrapping of ships in South Asia – Bangladesh and Pakistan are also major scrappers – is a rudimentary, almost medieval affair. Ships are allowed to beach on the sands and then armies of men with little or no training pull apart the ships with hand-tools. Toxic substances such as mercury and asbestos are allowed to seep into the environment.
One of the attractions to the ship owners of having their vessels dismantled here is that the ship breakers in this part of the world receive little of the regulatory oversight that takes place in Europe or the US.
For the ship owners, it means they can dispose of their ships more cheaply, while for the scrappers it means bonanza-time.
Over the last 10 months, the scrappers at Alang in Gujarat have received and dismantled around 280 ships, up from 163 during the same period a year earlier. Some breakers believe that over a 12-month period from January, they might reach a total of 400 ships.
"The costs of a laid-up vessel are considerable. It costs a lot to keep it empty. If there is no cargo, it is better to lose them," said Nikhil Gupta, owner of the Hare Krishna Steel Corporation and a senior official with the breaker's trade organisation, the Ship Recycling Industries Association of India. Speaking by telephone, he added: "After 35 or 40 years these ships are not as safe, and the insurance premiums go up. In the past there was a lot of trade and it made sense to keep them."
Pat Swayne of the Baltic Exchange, the London-based maritime trading house, said there is no question that increasing numbers of older ships are being scrapped. "Previously many ships that were able to make a lot of money [for the owner], are now facing rising costs," he said. "If you decide to lay up a ship then you have to find somewhere to lay it up and the question is where do you lay it up? The older a ship is, the more costs are associated with it. Scrapping becomes a very viable option."
Since the mid-1980s, the vast breakers' yards at Alang have developed, under only loose regulation, along a stretch of coast that enjoys a tidal range of around 13 metres, making it easier to beach a condemned vessel directly onto the shoreline.
Previously the industry was based in Mumbai, but gradually it moved to Alang and continued to expand. Now, Alang accounts for than half of all the ships scrapped worldwide, followed by Pakistan and Bangladesh, which each scrap almost a quarter of the remainder. Mr Gupta said that as a result of upturn in scrapping, up to 40,000 workers are now directly employed by the breakers at around 170 plots along the coast.
Around 130 plots are in use today, up from just 25 in 2006.
For those directly and indirectly involved in breaking, the cash tills are jingling and many breakers have recently been tempted back into the industry. In the surrounding area there has already been a visible impact on the area. New homes are sprouting along the 35-mile stretch of road that links Alang to the city of Bhavnagar, and the local roads are awash in what some call "snazzy sedans". On the edge of Alang a huge flea market has sprung up, selling multifarious equipment and fittings taken from the ships.
Locals say that when an owner decides to scrap a vessel, they rarely have the time or opportunity to make a full assessment of the value of such things. As a result, the flea market sells everything from ships motors and cutlery sets to fridges and lifeboats at bargain prices.
"Last year I bought a torque wrench here for about 3,500 rupees (£44), which would have cost me 50,000 on the open market," Vasant Pachal, an engineering workshop owner from the city of Vadodara, recently told The Hindustan Times while browsing at the market. "Apart from the great deals, I get to see the latest in technology every time I come here."
Yet for environmentalists and labour campaigners, the upturn in business means something else. Campaigners point out that the working conditions for the often undocumented migrant labourers from India's poorest states, can be highly dangerous and there are regular reports of injuries and fatalities. Earlier this month, six workers died when a fire broke out at one of the plots. Activists say the impoverished workers have no bargaining power.
Dwarika Nath Rath, a Gujarat-based activist and member of the Socialist Unity Centre of India, a small Communist party, has for many years been monitoring the human toll of the operations. "These workers, coming from places like Orissa and Bihar, say that if they want to save their families they have to die themselves," he said. "The main problem is that there is no regulation, there is no law. These people need to be given ID cards and registered as workers. When an accident happens these people are not in the log-book."
Ingrid Christiansen, a Delhi-based official with the International Labour Organisation, the UN body that oversees working conditions, said that there had been some advances in working conditions at the breakers' yards but that there was "room for improvement".
In May, an international convention meeting in Hong Kong agreed new rules that sought to regulate the worst of the industry's excesses, but campaigners say it has made little difference. Indeed, the convention rejected a proposal supported by over 100 human rights and environment protection organisations to phase out beaching operations – where ships are dumped at high tide and then drift to beaches to be taken apart. "Beach breaking would never be allowed in Europe," said Ingvild Jenssen, director of the Belgium-based campaign group Platform on Shipbreaking.
"When a vessel is broken without containment on a tidal beach there is bound to be pollution of the coastal zone. Experience with ship repair pollution in Europe and the US, and consequent rules for how these activities must be dealt with in contained environments, illustrates the problems."
The booming market on the Gujarat coast has brought back an old customer – to the consternation of campaigners. They claim that among the ships that will be hauled onto the beaches and pulled apart in the coming weeks are two US-government owned vessels, MV Pvt James Anderson and MV 1st Lt Alex Bonnyman. They will be the first such US ships scrapped in south Asia since 1998, when the Clinton administration – under pressure from campaigners – ordered a moratorium on the scrapping of US government-owned ships in south Asia.
"This is really shocking," said Jim Puckett, of the Basel Action Network, another campaign group.
"Now we have elected an environmental President, and his administration for the first time in 10 years is willing to ignore the law and dump toxic waste from US flagged ships on developing countries."
Monday, August 31, 2009
Steelworkers Reach Agreement With Goodyear In US
The United Steelworkers of America reached a tentative national contract agreement with Goodyear on Saturday.
The agreement was reached three hours before the midnight deadline for the expiration of the old contract.
Wayne Ranick, at the union headquarters in Pittsburgh, said that the deal was for four years.
The talks covered about 10,300 Unites Steelworkers members at seven Goodyear plants in the U.S.
Ranick said, "They feel comfortable that in a difficult circumstance they were able to work with the company and get something that they feel comfortable enough to take home to the members and talk to them about it and let them vote on it."
The agreement was reached three hours before the midnight deadline for the expiration of the old contract.
Wayne Ranick, at the union headquarters in Pittsburgh, said that the deal was for four years.
The talks covered about 10,300 Unites Steelworkers members at seven Goodyear plants in the U.S.
Ranick said, "They feel comfortable that in a difficult circumstance they were able to work with the company and get something that they feel comfortable enough to take home to the members and talk to them about it and let them vote on it."
Irish Lisbon Vote - ‘solemn declaration’ worthless
UNITE is calling on its 60,000 members in the Republic of Ireland to vote No in the re-run of the Lisbon Treaty referendum to be held on October 2nd.
Unite opposed the treaty in 2008 and says its opposition second time around is based on the "lack of any progress in the critical area of workers rights," said Irish Regional Secretary Jimmy Kelly.
"We were told that workers rights would be protected under Lisbon and that we were scare-mongering. When the Irish government went seeking legal guarantees they got them in areas of taxation, of morality, and in numbers of commissioners but not in relation to workers rights.
"Instead we got a ‘solemn declaration’ that is worthless given the way in which the European Courts have interpreted workers rights as being subservient to those of business. Unite sought the inclusion of a social progress clause in the Lisbon Treaty which would make it clear that the fundamental right to organise and the right to strike are in no way subordinate to the economic freedoms pursued by the EU member states," he said.
"This was rejected and instead we are told to have faith in national governments willingness to treat workers fairly and with respect and for Europe to act in the common good for all its citizens. The Irish government is the last we should trust to stand for workers rights. Irish workers are alone in Europe as having no legal right to representation by a union.
"Irish workers are alone in Europe as having no provision for pension protection. Irish workers are alone in Europe as the only ones whose right to fair pay and employment security are considered by their government as obstacles to economic recovery.
"Lisbon is not about Ireland’s place in the EU. Unite fully supports the vital role which Europe plays in the everyday lives of Irish citizens," he added.
"Voting yes to Lisbon would enshrine Irish workers lack of fair treatment as being alright in the eyes of Irish politicians and of the Irish people. EU institutions would continue to follow a business over labour ideology which is too loaded against workers all across Europe.
Unite opposed the treaty in 2008 and says its opposition second time around is based on the "lack of any progress in the critical area of workers rights," said Irish Regional Secretary Jimmy Kelly.
"We were told that workers rights would be protected under Lisbon and that we were scare-mongering. When the Irish government went seeking legal guarantees they got them in areas of taxation, of morality, and in numbers of commissioners but not in relation to workers rights.
"Instead we got a ‘solemn declaration’ that is worthless given the way in which the European Courts have interpreted workers rights as being subservient to those of business. Unite sought the inclusion of a social progress clause in the Lisbon Treaty which would make it clear that the fundamental right to organise and the right to strike are in no way subordinate to the economic freedoms pursued by the EU member states," he said.
"This was rejected and instead we are told to have faith in national governments willingness to treat workers fairly and with respect and for Europe to act in the common good for all its citizens. The Irish government is the last we should trust to stand for workers rights. Irish workers are alone in Europe as having no legal right to representation by a union.
"Irish workers are alone in Europe as having no provision for pension protection. Irish workers are alone in Europe as the only ones whose right to fair pay and employment security are considered by their government as obstacles to economic recovery.
"Lisbon is not about Ireland’s place in the EU. Unite fully supports the vital role which Europe plays in the everyday lives of Irish citizens," he added.
"Voting yes to Lisbon would enshrine Irish workers lack of fair treatment as being alright in the eyes of Irish politicians and of the Irish people. EU institutions would continue to follow a business over labour ideology which is too loaded against workers all across Europe.
Airport refuel staff on strike
Unite members who refuel aircraft at Manchester Airport are no on strike. They work for ASIG.
The strike is due to last until 1245 BST on Tuesday.
Unite regional officer Lawrence Chapple-Gill said ASIG had failed to make a "fair and decent offer to avoid any potential disruption during the peak August Bank holiday weekend".
ASIG staff refuel about 70% of planes at Manchester airport.
Baggage handlers and cleaners at the airport had planned to strike over the bank holiday weekend, but reached an agreement last week.
The strike is due to last until 1245 BST on Tuesday.
Unite regional officer Lawrence Chapple-Gill said ASIG had failed to make a "fair and decent offer to avoid any potential disruption during the peak August Bank holiday weekend".
ASIG staff refuel about 70% of planes at Manchester airport.
Baggage handlers and cleaners at the airport had planned to strike over the bank holiday weekend, but reached an agreement last week.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Fujitsu - Positive Vote In Consultative Ballot
Fujitsu workers have voted in a consultative ballot that they would be prepared to take industrial action in support of a dispute over the IT firm's plans to close its final-salary pension scheme and impose a pay freeze.
Unite can now move to a formal dispute ballot after complaining that 4,000 workers in the firm's defined-benefit pension plan were being hit by the plans.
Unite said that, if the proposal went ahead, the company intended to dismiss employees after the end of the consultation period in September and offer them employment on new contracts which were unchanged except in relation to pensions.
Unite says that the proposed pension scheme change would reduce the total pay package of each employee by at least 15%.
Unite national officer Peter Skyte pointed out that Fujitsu Services was not struggling or failing.
"It is a highly profitable and successful company, but one which is seeking to take advantage of the recession to attack jobs, pay, pensions and conditions," he said.
"Our members are insisting that the company should pay fairly and provide decent pensions for all its employees. Following the announcement of 1,200 redundancies, they are now calling for the issue of job cuts to be included in any ballot for formal industrial action.
"We are calling on the company to meet us to resolve these issues and avoid the risk of damaging industrial action."
Last week, Fujitsu announced proposals for 1,200 redundancies in Britain - amounting to 10 per cent of its British workforce.
Fujitsu employs around 12,500 people in Britain, with its main sites at Bracknell, Stevenage, Manchester, Crewe, Belfast, Staines, Basingstoke, Wakefield, Sheffield, Solihull, Slough, Lewes, Warrington, Cardiff, Bristol, Newcastle and London.
Unite can now move to a formal dispute ballot after complaining that 4,000 workers in the firm's defined-benefit pension plan were being hit by the plans.
Unite said that, if the proposal went ahead, the company intended to dismiss employees after the end of the consultation period in September and offer them employment on new contracts which were unchanged except in relation to pensions.
Unite says that the proposed pension scheme change would reduce the total pay package of each employee by at least 15%.
Unite national officer Peter Skyte pointed out that Fujitsu Services was not struggling or failing.
"It is a highly profitable and successful company, but one which is seeking to take advantage of the recession to attack jobs, pay, pensions and conditions," he said.
"Our members are insisting that the company should pay fairly and provide decent pensions for all its employees. Following the announcement of 1,200 redundancies, they are now calling for the issue of job cuts to be included in any ballot for formal industrial action.
"We are calling on the company to meet us to resolve these issues and avoid the risk of damaging industrial action."
Last week, Fujitsu announced proposals for 1,200 redundancies in Britain - amounting to 10 per cent of its British workforce.
Fujitsu employs around 12,500 people in Britain, with its main sites at Bracknell, Stevenage, Manchester, Crewe, Belfast, Staines, Basingstoke, Wakefield, Sheffield, Solihull, Slough, Lewes, Warrington, Cardiff, Bristol, Newcastle and London.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
TULO Pleural Plaques Campaign - More help needed
We have been advised that the campaign to win justice for victims of Pleural Plaques has already made a big impact - with thousands of people joining the call for justice.
TULO now need help to find our next thousand supporters.
They have set up a tool on the Unions Together website which will let you contact your friends and colleagues about this important issue.
http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/seekjustice
It's vital that we campaign together - this is a disease that affects thousands of workers across the length and breadth of the country. We're not asking for much - just compensation for a workplace injury. Together we can build enough support to get justice for these men and women.
Please take a moment to invite your friends and family to join the campaign.
http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/seekjustice
TULO now need help to find our next thousand supporters.
They have set up a tool on the Unions Together website which will let you contact your friends and colleagues about this important issue.
http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/seekjustice
It's vital that we campaign together - this is a disease that affects thousands of workers across the length and breadth of the country. We're not asking for much - just compensation for a workplace injury. Together we can build enough support to get justice for these men and women.
Please take a moment to invite your friends and family to join the campaign.
http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/seekjustice
Manchester Airport Dispute
Comrades may have read in the press that the disputes in a number of airports have been called off while Unite seeks further legal advice relating to the refusal of some of the companies to honour pay deals.
We have been asked by comrades at Manchester Airport to point out there is still a strike by the refuellers working for A.S.I.G. (Aircraft Services International Group).
This is on Bank Holiday Monday from 5am until 12.45pm on the Tuesday.
The dispute is in regard to the continued intention by the Company to impose a pay freeze for 2009.
Talks are continuing with Rentokil / Initial who employ the cleaners at Manchester.
A further meeting is set for Friday and no action will take place over the Bank Holiday.
We have been asked by comrades at Manchester Airport to point out there is still a strike by the refuellers working for A.S.I.G. (Aircraft Services International Group).
This is on Bank Holiday Monday from 5am until 12.45pm on the Tuesday.
The dispute is in regard to the continued intention by the Company to impose a pay freeze for 2009.
Talks are continuing with Rentokil / Initial who employ the cleaners at Manchester.
A further meeting is set for Friday and no action will take place over the Bank Holiday.
More Job Losses At Lloyds
Union anger as Lloyds plan to cut 200 further jobs
Unite reacted angrily last night to news of further job cuts at banking giant Lloyds.
The latest round of redundancies will see 200 jobs go at the bank’s insurance business in Newport and in Yorkshire.
Lloyds has embarked on an aggressive job-cutting policy and has made 7,500 staff redundant this year alone.
Unite National officer Rob MacGregaor said the bank had a “confused” management style after last week’s surprise decision to review the planned closure of Cheltenham & Gloucester branches.
Unite also hit out at RBS after the bank announced proposed changes to its main final salary pension schemes, including capping the amount of salary increases that is pensionable to 2% annually or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, and cutting the lump sum payable on early retirement.
Rob said that against the backdrop of the “bumper” pension paid to former RBS boss Sir Fred (The Shred) Goodwin, the planned changes added “insult to injury”.
“We have no confidence in this bank’s confused strategy,” he said. “Only last week LBG decided to abandon the closure of the Cheltenham and Gloucester branch network, bringing a reprieve for 900 staff. This week it’s cutting over 200 jobs.
“This steady stream of announcements and cuts is soul destroying for the workforce at this state-owned bank – it must end. So far there have been 7,500 job cuts this year, it’s a tragedy.
“Staff are expected to give the customers the best possible service, but don’t know if they have a job from week to week. These cuts are not in the interests of the customers, or the taxpayers who own this bank. The Government needs to be more hands on and put an end to poor management at the bank.”
Unite reacted angrily last night to news of further job cuts at banking giant Lloyds.
The latest round of redundancies will see 200 jobs go at the bank’s insurance business in Newport and in Yorkshire.
Lloyds has embarked on an aggressive job-cutting policy and has made 7,500 staff redundant this year alone.
Unite National officer Rob MacGregaor said the bank had a “confused” management style after last week’s surprise decision to review the planned closure of Cheltenham & Gloucester branches.
Unite also hit out at RBS after the bank announced proposed changes to its main final salary pension schemes, including capping the amount of salary increases that is pensionable to 2% annually or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, and cutting the lump sum payable on early retirement.
Rob said that against the backdrop of the “bumper” pension paid to former RBS boss Sir Fred (The Shred) Goodwin, the planned changes added “insult to injury”.
“We have no confidence in this bank’s confused strategy,” he said. “Only last week LBG decided to abandon the closure of the Cheltenham and Gloucester branch network, bringing a reprieve for 900 staff. This week it’s cutting over 200 jobs.
“This steady stream of announcements and cuts is soul destroying for the workforce at this state-owned bank – it must end. So far there have been 7,500 job cuts this year, it’s a tragedy.
“Staff are expected to give the customers the best possible service, but don’t know if they have a job from week to week. These cuts are not in the interests of the customers, or the taxpayers who own this bank. The Government needs to be more hands on and put an end to poor management at the bank.”
Fujitsu Job Cuts -'Wholly Unwarrented'
Fujitsu's announcement that it plans to axe 1,200 jobs in the UK have been described as "wholly unwarrented", by Unite National Officer Peter Skyte.
The cuts will affect around 10% of Fujitsu's UK workforce. The Japanese firm expects the layoffs to be completed by the end of the year.
"These proposed redundancies are wholly unwarranted given the company made £200 million in profit last year. It even paid two directors £1.59 million in compensation for loss of office," says Peter.
"Unite is pressing for detailed information about the reasons for this proposal and the areas affected. We will be doing everything possible to protect the jobs of the workforce," he adds.
The majority of Fujitsu's revenue comes from Government and private sector outsourcing contracts. The company was hit last year when it lost a £896 million contract to upgrade the NHS's IT system in the south of England.
The cuts will affect around 10% of Fujitsu's UK workforce. The Japanese firm expects the layoffs to be completed by the end of the year.
"These proposed redundancies are wholly unwarranted given the company made £200 million in profit last year. It even paid two directors £1.59 million in compensation for loss of office," says Peter.
"Unite is pressing for detailed information about the reasons for this proposal and the areas affected. We will be doing everything possible to protect the jobs of the workforce," he adds.
The majority of Fujitsu's revenue comes from Government and private sector outsourcing contracts. The company was hit last year when it lost a £896 million contract to upgrade the NHS's IT system in the south of England.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Diageo - Action and Help Needed!
The latest from Diageo Campaign HQ! Sent to Unite members - but just in case you missed it.
The campaign to reverse the decision to axe 900 jobs in Kilmarnock is having a big effect - but that we now need to turn our attention to winning the support of Diageo shareholders.
Next week Diageo are releasing their final year results - and we need to make sure that these proposed job losses are at the front and centre of investors' thoughts when they get the results.
We've set up an easy to use tool that lets you send a message to Diageo shareholders - all you need to do is click here:
http://action.unitetheunion.com/savetheirjobs
It's important that we reach out to the shareholders - after all, it's these people that own Diageo - and can ultimately make the management see sense.
Our argument is clear and simple - that the business is sustainable and making profits in excess of £2 billion. That the Johnnie Walker brand will be fundamentally damaged. And that Diageo owes a duty of care to the hundreds of workers who have built their success.
In essence - we make the case that pulling out of Johnnie Walker will damage Diageo and therefore the investors' commercial interests.
Contacting Diageo's shareholders will take you less than a minute and could save countless jobs - will you send your message now?
http://action.unitetheunion.com/savetheirjobs
Tony, we need to seize this moment. We've shown what we can do together - after all over 10,000 people have already signed our letter to Diageo boss Paul Walsh.
We can build on this success and we can protect these jobs.
We just need to come together and keep the pressure up. Please send your message now:
http://action.unitetheunion.com/savetheirjobs
The campaign to reverse the decision to axe 900 jobs in Kilmarnock is having a big effect - but that we now need to turn our attention to winning the support of Diageo shareholders.
Next week Diageo are releasing their final year results - and we need to make sure that these proposed job losses are at the front and centre of investors' thoughts when they get the results.
We've set up an easy to use tool that lets you send a message to Diageo shareholders - all you need to do is click here:
http://action.unitetheunion.com/savetheirjobs
It's important that we reach out to the shareholders - after all, it's these people that own Diageo - and can ultimately make the management see sense.
Our argument is clear and simple - that the business is sustainable and making profits in excess of £2 billion. That the Johnnie Walker brand will be fundamentally damaged. And that Diageo owes a duty of care to the hundreds of workers who have built their success.
In essence - we make the case that pulling out of Johnnie Walker will damage Diageo and therefore the investors' commercial interests.
Contacting Diageo's shareholders will take you less than a minute and could save countless jobs - will you send your message now?
http://action.unitetheunion.com/savetheirjobs
Tony, we need to seize this moment. We've shown what we can do together - after all over 10,000 people have already signed our letter to Diageo boss Paul Walsh.
We can build on this success and we can protect these jobs.
We just need to come together and keep the pressure up. Please send your message now:
http://action.unitetheunion.com/savetheirjobs
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Manchester Airport Dispute - Call For Support
Comrades: Unite members working for A.S.I.G. at Manchester will be taking strike action from 5am Bank Holiday Monday until 12.45pm on the Tuesday.
The company are already lining up the press to brand our members as "irresponsible."
The reality is that the Company's initiated a pay freeze for 2009. Unite members in Manchester feel that they already lag behind other colleagues doing the same work in ASIG and in other similar companies.
ASIG provide a refuelling service to 70% of the aircraft at Manchester, on behalf of Shell. This includes the sole contract with Thomson and shared contracts with Thomas Cook, Monarch, Flybe, BMI etc etc.
The Company have also indicated that they will announce this week proposed staffing reductions at Manchester, at a time when members are stretched to the point where overtime is being relied upon heavily.
Unite rep at Manchester Airport is Neil Bannon.
Can we get some messages of support to our members at Manchester via Neil.
His email address is neilb32@hotmail.co.uk and we are advised that welcome any support possible.
The company are already lining up the press to brand our members as "irresponsible."
The reality is that the Company's initiated a pay freeze for 2009. Unite members in Manchester feel that they already lag behind other colleagues doing the same work in ASIG and in other similar companies.
ASIG provide a refuelling service to 70% of the aircraft at Manchester, on behalf of Shell. This includes the sole contract with Thomson and shared contracts with Thomas Cook, Monarch, Flybe, BMI etc etc.
The Company have also indicated that they will announce this week proposed staffing reductions at Manchester, at a time when members are stretched to the point where overtime is being relied upon heavily.
Unite rep at Manchester Airport is Neil Bannon.
Can we get some messages of support to our members at Manchester via Neil.
His email address is neilb32@hotmail.co.uk and we are advised that welcome any support possible.
Corus Workers In Trafalgar Square Demo
Corus workers to highlight their plight in Trafalgar Square
Unite members and Corus workers from across Teesside will be demonstrating on the 4th plinth in Trafalgar Square on August 26th in the campaign to safeguard the 150 year old plant.
A delegation of Corus workers will surround the plinth with the 'Save our Steel' banner.
This is in response to news that 2,800 jobs and a further 1,000 jobs from companies supplying Corus are at risk since the consortium of companies pulled the plug on their 10 year contract.
Unite says the community in Teesside will be devastated if the Corus plant was shut down, as thousands of local families and businesses depend on this plant for their livelihoods.
Unite members and Corus workers from across Teesside will be demonstrating on the 4th plinth in Trafalgar Square on August 26th in the campaign to safeguard the 150 year old plant.
A delegation of Corus workers will surround the plinth with the 'Save our Steel' banner.
This is in response to news that 2,800 jobs and a further 1,000 jobs from companies supplying Corus are at risk since the consortium of companies pulled the plug on their 10 year contract.
Unite says the community in Teesside will be devastated if the Corus plant was shut down, as thousands of local families and businesses depend on this plant for their livelihoods.
Unite Calls For Boycott Of Golf Tournament.
Unite is appealing to politicians to reject offers from drinks company Diageo for corporate hospitality at the Johnnie Walker Golf Championship at Gleneagles this coming weekend.
Unite says it has been told by MPs and MSPs about lavish invitations for the event.
John Quigley Scottish Regional Secretary said: “Diageo still wants to slash 900 jobs in Scotland in a move that will devastate families and communities across Scotland. We are asking politicians to support the campaign by formally rejecting Diageo’s overtures".
John pointed out that Diageo is the world’s biggest drinks manufacturer and made over £2.2bn profit last year alone. “It isn’t in financial difficulty, as the sponsorship of this prestigious sporting tournament makes crystal clear,” he said.
“The workers realise that they work for a business competing in a tough economic environment but they have stood by the company in good times and bad,” he added.
“They have contributed immensely to the type of success that delivers huge profits, a £5 million annual wage for Diageo’s CEO Paul Walsh and glitzy sponsorship of high-profile events.”
The Johnnie Walker Golf Championship takes place from Thursday (Aug 27) to Sunday (Aug 31) at Gleneagles in Perthshire, Scotland
Unite says it has been told by MPs and MSPs about lavish invitations for the event.
John Quigley Scottish Regional Secretary said: “Diageo still wants to slash 900 jobs in Scotland in a move that will devastate families and communities across Scotland. We are asking politicians to support the campaign by formally rejecting Diageo’s overtures".
John pointed out that Diageo is the world’s biggest drinks manufacturer and made over £2.2bn profit last year alone. “It isn’t in financial difficulty, as the sponsorship of this prestigious sporting tournament makes crystal clear,” he said.
“The workers realise that they work for a business competing in a tough economic environment but they have stood by the company in good times and bad,” he added.
“They have contributed immensely to the type of success that delivers huge profits, a £5 million annual wage for Diageo’s CEO Paul Walsh and glitzy sponsorship of high-profile events.”
The Johnnie Walker Golf Championship takes place from Thursday (Aug 27) to Sunday (Aug 31) at Gleneagles in Perthshire, Scotland
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Report From Workers Uniting Group Meetings - Glasgow 22nd August and Doncaster 23rd August
WORKERS UNITING GROUP - MEETINGS
"SUPPORT FOR WORKERS UNITING GROUP GROWING THROUGHOUT REGIONS"
Another successful regional Workers Uniting Group meeting took place in Glasgow on 22nd August.
The well attended meeting, included comrades from both TGWU and Amicus sections.
They heard Unite JGS Derek Simpson report on the current challenges facing Unite - Politically , Internationally, and on Organising.
Agenda itmes included elections for the Workers Uniting Scotland Regional Coordinating Committee and delegates to the Workers Uniting Group Steering National Steeering Group.
This was seen as a further sign that the principles being set out by the group and it's supporters is gathering momentum within the rank and file membership of Unite.
The inclusive nature of the group was also demonstrated in the make up of the attendees.
A national round up of news items and an update on the progress being made in estsablishing the organisation throughout other Regions was presented.
Confirmation of the next National Meeting of Workers Uniting Group which takes place in Bristol on 6th September, was also announced.
The forthcoming Regional Industrial Sector Conferences were discussed and the importance of lay members participation was highlighted.
The work involved in coordinating the new Unite constitutional structures was acknowledged and was noted as further progress of the merger process.
Unite National Officer Brian Boyd who is seeking the Workers Uniting Group nomination for the forthcoming Unite General Secretary Designite election was invited to address the meeting prior to it's close.
He stressed the importance of maintaining Unite as a Workplace and Industrial led organisation, and re affirmed his commitment to a United Union cautioning against the continuing prejudices that currently exist within the the former Unite sections
A big thanks to all who attended and a further meeting date will be scheduled for late September .
We can also report there was a good local/area Workers Uniting Group meeting which took place on August 23rd.
This productive meeting was held in Doncaster and was attended by comrades from the former TGWU and Amicus sections in Doncaster/Scunthorpe as well as Corus steelworkers comrades who attended the meeting.
"SUPPORT FOR WORKERS UNITING GROUP GROWING THROUGHOUT REGIONS"
Another successful regional Workers Uniting Group meeting took place in Glasgow on 22nd August.
The well attended meeting, included comrades from both TGWU and Amicus sections.
They heard Unite JGS Derek Simpson report on the current challenges facing Unite - Politically , Internationally, and on Organising.
Agenda itmes included elections for the Workers Uniting Scotland Regional Coordinating Committee and delegates to the Workers Uniting Group Steering National Steeering Group.
This was seen as a further sign that the principles being set out by the group and it's supporters is gathering momentum within the rank and file membership of Unite.
The inclusive nature of the group was also demonstrated in the make up of the attendees.
A national round up of news items and an update on the progress being made in estsablishing the organisation throughout other Regions was presented.
Confirmation of the next National Meeting of Workers Uniting Group which takes place in Bristol on 6th September, was also announced.
The forthcoming Regional Industrial Sector Conferences were discussed and the importance of lay members participation was highlighted.
The work involved in coordinating the new Unite constitutional structures was acknowledged and was noted as further progress of the merger process.
Unite National Officer Brian Boyd who is seeking the Workers Uniting Group nomination for the forthcoming Unite General Secretary Designite election was invited to address the meeting prior to it's close.
He stressed the importance of maintaining Unite as a Workplace and Industrial led organisation, and re affirmed his commitment to a United Union cautioning against the continuing prejudices that currently exist within the the former Unite sections
A big thanks to all who attended and a further meeting date will be scheduled for late September .
We can also report there was a good local/area Workers Uniting Group meeting which took place on August 23rd.
This productive meeting was held in Doncaster and was attended by comrades from the former TGWU and Amicus sections in Doncaster/Scunthorpe as well as Corus steelworkers comrades who attended the meeting.
Six die at shipbreaking yard in India - IMF Report
This was forwarded from the International Metal Workers Website.
The ship breakers in India has been part of the international agenda of Workers Uniting (Unite - USW)
Any comments to info@workersunitinggroup.com
Six die at shipbreaking yard in India
A trade union representing shipbreaking workers calls on authorities to enforce health and safety after six workers die in Alang on August 4th, 2009.
INDIA: After the death of six shipbreaking workers in Alang on August th4, the local trade union representing 5,000 shipbreaking workers called on the Factories Inspector to investigate the incident and the Chief Minister and High Court of Gujarat to undertake a judicial enquiry and immediately intervene on the health, safety, welfare and environment at the shipbreaking yards.
The six workers died on the spot from burns sustained while working in the engine room of a vessel being dismantled at plot number 24-0 of the Alang shipbreaking yards. No precaution had been taken by the employer to ensure the engine room was free from gas and fit for cutting operations.
Measures taken after the accident were also completely inadequate.
Alang Sosiya Ship Recycling and General Workers' Association (ASSRGWA), representing the workers, demanded that the government of Gujarat ensures:
Strict compliance with the Supreme Court of India's directions on safe ship recycling issued in September 2007;
A judicial inquiry into the fatal accident that occurred on August 4, 2009 causing the deaths of six workers;
Compensation of a million rupees (US$20,000) to the family of each deceased worker; and
Representation of the Workers' Association on the Gujarat Maritime Board and other regulating and enforcement authorities.
The Workers' Association had previously represented the workers before a committee of technical experts on shipbreaking, which resulted in the Supreme Court directing various government bodies and stakeholders to take effective measures on health and safety, welfare and the environment. In August 2008, the Workers' Association made representation to the Gujarat Maritime Board requesting compliance with the Court's ruling.
"Though there are regulating and enforcement authorities, no adequate attention is being paid by these organisations to the suffering of the thousands of shipbreaking workers," said ASSRGWA President Shanti Patel at a press conference on August 11.
"The apathy and almost criminal negligence on the part of the stakeholders in complying with rulings on health, safety, welfare and the environment is instrumental in the increase in the number of fatal and major accidents in the shipbreaking yards in Alang," said Patel.
Vidyadhar Rane, ASSRGWA General Secretary, has submitted complaints to various relevant authorities and visited the family members of the victims offering the union's full support.
Aug 20, 2009 – Anita Gardner
The ship breakers in India has been part of the international agenda of Workers Uniting (Unite - USW)
Any comments to info@workersunitinggroup.com
Six die at shipbreaking yard in India
A trade union representing shipbreaking workers calls on authorities to enforce health and safety after six workers die in Alang on August 4th, 2009.
INDIA: After the death of six shipbreaking workers in Alang on August th4, the local trade union representing 5,000 shipbreaking workers called on the Factories Inspector to investigate the incident and the Chief Minister and High Court of Gujarat to undertake a judicial enquiry and immediately intervene on the health, safety, welfare and environment at the shipbreaking yards.
The six workers died on the spot from burns sustained while working in the engine room of a vessel being dismantled at plot number 24-0 of the Alang shipbreaking yards. No precaution had been taken by the employer to ensure the engine room was free from gas and fit for cutting operations.
Measures taken after the accident were also completely inadequate.
Alang Sosiya Ship Recycling and General Workers' Association (ASSRGWA), representing the workers, demanded that the government of Gujarat ensures:
Strict compliance with the Supreme Court of India's directions on safe ship recycling issued in September 2007;
A judicial inquiry into the fatal accident that occurred on August 4, 2009 causing the deaths of six workers;
Compensation of a million rupees (US$20,000) to the family of each deceased worker; and
Representation of the Workers' Association on the Gujarat Maritime Board and other regulating and enforcement authorities.
The Workers' Association had previously represented the workers before a committee of technical experts on shipbreaking, which resulted in the Supreme Court directing various government bodies and stakeholders to take effective measures on health and safety, welfare and the environment. In August 2008, the Workers' Association made representation to the Gujarat Maritime Board requesting compliance with the Court's ruling.
"Though there are regulating and enforcement authorities, no adequate attention is being paid by these organisations to the suffering of the thousands of shipbreaking workers," said ASSRGWA President Shanti Patel at a press conference on August 11.
"The apathy and almost criminal negligence on the part of the stakeholders in complying with rulings on health, safety, welfare and the environment is instrumental in the increase in the number of fatal and major accidents in the shipbreaking yards in Alang," said Patel.
Vidyadhar Rane, ASSRGWA General Secretary, has submitted complaints to various relevant authorities and visited the family members of the victims offering the union's full support.
Aug 20, 2009 – Anita Gardner
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Public services are worth fighting for - article by Derek Simpson
From publicservice.co.uk website - August 14th
There is always room for improvement. But it is on improving services, not dismantling them, that we as a nation should be concentrating, writes Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite
The future of public services will be a key battleground on which next year's general election will be fought. As attacks on the public sector escalate from the Conservatives, never has it been so important for the union movement to mount a vigorous defence.
The key question is why we have public services in the first place. The answer is clear – the general consensus was that there were certain services the state should be responsible for, health and education being prime examples. The state was deemed to be the best agent to provide fairness and an overall strategy for the country's development.
With the advent of Margaret Thatcher, the post-1945 consensus about the role of the state was smashed. For 30 years, the private sector has been making the pitch that it can provide these services better. Not only is this not true, such thinking is deeply unpopular with the public, as opinion polls have repeatedly shown.
Unite will be fighting very hard to maintain jobs and services in the public sector as they are central to a fair society. Projections of 350,000 jobs being lost in the public sector between 2010/11 and 2014/15 due to the fiscal squeeze are unacceptable.
Cutbacks, whether in doctors, nurses, teachers, housing advice staff, prison officers or refuse collectors, would do nothing to cement the long-term economic and social fabric of the country. The insidious and continual promotion of privatisation by ministers has an adverse affect on hardworking employees in diminished terms and conditions. The morale of the workforce is seriously undermined by such fragmentation of services.
And in the harsh world of competitive tendering, where cutting costs is a key business objective, what will happen if a social enterprise loses a contract with the NHS? Jobs will be shed. What purpose is served by unemployed health visitors and nurses?
Nowhere has privatisation caused such a furore as in the NHS. It has been hit by a whole raft of initiatives designed to fragment it, with the chief beneficiaries being private healthcare companies. And money that should be spent on frontline services is diverted into supporting the whole edifice of the market. Academic research has estimated that 20 per cent of the NHS's annual expenditure has been squandered on what is described as "the transaction costs of the market".
Public sector pensions are also a popular target. However, one of the indicators of the moral worth of a society is how it treats the older population – and pensions are fundamental.
Private sector employers should be greatly improving their own schemes, rather than attacking public sector pensions, a good template for how a progressive democracy should approach this issue, especially as we are all living longer.
A number of myths need to be dispelled. First, the current level of public sector pension provision is self- funding. Second, the cost of providing a public sector pension, according to a Pension Policy Institute report, is the same as the cost of a typical private sector final salary scheme.
Third, the government has negotiated with the trade unions to raise the retirement age for new entrants for public sector schemes; to increase average member contributions; and to cap the increase in government costs.
Unite would like a clear commitment that public services remain exactly that: public, with their steady expansion guided by government, and not by the private sector.
Of course, there is always room for improvement. But it is on improving services, not dismantling them that we, as a nation, should be concentrating. This is the line in the sand that divides Labour, and Unite, from the Tories.
There is always room for improvement. But it is on improving services, not dismantling them, that we as a nation should be concentrating, writes Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite
The future of public services will be a key battleground on which next year's general election will be fought. As attacks on the public sector escalate from the Conservatives, never has it been so important for the union movement to mount a vigorous defence.
The key question is why we have public services in the first place. The answer is clear – the general consensus was that there were certain services the state should be responsible for, health and education being prime examples. The state was deemed to be the best agent to provide fairness and an overall strategy for the country's development.
With the advent of Margaret Thatcher, the post-1945 consensus about the role of the state was smashed. For 30 years, the private sector has been making the pitch that it can provide these services better. Not only is this not true, such thinking is deeply unpopular with the public, as opinion polls have repeatedly shown.
Unite will be fighting very hard to maintain jobs and services in the public sector as they are central to a fair society. Projections of 350,000 jobs being lost in the public sector between 2010/11 and 2014/15 due to the fiscal squeeze are unacceptable.
Cutbacks, whether in doctors, nurses, teachers, housing advice staff, prison officers or refuse collectors, would do nothing to cement the long-term economic and social fabric of the country. The insidious and continual promotion of privatisation by ministers has an adverse affect on hardworking employees in diminished terms and conditions. The morale of the workforce is seriously undermined by such fragmentation of services.
And in the harsh world of competitive tendering, where cutting costs is a key business objective, what will happen if a social enterprise loses a contract with the NHS? Jobs will be shed. What purpose is served by unemployed health visitors and nurses?
Nowhere has privatisation caused such a furore as in the NHS. It has been hit by a whole raft of initiatives designed to fragment it, with the chief beneficiaries being private healthcare companies. And money that should be spent on frontline services is diverted into supporting the whole edifice of the market. Academic research has estimated that 20 per cent of the NHS's annual expenditure has been squandered on what is described as "the transaction costs of the market".
Public sector pensions are also a popular target. However, one of the indicators of the moral worth of a society is how it treats the older population – and pensions are fundamental.
Private sector employers should be greatly improving their own schemes, rather than attacking public sector pensions, a good template for how a progressive democracy should approach this issue, especially as we are all living longer.
A number of myths need to be dispelled. First, the current level of public sector pension provision is self- funding. Second, the cost of providing a public sector pension, according to a Pension Policy Institute report, is the same as the cost of a typical private sector final salary scheme.
Third, the government has negotiated with the trade unions to raise the retirement age for new entrants for public sector schemes; to increase average member contributions; and to cap the increase in government costs.
Unite would like a clear commitment that public services remain exactly that: public, with their steady expansion guided by government, and not by the private sector.
Of course, there is always room for improvement. But it is on improving services, not dismantling them that we, as a nation, should be concentrating. This is the line in the sand that divides Labour, and Unite, from the Tories.
Manchester Airport Dispute - Update
Further to news updates sent out today, comrades involved in the Manchester Airport dispute emailed us to confirm that Swissport baggage handlers at Manchester Airport will stage a three day overtime ban over the Bank Holiday Weekend.
Gatwick and Stansted have also voted for action.
ASIG refuellers at Manchester Airport will also strike on Bank Holiday Monday. ASIG are responsible for 70% of the aircraft at Manchester Airport.
Cleaners working for Rentokil and Initial set for further discussions.
Gatwick and Stansted have also voted for action.
ASIG refuellers at Manchester Airport will also strike on Bank Holiday Monday. ASIG are responsible for 70% of the aircraft at Manchester Airport.
Cleaners working for Rentokil and Initial set for further discussions.
Rob McGregor: C&G Closure Was "Ill-Considered"
Lloyds Banking Group has said it will review its decision to close its Cheltenham & Gloucester (C&G) subsidiary.
They had announced in June that all 164 C&G branches across the UK would close with the loss of 833 jobs, but that decision may now be reversed.
"Unite is satisfied that the Lloyds Banking Group has finally acknowledged that the decision to close the Cheltenham and Gloucester branch network was ill-considered," said the union's national officer Rob MacGregor. "Today's announcement comes with no warning and will make the workforce wonder whether their bosses have any long-term strategy for the future of the bank".
Unite said it was now calling for an urgent meeting with Lloyds "in order to get clarification as to the format and timescales of the review".
They had announced in June that all 164 C&G branches across the UK would close with the loss of 833 jobs, but that decision may now be reversed.
"Unite is satisfied that the Lloyds Banking Group has finally acknowledged that the decision to close the Cheltenham and Gloucester branch network was ill-considered," said the union's national officer Rob MacGregor. "Today's announcement comes with no warning and will make the workforce wonder whether their bosses have any long-term strategy for the future of the bank".
Unite said it was now calling for an urgent meeting with Lloyds "in order to get clarification as to the format and timescales of the review".
Barrow Gas Terminal Strike
Unite members at Centrica’s gas terminal are on strike in Barrow in protest at the three per cent pay rise offered by maintenance firm RBG.
Unite members are demanding the 5.5% deal for sites covered by the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry.
Barrow gas terminal is not currently part of the agreement.
The 21 members voted on Thursday to take industrial action and they are supported by 19 members from other sites.
Senior management from RBG travelled to the site on Thursday to initiate discussions with union representatives. A spokeswoman for RBG said: “Members of the senior management team met with union members on Thursday afternoon but it was decided they would definitely go on strike from Friday".
Unite members are demanding the 5.5% deal for sites covered by the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry.
Barrow gas terminal is not currently part of the agreement.
The 21 members voted on Thursday to take industrial action and they are supported by 19 members from other sites.
Senior management from RBG travelled to the site on Thursday to initiate discussions with union representatives. A spokeswoman for RBG said: “Members of the senior management team met with union members on Thursday afternoon but it was decided they would definitely go on strike from Friday".
Coventry Youth Workers To Strike
Unite members who are youth and community workers in Coventry are staging a one-day strike on Wednesday, 26th August to protest at the continuing cuts to services for young people.
Unite members voted overwhelmingly for the strike in a bid to highlight the effects of £660,000 worth of cuts that the Conservative-dominated city council is continuing to impose.
Thirty full-time staff and up to 50 part-time employees will be holding demonstrations at various locations in the city.
Rachael Maskell, national officer, community and non profit sector, said: "Our members are taking this one-day action as a last resort because the council has refused to consult and negotiate on the implementation of these proposals. We urge the council to open a dialogue with staff and trade union representatives. The city council appears to have no conscience as to how these cuts will affect the most vulnerable in Coventry – at a time when the recession is really biting. Council officers are hiding behind council members’ decisions and calling it policy."
Recent cuts have centred on after-school clubs and summer play scheme programmes which have seen the disbandment of the children and family education service, with 40 full-time and part time workers taking retirement or redundancy, or being redeployed.
This has resulted in a cut to front line services for primary aged children in the city, including provision for children with special educational need and disabilities. These cuts have totalled £300,000.
Now the city wishes to implement further cuts of £360,000 which will hit some of the most vulnerable young people in the city.
Unite members voted overwhelmingly for the strike in a bid to highlight the effects of £660,000 worth of cuts that the Conservative-dominated city council is continuing to impose.
Thirty full-time staff and up to 50 part-time employees will be holding demonstrations at various locations in the city.
Rachael Maskell, national officer, community and non profit sector, said: "Our members are taking this one-day action as a last resort because the council has refused to consult and negotiate on the implementation of these proposals. We urge the council to open a dialogue with staff and trade union representatives. The city council appears to have no conscience as to how these cuts will affect the most vulnerable in Coventry – at a time when the recession is really biting. Council officers are hiding behind council members’ decisions and calling it policy."
Recent cuts have centred on after-school clubs and summer play scheme programmes which have seen the disbandment of the children and family education service, with 40 full-time and part time workers taking retirement or redundancy, or being redeployed.
This has resulted in a cut to front line services for primary aged children in the city, including provision for children with special educational need and disabilities. These cuts have totalled £300,000.
Now the city wishes to implement further cuts of £360,000 which will hit some of the most vulnerable young people in the city.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Workers Uniting and NHS-US Healthcare Battle
From Thursday's Morning Star
Unions go global to tell truth on NHS
Wednesday 19 August 2009
by Tom Mellen
A three-million strong global union has launched a campaign to counter lies being spread by some opponents of the White House's health reform plans.
US rightwingers assert that US President Barack Obama's drive to guarantee affordable universal health-care amounts to a "socialist" takeover of the private insurance industry.
But the Workers Uniting union, a partnership between British union Unite and the US-Canadian United Steelworkers (USW), observed that the establishment of "an egalitarian health-care system" is "about human and civil rights."
At present, 46 million US citizens who cannot afford private health insurance have to fend for themselves if they fall ill.
Mr Obama's plan, which would cost up to £900 billion, would require employers to either furnish "meaningful coverage" for employees or contribute to a new public plan.
Republican and rightwing groups, backed by healthcare privateers, assert that the introduction of a universal insurance system would unfairly compete with private-sector plans.
And failed Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has implied that introducing "socialised health care" would entail the establishment of euthanising "death panels"where the elderly and infirm would be obliged to plead with faceless bureaucrats for their life.
Workers Uniting has used its website and popular social networking sites to expose this right-wing "nonsense."
In a message to members, USW international president Leo Gerard pointed out that the debate in the US "has been unfairly focused on the many myths and mistruths being circulated by opponents, including those about the universal health-care system in Britain."
He hailed "our sisters and brothers in Britain who know the truth and are helping set the record straight."
Unite joint general secretary Derek Simpson described the NHS as "the pride of Britain" branding attempts to "represent the NHS as inefficient as outrageous."
Fellow joint general secretary Tony Woodley vowed that Workers Uniting will "work to promote the principles of universal health-care provision for all, free at the point of delivery."
Mr Woodley said that the internet campaign "will show workers in the US how an egalitarian and effective health-care system must be an aspiration for every fair and decent society."
He slated claims that a national health-care system will fail the old, or judge the lives of some as unworthy of treatment as "total nonsense."
Unions go global to tell truth on NHS
Wednesday 19 August 2009
by Tom Mellen
A three-million strong global union has launched a campaign to counter lies being spread by some opponents of the White House's health reform plans.
US rightwingers assert that US President Barack Obama's drive to guarantee affordable universal health-care amounts to a "socialist" takeover of the private insurance industry.
But the Workers Uniting union, a partnership between British union Unite and the US-Canadian United Steelworkers (USW), observed that the establishment of "an egalitarian health-care system" is "about human and civil rights."
At present, 46 million US citizens who cannot afford private health insurance have to fend for themselves if they fall ill.
Mr Obama's plan, which would cost up to £900 billion, would require employers to either furnish "meaningful coverage" for employees or contribute to a new public plan.
Republican and rightwing groups, backed by healthcare privateers, assert that the introduction of a universal insurance system would unfairly compete with private-sector plans.
And failed Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has implied that introducing "socialised health care" would entail the establishment of euthanising "death panels"where the elderly and infirm would be obliged to plead with faceless bureaucrats for their life.
Workers Uniting has used its website and popular social networking sites to expose this right-wing "nonsense."
In a message to members, USW international president Leo Gerard pointed out that the debate in the US "has been unfairly focused on the many myths and mistruths being circulated by opponents, including those about the universal health-care system in Britain."
He hailed "our sisters and brothers in Britain who know the truth and are helping set the record straight."
Unite joint general secretary Derek Simpson described the NHS as "the pride of Britain" branding attempts to "represent the NHS as inefficient as outrageous."
Fellow joint general secretary Tony Woodley vowed that Workers Uniting will "work to promote the principles of universal health-care provision for all, free at the point of delivery."
Mr Woodley said that the internet campaign "will show workers in the US how an egalitarian and effective health-care system must be an aspiration for every fair and decent society."
He slated claims that a national health-care system will fail the old, or judge the lives of some as unworthy of treatment as "total nonsense."
Help Wanted at Manchester Pride
Unite needs help at the Manchester Pride event. Help needed with the Unite stall, leafleting and talking to people about the union.
Dates: Saturday August 29th, Sunday 30th and Monday 31st, between 11am - 7pm as well as members and activists to take part in the parade on Saturday 29th from 12pm - 4pm.
Any assistance on any days will be greatly appreciated!
Contact:
Sarah.Holden@unitetheunion.com or Tel: 07919 307433.
Dates: Saturday August 29th, Sunday 30th and Monday 31st, between 11am - 7pm as well as members and activists to take part in the parade on Saturday 29th from 12pm - 4pm.
Any assistance on any days will be greatly appreciated!
Contact:
Sarah.Holden@unitetheunion.com or Tel: 07919 307433.
Manchester Airport Staff Ballot Over Pay Freeze
Unite members at Manchester Airport are being balloted for industrial action.
Unite members employed as cleaners, aircraft refuelling staff and baggage handlers may take the action over the August Bank Holiday weekend. They are employed by Swissport, Rentokil/Initial and ASIG.
The disputes are over plans to impose a pay freeze and to renege on a 2008 pay deal.
Unite Regional officer Lawrence Chapple-Gill said: “We are not oblivious to the economic climate and understand the impact any industrial action would have on travellers during the busy summer period. But these employers are asking already low-waged workers to bear the full brunt of companies’ attempts to adjust costs. “Workers, who have consistently delivered for the companies through tough times, feel betrayed.”
In a further development at Manchester Airport Unite is seeking urgent an urgent meeting with ground handling company Servisair following news that Ryanair is cutting its routes. Ryanair will switch or close nine of its 10 Manchester routes from October 1st.
Ryanair claims Manchester airport refused to lower its charges to reflect the lower fares being paid by passengers in the recession. Ryanair said the move would result in the loss of 44 weekly Manchester flights, and put 600 jobs at risk.
Lawrence Chapple-Gill said: "The extent of Ryanair's route closures and changes is worse than expected. Unite is seeking an urgent meeting with Servisair and it will be working to minimise the impact of Ryanair's decision on Unite members employed at the airport."
Unite members employed as cleaners, aircraft refuelling staff and baggage handlers may take the action over the August Bank Holiday weekend. They are employed by Swissport, Rentokil/Initial and ASIG.
The disputes are over plans to impose a pay freeze and to renege on a 2008 pay deal.
Unite Regional officer Lawrence Chapple-Gill said: “We are not oblivious to the economic climate and understand the impact any industrial action would have on travellers during the busy summer period. But these employers are asking already low-waged workers to bear the full brunt of companies’ attempts to adjust costs. “Workers, who have consistently delivered for the companies through tough times, feel betrayed.”
In a further development at Manchester Airport Unite is seeking urgent an urgent meeting with ground handling company Servisair following news that Ryanair is cutting its routes. Ryanair will switch or close nine of its 10 Manchester routes from October 1st.
Ryanair claims Manchester airport refused to lower its charges to reflect the lower fares being paid by passengers in the recession. Ryanair said the move would result in the loss of 44 weekly Manchester flights, and put 600 jobs at risk.
Lawrence Chapple-Gill said: "The extent of Ryanair's route closures and changes is worse than expected. Unite is seeking an urgent meeting with Servisair and it will be working to minimise the impact of Ryanair's decision on Unite members employed at the airport."
Billionaires For Wealthcare
US healthcare! Check this one out...
http://billionairesforwealthcare.com/BillionairesForWealthcare.html
Please pass on.
http://billionairesforwealthcare.com/BillionairesForWealthcare.html
Please pass on.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Workers Uniting tells The Truth About The NHS
Workers Uniting, the global union formed by Unite and the USW has published this excellent article is live on the Workers Uniting Website
www.workersuniting.org
Opponents to President Obama’s healthcare reform plan have circulated a number of serious lies and gross distortions about the UK’s National Health Service to defend their own interests and scupper plans that will help the 47 million Americans currently without healthcare cover.
What is the NHS?
The UK’s National Health Service provides a wide range of healthcare services - everything from antenatal screening and routine treatments for coughs and colds to open heart surgery, accident and emergency treatment and end-of-life care to the whole UK population of 60million people.
Most importantly it is free for people to access healthcare and 1 million patients are seen every 36 hours.
The NHS funded by general taxation and is organised and run at a local, regional level. It is one of the most efficient, most egalitarian and most comprehensive in the world, looking after everyone from their birth to their death. It is an institution supported by every major political party in Britain and the British population, who have been responding to the Republican attacks on the NHS on Twitter, at #welovetheNHS by posting their own stories of how the NHS has saved and improved the lives of them and their loved ones, for free.
LIE 1: that older people do not receive treatment on the NHS
Ted Kennedy, 77, would not be treated for his brain tumour if he was in Britain because he is too old (Charles Grassley, Republican senator from Iowa)
In England, anyone over 59 years of age cannot receive heart repairs, stents or bypass because it is not covered as being too expensive and not needed, (an anonymously authored, but widely circulated, email).
THE TRUTH
There is no ban on anyone of any age receiving any treatment – indeed, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of age when providing services. Professor Peter Weissberg, the medical director of the British Heart Foundation, an independent charity, says that “Growing numbers of patients over 65 with heart conditions are having surgery, including valve repairs and heart bypass surgery”. Additionally, the average age at which people have a bypass operation has risen from 58 in 1991 to 66 in 2008.Decisions over whether to recommend and perform surgery or prescribe drugs are clinical decisions, taken on a case by case basis on what is best for each patient.
LIE 2: officials decide the ‘worth’ of each person’s life, denying treatment to those who are deemed ‘worthless’.
People such as scientist Stephen Hawking [who has Motor Neurone Disease, a degenerative illness] wouldn't have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless." (Investors Business Daily)
Government health officials in England have decided that $22,750 (£14,000) is what six months' life is worth. Under their socialised system, if a medical treatment costs more, you're out of luck (Club for Growth)
THE TRUTH
Professor Stephen Hawking lives and works in Britain and received NHS treatment as recently as April 2009. He has responded to the above claim by saying that he “wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS. I have received a large amount of high-quality treatment without which I would not have survived”.
In Britain, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) decides whether new drugs represent value for money for the NHS. There has been a gross misrepresentation of its role; Nice assesses new drugs by looking at the amount and quality of extended life it is hoped the patient will gain by looking at the medical evidence. The current ceiling is £30,000 for a full course of treatment but exceptions are made.
LIE 3: rationing means people are not able to access the treatment they need for serious conditions.
In Britain, 40% of cancer patients are never able to see an oncologist; there is explicit rationing for services such as kidney dialysis, open heart surgery and care for the terminally ill. (Conservatives for Patients' Rights)
The British NHS "does not allow" women under 25 to receive screening for cervical cancer (Jim DeMint, Republican senator from South Carolina)
THE TRUTH
There is no ‘rationing’ for services such as kidney dialysis, open heart surgery or end of life care.
The above claim about cancer is from an out of date, 15 year old study. In 2000 a 10 year programme was launched, setting key targets for improvement. The National Audit Office, which is responsible for analyzing how effectively the government spends money, reported in 2005 that 99.2%of people who are referred by their doctor with suspected cancer see a specialist within 2 weeks and 89.9% of patients diagnosed with cancer begin treatment within 31 days.
There is an ‘End of Life Care Strategy’ that “aims to improve access to high quality care for adults approaching the end of life. This care should be available wherever the person might be, ie at home, in a care home, in hospital, in a hospice, or somewhere else.”
All women over 25 are routinely and regularly invited for a cervical smear. Any woman, at any age, who presents symptoms of cervical cancer will receive a smear test if their doctor thinks it is appropriate.
www.workersuniting.org
Opponents to President Obama’s healthcare reform plan have circulated a number of serious lies and gross distortions about the UK’s National Health Service to defend their own interests and scupper plans that will help the 47 million Americans currently without healthcare cover.
What is the NHS?
The UK’s National Health Service provides a wide range of healthcare services - everything from antenatal screening and routine treatments for coughs and colds to open heart surgery, accident and emergency treatment and end-of-life care to the whole UK population of 60million people.
Most importantly it is free for people to access healthcare and 1 million patients are seen every 36 hours.
The NHS funded by general taxation and is organised and run at a local, regional level. It is one of the most efficient, most egalitarian and most comprehensive in the world, looking after everyone from their birth to their death. It is an institution supported by every major political party in Britain and the British population, who have been responding to the Republican attacks on the NHS on Twitter, at #welovetheNHS by posting their own stories of how the NHS has saved and improved the lives of them and their loved ones, for free.
LIE 1: that older people do not receive treatment on the NHS
Ted Kennedy, 77, would not be treated for his brain tumour if he was in Britain because he is too old (Charles Grassley, Republican senator from Iowa)
In England, anyone over 59 years of age cannot receive heart repairs, stents or bypass because it is not covered as being too expensive and not needed, (an anonymously authored, but widely circulated, email).
THE TRUTH
There is no ban on anyone of any age receiving any treatment – indeed, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of age when providing services. Professor Peter Weissberg, the medical director of the British Heart Foundation, an independent charity, says that “Growing numbers of patients over 65 with heart conditions are having surgery, including valve repairs and heart bypass surgery”. Additionally, the average age at which people have a bypass operation has risen from 58 in 1991 to 66 in 2008.Decisions over whether to recommend and perform surgery or prescribe drugs are clinical decisions, taken on a case by case basis on what is best for each patient.
LIE 2: officials decide the ‘worth’ of each person’s life, denying treatment to those who are deemed ‘worthless’.
People such as scientist Stephen Hawking [who has Motor Neurone Disease, a degenerative illness] wouldn't have a chance in the UK, where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless." (Investors Business Daily)
Government health officials in England have decided that $22,750 (£14,000) is what six months' life is worth. Under their socialised system, if a medical treatment costs more, you're out of luck (Club for Growth)
THE TRUTH
Professor Stephen Hawking lives and works in Britain and received NHS treatment as recently as April 2009. He has responded to the above claim by saying that he “wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS. I have received a large amount of high-quality treatment without which I would not have survived”.
In Britain, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) decides whether new drugs represent value for money for the NHS. There has been a gross misrepresentation of its role; Nice assesses new drugs by looking at the amount and quality of extended life it is hoped the patient will gain by looking at the medical evidence. The current ceiling is £30,000 for a full course of treatment but exceptions are made.
LIE 3: rationing means people are not able to access the treatment they need for serious conditions.
In Britain, 40% of cancer patients are never able to see an oncologist; there is explicit rationing for services such as kidney dialysis, open heart surgery and care for the terminally ill. (Conservatives for Patients' Rights)
The British NHS "does not allow" women under 25 to receive screening for cervical cancer (Jim DeMint, Republican senator from South Carolina)
THE TRUTH
There is no ‘rationing’ for services such as kidney dialysis, open heart surgery or end of life care.
The above claim about cancer is from an out of date, 15 year old study. In 2000 a 10 year programme was launched, setting key targets for improvement. The National Audit Office, which is responsible for analyzing how effectively the government spends money, reported in 2005 that 99.2%of people who are referred by their doctor with suspected cancer see a specialist within 2 weeks and 89.9% of patients diagnosed with cancer begin treatment within 31 days.
There is an ‘End of Life Care Strategy’ that “aims to improve access to high quality care for adults approaching the end of life. This care should be available wherever the person might be, ie at home, in a care home, in hospital, in a hospice, or somewhere else.”
All women over 25 are routinely and regularly invited for a cervical smear. Any woman, at any age, who presents symptoms of cervical cancer will receive a smear test if their doctor thinks it is appropriate.
Hundreds Of Skilled IT Staff Join Unite @ IBM
Hundreds of highly skilled IBM staff employed at the companies Hursley and Portsmouth sites have joined Unite in the last few weeks as the IT company says it will change their pension scheme which could see upto £200,000 wiped off the value of their pensions.
The IBM site , which employs about 6,000 people in Hampshire at its UK research base at Hursley and its UK headquarters in Portsmouth, want to close the final salary pension scheme and alter the terms of its early retirement plan.
Unite says hundreds of IBM workers have been joining-up in readiness to fight the proposals which they claim will have “a devastating effect” on future pensions.
One senior member of staff at IBM, who did not want to be named, said workers no longer trusted the company. “It hasn’t gone down at all well. They are chipping away at employee benefits and people don’t trust what they say any more. In the good times the executives were happy to take money out of the scheme but as soon as there are tough economic times it’s the employees who pick up the tab.”
Unite is organising a series of meetings throughout the UK.
Peter Skyte, Unite national officer for IT and communications, said: “IBM is facing a backlash against its pensions proposals. These highly skilled and experienced staff were key to the company’s survival and they view the company’s proposals as a kick in the teeth. IBM is a highly profitable company with substantial revenues and cash reserves, but is using the recession as a cloak to close its pension schemes to existing members and further line the pockets of its shareholders and senior executives at the expense of its loyal workforce.”
A spokesman for the IT giant said: “IBM is in a process of consultation as required by law during which time employees will have the opportunity to ask questions and send feedback on the proposals. It would be inappropriate to discuss further during this consultation period.” Well, they would say that wouldn't they?
The IBM site , which employs about 6,000 people in Hampshire at its UK research base at Hursley and its UK headquarters in Portsmouth, want to close the final salary pension scheme and alter the terms of its early retirement plan.
Unite says hundreds of IBM workers have been joining-up in readiness to fight the proposals which they claim will have “a devastating effect” on future pensions.
One senior member of staff at IBM, who did not want to be named, said workers no longer trusted the company. “It hasn’t gone down at all well. They are chipping away at employee benefits and people don’t trust what they say any more. In the good times the executives were happy to take money out of the scheme but as soon as there are tough economic times it’s the employees who pick up the tab.”
Unite is organising a series of meetings throughout the UK.
Peter Skyte, Unite national officer for IT and communications, said: “IBM is facing a backlash against its pensions proposals. These highly skilled and experienced staff were key to the company’s survival and they view the company’s proposals as a kick in the teeth. IBM is a highly profitable company with substantial revenues and cash reserves, but is using the recession as a cloak to close its pension schemes to existing members and further line the pockets of its shareholders and senior executives at the expense of its loyal workforce.”
A spokesman for the IT giant said: “IBM is in a process of consultation as required by law during which time employees will have the opportunity to ask questions and send feedback on the proposals. It would be inappropriate to discuss further during this consultation period.” Well, they would say that wouldn't they?
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Derek Simpson to Speak at Workers Uniting Group in Glasgow
Unite Joint GS Derek Simpson will be the keynote speaker at the Workers Uniting Group Meeting in Glasgow on 22nd August.
The meeting will be at
Venue:
STUC
333 Woodlands Road
Glasgow
G3 6NG
Date:
Saturday 22nd August 2009
Time:
10:00hrs - midday
All Unites member welcome
The meeting will be at
Venue:
STUC
333 Woodlands Road
Glasgow
G3 6NG
Date:
Saturday 22nd August 2009
Time:
10:00hrs - midday
All Unites member welcome
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Unite Welcomes Airbus A350 Deal
UK government's launch aid investment for Airbus A350 is a "vote of confidence in UK manufacturing", says Unite
Welcoming the government's announcement today that it will invest £340 million in the Airbus A350, Bernie Hamilton, Unite national officer for aerospace and shipbuilding said: “This investment is a vote of confidence for UK manufacturing and a ringing endorsement of the government's aerospace strategy. It safeguards thousands of jobs across the UK, but in particular it is good news for jobs in Wales and the south west.
Bernie went on to say: "The investment builds on the recent announcement by the government and Rolls Royce for four new manufacturing factories in the UK. The government, in partnership with GKN and Bombardier, has also invested in aerospace infrastructure and technology. Britain is in a prime position to compete in the world making the UK the centre of excellence in the civil airline industry.
"Adding to these announcements, in the military sector the government has recently confirmed the Future Lynx Helicopter, Tranche 3 of the Typhoon aircraft and continued investment in the Joint Strike Fighter, along with the contract confirmation of two new aircraft carriers.
"The government has acted and secured jobs for thousands of UK workers giving them stable and secure employment for decades to come."
Welcoming the government's announcement today that it will invest £340 million in the Airbus A350, Bernie Hamilton, Unite national officer for aerospace and shipbuilding said: “This investment is a vote of confidence for UK manufacturing and a ringing endorsement of the government's aerospace strategy. It safeguards thousands of jobs across the UK, but in particular it is good news for jobs in Wales and the south west.
Bernie went on to say: "The investment builds on the recent announcement by the government and Rolls Royce for four new manufacturing factories in the UK. The government, in partnership with GKN and Bombardier, has also invested in aerospace infrastructure and technology. Britain is in a prime position to compete in the world making the UK the centre of excellence in the civil airline industry.
"Adding to these announcements, in the military sector the government has recently confirmed the Future Lynx Helicopter, Tranche 3 of the Typhoon aircraft and continued investment in the Joint Strike Fighter, along with the contract confirmation of two new aircraft carriers.
"The government has acted and secured jobs for thousands of UK workers giving them stable and secure employment for decades to come."
US Unions Rally To Support Healthcare Reforms
By Tony Burke - Morning Star
Monday 10 August 2009
Faced with a massive onslaught by the Republican right on President Obama's health-care proposals, AFL-CIO president John Sweeney has called upon trade unionists in the US to mobilise at pro-healthcare "town hall" meetings.
The meetings organised by the pro-healthcare lobby are being violently disrupted by right-wingers and Republicans who are trying to wreck Obama's health-care proposals.
Sweeney laid out the stark choice facing the US Congress: "Side with health insurers and vote for legislation that continues their control over health care in America, or vote for reform that puts people in charge of their health care. The question for us is, will we let them make health care 'Obama's Waterloo' or will we make it the next big step in our march to turn around America?"
The US right wing has organised high-profile, disruptive and violent demonstrations at the town hall meetings led by an organisation called Tea-Party Patriots, which has been dubbed by unions as the "Tea Bag Patriots."
Republicans and right-wing groups funded by the health-care industry claim to be genuine opponents of Obama's reforms.
However, right-wing activists are being caught red-handed.
One woman who protested at a public meeting held by Wisconsin Democrat congressman Steve Kagen said she was "just a mom" but turned out to be a former senior Republican Party official. A number of pro-healthcare meetings have been cancelled out of fear of violence.
In Missouri, six people were arrested at one event.
A group of supporters hung an effigy of a Democratic congressman outside his office, while another Democrat has received death threats.
The Washington Post has commented: "They've become political terrorists, willing to say or do anything to prevent the country from reaching a consensus on one of its most serious domestic problems."
"Hundreds of millions of dollars - including lots of our insurance premium dollars - are being spent by an unholy alliance of insurers, Rush Limbaugh, Fox News and the Republican right in an aggressive campaign to stop health reform," said Sweeney.
Former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has called the pro-healthcare plan "evil" and placed a typically cranky comment on her Facebook site saying: "The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down's syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama's 'death panel' so his bureaucrats can decide whether they are worthy of health care."
Misinformation relating to Britain's NHS and the Canadian health service pours out on web sites such as those run by Patients First.
The union fightback involves major participation in both live Congressional town hall meetings and virtual "tele-town hall meetings."
It includes election-style union communications with union members at home and work, leadership meetings with Congressional members arguing for a requirement that all employers "pay or play," a robust public health-insurance plan to compete with private insurers and drive down health costs, relief for company/union funds providing pre-Medicare retiree coverage and no taxation of health benefits.
Special attention is to be paid to retirees who have been a major target of the rightwingers and the Alliance for Retired Americans is organising to attend member-sponsored town hall meetings and create events of their own.
Sweeney said: "At stake is nothing less than insurers' power to control what doctors we see, what treatments we get and how much of our wage dollars go to their fat profits. President Obama's proposal would put people and their doctors in charge of their own health care, reduce health-care cost inflation, outlaw insurance company abuses, give doctors better decision-making tools for care and require insurers to compete with a public health-insurance option."
Monday 10 August 2009
Faced with a massive onslaught by the Republican right on President Obama's health-care proposals, AFL-CIO president John Sweeney has called upon trade unionists in the US to mobilise at pro-healthcare "town hall" meetings.
The meetings organised by the pro-healthcare lobby are being violently disrupted by right-wingers and Republicans who are trying to wreck Obama's health-care proposals.
Sweeney laid out the stark choice facing the US Congress: "Side with health insurers and vote for legislation that continues their control over health care in America, or vote for reform that puts people in charge of their health care. The question for us is, will we let them make health care 'Obama's Waterloo' or will we make it the next big step in our march to turn around America?"
The US right wing has organised high-profile, disruptive and violent demonstrations at the town hall meetings led by an organisation called Tea-Party Patriots, which has been dubbed by unions as the "Tea Bag Patriots."
Republicans and right-wing groups funded by the health-care industry claim to be genuine opponents of Obama's reforms.
However, right-wing activists are being caught red-handed.
One woman who protested at a public meeting held by Wisconsin Democrat congressman Steve Kagen said she was "just a mom" but turned out to be a former senior Republican Party official. A number of pro-healthcare meetings have been cancelled out of fear of violence.
In Missouri, six people were arrested at one event.
A group of supporters hung an effigy of a Democratic congressman outside his office, while another Democrat has received death threats.
The Washington Post has commented: "They've become political terrorists, willing to say or do anything to prevent the country from reaching a consensus on one of its most serious domestic problems."
"Hundreds of millions of dollars - including lots of our insurance premium dollars - are being spent by an unholy alliance of insurers, Rush Limbaugh, Fox News and the Republican right in an aggressive campaign to stop health reform," said Sweeney.
Former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has called the pro-healthcare plan "evil" and placed a typically cranky comment on her Facebook site saying: "The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down's syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama's 'death panel' so his bureaucrats can decide whether they are worthy of health care."
Misinformation relating to Britain's NHS and the Canadian health service pours out on web sites such as those run by Patients First.
The union fightback involves major participation in both live Congressional town hall meetings and virtual "tele-town hall meetings."
It includes election-style union communications with union members at home and work, leadership meetings with Congressional members arguing for a requirement that all employers "pay or play," a robust public health-insurance plan to compete with private insurers and drive down health costs, relief for company/union funds providing pre-Medicare retiree coverage and no taxation of health benefits.
Special attention is to be paid to retirees who have been a major target of the rightwingers and the Alliance for Retired Americans is organising to attend member-sponsored town hall meetings and create events of their own.
Sweeney said: "At stake is nothing less than insurers' power to control what doctors we see, what treatments we get and how much of our wage dollars go to their fat profits. President Obama's proposal would put people and their doctors in charge of their own health care, reduce health-care cost inflation, outlaw insurance company abuses, give doctors better decision-making tools for care and require insurers to compete with a public health-insurance option."
Hoffa Joins Diageo Fight
US trade union chief Jimmy Hoffa joins fight to save Scots whisky jobs
US Teamsters trade union President Jimmy Hoffa has joined the fight to save 900 whisky jobs from the axe.
Hoffa, has written to Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh warning him of the "catastrophic economic consequences" of the firm's plans.
Diageo want to shut their Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock, with the loss of 700 jobs.
They also want to close the historic Port Dundas distillery and cooperage in Glasgow, with more jobs expected to go at other sites across the country.
In his letter to Walsh, Hoffa accuses Diageo of having "antiworker policies" and says the firm's international sales could be hit if the closures go ahead.
Hoffa, whose legendary dad Jimmy also led the Teamsters, said: "The strong association for consumers in the US with quality whisky, Scotland and the Johnnie Walker brand won't have the same appeal if it becomes associated with blighted communities."
The Teamsters union have 1.4million members in America and have been headed up by 68-year-old Hoffa since 1999.
His controversial father led the union for 13 years, the last four from a jail cell,where he was serving time for jury tampering and attempted bribery.
He was released in 1971 but disappeared four years later and is presumed dead.
News of Hoffa Jnr's involvement in the campaign to save the threatened Scots workers emerged as politicians and union leaders held a summit in Glasgow.
They were told that their campaign has also won the backing of the American Food and Commercial Workers Union.
Jackson Cullinaine, a regional officer with the Unite union, said they now wanted to enlist even more international support for their fight to save the JohnnieWalker staff.
He said: "We want to increase the pressure on the company.While our campaign will continue to build on the tremendous support we have in Scotland, we are now moving to an international plane to directly target Diageo and their chief executive."
An independent report, backed by the Scottish government and enterprise bosses, into how Diageo's presence in Kilmarnock and Glasgow could be maintained, is due to be published next week.
Patricia Ferguson, Labour MSP for Glasgow Maryhill, attended yesterday's meeting and said those fighting the job cuts were "more united than ever".
She said:"The staff at Port Dundas and Kilmarnock stand shoulder to shoulder with each other in their determination to save their jobs and as politicians, our job is to support them. There is now renewed momentum in the campaign, and we are moving to the next stage."
US Teamsters trade union President Jimmy Hoffa has joined the fight to save 900 whisky jobs from the axe.
Hoffa, has written to Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh warning him of the "catastrophic economic consequences" of the firm's plans.
Diageo want to shut their Johnnie Walker bottling plant in Kilmarnock, with the loss of 700 jobs.
They also want to close the historic Port Dundas distillery and cooperage in Glasgow, with more jobs expected to go at other sites across the country.
In his letter to Walsh, Hoffa accuses Diageo of having "antiworker policies" and says the firm's international sales could be hit if the closures go ahead.
Hoffa, whose legendary dad Jimmy also led the Teamsters, said: "The strong association for consumers in the US with quality whisky, Scotland and the Johnnie Walker brand won't have the same appeal if it becomes associated with blighted communities."
The Teamsters union have 1.4million members in America and have been headed up by 68-year-old Hoffa since 1999.
His controversial father led the union for 13 years, the last four from a jail cell,where he was serving time for jury tampering and attempted bribery.
He was released in 1971 but disappeared four years later and is presumed dead.
News of Hoffa Jnr's involvement in the campaign to save the threatened Scots workers emerged as politicians and union leaders held a summit in Glasgow.
They were told that their campaign has also won the backing of the American Food and Commercial Workers Union.
Jackson Cullinaine, a regional officer with the Unite union, said they now wanted to enlist even more international support for their fight to save the JohnnieWalker staff.
He said: "We want to increase the pressure on the company.While our campaign will continue to build on the tremendous support we have in Scotland, we are now moving to an international plane to directly target Diageo and their chief executive."
An independent report, backed by the Scottish government and enterprise bosses, into how Diageo's presence in Kilmarnock and Glasgow could be maintained, is due to be published next week.
Patricia Ferguson, Labour MSP for Glasgow Maryhill, attended yesterday's meeting and said those fighting the job cuts were "more united than ever".
She said:"The staff at Port Dundas and Kilmarnock stand shoulder to shoulder with each other in their determination to save their jobs and as politicians, our job is to support them. There is now renewed momentum in the campaign, and we are moving to the next stage."
Article by Leo Gerard, President of the USW
THE HILL’S CONGRESS BLOG
Aug. 13, 2009 (Also placed on ‘Huffington Post’ and USW website)
By United Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard
They came first for the Communists,
And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics,
And I didn’t speak up because I was Protestant.
Then they came for me,
And by that time no one was left to speak up.
* Martin Niemoeller
China is attacking the U.S. with a stealth weapon of mass economic destruction – unfair trade. U.S. corporations – and China – that profiteer from it prefer to label this “free trade.”
But industrial carnage is the only way to describe the devastation done to the U.S. economy by an accumulated trillion dollar trade deficit with China, the destruction of U.S. jobs by off-shoring them to China, and the disintegration of the U.S. industrial sector that is foreclosing America’s ability to support itself or to manufacture weapons to defend itself.
The United Steelworkers union is challenging China and the profiteers. It has demanded imposition of duties and tariffs on imported Chinese products – not because the U.S. can’t compete but because China cheats.
We’ve watched our members lose their jobs as steel mills idled, paper plants closed, and tire factories shuttered. In this war, China came for our jobs. Virtually no one spoke up for displaced blue collar workers. Perhaps you don’t wear a blue collar. A white one will prove no special shield. The Chinese will come for your job too.
In this struggle, it is crucial to understand that so-called free trade isn’t some lofty capitalist ideal. The U.S. engages in “free trade” with the Chinese because they hold $1 trillion in debt over our heads, an obligation they know we can’t pay. We shrink in fear of them. They’re world class bullies. They can do whatever they please. And they do. They violate international trade laws by which we abide. That’s why their stuff is so cheap. The one factor on which the price difference always is blamed – labor costs – is only the tiniest fraction of it.
Labor violations are part of the cheating. The National Labor Committee and others, including reporters from the New York Times, have documented exploitation of Chinese workers that can only be described as modern slavery. We stand in solidarity with these workers and condemn these atrocities that include very young teenagers kept in locked buildings with caged windows where they are forced to labor 14-hour shifts under grueling conditions, but find it impossible to make money or to amass the “exit fee” required to leave. They include children, women, and occasionally men kidnapped and forced to work in brick kilns, coal mines, and sweatshops in the Chinese hinterlands, with no payment other than gruel and a sleeping mat. When Chinese companies treat humans this way, they realize a competitive advantage over American firms that routinely obey humanitarian laws.
China is also one of the most dangerous places in the world to work and live because corporations fail to provide safety equipment for workers, such as dust control devices, and refuse to protect the environment with pollution control equipment. Both practices are profitable for Chinese corporations, particularly when competing with U.S. firms, which must abide by environmental and worker health and safety regulations.
Much more significant, however, are other deliberate Chinese interventions in the market, such as the undervaluation of its currency, subsidization of its manufacturing, counterfeiting, forced transfer of American technology, and refusal to give American companies access to Chinese markets with licensing restrictions, complex regulations and local content rules.
China gives breaks to manufacturers on land, rent, energy and water. Manufacturers may receive bank “loans” they know they’re not required to repay. China also exempts certain industries from income taxes and gives tax rebates on exports.
China’s deliberate currency undervaluation works as a subsidy as well. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission explains it this way: “China’s undervalued currency encourages undervalued Chinese exports to the U.S. and discourages U.S. exports because U.S. exports are artificially overvalued. As a result, undervalued Chinese exports have been highly disruptive to the U.S.”
China cheats. Free trade is a myth. The American worker doesn’t need special treatment. We’re the most productive in the world.
So the union demands it. Repeatedly, we’ve won cases seeking imposition of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on unfairly traded imports from China to protect our members. There was the glossy paper case in 2007 and the lightweight thermal paper case in 2008. The USW and four U.S. stainless pipe producers won a final order from the U.S. International Trade Commission in February on dumped Chinese welded austenitic stainless steel pressure pipe. Just two months later, the USW joined seven U.S. companies in seeking duties on imported Chinese welded and stainless steel pipes used in oil and gas extraction because of massive Chinese government subsidies.
But it’s the tire case that’s causing the commotion. That’s because the USW filed it under “Section 421,” which is supposed to allow the U.S. to combat unfair and damaging surges of particular Chinese imports. China agreed to abide by Section 421 until 2013 in exchange for support from the U.S. when it sought to join the World Trade Organization in 2001.The advantage of Section 421 is that the process is quicker that a typical trade case.
U.S. companies won four Section 421 cases previously, including the McWane Inc. ductile iron waterworks fittings case in 2003, in which the USW testified. The International Trade Commission recommended in the McWane case and the three others that former President George W. Bush penalize Chinese imports. He did nothing – refusing to protect U.S. industry.
But it’s a new day, with a new president. Thus the ruckus. If President Barack Obama adopts the recommendations of the International Trade Commission to use Section 421 to shield American tire manufacturers from unfair trade and preserve American jobs, more cases will quickly follow. That is what China and the corporate profiteers fear.
The USW filed the Section 421 tire case to defend the 15,000 rubber workers who we represented across North America. And we stood alone. No one spoke up for the tire workers. These U.S. workers watched during the past five years as Chinese tire imports increased 215 percent, making China the single largest source of consumer tire imports in the U.S. In that time, 5,000 U.S. rubber workers lost their jobs. Another 3,000 know they’ll get the boot by year’s end.
America’s increased trade deficits with China since it entered the World Trade Organization have cost 2.3 million workers their jobs or job displacements, according to The China Trade Toll (.pdf) by Robert E. Scott of the Economic Policy Institute.
Most were manufacturing jobs, but, among them, Scott reports, were 127,710 professional, scientific and technical services workers. There were 66,986 managers of companies and enterprises. They even included 13,141 arts, entertainment and recreation workers.
Those, by any definition, are white collar jobs.
Who will speak up for you?
Aug. 13, 2009 (Also placed on ‘Huffington Post’ and USW website)
By United Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard
They came first for the Communists,
And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics,
And I didn’t speak up because I was Protestant.
Then they came for me,
And by that time no one was left to speak up.
* Martin Niemoeller
China is attacking the U.S. with a stealth weapon of mass economic destruction – unfair trade. U.S. corporations – and China – that profiteer from it prefer to label this “free trade.”
But industrial carnage is the only way to describe the devastation done to the U.S. economy by an accumulated trillion dollar trade deficit with China, the destruction of U.S. jobs by off-shoring them to China, and the disintegration of the U.S. industrial sector that is foreclosing America’s ability to support itself or to manufacture weapons to defend itself.
The United Steelworkers union is challenging China and the profiteers. It has demanded imposition of duties and tariffs on imported Chinese products – not because the U.S. can’t compete but because China cheats.
We’ve watched our members lose their jobs as steel mills idled, paper plants closed, and tire factories shuttered. In this war, China came for our jobs. Virtually no one spoke up for displaced blue collar workers. Perhaps you don’t wear a blue collar. A white one will prove no special shield. The Chinese will come for your job too.
In this struggle, it is crucial to understand that so-called free trade isn’t some lofty capitalist ideal. The U.S. engages in “free trade” with the Chinese because they hold $1 trillion in debt over our heads, an obligation they know we can’t pay. We shrink in fear of them. They’re world class bullies. They can do whatever they please. And they do. They violate international trade laws by which we abide. That’s why their stuff is so cheap. The one factor on which the price difference always is blamed – labor costs – is only the tiniest fraction of it.
Labor violations are part of the cheating. The National Labor Committee and others, including reporters from the New York Times, have documented exploitation
China is also one of the most dangerous places in the world to work and live because corporations fail to provide safety equipment for workers, such as dust control devices, and refuse to protect the environment with pollution control equipment. Both practices are profitable for Chinese corporations, particularly when competing with U.S. firms, which must abide by environmental and worker health and safety regulations.
Much more significant, however, are other deliberate Chinese interventions in the market, such as the undervaluation of its currency, subsidization of its manufacturing, counterfeiting, forced transfer of American technology, and refusal to give American companies access to Chinese markets with licensing restrictions, complex regulations and local content rules.
China gives breaks to manufacturers on land, rent, energy and water. Manufacturers may receive bank “loans” they know they’re not required to repay. China also exempts certain industries from income taxes and gives tax rebates on exports.
China’s deliberate currency undervaluation works as a subsidy as well. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission explains it this way: “China’s undervalued currency encourages undervalued Chinese exports to the U.S. and discourages U.S. exports because U.S. exports are artificially overvalued. As a result, undervalued Chinese exports have been highly disruptive to the U.S.”
China cheats. Free trade is a myth. The American worker doesn’t need special treatment. We’re the most productive in the world.
So the union demands it. Repeatedly, we’ve won cases seeking imposition of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on unfairly traded imports from China to protect our members. There was the glossy paper case in 2007 and the lightweight thermal paper case in 2008. The USW and four U.S. stainless pipe producers won a final order from the U.S. International Trade Commission in February on dumped Chinese welded austenitic stainless steel pressure pipe. Just two months later, the USW joined seven U.S. companies in seeking duties on imported Chinese welded and stainless steel pipes used in oil and gas extraction because of massive Chinese government subsidies.
But it’s the tire case that’s causing the commotion. That’s because the USW filed it under “Section 421,” which is supposed to allow the U.S. to combat unfair and damaging surges of particular Chinese imports. China agreed to abide by Section 421 until 2013 in exchange for support from the U.S. when it sought to join the World Trade Organization in 2001.The advantage of Section 421 is that the process is quicker that a typical trade case.
U.S. companies won four Section 421 cases previously, including the McWane Inc. ductile iron waterworks fittings case in 2003, in which the USW testified. The International Trade Commission recommended in the McWane case and the three others that former President George W. Bush penalize Chinese imports. He did nothing – refusing to protect U.S. industry.
But it’s a new day, with a new president. Thus the ruckus. If President Barack Obama adopts the recommendations of the International Trade Commission to use Section 421 to shield American tire manufacturers from unfair trade and preserve American jobs, more cases will quickly follow. That is what China and the corporate profiteers fear.
The USW filed the Section 421 tire case to defend the 15,000 rubber workers who we represented across North America. And we stood alone. No one spoke up for the tire workers. These U.S. workers watched during the past five years as Chinese tire imports increased 215 percent, making China the single largest source of consumer tire imports in the U.S. In that time, 5,000 U.S. rubber workers lost their jobs. Another 3,000 know they’ll get the boot by year’s end.
America’s increased trade deficits with China since it entered the World Trade Organization have cost 2.3 million workers their jobs or job displacements, according to The China Trade Toll (.pdf)
Most were manufacturing jobs, but, among them, Scott reports, were 127,710 professional, scientific and technical services workers. There were 66,986 managers of companies and enterprises. They even included 13,141 arts, entertainment and recreation workers.
Those, by any definition, are white collar jobs.
Who will speak up for you?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
PLEURAL PLAQUES - SIGN THE PETITION FROM TULO
PLEURAL PLAQUES - SIGN THE PETITION FROM TULO
We have received the following letter from Trades Unions For Labour in regard to Pleural Plaques.
We need your help in getting justice for victims of this terrible disease.
TULO have just launched a petition calling for victims of Pleural Plaques to be fairly compensated for their injuries - you can sign it here:
http://unionstogether.org.uk/justice
Pleural Plaques are scarring of the lungs caused by heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos. Until a few years ago, sufferers of the disease were able to claim compensation. Crucially, this meant that companies were liable if they exposed their workers to asbestos.
But in October 2007, the Law Lords outrageously scrapped this precedent - meaning that thousands of people with Pleural Plaques would not be entitled to a single penny, whilst insurers profited to the tune of £1.4BN.
The petition calls on the Government to do the right thing for victims of Pleural Plaques and restore compensation. The Scottish Parliament and the devolved administration in Northern Ireland have already done this - and with your help we'll get Whitehall to stop dragging their feet and get this sorted in England and Wales too. You can sign the petition here:
http://unionstogether.org.uk/justice
Employers have long known about the dangers of exposure to asbestos. But instead of providing the protection required to safeguard their staff, many simply decided to hope they could get away with it.
A truly disgusting decision and a real abdication of duty.
Now thousands of men and women suffer from an entirely avoidable disease, and those who are diagnosed today aren't even entitled to compensation.
The Law Lords' decision that the lung scarring caused by asbestos isn't worthy of compensation is clearly wrong. In fact, the whole process was dubious - with one lawyer on the payroll of the employers' insurance companies having the audacity to claim that pleural plaques were a "good thing."
This couldn't be further from the truth. Pleural plaques are a sign of deep scarring to the lungs. Real physical injury, caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. And it causes significant mental anguish as well - Pleural Plaques victims have a dramatically higher chance of developing Mesothelioma - a lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
Many victims describe this as a ticking time bomb that infects their lives with fear - imagine living with the knowledge that your lungs had been irreversibly damaged by asbestos. Tragically, we know of at least one sufferer who couldn't live with the fear and took their own life.
Together we can make a difference. We want to see the government take action to reverse the Law Lords' judgement and make this unjust situation right. All we're asking for is justice for the people who need our help.
Please sign our petition - and then get your friends to sign it as well.
http://unionstogether.org.uk/justice
Together we'll send a powerful message to the Government - justice now.
We have received the following letter from Trades Unions For Labour in regard to Pleural Plaques.
We need your help in getting justice for victims of this terrible disease.
TULO have just launched a petition calling for victims of Pleural Plaques to be fairly compensated for their injuries - you can sign it here:
http://unionstogether.org.uk/justice
Pleural Plaques are scarring of the lungs caused by heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos. Until a few years ago, sufferers of the disease were able to claim compensation. Crucially, this meant that companies were liable if they exposed their workers to asbestos.
But in October 2007, the Law Lords outrageously scrapped this precedent - meaning that thousands of people with Pleural Plaques would not be entitled to a single penny, whilst insurers profited to the tune of £1.4BN.
The petition calls on the Government to do the right thing for victims of Pleural Plaques and restore compensation. The Scottish Parliament and the devolved administration in Northern Ireland have already done this - and with your help we'll get Whitehall to stop dragging their feet and get this sorted in England and Wales too. You can sign the petition here:
http://unionstogether.org.uk/justice
Employers have long known about the dangers of exposure to asbestos. But instead of providing the protection required to safeguard their staff, many simply decided to hope they could get away with it.
A truly disgusting decision and a real abdication of duty.
Now thousands of men and women suffer from an entirely avoidable disease, and those who are diagnosed today aren't even entitled to compensation.
The Law Lords' decision that the lung scarring caused by asbestos isn't worthy of compensation is clearly wrong. In fact, the whole process was dubious - with one lawyer on the payroll of the employers' insurance companies having the audacity to claim that pleural plaques were a "good thing."
This couldn't be further from the truth. Pleural plaques are a sign of deep scarring to the lungs. Real physical injury, caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. And it causes significant mental anguish as well - Pleural Plaques victims have a dramatically higher chance of developing Mesothelioma - a lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
Many victims describe this as a ticking time bomb that infects their lives with fear - imagine living with the knowledge that your lungs had been irreversibly damaged by asbestos. Tragically, we know of at least one sufferer who couldn't live with the fear and took their own life.
Together we can make a difference. We want to see the government take action to reverse the Law Lords' judgement and make this unjust situation right. All we're asking for is justice for the people who need our help.
Please sign our petition - and then get your friends to sign it as well.
http://unionstogether.org.uk/justice
Together we'll send a powerful message to the Government - justice now.
Union solidarity mission to Honduras
International trade union representatives are visiting Honduras in solidarity with the Honduran people to verify rights violations and demand the restoration of democracy and a return to constitutional order.
A delegation of international trade union leaders is visiting Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula in Honduras on a mission aimed at intensifying international political pressure on the government that came to power in a coup. The delegations is also expressing solidarity with trade unionists who are resisting the dictatorship and suffering violations of the freedom of expression.
The mission's objective is to demand the restoration of democracy and a return to constitutional order and to express solidarity with the Honduran people.
The mission was organised by the International Trade Union Confederation and the Trade union Confederation of the Americas.
The delegation also includes representatives of the Global Union Federations.
The mission, representing the international trade union community, was in Honduras from August 5 to 8 and will report violations to international and trade union organisations and work with Honduran trade union and social movements to draw up a programme to intensify solidarity action, at different places and times, and at the local and international levels with a view to restoring democracy.
The mission's programme includes meetings with social movements that are resisting the dictatorship and also with international observation groups, alternative media, trade unions and human rights organisations.
Since the coup in Honduras, an atmosphere of political persecution has affected political, trade union and social movement leaders. The ITUC and the IMF, through its affiliate, has noted serious human rights violations with at least eight killings, more than 150 injured and wounded, many threats and restrictions on the freedom of expression, information and movement.
A delegation of international trade union leaders is visiting Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula in Honduras on a mission aimed at intensifying international political pressure on the government that came to power in a coup. The delegations is also expressing solidarity with trade unionists who are resisting the dictatorship and suffering violations of the freedom of expression.
The mission's objective is to demand the restoration of democracy and a return to constitutional order and to express solidarity with the Honduran people.
The mission was organised by the International Trade Union Confederation and the Trade union Confederation of the Americas.
The delegation also includes representatives of the Global Union Federations.
The mission, representing the international trade union community, was in Honduras from August 5 to 8 and will report violations to international and trade union organisations and work with Honduran trade union and social movements to draw up a programme to intensify solidarity action, at different places and times, and at the local and international levels with a view to restoring democracy.
The mission's programme includes meetings with social movements that are resisting the dictatorship and also with international observation groups, alternative media, trade unions and human rights organisations.
Since the coup in Honduras, an atmosphere of political persecution has affected political, trade union and social movement leaders. The ITUC and the IMF, through its affiliate, has noted serious human rights violations with at least eight killings, more than 150 injured and wounded, many threats and restrictions on the freedom of expression, information and movement.
International Metal Workers - Put Permanent Jobs First
Put permanent jobs first!
Metalworker unions around the world are preparing to take action against the rise of precarious employment from 3 to 10 October 2009, in conjunction with the ITUC's World Day for Decent Work on 7 October 2009, other Global Union Federations and the European Metalworkers' Federation.
This October the International Metalworkers' Federation is taking the fight to governments, calling on them to ensure equal rights for precarious workers and to strengthen legislation to prevent employers from using precarious employment in place of permanent and direct employment.
"The economic crisis has made this demand all the more urgent, not only because precarious jobs have been the first to be lost, but because there is a real risk that employers will use the crisis as a justification to replace permanent jobs with precarious jobs," said IMF General Secretary Jyrki Raina.
"We have seen governments rush to protect capital by providing bailout funds. But governments must also protect workers and ensure that employers can't treat them as a disposable commodity," he argued.
This October, IMF and its affiliates around the world are calling on governments to:
Restrict temporary and contract work to cases of genuine need
Guarantee equal pay for precarious workers and their right to join a union
Require long-term temporary jobs to be converted to permanent jobs
The massive growth of precarious employment has brought negative social and economic consequences for people everywhere.
That's why workers throughout the world are uniting against precarious work.
Metalworker unions around the world are preparing to take action against the rise of precarious employment from 3 to 10 October 2009, in conjunction with the ITUC's World Day for Decent Work on 7 October 2009, other Global Union Federations and the European Metalworkers' Federation.
This October the International Metalworkers' Federation is taking the fight to governments, calling on them to ensure equal rights for precarious workers and to strengthen legislation to prevent employers from using precarious employment in place of permanent and direct employment.
"The economic crisis has made this demand all the more urgent, not only because precarious jobs have been the first to be lost, but because there is a real risk that employers will use the crisis as a justification to replace permanent jobs with precarious jobs," said IMF General Secretary Jyrki Raina.
"We have seen governments rush to protect capital by providing bailout funds. But governments must also protect workers and ensure that employers can't treat them as a disposable commodity," he argued.
This October, IMF and its affiliates around the world are calling on governments to:
Restrict temporary and contract work to cases of genuine need
Guarantee equal pay for precarious workers and their right to join a union
Require long-term temporary jobs to be converted to permanent jobs
The massive growth of precarious employment has brought negative social and economic consequences for people everywhere.
That's why workers throughout the world are uniting against precarious work.
Barclays Staff Fury At "Unpaid" Overtime
Barclays is facing growing unrest from staff who claim they are being forced to do unpaid overtime. Unite says they have been flooded with complaints from workers who feel shortchanged by the bank which made £3billion in the first half of this year. Much of the anger stems from the alleged failure of managers to honour an agreement for time off in lieu.
This can be given in place of overtime pay. But workers say it is impossible to take the time because they're short staffed.
Unite National Secretary Keith Brookes said the problem was being made worse as staff were having to cover for colleagues on summer holiday. "Members are facing growing pressure to cover vacant positions, which leads to the need for overtime. But members tell us managers are increasingly refusing to pay overtime as the bank looks to save money. This is happening despite it being quite clear that people can't take the time off offered instead because the branch is too short-staffed."
Mr Brookes says the union has raised the issue with the bank at the highest level. But while senior management "talk a good game" the issue is festering in the branches.
Staff are supposed to be paid overtime if they work more than 20 minutes over their hours. Time off can be taken as an alternative to cash if agreed between worker and boss. But the agreement says it should only be offered if it can be taken within a "reasonable" time, generally a month. If that's impossible staff should be paid instead.
It is the latest in a series of disputes which have angered Barclays' staff. There were demonstrations outside the shareholders' meeting last week over plans to shut the finalsalary pension fund.
And the bank faced a furious backlash after admitting it had agreed to guarantee some top traders' bonuses regardless of their performance.
This can be given in place of overtime pay. But workers say it is impossible to take the time because they're short staffed.
Unite National Secretary Keith Brookes said the problem was being made worse as staff were having to cover for colleagues on summer holiday. "Members are facing growing pressure to cover vacant positions, which leads to the need for overtime. But members tell us managers are increasingly refusing to pay overtime as the bank looks to save money. This is happening despite it being quite clear that people can't take the time off offered instead because the branch is too short-staffed."
Mr Brookes says the union has raised the issue with the bank at the highest level. But while senior management "talk a good game" the issue is festering in the branches.
Staff are supposed to be paid overtime if they work more than 20 minutes over their hours. Time off can be taken as an alternative to cash if agreed between worker and boss. But the agreement says it should only be offered if it can be taken within a "reasonable" time, generally a month. If that's impossible staff should be paid instead.
It is the latest in a series of disputes which have angered Barclays' staff. There were demonstrations outside the shareholders' meeting last week over plans to shut the finalsalary pension fund.
And the bank faced a furious backlash after admitting it had agreed to guarantee some top traders' bonuses regardless of their performance.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Ballot At Manchester Airport
Unite members employed as baggage handlers, terminal cleaners and workers responsible for refuelling aircrafts at Manchester Airport are being balloted for industrial action in a dispute over pay.
A yes vote from members could see industrial action taking place during the August bank holiday weekend.
The 300 workers based at Manchester Airport taking part in the ballot are employed by Swissport, Rentokil/Initial and ASIG. The disputes are over plans to impose a pay freeze and to renege on a pay deal agreed in 2008.
Lawrence Chapple-Gill, Unite regional officer, said: "We are not oblivious to the economic climate, and understand the impact any industrial action would have on travellers during the busy summer period, but these employers are asking already low-waged workers to bear the full brunt of companies' attempts to adjust costs. Workers, who have consistently delivered for the companies through tough times, feel betrayed. Unite is prepared to work with the employers to find short-term solutions in the current economic climate. To avoid any potential industrial action, we urge the companies to start negotiating seriously and reward our members for their continued commitment."
Unite will announce the ballot results for industrial action week commencing 17th August 2009. Individual ballot papers will be issued to employees at Swissport, Rentokil/Initial and ASIG.
A yes vote from members could see industrial action taking place during the August bank holiday weekend.
The 300 workers based at Manchester Airport taking part in the ballot are employed by Swissport, Rentokil/Initial and ASIG. The disputes are over plans to impose a pay freeze and to renege on a pay deal agreed in 2008.
Lawrence Chapple-Gill, Unite regional officer, said: "We are not oblivious to the economic climate, and understand the impact any industrial action would have on travellers during the busy summer period, but these employers are asking already low-waged workers to bear the full brunt of companies' attempts to adjust costs. Workers, who have consistently delivered for the companies through tough times, feel betrayed. Unite is prepared to work with the employers to find short-term solutions in the current economic climate. To avoid any potential industrial action, we urge the companies to start negotiating seriously and reward our members for their continued commitment."
Unite will announce the ballot results for industrial action week commencing 17th August 2009. Individual ballot papers will be issued to employees at Swissport, Rentokil/Initial and ASIG.
Construction Ballot Begins.......
30,000 construction workers in Unite and GMB began voting yesterday on strike action which will effect some of the biggest industrial construction sites in the UK including the oil refinery at Grangemouth in Scotland, Staythorpe power station in Nottinghamshire and the Sellafield nuclear plant in Cumbria.
The move is the latest in a long running dispute between employers and workers in the engineering construction industry that has led to walkouts and disputes as emplaoyes and contractors brought in staff at rates below those contained in National Agreements.
The move is the latest in a long running dispute between employers and workers in the engineering construction industry that has led to walkouts and disputes as emplaoyes and contractors brought in staff at rates below those contained in National Agreements.
Obama's Team Help With Diageo Campaign
Unite has secured the help of Blue State Digital, the team behind Barak Obama's Presidential win to help save jobs at Diageo in Scotland.
Blue State Digital ran Barak Obama's highly successful online campaign and have been described as the best web-based campaigners in the world by former Government Minister Des Browne.
Browne said: "When I was in Washington in January for the inauguration, I spent half a day with them and I was even more impressed when I saw how they did it, never mind what they did. The Johnnie Walker workers need the best support they can get and these people are the best. I was delighted when they agreed to put together a campaign to internationalise the message of support.
Georgina Cunningham, a Unite shop steward at the Kilmarnock plant, said it was "fantastic news". "We will fight to the bitter end to save our livelihoods and our heritage. The workers aren't sleeping or eating. They are having panic attacks and being forced to go to their doctors for medication. Yet the ruthless management continue to show no compassion."
Blue State Digital ran Barak Obama's highly successful online campaign and have been described as the best web-based campaigners in the world by former Government Minister Des Browne.
Browne said: "When I was in Washington in January for the inauguration, I spent half a day with them and I was even more impressed when I saw how they did it, never mind what they did. The Johnnie Walker workers need the best support they can get and these people are the best. I was delighted when they agreed to put together a campaign to internationalise the message of support.
Georgina Cunningham, a Unite shop steward at the Kilmarnock plant, said it was "fantastic news". "We will fight to the bitter end to save our livelihoods and our heritage. The workers aren't sleeping or eating. They are having panic attacks and being forced to go to their doctors for medication. Yet the ruthless management continue to show no compassion."
Big Turn Out At IBM Meeting As Workers "Are Kicked In The Teeth".
IWorkers employed by IBM are attending nationwide meetings called by Unite over the changes to their pension scheme.
IBM one of the biggest IT companies in the world has resited union organising campaigns in the past, however the company proposals has had employees up in arms over the move.
In Portsmouth where IBM, employs around 5,000 people in North Harbour over 250 workers attended a meeting with workers joining Unite lke never before.
Peter Skyte, national officer for Unite who chaired the meeting said: 'We were taken aback by the turnout. It far exceeded our expectations. The mood is very much they want to persuade IBM to change its mind. Many of them were key to assisting the company out of its own difficulties a few years ago. It feels like a kick in the teeth. A lot of companies are looking at this, but what sets IBM out is it's not a struggling company. It announced a couple of weeks back its latest results, which were the best for this quarter its ever had.'
According to Unite, employees currently pay six per cent of their annual salary into a pension fund, while the company pays around 20 per cent of the employees' annual salary into the fund.
The planned changes would see this cut to between three and five per cent from the employee, and eight to 11 per cent from IBM.
Employees could also be penalised for retiring early under the plans. The overall outcome is that employees would get less in pension pay-outs when they retire.
IBM one of the biggest IT companies in the world has resited union organising campaigns in the past, however the company proposals has had employees up in arms over the move.
In Portsmouth where IBM, employs around 5,000 people in North Harbour over 250 workers attended a meeting with workers joining Unite lke never before.
Peter Skyte, national officer for Unite who chaired the meeting said: 'We were taken aback by the turnout. It far exceeded our expectations. The mood is very much they want to persuade IBM to change its mind. Many of them were key to assisting the company out of its own difficulties a few years ago. It feels like a kick in the teeth. A lot of companies are looking at this, but what sets IBM out is it's not a struggling company. It announced a couple of weeks back its latest results, which were the best for this quarter its ever had.'
According to Unite, employees currently pay six per cent of their annual salary into a pension fund, while the company pays around 20 per cent of the employees' annual salary into the fund.
The planned changes would see this cut to between three and five per cent from the employee, and eight to 11 per cent from IBM.
Employees could also be penalised for retiring early under the plans. The overall outcome is that employees would get less in pension pay-outs when they retire.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Workers Uniting Group - East Midlands - Nottingham Meeting
Please forward to Unite members in your region.
UNITE EAST MIDLANDS REGION
WORKERS UNITING GROUP MEETING
The Workers Uniting Group is the broad based left-progressive organisation within Unite the Union.
A meeting of East Midlands Workers Uniting Group Supporters will take place at:
County Hall Nottingham
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 7QP
Wednesday 19th August at 7.00pm until 9.00pm
“Your Region, Your Union- Have your say in shaping the Region and the Union for the Future”
This is an important meeting which will discuss the role of activists in determining the direction of the Region within the new structures.
Unite members fighting for a fair share for working people.
www.workersunitinggroup.com
UNITE EAST MIDLANDS REGION
WORKERS UNITING GROUP MEETING
The Workers Uniting Group is the broad based left-progressive organisation within Unite the Union.
A meeting of East Midlands Workers Uniting Group Supporters will take place at:
County Hall Nottingham
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 7QP
Wednesday 19th August at 7.00pm until 9.00pm
“Your Region, Your Union- Have your say in shaping the Region and the Union for the Future”
This is an important meeting which will discuss the role of activists in determining the direction of the Region within the new structures.
Unite members fighting for a fair share for working people.
www.workersunitinggroup.com
Help Save Jobs at Diageo
Please help Unite members at Diageo in their fight to save hundreds of jobs in Scotland.
This pro-forma letter is being circulated by Unite, so you may have have already got a copy.
if not you can help by signing the letter which will appear when you visit the following web address:
http://action.unitetheunion.com/dontwalkoutonus
Many thanks, Workers Uning Group
HELP SAVE JOBS AT DIAGEO
Some people just have jobs. But mine is much more than that - it's part of me, my family and my community.
I'm writing to ask for your help in saving hundreds and hundreds of jobs at the Diageo Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock. But as Diageo also plans to shut the distillery and cooperage at Port Dundas in Glasgow and implement a programme of outsourcing at Shieldhall, Hurlford and Elgin, these communities, which have served the company for years, will be decimated.
I've written a letter to Paul Walsh - the boss of the faceless multinational Diageo who own Johnnie Walker. The letter talks about the human and economic damage Mr Walsh's plans will cause towns and cities across Scotland. And I would like to put your name on the letter as well, so that we can send the strongest possible message against these needless redundancies.
http://action.unitetheunion.com/dontwalkoutonus
The cuts are not necessary. Diageo is thriving; making a £2 billion profit in the last year alone. Yet the management is willing to turn their backs on the people who built this success, sacking us for short term corporate greed.
But I'm not going to lie down and take it - I'm not walking away from 31 years of service at Johnnie Walker, or from my sister, daughter and two nieces who work there as well. That's why I agreed to write this letter - and we need as many people to co-sign it to send the management the strongest message possible - save our jobs. You can co-sign my letter here:
http://action.unitetheunion.com/dontwalkoutonus
We understand the need for change in business. We want the best for Johnnie Walker. But I know that ripping production out of Johnnie Walker's home for over 185 years will not only cause untold damage to my town; it will also hurt the product we've all worked so hard for.
With your help we can stop this happening, and help protect this country's whisky industry. Please co-sign my letter to Paul Walsh and help stop Diageo's betrayal of the communities who have served them.
Whenever you hear about job losses on the news you often forget that there are people behind the figures. This time that person is me, my family and hundreds of other workers. And I need your help. Please co-sign my letter and join us in standing up for jobs and a future for our families.
http://action.unitetheunion.com/dontwalkoutonus
Thank you,
Georgia Cunningham
Pallet Controller, Johnnie Walker, Kilmarnock
This pro-forma letter is being circulated by Unite, so you may have have already got a copy.
if not you can help by signing the letter which will appear when you visit the following web address:
http://action.unitetheunion.com/dontwalkoutonus
Many thanks, Workers Uning Group
HELP SAVE JOBS AT DIAGEO
Some people just have jobs. But mine is much more than that - it's part of me, my family and my community.
I'm writing to ask for your help in saving hundreds and hundreds of jobs at the Diageo Johnnie Walker plant in Kilmarnock. But as Diageo also plans to shut the distillery and cooperage at Port Dundas in Glasgow and implement a programme of outsourcing at Shieldhall, Hurlford and Elgin, these communities, which have served the company for years, will be decimated.
I've written a letter to Paul Walsh - the boss of the faceless multinational Diageo who own Johnnie Walker. The letter talks about the human and economic damage Mr Walsh's plans will cause towns and cities across Scotland. And I would like to put your name on the letter as well, so that we can send the strongest possible message against these needless redundancies.
http://action.unitetheunion.com/dontwalkoutonus
The cuts are not necessary. Diageo is thriving; making a £2 billion profit in the last year alone. Yet the management is willing to turn their backs on the people who built this success, sacking us for short term corporate greed.
But I'm not going to lie down and take it - I'm not walking away from 31 years of service at Johnnie Walker, or from my sister, daughter and two nieces who work there as well. That's why I agreed to write this letter - and we need as many people to co-sign it to send the management the strongest message possible - save our jobs. You can co-sign my letter here:
http://action.unitetheunion.com/dontwalkoutonus
We understand the need for change in business. We want the best for Johnnie Walker. But I know that ripping production out of Johnnie Walker's home for over 185 years will not only cause untold damage to my town; it will also hurt the product we've all worked so hard for.
With your help we can stop this happening, and help protect this country's whisky industry. Please co-sign my letter to Paul Walsh and help stop Diageo's betrayal of the communities who have served them.
Whenever you hear about job losses on the news you often forget that there are people behind the figures. This time that person is me, my family and hundreds of other workers. And I need your help. Please co-sign my letter and join us in standing up for jobs and a future for our families.
http://action.unitetheunion.com/dontwalkoutonus
Thank you,
Georgia Cunningham
Pallet Controller, Johnnie Walker, Kilmarnock
Workers Uniting Group - Bristol Meeting Alert!!!
WORKERS UNITING GROUP NATIONAL MEETING - BRISTOL
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:
The Railway Club, Clock Tower Yard
Temple Meads, Bristol, BS1 6QH
Sunday, September 6th, 11.30am – 2.00pm
Refreshments Provided
Facing the Future – The Way Forward For Unite
Guest Speaker: Derek Simpson, Unite Joint General Secretary
This is an important meeting notably for members in the South West and Wales which will discuss the key issues facing Unite the Union, Unite members, union structures and the involvement of lay members.
All Unite members welcome - We look forward to seeing you there!
www.workersunitinggroup.com
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:
The Railway Club, Clock Tower Yard
Temple Meads, Bristol, BS1 6QH
Sunday, September 6th, 11.30am – 2.00pm
Refreshments Provided
Facing the Future – The Way Forward For Unite
Guest Speaker: Derek Simpson, Unite Joint General Secretary
This is an important meeting notably for members in the South West and Wales which will discuss the key issues facing Unite the Union, Unite members, union structures and the involvement of lay members.
All Unite members welcome - We look forward to seeing you there!
www.workersunitinggroup.com
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Strikes Bring Honduras To A Standstill
From the Morning Star
Honduras brought to standstill
Sunday 09 August 2009
by Paul Haste
Mass strikes against the coup in Honduras have continued to sweep the Latin American nation.
A statement from the Frente Nacional de Resistencia - Resistance Front Against the Coup d'Etat - that was released to Caracas-based Telesur news revealed that all the country's airports were now closed after ground crews joined other airport workers in walking out.
As a result, the Honduran national airline TACA has been forced to suspend all national and international flights, Telesur stated.
The airport workers are the latest to join an indefinite general strike that is taking hold against the de facto regime led by Roberto Micheletti.
Teachers who have been on strike for eight days and hospital workers who have refused to work for the last four days were also joined by electricity workers downing tools at the weekend.
Union leader Ramon Garcia declared that "we are now on an indefinite strike until the democracy that was interrupted by the coup d'etat is restored."
The strikes are a clear sign that the regime led by Mr Micheletti, who was installed as an "interim" leader by the Honduran military after President Manuel Zelaya was arrested and exiled on June 28, has not succeeded in imposing his authority on the country.
Mr Zelaya, a wealthy rancher who was elected as the candidate of the centre-right Liberal party four years ago, had moved to the left during his presidency to embrace the Venezuelan-led Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas economic bloc and prioritise the fight against poverty and illiteracy.
Such steps alienated the traditionally corrupt conservative elite that had kept Honduras's poverty rate one of the highest in Latin America. But rather than wait for the next presidential elections in November - in which Mr Zelaya was constitutionally not permitted to stand for a second term - the military deposed him.
Mr Micheletti claims that he is now consolidating his control of Honduras and his deputy foreign minister Martha Lorena Alvarado insists that "the more time that goes by, the stronger we become."
But one of the leaders of the Frente Nacional, Juan Barahona, countered the regime's claims to assert that the mass strikes taking hold across Honduras "shows that the popular resistance against the de facto regime is gaining strength and continues to grow."
Honduras brought to standstill
Sunday 09 August 2009
by Paul Haste
Mass strikes against the coup in Honduras have continued to sweep the Latin American nation.
A statement from the Frente Nacional de Resistencia - Resistance Front Against the Coup d'Etat - that was released to Caracas-based Telesur news revealed that all the country's airports were now closed after ground crews joined other airport workers in walking out.
As a result, the Honduran national airline TACA has been forced to suspend all national and international flights, Telesur stated.
The airport workers are the latest to join an indefinite general strike that is taking hold against the de facto regime led by Roberto Micheletti.
Teachers who have been on strike for eight days and hospital workers who have refused to work for the last four days were also joined by electricity workers downing tools at the weekend.
Union leader Ramon Garcia declared that "we are now on an indefinite strike until the democracy that was interrupted by the coup d'etat is restored."
The strikes are a clear sign that the regime led by Mr Micheletti, who was installed as an "interim" leader by the Honduran military after President Manuel Zelaya was arrested and exiled on June 28, has not succeeded in imposing his authority on the country.
Mr Zelaya, a wealthy rancher who was elected as the candidate of the centre-right Liberal party four years ago, had moved to the left during his presidency to embrace the Venezuelan-led Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas economic bloc and prioritise the fight against poverty and illiteracy.
Such steps alienated the traditionally corrupt conservative elite that had kept Honduras's poverty rate one of the highest in Latin America. But rather than wait for the next presidential elections in November - in which Mr Zelaya was constitutionally not permitted to stand for a second term - the military deposed him.
Mr Micheletti claims that he is now consolidating his control of Honduras and his deputy foreign minister Martha Lorena Alvarado insists that "the more time that goes by, the stronger we become."
But one of the leaders of the Frente Nacional, Juan Barahona, countered the regime's claims to assert that the mass strikes taking hold across Honduras "shows that the popular resistance against the de facto regime is gaining strength and continues to grow."
Letters to the Morning Star from Terry McCarthy
These are two recent letters are from Workers Uniting Group supporter Terry McCarthy who has asked if they can be posted on the Workers Uniting Group Website and ciruculated on the mailing list.
Friday 07 August 2009
Unions have strong history of supporting gay rights
Regarding Dave Brinson's letter (M Star August 3) in relation to Brighton Pride, as in previous years I took part in the parade and festival with my union Unite.
The trade unions are the biggest single financial contributors to Pride.
Yes, Stonewall is right - there are some dinosaurs in the trade union movement who would like to disaffiliate from Pride, but these are a tiny minority.
However, Stonewall should accept that, if it wasn't for the trade union and labour movement, there would be no Pride and male homosexuality would still be a criminal offence.
Perhaps the movement shouldn't be so modest in relation to the social revolution that it led in the 1960s.
Tuesday 21 July 2009
It's naive to think we're in 'socialist times'
Although I agree with the sentiment of Len McCluskey's article 'We say: Never again' (M Star July 16), his assertion that we are in "socialist times" is somewhat naive, as is his view that capitalism is about to collapse.
The sad truth is it was the fascist BNP that polled nearly a million votes - not the left.
We are facing the spectre of a Tory government with more anti-trade union legislation, yet there are still leading members of the trade union movement who will not embrace the People's Charter.
Yes, socialism is the only ideology that can beat capitalism, but there is no quick fix.
The job of trade unions is to raise the political consciousness of their members through political education, to support members in dispute, to affiliate and donate to progressive organisations both at home and abroad - especially the new-look Morning Star - and to play a leading role in the fight against capitalism in all its guises.
TERRY McCARTHY
Essex
Friday 07 August 2009
Unions have strong history of supporting gay rights
Regarding Dave Brinson's letter (M Star August 3) in relation to Brighton Pride, as in previous years I took part in the parade and festival with my union Unite.
The trade unions are the biggest single financial contributors to Pride.
Yes, Stonewall is right - there are some dinosaurs in the trade union movement who would like to disaffiliate from Pride, but these are a tiny minority.
However, Stonewall should accept that, if it wasn't for the trade union and labour movement, there would be no Pride and male homosexuality would still be a criminal offence.
Perhaps the movement shouldn't be so modest in relation to the social revolution that it led in the 1960s.
Tuesday 21 July 2009
It's naive to think we're in 'socialist times'
Although I agree with the sentiment of Len McCluskey's article 'We say: Never again' (M Star July 16), his assertion that we are in "socialist times" is somewhat naive, as is his view that capitalism is about to collapse.
The sad truth is it was the fascist BNP that polled nearly a million votes - not the left.
We are facing the spectre of a Tory government with more anti-trade union legislation, yet there are still leading members of the trade union movement who will not embrace the People's Charter.
Yes, socialism is the only ideology that can beat capitalism, but there is no quick fix.
The job of trade unions is to raise the political consciousness of their members through political education, to support members in dispute, to affiliate and donate to progressive organisations both at home and abroad - especially the new-look Morning Star - and to play a leading role in the fight against capitalism in all its guises.
TERRY McCARTHY
Essex
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Fujitisu Ballot, Mirror Ballot, Artenius Picket, Workers Uniting Pulp & Paper Collective Bargaining Conference.
Fujitsu Ballot - Support Needed
Unite is to hold a consultative ballot of members in Fujitsu, the Japanese IT company over plans to alter its final-salary staff pension scheme which will in effect be a pay cut of at least 15 per cent for 4000 employees.
Fujitsu Services is making significant profits - £199million in the past year on a 12 per cent rise in sales to £2.8billion. It also paid out £1.59million in compensation for loss of office to two directors.
In a further development Unite activists at Fujitsu are asking other Unite members to send messages of support to workers taking part in the consultative ballot.
A message from Fujitu workers said: "Despite our employer declaring record profits this year, they unilaterally cancelled our pay rise a week before it was due to take effect and are now trying to close the main final salary pension scheme by dismissing and re-employing nearly 4000 of us on new contracts.
The reaction from employees has been fantastic - Unite membership across the UK has risen by well over 20% already this year and there is a real determination to resist Fujitsu's attempts to opportunistically take advantage of the recession to drive down pay and pensions. Whereas the 2006-7 dispute only directly involved the main Manchester site, we have launched a national campaign on pay and pensions and have just elected a national "combine committee" for the first time. Unite is working closely with PCS, which also has members in Fujitsu.
On Monday (3rd August) we will be opening a consultative industrial action ballot involving our members across the UK. Those outside Manchester generally have no experience of a dispute, so messages of support for our campaign would be particularly appreciated to boost members' confidence".
Message of support from Workers Uniting Group supporters can be email to
support@ourunion.org.uk.
Trinity Mirror Ballot
Unite members at all of Trinity Mirror's 12 UK print centres are to be balloted for industrial action.
Voting papers will go out to over 1000 members of the Unite this week after a nationwide pay freeze was imposed by the newspaper publisher last November.
Unite national officer for newspapers and media Steve Sibbald said: "The latest figures from the company's accounts show that they have, once again, made a profit. As a result of this their share price has rocketed, which will be good news for their board and their executives. Meanwhile, our members and the majority of their colleagues have wage freezes imposed on them."
Artenius Demo - Barcelona
Unite members from Artenius will confront shareholders at a board meeting in Barcelona, Spain, today (August 8th). The workers are angry about the way they were informed of the jobs and their basic redundancy pay.
Phil McNulty, Unite national officer said: "They are furious at the way the parent company, La Seda de Barcelona, has sucked money from the site and then placed the UK plant in administration. Our members were given three hours notice, sacked with state minimum redundancy pay and with not a word of consultation even though the company had consistently denied that this was about to happen. This is another serious blow to the Wilton complex adding to the growing redundancies, placing further doubt on its future."
Phil added that he had heard nothing from the government since meeting with them more than a week ago. He said: "I am extremely concerned to ensure that the serious of the situation is appreciated by the UK government. The Wilton situation is now critical."
Workers Uniting Website blog on USW Paper and Pulp Conference - Unite Reps take part in first co-ordinated bargaining planning for paper sector in USA, Canada and UK:
http://www.workersuniting.org/
Unite is to hold a consultative ballot of members in Fujitsu, the Japanese IT company over plans to alter its final-salary staff pension scheme which will in effect be a pay cut of at least 15 per cent for 4000 employees.
Fujitsu Services is making significant profits - £199million in the past year on a 12 per cent rise in sales to £2.8billion. It also paid out £1.59million in compensation for loss of office to two directors.
In a further development Unite activists at Fujitsu are asking other Unite members to send messages of support to workers taking part in the consultative ballot.
A message from Fujitu workers said: "Despite our employer declaring record profits this year, they unilaterally cancelled our pay rise a week before it was due to take effect and are now trying to close the main final salary pension scheme by dismissing and re-employing nearly 4000 of us on new contracts.
The reaction from employees has been fantastic - Unite membership across the UK has risen by well over 20% already this year and there is a real determination to resist Fujitsu's attempts to opportunistically take advantage of the recession to drive down pay and pensions. Whereas the 2006-7 dispute only directly involved the main Manchester site, we have launched a national campaign on pay and pensions and have just elected a national "combine committee" for the first time. Unite is working closely with PCS, which also has members in Fujitsu.
On Monday (3rd August) we will be opening a consultative industrial action ballot involving our members across the UK. Those outside Manchester generally have no experience of a dispute, so messages of support for our campaign would be particularly appreciated to boost members' confidence".
Message of support from Workers Uniting Group supporters can be email to
support@ourunion.org.uk.
Trinity Mirror Ballot
Unite members at all of Trinity Mirror's 12 UK print centres are to be balloted for industrial action.
Voting papers will go out to over 1000 members of the Unite this week after a nationwide pay freeze was imposed by the newspaper publisher last November.
Unite national officer for newspapers and media Steve Sibbald said: "The latest figures from the company's accounts show that they have, once again, made a profit. As a result of this their share price has rocketed, which will be good news for their board and their executives. Meanwhile, our members and the majority of their colleagues have wage freezes imposed on them."
Artenius Demo - Barcelona
Unite members from Artenius will confront shareholders at a board meeting in Barcelona, Spain, today (August 8th). The workers are angry about the way they were informed of the jobs and their basic redundancy pay.
Phil McNulty, Unite national officer said: "They are furious at the way the parent company, La Seda de Barcelona, has sucked money from the site and then placed the UK plant in administration. Our members were given three hours notice, sacked with state minimum redundancy pay and with not a word of consultation even though the company had consistently denied that this was about to happen. This is another serious blow to the Wilton complex adding to the growing redundancies, placing further doubt on its future."
Phil added that he had heard nothing from the government since meeting with them more than a week ago. He said: "I am extremely concerned to ensure that the serious of the situation is appreciated by the UK government. The Wilton situation is now critical."
Workers Uniting Website blog on USW Paper and Pulp Conference - Unite Reps take part in first co-ordinated bargaining planning for paper sector in USA, Canada and UK:
http://www.workersuniting.org/
Workers Uniting Group - SE Region Sept. 10th
WORKERS UNITING GROUP MEETING
10th SEPTEMBER 2009 at 7.00pm to 9.30pm
You are invited to the first South East Region Workers Uniting Meeting in Crawley at the K2 Leisure Centre, Pease Cottage Hill Crawley, RH11 9BQ.
Refreshments 7pm
Meeting begins 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Workers Uniting Group is the broad based group within the South East.
At this inaugural meeting we will be electing approximately 2 delegates to the National Steering Committee of the Group.
It is important that we establish Regional Structures in order to participate in the shaping of our new Union and that the South East Region has a strong voice.
PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND
10th SEPTEMBER 2009 at 7.00pm to 9.30pm
You are invited to the first South East Region Workers Uniting Meeting in Crawley at the K2 Leisure Centre, Pease Cottage Hill Crawley, RH11 9BQ.
Refreshments 7pm
Meeting begins 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Workers Uniting Group is the broad based group within the South East.
At this inaugural meeting we will be electing approximately 2 delegates to the National Steering Committee of the Group.
It is important that we establish Regional Structures in order to participate in the shaping of our new Union and that the South East Region has a strong voice.
PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND
Workers Uniting Group - SE Region Sept. 10th
WORKERS UNITING GROUP MEETING
10th SEPTEMBER 2009 at 7.00pm to 9.30pm
You are invited to the first South East Region Workers Uniting Meeting in Crawley at the K2 Leisure Centre, Pease Cottage Hill Crawley, RH11 9BQ.
Refreshments 7pm
Meeting begins 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Workers Uniting Group is the broad based group within the South East.
At this inaugural meeting we will be electing approximately 2 delegates to the National Steering Committee of the Group.
It is important that we establish Regional Structures in order to participate in the shaping of our new Union and that the South East Region has a strong voice.
PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND
10th SEPTEMBER 2009 at 7.00pm to 9.30pm
You are invited to the first South East Region Workers Uniting Meeting in Crawley at the K2 Leisure Centre, Pease Cottage Hill Crawley, RH11 9BQ.
Refreshments 7pm
Meeting begins 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Workers Uniting Group is the broad based group within the South East.
At this inaugural meeting we will be electing approximately 2 delegates to the National Steering Committee of the Group.
It is important that we establish Regional Structures in order to participate in the shaping of our new Union and that the South East Region has a strong voice.
PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Unite hits out over Walstead's Southernprint acquisition
Unite hits out over Walstead's Southernprint acquisition
Unite has reacted with anger over Wyndeham Press Group owner Walstead Investment's purchase of the giant magazine printers Southernprint.
The deal, which was signed on Monday creates a £100m print group, but Unite is fearful of similar job cuts and changes to terms and conditions that were made at Wyndeham following its acquisition by Walstead in December.
"Of all the groups in all the world, Wyndeham is the last one that we would have wanted to take on a company like Southernprint," said Unite national officer Steve Sibbald.
"It has slashed and burned through the whole [Wyndeham] group since it was taken over by Walstead, with wage cuts and increases in hours, all the worst possible conditions, backed by the threat of unemployment."
"Our Wyndeham members, are not going to be happy that a company that cried poverty has bought another firm. That's going to go down like a lead balloon," added Sibbald.
"However our primary concern now is as the company is looking to consolidate, will they close down Southernprint or perhaps one of the other Wyndeham sites? I can't see why they would keep all the sites going if there's too much capacity in the market."
Unite has reacted with anger over Wyndeham Press Group owner Walstead Investment's purchase of the giant magazine printers Southernprint.
The deal, which was signed on Monday creates a £100m print group, but Unite is fearful of similar job cuts and changes to terms and conditions that were made at Wyndeham following its acquisition by Walstead in December.
"Of all the groups in all the world, Wyndeham is the last one that we would have wanted to take on a company like Southernprint," said Unite national officer Steve Sibbald.
"It has slashed and burned through the whole [Wyndeham] group since it was taken over by Walstead, with wage cuts and increases in hours, all the worst possible conditions, backed by the threat of unemployment."
"Our Wyndeham members, are not going to be happy that a company that cried poverty has bought another firm. That's going to go down like a lead balloon," added Sibbald.
"However our primary concern now is as the company is looking to consolidate, will they close down Southernprint or perhaps one of the other Wyndeham sites? I can't see why they would keep all the sites going if there's too much capacity in the market."
Vestas update: Sit-in workers being starved out.
Workers occupying the Vestas factory on the Isle of Wight have complained to police over claims are having their human rights breached. RMT has accused the company of trying to "starve" the workers out by restricting access to food and drink.
RMT announced it had lodged the formal complaint to police in Newport over the actions of security guards working for Vestas after it received advice from a human rights lawyer.
The Human Rights lawyer Louise Christian, has said: "There is a positive obligation under the Human Rights Act on the State and its agents, i.e the police, to prevent private individuals from depriving others of their liberty. It therefore appears to me that the local police have a positive obligation to prevent the security agents employed by Vestas stopping people coming in to deliver food to those in occupation." The union said it was "seriously concerned" a lack of food reaching the workers could have health implications for them.
The Danish firm's bid to have the workers removed failed on Wednesday when a judge ruled removal papers had not been served in accordance with legal rules. The case at Newport County Court was adjourned until Tuesday.
Vestas had planned to close the factory on 31 July – but as a result of the occupation, and the global campaign in support of the workforce, they have been pushed back and the extension of the consultation with the workforce means that there is a serious opportunity to draw up a rescue package similar to the one supported by the Scottish Parliament earlier this year which saved the Vestas factory in Kintyre says RMT.
This weekend will see a further show of the strength of the growing support for the Vestas workforce with crowds from the cancelled Big Green Gathering diverting to the Isle of Wight in what will be another important boost for the Save Vestas campaign
RMT announced it had lodged the formal complaint to police in Newport over the actions of security guards working for Vestas after it received advice from a human rights lawyer.
The Human Rights lawyer Louise Christian, has said: "There is a positive obligation under the Human Rights Act on the State and its agents, i.e the police, to prevent private individuals from depriving others of their liberty. It therefore appears to me that the local police have a positive obligation to prevent the security agents employed by Vestas stopping people coming in to deliver food to those in occupation." The union said it was "seriously concerned" a lack of food reaching the workers could have health implications for them.
The Danish firm's bid to have the workers removed failed on Wednesday when a judge ruled removal papers had not been served in accordance with legal rules. The case at Newport County Court was adjourned until Tuesday.
Vestas had planned to close the factory on 31 July – but as a result of the occupation, and the global campaign in support of the workforce, they have been pushed back and the extension of the consultation with the workforce means that there is a serious opportunity to draw up a rescue package similar to the one supported by the Scottish Parliament earlier this year which saved the Vestas factory in Kintyre says RMT.
This weekend will see a further show of the strength of the growing support for the Vestas workforce with crowds from the cancelled Big Green Gathering diverting to the Isle of Wight in what will be another important boost for the Save Vestas campaign
From this morning's Guardian.....
Are trade unions back in fashion?
As recession-weary employees look for ways to safeguard their jobs and protect their pay, Caroline Palmer says it's no surprise organised labour bodies are enjoying a revival
Caroline Palmer
The Guardian, Saturday 1 August 2009
People, that is you and I, are living in fear, and, for once, I am not referring to swine flu, although that hasn't helped. The fear is of losing our jobs. A survey of 1,200 American workers this year asked: "How far would you go to hang on to your job?" Almost one-third said that they would behave immorally, including back-stabbing or lying. Younger respondents, aged between 18 and 34, were more likely to throw morals to the wind.
But there is an alternative, and young workers, in the UK at least, are starting to reverse a trend by joining trade unions in an attempt to improve their job security. Glen Howgate, a 24-year-old shop worker, joined his union, Usdaw, because he thought he'd need their help. "Thankfully it didn't come to that," he says. "There have been a lot of redundancies where I work, but being a union member has really boosted my confidence."
While the latest official statistics show that trade union membership in the UK fell more than 2% to 27.4% in 2008, new figures from Unison, Britain's biggest public sector trade union, indicate a rise in new members this year. More than 12,000 young people (16- to 27-year-olds) joined Unison in the first six months of this year – 1,500 up on the same period last year – and the union is predicting that this growth will continue. Overall, membership of Unison is also growing, a trend that other unions also say they are seeing.
After decades of steady decline, trade unions face their biggest challenge – persuading a new generation of workers that, in the face of the worst recession since the 1930s, being a union member really will make a difference to their working lives.
The main incentives, as one trade union official put it, "are protecting decent wages, protecting your job, and, if the worst happens, getting a fair redundancy deal. People in the private sector are getting shafted."
But here is the challenge unions face. In 1980, 55% of workers belonged to a union; today, fewer than one in five workplaces negotiate over pay, hours or holidays; and 64% of workplaces have no union members at all.
There are many reasons for this, hostile management being a common one. Symeon Cope works in the security industry and has never joined a trade union. "Where I've worked, if management got wind of anything like that, they'd find reason to sack us, or worse," he explains.
But unions must also take some of the responsibility. Their industrial base started to collapse in the 1980s and they have made little inroads into newer industries such as IT and finance. They also stand accused of being out of touch with today's workforce, led as most of them are by white, middle-aged males who cut their teeth on old-style confrontations with "the bosses".
Rob MacGregor, a national officer with Unite, has some sympathy with this view. "There is a whole generation of workers with no family or community links to organised labour," he admits. "I don't think there is hostility towards us, just no knowledge of what we do. Trade unions have a job to do to start looking like their members.
"As a middle-aged white male I am less and less like those we need to reach. Our message also needs to be more relevant. We need to be not just about career development and salaries but also about the environment and social justice."
But does being a union member make a difference in terms of how much you are paid and how secure your job is? The latest figures suggest union members earn around 12.5% more per hour than their non-union counterparts. And research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that about 3 million union members in the private sector (a fifth of all employees) enjoy a pay premium of around 10% directly as a result of strong collective bargaining.
Then there is compensation for people who have been unfairly dismissed. According to figures from the Labour Research Department, in 2004 unions won an estimated £16.2m for their members at employment tribunals. Unfair dismissal awards won by trade unions are more than three times higher than the average in a non-union backed case.
In 2007, unions won a record £330m in compensation for members through legal action. They also won £1m in equal pay claims – an average of £15,000 per member affected.
A barrister who regularly attends tribunal hearings for nurses notices a big difference in the outcomes. "Those who come up before tribunals without union representation rarely get a good outcome. They just don't understand what a huge difference it makes to the presentation of their case." Unions can't work miracles, though, and some are admitting that as hard as they are working to support their members, the volume of demand for help is leaving them overstretched.
Meanwhile unions are attempting to focus their attentions on the private sector. There have been some successes in getting unions recognised in the retail sector – Tesco is considered a particular success – and there has been a rise in union membership, not surprisingly, among people working for high street banks and the big insurance companies. Last month, Barclays staff who belong to Unite stunned their bosses with an emphatic vote – 92% – for an industrial action ballot following the bank's decision to close its final-salary pension scheme.
Despite the worry of losing their jobs, there are still pockets of militancy in some quarters as fear turns to anger. A recent meeting at the TUC between union leaders and HR directors to debate the future of union and employer relations suggests the trade union movement as a whole is moving towards a more conciliatory approach: working with employers to mitigate the effects of job losses, putting more emphasis on helping people to retrain or encouraging voluntary redundancies where possible.
Even so, unions argue employee-employer relations can still be a dirty business and old-school heavyweights epitomised by the likes of RMT general secretary Bob Crow, are needed to restore a bit of balance. Recent revelations of a secret blacklist financed by major companies in the construction industry of allegedly "troublesome" workers is a case in point.
In France, meanwhile, it seems that a more direct approach still pays dividends. While Barclays employees were contemplating whether or not to vote for strike action, a group of sacked workers in south-west France, who had threatened to blow up equipment at their factory if they did not receive compensation, were celebrating the receipt of cheques for £25,000.
As recession-weary employees look for ways to safeguard their jobs and protect their pay, Caroline Palmer says it's no surprise organised labour bodies are enjoying a revival
Caroline Palmer
The Guardian, Saturday 1 August 2009
People, that is you and I, are living in fear, and, for once, I am not referring to swine flu, although that hasn't helped. The fear is of losing our jobs. A survey of 1,200 American workers this year asked: "How far would you go to hang on to your job?" Almost one-third said that they would behave immorally, including back-stabbing or lying. Younger respondents, aged between 18 and 34, were more likely to throw morals to the wind.
But there is an alternative, and young workers, in the UK at least, are starting to reverse a trend by joining trade unions in an attempt to improve their job security. Glen Howgate, a 24-year-old shop worker, joined his union, Usdaw, because he thought he'd need their help. "Thankfully it didn't come to that," he says. "There have been a lot of redundancies where I work, but being a union member has really boosted my confidence."
While the latest official statistics show that trade union membership in the UK fell more than 2% to 27.4% in 2008, new figures from Unison, Britain's biggest public sector trade union, indicate a rise in new members this year. More than 12,000 young people (16- to 27-year-olds) joined Unison in the first six months of this year – 1,500 up on the same period last year – and the union is predicting that this growth will continue. Overall, membership of Unison is also growing, a trend that other unions also say they are seeing.
After decades of steady decline, trade unions face their biggest challenge – persuading a new generation of workers that, in the face of the worst recession since the 1930s, being a union member really will make a difference to their working lives.
The main incentives, as one trade union official put it, "are protecting decent wages, protecting your job, and, if the worst happens, getting a fair redundancy deal. People in the private sector are getting shafted."
But here is the challenge unions face. In 1980, 55% of workers belonged to a union; today, fewer than one in five workplaces negotiate over pay, hours or holidays; and 64% of workplaces have no union members at all.
There are many reasons for this, hostile management being a common one. Symeon Cope works in the security industry and has never joined a trade union. "Where I've worked, if management got wind of anything like that, they'd find reason to sack us, or worse," he explains.
But unions must also take some of the responsibility. Their industrial base started to collapse in the 1980s and they have made little inroads into newer industries such as IT and finance. They also stand accused of being out of touch with today's workforce, led as most of them are by white, middle-aged males who cut their teeth on old-style confrontations with "the bosses".
Rob MacGregor, a national officer with Unite, has some sympathy with this view. "There is a whole generation of workers with no family or community links to organised labour," he admits. "I don't think there is hostility towards us, just no knowledge of what we do. Trade unions have a job to do to start looking like their members.
"As a middle-aged white male I am less and less like those we need to reach. Our message also needs to be more relevant. We need to be not just about career development and salaries but also about the environment and social justice."
But does being a union member make a difference in terms of how much you are paid and how secure your job is? The latest figures suggest union members earn around 12.5% more per hour than their non-union counterparts. And research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that about 3 million union members in the private sector (a fifth of all employees) enjoy a pay premium of around 10% directly as a result of strong collective bargaining.
Then there is compensation for people who have been unfairly dismissed. According to figures from the Labour Research Department, in 2004 unions won an estimated £16.2m for their members at employment tribunals. Unfair dismissal awards won by trade unions are more than three times higher than the average in a non-union backed case.
In 2007, unions won a record £330m in compensation for members through legal action. They also won £1m in equal pay claims – an average of £15,000 per member affected.
A barrister who regularly attends tribunal hearings for nurses notices a big difference in the outcomes. "Those who come up before tribunals without union representation rarely get a good outcome. They just don't understand what a huge difference it makes to the presentation of their case." Unions can't work miracles, though, and some are admitting that as hard as they are working to support their members, the volume of demand for help is leaving them overstretched.
Meanwhile unions are attempting to focus their attentions on the private sector. There have been some successes in getting unions recognised in the retail sector – Tesco is considered a particular success – and there has been a rise in union membership, not surprisingly, among people working for high street banks and the big insurance companies. Last month, Barclays staff who belong to Unite stunned their bosses with an emphatic vote – 92% – for an industrial action ballot following the bank's decision to close its final-salary pension scheme.
Despite the worry of losing their jobs, there are still pockets of militancy in some quarters as fear turns to anger. A recent meeting at the TUC between union leaders and HR directors to debate the future of union and employer relations suggests the trade union movement as a whole is moving towards a more conciliatory approach: working with employers to mitigate the effects of job losses, putting more emphasis on helping people to retrain or encouraging voluntary redundancies where possible.
Even so, unions argue employee-employer relations can still be a dirty business and old-school heavyweights epitomised by the likes of RMT general secretary Bob Crow, are needed to restore a bit of balance. Recent revelations of a secret blacklist financed by major companies in the construction industry of allegedly "troublesome" workers is a case in point.
In France, meanwhile, it seems that a more direct approach still pays dividends. While Barclays employees were contemplating whether or not to vote for strike action, a group of sacked workers in south-west France, who had threatened to blow up equipment at their factory if they did not receive compensation, were celebrating the receipt of cheques for £25,000.
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