Unite members at a Halifax car parts manufacturer are gearing up for a three-day walk-out.
Staff at Metaldyne are protesting over shift changes and a two-year pay freeze.
They have been told they may have to work an extra four hours a week unpaid and face cuts in pay for some shifts.
The strike, set for March 3.
Regional Officer Dick Croft, said industrial action in December had been called off when the firm agreed to revert to normal shift patterns. But the company went back on its word.
Dick said: "There were implied threats of disciplinary action if people didn't comply with the new shift arrangements."
He added: "We don't deny the company has gone through difficult times, like a lot of manufacturing companies. But there are ways and means to resolve the issues.
"We put forward proposals, which we thought we could recommend to our membership but the company dismissed them out of hand and was intent on pursuing its own agend
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Fujitsu Dispute Settled
Fujitsu Unite members have voted to end strike action after accepting a deal agreed at Acas.
The agreement brings an end to a four-month dispute which involved 10 days of strikes and other action short of strike action.
Unite members voted by four-to-one to end the action which had been sparked by a dispute about a pay freeze implemented last year, the cutting of 1,200 jobs, and the closure of the final salary pension scheme.
Compulsory redundancies had now been reduced from 1,200 to less than 30, with the extension of employment until at least 26 March, while Fujitsu has extended the consultation period for pension changes and offered a 5% increase in pay as compensation for the change to a defined contribution scheme.
The final salary pension scheme will now run for an extra year, until March 2011, and the IT services firm also made a commitment to discuss more open pay and benefit scales and agreed to the introduction of a minimum basic salary of £12,000, applicable from 1 March 2010.
Peter Skyte, Unite national officer for the IT sector, said: "While the Acas-brokered proposals do not fully satisfy our members' aspirations, there have been significant changes in the company's position on jobs, pay and pensions over the course of the dispute."
Well done to Unite Fujitsu members for many members this is the first time they have been involved in an industrial dispute.!
The agreement brings an end to a four-month dispute which involved 10 days of strikes and other action short of strike action.
Unite members voted by four-to-one to end the action which had been sparked by a dispute about a pay freeze implemented last year, the cutting of 1,200 jobs, and the closure of the final salary pension scheme.
Compulsory redundancies had now been reduced from 1,200 to less than 30, with the extension of employment until at least 26 March, while Fujitsu has extended the consultation period for pension changes and offered a 5% increase in pay as compensation for the change to a defined contribution scheme.
The final salary pension scheme will now run for an extra year, until March 2011, and the IT services firm also made a commitment to discuss more open pay and benefit scales and agreed to the introduction of a minimum basic salary of £12,000, applicable from 1 March 2010.
Peter Skyte, Unite national officer for the IT sector, said: "While the Acas-brokered proposals do not fully satisfy our members' aspirations, there have been significant changes in the company's position on jobs, pay and pensions over the course of the dispute."
Well done to Unite Fujitsu members for many members this is the first time they have been involved in an industrial dispute.!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Jack's The Lad In Brum!
Unite DGS Jack Dromey, has been selected as the Labour candidate in Erdington, Birmingham.
Jack has to defend a majority of 9,575 enjoyed by Sion Simon MP at the last election.
Jack said he was "honoured" to have been chosen as its candidate.
"For 25 years, I have fought great battles in Birmingham for working people and social justice," he said.
"I will serve the people of Erdington as a hardworking local MP, punching the weight of a fine constituency that has seen real progress under 13 years of a Labour Government but still with a lot to do."
Jack has to defend a majority of 9,575 enjoyed by Sion Simon MP at the last election.
Jack said he was "honoured" to have been chosen as its candidate.
"For 25 years, I have fought great battles in Birmingham for working people and social justice," he said.
"I will serve the people of Erdington as a hardworking local MP, punching the weight of a fine constituency that has seen real progress under 13 years of a Labour Government but still with a lot to do."
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Nobel prize-winning economist calls for a further fiscal expansion.
Below a short TV interview and an article by Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel prize-winning economist and former World Bank chief economist, where he calls for a further fiscal expansion.
At a recent Parliamentary seminar on the economic case for investment not cuts, it was explained that government investment would not only boost the economy in the short term but would have a "multiplier effect" and so would aid longer term growth and help to lower the debt levels through a higher tax take. In the interview and article Stiglitz make this point in relation to the US economy.
The short video interview can be found at:
http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/article/425337/Stiglitz:-Washington-Should-Stop-Worrying,-U.S.-Has-%22No-Problem%22-Paying-Off-Its-Debts&comment_start=21
The article "Obama must resist 'deficit fetish'" can be found below and at:
http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=B462AFEB-18FE-70B2-A8BADA700309DE3C
At a recent Parliamentary seminar on the economic case for investment not cuts, it was explained that government investment would not only boost the economy in the short term but would have a "multiplier effect" and so would aid longer term growth and help to lower the debt levels through a higher tax take. In the interview and article Stiglitz make this point in relation to the US economy.
The short video interview can be found at:
http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/article/425337/Stiglitz:-Washington-Should-Stop-Worrying,-U.S.-Has-%22No-Problem%22-Paying-Off-Its-Debts&comment_start=21
The article "Obama must resist 'deficit fetish'" can be found below and at:
http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=B462AFEB-18FE-70B2-A8BADA700309DE3C
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
McJobs.org - website for McDonald's workers around the world launched
One online source defines a McJob as "a low-paying, low-prestige job that requires few skills and offers very little chance of intracompany advancement".
McDonald's was never very happy about the use of this term.
So company bought the domain name "mcjobs.com" just to make sure that no one could use it.
But they forget to acquire "mcjobs.org" - and the global union federation for food workers, the IUF and the Labour news website LabourStart, bought the name.
They have launched McJobs.org, the website for McDonald's workers around the world.
If you work in McDonald's, or know anyone who does, or are just curious, LabourStart ask you to check it out:
http://www.mcjobs.org
McDonald's was never very happy about the use of this term.
So company bought the domain name "mcjobs.com" just to make sure that no one could use it.
But they forget to acquire "mcjobs.org" - and the global union federation for food workers, the IUF and the Labour news website LabourStart, bought the name.
They have launched McJobs.org, the website for McDonald's workers around the world.
If you work in McDonald's, or know anyone who does, or are just curious, LabourStart ask you to check it out:
http://www.mcjobs.org
Monday, February 22, 2010
Unite - Bassa BA Crew Vote For Strike
BA cabin crew have convincingly backed strike action against BA in the dispute over staffing cuts and proposed changes to working conditions.
Unite said that 80.7% of the 11,691 ballot papers issued were returned.
Of those 78.7% (7,482) supported taking action with 1,789 voting against it.
The strike dates have yet to be announced but an Easter strike has been ruled out.
Press sources say that a recent poll held by Bassa, Unite's cabin crew branch, has indicated strong support for a walkout lasting longer than 10 days.
Unite said that 80.7% of the 11,691 ballot papers issued were returned.
Of those 78.7% (7,482) supported taking action with 1,789 voting against it.
The strike dates have yet to be announced but an Easter strike has been ruled out.
Press sources say that a recent poll held by Bassa, Unite's cabin crew branch, has indicated strong support for a walkout lasting longer than 10 days.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Corus : Terry Pye Calls For "Strategic Action"
Unite has said it will call on members working at other Corus sites to take "strategic action" against the company in a bid to force it to consider offers for the Redcar steel plant.
Unite has reacted with anger at Corus' confirmation that it plans to begin shutting down Teesside Cast Products tomorrow.
Terry Pye, the union's national officer for the steel industry, has dismissed Corus' actions as a "disgraceful charade".
"The union has reason to suspect that Corus never had any intention of selling this plant and they now intend to close the site which will have a devastating affect on the local community, which has a rich 150 year heritage of iron and steelmaking," he said.
“Corus is trying to give the impression that it wants to mothball the Teesside site, in a view to sell it once they have interested buyers.
"However, Unite think this is a smoke screen. We are aware that serious offers have been made to Corus that would allow production to remain at the plant, but the management has dismissed them all out of hand.
“We will be meeting other trade unions next week to discuss what action to take and will be calling on our members at the other Corus sites to take strategic action to force the company to take heed to the offers it is receiving to save the plant and the thousands of skilled jobs in an area already decimated by lob losses.”
The plant has been up for sale since May 2009.
Unite has reacted with anger at Corus' confirmation that it plans to begin shutting down Teesside Cast Products tomorrow.
Terry Pye, the union's national officer for the steel industry, has dismissed Corus' actions as a "disgraceful charade".
"The union has reason to suspect that Corus never had any intention of selling this plant and they now intend to close the site which will have a devastating affect on the local community, which has a rich 150 year heritage of iron and steelmaking," he said.
“Corus is trying to give the impression that it wants to mothball the Teesside site, in a view to sell it once they have interested buyers.
"However, Unite think this is a smoke screen. We are aware that serious offers have been made to Corus that would allow production to remain at the plant, but the management has dismissed them all out of hand.
“We will be meeting other trade unions next week to discuss what action to take and will be calling on our members at the other Corus sites to take strategic action to force the company to take heed to the offers it is receiving to save the plant and the thousands of skilled jobs in an area already decimated by lob losses.”
The plant has been up for sale since May 2009.
Fujitsu suspends compulsory redundancies
IT giant Fujitsu has suspended planned redundancies while Unite members ballot on the proposed settlement on pay, job losses and pensions.
The ballot result expected on 26th February.
Unite is recommending members accept the proposals.
The company said: "Through ACAS, Fujitsu has made proposals to Unite for the settlement of the dispute. Unite will be asking its members to vote on these proposals with a recommendation that they accept them."
The ballot result expected on 26th February.
Unite is recommending members accept the proposals.
The company said: "Through ACAS, Fujitsu has made proposals to Unite for the settlement of the dispute. Unite will be asking its members to vote on these proposals with a recommendation that they accept them."
USW Ask Canadian PM To Help Prevent Bloodshed Against Mexican Miners
The United Steelworkers in Canada is calling for urgent action by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to dissuade Mexico's government from deploying potentially deadly force against striking Mexican mine workers.
"The United Steelworkers fears that there could be blood shed if this occurs," USW National Director for Canada Ken Neumann says in a letter delivered to the Prime Minister today.
"We respectfully and urgently request that the Canadian Government take every diplomatic and other measure that it can to immediately communicate with the Government of Mexico to refrain from using Military and Police force to intervene in an industrial dispute at Grupo Mexico's Cananea copper mine in the state of Sonora," Neumann's letter states.
Organized labour and other groups in several countries are urgently requesting their governments make similar appeals to Mexico to refrain from military and police action against the miners, members of the Los Mineros union.
Without allowing the union to present evidence, a questionable ruling by a Mexican court last week stated 1,200 workers are to be dismissed, a strike they initiated in July 2007 terminated and the union's collective bargaining agreement with Grupo Mexico be extinguished.
Grupo Mexico and the Mexican government have waged a four-year campaign of repression and abuse of power against Los Mineros - Mexico's strongest independent union - and its democratically elected leader Napoleon Gomez Urrutia, who is currently living in exile in Canada.
The USW letter also has been sent to Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon and to Mexico's Ambassador to Canada, Francisco Barrio-Terrazas.
To view the letter's full text, please visit www.usw.ca.
"The United Steelworkers fears that there could be blood shed if this occurs," USW National Director for Canada Ken Neumann says in a letter delivered to the Prime Minister today.
"We respectfully and urgently request that the Canadian Government take every diplomatic and other measure that it can to immediately communicate with the Government of Mexico to refrain from using Military and Police force to intervene in an industrial dispute at Grupo Mexico's Cananea copper mine in the state of Sonora," Neumann's letter states.
Organized labour and other groups in several countries are urgently requesting their governments make similar appeals to Mexico to refrain from military and police action against the miners, members of the Los Mineros union.
Without allowing the union to present evidence, a questionable ruling by a Mexican court last week stated 1,200 workers are to be dismissed, a strike they initiated in July 2007 terminated and the union's collective bargaining agreement with Grupo Mexico be extinguished.
Grupo Mexico and the Mexican government have waged a four-year campaign of repression and abuse of power against Los Mineros - Mexico's strongest independent union - and its democratically elected leader Napoleon Gomez Urrutia, who is currently living in exile in Canada.
The USW letter also has been sent to Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon and to Mexico's Ambassador to Canada, Francisco Barrio-Terrazas.
To view the letter's full text, please visit www.usw.ca.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Corus Workers To Ballot
Workers at Corus will be balloted for industrial action after the steelmaker began mothballing a plant at Teesside with the loss of up to 1,600 jobs, unions announced.
Unions have accused the company, which is owned by the Indian firm Tata, of ignoring expressions of interest from potential buyers of the steelmaking plant – a charge denied by Corus management.
Terry Pye, Unite's national officer for the steel industry, claimed that Corus wanted to shut its steel works so it can turn over more of the site to boost the production of coke, which is more profitable.
He also said that Corus did not want to sell the steel works to prevent competition with the company's other plant at Port Talbot in Wales. Corus management insists it has "toured tirelessly around the globe" looking for an investor in the plant.
Workers will be balloted over potential industrial action to disrupt Corus's remaining operations at the site, which include a coke works and a port.
Lord Mandelson visited the plant yesterday amid faint hopes that a rescue bid for the plant could be mounted. The business secretary is still hopeful that a buyer can be found, although he is realistic that steelmaking is unlikely to resume on the same scale at Redcar. Any deal is unlikely to materialise soon.
Some 600 people will still be employed by Corus in other plants on the site.
Many families joined workers in a show of solidarity outside the plant, as about 300 people demonstrated their support. Cars tooted as they passed the rally, which was livened up with a brass band.
John Wakelin, 54, from South Bank, said: "Tomorrow morning I will feel like I have been to a wake." The Unite union convenor, who has worked at the plant for more than 25 years, added: "We have to make sure the mothballing is a success so we can come back on if a buyer comes in to take over."
Many felt let down by the government. One banner said: "'Teesside the infant Hercules': PM William Gladstone 1860. 'Where? Who cares?': PM Gordon Brown."
Some looked stunned that steelmaking was over, and women in the crowd wiped away tears and hugged.
Regional development agency One North East announced a support package to help redundant workers find new jobs.
Unions have accused the company, which is owned by the Indian firm Tata, of ignoring expressions of interest from potential buyers of the steelmaking plant – a charge denied by Corus management.
Terry Pye, Unite's national officer for the steel industry, claimed that Corus wanted to shut its steel works so it can turn over more of the site to boost the production of coke, which is more profitable.
He also said that Corus did not want to sell the steel works to prevent competition with the company's other plant at Port Talbot in Wales. Corus management insists it has "toured tirelessly around the globe" looking for an investor in the plant.
Workers will be balloted over potential industrial action to disrupt Corus's remaining operations at the site, which include a coke works and a port.
Lord Mandelson visited the plant yesterday amid faint hopes that a rescue bid for the plant could be mounted. The business secretary is still hopeful that a buyer can be found, although he is realistic that steelmaking is unlikely to resume on the same scale at Redcar. Any deal is unlikely to materialise soon.
Some 600 people will still be employed by Corus in other plants on the site.
Many families joined workers in a show of solidarity outside the plant, as about 300 people demonstrated their support. Cars tooted as they passed the rally, which was livened up with a brass band.
John Wakelin, 54, from South Bank, said: "Tomorrow morning I will feel like I have been to a wake." The Unite union convenor, who has worked at the plant for more than 25 years, added: "We have to make sure the mothballing is a success so we can come back on if a buyer comes in to take over."
Many felt let down by the government. One banner said: "'Teesside the infant Hercules': PM William Gladstone 1860. 'Where? Who cares?': PM Gordon Brown."
Some looked stunned that steelmaking was over, and women in the crowd wiped away tears and hugged.
Regional development agency One North East announced a support package to help redundant workers find new jobs.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Unite re-ballots Pilots and Launch Crew in Port Strike
One again a High Court judge has granted an injunction blocking a strike by Unite members this time pilots and launch crew at one of Uk's leading ports.
The Court granted the order to Milford Haven Port Authority in Pembrokeshire against Unite, ruling that the Unite’s notice of industrial action did not "completely comply" with the pertinent legislation.
Unite pilots and launch crew were planning to strike on Thursday and Friday in a dispute over the staff pension scheme.
The port authority wants to alter its final salary pension scheme.
Unite has now issued a seven-day notice that the pilots will stage a 12-hour strike next Tuesday.
The judge Mr Justice Sweeney ruled that notices of industrial action issued by Unite for this week did not "fully comply with the relevant legislation" and said that the "balance of convenience" favoured the port authority.
Unite has condemned the decision as "undermining the democratic process."
Brendan Gold, Unite National officer said: "The fundamental issue here is the High Court intervening yet again, as they did in the BA cabin crew dispute, to undermine our members' democratic decision to take industrial action. It is hugely frustrating going through the correct legal procedures to call this action then to have the courts intervene to block it".
Unite Regional officer Allan Card said the original notice was entirely lawful.
The Court granted the order to Milford Haven Port Authority in Pembrokeshire against Unite, ruling that the Unite’s notice of industrial action did not "completely comply" with the pertinent legislation.
Unite pilots and launch crew were planning to strike on Thursday and Friday in a dispute over the staff pension scheme.
The port authority wants to alter its final salary pension scheme.
Unite has now issued a seven-day notice that the pilots will stage a 12-hour strike next Tuesday.
The judge Mr Justice Sweeney ruled that notices of industrial action issued by Unite for this week did not "fully comply with the relevant legislation" and said that the "balance of convenience" favoured the port authority.
Unite has condemned the decision as "undermining the democratic process."
Brendan Gold, Unite National officer said: "The fundamental issue here is the High Court intervening yet again, as they did in the BA cabin crew dispute, to undermine our members' democratic decision to take industrial action. It is hugely frustrating going through the correct legal procedures to call this action then to have the courts intervene to block it".
Unite Regional officer Allan Card said the original notice was entirely lawful.
Terry Pye Says Corus "mothballing" is a "disgraceful charade"
Unite has accused the owners of the Corus steel plant in Teesside of rejecting serious offers to buy the plant which would save thousands of local jobs.
Corus's Indian parent company Tata confirmed last week that it will be ending the 150-year history of steel making in the area.
Complete closure of the plant would cause 1,600 job losses immediately and "have a devastating effect on the local community," while a further 8,000 other jobs dependent on the plant would also be put at risk.
Before Business Secretary Peter Mandelson's scheduled visit to the site yesterday, a "credible" consortium wishing to submit a bid emerged.
The mayor of Middlesbrough Ray Mallon and local football club chairman Steve Gibson called for the consortium to be given more help in putting together its offer.
Mr Mallon said: "This is a deal worth investigating.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that he had spoken to Tata's owners and Corus chief Kirby Adams. He insisted: "We are still trying to find new owners for the site. A lot of work is being done behind the scenes."
But Unite's national officer for the steel industry Terry Pye said the mothballing of the plant was a "disgraceful charade" and he contested the official Corus line.
He said: "Corus is trying to give the impression that it wants to mothball the Teesside site with a view to sell it once they have interested buyers.
"However, Unite think this is a smokescreen. We are aware that serious offers have been made to Corus that would allow production to remain at the plant, but the management has dismissed them all out of hand."
Corus's Indian parent company Tata confirmed last week that it will be ending the 150-year history of steel making in the area.
Complete closure of the plant would cause 1,600 job losses immediately and "have a devastating effect on the local community," while a further 8,000 other jobs dependent on the plant would also be put at risk.
Before Business Secretary Peter Mandelson's scheduled visit to the site yesterday, a "credible" consortium wishing to submit a bid emerged.
The mayor of Middlesbrough Ray Mallon and local football club chairman Steve Gibson called for the consortium to be given more help in putting together its offer.
Mr Mallon said: "This is a deal worth investigating.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that he had spoken to Tata's owners and Corus chief Kirby Adams. He insisted: "We are still trying to find new owners for the site. A lot of work is being done behind the scenes."
But Unite's national officer for the steel industry Terry Pye said the mothballing of the plant was a "disgraceful charade" and he contested the official Corus line.
He said: "Corus is trying to give the impression that it wants to mothball the Teesside site with a view to sell it once they have interested buyers.
"However, Unite think this is a smokescreen. We are aware that serious offers have been made to Corus that would allow production to remain at the plant, but the management has dismissed them all out of hand."
Royal Mail plans to cut another 1,200 jobs
Royal Mail wants to axe another 1,200 jobs says Unite.
The cull of middle managers is to help top brass - including departing chief executive Adam Crozier - hit targets which will trigger huge bonuses.
Paul Reuter, Unite national officer, wrote to Crozier demanding a meeting to discuss the cuts which unions fear will shut offices in cities including Birmingham, Bristol Manchester and Liverpool. He said: "Royal Mail has a hidden agenda to strip out jobs regardless...to ensure top managers have bigger bonuses."
The cull of middle managers is to help top brass - including departing chief executive Adam Crozier - hit targets which will trigger huge bonuses.
Paul Reuter, Unite national officer, wrote to Crozier demanding a meeting to discuss the cuts which unions fear will shut offices in cities including Birmingham, Bristol Manchester and Liverpool. He said: "Royal Mail has a hidden agenda to strip out jobs regardless...to ensure top managers have bigger bonuses."
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign - Get Free Entry To This Years Festivals
Would you like to get free entry to festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude, Reading and Leeds - and at the same time help raise crucial funds for the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign?
VSC will again be joining with the Worker’s Beer Company (www.workersbeer.co.uk) and will be organising volunteers at a range of festivals (see below.)
As a volunteer, you get free entry, and at those where you need to camp, you stay in a reserved 'village' with toilets and hot showers, free hot food, complimentary drinks and a subsidised bar. (You need to bring a tent and a sleeping bag). There is also free transport to some festivals from London and sometimes elsewhere.
In exchange you will work a bar shift (normally 6 hours) for which VSC will receive £6.50 per hour - funds which are crucial to enabling our solidarity campaigning throughout the year.
The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the festival.
To register as a potential volunteer please contact Matt Willgress on vscassistant@yahoo.co.uk with the names of the festivals you would like to volunteer at, including an indication on whether you are prepared to do waiter/ess service at the festivals if necessary, and we will be back in touch.
For queries contact VSC on 0207 420 8963 or vscassistant@yahoo.co.uk . We would be grateful if you could register by Tuesday 23rd February, although if you are unable to do so before then please still e-mail in to express your interest.
Please also note as these are busy festivals you are more likely to be chosen if you are able to volunteer at more than one event.
FESTIVALS THAT YOU CAN VOLUNTEER FOR VSC AT IN 2010:
22rd – 27th June Glastonbury (note: Volunteers must be available to travel to site Tuesday 22nd – and return on Monday 28th June)
2nd – 4th July Hop Farm, Kent
15th – 18th July Latitude, Henham Park, Suffolk
16th – 18th July Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
27th – 29th August Reading Festival
27th – 29th Leeds Festival
26th – 30th September Greenbelt Festival
11th – 12th September Proms in the Park, London
VSC will again be joining with the Worker’s Beer Company (www.workersbeer.co.uk) and will be organising volunteers at a range of festivals (see below.)
As a volunteer, you get free entry, and at those where you need to camp, you stay in a reserved 'village' with toilets and hot showers, free hot food, complimentary drinks and a subsidised bar. (You need to bring a tent and a sleeping bag). There is also free transport to some festivals from London and sometimes elsewhere.
In exchange you will work a bar shift (normally 6 hours) for which VSC will receive £6.50 per hour - funds which are crucial to enabling our solidarity campaigning throughout the year.
The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the festival.
To register as a potential volunteer please contact Matt Willgress on vscassistant@yahoo.co.uk with the names of the festivals you would like to volunteer at, including an indication on whether you are prepared to do waiter/ess service at the festivals if necessary, and we will be back in touch.
For queries contact VSC on 0207 420 8963 or vscassistant@yahoo.co.uk . We would be grateful if you could register by Tuesday 23rd February, although if you are unable to do so before then please still e-mail in to express your interest.
Please also note as these are busy festivals you are more likely to be chosen if you are able to volunteer at more than one event.
FESTIVALS THAT YOU CAN VOLUNTEER FOR VSC AT IN 2010:
22rd – 27th June Glastonbury (note: Volunteers must be available to travel to site Tuesday 22nd – and return on Monday 28th June)
2nd – 4th July Hop Farm, Kent
15th – 18th July Latitude, Henham Park, Suffolk
16th – 18th July Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
27th – 29th August Reading Festival
27th – 29th Leeds Festival
26th – 30th September Greenbelt Festival
11th – 12th September Proms in the Park, London
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Staythorpe Walkout
Construction workers at the Staythorpe power station in Nottinghamshire have staged an unofficial walkout after an alleged health and safety breach.
Upto 500 workers staged a demonstration at the plant near Newark and blocked nearby roads after saying that some scaffolding had been interfered with.
A spokesman for Alstom the main contractor on the site said the walkout stemmed from disagreements between subcontractors over whether or not a scaffold bar had been temporarily removed in order for one of them to complete a piece of work.
"An independent assessment of the allegations found that there was no conclusive evidence that this took place and a reconstruction of the alleged events showed that the work could in fact be done without removing any scaffolding," the Alstom representative added.
However Unite's national officer Tommy Hardacre said a "very serious" breach of health and safety had taken place at Staythorpe.
"Unite is currently working to resolve the matter to ensure there is not a reoccurrence of the breach and to get a return to work," he said.
Upto 500 workers staged a demonstration at the plant near Newark and blocked nearby roads after saying that some scaffolding had been interfered with.
A spokesman for Alstom the main contractor on the site said the walkout stemmed from disagreements between subcontractors over whether or not a scaffold bar had been temporarily removed in order for one of them to complete a piece of work.
"An independent assessment of the allegations found that there was no conclusive evidence that this took place and a reconstruction of the alleged events showed that the work could in fact be done without removing any scaffolding," the Alstom representative added.
However Unite's national officer Tommy Hardacre said a "very serious" breach of health and safety had taken place at Staythorpe.
"Unite is currently working to resolve the matter to ensure there is not a reoccurrence of the breach and to get a return to work," he said.
Sad Day On Teeside
The Indian Tata corporation, has confirmed that 150 years of steel-making in the north-east of England would come to an end on this Friday when the firm's Redcar blast furnace begins shutting down.
Union reps for the 2,300 workers at Redcar insisted that the company "still has a duty to the workforce."
The plant's multi-union works committee chairman Geoff Waterfield, representing the Community, GMB and Unite unions, said the declaration of closure was "a psychological blow for the thousands of workers who had fought so hard over the past year to keep it open."
Pointing out that more than 8,000 more jobs on Teesside depended on the plant, Mr Waterfield insisted that the workers "will continue to fight, because the last thing we want to see is our families suffer."
"I would expect the government at this point to be more bullish, and for Tata to be more open about their final intentions" he added.
The Redcar workers received solidarity from steelworkers at Corus's Scunthorpe plant, where Unite union rep Bill Gray urged ministers to step in.
"We are bitterly disappointed the Labour government is not doing more to save the jobs of our colleagues at Redcar," Mr Gray said.
Local Labour MP Ashok Kumar backed the unions' pressure on the government to step in to support the steelworkers, who will continue to work on winding down the operation over the next three months.
Mr Kumar urged ministers to work with Corus bosses "to keep all options open to exploit this asset, because the plants are only being mothballed and not decommissioned entirely.
"The fight is still on to keep steel-making on Teesside alive," he proclaimed.
Union reps for the 2,300 workers at Redcar insisted that the company "still has a duty to the workforce."
The plant's multi-union works committee chairman Geoff Waterfield, representing the Community, GMB and Unite unions, said the declaration of closure was "a psychological blow for the thousands of workers who had fought so hard over the past year to keep it open."
Pointing out that more than 8,000 more jobs on Teesside depended on the plant, Mr Waterfield insisted that the workers "will continue to fight, because the last thing we want to see is our families suffer."
"I would expect the government at this point to be more bullish, and for Tata to be more open about their final intentions" he added.
The Redcar workers received solidarity from steelworkers at Corus's Scunthorpe plant, where Unite union rep Bill Gray urged ministers to step in.
"We are bitterly disappointed the Labour government is not doing more to save the jobs of our colleagues at Redcar," Mr Gray said.
Local Labour MP Ashok Kumar backed the unions' pressure on the government to step in to support the steelworkers, who will continue to work on winding down the operation over the next three months.
Mr Kumar urged ministers to work with Corus bosses "to keep all options open to exploit this asset, because the plants are only being mothballed and not decommissioned entirely.
"The fight is still on to keep steel-making on Teesside alive," he proclaimed.
Fujitsu Deal To Go To Ballot
Ballot On Fujitsu Deal
Unite is to ballot members on proposals from Fujitsu to settle the long running dispute.
The proposals were made via ACAS, where Fujitsu and Unite have been in talks since 1st February.
Although full details of the proposals have not revealed, Fujitsu said the number of compulsory redundancies had been reduced to 23.
When ACAS talks began Fujitsu was targeting 42 compulsory redundancies by the end of February by the end of February.
In total, Fujitsu initially planned 834 redundancies, 586 of which were voluntary.
Unite is asking members to vote on these proposals with a recommendation that they accept them
The outcome of the vote is expected at the end of February, when "The company will review the situation again at the end of February," a spokesman said.
Unite has suspended all industrial action while the ballottakes place.
Over the last two months, the dispute has become increasingly bitter, with the company seeking to bring costs down to what it claimed were those of its rivals.
Unite is to ballot members on proposals from Fujitsu to settle the long running dispute.
The proposals were made via ACAS, where Fujitsu and Unite have been in talks since 1st February.
Although full details of the proposals have not revealed, Fujitsu said the number of compulsory redundancies had been reduced to 23.
When ACAS talks began Fujitsu was targeting 42 compulsory redundancies by the end of February by the end of February.
In total, Fujitsu initially planned 834 redundancies, 586 of which were voluntary.
Unite is asking members to vote on these proposals with a recommendation that they accept them
The outcome of the vote is expected at the end of February, when "The company will review the situation again at the end of February," a spokesman said.
Unite has suspended all industrial action while the ballottakes place.
Over the last two months, the dispute has become increasingly bitter, with the company seeking to bring costs down to what it claimed were those of its rivals.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Life On Mars - Part Two
It Gets Dafter By The Minute........
Following on from Part One of Life On Mars - you remember the recently posted article on this website from Trot Central.
Well, the comrade who said we could do with a little light relief sent this follow up.
This time about the Unison GS Election.
"Unison general secretary election: Fighting left challenge needed
Following the announcement of an election for the general secretary of Unison, a meeting of the left in the union took place on 30 January. This was an attempt to reach a consensus on standing one left candidate to confront the incumbent Dave Prentis.
Glenn Kelly
Socialist Party members in Unison want to see one genuine fighting left challenge.
At this point we have three possible options: Socialist Party member and general secretary candidate on three previous occasions, Roger Bannister; Paul Holmes; and Delroy Creary.
The Socialist Party would be happy to stand down if we believed that there was a candidate who would have a better chance of defeating Dave Prentis than Roger Bannister, even if that meant making concessions on our political programme.
We would be prepared to stand aside for Paul Holmes, despite the weakness of his political programme and our disagreements with it, in particular over the issue of the Labour Party.
Outstanding record
Unison conference 2009: Roger Bannister pulls no punches, photo Paul Mattsson
But our assessment is that Paul Holmes does not have a genuine chance of beating Prentis and we do not believe that he would secure a better vote than Roger Bannister. Roger has a long established record of nationally challenging the bureaucracy on all the key industrial and democratic issues. He has played a key role in building the left and organising against and opposing the witch-hunt of socialists publicly.
Roger and the Socialist Party were the ones to seek to rebuild some left unity by proposing the 'Reclaim the Union' initiative, which even at this stage has achieved the most united electoral challenge to the union bureaucracy for many years.
Roger has secured the highest vote of any left wing challenge in the last three general secretary elections. This has been when other lefts - for example Yunus Bakhsh and Jon Rogers - stood against him and split the left vote.
At the meeting on 30 January we were asked by some to stand down for Paul Holmes, who is standing on the same political programme as Jon Rogers and who is less well known than Jon. This is despite the fact that in the last election Jon came last and was soundly defeated by Roger Bannister.
In the last election a key plank of Roger Bannister's manifesto was a call for 'not a penny more for New Labour' and for a ballot on disaffiliation from New Labour. This was described by some at the meeting as being secondary but it actually reflects the mood of the members and is what is politically required.
Our position has been reaffirmed in the last six months by the results of the last national executive (NEC) elections where Socialist Party members won three more seats. If this had been matched by the rest of the left it would have meant we would now have a left majority on the NEC. Despite Socialist Party members' gains, the left as a whole went backwards in those elections.
Success
In our view it was that success that forced Prentis to, in rhetoric at least, launch an attack on the Labour Party at last year's conference. He repeated the Socialist Party's phrase: "It's time to stop feeding the hand that bites us". This received a rare standing ovation.
He later warned the Labour Link conference of the threat that Socialist Party members posed because of the increase in our NEC seats.
Whilst we accept that not all on the left support our position, this did not stop us agreeing a joint platform for the Reclaim the Union election list in the NEC elections. We are happy to have those discussions again.
Delroy Creary is in favour of a break with New Labour. He put a "yes it's time to leave" position to conference. Paul Holmes is not in favour of breaking the link with Labour. Only last week he stated that he believes that: "it is untenable at the moment for a Unison general secretary not to be a member of the Labour Party".
Paul made a point of telling the left meeting about how he came under pressure from the bureaucracy to speak for them against the motion from the Bromley local government branch at the 2008 union conference.
This called for consultation with the members on whether we should continue to fund Labour.
Whilst it true Paul did not speak for the bureaucracy at the conference, he did not even try and speak in favour of the motion - a position which he now says he holds. This was the key debate of that conference.
Someone who aspires to be the leader of the union and the voice of the left has to do more than resist the call of the bureaucracy to back them on key issues. We expect them to be leading the charge.
Affiliation to the Labour Party
We note that Paul has now said that he is in favour of a special conference on affiliation to the Labour Party and for that conference to make a recommendation to the members in a ballot.
We welcome Paul's move now on something that has been an issue in the union for many years.
The problem for us is that Paul would undoubtedly be calling for a 'stay in Labour' vote in that conference and ballot.
In our opinion this runs counter to the mood of the members and is why Prentis and co have been forced to make noises in our direction whilst being determined not to allow a ballot to take place.
But let us repeat, even with this significant political weakness, if Paul had a better chance of beating Prentis than Roger, we would be prepared to stand down.
But on the basis of Roger's long standing record industrially and politically, his defence of and organising of the left in the union, his previous votes in elections and his position in the union, our view is that Roger is the better candidate. Paul Holmes and Delroy Creary should stand down in the interests of having one candidate with the best record and the best chance of defeating Prentis.
Aims of the campaign
To defeat Prentis in the general secretary election.
To offer a genuine fighting democratic programme capable of defending the membership from the attacks we face.
To bring together the most fighting militant members in the union for a genuine rank and file organisation.
Programme
For public sector-wide action to defend pensions.
Oppose the cuts - make the bosses pay.
No to privatisation, bring back in-house services previously privatised.
No to the public sector pay freeze - for public sector-wide strike action.
Not a penny more for New Labour.
For a ballot of all members on whether to remain in the Labour Party.
For the right of the union to back local and general election candidates who support union policies.
Expose and oppose the racist lies of the BNP.
For a general secretary on a worker's wage.
For the election of full time officials on a worker's wage.
An end to the witch-hunt of union activists.
For genuine membership control of the union.
For the right of all members to campaign within the union without fear of attack.
Following on from Part One of Life On Mars - you remember the recently posted article on this website from Trot Central.
Well, the comrade who said we could do with a little light relief sent this follow up.
This time about the Unison GS Election.
"Unison general secretary election: Fighting left challenge needed
Following the announcement of an election for the general secretary of Unison, a meeting of the left in the union took place on 30 January. This was an attempt to reach a consensus on standing one left candidate to confront the incumbent Dave Prentis.
Glenn Kelly
Socialist Party members in Unison want to see one genuine fighting left challenge.
At this point we have three possible options: Socialist Party member and general secretary candidate on three previous occasions, Roger Bannister; Paul Holmes; and Delroy Creary.
The Socialist Party would be happy to stand down if we believed that there was a candidate who would have a better chance of defeating Dave Prentis than Roger Bannister, even if that meant making concessions on our political programme.
We would be prepared to stand aside for Paul Holmes, despite the weakness of his political programme and our disagreements with it, in particular over the issue of the Labour Party.
Outstanding record
Unison conference 2009: Roger Bannister pulls no punches, photo Paul Mattsson
But our assessment is that Paul Holmes does not have a genuine chance of beating Prentis and we do not believe that he would secure a better vote than Roger Bannister. Roger has a long established record of nationally challenging the bureaucracy on all the key industrial and democratic issues. He has played a key role in building the left and organising against and opposing the witch-hunt of socialists publicly.
Roger and the Socialist Party were the ones to seek to rebuild some left unity by proposing the 'Reclaim the Union' initiative, which even at this stage has achieved the most united electoral challenge to the union bureaucracy for many years.
Roger has secured the highest vote of any left wing challenge in the last three general secretary elections. This has been when other lefts - for example Yunus Bakhsh and Jon Rogers - stood against him and split the left vote.
At the meeting on 30 January we were asked by some to stand down for Paul Holmes, who is standing on the same political programme as Jon Rogers and who is less well known than Jon. This is despite the fact that in the last election Jon came last and was soundly defeated by Roger Bannister.
In the last election a key plank of Roger Bannister's manifesto was a call for 'not a penny more for New Labour' and for a ballot on disaffiliation from New Labour. This was described by some at the meeting as being secondary but it actually reflects the mood of the members and is what is politically required.
Our position has been reaffirmed in the last six months by the results of the last national executive (NEC) elections where Socialist Party members won three more seats. If this had been matched by the rest of the left it would have meant we would now have a left majority on the NEC. Despite Socialist Party members' gains, the left as a whole went backwards in those elections.
Success
In our view it was that success that forced Prentis to, in rhetoric at least, launch an attack on the Labour Party at last year's conference. He repeated the Socialist Party's phrase: "It's time to stop feeding the hand that bites us". This received a rare standing ovation.
He later warned the Labour Link conference of the threat that Socialist Party members posed because of the increase in our NEC seats.
Whilst we accept that not all on the left support our position, this did not stop us agreeing a joint platform for the Reclaim the Union election list in the NEC elections. We are happy to have those discussions again.
Delroy Creary is in favour of a break with New Labour. He put a "yes it's time to leave" position to conference. Paul Holmes is not in favour of breaking the link with Labour. Only last week he stated that he believes that: "it is untenable at the moment for a Unison general secretary not to be a member of the Labour Party".
Paul made a point of telling the left meeting about how he came under pressure from the bureaucracy to speak for them against the motion from the Bromley local government branch at the 2008 union conference.
This called for consultation with the members on whether we should continue to fund Labour.
Whilst it true Paul did not speak for the bureaucracy at the conference, he did not even try and speak in favour of the motion - a position which he now says he holds. This was the key debate of that conference.
Someone who aspires to be the leader of the union and the voice of the left has to do more than resist the call of the bureaucracy to back them on key issues. We expect them to be leading the charge.
Affiliation to the Labour Party
We note that Paul has now said that he is in favour of a special conference on affiliation to the Labour Party and for that conference to make a recommendation to the members in a ballot.
We welcome Paul's move now on something that has been an issue in the union for many years.
The problem for us is that Paul would undoubtedly be calling for a 'stay in Labour' vote in that conference and ballot.
In our opinion this runs counter to the mood of the members and is why Prentis and co have been forced to make noises in our direction whilst being determined not to allow a ballot to take place.
But let us repeat, even with this significant political weakness, if Paul had a better chance of beating Prentis than Roger, we would be prepared to stand down.
But on the basis of Roger's long standing record industrially and politically, his defence of and organising of the left in the union, his previous votes in elections and his position in the union, our view is that Roger is the better candidate. Paul Holmes and Delroy Creary should stand down in the interests of having one candidate with the best record and the best chance of defeating Prentis.
Aims of the campaign
To defeat Prentis in the general secretary election.
To offer a genuine fighting democratic programme capable of defending the membership from the attacks we face.
To bring together the most fighting militant members in the union for a genuine rank and file organisation.
Programme
For public sector-wide action to defend pensions.
Oppose the cuts - make the bosses pay.
No to privatisation, bring back in-house services previously privatised.
No to the public sector pay freeze - for public sector-wide strike action.
Not a penny more for New Labour.
For a ballot of all members on whether to remain in the Labour Party.
For the right of the union to back local and general election candidates who support union policies.
Expose and oppose the racist lies of the BNP.
For a general secretary on a worker's wage.
For the election of full time officials on a worker's wage.
An end to the witch-hunt of union activists.
For genuine membership control of the union.
For the right of all members to campaign within the union without fear of attack.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Turkish metalworkers fired for union organizing need your help.
The International Metalworkers and the European Metal Workers Federations are calling on auto components and sports equipment maker Ekoendustri to reinstate the workers immediately and respect ILO conventions 87 and 98 to which Turkey is a signatory.
New members of Birleşik Metal-Is at the Ekoendustri are under attack by management who have fired 15 active union leaders after the workers applied for union representation to the Labour Ministry. Other unions members face intense harassment and intimidation by the company who have been pressuring workers to resign from Birleşik Metal-Is or face dismissal.
Birleşik Metal-Is, an affiliate of the International Metalworkers' Federation reports that in August and September of 2009, the union began an organising drive inside Ekoendustri, a company that produces, automotive components, white goods components and also sports equipment.
On December 29, 2009 the union applied to the Labour Ministry for bargaining rights after a majority of workers voted for union representation by Birleşik Metal-Is.
Soon after on January 25th, 2010, nine workers and active union members were fired. Since this date, another six workers have been fired.
In a joint letter to Ekoendustri management, the IMF and the European Metalworkers' Federation reminded the company that Turkey has ratified the International Labour Organizations' Conventions No. 87 (Freedom of Association) and No. 98 (Right to Collective Bargaining) guaranteeing workers the right to join unions and bargain collectively.
"Ekoendustri's actions are in violation of these internationally recognized labour standards as well as contrary to the codes of conduct outlined by your leading customer, Decathlon Group, now Oxylane Group," the letter stated adding "We urge you to immediately and unconditionally reinstate all workers unjustly dismissed, cease and desist from interrogating and harassing union members, and respect internationally recognized workers' rights, particularly the right to join and form unions and the right to collectively bargain."
UPDATE: February 11, 2010 - Birleşik Metal-Is reports that management at Ekoendustri is disturbed by letters sent in by unions internationally, including a joint IMF/EMF letter protesting management's actions. The international response has prompted a government investigation. The IMF is calling on affiliates to immediately send in letters to management calling for the reinstatement of the 15 union members dismissed and demanding that Turkey respects the rights of workers to join unions and collectively bargain.
Please copy IMF (UnionRights@imfmetal.org) and Birleşik Metal-Is (elifbirlesikmetal@gmail.com) on all correspondence.
Sample letter
EKOENDUSTRI
Mr. Egemen Ekrem Demiroz
Mr. Zeki Yondem
Kemalpa_a Organize Sanayii Bölgesi, Ulucak Mevkii 8
Sokak no: 2 KEMALPA_A – IZMIR
TURKEY
Tel: +90 232 877 10 10
Fax: +90 232 877 10 09
Email: info@ekoendustri.com
RE: Violations of International Labour Rights
Dear Sirs,
I/We are seriously concerned about the violations of trade union rights at Ekoendustri which is located at Izmir, Turkey.
Specifically, we strongly object to the unfair dismissal of 15 workers, all of them union members of Birle_ik Metal-Is. We are disturbed to learn that management has used threats and intimidation towards union members, urging them to resign from Birle_ik Metal-Is or face dismissal in an effort to deny workers basic internationally recognized rights.
Birle_ik Metal-Is has informed us that in August and September of 2009, the union began an organising drive inside Ekoendustri, a company that produces, automotive components, white goods components and also sports equipment. On December 29th 2009 a majority of workers voted for union representation by Birle_ik Metal-Is. Soon after on 25 January 2010, nine workers and active union members were unjustly fired. Since the 25th, another 6 workers have been fired. Management is threatening workers with dismissal for joining the union and has been holding one on one meetings and interrogating workers about their trade union activities in the plant.
As you are aware, Turkey is a signatory of the International Labour Organisations’ Conventions No. 87 (Freedom of Association) and No. 98 (Right to Collective Bargaining) guaranteeing workers the right to join unions and bargain collectively. Ekoendustri’s actions are in violation of these internationally recognized labour standards as well as contrary to the codes of conduct outlined by your leading customer, Decathlon Group, now Oxylane Group.
We urge you to immediately and unconditionally reinstate all workers unjustly dismissed cease and desist from interrogating and harassing union members, and respect internationally recognized workers' rights, particularly the right to join and form unions and the right to collectively bargain.
We look forward to hearing from you shortly on this matter.
Sincerely,
Send letters to:
EKOENDUSTRI
Mr. Egemen Ekrem Demiroz
Mr. Zeki Yondem
Kemalpaşa Organize Sanayii Bölgesi, Ulucak Mevkii 8
Sokak no: 2 KEMALPAŞA - IZMIR
TURKEY
Tel: +90 232 877 10 10
Fax: +90 232 877 10 09
Email: info@ekoendustri.com
New members of Birleşik Metal-Is at the Ekoendustri are under attack by management who have fired 15 active union leaders after the workers applied for union representation to the Labour Ministry. Other unions members face intense harassment and intimidation by the company who have been pressuring workers to resign from Birleşik Metal-Is or face dismissal.
Birleşik Metal-Is, an affiliate of the International Metalworkers' Federation reports that in August and September of 2009, the union began an organising drive inside Ekoendustri, a company that produces, automotive components, white goods components and also sports equipment.
On December 29, 2009 the union applied to the Labour Ministry for bargaining rights after a majority of workers voted for union representation by Birleşik Metal-Is.
Soon after on January 25th, 2010, nine workers and active union members were fired. Since this date, another six workers have been fired.
In a joint letter to Ekoendustri management, the IMF and the European Metalworkers' Federation reminded the company that Turkey has ratified the International Labour Organizations' Conventions No. 87 (Freedom of Association) and No. 98 (Right to Collective Bargaining) guaranteeing workers the right to join unions and bargain collectively.
"Ekoendustri's actions are in violation of these internationally recognized labour standards as well as contrary to the codes of conduct outlined by your leading customer, Decathlon Group, now Oxylane Group," the letter stated adding "We urge you to immediately and unconditionally reinstate all workers unjustly dismissed, cease and desist from interrogating and harassing union members, and respect internationally recognized workers' rights, particularly the right to join and form unions and the right to collectively bargain."
UPDATE: February 11, 2010 - Birleşik Metal-Is reports that management at Ekoendustri is disturbed by letters sent in by unions internationally, including a joint IMF/EMF letter protesting management's actions. The international response has prompted a government investigation. The IMF is calling on affiliates to immediately send in letters to management calling for the reinstatement of the 15 union members dismissed and demanding that Turkey respects the rights of workers to join unions and collectively bargain.
Please copy IMF (UnionRights@imfmetal.org) and Birleşik Metal-Is (elifbirlesikmetal@gmail.com) on all correspondence.
Sample letter
EKOENDUSTRI
Mr. Egemen Ekrem Demiroz
Mr. Zeki Yondem
Kemalpa_a Organize Sanayii Bölgesi, Ulucak Mevkii 8
Sokak no: 2 KEMALPA_A – IZMIR
TURKEY
Tel: +90 232 877 10 10
Fax: +90 232 877 10 09
Email: info@ekoendustri.com
RE: Violations of International Labour Rights
Dear Sirs,
I/We are seriously concerned about the violations of trade union rights at Ekoendustri which is located at Izmir, Turkey.
Specifically, we strongly object to the unfair dismissal of 15 workers, all of them union members of Birle_ik Metal-Is. We are disturbed to learn that management has used threats and intimidation towards union members, urging them to resign from Birle_ik Metal-Is or face dismissal in an effort to deny workers basic internationally recognized rights.
Birle_ik Metal-Is has informed us that in August and September of 2009, the union began an organising drive inside Ekoendustri, a company that produces, automotive components, white goods components and also sports equipment. On December 29th 2009 a majority of workers voted for union representation by Birle_ik Metal-Is. Soon after on 25 January 2010, nine workers and active union members were unjustly fired. Since the 25th, another 6 workers have been fired. Management is threatening workers with dismissal for joining the union and has been holding one on one meetings and interrogating workers about their trade union activities in the plant.
As you are aware, Turkey is a signatory of the International Labour Organisations’ Conventions No. 87 (Freedom of Association) and No. 98 (Right to Collective Bargaining) guaranteeing workers the right to join unions and bargain collectively. Ekoendustri’s actions are in violation of these internationally recognized labour standards as well as contrary to the codes of conduct outlined by your leading customer, Decathlon Group, now Oxylane Group.
We urge you to immediately and unconditionally reinstate all workers unjustly dismissed cease and desist from interrogating and harassing union members, and respect internationally recognized workers' rights, particularly the right to join and form unions and the right to collectively bargain.
We look forward to hearing from you shortly on this matter.
Sincerely,
Send letters to:
EKOENDUSTRI
Mr. Egemen Ekrem Demiroz
Mr. Zeki Yondem
Kemalpaşa Organize Sanayii Bölgesi, Ulucak Mevkii 8
Sokak no: 2 KEMALPAŞA - IZMIR
TURKEY
Tel: +90 232 877 10 10
Fax: +90 232 877 10 09
Email: info@ekoendustri.com
VENEZUELA UNDER THREAT!
VENEZUELA UNDER THREAT
EVENT: 8 Years of From the Coup Against Chávez -
Defend Social Progress Against US Militarization of the Region
Saturday March 27th, 11.30am- 4.30pm (Registration from 11.00) at Bolivar Hall, 54 Grafton Way, London, W1T 5DL (Nearest tube: Warren Street.)
Ambassador Samuel Moncada and other Venezuelan speakers
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Vice-Chair, APPG on Latin America
Jennie Bremner, Unite the Union Assistant General Secretary & VSC Chair
George Galloway MP
Rod Stoneman, Executive Producer, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Iain Bruce, Telesur Advisor & Journalist, Author, The Real Venezuela & former BBC Caracas Correspondent
Diana Raby, Author, Democracy and Revolution
Dr Francisco Dominguez, Head of Latin America Studies, Middlesex University
Bruce Kent
Moz Greenshields, UNISON NEC
Karen Mitchell, Thompsons Solicitors
Plus videos & messages from progressives from across Latin America
The Venezuelan Government has transformed the lives of millions through progressive policies in the last decade. Today, this progress is under threat from a US militarization of the region that is encircling the country, including an agreement between the US & Colombia concerning new military bases & the revival of the 4th fleet.
April marks the 8th anniversary of the temporarily successful coup against Chávez. The recent coup in Honduras, followed by the exposure of coup plots in Ecuador & Paraguay, has confirmed that right-wing forces are again seeking to roll back progress across Latin America; threatening peace, democracy & sovereignty.
International support is essential - this event is a great opportunity to learn more about developments & how we can build solidarity. You can register online here!
Registration is only £5/£4 (concessions) for the day. You can register online today at Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, Unite the Union, 35 King Street, London, WC2E 8JG to reserve a place.
Registration also entitles you to a discounted ticket to the fundraising dinner for the Venezuela Under Threat campaign in the evening at La Piragua – contact the office on 0207 420 8963 or info@venezuelasolidarity.co.uk for tickets and information.
Organised by the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign and supported by the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
EVENT: 8 Years of From the Coup Against Chávez -
Defend Social Progress Against US Militarization of the Region
Saturday March 27th, 11.30am- 4.30pm (Registration from 11.00) at Bolivar Hall, 54 Grafton Way, London, W1T 5DL (Nearest tube: Warren Street.)
Ambassador Samuel Moncada and other Venezuelan speakers
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Vice-Chair, APPG on Latin America
Jennie Bremner, Unite the Union Assistant General Secretary & VSC Chair
George Galloway MP
Rod Stoneman, Executive Producer, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Iain Bruce, Telesur Advisor & Journalist, Author, The Real Venezuela & former BBC Caracas Correspondent
Diana Raby, Author, Democracy and Revolution
Dr Francisco Dominguez, Head of Latin America Studies, Middlesex University
Bruce Kent
Moz Greenshields, UNISON NEC
Karen Mitchell, Thompsons Solicitors
Plus videos & messages from progressives from across Latin America
The Venezuelan Government has transformed the lives of millions through progressive policies in the last decade. Today, this progress is under threat from a US militarization of the region that is encircling the country, including an agreement between the US & Colombia concerning new military bases & the revival of the 4th fleet.
April marks the 8th anniversary of the temporarily successful coup against Chávez. The recent coup in Honduras, followed by the exposure of coup plots in Ecuador & Paraguay, has confirmed that right-wing forces are again seeking to roll back progress across Latin America; threatening peace, democracy & sovereignty.
International support is essential - this event is a great opportunity to learn more about developments & how we can build solidarity. You can register online here!
Registration is only £5/£4 (concessions) for the day. You can register online today at Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, Unite the Union, 35 King Street, London, WC2E 8JG to reserve a place.
Registration also entitles you to a discounted ticket to the fundraising dinner for the Venezuela Under Threat campaign in the evening at La Piragua – contact the office on 0207 420 8963 or info@venezuelasolidarity.co.uk for tickets and information.
Organised by the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign and supported by the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Workers Uniting Group – North West Region
A Workers Uniting Group meeting will take place on:
Thursday February 25th 2010
at 7pm
Venue-
The Peterloo Room, Mechanics Institute, Princess Street, MANCHESTER.
Speakers -
Les Bayliss
Unite Assistant General Secretary and Workers Uniting Group Candidate for Unite General Secretary
Derek Simpson
Unite Joint General Secretary
Workers Uniting Group operates an open door policy for meetings and all Unite members are welcome to attend.
www.workersunitinggroup.com
www.les4gs.org
Thursday February 25th 2010
at 7pm
Venue-
The Peterloo Room, Mechanics Institute, Princess Street, MANCHESTER.
Speakers -
Les Bayliss
Unite Assistant General Secretary and Workers Uniting Group Candidate for Unite General Secretary
Derek Simpson
Unite Joint General Secretary
Workers Uniting Group operates an open door policy for meetings and all Unite members are welcome to attend.
www.workersunitinggroup.com
www.les4gs.org
Thursday, February 11, 2010
GSK Job Losses
Unite has said it is "deeply disappointed" that pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plans to axe 380 jobs.
Plans by GSK to make about 380 employees redundant in Harlow, Essex have been condemned by Unite. A third of the workforce is due to lose their jobs after projects for pain relief, anxiety and depression drugs end.
Unite was also critical that the axe was falling just a week after the company announced a 12 per cent jump in profits.
Unite regional officer, Geoff Usher, said: "We are deeply disappointed by the news of the redundancies which will be a body blow to the local economy. Unite will be doing its utmost to assist our members at this difficult time for them and their families.
"We will be having talks with the company to see if alternative employment can be found within GSK for the employees affected. The redundancies come as GSK has again made healthy profits which those who are losing their jobs have contributed to.
'"It is therefore puzzling that those who have helped create a very profitable company should now be seeking new employment.
Plans by GSK to make about 380 employees redundant in Harlow, Essex have been condemned by Unite. A third of the workforce is due to lose their jobs after projects for pain relief, anxiety and depression drugs end.
Unite was also critical that the axe was falling just a week after the company announced a 12 per cent jump in profits.
Unite regional officer, Geoff Usher, said: "We are deeply disappointed by the news of the redundancies which will be a body blow to the local economy. Unite will be doing its utmost to assist our members at this difficult time for them and their families.
"We will be having talks with the company to see if alternative employment can be found within GSK for the employees affected. The redundancies come as GSK has again made healthy profits which those who are losing their jobs have contributed to.
'"It is therefore puzzling that those who have helped create a very profitable company should now be seeking new employment.
New LCDTU Website
FROM: The Liaison Committee For The Defence Of Trade Unions (LCDTU)
Trade Union Freedom Matters!
The LCDTU is pleased to announce a new Web Site at
http://www.lcdtu.co.uk
That launch sits alongside LCDTU Area Conferences, Shop Stewards and Supporters Meetings, and a full colour news bulletin. The LCDTU enjoys support from progressive Lawyers and MP’s, many national unions, the TUC, Shop Stewards Committees and activists, and with our new LCDTU Area Groups, the Liaison Committee is determined to play a leading role in the battle for Trade Union Freedom.
We fully support the urgent extension of collective bargaining across the UK, and will be supporting unions and activists in their struggles for justice and dignity.
We give notice of a Trade Union Freedom Matters! shop stewards meeting being organised in the East Midlands, for supporters of the LCDTU. (Those wishing to attend should email bcamfield@mac.com with their contact details and union).
The Liaison Committee is making the call for Trade Union Freedom in Britain and across Europe. It does matter. Check out the website and please register your support.
Barry Camfield
LCDTU National Organiser
Trade Union Freedom Matters!
The LCDTU is pleased to announce a new Web Site at
http://www.lcdtu.co.uk
That launch sits alongside LCDTU Area Conferences, Shop Stewards and Supporters Meetings, and a full colour news bulletin. The LCDTU enjoys support from progressive Lawyers and MP’s, many national unions, the TUC, Shop Stewards Committees and activists, and with our new LCDTU Area Groups, the Liaison Committee is determined to play a leading role in the battle for Trade Union Freedom.
We fully support the urgent extension of collective bargaining across the UK, and will be supporting unions and activists in their struggles for justice and dignity.
We give notice of a Trade Union Freedom Matters! shop stewards meeting being organised in the East Midlands, for supporters of the LCDTU. (Those wishing to attend should email bcamfield@mac.com with their contact details and union).
The Liaison Committee is making the call for Trade Union Freedom in Britain and across Europe. It does matter. Check out the website and please register your support.
Barry Camfield
LCDTU National Organiser
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Cadbury factory closure by Kraft 'despicable'
The decision by Cadbury's new owner Kraft to continue with the closure of the Somerdale factory in Keynsham has prompted dismay among workers.
Employees called the decision "utterly despicable" and said they had been deceived by Kraft.
Before its takeover of Cadbury, Kraft had indicated it would keep the factory in Keynsham open.
But on Tuesday it said earlier plans by Cadbury to close the plant and move production to Poland were too advanced.
Before the takeover, Kraft's chief executive in the UK, Nick Bunker, said he hoped to keep the Somerdale factory open.
"We believe we would be in a position to keep the Somerdale plant operating and we are sincere about that," he told the BBC, repeating a claim made in Kraft's official bid proposal.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said Kraft's chief executive had not given a specific commitments on jobs when they met last week, but said she should have made the position clear.
"A week ago she would have known what announcement would be made, barely six days later.
"And I think it would have been more honest if it had been more straight forward and straight dealing with the company and the workforce and also with the government if she had told me what their intentions were."
Cadbury employee Amoree Radford said she was shocked that those earlier commitments had been abandoned.
"I believed Kraft totally," she said. "But they made a fool of me. They are utterly despicable."
Jennie Formby from the Unite union accused Kraft of "a cruel manipulation", calling the earlier commitments to the Keynsham factory "a cynical ploy".
Plans to close the Keynsham plant, at the cost of 400 jobs, were announced by Cadbury in 2007.
Kraft said it had only become aware of how advanced plans for the new Poland factory were after the takeover deal had been agreed.
The hostile nature of the bid, they argued, made it difficult to access information about Cadbury's relocation plans, which were now too far advanced to reverse.
However, Professor David Bailey from Coventry University Business School questioned this explanation.
"Kraft spent a huge amount of money on researching this bid," he said.
"They should have known full well what was going on inside Cadbury and that plans for production in Poland were very advanced.
"I only had access to public accounts and market research reports but it was clear to me that the assurances given about keeping open that plant were simply not credible."
Unite's Jennie Formby said Kraft's "dishonesty" was a concern for the future relationship between the company and Cadbury workers.
Cadbury employs 4,500 people in the UK at sites including its historic Bournville factory in Birmingham and its head offices in Uxbridge.
Employees called the decision "utterly despicable" and said they had been deceived by Kraft.
Before its takeover of Cadbury, Kraft had indicated it would keep the factory in Keynsham open.
But on Tuesday it said earlier plans by Cadbury to close the plant and move production to Poland were too advanced.
Before the takeover, Kraft's chief executive in the UK, Nick Bunker, said he hoped to keep the Somerdale factory open.
"We believe we would be in a position to keep the Somerdale plant operating and we are sincere about that," he told the BBC, repeating a claim made in Kraft's official bid proposal.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said Kraft's chief executive had not given a specific commitments on jobs when they met last week, but said she should have made the position clear.
"A week ago she would have known what announcement would be made, barely six days later.
"And I think it would have been more honest if it had been more straight forward and straight dealing with the company and the workforce and also with the government if she had told me what their intentions were."
Cadbury employee Amoree Radford said she was shocked that those earlier commitments had been abandoned.
"I believed Kraft totally," she said. "But they made a fool of me. They are utterly despicable."
Jennie Formby from the Unite union accused Kraft of "a cruel manipulation", calling the earlier commitments to the Keynsham factory "a cynical ploy".
Plans to close the Keynsham plant, at the cost of 400 jobs, were announced by Cadbury in 2007.
Kraft said it had only become aware of how advanced plans for the new Poland factory were after the takeover deal had been agreed.
The hostile nature of the bid, they argued, made it difficult to access information about Cadbury's relocation plans, which were now too far advanced to reverse.
However, Professor David Bailey from Coventry University Business School questioned this explanation.
"Kraft spent a huge amount of money on researching this bid," he said.
"They should have known full well what was going on inside Cadbury and that plans for production in Poland were very advanced.
"I only had access to public accounts and market research reports but it was clear to me that the assurances given about keeping open that plant were simply not credible."
Unite's Jennie Formby said Kraft's "dishonesty" was a concern for the future relationship between the company and Cadbury workers.
Cadbury employs 4,500 people in the UK at sites including its historic Bournville factory in Birmingham and its head offices in Uxbridge.
Life On Mars - Part One
Or - with friends like this who needs enemies?
An extract sent to us by a comrade who thought we might need some " light relief"
From "Trade unionist and socialist coalition - Important step towards a new workers' party" By Clive Heemskirk
"TUSC HAS been established as a federal 'umbrella' coalition, with an agreed core policy statement but with participating candidates and organisations accountable for their own campaigns. The steering committee welcomed the support of a number of socialist groups, including the Walsall-based Democratic Labour Party and its councillor, Peter Smith. Amongst the first tranche of TUSC candidates approved, are members of four different socialist organisations, including Socialist Resistance and the Socialist Workers Party (SWP).
The admission of the SWP to the coalition was not automatic, however. TUSC is a federal coalition but each component, its candidates and participating organisations, will be scrutinised, certainly by New Labour opponents inside the trade unions. With this in mind the record of the SWP was questioned.
Bob Crow, reflecting the response of RMT militants as last year's Lindsey strike unfolded, immediately and rightly condemned those "misrepresenting the strikers as xenophobic - a posh word for racist" (in a letter to The Guardian, 6 February 2009). The SWP, on the other hand, criticised the strikes as 'nationalist'.
The SWP took a similar stance towards No2EU, the electoral body which was supported not just by the union tops but a big majority of RMT activists. These and other political mistakes by the SWP will not make winning support for TUSC easier inside the RMT, and other unions too.
Moreover, there is also suspicion amongst many activists of the methods of the SWP when working in broad coalitions. The SWP rejected a federal approach in the Socialist Alliance, for example, using its weight of numbers to dominate, which compelled the Socialist Party to leave and led to the eventual demise of that organisation in 2003.
On the other hand, it was argued, the SWP's record will not be known particularly to workers moving into struggle for the first time. They could be attracted to TUSC and would naturally want to see the widest possible unity. It is necessary not to do anything that could be a potential barrier to them.
On balance then, it was felt that the potential drawbacks of the SWP's involvement could be overcome. So, after assurances that they would accept the federal character of TUSC, the SWP have been invited onto the coalition steering committee."
To read the whole tale http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/8762
More from Trot Central soon......
An extract sent to us by a comrade who thought we might need some " light relief"
From "Trade unionist and socialist coalition - Important step towards a new workers' party" By Clive Heemskirk
"TUSC HAS been established as a federal 'umbrella' coalition, with an agreed core policy statement but with participating candidates and organisations accountable for their own campaigns. The steering committee welcomed the support of a number of socialist groups, including the Walsall-based Democratic Labour Party and its councillor, Peter Smith. Amongst the first tranche of TUSC candidates approved, are members of four different socialist organisations, including Socialist Resistance and the Socialist Workers Party (SWP).
The admission of the SWP to the coalition was not automatic, however. TUSC is a federal coalition but each component, its candidates and participating organisations, will be scrutinised, certainly by New Labour opponents inside the trade unions. With this in mind the record of the SWP was questioned.
Bob Crow, reflecting the response of RMT militants as last year's Lindsey strike unfolded, immediately and rightly condemned those "misrepresenting the strikers as xenophobic - a posh word for racist" (in a letter to The Guardian, 6 February 2009). The SWP, on the other hand, criticised the strikes as 'nationalist'.
The SWP took a similar stance towards No2EU, the electoral body which was supported not just by the union tops but a big majority of RMT activists. These and other political mistakes by the SWP will not make winning support for TUSC easier inside the RMT, and other unions too.
Moreover, there is also suspicion amongst many activists of the methods of the SWP when working in broad coalitions. The SWP rejected a federal approach in the Socialist Alliance, for example, using its weight of numbers to dominate, which compelled the Socialist Party to leave and led to the eventual demise of that organisation in 2003.
On the other hand, it was argued, the SWP's record will not be known particularly to workers moving into struggle for the first time. They could be attracted to TUSC and would naturally want to see the widest possible unity. It is necessary not to do anything that could be a potential barrier to them.
On balance then, it was felt that the potential drawbacks of the SWP's involvement could be overcome. So, after assurances that they would accept the federal character of TUSC, the SWP have been invited onto the coalition steering committee."
To read the whole tale http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/8762
More from Trot Central soon......
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
USW Members Still Strong In Vale Inco Strike At Voisey Bay
Striking USW members at Vale Inco's Voisey's Bay nickel mine are every bit as resolved as they were when the strike began last Aug. 1, union meetings in several Newfoundland-Labrador communities confirm.
The bargaining committee for United Steelworkers Local 9508 travelled across the province last week, meeting with the striking workers to present the company's latest offer and to get their feedback. Meetings were held in Goose Bay, Labrador City, Nain, Deer Lake, St. John's and Lanse-au-Clair.
A vote on the company offer was taken at every meeting and in each case the result was a 100% rejection of the offer.
Union members held demonstrations in Goose Bay and in Nain on the North Coast of Labrador, where they burned the document containing the Vale Inco offer, which the company had mailed to them.
"The clear message is that the company needs to be talking to the workers' bargaining committee and must negotiate a fair deal," said USW Staff Representative Boyd Bussey.
The bargaining committee for United Steelworkers Local 9508 travelled across the province last week, meeting with the striking workers to present the company's latest offer and to get their feedback. Meetings were held in Goose Bay, Labrador City, Nain, Deer Lake, St. John's and Lanse-au-Clair.
A vote on the company offer was taken at every meeting and in each case the result was a 100% rejection of the offer.
Union members held demonstrations in Goose Bay and in Nain on the North Coast of Labrador, where they burned the document containing the Vale Inco offer, which the company had mailed to them.
"The clear message is that the company needs to be talking to the workers' bargaining committee and must negotiate a fair deal," said USW Staff Representative Boyd Bussey.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Glasgow: Workers Uniting Group Meeting.
The Workers Uniting Group Meeting
Saturday 13th March 2010
The Workers Uniting Group
is the broad based left-progressive organisation within UNITE the Union
Guest Speaker
Les Bayliss - www.les4gs.org
This year will be crucial in many ways. The election for a single Unite General Secretary will take place along with the Country’s General Election. Les Bayliss is the Workers Uniting Group Candidate, and we will all be working to return a Labour Government for a 4th consecutive term of office. This is an opportunity to debate with Les.
SATURDAY 13th March
The Scottish Trade Union Congress
333 Woodlands Road
Glasgow, G3 6NG
10.30am – 12,00pm
www.workersunitinggroup.com
All UNITE Members Welcome
Saturday 13th March 2010
The Workers Uniting Group
is the broad based left-progressive organisation within UNITE the Union
Guest Speaker
Les Bayliss - www.les4gs.org
This year will be crucial in many ways. The election for a single Unite General Secretary will take place along with the Country’s General Election. Les Bayliss is the Workers Uniting Group Candidate, and we will all be working to return a Labour Government for a 4th consecutive term of office. This is an opportunity to debate with Les.
SATURDAY 13th March
The Scottish Trade Union Congress
333 Woodlands Road
Glasgow, G3 6NG
10.30am – 12,00pm
www.workersunitinggroup.com
All UNITE Members Welcome
Friday, February 5, 2010
LCDTU East Midlands Meeting
LCDTU East Midlands Meeting
We have been sent this email by the Liasion Committee For The Defence Of Trade Unions regarding a meeting of shop stewards and union reps in Derby on March 8th.
On behalf of the LCDTU, we would like to invite you to an important Shop Stewards and Supporters Meeting of the LCDTU as follows:-
VENUE: Hallmark Hotel (formerly Midland Hotel) Midland Road, Derby. DE1 2SQ
DATE: Monday 8th March 2010
TIME: 6pm to 8pm
REPLY TO: bcamfield@mac.com (Please confirm attendance)
This is meeting is part of a series of meetings aimed at building support for the LCDTU and its campaign to re-establish Trade Union Freedom in the UK. These meetings are about ideas and involve open discussion.
The LCDTU is extending its work in 2010 with:
*Shop Stewards and Supporters Meetings (held in workplaces wherever possible).
*Regional Conferences being held across Britain.
*A regular LCDTU Bulletin, in colour and featuring key TU articles.
*Launch of a new Website.
*Working more closely with Individual Unions.
*Establishing Area LCDTU Groups.
*Developing campaigning materials around the anti-union laws, their repeal and making the case "Why Trade Union Freedom Matters".
*Four Point LCDTU Campaign.
1. Repeal and replacement of Britain's Anti-Union Laws.
2. Campaigning within the Labour Party to win trade union freedom policy.
3. Renewed focus on the importance of the Shop Stewards Movement.
4. Fighting for union rights and freedom in Europe.
Whilst being totally opposed to UK anti-union law as it stands today, the LCDTU nevertheless does not advocate breaking the law, but rather advocates changing the law. For the anti-union laws to be repealed, unions require clear Trade Union Freedom policies, a much stronger political influence within the Labour Party (especially at local level) and to focus greater resources on the development of an organised and powerful shop stewards Movement. Workers desperately need better trade union education on the background, extent and impact of the anti-trade union legal assault led by the Tories in the 1980's and 1990's, and retained by 'New Labour'.
The attack upon the Freedom of Association, the Right to Organise, and the Right to Collective Bargaining as set out in ILO Conventions 87 and 98 (and ratified by the UK) is a human rights issue.
Winning Trade Union Freedom will not be quick or easy, so we have to organise! If we do nothing, nothing will change.
YOU ARE THEREFORE WARMLY INVITED TO ATTEND THIS IMPORTANT MEETING, TO CONTRIBUTE YOUR IDEAS, VIEWS AND PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPING THE LCDTU, ITS CAMPAIGNING WORK AND THE BATTLE TO RID BRITAIN OF ITS ANTI-UNION LAWS.
We very much hope you will come to the meeting, and join others Stewards and activists for a good discussion and exchange.
Food and refreshments will be available and directions to the meeting are attached, along with an Agenda. Please confirm by reply to bcamfield@mac.com with your details, including trade union, workplace, postal address and email.
With all best wishes on behalf of the Liaison Committee.
George Wake, Secretary.
John Aitkin, Chairman.
Barry Camfield, National Organiser.
We have been sent this email by the Liasion Committee For The Defence Of Trade Unions regarding a meeting of shop stewards and union reps in Derby on March 8th.
On behalf of the LCDTU, we would like to invite you to an important Shop Stewards and Supporters Meeting of the LCDTU as follows:-
VENUE: Hallmark Hotel (formerly Midland Hotel) Midland Road, Derby. DE1 2SQ
DATE: Monday 8th March 2010
TIME: 6pm to 8pm
REPLY TO: bcamfield@mac.com (Please confirm attendance)
This is meeting is part of a series of meetings aimed at building support for the LCDTU and its campaign to re-establish Trade Union Freedom in the UK. These meetings are about ideas and involve open discussion.
The LCDTU is extending its work in 2010 with:
*Shop Stewards and Supporters Meetings (held in workplaces wherever possible).
*Regional Conferences being held across Britain.
*A regular LCDTU Bulletin, in colour and featuring key TU articles.
*Launch of a new Website.
*Working more closely with Individual Unions.
*Establishing Area LCDTU Groups.
*Developing campaigning materials around the anti-union laws, their repeal and making the case "Why Trade Union Freedom Matters".
*Four Point LCDTU Campaign.
1. Repeal and replacement of Britain's Anti-Union Laws.
2. Campaigning within the Labour Party to win trade union freedom policy.
3. Renewed focus on the importance of the Shop Stewards Movement.
4. Fighting for union rights and freedom in Europe.
Whilst being totally opposed to UK anti-union law as it stands today, the LCDTU nevertheless does not advocate breaking the law, but rather advocates changing the law. For the anti-union laws to be repealed, unions require clear Trade Union Freedom policies, a much stronger political influence within the Labour Party (especially at local level) and to focus greater resources on the development of an organised and powerful shop stewards Movement. Workers desperately need better trade union education on the background, extent and impact of the anti-trade union legal assault led by the Tories in the 1980's and 1990's, and retained by 'New Labour'.
The attack upon the Freedom of Association, the Right to Organise, and the Right to Collective Bargaining as set out in ILO Conventions 87 and 98 (and ratified by the UK) is a human rights issue.
Winning Trade Union Freedom will not be quick or easy, so we have to organise! If we do nothing, nothing will change.
YOU ARE THEREFORE WARMLY INVITED TO ATTEND THIS IMPORTANT MEETING, TO CONTRIBUTE YOUR IDEAS, VIEWS AND PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPING THE LCDTU, ITS CAMPAIGNING WORK AND THE BATTLE TO RID BRITAIN OF ITS ANTI-UNION LAWS.
We very much hope you will come to the meeting, and join others Stewards and activists for a good discussion and exchange.
Food and refreshments will be available and directions to the meeting are attached, along with an Agenda. Please confirm by reply to bcamfield@mac.com with your details, including trade union, workplace, postal address and email.
With all best wishes on behalf of the Liaison Committee.
George Wake, Secretary.
John Aitkin, Chairman.
Barry Camfield, National Organiser.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Unite members strike at canning factory
Staff at a canning factory in Cambridgeshire have gone on strike in a row over a proposed pay deal.
400 members of union Unite are staging a 24-hour walkout at Premier Foods in Wisbech.
They took similar action on 13 January and postponed a second strike to negotiate with the company, but Premier's revised offer was rejected.
Premier Foods said the action was "inconsistent" with the union's recommendation to accept its offer.
Jobs at risk
Unite convenor Mark Plumb said 370 union members, out of 490 employees, were taking part in the action at Wisbech.
Premier Foods said the action did not take in to account that many other workers at its other sites have not received any pay increase.
The plant, one of the major employers in the town, cans soup, pasta and pulses.
400 members of union Unite are staging a 24-hour walkout at Premier Foods in Wisbech.
They took similar action on 13 January and postponed a second strike to negotiate with the company, but Premier's revised offer was rejected.
Premier Foods said the action was "inconsistent" with the union's recommendation to accept its offer.
Jobs at risk
Unite convenor Mark Plumb said 370 union members, out of 490 employees, were taking part in the action at Wisbech.
Premier Foods said the action did not take in to account that many other workers at its other sites have not received any pay increase.
The plant, one of the major employers in the town, cans soup, pasta and pulses.
Bayliss: "Apprentice boost vital to avert UK skills disaster"
Chronic skills shortages will spell disaster for the UK's construction and engineering sectors unless the government accelerates young people's training, JTL's chairman, and Unite assistant general secretary, Les Bayliss warned during National Apprenticeship Week (1-5 February).
Although overall apprentice numbers rose last year, there has been a marked drop in recruitment numbers in construction and engineering which now has the oldest workforce since the second world war when most young people were mobilised.
Les Bayliss, said: “Overall apprenticeships may be growing, but in the construction and engineering sectors numbers fell dramatically during the downturn.
“Therefore in National Apprenticeship Week, we are encouraged by government plans to step up financial and logistical support, as well as exploring new ways of supporting employers in these difficult times. This includes the future jobs fund, and the £1 billion windfall on bankers bonuses which is being earmarked for jobs, training and apprenticeships for young people through the government’s ‘Backing Young Britain’ campaign.
“Unite and the industry have been calling for such support and will work with government for the future success of the UK construction industry. However, this support needs to be up and running as a matter of urgency, as a boost in apprenticeships is vital to avert a UK skills disaster and the future prospects of our nation’s young people.”
For every apprentice JTL - the leading training provider of Advanced Apprenticeships to the building services engineering sector - places with an employer, it has to turn away two applicants from young people wanting to find an apprenticeship placement with an employer.
Les Bayliss added: “At a time when school leavers are finding it tougher to find apprenticeships in construction, the most effective way for government to intervene is to use its procurement power and leverage on the public sector and infrastructure projects to make apprenticeships a priority.
“We want to see new and existing firms who have long standing and terrific records in investing in apprentices rewarded in future procurement and contracts within the supply chain in public sector projects.
“It is imperative that major infrastructure projects such as Building Schools for the Future, which are vital to firms during the downturn, are maintained while other projects such as housing and new nuclear power stations are brought forward as soon as possible.”
Over a third (36 per cent) of workers in the construction industry were under 30 in 1990 compared with only a quarter of the sector's workforce today. In 1990, over 55s represented 11 per cent of the workforce compared with 17 per cent in 2007. (1)
Although there has been a 20 per cent growth in the construction workforce since the early-1990s, the number of older workers (aged 60 and over) in the industry has doubled over this time period, while those aged 24 and under fell by 27 per cent.
Unite is UK's largest trade union with nearly 1.6 million members throughout the UK and Ireland. Members include those working in the electrical, mechanical and engineering sectors, and Unite negotiates for thousands of skilled members employed in just about every private and public industry.
Unite has long-standing national agreements with the employers’ trade associations in construction and building services engineering, including the joint establishment in 1990 of the apprenticeship training provider JTL, ensuring the facility for world class skills provision across construction and the built environment,
About JTL
JTL (http://www.jtltraining.com/) is the leading training provider to the building services engineering sector offering Advanced Apprenticeships in electrical installation, motor rewind, plumbing, heating and ventilating and engineering maintenance. The JTL apprenticeship schemes are open to young people between the ages of 16 to 24 and are an ideal entry route for those looking to start a career in the building services engineering sector.
Supporting around10,000 apprentices and working with 4,000 businesses, JTL's Advanced Apprenticeship training develops practical on-the-job experience, "earn as they learn" and the opportunity to achieve a National Vocational Qualification at Level Three.
JTL funds the cost of all off-the-job training, including college fees and course notes, as well as all on-the-job assessments, while the employer pays the apprentice's salary and associated employment costs.
Around 70 per cent of the 3,000 young people who start an Advanced Apprenticeship each year with JTL will complete it. That's compared to 50 per cent nationally for work-based learning.
(1) Findings were complied via the Construction Skills Network drawing form the Office for National Statistics Labour Force Survey and Construction Industry Council (CIC).
Organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), National Apprenticeship Week takes place from Monday 1 February to Friday 5 February 2010 to celebrate the talents and skills of apprentices.
Although overall apprentice numbers rose last year, there has been a marked drop in recruitment numbers in construction and engineering which now has the oldest workforce since the second world war when most young people were mobilised.
Les Bayliss, said: “Overall apprenticeships may be growing, but in the construction and engineering sectors numbers fell dramatically during the downturn.
“Therefore in National Apprenticeship Week, we are encouraged by government plans to step up financial and logistical support, as well as exploring new ways of supporting employers in these difficult times. This includes the future jobs fund, and the £1 billion windfall on bankers bonuses which is being earmarked for jobs, training and apprenticeships for young people through the government’s ‘Backing Young Britain’ campaign.
“Unite and the industry have been calling for such support and will work with government for the future success of the UK construction industry. However, this support needs to be up and running as a matter of urgency, as a boost in apprenticeships is vital to avert a UK skills disaster and the future prospects of our nation’s young people.”
For every apprentice JTL - the leading training provider of Advanced Apprenticeships to the building services engineering sector - places with an employer, it has to turn away two applicants from young people wanting to find an apprenticeship placement with an employer.
Les Bayliss added: “At a time when school leavers are finding it tougher to find apprenticeships in construction, the most effective way for government to intervene is to use its procurement power and leverage on the public sector and infrastructure projects to make apprenticeships a priority.
“We want to see new and existing firms who have long standing and terrific records in investing in apprentices rewarded in future procurement and contracts within the supply chain in public sector projects.
“It is imperative that major infrastructure projects such as Building Schools for the Future, which are vital to firms during the downturn, are maintained while other projects such as housing and new nuclear power stations are brought forward as soon as possible.”
Over a third (36 per cent) of workers in the construction industry were under 30 in 1990 compared with only a quarter of the sector's workforce today. In 1990, over 55s represented 11 per cent of the workforce compared with 17 per cent in 2007. (1)
Although there has been a 20 per cent growth in the construction workforce since the early-1990s, the number of older workers (aged 60 and over) in the industry has doubled over this time period, while those aged 24 and under fell by 27 per cent.
Unite is UK's largest trade union with nearly 1.6 million members throughout the UK and Ireland. Members include those working in the electrical, mechanical and engineering sectors, and Unite negotiates for thousands of skilled members employed in just about every private and public industry.
Unite has long-standing national agreements with the employers’ trade associations in construction and building services engineering, including the joint establishment in 1990 of the apprenticeship training provider JTL, ensuring the facility for world class skills provision across construction and the built environment,
About JTL
JTL (http://www.jtltraining.com/) is the leading training provider to the building services engineering sector offering Advanced Apprenticeships in electrical installation, motor rewind, plumbing, heating and ventilating and engineering maintenance. The JTL apprenticeship schemes are open to young people between the ages of 16 to 24 and are an ideal entry route for those looking to start a career in the building services engineering sector.
Supporting around10,000 apprentices and working with 4,000 businesses, JTL's Advanced Apprenticeship training develops practical on-the-job experience, "earn as they learn" and the opportunity to achieve a National Vocational Qualification at Level Three.
JTL funds the cost of all off-the-job training, including college fees and course notes, as well as all on-the-job assessments, while the employer pays the apprentice's salary and associated employment costs.
Around 70 per cent of the 3,000 young people who start an Advanced Apprenticeship each year with JTL will complete it. That's compared to 50 per cent nationally for work-based learning.
(1) Findings were complied via the Construction Skills Network drawing form the Office for National Statistics Labour Force Survey and Construction Industry Council (CIC).
Organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), National Apprenticeship Week takes place from Monday 1 February to Friday 5 February 2010 to celebrate the talents and skills of apprentices.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Workers Uniting Campaign Stops Shuts Out Griffin
By Fred Redmond
USW International Vice President for Human Affairs
A Washington, D.C. area hotel last week closed its doors to a racist convention that had booked rooms under the benign-sounding name “American Renaissance” conference. Now all American hotels and conference centers should follow that lead because in the U.S., renaissance means overcoming bigotry.
“American Renaissance” conducts a biannual conference that promotes racial and religious hatred. This year one of its guest speakers at the February conference is to be Nick Griffin, a convicted criminal who heads the British National Party, a white separatist group that contends immigrants are causing the “genocide” of “indigenous” white Britons.
The hotel cancelled the booking after several groups asked it not to serve as host to a hate hoedown. Those groups will monitor the organization’s attempts to secure another meeting place. They include the United Steelworkers; One People’s Project, which describes itself as a resource for those fighting fascism; and the Mormon Worker, a newspaper based in Provo, Utah.
As a union that promotes diversity and inclusion, the United Steelworkers finds the doctrine and language of Griffin and “American Renaissance” reprehensible.
The “American Renaissance” website contends, for example:
“Virtually no whites anywhere are willing to break taboos about racial differences in IQ, the costs of ‘diversity,’ or the challenges of non-white immigration.”
It specifies:
“Gentlemen will wear jackets and ties to all conference events.”
Apparently women are not invited.
It also tacitly acknowledges the offensiveness of its message by offering attendees tags bearing false names, which it describes as “war names:”
“We will prepare name tags in advance; please call us if you would like to use a nom de guerre.”
That link to violence is not accidental. By inviting Nick Griffin, the group embraced a criminal whose organization is connected to numerous violent – even deadly – acts.
In 1998, Griffin was convicted of inciting racial hatred for articles that denied the Holocaust. He received a suspended nine-month prison term. At the trial he said, “I am well aware that the orthodox opinion is that six million Jews were gassed and cremated and turned into lampshades. Orthodox opinion also once held that the world is flat.”
Griffin has cited neo-fascist Robert Fiore as a major BNP influence. Fiore is a convicted criminal and member of the Italian terrorist organization implicated in the 1980 Bologna bombing that killed 85 people.
Among the criminals associated with the BNP are David Copeland, a former member sentenced to 50 yeas for setting off explosives that killed three people and injured 139; former BNP candidate Coventry Roderick Rowley who was sentenced to prison on 14 charges of making and distributing obscene images of children, and BNP election agent Kevin Hughes who was sentenced to two years in prison for assaulting an Iraqi asylum seeker.
Griffin and the BNP were admired by U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum shooter James W. von Brunn, who killed a security guard when he opened fire in the Washington, D.C. museum lobby last year. Brunn, a white supremacist who was convicted and imprisoned earlier for an armed attempt to kidnap Federal Reserve Board members, went to see Griffin speak when the BNP leader lectured in the U.S. previously. Brunn wrote on his blog that although he had misgivings about Griffin allowing Jews to join the BNP:
“My hat is off to this fighting white man, Nick Griffin, for the incredible victories for White Britain which his hard work, rhino-thick skin against Jewsmedia criticism, and inspired leadership have made possible. . .Hail the white leader, Nick Griffin!”
Brunn died in prison in January awaiting his murder trial.
Griffin himself is again facing the potential of imprisonment, this time over the BNP’s racist constitution. A British court ordered him to change the document so that it no longer bars admission of Asians, blacks and members of other ethnic minorities. The BNP constitution also says:
“The British National Party stands for the preservation of the national and ethnic character of the British people and is wholly opposed to any form of racial integration between British and non-European peoples. It is therefore committed to stemming and reversing the tide of non-white immigration and to restoring, by legal changes, negotiation and consent, the overwhelmingly white make-up of the British population that existed in Britain prior to 1948.”
Griffin suggests non-whites be paid to leave Britain and return to their countries of origin. It’s not clear how that would work for minorities who’ve lived in Britain for generations.
The court initially set the end of January as a deadline for the constitutional change, but has given Griffin two more weeks to comply. This convict connected to so many other criminals apparently received a visa to enter the U.S. How likely is it that he would he have gotten one if he were a Muslim endorsing the “cleansing” of Christians?
Hotels and conference centers have every right to shun the likes of Griffin and “American Renaissance.” Refusing to provide a forum for hate is not a denial of First Amendment free speech rights. Griffin and the American Renaissance are free to spew their race and religion-based venom in any public park or on any private property owned by a like-minded bigot.
USW International Vice President for Human Affairs
A Washington, D.C. area hotel last week closed its doors to a racist convention that had booked rooms under the benign-sounding name “American Renaissance” conference. Now all American hotels and conference centers should follow that lead because in the U.S., renaissance means overcoming bigotry.
“American Renaissance” conducts a biannual conference that promotes racial and religious hatred. This year one of its guest speakers at the February conference is to be Nick Griffin, a convicted criminal who heads the British National Party, a white separatist group that contends immigrants are causing the “genocide” of “indigenous” white Britons.
The hotel cancelled the booking after several groups asked it not to serve as host to a hate hoedown. Those groups will monitor the organization’s attempts to secure another meeting place. They include the United Steelworkers; One People’s Project, which describes itself as a resource for those fighting fascism; and the Mormon Worker, a newspaper based in Provo, Utah.
As a union that promotes diversity and inclusion, the United Steelworkers finds the doctrine and language of Griffin and “American Renaissance” reprehensible.
The “American Renaissance” website contends, for example:
“Virtually no whites anywhere are willing to break taboos about racial differences in IQ, the costs of ‘diversity,’ or the challenges of non-white immigration.”
It specifies:
“Gentlemen will wear jackets and ties to all conference events.”
Apparently women are not invited.
It also tacitly acknowledges the offensiveness of its message by offering attendees tags bearing false names, which it describes as “war names:”
“We will prepare name tags in advance; please call us if you would like to use a nom de guerre.”
That link to violence is not accidental. By inviting Nick Griffin, the group embraced a criminal whose organization is connected to numerous violent – even deadly – acts.
In 1998, Griffin was convicted of inciting racial hatred for articles that denied the Holocaust. He received a suspended nine-month prison term. At the trial he said, “I am well aware that the orthodox opinion is that six million Jews were gassed and cremated and turned into lampshades. Orthodox opinion also once held that the world is flat.”
Griffin has cited neo-fascist Robert Fiore as a major BNP influence. Fiore is a convicted criminal and member of the Italian terrorist organization implicated in the 1980 Bologna bombing that killed 85 people.
Among the criminals associated with the BNP are David Copeland, a former member sentenced to 50 yeas for setting off explosives that killed three people and injured 139; former BNP candidate Coventry Roderick Rowley who was sentenced to prison on 14 charges of making and distributing obscene images of children, and BNP election agent Kevin Hughes who was sentenced to two years in prison for assaulting an Iraqi asylum seeker.
Griffin and the BNP were admired by U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum shooter James W. von Brunn, who killed a security guard when he opened fire in the Washington, D.C. museum lobby last year. Brunn, a white supremacist who was convicted and imprisoned earlier for an armed attempt to kidnap Federal Reserve Board members, went to see Griffin speak when the BNP leader lectured in the U.S. previously. Brunn wrote on his blog that although he had misgivings about Griffin allowing Jews to join the BNP:
“My hat is off to this fighting white man, Nick Griffin, for the incredible victories for White Britain which his hard work, rhino-thick skin against Jewsmedia criticism, and inspired leadership have made possible. . .Hail the white leader, Nick Griffin!”
Brunn died in prison in January awaiting his murder trial.
Griffin himself is again facing the potential of imprisonment, this time over the BNP’s racist constitution. A British court ordered him to change the document so that it no longer bars admission of Asians, blacks and members of other ethnic minorities. The BNP constitution also says:
“The British National Party stands for the preservation of the national and ethnic character of the British people and is wholly opposed to any form of racial integration between British and non-European peoples. It is therefore committed to stemming and reversing the tide of non-white immigration and to restoring, by legal changes, negotiation and consent, the overwhelmingly white make-up of the British population that existed in Britain prior to 1948.”
Griffin suggests non-whites be paid to leave Britain and return to their countries of origin. It’s not clear how that would work for minorities who’ve lived in Britain for generations.
The court initially set the end of January as a deadline for the constitutional change, but has given Griffin two more weeks to comply. This convict connected to so many other criminals apparently received a visa to enter the U.S. How likely is it that he would he have gotten one if he were a Muslim endorsing the “cleansing” of Christians?
Hotels and conference centers have every right to shun the likes of Griffin and “American Renaissance.” Refusing to provide a forum for hate is not a denial of First Amendment free speech rights. Griffin and the American Renaissance are free to spew their race and religion-based venom in any public park or on any private property owned by a like-minded bigot.
Cadbury: Jack Dromey "takeover not in the interest of the country"
Unite has said that Ktaft had to "come clean" and state its future intentions for Cadbury's.
Last month, Unite warned Cadbury shareholders that Kraft's debts, estimated to be about £22bn, meant there could be an "irresistible imperative" to cut costs by cutting jobs.
Jack Dromey, deouty general secretary of Unite, said it feared the takeover was neither in the interest of Cadbury workers or the country.
He said workers were fearful they would share the same fate as Terry's of York, which was closed after being bought by Kraft and production moved abroad.
"Kraft cared little for the great history of that plant or for the skills of its workforce so we must seize the opportunity now to ensure that Cadbury and its workforce do not suffer the same fate," he said.
"The government must secure meaningful pledges from Kraft, and police them so that Kraft cannot again walk away from a UK workforce.
"Ministers must make it abundantly clear that closures and mass redundancies will not be accepted by the British government or the British people."
Ms Formby, Unite's national officer for food and drink, said: "Our worry is that it will be the workforce who pays the price - and until Kraft tell us otherwise by making its plans clear, we have to presume we are now in a fight to protect jobs and investment."
Cadbury shareholders will vote on the revised offer from Kraft today.
Last month, Unite warned Cadbury shareholders that Kraft's debts, estimated to be about £22bn, meant there could be an "irresistible imperative" to cut costs by cutting jobs.
Jack Dromey, deouty general secretary of Unite, said it feared the takeover was neither in the interest of Cadbury workers or the country.
He said workers were fearful they would share the same fate as Terry's of York, which was closed after being bought by Kraft and production moved abroad.
"Kraft cared little for the great history of that plant or for the skills of its workforce so we must seize the opportunity now to ensure that Cadbury and its workforce do not suffer the same fate," he said.
"The government must secure meaningful pledges from Kraft, and police them so that Kraft cannot again walk away from a UK workforce.
"Ministers must make it abundantly clear that closures and mass redundancies will not be accepted by the British government or the British people."
Ms Formby, Unite's national officer for food and drink, said: "Our worry is that it will be the workforce who pays the price - and until Kraft tell us otherwise by making its plans clear, we have to presume we are now in a fight to protect jobs and investment."
Cadbury shareholders will vote on the revised offer from Kraft today.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Unite Faith Workers - Morning Star article.
Exploiting faith in the workforce
Ministers of Religion, as they are legally called, or clergy, priests, ministers, rabbis and imams as they are more commonly known, still lack the employment and health and safety rights that ordinary employees have to protect them.
Against the backdrop of powerful senior clerics (bishops) and congregations, ministers have no legal recourse to protect them from abuse.
Unite handles around 150 faith-related cases a year, predominantly from the Anglican church. These cases include clergy living in unsafe rectories, sexual harassment from parishoners, stress and bullying.
Research and surveys have cited that about 80 per cent of ministers experience bullying at some point in the course of their work.
Clerics come to Unite as we provide support through our network of representatives, who are all faith workers themselves.
The reps are skilled at managing cases where there are often no procedures or processes, which gives so much power to bishops, for example, that there is sometimes no fairness in the process.
The only way to ensure these processes are free from bias is to guarantee independent restitution to issues - all cases should go to an employment tribunal.
The churches are fiercely resisting all situations ending up in a tribunal, claiming that this is not appropriate for "office holders."
Yet there is little evidence of proactive work in the church exercising anything resembling a duty of care. This leaves brave ministers no choice but to bring test cases themselves.
In recent years Church of Scotland minister Helen Percy took a case for sex discrimination to tribunal and won the right to use tribunals for such cases in future.
More recently Reverend Sylvester Stewart took his case of unfair dismissal through the appeal courts, again his employment status was tested and he was given leave to run his case. The ruling also cited that the law needed reviewing for ministers of religion.
Whilst this has not been done, more test cases are being brought.
Unite is now running such a case, listed for an employment tribunal in May, which will advance the employment rights of ministers of religion should it succeed.
The Church of England has conceded that the priest involved was a "worker," which was a very significant step forward, and gave leave for Unite to bring a case on the basis of protection from harassment.
Unite highlighted the atrocious abuse that this member, Reverend Mark Sharpe, experienced from his parishioners, including the slashing of his car tyres, verbal abuse and threats, poisoning of his pet dog, smearing of excrement on his car and the theft of his heating oil.
The way that the bishops refused to meet him and give him any support for over two years was something that no employee should experience. Worse, they left him and his family to live in a rectory full of category one hazards including crumbling asbestos, water in the electrics - which caused electrical burns - noxious gases, mould and eventually no heating or hot water. They did nothing to stop the abuse, and stopped his pay when he became ill - all impacting on Mr Sharpe, his wife and four children's health and wellbeing.
Before Christmas Mr Sharpe, a Unite member, was granted medical retirement at the age of just 42 years and was then told that the diocese would commence eviction proceedings against him.
Mr Sharpe has been brave in standing up and speaking for the clergy, many who are too frightened to talk of their experiences of sexual harassment, abuse and intimidation.
It has enabled many more to talk about their own nightmare situations, and the appalling way that the church has either ignored them, or worse, sided with the perpetrators.
The church has continued to deny problems exist, and piously will "cross the road to the other side" when issues are raised - certainly not practising what it preaches. Most ministers are too afraid to raise their situations and continue to struggle alone.
Many have called to join Unite as they know just how vulnerable they are, and have had the courage to tell us of their situations. We are breaking the silence on this abuse, and for the sake of the church, would urge it to listen and talk to us, as there is a very ugly picture out in the field and they cannot deny what is going on.
There is absolutely no reason why faith workers should be denied employment rights. Many employers would prefer not to abide by employee protection legislation, faith bodies must not be allowed to get away with it.
Rachael Maskell is national officer for the Unite union
Ministers of Religion, as they are legally called, or clergy, priests, ministers, rabbis and imams as they are more commonly known, still lack the employment and health and safety rights that ordinary employees have to protect them.
Against the backdrop of powerful senior clerics (bishops) and congregations, ministers have no legal recourse to protect them from abuse.
Unite handles around 150 faith-related cases a year, predominantly from the Anglican church. These cases include clergy living in unsafe rectories, sexual harassment from parishoners, stress and bullying.
Research and surveys have cited that about 80 per cent of ministers experience bullying at some point in the course of their work.
Clerics come to Unite as we provide support through our network of representatives, who are all faith workers themselves.
The reps are skilled at managing cases where there are often no procedures or processes, which gives so much power to bishops, for example, that there is sometimes no fairness in the process.
The only way to ensure these processes are free from bias is to guarantee independent restitution to issues - all cases should go to an employment tribunal.
The churches are fiercely resisting all situations ending up in a tribunal, claiming that this is not appropriate for "office holders."
Yet there is little evidence of proactive work in the church exercising anything resembling a duty of care. This leaves brave ministers no choice but to bring test cases themselves.
In recent years Church of Scotland minister Helen Percy took a case for sex discrimination to tribunal and won the right to use tribunals for such cases in future.
More recently Reverend Sylvester Stewart took his case of unfair dismissal through the appeal courts, again his employment status was tested and he was given leave to run his case. The ruling also cited that the law needed reviewing for ministers of religion.
Whilst this has not been done, more test cases are being brought.
Unite is now running such a case, listed for an employment tribunal in May, which will advance the employment rights of ministers of religion should it succeed.
The Church of England has conceded that the priest involved was a "worker," which was a very significant step forward, and gave leave for Unite to bring a case on the basis of protection from harassment.
Unite highlighted the atrocious abuse that this member, Reverend Mark Sharpe, experienced from his parishioners, including the slashing of his car tyres, verbal abuse and threats, poisoning of his pet dog, smearing of excrement on his car and the theft of his heating oil.
The way that the bishops refused to meet him and give him any support for over two years was something that no employee should experience. Worse, they left him and his family to live in a rectory full of category one hazards including crumbling asbestos, water in the electrics - which caused electrical burns - noxious gases, mould and eventually no heating or hot water. They did nothing to stop the abuse, and stopped his pay when he became ill - all impacting on Mr Sharpe, his wife and four children's health and wellbeing.
Before Christmas Mr Sharpe, a Unite member, was granted medical retirement at the age of just 42 years and was then told that the diocese would commence eviction proceedings against him.
Mr Sharpe has been brave in standing up and speaking for the clergy, many who are too frightened to talk of their experiences of sexual harassment, abuse and intimidation.
It has enabled many more to talk about their own nightmare situations, and the appalling way that the church has either ignored them, or worse, sided with the perpetrators.
The church has continued to deny problems exist, and piously will "cross the road to the other side" when issues are raised - certainly not practising what it preaches. Most ministers are too afraid to raise their situations and continue to struggle alone.
Many have called to join Unite as they know just how vulnerable they are, and have had the courage to tell us of their situations. We are breaking the silence on this abuse, and for the sake of the church, would urge it to listen and talk to us, as there is a very ugly picture out in the field and they cannot deny what is going on.
There is absolutely no reason why faith workers should be denied employment rights. Many employers would prefer not to abide by employee protection legislation, faith bodies must not be allowed to get away with it.
Rachael Maskell is national officer for the Unite union
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