Following consultation with co-ordinators, activists and supporters it has been agreed that the Workers Uniting Group will be wound up at the end of December.
As a progressive left organisation, many of the policies supported by the Workers Uniting Group are the policies of Unite the Union.
It is the considered view that the work of the Workers Uniting Group has now ran its course.
The members have spoken. Len McCluskey was elected by the membership as the new General Secretary by a considerable majority and he deserves and should receive the support of the whole of the union.
Unite faces significant challenges: the fightback against the Con-Dem cuts in the UK and the appalling austerity measures being forced through in Ireland; the need to grow the union through organising and building strong workplace organisation; the need to win back the Labour Party for our members and to win local elections, elections in Scotland and Wales and the General Election and to continue the fight against global capital in the UK and Ireland and with our comrades in Workers Uniting - the USW.
To win for our members, to campaign and fightback there is a need now to unify the entire union behind our newly elected General Secretary, Len McCluskey.
To this end we will need one progressive organisation to ensure that Unite remains a left union and isn't hijacked by those who would seek to take the union to the right or to the extreme left.
A number of comrades have indicated they would intend to support United Left, others have said they will personally support the General Secretary and unite behind him.
It is clear that the problems Unite faces cannot be addressed by having opposing left groups with broadly similar policies.
Therefore all Workers Uniting Supporters need to unite behind our new General Secretary and build unity for the future and in the best interests of the whole of Unite's membership.
The Workers Uniting Group website will closed down in the next few weeks.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Unite up in arms over Bakkavör cuts
Unite claims it is incompetence on behalf of international food company Bakkavör which is leading the firm to cut 170 jobs at its factory in Spalding, Lincolnshire.
Bakkavör, an Icelandic company, announced this morning that following a consultation period it had decided to make 170 redundancies at its site in Bourne, near Spalding which are “essential in giving our business a future”. However, the firm said that by rearranging shift patterns and transferring some employees to other sites, it had managed to reduce its original reduction estimates from 375.
Unite, though, was left furious at the announcement, insisting that only yesterday the company agreed to engage in further discussions to look at cost saving measures to save jobs.
In addition, Bakkavör said it had improved its redundancy package and will not now be reducing pay for remaining employees, which Unite contests.
"We are particularly angry on behalf of the workforce that management has unilaterally announced the consultation is over when we still have meetings planned to look at alternatives to some of the proposals,” said Jennie Formby, Unite national officer for food and drink.
"Moreover, Bakkavör’s statement implies they are making very few changes but nothing could be further from the truth. They have savagely cut earnings by up to £105 per week and they have slashed holiday pay and other premia. Yet management are protected from these cuts; yes there will be some redundancies but managers' pay and conditions remain intact.
"Bakkavör ought to be ashamed of themselves."
She said “a catalogue of management incompetence over several years” includes failing to allow for foreign exchange fluctuations and ill conceived commissioning of new machinery which is costing the firm money.
"They are not in a ‘make or break situation’ but are trying to terrify workers into accepting poverty pay,” she added.
Unite has organised a protest against the cuts in Spalding town centre on Friday December 17.
Bakkavör employs 20,000 people worldwide including 2,500 in the UK. There will be 700 remaining at the Bourne site, after these cuts, where the company makes salads, sandwiches, soups and sauces.
Bakkavör, an Icelandic company, announced this morning that following a consultation period it had decided to make 170 redundancies at its site in Bourne, near Spalding which are “essential in giving our business a future”. However, the firm said that by rearranging shift patterns and transferring some employees to other sites, it had managed to reduce its original reduction estimates from 375.
Unite, though, was left furious at the announcement, insisting that only yesterday the company agreed to engage in further discussions to look at cost saving measures to save jobs.
In addition, Bakkavör said it had improved its redundancy package and will not now be reducing pay for remaining employees, which Unite contests.
"We are particularly angry on behalf of the workforce that management has unilaterally announced the consultation is over when we still have meetings planned to look at alternatives to some of the proposals,” said Jennie Formby, Unite national officer for food and drink.
"Moreover, Bakkavör’s statement implies they are making very few changes but nothing could be further from the truth. They have savagely cut earnings by up to £105 per week and they have slashed holiday pay and other premia. Yet management are protected from these cuts; yes there will be some redundancies but managers' pay and conditions remain intact.
"Bakkavör ought to be ashamed of themselves."
She said “a catalogue of management incompetence over several years” includes failing to allow for foreign exchange fluctuations and ill conceived commissioning of new machinery which is costing the firm money.
"They are not in a ‘make or break situation’ but are trying to terrify workers into accepting poverty pay,” she added.
Unite has organised a protest against the cuts in Spalding town centre on Friday December 17.
Bakkavör employs 20,000 people worldwide including 2,500 in the UK. There will be 700 remaining at the Bourne site, after these cuts, where the company makes salads, sandwiches, soups and sauces.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
BA Cabin Crew Resume Talks This Week says Tony Woodley
Unite said it’s close to resuming talks to resolve a 22-month pay and staffing dispute as it prepares for a ballot on strike action in the new year.
Negotiations should take place this week under the auspices of Britain’s state-funded Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, said Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of the Unite union, which represents the 11,000 flight attendants.
“It’s right and proper that we get together and try and solve what is one of the most difficult disputes for many a year,” Woodley said today in a telephone interview.
While British Airways and Unite have reached broad agreement on employment terms, the union wants concessions on the treatment of striking workers, including the immediate restoration of travel benefits suspended until 2013 and binding arbitration on all disciplinary cases related to the dispute.
Unite will meanwhile ballot members over further action, with the intention of announcing the result as early as Jan. 14, according to a person familiar with the situation who declined to be identified because the plan hasn’t been made public.
Negotiations should take place this week under the auspices of Britain’s state-funded Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, said Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of the Unite union, which represents the 11,000 flight attendants.
“It’s right and proper that we get together and try and solve what is one of the most difficult disputes for many a year,” Woodley said today in a telephone interview.
While British Airways and Unite have reached broad agreement on employment terms, the union wants concessions on the treatment of striking workers, including the immediate restoration of travel benefits suspended until 2013 and binding arbitration on all disciplinary cases related to the dispute.
Unite will meanwhile ballot members over further action, with the intention of announcing the result as early as Jan. 14, according to a person familiar with the situation who declined to be identified because the plan hasn’t been made public.
Heinz workers at Wigan factory vote to strike over pay
Unite members at the Heinz Baked Beans factory in Wigan have voted to go on strike in a row over pay.
Unite said its members backed industrial action by 9-1 in protest at a below inflation offer of 3.3%.
About 1,200 people are employed at the Greater Manchester factory, which produces beans, soups, pasta meals and baby food.
The union said it would hold a mass meeting on Saturday to decide its next move.
National officer Jennie Formby said: "This ballot result reflects what our members feel about Heinz's current attitude.
"Our members do not want to take strike action but have been left with no choice because they will not allow Heinz management to bully or fool its workforce into accepting its version of a 'fair' pay deal."
She added: "Workers at the factory feel completely let down by Heinz management.
"They want the opportunity to voice their anger at the way they are being treated and strike action will make the company listen."
Unite said its members backed industrial action by 9-1 in protest at a below inflation offer of 3.3%.
About 1,200 people are employed at the Greater Manchester factory, which produces beans, soups, pasta meals and baby food.
The union said it would hold a mass meeting on Saturday to decide its next move.
National officer Jennie Formby said: "This ballot result reflects what our members feel about Heinz's current attitude.
"Our members do not want to take strike action but have been left with no choice because they will not allow Heinz management to bully or fool its workforce into accepting its version of a 'fair' pay deal."
She added: "Workers at the factory feel completely let down by Heinz management.
"They want the opportunity to voice their anger at the way they are being treated and strike action will make the company listen."
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Fred The Shred Gets Off - FSA Bottles It!
The Financial Services Authority is facing criticism for closing its investigation into what went wrong at Royal Bank of Scotland without taking disciplinary action against any of the individuals involved, including the former chief executive Sir Fred "The Shred" Goodwin.
Amid questions about why the regulator had appointed external advisers from PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct the 17-month review, Unite accused the City regulator of being unable to "hold the sector to account".
Lord Oakeshott, a Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman, was also tabling a question to demand a copy of the PwC review be placed in the parliamentary library after the City regulator said rules prevented it from making the report public. "This just won't wash," Oakeshott said.
The FSA blamed "bad" decisions rather than dishonesty for the events that led to the £45bn taxpayer bailout of the bank. The review by PwC – whose role as an auditor to a number of banks is being investigated by various regulatory bodies – analysed the events that led to RBS's takeover of the Dutch bank ABN Amro as the credit crunch was beginning in late 2007. PwC also looked at rights issues conducted by the bank in 2008, which are the subject of legal action by some shareholders who are concerned they were misled by the bank.
Rob MacGregor, national officer at the Unite union, described the conclusions as an outrage. "By failing to bring any formal charges against the RBS executives they have allowed some of the biggest villains of the financial crisis to go on enjoying their millionaire lifestyles whilst taxpayers experience cuts and staff face an insecure future," MacGregor said.
The FSA insisted the review concluded that "bad decisions were not the result of a lack of integrity by any individual and we did not identify any instances of fraud or dishonest activity by RBS senior individuals or a failure of governance on the part of the board".
The FSA insisted that PwC had been picked to conduct the review because it was not RBS's auditor. The regulator said it was prevented from publishing the PwC report by section 348 of the Financial Services and Markets Act.
Oakeshott said: "You can't refuse to publish the report – redacted, if legally necessary – on the worst train-crash in British company history. How can we learn the lessons if we can't read the evidence?"
The FSA warned that if former RBS directors reapplied to work in the City they could find their applications being barred or restricted to certain activities.
The watchdog's supervisory investigations into other banks that failed during the crisis, such as HBOS and Bradford & Bingley, continue.
RBS said: "RBS is wholly focused on our work to restructure the bank and rebuild value for shareholders. We welcome the
Amid questions about why the regulator had appointed external advisers from PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct the 17-month review, Unite accused the City regulator of being unable to "hold the sector to account".
Lord Oakeshott, a Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman, was also tabling a question to demand a copy of the PwC review be placed in the parliamentary library after the City regulator said rules prevented it from making the report public. "This just won't wash," Oakeshott said.
The FSA blamed "bad" decisions rather than dishonesty for the events that led to the £45bn taxpayer bailout of the bank. The review by PwC – whose role as an auditor to a number of banks is being investigated by various regulatory bodies – analysed the events that led to RBS's takeover of the Dutch bank ABN Amro as the credit crunch was beginning in late 2007. PwC also looked at rights issues conducted by the bank in 2008, which are the subject of legal action by some shareholders who are concerned they were misled by the bank.
Rob MacGregor, national officer at the Unite union, described the conclusions as an outrage. "By failing to bring any formal charges against the RBS executives they have allowed some of the biggest villains of the financial crisis to go on enjoying their millionaire lifestyles whilst taxpayers experience cuts and staff face an insecure future," MacGregor said.
The FSA insisted the review concluded that "bad decisions were not the result of a lack of integrity by any individual and we did not identify any instances of fraud or dishonest activity by RBS senior individuals or a failure of governance on the part of the board".
The FSA insisted that PwC had been picked to conduct the review because it was not RBS's auditor. The regulator said it was prevented from publishing the PwC report by section 348 of the Financial Services and Markets Act.
Oakeshott said: "You can't refuse to publish the report – redacted, if legally necessary – on the worst train-crash in British company history. How can we learn the lessons if we can't read the evidence?"
The FSA warned that if former RBS directors reapplied to work in the City they could find their applications being barred or restricted to certain activities.
The watchdog's supervisory investigations into other banks that failed during the crisis, such as HBOS and Bradford & Bingley, continue.
RBS said: "RBS is wholly focused on our work to restructure the bank and rebuild value for shareholders. We welcome the
Friday, December 3, 2010
Unite Proposes National Strike In ireland
Unite has proposed a national strike to force the Irish Government to change its economic strategy.
It is also urging unions to lead a campaign of civil disobedience which could involve refusal to pay service charges or any new water or property taxes introduced.
Irish regional secretary Jimmy Kelly said the union would put proposals for a national strike to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in the weeks ahead and would seek support from other unions.
He suggested that such action could start with a half-day stoppage “and building on that to the sort of strike action that will affect the incoming government”.
He said the country would soon be moving into a phase when political parties would be seeking support to form the next government. He said the key question was how to influence the next administration. He said he was convinced strike action had to be part of such a campaign.
“We are absolutely convinced that marching in the streets for the rest of this year and into next year will not achieve the pressure that we need to put on those politicians. We are saying we need to look at the alternative which is taking strike action as part of the protest.”
Unite’s proposals for a national strike came as it unveiled plans for a four-year €15 billion investment in the economy under what it called an alternative “people’s budget”. The money would come from current cash assets held by the National Treasury Management Agency and the National Pension Reserve Fund. Among the projects they earmarked for investment are broadband, water and waste networks, a preventive health initiative and education. The plan also includes proposals for an end to regressive tax incentives and calls for tax increases initially on higher earning groups.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has already signalled that its focus following last Saturday’s march in Dublin will be on a campaign to oppose the Government’s move to cut the minimum wage.
Meanwhile, the Department of Finance said yesterday while there was no formal scheme to allow civil servants to take a half-day shopping leave at Christmas, it was the custom in some organisations to allow the time off to some restricted grades. It said that this dated back to a time when shop opening hours were limited.
Earlier this week a member of staff in the Patents Office circulated an e-mail calling on all civil servants not to avail of this entitlement to Christmas shopping leave.
The email said it would be unacceptable in the current climate and would lead to further criticism from the media. The Department of Finance said that it did not know how many staff availed of the Christmas shopping leave.
Because it is not a formal arrangement, Christmas shopping leave does not feature in the reforms being proposed by management for the Civil Service under the Croke Park agreement.
Yesterday, the head of the implementation body for the Croke Park deal, PJ Fitzpatrick, said he was surprised such a practice could still exist.
In a separate move, the union representing lower-paid civil servants said it was not responsible for the row which has seen €20 million of electronic fingerprinting equipment unused for two years.
The CPSU said the Attorney General had now backed its legal advice that its members in the Garda National Immigration Bureau were not by law entitled to act as immigration officers.
The union said it had been informed by management that the equipment was to be used to track non-EU nationals making multiple applications in EU territories and to track international criminals using a link to Interpol data.
It said it had been advised at the time that CPSU members would be required to use data collected from the machine to scan Interpol and Garda lists to check for criminal records.
It is also urging unions to lead a campaign of civil disobedience which could involve refusal to pay service charges or any new water or property taxes introduced.
Irish regional secretary Jimmy Kelly said the union would put proposals for a national strike to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in the weeks ahead and would seek support from other unions.
He suggested that such action could start with a half-day stoppage “and building on that to the sort of strike action that will affect the incoming government”.
He said the country would soon be moving into a phase when political parties would be seeking support to form the next government. He said the key question was how to influence the next administration. He said he was convinced strike action had to be part of such a campaign.
“We are absolutely convinced that marching in the streets for the rest of this year and into next year will not achieve the pressure that we need to put on those politicians. We are saying we need to look at the alternative which is taking strike action as part of the protest.”
Unite’s proposals for a national strike came as it unveiled plans for a four-year €15 billion investment in the economy under what it called an alternative “people’s budget”. The money would come from current cash assets held by the National Treasury Management Agency and the National Pension Reserve Fund. Among the projects they earmarked for investment are broadband, water and waste networks, a preventive health initiative and education. The plan also includes proposals for an end to regressive tax incentives and calls for tax increases initially on higher earning groups.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has already signalled that its focus following last Saturday’s march in Dublin will be on a campaign to oppose the Government’s move to cut the minimum wage.
Meanwhile, the Department of Finance said yesterday while there was no formal scheme to allow civil servants to take a half-day shopping leave at Christmas, it was the custom in some organisations to allow the time off to some restricted grades. It said that this dated back to a time when shop opening hours were limited.
Earlier this week a member of staff in the Patents Office circulated an e-mail calling on all civil servants not to avail of this entitlement to Christmas shopping leave.
The email said it would be unacceptable in the current climate and would lead to further criticism from the media. The Department of Finance said that it did not know how many staff availed of the Christmas shopping leave.
Because it is not a formal arrangement, Christmas shopping leave does not feature in the reforms being proposed by management for the Civil Service under the Croke Park agreement.
Yesterday, the head of the implementation body for the Croke Park deal, PJ Fitzpatrick, said he was surprised such a practice could still exist.
In a separate move, the union representing lower-paid civil servants said it was not responsible for the row which has seen €20 million of electronic fingerprinting equipment unused for two years.
The CPSU said the Attorney General had now backed its legal advice that its members in the Garda National Immigration Bureau were not by law entitled to act as immigration officers.
The union said it had been informed by management that the equipment was to be used to track non-EU nationals making multiple applications in EU territories and to track international criminals using a link to Interpol data.
It said it had been advised at the time that CPSU members would be required to use data collected from the machine to scan Interpol and Garda lists to check for criminal records.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Unions call for end to repression of unions in Mexico
Mexican trade unionist Juan Linares still jailed after two years; IMF, ICEM, ITF and UNI call for global mobilization in February 2011 demanding an end to government attacks on Mexico's democratic trade unions.
Ongoing abuses of trade union rights in Mexico will be highlighted on December 3, the day that marks the two-year anniversary of Juan Linares Montufar's arrest. Linares is a political prisoner, held illegally, without bond since his arrest. The sham charges against him all relate to the transfer of funds from a Trust created by his trade union, the National Union of Mine, Metal and Steel Workers (SNTMMSSRM) to the union. His detention is one part of the campaign of trade union intimidation and repression by the Mexican government.
Juan Linares is the President of the Oversight and Justice Council of the SNTMMSSRM, also known as Los Mineros. The sham charges against him relate to a trust created in 1988 as part of negotiations around the sale of a number of state-owned mines to Germán Larrea, the current owner of mining giant Grupo México. As part of the privatisation negotiations, 5 per cent of the shares of the companies were to be placed in a trust for the benefit of the SNTMMSSRM. In a 1990 ruling, the First Commercial Court in Mexico City confirmed that the union was the beneficiary of the trust. Linares was one of three trustees named by the union to administer the trust.
Los Mineros fought a 15-year legal and industrial action struggle to make the Larrea companies pay the agreed shares into the Trust. Agreement was reached on October 2, 2004, by which time the 5 per cent share was worth approximately US$55 million. In February 2005 the union decided to terminate the Trust and transfer the money to a bank account of the union.
In 2006 the Federal Attorney General filed criminal charges against Linares, SNTMMSSRM General Secretary Napoleón Gómez Urrutia, and other union officials, in federal and state courts. All of the charges are based on a single argument: that the union did not have the right to terminate the trust because the trust existed for the benefit of the workers, not the union. The union officers reply that the transfer of the trust funds was perfectly legal under Mexican law; in addition to being a protected exercise of trade union autonomy under ILO Convention 87. So far, charges filed against Gómez in three state and two federal courts have been dismissed, as have two state charges against Linares. However, a federal charge against Linares is still being litigated, and the courts have denied him bail.
Ironically, while the government claims that its prosecution is intended to force the union to pay the Grupo Mexico workers, its charges actually halted the payments. Prior to the filing of the criminal charges, the SNTMMSSRM had already distributed almost $21 million to the workers. But when the government filed charges, it also froze the union's bank accounts, halting the distribution process.
Since his arrest, Linares has been held at the Reclusorio Norte prison in Mexico City. He receives regular visits from his family, other Mineros leaders, and international trade union delegations from around the world. To all his visitors, Linares has one message: "I could walk out of this jail tomorrow if I were willing to betray my union. But I will never do that."
Juan Linares is a prisoner of conscience and must be released immediately.
This demand is part of a global mobilization that is being planned to coincide with the five-year anniversary of the deadly accident at the Pasta de Conchos coal mine in Coahuila on 19 February 2006. The global days of action, calling for an end to government attacks on Mexico's democratic trade unions, will be led by affiliates of four Global Union Federations: the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF), International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM), International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), and UNI Global Union. For more information go to:
Ongoing abuses of trade union rights in Mexico will be highlighted on December 3, the day that marks the two-year anniversary of Juan Linares Montufar's arrest. Linares is a political prisoner, held illegally, without bond since his arrest. The sham charges against him all relate to the transfer of funds from a Trust created by his trade union, the National Union of Mine, Metal and Steel Workers (SNTMMSSRM) to the union. His detention is one part of the campaign of trade union intimidation and repression by the Mexican government.
Juan Linares is the President of the Oversight and Justice Council of the SNTMMSSRM, also known as Los Mineros. The sham charges against him relate to a trust created in 1988 as part of negotiations around the sale of a number of state-owned mines to Germán Larrea, the current owner of mining giant Grupo México. As part of the privatisation negotiations, 5 per cent of the shares of the companies were to be placed in a trust for the benefit of the SNTMMSSRM. In a 1990 ruling, the First Commercial Court in Mexico City confirmed that the union was the beneficiary of the trust. Linares was one of three trustees named by the union to administer the trust.
Los Mineros fought a 15-year legal and industrial action struggle to make the Larrea companies pay the agreed shares into the Trust. Agreement was reached on October 2, 2004, by which time the 5 per cent share was worth approximately US$55 million. In February 2005 the union decided to terminate the Trust and transfer the money to a bank account of the union.
In 2006 the Federal Attorney General filed criminal charges against Linares, SNTMMSSRM General Secretary Napoleón Gómez Urrutia, and other union officials, in federal and state courts. All of the charges are based on a single argument: that the union did not have the right to terminate the trust because the trust existed for the benefit of the workers, not the union. The union officers reply that the transfer of the trust funds was perfectly legal under Mexican law; in addition to being a protected exercise of trade union autonomy under ILO Convention 87. So far, charges filed against Gómez in three state and two federal courts have been dismissed, as have two state charges against Linares. However, a federal charge against Linares is still being litigated, and the courts have denied him bail.
Ironically, while the government claims that its prosecution is intended to force the union to pay the Grupo Mexico workers, its charges actually halted the payments. Prior to the filing of the criminal charges, the SNTMMSSRM had already distributed almost $21 million to the workers. But when the government filed charges, it also froze the union's bank accounts, halting the distribution process.
Since his arrest, Linares has been held at the Reclusorio Norte prison in Mexico City. He receives regular visits from his family, other Mineros leaders, and international trade union delegations from around the world. To all his visitors, Linares has one message: "I could walk out of this jail tomorrow if I were willing to betray my union. But I will never do that."
Juan Linares is a prisoner of conscience and must be released immediately.
This demand is part of a global mobilization that is being planned to coincide with the five-year anniversary of the deadly accident at the Pasta de Conchos coal mine in Coahuila on 19 February 2006. The global days of action, calling for an end to government attacks on Mexico's democratic trade unions, will be led by affiliates of four Global Union Federations: the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF), International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM), International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), and UNI Global Union. For more information go to:
German metalworkers to get 2011 increases early
Some 670,000 German metal and electronics workers to get 2011 pay rises early, reports IG Metall.
GERMANY: In a sign that the economic crisis has waned, at least in Germany, IG Metall reported that companies employing 20 per cent of some total 3.4 million metal and electronics workers in the country to date have moved the scheduled 2011 wage increase up from April to February. Companies and their Works Councils including Audi AG, Bosch GmbH, Siemens, and Voith, the paper machine and engineering manufacturer, have agreed to pay the scheduled 2.7 per cent increase in February.
Several more companies are expected to do the same in the coming weeks. The union said some 670,000 workers are now on schedule to get the raise in February. In collective agreements negotiated in February 2010, IG Metall agreed to a historic job preservation pact in exchange for two lump sum payments of €320 each in 2010 and early 2011.
The 2011 percentage increase was scheduled for April 2011, but according to the agreement Works Councils were given the authority to negotiate the 2.7 per cent sum effective two months prior to April 2011, but no later than two months after that date. The 25-month agreement last year also mandates that there will be no operational redundancies before 30 June 2012.
IG Metall credits the early raises to a strong economic recovery in the country.
Additionally, Siemens, in appreciation to its global workforce of 400,000 for exemplary performance throughout the crisis, announced earlier in November that it would grant a total of US$430 million in a "one-time special bonus." The pay-out, to be made between December and January, will amount to about €1,000 per worker, with German workers getting the bonus in January and the 2.7 per cent increase the next month.
GERMANY: In a sign that the economic crisis has waned, at least in Germany, IG Metall reported that companies employing 20 per cent of some total 3.4 million metal and electronics workers in the country to date have moved the scheduled 2011 wage increase up from April to February. Companies and their Works Councils including Audi AG, Bosch GmbH, Siemens, and Voith, the paper machine and engineering manufacturer, have agreed to pay the scheduled 2.7 per cent increase in February.
Several more companies are expected to do the same in the coming weeks. The union said some 670,000 workers are now on schedule to get the raise in February. In collective agreements negotiated in February 2010, IG Metall agreed to a historic job preservation pact in exchange for two lump sum payments of €320 each in 2010 and early 2011.
The 2011 percentage increase was scheduled for April 2011, but according to the agreement Works Councils were given the authority to negotiate the 2.7 per cent sum effective two months prior to April 2011, but no later than two months after that date. The 25-month agreement last year also mandates that there will be no operational redundancies before 30 June 2012.
IG Metall credits the early raises to a strong economic recovery in the country.
Additionally, Siemens, in appreciation to its global workforce of 400,000 for exemplary performance throughout the crisis, announced earlier in November that it would grant a total of US$430 million in a "one-time special bonus." The pay-out, to be made between December and January, will amount to about €1,000 per worker, with German workers getting the bonus in January and the 2.7 per cent increase the next month.
Monday, November 29, 2010
LATIN AMERICA 2010 THIS WEEKEND - REGISTER NOW AT WWW.LATINAMERICACONFERENCE.ORG.UK
From VSC:
Unite is amongst supporters of the annual Latin America Conference taking place this Saturday (December 4) at Congress House from 9.30am - 5.00pm.
Keynote speakers from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolviia, Honduras and Ecuador will address this must-attend event.
Please find below an article by former MP Colin Burgon - Vice-Chair of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign - on why at this time of economic crisis, our solidarity with progressives in Latin America is more important than ever.
Mass movements show the alternative to failed neo-liberalism
The recent election in Brazil of Dilma Rousseff of the Workers’ Party in the second round of the presidential elections was welcomed by those on the left all over the world
by Colin Burgon
Friday, November 26th, 2010 - http://www.tribunemagazine.co.uk/2010/11/mass-movements-show-the-alternative-to-failed-neo-liberalism/
The recent election in Brazil of Dilma Rousseff of the Workers’ Party in the second round of the presidential elections was welcomed by those on the left all over the world.
Ms Rousseff won by 56 per cent to 44 per cent, with 55,752,483 votes, and will take office on January 1 as the first woman president of the country. Elections to Congress – and state legislatures – also produced welcome outcomes for the PT which, along with coalition allies, increased their representation and for the first time took control of the Senate.
This is the case not only in Brazil but elsewhere in the continent. There has been a steadying of support for the progressive coalition in Argentina.
In Bolivia, the governing Movement Towards Socialism led by Evo Morales won again in April’s regional elections.
And in Venezuela’s National Assembly elections while – against a backdrop of 12 years in power, worldwide economic recession and emboldened opposition – President Hugo Chávez’ PSUV did not poll as well as in some previous elections, it remained the party with the biggest support and a majority of seats.
Indeed, it was with the election of Hugo Chávez in 1998 that the response to neo-liberalism was unleashed, subsequently creating a “pink tide” of governments throughout the region.
Around the world, the Washington consensus experiment failed the majority of people and this was especially clear in Latin America, where millions were thrown into poverty.
First, the Chávez government, and then others, put forward a different model, combining economic interventionism, control of natural resources and redistribution to improve people’s lives.
These changes were deeply resented by the previous ruling elites in those countries and by those forces internationally that support, and benefit from, neo-liberalism.
In 2009 and 2010, there have been signs that such forces are fighting back. In particular, the successful military coup against Honduras’ elected President Manuel Zelaya was a stark warning that social progress should not be taken for granted.
Forces hostile to the progressive government of Rafael Correa in Ecuador kidnapped and tried to oust (and kill) the president through a “police revolt” in September.
However, this time – as in Venezuela in 2002 – the plotters were not successful, with the people going onto the streets to demand the return of their president and sections of the army ensuring his safe release.
Although, when elected, Barack Obama professed the need for “a new start” to relations the United States has with Latin America, the actions of the US military indicate no clear break from the policies of the George W Bush years, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in particular hostile to the Chávez government.
The danger to progress in the region is therefore very real. The aforementioned coups also need to be seen against the backdrop of a new US militarisation of the region, including the resurrection of the US military Fourth Fleet.
In a time of global economic crisis, we should learn from the mass movements in Latin America that there is an alternative to neo-liberalism and develop practical ways of supporting them.
* Colin Burgon is chair of Labour Friends of Venezuela and vice-chair of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign. He is speaking at the Latin America 2010 conference at Congress House on December 4, which Tribune is supporting. For more information and online registration: www.latinamericaconference.org.uk
Unite is amongst supporters of the annual Latin America Conference taking place this Saturday (December 4) at Congress House from 9.30am - 5.00pm.
Keynote speakers from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolviia, Honduras and Ecuador will address this must-attend event.
Please find below an article by former MP Colin Burgon - Vice-Chair of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign - on why at this time of economic crisis, our solidarity with progressives in Latin America is more important than ever.
Mass movements show the alternative to failed neo-liberalism
The recent election in Brazil of Dilma Rousseff of the Workers’ Party in the second round of the presidential elections was welcomed by those on the left all over the world
by Colin Burgon
Friday, November 26th, 2010 - http://www.tribunemagazine.co.uk/2010/11/mass-movements-show-the-alternative-to-failed-neo-liberalism/
The recent election in Brazil of Dilma Rousseff of the Workers’ Party in the second round of the presidential elections was welcomed by those on the left all over the world.
Ms Rousseff won by 56 per cent to 44 per cent, with 55,752,483 votes, and will take office on January 1 as the first woman president of the country. Elections to Congress – and state legislatures – also produced welcome outcomes for the PT which, along with coalition allies, increased their representation and for the first time took control of the Senate.
This is the case not only in Brazil but elsewhere in the continent. There has been a steadying of support for the progressive coalition in Argentina.
In Bolivia, the governing Movement Towards Socialism led by Evo Morales won again in April’s regional elections.
And in Venezuela’s National Assembly elections while – against a backdrop of 12 years in power, worldwide economic recession and emboldened opposition – President Hugo Chávez’ PSUV did not poll as well as in some previous elections, it remained the party with the biggest support and a majority of seats.
Indeed, it was with the election of Hugo Chávez in 1998 that the response to neo-liberalism was unleashed, subsequently creating a “pink tide” of governments throughout the region.
Around the world, the Washington consensus experiment failed the majority of people and this was especially clear in Latin America, where millions were thrown into poverty.
First, the Chávez government, and then others, put forward a different model, combining economic interventionism, control of natural resources and redistribution to improve people’s lives.
These changes were deeply resented by the previous ruling elites in those countries and by those forces internationally that support, and benefit from, neo-liberalism.
In 2009 and 2010, there have been signs that such forces are fighting back. In particular, the successful military coup against Honduras’ elected President Manuel Zelaya was a stark warning that social progress should not be taken for granted.
Forces hostile to the progressive government of Rafael Correa in Ecuador kidnapped and tried to oust (and kill) the president through a “police revolt” in September.
However, this time – as in Venezuela in 2002 – the plotters were not successful, with the people going onto the streets to demand the return of their president and sections of the army ensuring his safe release.
Although, when elected, Barack Obama professed the need for “a new start” to relations the United States has with Latin America, the actions of the US military indicate no clear break from the policies of the George W Bush years, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in particular hostile to the Chávez government.
The danger to progress in the region is therefore very real. The aforementioned coups also need to be seen against the backdrop of a new US militarisation of the region, including the resurrection of the US military Fourth Fleet.
In a time of global economic crisis, we should learn from the mass movements in Latin America that there is an alternative to neo-liberalism and develop practical ways of supporting them.
* Colin Burgon is chair of Labour Friends of Venezuela and vice-chair of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign. He is speaking at the Latin America 2010 conference at Congress House on December 4, which Tribune is supporting. For more information and online registration: www.latinamericaconference.org.uk
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Len McCluskey: Government 'wrecking UK'
The government has been accused of taking a "wrecking ball" to the country by its cuts in public spending.
Len McCluskey, newly elected leader of the Unite union accused the government of going "far beyond" what was needed to rebalance the economy.
He told a conference in London organised by the Coalition of Resistance: "The anger that is unfurling across our country is not mindless.
"It is the legitimate expression of a people who feel that this government is taking a wrecking ball to our nation, going far beyond what is needed rebalance our books.
"They are using a global financial crisis to terrify the citizens of this country into meek acceptance of a raid on our schools, hospitals, services, jobs - the very fundamentals of our communities built up over 60 years of our tax and toil."
Len McCluskey said communities would not allow the government to "hurl" the country back to the "wasted years" of unemployment and "destroyed" communities he said were the hallmark of the Thatcher years.
"We know there is an alternative, based on growth and tax justice, to the vandalism they are hell-bent on pursuing.
"In streets, schools, workplaces, universities and town halls up and down our country we will stand together against the senseless hardship they will unleash. We will not let them break Britain.
"And if this government ignores our alliance, then they will, deservedly, be run out of office."
Len McCluskey, newly elected leader of the Unite union accused the government of going "far beyond" what was needed to rebalance the economy.
He told a conference in London organised by the Coalition of Resistance: "The anger that is unfurling across our country is not mindless.
"It is the legitimate expression of a people who feel that this government is taking a wrecking ball to our nation, going far beyond what is needed rebalance our books.
"They are using a global financial crisis to terrify the citizens of this country into meek acceptance of a raid on our schools, hospitals, services, jobs - the very fundamentals of our communities built up over 60 years of our tax and toil."
Len McCluskey said communities would not allow the government to "hurl" the country back to the "wasted years" of unemployment and "destroyed" communities he said were the hallmark of the Thatcher years.
"We know there is an alternative, based on growth and tax justice, to the vandalism they are hell-bent on pursuing.
"In streets, schools, workplaces, universities and town halls up and down our country we will stand together against the senseless hardship they will unleash. We will not let them break Britain.
"And if this government ignores our alliance, then they will, deservedly, be run out of office."
Friday, November 26, 2010
Linamar car plant in Swansea closing at end of week
Two hundred employees at a car components factory near Swansea have been told it will shut this week, a union says.
North American-based Linamar announced in July it planned to close the plant.
It said the decision followed an "extensive review" which found "no viable future for the operation".
Unite said workers were "devastated" and condemned management of the plant once owned by Ford.
Unite National officer Roger Maddison said: "This is a sad time for our members at Linamar, who are devastated as the plant in Swansea closes for business this week.
"It beggars belief that Linamar can find millions of pounds to close the plant in Swansea and move work to Mexico, yet it could not find that same money to invest in a highly-skilled and committed workforce.
"Our members have paid the ultimate price by being dumped on to the industrial scrap heap just for defending the pay they had fought for over the 40 years the plants has been open."
The Swansea plant opened in the 1960s and was formerly owned by Ford and Visteon before being acquired by the Linamar Corporation in 2008.
At that time it employed over 350 people.
North American-based Linamar announced in July it planned to close the plant.
It said the decision followed an "extensive review" which found "no viable future for the operation".
Unite said workers were "devastated" and condemned management of the plant once owned by Ford.
Unite National officer Roger Maddison said: "This is a sad time for our members at Linamar, who are devastated as the plant in Swansea closes for business this week.
"It beggars belief that Linamar can find millions of pounds to close the plant in Swansea and move work to Mexico, yet it could not find that same money to invest in a highly-skilled and committed workforce.
"Our members have paid the ultimate price by being dumped on to the industrial scrap heap just for defending the pay they had fought for over the 40 years the plants has been open."
The Swansea plant opened in the 1960s and was formerly owned by Ford and Visteon before being acquired by the Linamar Corporation in 2008.
At that time it employed over 350 people.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Unite - Don't Break Britain Campaign To Be Launched
Unite’s new leader pledges to mobilise members against misery of a Cameron Christmas
Len McCluskey has warned that thousands of families face a miserable Christmas and painful new year thanks to the coalition government.
Len McCluskey, who earlier today was ratified as the first solo general secretary of Unite by the union’s executive, reiterated his determination to expose the lies behind the coalition government’s justification for its savage assault on the quality of national life.
Announcing Unite’s campaign to mobilise its 1.5 million members and their families in defence of their communities – titled Don’t Break Britain – Len McCluskey said: “Working people are under massive attack now. This government is expecting them to pay, through job losses and spending cuts, for the crisis made in the City. Resisting that assault must be priority number one for any trade union leader. What Thatcher tried to do to the unions, the Con-Dems are trying to do to the welfare state – erase it from the nation’s life.
“Britain’s first Cameron Christmas is going to be a time of bleak uncertainty for millions of people – not just those who work in the public sector, but anyone in any way dependent on them. Food, fuel and essentials are all rising. VAT will jump in January but wages are frozen. For ordinary people, this is not a ’good recession’, as some Tory peers would have it, but a miserable and frightening time. Only the bankers with their bonuses will be celebrating.
“That is why at the start of 2011, Unite will be launching its Don’t Break Britain campaign aimed at uniting everyone fighting to maintain the elements of a fair society and cohesive community life in the face of this onslaught.
“We will campaign alongside those who cannot take strike action to save their services – those dependent on benefits, people on NHS waiting lists, school children deprived of sports facilities, pensioners anxious about fuel bills.
“Don’t Break Britain will be about our union with its roots in the communities placing itself at the heart of the growing movement of resistance to the cuts.”
Len McCluskey added that he believed strike action to defend jobs and services will become more likely as anger deepens over the government’s actions:
“Unite will support any of its members that wish to take industrial action to save the one million jobs at threat across the public sector and to protect their pay and conditions. Indeed, I believe such action will likely prove inevitable.”
Further, Len reiterated his full support for a new beginning for the Labour party: “I would also like to make clear straight away my full support for the Labour party and for Ed Miliband’s leadership of it. I believe Unite members want and expect Labour to unite behind Ed, not to listen to the Blairite undead trying to drag Labour back to a failed past.
“Our duty now is to work might and main to defeat the Tories and Lib Dems at the local elections next May and at the next general election.”
Len McCluskey has warned that thousands of families face a miserable Christmas and painful new year thanks to the coalition government.
Len McCluskey, who earlier today was ratified as the first solo general secretary of Unite by the union’s executive, reiterated his determination to expose the lies behind the coalition government’s justification for its savage assault on the quality of national life.
Announcing Unite’s campaign to mobilise its 1.5 million members and their families in defence of their communities – titled Don’t Break Britain – Len McCluskey said: “Working people are under massive attack now. This government is expecting them to pay, through job losses and spending cuts, for the crisis made in the City. Resisting that assault must be priority number one for any trade union leader. What Thatcher tried to do to the unions, the Con-Dems are trying to do to the welfare state – erase it from the nation’s life.
“Britain’s first Cameron Christmas is going to be a time of bleak uncertainty for millions of people – not just those who work in the public sector, but anyone in any way dependent on them. Food, fuel and essentials are all rising. VAT will jump in January but wages are frozen. For ordinary people, this is not a ’good recession’, as some Tory peers would have it, but a miserable and frightening time. Only the bankers with their bonuses will be celebrating.
“That is why at the start of 2011, Unite will be launching its Don’t Break Britain campaign aimed at uniting everyone fighting to maintain the elements of a fair society and cohesive community life in the face of this onslaught.
“We will campaign alongside those who cannot take strike action to save their services – those dependent on benefits, people on NHS waiting lists, school children deprived of sports facilities, pensioners anxious about fuel bills.
“Don’t Break Britain will be about our union with its roots in the communities placing itself at the heart of the growing movement of resistance to the cuts.”
Len McCluskey added that he believed strike action to defend jobs and services will become more likely as anger deepens over the government’s actions:
“Unite will support any of its members that wish to take industrial action to save the one million jobs at threat across the public sector and to protect their pay and conditions. Indeed, I believe such action will likely prove inevitable.”
Further, Len reiterated his full support for a new beginning for the Labour party: “I would also like to make clear straight away my full support for the Labour party and for Ed Miliband’s leadership of it. I believe Unite members want and expect Labour to unite behind Ed, not to listen to the Blairite undead trying to drag Labour back to a failed past.
“Our duty now is to work might and main to defeat the Tories and Lib Dems at the local elections next May and at the next general election.”
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Unite slams government migration cap as harming IT workers
Unite has reacted angrily to the government's decision to exclude intra-company transfers from its migration cap policy announced today, believing that it is already having a detrimental effect on the UK workforce, especially IT staff.
The introduction of a salary threshold of £40,000 for intra-company transfers of more than a year will lead to employers manipulating the system by transferring workers from outside the UK for less than a year, Unite said.
Employers can claim accommodation allowances of up to 30 per cent of the salary, or 40 per cent if the certificate of sponsorship is under 12 months. Pay and allowances are not taxed if the migrant worker is temporarily transferred for under two years.
This subsidy could act as an incentive to undercut domestic pay rates, Unite claimed. A resident worker earning £35,000, for example, could end up paying £10,000 more in tax payments than a similar migrant worker on an intra-company transfer visa.
Excluding intra-company transfers from the migration numbers is contrary to advice from the Migration Advisory Committee, which released a report last week highlighting the potential problems.
Businesses could abuse the system by manipulating tax and accommodation allowances to undercut UK resident workers, according to Peter Skyte, Unite national officer.
"The government has spectacularly squandered the opportunity to deal with misuse and abuse of the intra-company transfer scheme in its migration cap announcement in the face of largely empty threats by big business to withdraw investment from the UK," he said.
Skyte added that the government has also failed to stimulate job opportunities to reduce high unemployment among skilled computer science graduates.
"[Instead it has] provided employers with greater incentives to source labour from the domestic market as envisaged in its original consultation on the migration cap," he argued.
Anne Swain, chief executive of the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), welcomed the government's "tightening up" of the rules on intra-company transfers but questioned whether imposing a £40,000 minimum salary limit would be effective.
“We will be seeking clarity from the government on how the £40,000 minimum will be reviewed," she added.
“About 80 per cent of non-EU IT workers come to the UK on intra-company transfers. The cap won’t significantly reduce that influx."
Swain called for greater transparency in the current immigration system detailing the pay and conditions of workers entering the UK on intra-company transfers.
“The cap is a blunt tool which could do more damage than good. The vast majority of foreign workers arriving in the UK are EU nationals who won’t be affected by the cap,” she explained.
“Worries over immigration centre on low skilled workers being undercut, so capping the flow of highly skilled workers seems a strange policy.”
She warned that by imposing an inflexible cap, the government "could be damaging high value sectors of the economy where skills shortages can hinder growth”.
The introduction of a salary threshold of £40,000 for intra-company transfers of more than a year will lead to employers manipulating the system by transferring workers from outside the UK for less than a year, Unite said.
Employers can claim accommodation allowances of up to 30 per cent of the salary, or 40 per cent if the certificate of sponsorship is under 12 months. Pay and allowances are not taxed if the migrant worker is temporarily transferred for under two years.
This subsidy could act as an incentive to undercut domestic pay rates, Unite claimed. A resident worker earning £35,000, for example, could end up paying £10,000 more in tax payments than a similar migrant worker on an intra-company transfer visa.
Excluding intra-company transfers from the migration numbers is contrary to advice from the Migration Advisory Committee, which released a report last week highlighting the potential problems.
Businesses could abuse the system by manipulating tax and accommodation allowances to undercut UK resident workers, according to Peter Skyte, Unite national officer.
"The government has spectacularly squandered the opportunity to deal with misuse and abuse of the intra-company transfer scheme in its migration cap announcement in the face of largely empty threats by big business to withdraw investment from the UK," he said.
Skyte added that the government has also failed to stimulate job opportunities to reduce high unemployment among skilled computer science graduates.
"[Instead it has] provided employers with greater incentives to source labour from the domestic market as envisaged in its original consultation on the migration cap," he argued.
Anne Swain, chief executive of the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), welcomed the government's "tightening up" of the rules on intra-company transfers but questioned whether imposing a £40,000 minimum salary limit would be effective.
“We will be seeking clarity from the government on how the £40,000 minimum will be reviewed," she added.
“About 80 per cent of non-EU IT workers come to the UK on intra-company transfers. The cap won’t significantly reduce that influx."
Swain called for greater transparency in the current immigration system detailing the pay and conditions of workers entering the UK on intra-company transfers.
“The cap is a blunt tool which could do more damage than good. The vast majority of foreign workers arriving in the UK are EU nationals who won’t be affected by the cap,” she explained.
“Worries over immigration centre on low skilled workers being undercut, so capping the flow of highly skilled workers seems a strange policy.”
She warned that by imposing an inflexible cap, the government "could be damaging high value sectors of the economy where skills shortages can hinder growth”.
Bradford City Council Send 10,000 Redundancy Notices
Unite officials have expressed fury at the latest threat to thousands of council workers' jobs, warning that Christmas was being "ruined" by the Government's spending cuts.
Unite said that Bradford City Council has put thousands of workers at risk of redundancy under plans to axe a quarter of its workforce.
Letters have been issued to its entire workforce placing them at risk of redundancy, with the council planning to lose 2,000 jobs, said Unite.
The union demanded that the council retracts the notice and plans to hold a meeting with its members to discuss the next steps to oppose the threat to jobs.
Regional officer Ray Jones said: "This is a callous and totally unwarranted act by the council. The needless distress caused to at least 10,000 workers so close to Christmas is simply unacceptable and Unite is demanding that the council retracts the letter immediately.
"It is bad enough that the council intends to make 2,000 staff redundant but it has gone even further and ruined Christmas for its entire workforce who now don't know whether they have a job in the New Year or not.
"While the blame for this attack on public sector workers quite firmly lies at the Government's door, the council's approach has only made matters worse. Unite will meet with its members shortly to discuss the next steps to oppose the council's actions."
Unison said several councils in the North West, including Bury, East Cheshire, Cumbria, Sefton and Knowsley had warned of a total of 4,500 job losses as they look to make millions of pounds worth of savings.
"It is a very worrying time for our members and for the crucial services they provide," said a spokesman.
The GMB union said last week that almost 40,000 jobs had been threatened with the axe at around 30 local authorities in recent weeks.
Unite said that Bradford City Council has put thousands of workers at risk of redundancy under plans to axe a quarter of its workforce.
Letters have been issued to its entire workforce placing them at risk of redundancy, with the council planning to lose 2,000 jobs, said Unite.
The union demanded that the council retracts the notice and plans to hold a meeting with its members to discuss the next steps to oppose the threat to jobs.
Regional officer Ray Jones said: "This is a callous and totally unwarranted act by the council. The needless distress caused to at least 10,000 workers so close to Christmas is simply unacceptable and Unite is demanding that the council retracts the letter immediately.
"It is bad enough that the council intends to make 2,000 staff redundant but it has gone even further and ruined Christmas for its entire workforce who now don't know whether they have a job in the New Year or not.
"While the blame for this attack on public sector workers quite firmly lies at the Government's door, the council's approach has only made matters worse. Unite will meet with its members shortly to discuss the next steps to oppose the council's actions."
Unison said several councils in the North West, including Bury, East Cheshire, Cumbria, Sefton and Knowsley had warned of a total of 4,500 job losses as they look to make millions of pounds worth of savings.
"It is a very worrying time for our members and for the crucial services they provide," said a spokesman.
The GMB union said last week that almost 40,000 jobs had been threatened with the axe at around 30 local authorities in recent weeks.
BA Ratchet Up Stakes By Suspending Unite Member For Organising Christmas Collection
From the Guardian:
"BA crew step nearer strike vote after suspension over Christmas collection
Union's 'dismay and anger' after woman is sent home for collecting money for sacked and suspended colleagues
Unite has warned that the suspension is likely to worsen its dispute with BA. But the timetable of any strike ballot makes industrial action over Christmas unlikely. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PA
The Unite trade union has moved closer to calling a strike ballot among British Airways cabin crew after expressing its "dismay and anger" over the suspension of an employee for holding a Christmas collection for sacked and suspended colleagues.
Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite, said the suspension of Andrea Molton would worsen the dispute if she is not reinstated. In a letter to BA's director of people, Tony McCarthy, Woodley said: "I am urging you to intervene to lift Andrea's suspension immediately, failing which the consequences will rest entirely with management."
Unite insiders said the suspension increased the likelihood of a strike vote before Christmas. However, Unite must give seven days notice before holding a ballot, which would normally be expected to last a month - meaning that industrial action is likely to miss Christmas.
The year-long dispute between BA and Unite is at an impasse after Tony Woodley said last week that he could no longer recommend a BA peace offer amid resistance from Unite's two cabin crew branches. So far the dispute has seen the sacking of 16 staff and the suspension of a further 58 , though a number of those suspended have returned to work. A BA spokesman said "current" suspensions applied to 12 staff.
Referring to the Molton case, the spokesman added: "A member of cabin crew has been suspended following an allegation of bullying and harassment. The company's disciplinary process has been in place for many years and was agreed with all of its unions, including Unite. As a responsible company, we would not divulge details of individual cases."
"BA crew step nearer strike vote after suspension over Christmas collection
Union's 'dismay and anger' after woman is sent home for collecting money for sacked and suspended colleagues
Unite has warned that the suspension is likely to worsen its dispute with BA. But the timetable of any strike ballot makes industrial action over Christmas unlikely. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PA
The Unite trade union has moved closer to calling a strike ballot among British Airways cabin crew after expressing its "dismay and anger" over the suspension of an employee for holding a Christmas collection for sacked and suspended colleagues.
Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite, said the suspension of Andrea Molton would worsen the dispute if she is not reinstated. In a letter to BA's director of people, Tony McCarthy, Woodley said: "I am urging you to intervene to lift Andrea's suspension immediately, failing which the consequences will rest entirely with management."
Unite insiders said the suspension increased the likelihood of a strike vote before Christmas. However, Unite must give seven days notice before holding a ballot, which would normally be expected to last a month - meaning that industrial action is likely to miss Christmas.
The year-long dispute between BA and Unite is at an impasse after Tony Woodley said last week that he could no longer recommend a BA peace offer amid resistance from Unite's two cabin crew branches. So far the dispute has seen the sacking of 16 staff and the suspension of a further 58 , though a number of those suspended have returned to work. A BA spokesman said "current" suspensions applied to 12 staff.
Referring to the Molton case, the spokesman added: "A member of cabin crew has been suspended following an allegation of bullying and harassment. The company's disciplinary process has been in place for many years and was agreed with all of its unions, including Unite. As a responsible company, we would not divulge details of individual cases."
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Len McCluskey Elected Next Unite General Secretary
Unite Assistant General Secretary Len McCluskey has been elected by Unite members to be the next General Secretary of the union.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11805884
The Workers Uniting Group supported Les Bayliss in the election. Les Bayliss has expressed his disappointment at the result and has thanked those supporters, members, activists and officials who supported him during the campaign.
The membership have spoken and have made a clear decision. The Workers Uniting Group congratulates Len McCluskey on his election and supports the decision of the membership.
Unite, like all unions faces major problems - not least the massive cuts in public services by the ConDem Government and on-going attacks on our members through anti-union legislation and the need to win back the Labour Party.
There is a need to unify Unite to defend members across the UK and Ireland and realise the unions full potential.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11805884
The Workers Uniting Group supported Les Bayliss in the election. Les Bayliss has expressed his disappointment at the result and has thanked those supporters, members, activists and officials who supported him during the campaign.
The membership have spoken and have made a clear decision. The Workers Uniting Group congratulates Len McCluskey on his election and supports the decision of the membership.
Unite, like all unions faces major problems - not least the massive cuts in public services by the ConDem Government and on-going attacks on our members through anti-union legislation and the need to win back the Labour Party.
There is a need to unify Unite to defend members across the UK and Ireland and realise the unions full potential.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tony Woodley - Young Talking "Claptrap"
Lord Young Government Special advisor was forced to resign today after telling the UK population - we have never had it so good and the we were in a "so-called recession".
Unite had this statement out by 9.30am and by mid afternoon Young was gone.
"Claptrap shows government out of touch, says Woodley
Responding to Lord Young's comments (November 18th) that British people have "never had it so good" during this "so-called recession", Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley said:
"Lord Young has let the mask slip. His Thatcherite claptrap shows that this county has passed into the hands of an out-of-touch, unaccountable elite. But Lord Young has done the people of this county a favour - now we know exactly what this government thinks of them.
"The plain truth is this cabinet of millionaires is out of touch with the rising cost of living, frozen wages and the terror ordinary people have that their jobs will disappear as they're sacrificed to fulfil this government's goal of a low wage, broken state privatised Britain."
Unite had this statement out by 9.30am and by mid afternoon Young was gone.
"Claptrap shows government out of touch, says Woodley
Responding to Lord Young's comments (November 18th) that British people have "never had it so good" during this "so-called recession", Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley said:
"Lord Young has let the mask slip. His Thatcherite claptrap shows that this county has passed into the hands of an out-of-touch, unaccountable elite. But Lord Young has done the people of this county a favour - now we know exactly what this government thinks of them.
"The plain truth is this cabinet of millionaires is out of touch with the rising cost of living, frozen wages and the terror ordinary people have that their jobs will disappear as they're sacrificed to fulfil this government's goal of a low wage, broken state privatised Britain."
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Norwood staff to protest over pay cuts prompted by government austerity
A number of care staff at Norwood are due to protest today over pay cuts as Unite claims the charity is jumping the gun on local government funding cuts.
Some staff from Norwood will meet this afternoon at the Norwood Ravenswood village in Berkshire to demonstrate over pay cuts which Unite the union expects could be as high as 20 per cent.
Jamie Major, Unite officer, said that the charity’s plans to implement the cuts in one hit were “simply not acceptable” and would force staff to leave in search for better paid work. The union has also accused the charity of making panic cuts ahead of a predicted drop in local government funding.
“Local authority spending has only been cut by 7.1 per cent this year. Even if this 7.1 per cent cost saving were passed on in full by every authority that Norwood receives statutory funding from, it would only be a £950,000 shortfall, and not the £2.7m Norwood has predicted. This does not even take into account the £2bn extra that government has just announced for the social care sector,” he said.
“Norwood has admitted that it does not even know the outcome of this year’s funding negotiations with the various local authorities. It is surprising that it intends to make cuts based on the totally unknown figures for next year, the year after that and the year after that. The management is jumping the gun.
“We accept that in the current economic climate savings need to be made. All we are asking for those savings be rational and considered taking each year at a time.”
Norwood has responded to today's planned action, with chief executive Norma Brier saying that she understands the concern of employees about the proposed changes but that not acting “would put at risk the future of Norwood and all the people who depend on us for support”.
“These proposals are a consequence of national economic events beyond our control, and the subsequent effects upon Norwood of cuts in local authority budgets,” she said.
“We deeply regret having to propose reductions in salaries. We have no choice but to bring our historically above average pay rates for frontline staff into line with those of other social care providers.”
The charity denied claims that the salary cuts were unfair, and emphasised that even after cuts Norwood salaries will still be higher than many of its main competitors.
Norwood also said that if negotiations with local authorities result in better than feared outcomes, it intends to reflect that in salary negotiations.
A final pay settlement is due in January.
Some staff from Norwood will meet this afternoon at the Norwood Ravenswood village in Berkshire to demonstrate over pay cuts which Unite the union expects could be as high as 20 per cent.
Jamie Major, Unite officer, said that the charity’s plans to implement the cuts in one hit were “simply not acceptable” and would force staff to leave in search for better paid work. The union has also accused the charity of making panic cuts ahead of a predicted drop in local government funding.
“Local authority spending has only been cut by 7.1 per cent this year. Even if this 7.1 per cent cost saving were passed on in full by every authority that Norwood receives statutory funding from, it would only be a £950,000 shortfall, and not the £2.7m Norwood has predicted. This does not even take into account the £2bn extra that government has just announced for the social care sector,” he said.
“Norwood has admitted that it does not even know the outcome of this year’s funding negotiations with the various local authorities. It is surprising that it intends to make cuts based on the totally unknown figures for next year, the year after that and the year after that. The management is jumping the gun.
“We accept that in the current economic climate savings need to be made. All we are asking for those savings be rational and considered taking each year at a time.”
Norwood has responded to today's planned action, with chief executive Norma Brier saying that she understands the concern of employees about the proposed changes but that not acting “would put at risk the future of Norwood and all the people who depend on us for support”.
“These proposals are a consequence of national economic events beyond our control, and the subsequent effects upon Norwood of cuts in local authority budgets,” she said.
“We deeply regret having to propose reductions in salaries. We have no choice but to bring our historically above average pay rates for frontline staff into line with those of other social care providers.”
The charity denied claims that the salary cuts were unfair, and emphasised that even after cuts Norwood salaries will still be higher than many of its main competitors.
Norwood also said that if negotiations with local authorities result in better than feared outcomes, it intends to reflect that in salary negotiations.
A final pay settlement is due in January.
Steelworkers Dispute With Sears In Canada
Union steps up fight against retail chain
US union United Steelworkers (USW) is ramping up a campaign in support of its members who have been locked out by shopping and warehousing giant Sears.
Some 500 members of the USW who work at the company's warehouse in Vaughan, in Canada's Ontario province, have been locked out since April 1.
In the run-up to Christmas the union is running a Don't Shop At Sears campaign with leafleting at shops across the country, phone messages and radio advertising.
The USW intends to hit the company's key markets and extend the boycott to include Sears Vacations and the Sears Card, which charges an exorbitant 29.9 per cent interest rate.
Prior to the biggest shopping day of the year - November 26 is known in the US as "Black Friday" - the union will send an automated "Don't Shop At Sears" phone message to the households of its members and their families.
Sears has demanded that working conditions including pensions, health care benefits and holiday entitlements be replaced at management's discretion.
The firm walked away from negotiations on March 23.
Bosses then brought in scabs to take the jobs of the union members who had been locked out.
Sears has even hired security guards to ferry scabs across the picket line at the warehouse.
USW's Ontario director Wayne Fraser said: "Sears has frozen out its own hard-working employees and their families.
"We've had great feedback about our publicity campaign and now we're going to ramp it up. Consumers deserve to know what is going on so they can choose where to shop - and where not to."
US union United Steelworkers (USW) is ramping up a campaign in support of its members who have been locked out by shopping and warehousing giant Sears.
Some 500 members of the USW who work at the company's warehouse in Vaughan, in Canada's Ontario province, have been locked out since April 1.
In the run-up to Christmas the union is running a Don't Shop At Sears campaign with leafleting at shops across the country, phone messages and radio advertising.
The USW intends to hit the company's key markets and extend the boycott to include Sears Vacations and the Sears Card, which charges an exorbitant 29.9 per cent interest rate.
Prior to the biggest shopping day of the year - November 26 is known in the US as "Black Friday" - the union will send an automated "Don't Shop At Sears" phone message to the households of its members and their families.
Sears has demanded that working conditions including pensions, health care benefits and holiday entitlements be replaced at management's discretion.
The firm walked away from negotiations on March 23.
Bosses then brought in scabs to take the jobs of the union members who had been locked out.
Sears has even hired security guards to ferry scabs across the picket line at the warehouse.
USW's Ontario director Wayne Fraser said: "Sears has frozen out its own hard-working employees and their families.
"We've had great feedback about our publicity campaign and now we're going to ramp it up. Consumers deserve to know what is going on so they can choose where to shop - and where not to."
Unite Raises Fears Over Potential Sale Of E.ON's UK Electricity Distribution Business
Unite fears that E.ON is planning to sell its UK electricity distribution business, leaving 1,000 workers and the second largest distribution network in the UK exposed to potential buyers, who may put profits before people, pensions and the national interest.
E.ON intends to divest some of its UK assets to reduce its levels of debt. Unite believes the distribution business is the most likely asset to be divested. The union is demanding to have oversight over any potential bidders to ensure the business is not sold to a bad purchaser, putting the network, jobs and pensions at risk.
Dougie Rooney, Unite National Officer for energy said: "We believe there is a strong likelihood that E.ON will sell its UK electricity distribution business leaving the network, jobs and pensions exposed to potential buyers seeking to put short term profits first.
"The UK's second largest electricity distribution network is too important to be sold to the wrong bidder. Unite is demanding oversight of any bids should E.ON decide to sell the business. We also believe the UK government should take an active interest in the event of a sale, for the sake of the nation's energy needs."
EDF recently sold its UK distribution business, the UK's biggest, to Hong Kong based infrastructure fund, Cheung Kong Investments (CKI). Unite believes CKI's bid represented the best offer, but the union had concerns over the other bidders.
E.ON intends to divest some of its UK assets to reduce its levels of debt. Unite believes the distribution business is the most likely asset to be divested. The union is demanding to have oversight over any potential bidders to ensure the business is not sold to a bad purchaser, putting the network, jobs and pensions at risk.
Dougie Rooney, Unite National Officer for energy said: "We believe there is a strong likelihood that E.ON will sell its UK electricity distribution business leaving the network, jobs and pensions exposed to potential buyers seeking to put short term profits first.
"The UK's second largest electricity distribution network is too important to be sold to the wrong bidder. Unite is demanding oversight of any bids should E.ON decide to sell the business. We also believe the UK government should take an active interest in the event of a sale, for the sake of the nation's energy needs."
EDF recently sold its UK distribution business, the UK's biggest, to Hong Kong based infrastructure fund, Cheung Kong Investments (CKI). Unite believes CKI's bid represented the best offer, but the union had concerns over the other bidders.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Legal victory in war against blacklisting
Unite has hailed a landmark legal victory today by a member in the fight against blacklisting.
An employment tribunal sitting last week at Ashford, Kent, found that major construction contractor CB&I was guilty of blacklisting Phil Willis due to his union activism.
The case is directly linked to the seizure in 2009 by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) of a blacklist run by the Consulting Association.
The list was subscribed to by over 40 construction firms and details of over 3,000 workers were held on the database, which the firms used to weed out union activists.
Mr Willis submitted an application to CB&I for work as a steel erector on the Isle of Grain project in 2007. Although his application was acknowledged, he was not contacted again.
Following the raid by the ICO Mr Willis obtained a copy of his blacklist file which contained information about his trade union activity. He brought his case under section 137 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
Speaking after the verdict Mr Willis said: "We are beside ourselves with delight.
"The judgement was absolutely damning against CB&I, so much so that it reduced us to tears. It was such a great victory for us and for all those who will eventually follow in our footsteps."
Unite assistant general secretary Les Bayliss said: "This is a significant milestone but we believe the law should go further.
"Unite will be campaigning to strengthen the law on blacklisting to ensure employers do not even contemplate blacklisting trade union members."
Unite's national officer for construction Tom Hardacre said: "It is the first successful case against a major construction company but it will not be the last. The union is currently providing legal support to a number of workers who believe they have been blacklisted.
"Too many construction workers have suffered victimisation at the hands of unscrupulous employers. Unite intends to use the full force of the law to hold firms to account for systematically ruining people's livelihoods just because a few brave men were prepared to stand up for the rights of their fellow work colleagues."
An employment tribunal sitting last week at Ashford, Kent, found that major construction contractor CB&I was guilty of blacklisting Phil Willis due to his union activism.
The case is directly linked to the seizure in 2009 by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) of a blacklist run by the Consulting Association.
The list was subscribed to by over 40 construction firms and details of over 3,000 workers were held on the database, which the firms used to weed out union activists.
Mr Willis submitted an application to CB&I for work as a steel erector on the Isle of Grain project in 2007. Although his application was acknowledged, he was not contacted again.
Following the raid by the ICO Mr Willis obtained a copy of his blacklist file which contained information about his trade union activity. He brought his case under section 137 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
Speaking after the verdict Mr Willis said: "We are beside ourselves with delight.
"The judgement was absolutely damning against CB&I, so much so that it reduced us to tears. It was such a great victory for us and for all those who will eventually follow in our footsteps."
Unite assistant general secretary Les Bayliss said: "This is a significant milestone but we believe the law should go further.
"Unite will be campaigning to strengthen the law on blacklisting to ensure employers do not even contemplate blacklisting trade union members."
Unite's national officer for construction Tom Hardacre said: "It is the first successful case against a major construction company but it will not be the last. The union is currently providing legal support to a number of workers who believe they have been blacklisted.
"Too many construction workers have suffered victimisation at the hands of unscrupulous employers. Unite intends to use the full force of the law to hold firms to account for systematically ruining people's livelihoods just because a few brave men were prepared to stand up for the rights of their fellow work colleagues."
BA Cabin Crew - Latest News
Unite has said that said the BA management's last offer in the year-long dispute could not be recommended to members.
"I am therefore contacting the company with a view to reopening discussions to seek to achieve a recommendable settlement to be put to cabin crew," Tony Woodley, Unite's joint-general secretary, said.
A planned ballot of staff on the offer was suspended last week because a number of cabin crew representatives felt they could not recommend it, a union spokeswoman said.
The dispute, originally centred on cuts to pay and staffing levels, has brought strikes costing the airline 150 million pounds
BA had last month described the offer, which had been based on previous proposals, the details of which have not been made public, as fair.
The head of Unite's cabin crew branch BASSA had told members in an email that BA had made enough changes to an earlier offer to warrant a ballot to see if it was acceptable.
But in an apparent turnaround the union spokeswoman said there were now problems in its "totality".
A key sticking point in resolving the dispute has been the airline's decision to remove staff travel perks for cabin crew who took part in the strikes.
"I am therefore contacting the company with a view to reopening discussions to seek to achieve a recommendable settlement to be put to cabin crew," Tony Woodley, Unite's joint-general secretary, said.
A planned ballot of staff on the offer was suspended last week because a number of cabin crew representatives felt they could not recommend it, a union spokeswoman said.
The dispute, originally centred on cuts to pay and staffing levels, has brought strikes costing the airline 150 million pounds
BA had last month described the offer, which had been based on previous proposals, the details of which have not been made public, as fair.
The head of Unite's cabin crew branch BASSA had told members in an email that BA had made enough changes to an earlier offer to warrant a ballot to see if it was acceptable.
But in an apparent turnaround the union spokeswoman said there were now problems in its "totality".
A key sticking point in resolving the dispute has been the airline's decision to remove staff travel perks for cabin crew who took part in the strikes.
Monday, November 15, 2010
A Message From Les Bayliss
The following message has been sent out by Les Bayliss.
"As the ballot for the leadership of Unite closes this week, Friday 19th, I am taking an opportunity to thank all of my supporters across the union for their encouragement, assistance and steadfast support over the past months.
This election has helped focus on the real issues facing Unite members, their families and our union.
The policies I have discussed with thousands of members have set the agenda in the election - and have found widespread support among our members.
With only a few days to go it is worth remembering the policies I have consistently advocated:
Better Support For Members: The policy of establishing a 24-hour, 7-day a week contact centre to help members when they need it has found universal approval – so much so that one candidate, belatedly and without planning and knowledge, latched on to it and now includes it as one of his policies.
Campaign Against The Cuts: I have argued from day one about building a massive campaign to oppose and fight the Con-Dem cuts, working with community groups and supporters and not muscling in on their campaigns or proposing knee jerk calls for strikes that won’t deliver. We have to "box clever" and build the widest support possible for the biggest demonstration the country has seen on March 26th 2011, to defend our members from the disaster we face.
Industrial support for members: I intend to ensure we win disputes with employers by strategic planning and not letting employers and the media pick our disputes. I have described the leadership of the BA Cabin Crew Dispute as “disastrous”. I have been attacked and smeared for doing so, with sideswipes that I don’t have the industrial experience to negotiate with employers such as Willie Walsh. So where are we now? Despite Unite recommending the latest BA deal (as the “best available”) and ballot our members – the ballot is now halted - we are up a blind alley with no reverse gear. (See http://uniteba.com/LATESTNEWSUPDATES.html).
Reclaim the Labour Party: I was the first candidate to publically welcome Ed Miliband’s election as Labour Party leader and recognise the part Unite played in his election. I have indicated that I will work with the Labour leadership to win the Party back for ordinary working people. I will do this by ensuring that we get Labour candidates and MPs who support and campaign for Unite policies.
Lay Member Control: I will ensure that the control of Unite stays in the hands of our members through elected reps at all levels and that the union remains based on branches, workplaces, chapels, sectors, regions and equality structures – NOT small cliques of people who represent only themselves and who are unaccountable.
I intend to unify our union; leading from the front, listening to members and our reps. I will introduce strategic planning, modern communications and policies that will grow the union as well as providing better training and education for reps
I will balance the books and ensure we have a union fit for purpose in the world of work in the 21st Century.
In these last few days if you have not already voted, or know Unite members who have not cast their vote – think of the future – Vote for Les Bayliss.
Les Bayliss
www.les4gs.org
"As the ballot for the leadership of Unite closes this week, Friday 19th, I am taking an opportunity to thank all of my supporters across the union for their encouragement, assistance and steadfast support over the past months.
This election has helped focus on the real issues facing Unite members, their families and our union.
The policies I have discussed with thousands of members have set the agenda in the election - and have found widespread support among our members.
With only a few days to go it is worth remembering the policies I have consistently advocated:
Better Support For Members: The policy of establishing a 24-hour, 7-day a week contact centre to help members when they need it has found universal approval – so much so that one candidate, belatedly and without planning and knowledge, latched on to it and now includes it as one of his policies.
Campaign Against The Cuts: I have argued from day one about building a massive campaign to oppose and fight the Con-Dem cuts, working with community groups and supporters and not muscling in on their campaigns or proposing knee jerk calls for strikes that won’t deliver. We have to "box clever" and build the widest support possible for the biggest demonstration the country has seen on March 26th 2011, to defend our members from the disaster we face.
Industrial support for members: I intend to ensure we win disputes with employers by strategic planning and not letting employers and the media pick our disputes. I have described the leadership of the BA Cabin Crew Dispute as “disastrous”. I have been attacked and smeared for doing so, with sideswipes that I don’t have the industrial experience to negotiate with employers such as Willie Walsh. So where are we now? Despite Unite recommending the latest BA deal (as the “best available”) and ballot our members – the ballot is now halted - we are up a blind alley with no reverse gear. (See http://uniteba.com/LATESTNEWSUPDATES.html).
Reclaim the Labour Party: I was the first candidate to publically welcome Ed Miliband’s election as Labour Party leader and recognise the part Unite played in his election. I have indicated that I will work with the Labour leadership to win the Party back for ordinary working people. I will do this by ensuring that we get Labour candidates and MPs who support and campaign for Unite policies.
Lay Member Control: I will ensure that the control of Unite stays in the hands of our members through elected reps at all levels and that the union remains based on branches, workplaces, chapels, sectors, regions and equality structures – NOT small cliques of people who represent only themselves and who are unaccountable.
I intend to unify our union; leading from the front, listening to members and our reps. I will introduce strategic planning, modern communications and policies that will grow the union as well as providing better training and education for reps
I will balance the books and ensure we have a union fit for purpose in the world of work in the 21st Century.
In these last few days if you have not already voted, or know Unite members who have not cast their vote – think of the future – Vote for Les Bayliss.
Les Bayliss
www.les4gs.org
Thursday, November 11, 2010
BA Cabin Crew Latest
Unite halts ballot over BA offer
Unite has suspended the ballot of Cabin Crew members.
The union had been due to ask 11,000 cabin crew members to vote on whether they wanted to accept the proposed deal, but the Bassa Branch of Unite decided earlier this week it could not support recommending the offer.
Tony Woodley, Unite’s joint general secretary, said any sense that the offer was being presented to cabin crew over the heads of “unwilling representatives” would be damaging to the union.
“Under these circumstances I have suspended the ballot on the offer and will meet with all our cabin crew representatives as a matter of urgency to consider the next steps,” he said.
Bassa objected to clauses in the deal, including one requiring the union to drop all outstanding legal claims arising from the dispute.
The cabin crew branch will now press for another strike ballot.
One option is to put the offer to members without recommendation in a consultative ballot, and if it is rejected then hold a strike ballot.
Unite has suspended the ballot of Cabin Crew members.
The union had been due to ask 11,000 cabin crew members to vote on whether they wanted to accept the proposed deal, but the Bassa Branch of Unite decided earlier this week it could not support recommending the offer.
Tony Woodley, Unite’s joint general secretary, said any sense that the offer was being presented to cabin crew over the heads of “unwilling representatives” would be damaging to the union.
“Under these circumstances I have suspended the ballot on the offer and will meet with all our cabin crew representatives as a matter of urgency to consider the next steps,” he said.
Bassa objected to clauses in the deal, including one requiring the union to drop all outstanding legal claims arising from the dispute.
The cabin crew branch will now press for another strike ballot.
One option is to put the offer to members without recommendation in a consultative ballot, and if it is rejected then hold a strike ballot.
Goldman caterer is accused of 'discrimination'
Unite has called on Goldman Sachs to intervene in a furious row with its caterers over allegations of racism. The union had planned to picket the investment bank's Fleet Street headquarters and leaflet its highly paid staff over the row, involving the sacking of a long-time worker for Aramark, which handles catering at the bank's plush art deco offices.
The protest was postponed after Aramark agreed to send a director to discuss the matter with the union. But a Unite spokeswoman said that this did not mean that it had been called off. Goldman declined to comment while the discussions were taking place.
However, Unite officer Dave Turnbull said prior to the talks: "Unite is calling on Goldman Sachs to investigate what we believe to be an act of victimisation in retaliation for our member speaking out about potential ongoing discrimination against black and ethnic minority workers since Aramark took over the Goldman Sachs Contract in September 2008.
"Goldman Sachs must intervene as their contractor has failed to apply the standards it sets for its own employees in terms of equality and diversity. Goldman Sachs must conduct its own investigation into this potential act of unlawful victimisation on its premises, as well as into the overall running of the catering contract."
The spectre of Goldman being dragged into such a dispute will come as an embarrassment to a global organisation that has made great play about its diversity programmes.
Unite yesterday released the results of racial discrimination questionnaires submitted by several Unite members at the bank which it claimed raised "serious concerns" about potential discrimination by Aramark. Issues highlighted included: a number of black workers having been made redundant since Aramark took over the contract and subsequently told that no alternative positions were available to them when the total number of workers employed in the unit increased by from 194 to 219. Unite said that during the same period the total number of ethnic minority workers decreased from 94 to 88 while the number of white workers has increased from 100 to 131.
The union added that since taking over the contract Aramark "have engaged 52 new starters from ethnic minority backgrounds and 138 white workers. To maintain the balance of diversity prevalent when they took over the contract, the proportion of new starters should have been 91 ethnic minority workers to 99 white workers. And of 32 managerial positions in the unit, 29 are held by white employees and only 3 by ethnic minority staff."
Aramark said in a statement that it had agreed to "further discussions" with Unite "in order to resolve the matter as quickly as possible".
The protest was postponed after Aramark agreed to send a director to discuss the matter with the union. But a Unite spokeswoman said that this did not mean that it had been called off. Goldman declined to comment while the discussions were taking place.
However, Unite officer Dave Turnbull said prior to the talks: "Unite is calling on Goldman Sachs to investigate what we believe to be an act of victimisation in retaliation for our member speaking out about potential ongoing discrimination against black and ethnic minority workers since Aramark took over the Goldman Sachs Contract in September 2008.
"Goldman Sachs must intervene as their contractor has failed to apply the standards it sets for its own employees in terms of equality and diversity. Goldman Sachs must conduct its own investigation into this potential act of unlawful victimisation on its premises, as well as into the overall running of the catering contract."
The spectre of Goldman being dragged into such a dispute will come as an embarrassment to a global organisation that has made great play about its diversity programmes.
Unite yesterday released the results of racial discrimination questionnaires submitted by several Unite members at the bank which it claimed raised "serious concerns" about potential discrimination by Aramark. Issues highlighted included: a number of black workers having been made redundant since Aramark took over the contract and subsequently told that no alternative positions were available to them when the total number of workers employed in the unit increased by from 194 to 219. Unite said that during the same period the total number of ethnic minority workers decreased from 94 to 88 while the number of white workers has increased from 100 to 131.
The union added that since taking over the contract Aramark "have engaged 52 new starters from ethnic minority backgrounds and 138 white workers. To maintain the balance of diversity prevalent when they took over the contract, the proportion of new starters should have been 91 ethnic minority workers to 99 white workers. And of 32 managerial positions in the unit, 29 are held by white employees and only 3 by ethnic minority staff."
Aramark said in a statement that it had agreed to "further discussions" with Unite "in order to resolve the matter as quickly as possible".
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Les4GS - Get The Vote Out!!!
The following email was sent out by Les4GS
Dear Supporter
As the ballot for Unite General Secretary moves into its final weeks it is more important than ever to GET THE VOTE OUT!
The past week has shown that we are in a fight for the future of Unite. The dividing lines have been drawn between policies that will take the union forward or policies that will be divisive, hold us back, and will not unify our union.
In less than two weeks I will be asking every supporter and activist to continue to make sure members have returned their ballot papers and voted for LES BAYLISS – a vote for the future.
It is important you remind members of the key policies I have promoted throughout my campaign:
A BETTER UNION – develop a 24-hour/7-day a week contact centre with well trained and experienced Officials and Staff. Disseminate information to all members using modern communications and a regular union magazine.
BETTER JUDGEMENT - support industrial disputes, using strategic planning, campaigning and communications.
BETTER SUPPORT - invest more in training Unite representatives and invest more in informing, educating and advising members.
BETTER JOBS – use every resource available to create better jobs, pay, conditions and security in jobs.
DEFEND LAY MEMBER CONTROL AND THE RULE BOOK
Over the past weeks we have seen proposals by one group in the union to change recently agreed structures in order to control Unite via small, unrepresentative cliques, sitting in committee rooms - telling members what’s best for them.
Thousands of members who have joined Unite expect to have their say and play their part in a modern, campaigning and vibrant union not an organisation based on outdated structures.
To do this, I intend to defend and develop the structure we have built - to give working members and lay reps real control over the union, through our autonomous industrial sectors, our regions and our equalities structures.
WINNING BACK THE LABOUR PARTY
Unite was instrumental in electing Ed Miliband as leader of the Labour Party. My task will be to win back Labour for working people. I will work with the leadership of the Labour Party to ensure that not only do we win a majority the next election, but that we also return Labour MPs committed to the policies and values of Unite.
There is still much to do and every vote counts.
So, GET THE VOTE OUT and remind your members, workmates and family members who are Unite members who have not voted - to vote for the future and VOTE FOR LES BAYLISS.
In Solidarity – thanks for all your support!
Les Bayliss
Dear Supporter
As the ballot for Unite General Secretary moves into its final weeks it is more important than ever to GET THE VOTE OUT!
The past week has shown that we are in a fight for the future of Unite. The dividing lines have been drawn between policies that will take the union forward or policies that will be divisive, hold us back, and will not unify our union.
In less than two weeks I will be asking every supporter and activist to continue to make sure members have returned their ballot papers and voted for LES BAYLISS – a vote for the future.
It is important you remind members of the key policies I have promoted throughout my campaign:
A BETTER UNION – develop a 24-hour/7-day a week contact centre with well trained and experienced Officials and Staff. Disseminate information to all members using modern communications and a regular union magazine.
BETTER JUDGEMENT - support industrial disputes, using strategic planning, campaigning and communications.
BETTER SUPPORT - invest more in training Unite representatives and invest more in informing, educating and advising members.
BETTER JOBS – use every resource available to create better jobs, pay, conditions and security in jobs.
DEFEND LAY MEMBER CONTROL AND THE RULE BOOK
Over the past weeks we have seen proposals by one group in the union to change recently agreed structures in order to control Unite via small, unrepresentative cliques, sitting in committee rooms - telling members what’s best for them.
Thousands of members who have joined Unite expect to have their say and play their part in a modern, campaigning and vibrant union not an organisation based on outdated structures.
To do this, I intend to defend and develop the structure we have built - to give working members and lay reps real control over the union, through our autonomous industrial sectors, our regions and our equalities structures.
WINNING BACK THE LABOUR PARTY
Unite was instrumental in electing Ed Miliband as leader of the Labour Party. My task will be to win back Labour for working people. I will work with the leadership of the Labour Party to ensure that not only do we win a majority the next election, but that we also return Labour MPs committed to the policies and values of Unite.
There is still much to do and every vote counts.
So, GET THE VOTE OUT and remind your members, workmates and family members who are Unite members who have not voted - to vote for the future and VOTE FOR LES BAYLISS.
In Solidarity – thanks for all your support!
Les Bayliss
Friday, November 5, 2010
Pay deal secures car workers' jobs
Workers at Jaguar Land Rover have voted overwhelmingly to accept a deal including a two-year pay rise which union leaders said would secure their jobs for a decade, it has been announced.
Unite said 74% of workers at Halewood, Castle Bromwich and Solihull accepted the deal which will see pay increase by 5% this year and by RPI inflation plus 0.5% the following year.
The deal cements the future for around 16,000 workers across the company for at least another decade, according to Unite.
Union official Des Quinn said: "The workforce is over the moon. They can now look forward to the future in the knowledge that their jobs and livelihoods are secure for years to come.
"In these worrying times for workers and their families it is great to have some good news but it is no more than these workers deserve.
"It also shows what can be achieved when a manufacturer works with the union and backs Britain. These are the sort of jobs - highly skilled and secure - which are essential if our country is to grow its way back to economic prosperity.
"Unite and the workers are keen now to continue our work with the company to build upon JLR's proud reputation for making some of the best vehicles in the world."
Unite said it was hopeful that the new deal would lead to the creation of thousands of jobs at the car firm's Midlands and Liverpool sites.
Unite said 74% of workers at Halewood, Castle Bromwich and Solihull accepted the deal which will see pay increase by 5% this year and by RPI inflation plus 0.5% the following year.
The deal cements the future for around 16,000 workers across the company for at least another decade, according to Unite.
Union official Des Quinn said: "The workforce is over the moon. They can now look forward to the future in the knowledge that their jobs and livelihoods are secure for years to come.
"In these worrying times for workers and their families it is great to have some good news but it is no more than these workers deserve.
"It also shows what can be achieved when a manufacturer works with the union and backs Britain. These are the sort of jobs - highly skilled and secure - which are essential if our country is to grow its way back to economic prosperity.
"Unite and the workers are keen now to continue our work with the company to build upon JLR's proud reputation for making some of the best vehicles in the world."
Unite said it was hopeful that the new deal would lead to the creation of thousands of jobs at the car firm's Midlands and Liverpool sites.
Pay deal secures car workers' jobs
Workers at Jaguar Land Rover have voted overwhelmingly to accept a deal including a two-year pay rise which union leaders said would secure their jobs for a decade, it has been announced.
Unite said 74% of workers at Halewood, Castle Bromwich and Solihull accepted the deal which will see pay increase by 5% this year and by RPI inflation plus 0.5% the following year.
The deal cements the future for around 16,000 workers across the company for at least another decade, according to Unite.
Union official Des Quinn said: "The workforce is over the moon. They can now look forward to the future in the knowledge that their jobs and livelihoods are secure for years to come.
"In these worrying times for workers and their families it is great to have some good news but it is no more than these workers deserve.
"It also shows what can be achieved when a manufacturer works with the union and backs Britain. These are the sort of jobs - highly skilled and secure - which are essential if our country is to grow its way back to economic prosperity.
"Unite and the workers are keen now to continue our work with the company to build upon JLR's proud reputation for making some of the best vehicles in the world."
Unite said it was hopeful that the new deal would lead to the creation of thousands of jobs at the car firm's Midlands and Liverpool sites.
Unite said 74% of workers at Halewood, Castle Bromwich and Solihull accepted the deal which will see pay increase by 5% this year and by RPI inflation plus 0.5% the following year.
The deal cements the future for around 16,000 workers across the company for at least another decade, according to Unite.
Union official Des Quinn said: "The workforce is over the moon. They can now look forward to the future in the knowledge that their jobs and livelihoods are secure for years to come.
"In these worrying times for workers and their families it is great to have some good news but it is no more than these workers deserve.
"It also shows what can be achieved when a manufacturer works with the union and backs Britain. These are the sort of jobs - highly skilled and secure - which are essential if our country is to grow its way back to economic prosperity.
"Unite and the workers are keen now to continue our work with the company to build upon JLR's proud reputation for making some of the best vehicles in the world."
Unite said it was hopeful that the new deal would lead to the creation of thousands of jobs at the car firm's Midlands and Liverpool sites.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Public & Private Sector Job Cuts From Les4GS
Dear Supporter
The latest reports from a number of sources, say that over 1.6 million jobs could be lost through the Government’s austerity measures.
Members in both the public and private sectors are at risk of losing their jobs, with all the misery that unemployment brings to them and their families. The overwhelming number of members I have met in the last few weeks want to discuss their futures, the future of their families, as well as the future of Unite.
They are concerned about how the Government cuts will affect them and they want to know how we are going to defend jobs and fight the Government cuts and ensure we win.
We need to build a broad coalition – trade unions, trades councils, Labour Party activists, community groups, parent groups and educationalists – everyone who knows the damage the Con-Dem cuts will cause. This will take some time but this is why I have opposed knee-jerk calls for immediate strikes. Defending our members’ jobs and taking on the Government won’t be delivered unless we have broad support.
We must work towards ensuring that the March 26th 2011 demonstration in London against the cuts is the culmination of the most effective campaign ever launched by the TUC. However, we need to be building campaigns in every community.
I know many of our shop stewards and union reps are already campaigning locally against the cuts and building broad support. As General Secretary, I will ensure Unite supports them wholeheartedly.
I will also continue to campaign on policies that will take our members and Unite forward. These policies are outlined in my ballot statement contained within the ballot paper, on my website www.les4gs.org and in press statements.
Attacks and smears on my record and character will not deter me from speaking out on the issues which I believe are important to the future of our union and our members.
Since the creation of Unite, we have built a democratic structure through debate and consensus. Now we are seeing an attempt by a small group within the union, to dismantle that structure and turn the clock back.
I am proud of my record in helping to create Amicus and Unite through mergers and through democratic lay structures that give members direct control of their sectors and union.
As General Secretary I will defend lay control through our working reps and accountability within the union, through our autonomous sectors, through our regions and our equality structures.
My supporters can be assured I intend to continue to promote the positive and progressive policies I have argued for during the Unite General Secretary election campaign.
I believe we can build a better union, with better support for members and better judgement in our decisions.
Yours fraternally,
Les Bayliss
The latest reports from a number of sources, say that over 1.6 million jobs could be lost through the Government’s austerity measures.
Members in both the public and private sectors are at risk of losing their jobs, with all the misery that unemployment brings to them and their families. The overwhelming number of members I have met in the last few weeks want to discuss their futures, the future of their families, as well as the future of Unite.
They are concerned about how the Government cuts will affect them and they want to know how we are going to defend jobs and fight the Government cuts and ensure we win.
We need to build a broad coalition – trade unions, trades councils, Labour Party activists, community groups, parent groups and educationalists – everyone who knows the damage the Con-Dem cuts will cause. This will take some time but this is why I have opposed knee-jerk calls for immediate strikes. Defending our members’ jobs and taking on the Government won’t be delivered unless we have broad support.
We must work towards ensuring that the March 26th 2011 demonstration in London against the cuts is the culmination of the most effective campaign ever launched by the TUC. However, we need to be building campaigns in every community.
I know many of our shop stewards and union reps are already campaigning locally against the cuts and building broad support. As General Secretary, I will ensure Unite supports them wholeheartedly.
I will also continue to campaign on policies that will take our members and Unite forward. These policies are outlined in my ballot statement contained within the ballot paper, on my website www.les4gs.org and in press statements.
Attacks and smears on my record and character will not deter me from speaking out on the issues which I believe are important to the future of our union and our members.
Since the creation of Unite, we have built a democratic structure through debate and consensus. Now we are seeing an attempt by a small group within the union, to dismantle that structure and turn the clock back.
I am proud of my record in helping to create Amicus and Unite through mergers and through democratic lay structures that give members direct control of their sectors and union.
As General Secretary I will defend lay control through our working reps and accountability within the union, through our autonomous sectors, through our regions and our equality structures.
My supporters can be assured I intend to continue to promote the positive and progressive policies I have argued for during the Unite General Secretary election campaign.
I believe we can build a better union, with better support for members and better judgement in our decisions.
Yours fraternally,
Les Bayliss
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
"A note of support and dismay from a small, but very active, branch of Unite!!!
As a Unite member and activist in receipt of Ron Pursey’s recent concerns over comments made by Tony Woodley at the “Protect Public Services Lobby” on 19 October, I too am amazed, concerned and ashamed at what I heard from Tony on 19 October. So much so that, as a previously undecided Unite elector, Tony’s comments have resulted in my determination to vote for Les as General Secretary.
I could not believe what I was hearing from Tony at what was otherwise a very successful and invigorating inter-union Rally and Lobby against the ConDem Cuts. He should not have used his very short speech on the draconian, devastating and destructive actions of our Government, to attack a candidate for Unite’s General Secretary election. As a colleague unionist of another union said to me afterwards, “- – - if that’s united, God help Unite’s members”!!!!!!!
I also attended the TUC Briefing event on 23 October, to raise the profile of my Branch (albeit a little fearful that someone else of influence may say something stupid!) Thankfully, no repeat of such high-profile unacceptable behaviour, just some disturbing inter-union heckling which does not favour well for the required inter-union actions demanded to fight the cuts!!
So I say to Unite’s bosses, “get your act together and get united. Back-stabbing and dirty-laundry in public gives no confidence to members that Unite can take the lead in effective inter-union action required to fight Public Sector Cuts”.
Alan Yelling, Vice Chair of the Probation Managers Association, a Branch of Unite.
NOTE - Used with permission of Mr. Yelling.
I could not believe what I was hearing from Tony at what was otherwise a very successful and invigorating inter-union Rally and Lobby against the ConDem Cuts. He should not have used his very short speech on the draconian, devastating and destructive actions of our Government, to attack a candidate for Unite’s General Secretary election. As a colleague unionist of another union said to me afterwards, “- – - if that’s united, God help Unite’s members”!!!!!!!
I also attended the TUC Briefing event on 23 October, to raise the profile of my Branch (albeit a little fearful that someone else of influence may say something stupid!) Thankfully, no repeat of such high-profile unacceptable behaviour, just some disturbing inter-union heckling which does not favour well for the required inter-union actions demanded to fight the cuts!!
So I say to Unite’s bosses, “get your act together and get united. Back-stabbing and dirty-laundry in public gives no confidence to members that Unite can take the lead in effective inter-union action required to fight Public Sector Cuts”.
Alan Yelling, Vice Chair of the Probation Managers Association, a Branch of Unite.
NOTE - Used with permission of Mr. Yelling.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
A Statement by Workers Uniting Group
‘Back to the Future’, Neither United nor Left
The United Left have published their ‘new’ structure for Unite on their website (see below).
All Unite GS candidates say they want to unify Unite, but words are one thing and actions are another. However, you can’t help but think that these ‘new’ proposals are what the Unite GS election is really all about and why the Executive Council Elections, due to take place next year are vitally important.
These ‘new’ proposals and this Workers Uniting Group statement should be a wake up call to all supporters who believe in effective trade unionism and genuine lay democracy.
The Workers Uniting Group was formed, amongst other things, for the defence of the most democratic rulebook ever created in the UK and Irish trade union movement. A rulebook that recognised that in a modern union, the autonomy of the sectors with their ability to create space for specialist occupational groups so that all members were adequately represented, was essential. Sectors where, through elected and accountable working reps, members could represent their own interests with the support and resources of the biggest and most powerful union created for decades.
The Workers Uniting Group have consistently warned, and will continue to do so, that there were some who wanted to dismantle the most effective political structure in the trade union movement by taking us back in time, with no way “back to the future”. We currently have a structure committed to implementing Unite policy to take back the Labour Party for working people. This political structure recently delivered Ed Miliband as Labour leader, in line with members’ aspirations.
The arduous task of winning a clean expenses regime, one where activists neither gained nor lost at the union’s expense, was part of the struggle for a clean union where working reps represented working people and collectively bargained on their behalf. We warned - and will continue to warn - that the intention to remove Rule 6 was all about the preservation of a ‘vested interest’ lay bureaucracy that made a living off the union and in return would vote the ‘right way’.
These UL ‘new’ proposals are a betrayal of the members’ whose unions created Unite and the hard-won agreements forged in the process. Unite could never have been created on the outdated ‘trade groups’ of the former TGWU. Let it be known that UNIFI, MSF, GPMU all rejected that model and favoured the autonomy of their sectors - which would also attract other merger partners.
We warn members in specialist sectors - don’t sleepwalk into the abolition of your sectoral autonomy to the tune of empty rhetoric.
We fought and won a future EC of working reps that are overwhelmingly elected from the Sectors in order to keep the highest lay democratic body of the union in contact with working members. A body that has such enormous industrial power must be composed of working men and women that have a stake in the workplaces.
We anticipated and predicted that a challenge to genuine lay democracy where working reps represent working people. Now we predict that if these proposals become rules that Unite will at best fail to go forward, fail to organise and at worst could become paralysed by vested interests and become irrelevant to working men and women. The result will be a declining union not a campaigning, vibrant union but a husk – a zombie union.
These proposals are not ‘Left’. They are right-wing reactionary, outdated and dangerous. They have got nothing to do with unity and will engulf the union in out-dated bitter factionalism.
These proposals are a negation of the politics and spirit that built Unite through the rules commission where everyone knew that former practices that were paralysing the unions’ abilities to effectively organise and represent its members had to go. The merger process recognised that we were building Unite, not T&G or Amicus Mark 2.
It is time to recognise we can’t go back two or three decades to an era that has vanished.
We are in the fight of our lives against an ideologically driven Coalition, Neo-liberalism and the power of Global corporations. This fight will not be won by passing resolutions, sitting in committee meetings of structures that don’t match the reality of working life over the next ten years.
Strong workplace organisation and educated workplace reps - serviced by well-trained and motivated Officers - are our future, as well as union structures that deliver for all members, no matter where they work.
Whoever is the next General Secretary, will be duty bound to honour the commitments that our members voted overwhelmingly to endorse. Let it be known that Les Bayliss knows that, he has made that pledge.
Vote for Les Bayliss
Proposals for 2011 Rules Conference changes: from United Left National Coordinating Committee
• Objects of the Union – restore some of the Socialist principles of the former TGWU.
•Strengthened industrial structure, with major industrial groupings such as Health, Manufacturing and Transport as per the Transport Sector document circulated recently, and NISC minutes to be endorsed by the Executive Council.
•Political direction of the union to be brought back under the control of the Executive Council and Regional Committees. The current Regional and National Political Committees could then be re-named Labour Party Liasion Committees to reflect their actual rôle.
•Clearer commitment to lay member control and the rights of lay members – e.g. an Appeal mechanism against victimisation within the union structures.
•Area Activists Committees to be directed towards influencing community politics (e.g. campaigns against hospital closures) – with the emphasis being on setting up broader meetings involving all activists in the given area in the campaigns, and the Committee having an organising rôle rather than just existing for its own sake.
•Executive Council seats for Disabled and LGBT representatives.
•Eligibility to sit on constitutional committees in casualised industries to be reviewed and more practical eligibility criteria put in place (rule 6).
•Regional Committee members to have the right of recall w.r.t. Regional Committee meetings.
•Structures to be developed to allow Unemployed and Retired member to participate fully in appropriate areas of activity within the union.
The United Left have published their ‘new’ structure for Unite on their website (see below).
All Unite GS candidates say they want to unify Unite, but words are one thing and actions are another. However, you can’t help but think that these ‘new’ proposals are what the Unite GS election is really all about and why the Executive Council Elections, due to take place next year are vitally important.
These ‘new’ proposals and this Workers Uniting Group statement should be a wake up call to all supporters who believe in effective trade unionism and genuine lay democracy.
The Workers Uniting Group was formed, amongst other things, for the defence of the most democratic rulebook ever created in the UK and Irish trade union movement. A rulebook that recognised that in a modern union, the autonomy of the sectors with their ability to create space for specialist occupational groups so that all members were adequately represented, was essential. Sectors where, through elected and accountable working reps, members could represent their own interests with the support and resources of the biggest and most powerful union created for decades.
The Workers Uniting Group have consistently warned, and will continue to do so, that there were some who wanted to dismantle the most effective political structure in the trade union movement by taking us back in time, with no way “back to the future”. We currently have a structure committed to implementing Unite policy to take back the Labour Party for working people. This political structure recently delivered Ed Miliband as Labour leader, in line with members’ aspirations.
The arduous task of winning a clean expenses regime, one where activists neither gained nor lost at the union’s expense, was part of the struggle for a clean union where working reps represented working people and collectively bargained on their behalf. We warned - and will continue to warn - that the intention to remove Rule 6 was all about the preservation of a ‘vested interest’ lay bureaucracy that made a living off the union and in return would vote the ‘right way’.
These UL ‘new’ proposals are a betrayal of the members’ whose unions created Unite and the hard-won agreements forged in the process. Unite could never have been created on the outdated ‘trade groups’ of the former TGWU. Let it be known that UNIFI, MSF, GPMU all rejected that model and favoured the autonomy of their sectors - which would also attract other merger partners.
We warn members in specialist sectors - don’t sleepwalk into the abolition of your sectoral autonomy to the tune of empty rhetoric.
We fought and won a future EC of working reps that are overwhelmingly elected from the Sectors in order to keep the highest lay democratic body of the union in contact with working members. A body that has such enormous industrial power must be composed of working men and women that have a stake in the workplaces.
We anticipated and predicted that a challenge to genuine lay democracy where working reps represent working people. Now we predict that if these proposals become rules that Unite will at best fail to go forward, fail to organise and at worst could become paralysed by vested interests and become irrelevant to working men and women. The result will be a declining union not a campaigning, vibrant union but a husk – a zombie union.
These proposals are not ‘Left’. They are right-wing reactionary, outdated and dangerous. They have got nothing to do with unity and will engulf the union in out-dated bitter factionalism.
These proposals are a negation of the politics and spirit that built Unite through the rules commission where everyone knew that former practices that were paralysing the unions’ abilities to effectively organise and represent its members had to go. The merger process recognised that we were building Unite, not T&G or Amicus Mark 2.
It is time to recognise we can’t go back two or three decades to an era that has vanished.
We are in the fight of our lives against an ideologically driven Coalition, Neo-liberalism and the power of Global corporations. This fight will not be won by passing resolutions, sitting in committee meetings of structures that don’t match the reality of working life over the next ten years.
Strong workplace organisation and educated workplace reps - serviced by well-trained and motivated Officers - are our future, as well as union structures that deliver for all members, no matter where they work.
Whoever is the next General Secretary, will be duty bound to honour the commitments that our members voted overwhelmingly to endorse. Let it be known that Les Bayliss knows that, he has made that pledge.
Vote for Les Bayliss
Proposals for 2011 Rules Conference changes: from United Left National Coordinating Committee
• Objects of the Union – restore some of the Socialist principles of the former TGWU.
•Strengthened industrial structure, with major industrial groupings such as Health, Manufacturing and Transport as per the Transport Sector document circulated recently, and NISC minutes to be endorsed by the Executive Council.
•Political direction of the union to be brought back under the control of the Executive Council and Regional Committees. The current Regional and National Political Committees could then be re-named Labour Party Liasion Committees to reflect their actual rôle.
•Clearer commitment to lay member control and the rights of lay members – e.g. an Appeal mechanism against victimisation within the union structures.
•Area Activists Committees to be directed towards influencing community politics (e.g. campaigns against hospital closures) – with the emphasis being on setting up broader meetings involving all activists in the given area in the campaigns, and the Committee having an organising rôle rather than just existing for its own sake.
•Executive Council seats for Disabled and LGBT representatives.
•Eligibility to sit on constitutional committees in casualised industries to be reviewed and more practical eligibility criteria put in place (rule 6).
•Regional Committee members to have the right of recall w.r.t. Regional Committee meetings.
•Structures to be developed to allow Unemployed and Retired member to participate fully in appropriate areas of activity within the union.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Unite to take asbestos victims’ fight to supreme court
Unite the union has today (Monday 1 November) confirmed it will go to the supreme court to challenge a court of appeal ruling that threatens to deprive thousands of asbestos cancer victims and their families of their rightful compensation.
In a landmark ruling earlier this month the court of appeal decided that in some asbestos cases the employer’s liability insurance is triggered not by the exposure to asbestos in the workplace, but by the development of the fatal cancer, mesothelioma.
Because symptoms of mesothelioma only begin decades after asbestos dust was inhaled the ruling means thousands of British workers who develop the disease could be deprived of compensation.
Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley said: “The way the insurers refused to pay out in these cases is a kick in the guts to every family that’s watched a loved one suffer a painful and degrading death from mesothelioma.
“Insurers sold their policies knowing that employers and workers' families would rely on them. Now they’re trying to weasel out of paying based on fancy legal argument and policy small print.
“Unite will put its full weight behind this appeal. We will pursue it because we want to see justice done to innocent victims and their families.”
Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at trade union law firm Thompsons Solicitors said: "Asbestos victims will welcome the decision by Unite to pursue the appeal to the highest court in the land and the union's principled stance in opposing the insurers' latest legal challenge."
Notes for Editors:
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no cure and around 2,000 people a year are currently diagnosed with the disease in the UK.
For decades the insurance industry accepted that the employers' liability insurer on cover at the time of the asbestos exposure occurred is liable to respond to the mesothelioma claim. A number of insurers seized upon a 2006 Court of Appeal case, [Bolton MBC v Municipal Mutual Insurance Ltd [2006] which ruled that public liability insurance is triggered not by the exposure but by the development of the mesothelioma which occurs decades later. The insurers in the trigger issue test case argue that the same interpretation should be applied in employers' liability mesothelioma claims.
Unite is backing the appeal in Edwards v Excess Insurance Company Ltd, one of six test cases which were the subject of a court of appeal ruling on 8 October 2010
Charles Michael O’Farrell died aged 81 in October 2003 just two months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. His daughter Maureen Edwards is pursuing the claim on behalf of the family following her father’s death. Her claim is backed by Unite the union, of which her father was a member.
Charles was exposed to asbestos while working for Humphreys & Glasgow Limited as a steel erector from 1964 to 1967. During his employment he was based at the Linacre Gas Works in Bootle, Merseyside where he came into contact with asbestos on a daily basis. Before he died he said he was never warned that asbestos was dangerous. The family was awarded £152,000 in compensation against Humphreys & Glasgow Limited by the county Court in 2007. Excess Insurance Company Ltd insured Humphreys & Glasgow at the time Charles worked for the company.
In a landmark ruling earlier this month the court of appeal decided that in some asbestos cases the employer’s liability insurance is triggered not by the exposure to asbestos in the workplace, but by the development of the fatal cancer, mesothelioma.
Because symptoms of mesothelioma only begin decades after asbestos dust was inhaled the ruling means thousands of British workers who develop the disease could be deprived of compensation.
Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley said: “The way the insurers refused to pay out in these cases is a kick in the guts to every family that’s watched a loved one suffer a painful and degrading death from mesothelioma.
“Insurers sold their policies knowing that employers and workers' families would rely on them. Now they’re trying to weasel out of paying based on fancy legal argument and policy small print.
“Unite will put its full weight behind this appeal. We will pursue it because we want to see justice done to innocent victims and their families.”
Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at trade union law firm Thompsons Solicitors said: "Asbestos victims will welcome the decision by Unite to pursue the appeal to the highest court in the land and the union's principled stance in opposing the insurers' latest legal challenge."
Notes for Editors:
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no cure and around 2,000 people a year are currently diagnosed with the disease in the UK.
For decades the insurance industry accepted that the employers' liability insurer on cover at the time of the asbestos exposure occurred is liable to respond to the mesothelioma claim. A number of insurers seized upon a 2006 Court of Appeal case, [Bolton MBC v Municipal Mutual Insurance Ltd [2006] which ruled that public liability insurance is triggered not by the exposure but by the development of the mesothelioma which occurs decades later. The insurers in the trigger issue test case argue that the same interpretation should be applied in employers' liability mesothelioma claims.
Unite is backing the appeal in Edwards v Excess Insurance Company Ltd, one of six test cases which were the subject of a court of appeal ruling on 8 October 2010
Charles Michael O’Farrell died aged 81 in October 2003 just two months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. His daughter Maureen Edwards is pursuing the claim on behalf of the family following her father’s death. Her claim is backed by Unite the union, of which her father was a member.
Charles was exposed to asbestos while working for Humphreys & Glasgow Limited as a steel erector from 1964 to 1967. During his employment he was based at the Linacre Gas Works in Bootle, Merseyside where he came into contact with asbestos on a daily basis. Before he died he said he was never warned that asbestos was dangerous. The family was awarded £152,000 in compensation against Humphreys & Glasgow Limited by the county Court in 2007. Excess Insurance Company Ltd insured Humphreys & Glasgow at the time Charles worked for the company.
British Airways offer 'probably best available', says union
From The Guardian
Cabin crew to vote on British Airways' latest offer with further strike action the only alternative to accepting the deal
Union representatives have told British Airways cabin crew that a peace offer that could end a long-running dispute is "probably the best" deal available, with further walkouts the only option if it is rejected.
About 10,000 crew affiliated with the Unite trade union are preparing to vote on an offer that could finish a year-long row with the airline. Unite's largest cabin crew branch, Bassa, said in an email to members that the only alternative to the deal was strike action. The BA offer sets out a framework for restoring staff travel to the estimated 6,700 crew who took part in 22 days of strike action this year, as well as allowing the Acas conciliation service to mediate disciplinary cases.
The Bassa email states: "This is probably the best that negotiation could produce at the current time. The only other alternative would then be taking industrial action, the outcome of which of course is always unknown." However, the message also raises concerns from members that the offer is similar to one rejected in June.
"Many members could not understand why it has not already been rejected by your reps. The answer is simple: rejection is for you alone to decide," said Bassa.
BA has asked that Unite recommend the offer as a precondition for tabling it. Willie Walsh, BA chief executive, has said that he is "hopeful" that the union will back it. Walsh told the Guardian last week that the communications accompanying the ballot would be keenly watched by the airline. "It will be the communications that they issue in relation to the ballot that will be the test. I am quite pleased with the position that we have negotiated with Unite. It genuinely represents an opportunity to get a fair resolution. It is an opportunity for people to demonstrate that it is time to bring this to an end."
The consultative ballot has not yet opened because Unite is still working through the implications of BA's demand that all legal action related to the dispute must be halted. If the offer is rejected, Unite must hold a further ballot before it can call industrial action.
Cabin crew to vote on British Airways' latest offer with further strike action the only alternative to accepting the deal
Union representatives have told British Airways cabin crew that a peace offer that could end a long-running dispute is "probably the best" deal available, with further walkouts the only option if it is rejected.
About 10,000 crew affiliated with the Unite trade union are preparing to vote on an offer that could finish a year-long row with the airline. Unite's largest cabin crew branch, Bassa, said in an email to members that the only alternative to the deal was strike action. The BA offer sets out a framework for restoring staff travel to the estimated 6,700 crew who took part in 22 days of strike action this year, as well as allowing the Acas conciliation service to mediate disciplinary cases.
The Bassa email states: "This is probably the best that negotiation could produce at the current time. The only other alternative would then be taking industrial action, the outcome of which of course is always unknown." However, the message also raises concerns from members that the offer is similar to one rejected in June.
"Many members could not understand why it has not already been rejected by your reps. The answer is simple: rejection is for you alone to decide," said Bassa.
BA has asked that Unite recommend the offer as a precondition for tabling it. Willie Walsh, BA chief executive, has said that he is "hopeful" that the union will back it. Walsh told the Guardian last week that the communications accompanying the ballot would be keenly watched by the airline. "It will be the communications that they issue in relation to the ballot that will be the test. I am quite pleased with the position that we have negotiated with Unite. It genuinely represents an opportunity to get a fair resolution. It is an opportunity for people to demonstrate that it is time to bring this to an end."
The consultative ballot has not yet opened because Unite is still working through the implications of BA's demand that all legal action related to the dispute must be halted. If the offer is rejected, Unite must hold a further ballot before it can call industrial action.
Friday, October 29, 2010
5% Pay Rise Sought By West Mids Bus Drivers.
Unite is pressing for a five per cent increase for 3,750 bus drivers across the West Midlands – and improved sickness and pension terms for lower-paid employees.
Unite the union has submitted its 2010 wage claim to Birmingham-based transport giant National Express as the company digests last week’s coalition spending cuts.
The bus company has already warned that the announcement by Chancellor George Osborne that the Bus Service Operators’ Grant will be slashed by 20 per cent from 2012 could jeopardise some routes.
Meanwhile, unions are pressing ahead with the pay claim to improve workplace terms for many drivers, including harmonising conditions for drivers at Pensnett Garage, in Kingswinford, where workers are on inferior rates.
Unite union regional official John Partridge said: “The increase we have put in for for the drivers at National Express is five per cent applicable to the basic rate of pay and all follow-though items, such as holiday pay, overtime rates and so on.
"Secondly, we are seeking an improvement in sick pay for standard rate drivers. There is currently a two-tier system with some drivers on inferior terms and conditions.
"Thirdly, we are looking for an increase in pension provision for standard rate drivers.”
He criticised the current scheme, adding: “It’s a stakeholder scheme for standard rate drivers with not very high company contributions compared to the final salary scheme for long term drivers."
He said Unite was also seeking to bring pay and conditions for drivers at Pensnett into line with other garages.
“Pensnett was taken over from an old garage owned by another company and drivers there have poorer terms and conditions all round.”
He said Unite was seeking a meeting with National Express over the pay claim next month.
Neil Barker, managing director for National Express Bus, said "We have received the claim and will be meeting with the union to formally discuss the detail.
"There are uncertain times ahead for the bus industry given changes proposed under the comprehensive spending review and the claim must be considered in this context.
"The union's claim is particularly surprising at a time when there is such job insecurity and many in the public sector are having their pay frozen."
Unite the union has submitted its 2010 wage claim to Birmingham-based transport giant National Express as the company digests last week’s coalition spending cuts.
The bus company has already warned that the announcement by Chancellor George Osborne that the Bus Service Operators’ Grant will be slashed by 20 per cent from 2012 could jeopardise some routes.
Meanwhile, unions are pressing ahead with the pay claim to improve workplace terms for many drivers, including harmonising conditions for drivers at Pensnett Garage, in Kingswinford, where workers are on inferior rates.
Unite union regional official John Partridge said: “The increase we have put in for for the drivers at National Express is five per cent applicable to the basic rate of pay and all follow-though items, such as holiday pay, overtime rates and so on.
"Secondly, we are seeking an improvement in sick pay for standard rate drivers. There is currently a two-tier system with some drivers on inferior terms and conditions.
"Thirdly, we are looking for an increase in pension provision for standard rate drivers.”
He criticised the current scheme, adding: “It’s a stakeholder scheme for standard rate drivers with not very high company contributions compared to the final salary scheme for long term drivers."
He said Unite was also seeking to bring pay and conditions for drivers at Pensnett into line with other garages.
“Pensnett was taken over from an old garage owned by another company and drivers there have poorer terms and conditions all round.”
He said Unite was seeking a meeting with National Express over the pay claim next month.
Neil Barker, managing director for National Express Bus, said "We have received the claim and will be meeting with the union to formally discuss the detail.
"There are uncertain times ahead for the bus industry given changes proposed under the comprehensive spending review and the claim must be considered in this context.
"The union's claim is particularly surprising at a time when there is such job insecurity and many in the public sector are having their pay frozen."
Increase in air passenger duty tax will hit already stretched working families
Increase in air passenger duty tax will hit already stretched working families
The government's increase in air passenger duty – due to come into force on Monday - will affect every passenger, pricing some UK families out of having a holiday, increase costs to businesses and put jobs at risk.
Brendan Gold, Unite civil aviation national secretary, said: “This is a retrograde step which will increase the burden on passengers, putting even more jobs at risk.”
Brian Boyd, Unite civil aviation national officer, said: “There are hundreds of thousands of jobs in the UK’s civil aviation industry, many are still under threat as a result of the recession. This is simply not the time to increase taxes, hurting the UK aviation industry and helping our rivals.”
The government's increase in air passenger duty – due to come into force on Monday - will affect every passenger, pricing some UK families out of having a holiday, increase costs to businesses and put jobs at risk.
Brendan Gold, Unite civil aviation national secretary, said: “This is a retrograde step which will increase the burden on passengers, putting even more jobs at risk.”
Brian Boyd, Unite civil aviation national officer, said: “There are hundreds of thousands of jobs in the UK’s civil aviation industry, many are still under threat as a result of the recession. This is simply not the time to increase taxes, hurting the UK aviation industry and helping our rivals.”
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Equal Rights and the Equality Reps Project
Unite is a vibrant union that is not only diverse within its industrial sectors, but also within its membership as a whole. I believe Unite should be a union that meets the needs of all its members and every new challenge head on.
Now that the ballot for the new General Secretary’s election is open, you have the opportunity to create the union that you deserve.
My vision in equality issues have led me to being heavily involved in the Equality Rep’s Project, focusing on what I believe to be the key to a greater union - education. By informing and encouraging equality reps to become active in the union, I can make sure that employers take the issues of bullying and harassment, flexible working and career prospects for women seriously and ensure that we receive fair pay that can affect us all. [see more on the Equality Reps Project]
The experience I have gained has taught me to respond effectively and practically to the challenges of a modern trade union. The future that I see for Unite is one that prides itself on communication and democracy throughout the union. This election is the greatest opportunity to release Unite’s potential.
In the current climate, everything we do will be seen not only to represent the rights of our members, but the rights of all working people. I believe that my vision will realise Unite’s full potential to make Unite the great union all of our members deserve.
Yours fraternally,
Les Bayliss
Now that the ballot for the new General Secretary’s election is open, you have the opportunity to create the union that you deserve.
My vision in equality issues have led me to being heavily involved in the Equality Rep’s Project, focusing on what I believe to be the key to a greater union - education. By informing and encouraging equality reps to become active in the union, I can make sure that employers take the issues of bullying and harassment, flexible working and career prospects for women seriously and ensure that we receive fair pay that can affect us all. [see more on the Equality Reps Project]
The experience I have gained has taught me to respond effectively and practically to the challenges of a modern trade union. The future that I see for Unite is one that prides itself on communication and democracy throughout the union. This election is the greatest opportunity to release Unite’s potential.
In the current climate, everything we do will be seen not only to represent the rights of our members, but the rights of all working people. I believe that my vision will realise Unite’s full potential to make Unite the great union all of our members deserve.
Yours fraternally,
Les Bayliss
Les Bayliss - Building A Better Union
The Workers Uniting Group Supports Les Bayliss For Unite General Secretary
This week Unite members will receive ballot papers along with an election statement which sets out the the positive policies which Les Bayliss has explained to thousands of Unite members in workplaces across the UK and Ireland - which will build a better union.
Les, a skilled engineer, is aged 57 and has been a union member for over 40 years representing members at all levels in the Union, culminating with his role as Assistant General Secretary.
Among his duties and responsibilities are handling the finances of the union, turning a deficit into a surplus and resolving issues related to the former Amicus pension scheme.
He also has the strategic oversight of the Construction and Building Services Sector including the industry wide apprenticeship programme.
Over the past few months Les has explained the ideas and policies he stands for and which will take Unite forward.
These include a membership support centre which will be available to give members advice and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Les Bayliss has also set out his policies on strategic campaigning to ensure Unite members can win in the workplace - rather than let employers and the media pick the battleground - whether that it is in the private sector or in the campaign to defend public services.
He has explained that he will expand the unions training and education programme for members, activists and officials and that the investment made by Unite in organising and recruiting new members delivers membership growth and stronger workplaces through the involvement of members and activists.
Communications with members will be improved, with a union magazine and direct electronic communications - and there will be dedicated union officers helping our reps, activists and members.
On equalities Les says all Unite members, irrespective of race, colour, religion, or sexual orientation must have equal opportunity and be treated equally in the workplace and in the union.
Les Bayliss' message to Unite members is: “Together we are strong. Our members face the same difficulties and working together in all sectors and regions we will all gain from unity and solidarity”.
Vote Les Bayliss For General Secretary when you receive your ballot paper - encourage Unite members to vote and Vote For Les Bayliss for a Better Union.
This week Unite members will receive ballot papers along with an election statement which sets out the the positive policies which Les Bayliss has explained to thousands of Unite members in workplaces across the UK and Ireland - which will build a better union.
Les, a skilled engineer, is aged 57 and has been a union member for over 40 years representing members at all levels in the Union, culminating with his role as Assistant General Secretary.
Among his duties and responsibilities are handling the finances of the union, turning a deficit into a surplus and resolving issues related to the former Amicus pension scheme.
He also has the strategic oversight of the Construction and Building Services Sector including the industry wide apprenticeship programme.
Over the past few months Les has explained the ideas and policies he stands for and which will take Unite forward.
These include a membership support centre which will be available to give members advice and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Les Bayliss has also set out his policies on strategic campaigning to ensure Unite members can win in the workplace - rather than let employers and the media pick the battleground - whether that it is in the private sector or in the campaign to defend public services.
He has explained that he will expand the unions training and education programme for members, activists and officials and that the investment made by Unite in organising and recruiting new members delivers membership growth and stronger workplaces through the involvement of members and activists.
Communications with members will be improved, with a union magazine and direct electronic communications - and there will be dedicated union officers helping our reps, activists and members.
On equalities Les says all Unite members, irrespective of race, colour, religion, or sexual orientation must have equal opportunity and be treated equally in the workplace and in the union.
Les Bayliss' message to Unite members is: “Together we are strong. Our members face the same difficulties and working together in all sectors and regions we will all gain from unity and solidarity”.
Vote Les Bayliss For General Secretary when you receive your ballot paper - encourage Unite members to vote and Vote For Les Bayliss for a Better Union.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Unite CMA To Ballot On Industrial Action
Royal Mail faces new strike threat from Unite
Royal Mail is facing industrial unrest on a new front after the Unite union said it would ballot thousands of managers on strike action for the first time since 1979, the year of the winter of discontent.
The threat of industrial action comes as the government prepares on Wednesday to debate in parliament for the first time the controversial postal services bill to privatise Royal Mail.
Unite, which represents about 15,000 Royal Mail managers, said that it would begin balloting members over the company's plans to make 1,500 job cuts in London – a figure that could include compulsory redundancies if there are not enough volunteers.
Royal Mail has been plagued by industrial unrest for years but disputes have been led by the Communications Workers Union (CWU), which represents most of the rest of the company's 160,000 workforce, one of the largest union memberships in the country. Relations have often been tense between members of the two unions, with many managers, represented by Unite, breaking picket lines on strike days called by the CWU.
The CWU is opposing government plans to privatise Royal Mail, mindful that new owners are likely to impose mass redundancies, and the move by Unite could see both unions combining to fight the privatisation plans.
Paul Reuter, national officer for Unite, said: "If Royal Mail are allowed to push ahead with forced redundancies it will keep coming back for more, so Unite intends to stop Royal Mail in its tracks. There have already been 5,000 job cuts over the last five years without any compulsory redundancies. Such a drastic step is not necessary now."
The ballot will take place at the beginning of next month.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: "We continue talking with Unite and have stressed we will continue doing our utmost to manage any job losses by voluntary means and that we have increased our existing voluntary redundancy package. As they know, these reductions are essential as we continue adapting to our rapidly changing and declining market, where mail volumes have fallen by 13m letters a day in just five years."
Also on Wednesday, the government will announce a substantial three-year funding package for the Post Office, which could be turned into a Co-operative Group-style mutual company once Royal Mail is privatised.
Ministers will outline how much will be provided to modernise and refurbish the 9,000 branches in the Post Office network, many of which are struggling to stay in business.
The new three-year package is much more generous than many executives expected, given the pressure on public finances, and is likely to run into hundreds of millions of pounds.
But despite this, the future of an independent Post Office, currently owned by Royal Mail, remains uncertain. The Post Office relies on Royal Mail for about a third of its revenue.
The National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP) wants the government to force the new owner of Royal Mail to sign a contract lasting at least 10 years, committing it to continue to use the Post Office to provide services and process mail.
But government officials are instead proposing a maximum five-year contract. The NFSP is warning of "serious consequences" for the survival of the network if a longer contract is not secured, and it could try to block the privatisation.
George Thomson, general secretary of the NFSP, said: "There is no point mutualising the Post Office or privatising Royal Mail if it does not have a viable future – and it won't without a long-term agreement with Royal Mail."
This week, the CWU will lobby Labour MPs to add their voice to the campaign against privatisation. But with Conservative and Liberal Democrat backbenchers committed to the plan, it is almost certain to go ahead.
The government has said that Royal Mail staff will receive 10% of the privatised company's shares but has not specified whether it will float the business on the stock market or sell it to a rival such as Deutsche Post or the Dutch group TNT.
Royal Mail is facing industrial unrest on a new front after the Unite union said it would ballot thousands of managers on strike action for the first time since 1979, the year of the winter of discontent.
The threat of industrial action comes as the government prepares on Wednesday to debate in parliament for the first time the controversial postal services bill to privatise Royal Mail.
Unite, which represents about 15,000 Royal Mail managers, said that it would begin balloting members over the company's plans to make 1,500 job cuts in London – a figure that could include compulsory redundancies if there are not enough volunteers.
Royal Mail has been plagued by industrial unrest for years but disputes have been led by the Communications Workers Union (CWU), which represents most of the rest of the company's 160,000 workforce, one of the largest union memberships in the country. Relations have often been tense between members of the two unions, with many managers, represented by Unite, breaking picket lines on strike days called by the CWU.
The CWU is opposing government plans to privatise Royal Mail, mindful that new owners are likely to impose mass redundancies, and the move by Unite could see both unions combining to fight the privatisation plans.
Paul Reuter, national officer for Unite, said: "If Royal Mail are allowed to push ahead with forced redundancies it will keep coming back for more, so Unite intends to stop Royal Mail in its tracks. There have already been 5,000 job cuts over the last five years without any compulsory redundancies. Such a drastic step is not necessary now."
The ballot will take place at the beginning of next month.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: "We continue talking with Unite and have stressed we will continue doing our utmost to manage any job losses by voluntary means and that we have increased our existing voluntary redundancy package. As they know, these reductions are essential as we continue adapting to our rapidly changing and declining market, where mail volumes have fallen by 13m letters a day in just five years."
Also on Wednesday, the government will announce a substantial three-year funding package for the Post Office, which could be turned into a Co-operative Group-style mutual company once Royal Mail is privatised.
Ministers will outline how much will be provided to modernise and refurbish the 9,000 branches in the Post Office network, many of which are struggling to stay in business.
The new three-year package is much more generous than many executives expected, given the pressure on public finances, and is likely to run into hundreds of millions of pounds.
But despite this, the future of an independent Post Office, currently owned by Royal Mail, remains uncertain. The Post Office relies on Royal Mail for about a third of its revenue.
The National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSP) wants the government to force the new owner of Royal Mail to sign a contract lasting at least 10 years, committing it to continue to use the Post Office to provide services and process mail.
But government officials are instead proposing a maximum five-year contract. The NFSP is warning of "serious consequences" for the survival of the network if a longer contract is not secured, and it could try to block the privatisation.
George Thomson, general secretary of the NFSP, said: "There is no point mutualising the Post Office or privatising Royal Mail if it does not have a viable future – and it won't without a long-term agreement with Royal Mail."
This week, the CWU will lobby Labour MPs to add their voice to the campaign against privatisation. But with Conservative and Liberal Democrat backbenchers committed to the plan, it is almost certain to go ahead.
The government has said that Royal Mail staff will receive 10% of the privatised company's shares but has not specified whether it will float the business on the stock market or sell it to a rival such as Deutsche Post or the Dutch group TNT.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
UNITE GENERAL SECRETARY ELECTION - Vote For Les Bayliss
The ballot for the General Secretary of Unite opens on October 25th.
The Workers Uniting Group – the Progressive Left Grouping within Unite supports Les Bayliss.
Les Bayliss stood in ten hustings meetings around the country to win the support of the Workers Uniting Group and has campaigned up and down the UK and Ireland seeking support for his policies which are designed to take Unite forward and to become a union that not only represents and supports its members - but wins where it matters the most – in the workplace.
Les Bayliss, who is aged 57 and Assistant General Secretary is offering: a Better Service for Members; Better Judgement; Better Support for members and fighting for Better Jobs.
Throughout the past few months Les Bayliss has met thousands of ordinary members, union reps and activists in all sectors of our union – from manufacturing to transport, from finance workers to shipbuilders, from health service workers to steelworkers - and his message has been well received and endorsed.
Among the internal policies Les has explained from day one (some of which have found their way into other candidates manifesto’s) include:
A new Unite Membership Support Centre open 24-hour a day.
A new dedicated Branch Support Unit.
Additional resources for member services within all our Regions and Sectors to service our workplace representatives.
An overhaul of Unite’s current regional and central administration to ensure every member gets the help they need when they need it.
A massive increase in resources for education and support for representatives to equip themselves with the tools to do their job for members.
Improve services to members by increasing training and development for Unite officers and staff.
Have a comprehensive review of all union activity to eliminate waste and improve services.
In a statement retiring Unite Joint General Secretary Derek Simpson said: "Unite members are facing a very difficult time right now and it's vital that the leader of Unite is up to the task of protecting members jobs and public services. Ranting and raving from the side lines will only keep Labour in opposition for a generation.
“The cuts announced this week are the tip of a very nasty iceberg but the task of opposing them will be complex. Only one candidate standing in the Unite General Secretary election has in my mind the skills for this difficult job.
“Les Bayliss has the skills and the courage to unite the Labour movement and build support in the general public for an alternative economic strategy to bring the country our of recession without the pain that will be imposed by the Tories on every family in this country.”
Vote Les Bayliss on October 25th.
Encourage Unite members and comrades to vote for Les Bayliss for a Better union!
The Workers Uniting Group – the Progressive Left Grouping within Unite supports Les Bayliss.
Les Bayliss stood in ten hustings meetings around the country to win the support of the Workers Uniting Group and has campaigned up and down the UK and Ireland seeking support for his policies which are designed to take Unite forward and to become a union that not only represents and supports its members - but wins where it matters the most – in the workplace.
Les Bayliss, who is aged 57 and Assistant General Secretary is offering: a Better Service for Members; Better Judgement; Better Support for members and fighting for Better Jobs.
Throughout the past few months Les Bayliss has met thousands of ordinary members, union reps and activists in all sectors of our union – from manufacturing to transport, from finance workers to shipbuilders, from health service workers to steelworkers - and his message has been well received and endorsed.
Among the internal policies Les has explained from day one (some of which have found their way into other candidates manifesto’s) include:
A new Unite Membership Support Centre open 24-hour a day.
A new dedicated Branch Support Unit.
Additional resources for member services within all our Regions and Sectors to service our workplace representatives.
An overhaul of Unite’s current regional and central administration to ensure every member gets the help they need when they need it.
A massive increase in resources for education and support for representatives to equip themselves with the tools to do their job for members.
Improve services to members by increasing training and development for Unite officers and staff.
Have a comprehensive review of all union activity to eliminate waste and improve services.
In a statement retiring Unite Joint General Secretary Derek Simpson said: "Unite members are facing a very difficult time right now and it's vital that the leader of Unite is up to the task of protecting members jobs and public services. Ranting and raving from the side lines will only keep Labour in opposition for a generation.
“The cuts announced this week are the tip of a very nasty iceberg but the task of opposing them will be complex. Only one candidate standing in the Unite General Secretary election has in my mind the skills for this difficult job.
“Les Bayliss has the skills and the courage to unite the Labour movement and build support in the general public for an alternative economic strategy to bring the country our of recession without the pain that will be imposed by the Tories on every family in this country.”
Vote Les Bayliss on October 25th.
Encourage Unite members and comrades to vote for Les Bayliss for a Better union!
Protests Against The Cuts
Thousands protests across the country against Con-Dem cuts
Thousands of people across the UK joined protests today against the budget cuts announced by George Osborne earlier this week. The chancellor announced cuts of over £81 billion which will see savage cuts to public services and the loss of hundreds of thousands of job. It is estimated that over 500,000 public sector jobs could go with teachers, police officers and fire-fighters all amongst those who face redundancy. In London today fire-fighters went on strike against planned cuts to the service with 5000 fire-fighters going on an eight-hour strike in London today.
Demonstrations against the cuts announced by the Con-Dem coalition have been held across the country with thousands marching to protect public sector jobs and the announced cut backs.
The protest in Cambridge consist of a march through the city centre attended by many different unions such as Unite, Unison and also a the Fire-fighters union. While there was a police presence for the march through the city it passed without incident with protestors marching through the city streets - with much support from locals - shouting a wide range of different slogans. The most popular slogan was "they say cut backs we say fight backs" as well as different variations on opposition to job losses.
The march through Cambridge lasted an hour with people travelling from as far afield as Ipswich, Huntington, Peterborough and Leicester to attend with several hundred people participated in the protest. The protest and rally in Cambridge passed peacefully and without incident although two protestors in Bristol were arrested by the police. In Cambridge as the march began many motorists showed their support for the protest by tooting their horns. Many people joined the march as it progressed through the streets of Cambridge. After the march concluded there was a rally at Cambridge Guildhall with ten guest speakers. The guest-speakers were mainly Union representatives - such as Unite and the Teaching Unions - as well as local councillors.
Throughout the rally there we calls for the TUC to announce a UK General Strike and a show of solidarity with protestors in France and also Belgium who have also been vocal in their opposition to the cut backs in their respective countries. Before the march through Cambridge began there were speeches from organisers, a representative from the Fire-Brigade as well as someone who had travelled from France in a demonstration of support for the UK protests.
Thousands of people across the UK joined protests today against the budget cuts announced by George Osborne earlier this week. The chancellor announced cuts of over £81 billion which will see savage cuts to public services and the loss of hundreds of thousands of job. It is estimated that over 500,000 public sector jobs could go with teachers, police officers and fire-fighters all amongst those who face redundancy. In London today fire-fighters went on strike against planned cuts to the service with 5000 fire-fighters going on an eight-hour strike in London today.
Demonstrations against the cuts announced by the Con-Dem coalition have been held across the country with thousands marching to protect public sector jobs and the announced cut backs.
The protest in Cambridge consist of a march through the city centre attended by many different unions such as Unite, Unison and also a the Fire-fighters union. While there was a police presence for the march through the city it passed without incident with protestors marching through the city streets - with much support from locals - shouting a wide range of different slogans. The most popular slogan was "they say cut backs we say fight backs" as well as different variations on opposition to job losses.
The march through Cambridge lasted an hour with people travelling from as far afield as Ipswich, Huntington, Peterborough and Leicester to attend with several hundred people participated in the protest. The protest and rally in Cambridge passed peacefully and without incident although two protestors in Bristol were arrested by the police. In Cambridge as the march began many motorists showed their support for the protest by tooting their horns. Many people joined the march as it progressed through the streets of Cambridge. After the march concluded there was a rally at Cambridge Guildhall with ten guest speakers. The guest-speakers were mainly Union representatives - such as Unite and the Teaching Unions - as well as local councillors.
Throughout the rally there we calls for the TUC to announce a UK General Strike and a show of solidarity with protestors in France and also Belgium who have also been vocal in their opposition to the cut backs in their respective countries. Before the march through Cambridge began there were speeches from organisers, a representative from the Fire-Brigade as well as someone who had travelled from France in a demonstration of support for the UK protests.
Tony Woodley - Anti Cuts Tour
Joint GS Tony Woodley has began a nationwide tour to rally workers, students and pensioners against the Government's "destruction" of jobs and services.
Tony Woodley said the Comprehensive Spending Review constituted the most serious attack on working men and women and those least able to cope of his lifetime.
He warned that unemployment will soar to 4.5 million next year and said that the cuts will lead to £145 billion being taken out of the economy.
He told hundreds of people in Birmingham: "The coalition tore into our public services, hacking into the health, education and council services that hold this country together.
"The sight of George Osborne being congratulated by David Cameron and Nick Clegg, cheered on by Tories and Lib Dem MPs, will have revolted anyone who has a care for the sick and vulnerable in this country, and will terrify people who live beyond the Westminster village.
"As the true extent of these cuts - not the £81 billion Osborne is cowardly hiding behind but actually a colossal £145 billion - is revealed, anger will build.
"It won't be the leafy stockbroker belt that feels this pain, it will be my members trying to raise their families in the communities of the country that this Government has just set about destroying. The coalition has no mandate for the assassination of our services, and for those that voted Lib Dem, this is nothing short of a betrayal."
Mr Woodley said hopes that private firms would create jobs to counter the cuts in public sector employment were a "figment of the Government's imagination", adding that many small and medium sized firms could not persuade banks to lend them any money to expand their business.
"We have to build a coalition of unions, students, pensioners, voluntary groups and others. When the penny drops and people realise that the schools, hospitals and social services they built and paid for through hard graft and taxes are being destroyed by a political elite, rage will boil."
Mr Woodley will visit cities across the country in the next three weeks on his "anti-cuts" tour, ending in Scotland next month.
Tony Woodley said the Comprehensive Spending Review constituted the most serious attack on working men and women and those least able to cope of his lifetime.
He warned that unemployment will soar to 4.5 million next year and said that the cuts will lead to £145 billion being taken out of the economy.
He told hundreds of people in Birmingham: "The coalition tore into our public services, hacking into the health, education and council services that hold this country together.
"The sight of George Osborne being congratulated by David Cameron and Nick Clegg, cheered on by Tories and Lib Dem MPs, will have revolted anyone who has a care for the sick and vulnerable in this country, and will terrify people who live beyond the Westminster village.
"As the true extent of these cuts - not the £81 billion Osborne is cowardly hiding behind but actually a colossal £145 billion - is revealed, anger will build.
"It won't be the leafy stockbroker belt that feels this pain, it will be my members trying to raise their families in the communities of the country that this Government has just set about destroying. The coalition has no mandate for the assassination of our services, and for those that voted Lib Dem, this is nothing short of a betrayal."
Mr Woodley said hopes that private firms would create jobs to counter the cuts in public sector employment were a "figment of the Government's imagination", adding that many small and medium sized firms could not persuade banks to lend them any money to expand their business.
"We have to build a coalition of unions, students, pensioners, voluntary groups and others. When the penny drops and people realise that the schools, hospitals and social services they built and paid for through hard graft and taxes are being destroyed by a political elite, rage will boil."
Mr Woodley will visit cities across the country in the next three weeks on his "anti-cuts" tour, ending in Scotland next month.
Shameful way to end 100-year tradition, says Unite.
Unite has criticised Coca-Cola over the “bad handling” of its announcement to close the Malvern Water bottled plant.
Unite said the shock announcement last week “showed no respect for the loyal workforce”, who still work at the plant in Colwall.
Seventeen workers are set to lose their jobs when the plant closes on Wednesday, November 3.
Coca-Cola has decided to end the production of Malvern Water, blaming competition in the industry.
Jennie Formby, Unite national officer for the food and drinks sector, said: “These workers and their families have been disgracefully treated by Coca-Cola Enterprises [CCE]. The company obviously made its mind up long ago about their futures, yet sat on their decision until a good day to bury bad news came along.
“We are really concerned now for these workers and are determined that CCE does right for them in redundancy.
“This is a sad and shameful way to end to a proud 100- year tradition in Malvern.” A spokeswoman for Coca-Cola said: “Understandably, it is a difficult time for our staff and we are working with them to support them in any way we can.
“This has been a tough decision for us to take – we have been part of the Malvern community for more than 23 years – but unfortunately it’s one we had to take given the commercial realties we face.”Two town businesses which stock the world-famous water have expressed their shock at the news but said they would turn to Holywell Spring Water, based in Malvern Wells, which bottles from the Holywell, which has been used since 1558.
Jon Roe, owner of Priors Croft Restaurant and Bar, said: “I’m very very disappointed but it’s very important for me to keep it local so I’m glad there’s a local alternative. From now on Priors Croft will be stocking Holywell water.”
Matthew Cooke, owner of Malvern Hills Hotel, said: “I’m really upset. Malvern Water sells really really well. I have tried stocking other brands in the past but my customers always want Malvern.
“We have a really proud heritage of Malvern water. I will try to keep the alternative as local as possible, so Holywell will be getting a call from me.”
Rhys Humm, company director of Holywell Spring Water, said: “Firstly, I’d like to say that I’m deeply sorry that Malvern Water is closing because it put Malvern, as a town, on the map. But from a company perspective, it’s an opportunity for us and one we will work hard to maximise.
“I’m delighted to hear that businesses will be coming to us.”
Unite said the shock announcement last week “showed no respect for the loyal workforce”, who still work at the plant in Colwall.
Seventeen workers are set to lose their jobs when the plant closes on Wednesday, November 3.
Coca-Cola has decided to end the production of Malvern Water, blaming competition in the industry.
Jennie Formby, Unite national officer for the food and drinks sector, said: “These workers and their families have been disgracefully treated by Coca-Cola Enterprises [CCE]. The company obviously made its mind up long ago about their futures, yet sat on their decision until a good day to bury bad news came along.
“We are really concerned now for these workers and are determined that CCE does right for them in redundancy.
“This is a sad and shameful way to end to a proud 100- year tradition in Malvern.” A spokeswoman for Coca-Cola said: “Understandably, it is a difficult time for our staff and we are working with them to support them in any way we can.
“This has been a tough decision for us to take – we have been part of the Malvern community for more than 23 years – but unfortunately it’s one we had to take given the commercial realties we face.”Two town businesses which stock the world-famous water have expressed their shock at the news but said they would turn to Holywell Spring Water, based in Malvern Wells, which bottles from the Holywell, which has been used since 1558.
Jon Roe, owner of Priors Croft Restaurant and Bar, said: “I’m very very disappointed but it’s very important for me to keep it local so I’m glad there’s a local alternative. From now on Priors Croft will be stocking Holywell water.”
Matthew Cooke, owner of Malvern Hills Hotel, said: “I’m really upset. Malvern Water sells really really well. I have tried stocking other brands in the past but my customers always want Malvern.
“We have a really proud heritage of Malvern water. I will try to keep the alternative as local as possible, so Holywell will be getting a call from me.”
Rhys Humm, company director of Holywell Spring Water, said: “Firstly, I’d like to say that I’m deeply sorry that Malvern Water is closing because it put Malvern, as a town, on the map. But from a company perspective, it’s an opportunity for us and one we will work hard to maximise.
“I’m delighted to hear that businesses will be coming to us.”
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Les Bayliss Meets Steelworkers on Teeside
From The Northern Echo:
UNIONS and management working together to secure the future of mothballed Teesside Cast Products (TCP) have set a precedent for the future, the man bidding to lead Unite the union said.
Les Bayliss, who is standing for general secretary of Britain’s biggest union, met steelworkers on Teesside yesterday ahead of the leadership election, which begins next week.
Unions and Tata Steel, formerly Corus, have been praised for working together to try to secure a new owner, with Thai company Sahaviriya Steel Industries (SSI), proposing to buy the plant. Mr Bayliss said: “It is how we need to be in the future, we need to work with good employers, but challenge bad ones.
“I have been using my experiences at Corus as a good example of where the union needs to position itself.”
He cited the bitter industrial dispute between British Airways and Unite as an example of how not to carry out industrial relations.
Mr Bayliss said: “As soon as there was an announcement of 12 days of strikes over Christmas we were turned from victims to villians.
“We have to learn from that as we are keen to learn from the positive actions of our members here at Corus.”
Mr Bayliss believes steel workers should march across Teesside again, this time in celebration, if SSI’s purchase of TCP goes ahead.
From Evening Gazette:
Steel union positive after talks with SSIEvening Gazette
DISCUSSIONS were held last night between the Thai company hoping to take over Teesside Cast Products and trade union representatives to further push the deal towards completion.
In August, Thailand’s biggest steel producer, SSI, announced plans to take over the Tata Steel site, after signing a memorandum of understanding with the steel giant.
Last night negotiators and officers from SSI and representatives from trade unions and Tata Steel met at the Thistle Hotel in Middlesbrough for further discussions in the hope a deal may soon be done.
Geoff Waterfield, chairman of the multi-union works committee, said: “Last night was an opportunity for SSI and David Reid, interim managing director, to talk to local officials about any concerns or questions people may have. I have had some really positive feedback from the meeting.”
Yesterday assistant general secretary of union Unite, Les Bayliss, visited TCP along with Terry Pye, Unite’s national officer for the steel industry, who are hopeful the deal between Tata and SSI will soon be completed.
Mr Bayliss said he was on Teesside to “celebrate with members the achievements we have made so far”.
He added the meeting at Middlesbrough’s Thistle Hotel was important because it was the first time “most people will have been around the same table at the same time”.
“It is necessary to build relationships and to gain mutual respect and understanding.
“SSI know that the success of the plant will be based on the workforce. So it is now about how they drive the process forward.
“This is the start of the final chapter.”
Mr Pye added: “We are hoping the deal will be done by Christmas.”
Tony Pearson, 49, site convener for Unite at Teesside Cast Products, who has worked at the plant since 1977, added: “We the workers are now more optimistic than we have been in the past few months.
“Hopefully the deal will be finalised in the next few months.
“It would be great to see the furnace be turned back on.”
With 700 staff currently employed at TCP, a takeover by SSI is set to create a significant number of new jobs and steelmaking re-ignited early next year.
The £320m deal with SSI includes Redcar and South Bank coke ovens, TCP’s power generation facilities and sinter plant, the Redcar blast furnace and the Lackenby steel-making operation - plus a 50/50 joint venture between Corus and SSI on the Redcar wharf.
Last month Win Viriyaprapaikit, president of SSI, described the TCP as the “perfect match”.
He also praised Teesside’s enormous pride and passion for steelmaking - describing it as something he has never felt “anywhere else in the world”.
UNIONS and management working together to secure the future of mothballed Teesside Cast Products (TCP) have set a precedent for the future, the man bidding to lead Unite the union said.
Les Bayliss, who is standing for general secretary of Britain’s biggest union, met steelworkers on Teesside yesterday ahead of the leadership election, which begins next week.
Unions and Tata Steel, formerly Corus, have been praised for working together to try to secure a new owner, with Thai company Sahaviriya Steel Industries (SSI), proposing to buy the plant. Mr Bayliss said: “It is how we need to be in the future, we need to work with good employers, but challenge bad ones.
“I have been using my experiences at Corus as a good example of where the union needs to position itself.”
He cited the bitter industrial dispute between British Airways and Unite as an example of how not to carry out industrial relations.
Mr Bayliss said: “As soon as there was an announcement of 12 days of strikes over Christmas we were turned from victims to villians.
“We have to learn from that as we are keen to learn from the positive actions of our members here at Corus.”
Mr Bayliss believes steel workers should march across Teesside again, this time in celebration, if SSI’s purchase of TCP goes ahead.
From Evening Gazette:
Steel union positive after talks with SSIEvening Gazette
DISCUSSIONS were held last night between the Thai company hoping to take over Teesside Cast Products and trade union representatives to further push the deal towards completion.
In August, Thailand’s biggest steel producer, SSI, announced plans to take over the Tata Steel site, after signing a memorandum of understanding with the steel giant.
Last night negotiators and officers from SSI and representatives from trade unions and Tata Steel met at the Thistle Hotel in Middlesbrough for further discussions in the hope a deal may soon be done.
Geoff Waterfield, chairman of the multi-union works committee, said: “Last night was an opportunity for SSI and David Reid, interim managing director, to talk to local officials about any concerns or questions people may have. I have had some really positive feedback from the meeting.”
Yesterday assistant general secretary of union Unite, Les Bayliss, visited TCP along with Terry Pye, Unite’s national officer for the steel industry, who are hopeful the deal between Tata and SSI will soon be completed.
Mr Bayliss said he was on Teesside to “celebrate with members the achievements we have made so far”.
He added the meeting at Middlesbrough’s Thistle Hotel was important because it was the first time “most people will have been around the same table at the same time”.
“It is necessary to build relationships and to gain mutual respect and understanding.
“SSI know that the success of the plant will be based on the workforce. So it is now about how they drive the process forward.
“This is the start of the final chapter.”
Mr Pye added: “We are hoping the deal will be done by Christmas.”
Tony Pearson, 49, site convener for Unite at Teesside Cast Products, who has worked at the plant since 1977, added: “We the workers are now more optimistic than we have been in the past few months.
“Hopefully the deal will be finalised in the next few months.
“It would be great to see the furnace be turned back on.”
With 700 staff currently employed at TCP, a takeover by SSI is set to create a significant number of new jobs and steelmaking re-ignited early next year.
The £320m deal with SSI includes Redcar and South Bank coke ovens, TCP’s power generation facilities and sinter plant, the Redcar blast furnace and the Lackenby steel-making operation - plus a 50/50 joint venture between Corus and SSI on the Redcar wharf.
Last month Win Viriyaprapaikit, president of SSI, described the TCP as the “perfect match”.
He also praised Teesside’s enormous pride and passion for steelmaking - describing it as something he has never felt “anywhere else in the world”.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
