Hundreds of workers face losing up to half their pension entitlement after Visteon announced it could no longer meet its pensions commitments.
Unite wants Ford, which handed the plant over to Visteon in 2000, to honour pensions obligations of £350m.
Ford said responsibility lay with Visteon, which is in administration.
A rally marked the first anniversary of Visteon going into administration with the loss of nearly 1,000 jobs in Wales, England and Northern Ireland.
Workers - some of whom were employed by Ford and then Visteon for 40 years - have branded the situation "completely unfair".
Ford's obligations to its former employees were fully discharged and Ford believes there is no basis for resuming liability for benefits transferred to Visteon
Mike Gard of the Visteon Pension Action Group said: "We had hoped that it wouldn't come to this, that Ford would recognise the hard and diligent work that its staff put in.
"We now have men and women considering giving up the enjoyments of retirement, such as holidays, which they worked so hard for, considering selling their homes and buying smaller houses and even returning to work to make ends meet."
Mr Gard said it was "completely unfair", particularly as they had written guarantees from Ford saying pensions would be mirrored when workers transferred over to the Visteon scheme.
"If Ford thinks we are going to go away and accept what's been handed to us, it is sorely mistaken," said Mr Gard. "This is our future. We don't have an option."
Unite National Officer Roger Maddison said: "Ford has now dumped £350m worth of pension obligations onto the hard-pressed British taxpayer. It is a disgrace".
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
BA strike: Nordic unions consider sympathy action
Unions in Denmark, Norway and Sweden have said they may carry out industrial action in sympathy with striking British Airways (BA) cabin crews.
The unions - which represent airport services staff across the three nations - said members plan to start industrial action on or around 14 April.
They have yet to decide what form it may take, but it could include strikes or delays in servicing BA flights.
BA has been hit by two strikes in a dispute over job losses and pay.
The last of the two strikes by Unite cabin crew members ended on Tuesday, and no decision on additional walkouts have yet been made.
The sympathy action in Norway, Denmark and Sweden is being co-ordinated by global union grouping, International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF).
It said the aim was to put pressure on BA to reach agreement with Unite.
"We and our members intend to resist what has come to look very much like an attempt to break the union," said ITF general secretary David Cockroft.
BA has yet to comment on the possibility of industrial action by Nordic unions.
The unions - which represent airport services staff across the three nations - said members plan to start industrial action on or around 14 April.
They have yet to decide what form it may take, but it could include strikes or delays in servicing BA flights.
BA has been hit by two strikes in a dispute over job losses and pay.
The last of the two strikes by Unite cabin crew members ended on Tuesday, and no decision on additional walkouts have yet been made.
The sympathy action in Norway, Denmark and Sweden is being co-ordinated by global union grouping, International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF).
It said the aim was to put pressure on BA to reach agreement with Unite.
"We and our members intend to resist what has come to look very much like an attempt to break the union," said ITF general secretary David Cockroft.
BA has yet to comment on the possibility of industrial action by Nordic unions.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Bayliss: "Huge opportunities for job creation in the construction industry"
A Unite conference entitled ‘Nuclear Energy - Our Present, Our Future’ at the Royal Society of Arts was opened by Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite, the keynote speaker was the Ed Miliband MP, secretary of state for energy and climate change.
The largest nuclear construction project being undertaken right now is the Evaporator D project at Sellafield by Costain, a completely UK based company, and it is on budget and is being built safely and efficiently.
Unite assistant general secretary, Les Bayliss, said: "The construction industry stimulates economic activity even during the current recession. We need to maximise the benefits to the UK when we undertake this massive investment programme in energy projects. There are huge opportunities for job creation in the construction industry and Unite is determined to ensure that UK construction workers are ready to rise to the challenge."
Every £1 invested in construction generates £2.84 in total economic activity
92p of every £1 spent on construction is retained in the UK
The largest nuclear construction project being undertaken right now is the Evaporator D project at Sellafield by Costain, a completely UK based company, and it is on budget and is being built safely and efficiently.
Unite assistant general secretary, Les Bayliss, said: "The construction industry stimulates economic activity even during the current recession. We need to maximise the benefits to the UK when we undertake this massive investment programme in energy projects. There are huge opportunities for job creation in the construction industry and Unite is determined to ensure that UK construction workers are ready to rise to the challenge."
Every £1 invested in construction generates £2.84 in total economic activity
92p of every £1 spent on construction is retained in the UK
Jobs Secured For Skilled Workers
Navy projects secure thousands of jobs
Unite has welcomed the government's confirmation of three projects to support the Royal Navy which will secure around 10,000 skilled manufacturing jobs in the UK.
Unite's national officer, Bernie Hamilton, said: "The government's announcement secures thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs across the country. Workers at Barrow, Devenport, Rosyth, Scotstoun, Govan and Faslane have work for years to come thanks to the government. The projects cement the UK's sovereignty in this vital sector, meaning Britain can meet its own defence needs from a strong industrial base in the UK."
The government will proceed with the Type 26 Combat Ship, sign a Terms of Business Agreement (TOBA) with Babcock Marine covering surface and submarine support activities; and commit to the initial build and long lead procurement activities for Astute Boats 5 and 6 respectively at BAE Submarine Solutions at Barrow-in-Furness.
Unite has welcomed the government's confirmation of three projects to support the Royal Navy which will secure around 10,000 skilled manufacturing jobs in the UK.
Unite's national officer, Bernie Hamilton, said: "The government's announcement secures thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs across the country. Workers at Barrow, Devenport, Rosyth, Scotstoun, Govan and Faslane have work for years to come thanks to the government. The projects cement the UK's sovereignty in this vital sector, meaning Britain can meet its own defence needs from a strong industrial base in the UK."
The government will proceed with the Type 26 Combat Ship, sign a Terms of Business Agreement (TOBA) with Babcock Marine covering surface and submarine support activities; and commit to the initial build and long lead procurement activities for Astute Boats 5 and 6 respectively at BAE Submarine Solutions at Barrow-in-Furness.
Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson Letter to Striking BA Crew
Dear Colleagues
First of all we would like to once again congratulate you on your magnificent support for the strike action taken last weekend. Let us assure you that we are working night and day to find a way to reach a decent agreement with British Airways to bring this dispute to a speedy resolution.
However, there is no reason to anticipate that we will secure such an agreement before the second scheduled strike action, to run for four days from this Saturday. It is vital that you show continued commitment to our cause, and to gain the respect from your employer by supporting this strike.
We would therefore like to offer your union's full support and assurance on two issues we know are of the utmost importance to you.
First, we repeat that the withdrawal of travel concessions from crew who have been on strike represents unacceptable anti-union bullying. Any agreement to end this dispute must and will include a framework for the full restoration of those travel concessions.
Secondly, the company has vindictively acted to dock pay from crew not just for days taken on strike, but in some cases for longer periods, significantly impacting on your income. Accordingly, Unite will pay strike pay at our agreed rate not just for days taken on strike, but for ALL days for which the employer has deducted wages as a result of the industrial action. The union is discussing with your representatives an appropriate procedure on how best to do this.
In solidarity,
Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley
Joint general secretaries
First of all we would like to once again congratulate you on your magnificent support for the strike action taken last weekend. Let us assure you that we are working night and day to find a way to reach a decent agreement with British Airways to bring this dispute to a speedy resolution.
However, there is no reason to anticipate that we will secure such an agreement before the second scheduled strike action, to run for four days from this Saturday. It is vital that you show continued commitment to our cause, and to gain the respect from your employer by supporting this strike.
We would therefore like to offer your union's full support and assurance on two issues we know are of the utmost importance to you.
First, we repeat that the withdrawal of travel concessions from crew who have been on strike represents unacceptable anti-union bullying. Any agreement to end this dispute must and will include a framework for the full restoration of those travel concessions.
Secondly, the company has vindictively acted to dock pay from crew not just for days taken on strike, but in some cases for longer periods, significantly impacting on your income. Accordingly, Unite will pay strike pay at our agreed rate not just for days taken on strike, but for ALL days for which the employer has deducted wages as a result of the industrial action. The union is discussing with your representatives an appropriate procedure on how best to do this.
In solidarity,
Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley
Joint general secretaries
Friday, March 26, 2010
Unite: No prospect of averting four-day BA strike
Brian Boyd, Unite National Officer says there is no prospect of averting 4 day strike.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8589210.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8589210.stm
Monday, March 22, 2010
Nicky Campbell Interviews Les Bayliss On Maximum Wage
Les Bayliss Interviwed by Nicky Campbell on his The Big Questions programme
www.les4gs.com/les4gs/Les_on_the_small_screen.html
www.les4gs.com/les4gs/Les_on_the_small_screen.html
Steelworkers Applaud Historic Step For US Health Care Reform
The USW has applauded the US Congress' passage of historic health insurance reform and called in the Senate to quickly pass a corrections bill.
The United Steelworkers applauded the historic vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to pass health insurance reform and called on the Senate to act swiftly on the corrections legislation that will help millions of Americans.
"Today's historic vote was a huge step in the right direction. Reform will help get our economy back on track by lowering skyrocketing health care costs, saving jobs and relieving working families and businesses from the crushing medical bills that are causing bankruptcy and heartache," said Leo W. Gerard, International President of the USW.
"It not only makes sense economically, but it's morally the right thing to do. Our union has fought for a long time for health care for all. We consider it a basic human right. These reforms are desperately needed and move us a huge step towards that goal. We urge the Senate to act quickly to pass the corrections bill and move this historic legislation to President Obama's desk," Gerard said.
The legislation would extend coverage to an estimated 32 million uninsured, bar insurers from denying coverage on the basis of existing medical conditions and cut federal deficits by an estimated $138 billion over a decade.
"The bill isn't perfect, but it makes progress," Gerard said. "We appreciate so much the members of the House who had the courage to stand up against the right wing and the insurance special interests and stand up for working families, and we look forward to the Senate doing the same."
The legislation would:
Extend health insurance coverage to millions of uninsured persons, assuring coverage for 95 percent of Americans;
Ensure that coverage is affordable by providing substantial subsidies for middle income families;
Implement insurance market reforms to outlaw abusive practices by insurance companies, such as denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions;
Provide assistance to employers and VEBAs to encourage them to continue coverage for pre-Medicare retirees;
Close the Medicare Part D "doughnut hole" that costs our seniors hundreds or even thousands of dollars in prescription drug costs; and
Reduce costs for individuals and businesses by eliminating most uncompensated care, reforming the delivery and provider payment systems, and creating exchanges to facilitate coverage in a cost-effective manner.
The USW represents 850,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada employed in the industries of metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service sector. For more information: www.usw.org/.
The United Steelworkers applauded the historic vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to pass health insurance reform and called on the Senate to act swiftly on the corrections legislation that will help millions of Americans.
"Today's historic vote was a huge step in the right direction. Reform will help get our economy back on track by lowering skyrocketing health care costs, saving jobs and relieving working families and businesses from the crushing medical bills that are causing bankruptcy and heartache," said Leo W. Gerard, International President of the USW.
"It not only makes sense economically, but it's morally the right thing to do. Our union has fought for a long time for health care for all. We consider it a basic human right. These reforms are desperately needed and move us a huge step towards that goal. We urge the Senate to act quickly to pass the corrections bill and move this historic legislation to President Obama's desk," Gerard said.
The legislation would extend coverage to an estimated 32 million uninsured, bar insurers from denying coverage on the basis of existing medical conditions and cut federal deficits by an estimated $138 billion over a decade.
"The bill isn't perfect, but it makes progress," Gerard said. "We appreciate so much the members of the House who had the courage to stand up against the right wing and the insurance special interests and stand up for working families, and we look forward to the Senate doing the same."
The legislation would:
Extend health insurance coverage to millions of uninsured persons, assuring coverage for 95 percent of Americans;
Ensure that coverage is affordable by providing substantial subsidies for middle income families;
Implement insurance market reforms to outlaw abusive practices by insurance companies, such as denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions;
Provide assistance to employers and VEBAs to encourage them to continue coverage for pre-Medicare retirees;
Close the Medicare Part D "doughnut hole" that costs our seniors hundreds or even thousands of dollars in prescription drug costs; and
Reduce costs for individuals and businesses by eliminating most uncompensated care, reforming the delivery and provider payment systems, and creating exchanges to facilitate coverage in a cost-effective manner.
The USW represents 850,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada employed in the industries of metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service sector. For more information: www.usw.org/.
Email From Les4GS
Let’s not waste the power of Unite
Unlike other union mergers the fusion of Amicus and the T&G to create Unite was based on a political strategy rather than a financial necessity. It was clear to us, even before the credit crunch, that multi national companies and big financial institutions had a strangle hold on power and working people were suffering as a result. Pay and pensions were under attack at home and in the developing world exploitation was getting worse and trade unionists were reduced to spectators.
We had to admit that small domestically organised unions that were losing members were no match for the might of Wall St and the City of London. In 2005 we put aside the old enmity between skilled and semi skilled and blue and white color workers because it was obvious that competition between unions and workers was self-defeating. Similarly we had to set aside our nationalistic approach to organising workers if we were to avoid being constantly played off against unions and workers in other countries by the employers.
The political power of big business and the financial institutions, those who are represented at the World Economic Forum in Davos in Switzerland, had outstripped governments and even international federations like the EU since the seventies. Billionaires have forced governments of the right and left to deregulate the finance industry, dilute employment protection and sell off public industries for the profit of the few. The rich didn’t get richer over the last 40 years by accident.
Meanwhile the many unions affiliated to the Labour party in the UK squandered the potential influence that could have been ours for years. This was partly due to our collective terror at the prospect of the return of the Tories but also it was down to the vanity of previous union leaders who reveled in the reflected glory of dining with a Prime Minister.
Unite was formed to eliminate competition between unions, to create an international union, and to maximize our political influence to start tip the balance of power back toward working people. The hysterical press coverage on the BA dispute recently clearly shows that this strategy was correct and it's working. Overblown statements like “The Labour Party is the political wing of Unite” demonstrate the fear and loathing that Unite is stirring among the rich and powerful. The Tories have even cried foul on the support that the Teamsters and the USW in the US have offered BA workers. They scream that we are too powerful, that we are destroying the economy and influencing government with our cash. The irony may be lost on them but it isn’t lost on our members.
That the Tories failed to have an impact on the polls with their union bashing is because we are responding to demands from our members for us to make sure the party we support supports them. Our efforts to do this include mobilising our members in marginal constituencies with using direct contact methods we’ve learnt from our sister union the USW. We are also being proactive in getting working people into Parliament. We‘re organising in constituency parties to elect people as our lawmakers who have real life experience, because it’s what our members want.
The Tories and the British establishment are not the only ones to recognise the potential power and influence of Unite and the international union we have created. Ultra left factions are organising to capture the union for their own fanciful purposes. We have an election for General Secretary this year and the importance of that position being occupied by an individual who represents the members, rather than an outside minority political interest, cannot be overstated.
The SWP and the old Militant Tendency will be backing at least two candidates in the election and it’s vitally important for the whole Labour Movement that neither of them wins. Only the Tories will benefit from Unite’s potential being wasted on glorious defeats and the pursuit of obscure causes that alienate our members.
Unlike other union mergers the fusion of Amicus and the T&G to create Unite was based on a political strategy rather than a financial necessity. It was clear to us, even before the credit crunch, that multi national companies and big financial institutions had a strangle hold on power and working people were suffering as a result. Pay and pensions were under attack at home and in the developing world exploitation was getting worse and trade unionists were reduced to spectators.
We had to admit that small domestically organised unions that were losing members were no match for the might of Wall St and the City of London. In 2005 we put aside the old enmity between skilled and semi skilled and blue and white color workers because it was obvious that competition between unions and workers was self-defeating. Similarly we had to set aside our nationalistic approach to organising workers if we were to avoid being constantly played off against unions and workers in other countries by the employers.
The political power of big business and the financial institutions, those who are represented at the World Economic Forum in Davos in Switzerland, had outstripped governments and even international federations like the EU since the seventies. Billionaires have forced governments of the right and left to deregulate the finance industry, dilute employment protection and sell off public industries for the profit of the few. The rich didn’t get richer over the last 40 years by accident.
Meanwhile the many unions affiliated to the Labour party in the UK squandered the potential influence that could have been ours for years. This was partly due to our collective terror at the prospect of the return of the Tories but also it was down to the vanity of previous union leaders who reveled in the reflected glory of dining with a Prime Minister.
Unite was formed to eliminate competition between unions, to create an international union, and to maximize our political influence to start tip the balance of power back toward working people. The hysterical press coverage on the BA dispute recently clearly shows that this strategy was correct and it's working. Overblown statements like “The Labour Party is the political wing of Unite” demonstrate the fear and loathing that Unite is stirring among the rich and powerful. The Tories have even cried foul on the support that the Teamsters and the USW in the US have offered BA workers. They scream that we are too powerful, that we are destroying the economy and influencing government with our cash. The irony may be lost on them but it isn’t lost on our members.
That the Tories failed to have an impact on the polls with their union bashing is because we are responding to demands from our members for us to make sure the party we support supports them. Our efforts to do this include mobilising our members in marginal constituencies with using direct contact methods we’ve learnt from our sister union the USW. We are also being proactive in getting working people into Parliament. We‘re organising in constituency parties to elect people as our lawmakers who have real life experience, because it’s what our members want.
The Tories and the British establishment are not the only ones to recognise the potential power and influence of Unite and the international union we have created. Ultra left factions are organising to capture the union for their own fanciful purposes. We have an election for General Secretary this year and the importance of that position being occupied by an individual who represents the members, rather than an outside minority political interest, cannot be overstated.
The SWP and the old Militant Tendency will be backing at least two candidates in the election and it’s vitally important for the whole Labour Movement that neither of them wins. Only the Tories will benefit from Unite’s potential being wasted on glorious defeats and the pursuit of obscure causes that alienate our members.
Cleaning Workers Uniting Group Data Base
Workers Uniting Group is currently cleaning up its data base of email addresses to remove those no longer in use and to update information,
If you didn't get a message advising of this or your email has changed - please complete the sign up again on the website.
If you didn't get a message advising of this or your email has changed - please complete the sign up again on the website.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tony Woodley's Letter To Unite BA Cabin Crew
Dear Colleagues,
Let me first of all congratulate you on yesterday's magnificent start to the industrial action which has been forced on you. You have stood up and stood strong for your rights your dignity and your pride in the face of a bullying management and a malicious Tory media.
My message to you this morning is I know it is difficult but stay strong, be brave. Don't be intimidated. Don't let the unfair abuse get to you. Remember – Unite did not want this dispute. We don't want to hurt the travelling public or damage your employer. But you have a management which unfortunately seems to want capitulation not a negotiated settlement. Under such circumstances, your cause is just and your action is legal. You cannot be sacked for taking this strike action.
I am ashamed when I see you having to conceal your faces as you enter a union meeting to avoid identification and when you have to talk to the television with your back to the camera for fear of reprisals. Willie Walsh seems to forget he is in Britain, not Burma. He talks about respect – he should practice what he preaches.
More importantly, let me explain to you clearly – there was no negotiated agreement on offer. The take-it-or-leave-it "offer" on the table last Friday disappointed me greatly because some progress had been made and if the management team, which already had their coats on ready for a walk-out, had been prepared to continue talking a solution could have been reached. But in the event BA reverted back to imposition not negotiation.
As a leader with forty years experience as an industrial negotiator the offer was not, in my judgement and in all honesty, one I could have recommended to myself, never mind you. Specifically, it would not have given you the protection you are entitled to expect in respect of the allocation of your routes, destinations and time off and to a degree pay when "new fleet" comes in, still less your basic pay rates into the future. Additionally, we reached no agreement on dispensation to retain your democratic strike mandate as legally-valid even had we put the offer to a ballot.
It is now crucial that you all stay solid with the union, even if you are scared by management's tactics, or just conned by some of the phoney PR around the dispute. I know that the vast majority of you are supporting each other, and I pledge that your union Unite is putting all its resources and strength into supporting your dispute and securing a decent agreement.
For the few of you – and on all our information it is a small minority, contrary to the company's "spin" – who have gone into work, I ask you: Think again. Stand by your colleagues and come back to join the dispute. To those working out of Gatwick remember this: The only way in the long-term to secure and maintain decent crew levels, transfer and route opportunities and improve pay, terms and conditions is by having a strong union that can represent your interests. It will not be done by a company bribe or promises made purely to encourage strike-breaking.
To all of you, let me make it clear that this dispute will end in a negotiated settlement, and that settlement must include a framework for the reintroduction of travel concessions – not a privilege, but custom-and-practice – which BA are removing from you.
Today, I will be appealing to British Airways at board level to take matters in hand and restart negotiations to reach an agreement which would allow the strike scheduled for next weekend to be averted and put your airline on the road to recovery. I know that is what you all want, and it is what the travelling public expect. We have said all along that negotiations, not litigation, intimidation nor confrontation is the way forward. BA must understand that capitulation is not on the menu either.
\Stay strong, and I hope to be joining you on the picket line tomorrow.
Tony Woodley, joint general secretary, Unite
For all the latest updates on the BA Strike go to:
http://www.unitetheunion.com/campaigns/ba_united_we_stand.aspx
Let me first of all congratulate you on yesterday's magnificent start to the industrial action which has been forced on you. You have stood up and stood strong for your rights your dignity and your pride in the face of a bullying management and a malicious Tory media.
My message to you this morning is I know it is difficult but stay strong, be brave. Don't be intimidated. Don't let the unfair abuse get to you. Remember – Unite did not want this dispute. We don't want to hurt the travelling public or damage your employer. But you have a management which unfortunately seems to want capitulation not a negotiated settlement. Under such circumstances, your cause is just and your action is legal. You cannot be sacked for taking this strike action.
I am ashamed when I see you having to conceal your faces as you enter a union meeting to avoid identification and when you have to talk to the television with your back to the camera for fear of reprisals. Willie Walsh seems to forget he is in Britain, not Burma. He talks about respect – he should practice what he preaches.
More importantly, let me explain to you clearly – there was no negotiated agreement on offer. The take-it-or-leave-it "offer" on the table last Friday disappointed me greatly because some progress had been made and if the management team, which already had their coats on ready for a walk-out, had been prepared to continue talking a solution could have been reached. But in the event BA reverted back to imposition not negotiation.
As a leader with forty years experience as an industrial negotiator the offer was not, in my judgement and in all honesty, one I could have recommended to myself, never mind you. Specifically, it would not have given you the protection you are entitled to expect in respect of the allocation of your routes, destinations and time off and to a degree pay when "new fleet" comes in, still less your basic pay rates into the future. Additionally, we reached no agreement on dispensation to retain your democratic strike mandate as legally-valid even had we put the offer to a ballot.
It is now crucial that you all stay solid with the union, even if you are scared by management's tactics, or just conned by some of the phoney PR around the dispute. I know that the vast majority of you are supporting each other, and I pledge that your union Unite is putting all its resources and strength into supporting your dispute and securing a decent agreement.
For the few of you – and on all our information it is a small minority, contrary to the company's "spin" – who have gone into work, I ask you: Think again. Stand by your colleagues and come back to join the dispute. To those working out of Gatwick remember this: The only way in the long-term to secure and maintain decent crew levels, transfer and route opportunities and improve pay, terms and conditions is by having a strong union that can represent your interests. It will not be done by a company bribe or promises made purely to encourage strike-breaking.
To all of you, let me make it clear that this dispute will end in a negotiated settlement, and that settlement must include a framework for the reintroduction of travel concessions – not a privilege, but custom-and-practice – which BA are removing from you.
Today, I will be appealing to British Airways at board level to take matters in hand and restart negotiations to reach an agreement which would allow the strike scheduled for next weekend to be averted and put your airline on the road to recovery. I know that is what you all want, and it is what the travelling public expect. We have said all along that negotiations, not litigation, intimidation nor confrontation is the way forward. BA must understand that capitulation is not on the menu either.
\Stay strong, and I hope to be joining you on the picket line tomorrow.
Tony Woodley, joint general secretary, Unite
For all the latest updates on the BA Strike go to:
http://www.unitetheunion.com/campaigns/ba_united_we_stand.aspx
Saturday, March 20, 2010
ECHR upholds right to collective bargaining and to strike
Demir and Baykara Case.
This an important development and has been sent through to us by a number of Workers Uniting Group Supporters who asked for it to be circulated. The reports is from the respected Sonia McKay of the Working Lives Research Institute.
"The European Court of Human Rights made two recent judgements in the cases of Demir and Baykara v. Turkey and Enerji Yapi-Yol Sen v. Turkey.
The cases declare that Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights includes a right to collectively bargain and precludes a blanket ban on a right to strike.
Court upholds right to collective bargaining
Two recent rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) state that the exercise of the right to form and join trade unions includes the right to collective bargaining and the right to strike. The judgement in the first case, Demir and Baykara v. Turkey (Application No. 34503/97), was delivered on 12 November 2008. At the time when the Tum Bel Sen trade union was formed – as the union representing civil servants in Turkey – Turkish law did not permit civil service trade unionism, although a collective agreement negotiated between the union and the employer was in operation for two years before it was annulled. Demir and Baykara, representing the trade union and its members, claimed at the ECHR that the right to collectively bargain was contained within Article 11 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. This article states:
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to freedom of association with others, including the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
2. No restrictions shall be placed on the exercise of these rights other than such as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. This article shall not prevent the imposition of lawful restrictions on the exercise of these rights by members of the armed forces, of the police or of the administration of the State.
The ECHR noted the declaration of the right in Article 11(1) and the restrictions under Article 11(2). It held that these had to be strictly construed and that they could not impair the very essence of the right to organise.
Restrictions imposed by the state thus had to be shown to be legitimate and civil servants could not be treated as ‘members of the administration of the state’.
The court went on to rule that the right to collectively bargain with an employer in principle had become one of the essential elements of the right to form and join trade unions, guaranteed under Article 11.
Court finds strike ban too restrictive
The judgement in the second case, Enerji Yapi-Yol Sen v. Turkey (Application No. 68959/01), was delivered on 21 April 2009 and expanded further on the point made in the earlier Demir ruling. The case concerned a state prohibition on public sector trade unions from taking industrial action.
Members of the trade union Enerji Yapi-Yol Sen who ignored the prohibition were disciplined and the union brought the case to the ECHR, alleging that the ban on strikes interfered with their right to form and join trade unions as guaranteed under Article 11. While the court acknowledged that the right to strike was not absolute and could be subject to certain conditions and restrictions, it held that a ban applied to all public servants was too wide a restriction.
The ECHR held that the disciplinary action was ‘capable of discouraging trade union members and others from exercising their legitimate right to take part in such one-day strikes or other actions aimed at defending their members’ interests’ and amounted to a threat to rights guaranteed under Article 11.
The strike ban was not in response to a ‘pressing social need’ and the Turkish government had thus failed to justify the need for the impugned restriction in a democratic society.
Sonia McKay, Working Lives Research Institute
This an important development and has been sent through to us by a number of Workers Uniting Group Supporters who asked for it to be circulated. The reports is from the respected Sonia McKay of the Working Lives Research Institute.
"The European Court of Human Rights made two recent judgements in the cases of Demir and Baykara v. Turkey and Enerji Yapi-Yol Sen v. Turkey.
The cases declare that Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights includes a right to collectively bargain and precludes a blanket ban on a right to strike.
Court upholds right to collective bargaining
Two recent rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) state that the exercise of the right to form and join trade unions includes the right to collective bargaining and the right to strike. The judgement in the first case, Demir and Baykara v. Turkey (Application No. 34503/97), was delivered on 12 November 2008. At the time when the Tum Bel Sen trade union was formed – as the union representing civil servants in Turkey – Turkish law did not permit civil service trade unionism, although a collective agreement negotiated between the union and the employer was in operation for two years before it was annulled. Demir and Baykara, representing the trade union and its members, claimed at the ECHR that the right to collectively bargain was contained within Article 11 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. This article states:
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to freedom of association with others, including the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
2. No restrictions shall be placed on the exercise of these rights other than such as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. This article shall not prevent the imposition of lawful restrictions on the exercise of these rights by members of the armed forces, of the police or of the administration of the State.
The ECHR noted the declaration of the right in Article 11(1) and the restrictions under Article 11(2). It held that these had to be strictly construed and that they could not impair the very essence of the right to organise.
Restrictions imposed by the state thus had to be shown to be legitimate and civil servants could not be treated as ‘members of the administration of the state’.
The court went on to rule that the right to collectively bargain with an employer in principle had become one of the essential elements of the right to form and join trade unions, guaranteed under Article 11.
Court finds strike ban too restrictive
The judgement in the second case, Enerji Yapi-Yol Sen v. Turkey (Application No. 68959/01), was delivered on 21 April 2009 and expanded further on the point made in the earlier Demir ruling. The case concerned a state prohibition on public sector trade unions from taking industrial action.
Members of the trade union Enerji Yapi-Yol Sen who ignored the prohibition were disciplined and the union brought the case to the ECHR, alleging that the ban on strikes interfered with their right to form and join trade unions as guaranteed under Article 11. While the court acknowledged that the right to strike was not absolute and could be subject to certain conditions and restrictions, it held that a ban applied to all public servants was too wide a restriction.
The ECHR held that the disciplinary action was ‘capable of discouraging trade union members and others from exercising their legitimate right to take part in such one-day strikes or other actions aimed at defending their members’ interests’ and amounted to a threat to rights guaranteed under Article 11.
The strike ban was not in response to a ‘pressing social need’ and the Turkish government had thus failed to justify the need for the impugned restriction in a democratic society.
Sonia McKay, Working Lives Research Institute
Friday, March 19, 2010
UNITE AND JFL WELCOME PUB MINISTERS SUPPORT PACKAGE
Justice for Licensees and Unite today welcomed Pub Minister John Healey’s support package for struggling community pubs as providing much needed practical support from the Government for an industry that plays a vital role both in ensuring sustainable communities and in making a valuable contribution to the UK economy.
Paul Naylor, President of Licensees Unite, said; “John Healey is a straight talking, forward thinking MP who, because he has been prepared to listen, has quickly got to grips with the serious issues facing our industry and as a result is now making some very positive proposals that must be welcomed. Whilst of course there is still much to be done, this is an excellent start and represents a well thought out strategy to support community pubs and provide the impetus for us to move forward positively. Unite has had several discussions with John Healey and there is commitment on both sides to work closely together in the future to continue to develop the strategies needed to pull the industry back from the abyss.”
Inez Ward founder of Justice for Licensees and long time campaigner to save the Great British Pub, said; “We are now hopeful that there will be a new dawn within this trade. The British pub is such an important part of Britain’s history, heritage and culture and she deserves all the help that she can get. The PubCos must play their part in embracing this much needed change; if they do, we remain quietly confident that this sector will emerge stronger, more united and a much improved version of its former self. Now is the time for all parties to work together for the benefit of the trade and we look forward to working together with all stakeholders of this great industry”
Paul Naylor, President of Licensees Unite, said; “John Healey is a straight talking, forward thinking MP who, because he has been prepared to listen, has quickly got to grips with the serious issues facing our industry and as a result is now making some very positive proposals that must be welcomed. Whilst of course there is still much to be done, this is an excellent start and represents a well thought out strategy to support community pubs and provide the impetus for us to move forward positively. Unite has had several discussions with John Healey and there is commitment on both sides to work closely together in the future to continue to develop the strategies needed to pull the industry back from the abyss.”
Inez Ward founder of Justice for Licensees and long time campaigner to save the Great British Pub, said; “We are now hopeful that there will be a new dawn within this trade. The British pub is such an important part of Britain’s history, heritage and culture and she deserves all the help that she can get. The PubCos must play their part in embracing this much needed change; if they do, we remain quietly confident that this sector will emerge stronger, more united and a much improved version of its former self. Now is the time for all parties to work together for the benefit of the trade and we look forward to working together with all stakeholders of this great industry”
BA Dispute: Unite's latest e-newsletter - "We’ve gone the extra mile"
Can be found @
http://unite.newsweaver.co.uk/h3qqaj7mdn4-47daw5oyt3?email=true
http://unite.newsweaver.co.uk/h3qqaj7mdn4-47daw5oyt3?email=true
"The growing threat to Venezuela" - by Jennie Bremner
The growing threat to Venezuela
By Jennie Bremner, Unite AGS & VSC Chair
In 1998, Hugo Chávez won the presidential election in Venezuela for the first time. Whilst many didn’t realise its huge significance for the Left across the world at the time, the period since has seen Venezuela become a beacon of social progress across the world. Chavez was followed in the region by a wave of governments which refused to accept US domination, meaning that over the past decade the US military presence in Latin America has been steadily eroded.
In 1999, the year Chavez came to power, the US base in Panama was closed. Then in 2004 its 50-year presence in Venezuela was ended.
Last year Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa refused to renew the agreement on the US base in his country.
But the US is far from pleased about these developments and is stepping up its efforts to roll back the progressive tide - no doubt with one eye on south America's vast oil and gas reserves, not only in Venezuela but also Bolivia, Brazil and elsewhere.
Part of this counter-offensive has seen the US secure - and in the future probably further expand - the number of military bases it has access to in the region.
Last year the Pentagon announced it would open seven new bases in Colombia and four new bases have been agreed in Panama, with possibly more on the way.
In a sinister warning sign, the US has also reactivated its Fourth Naval Fleet, which was taken out of service in 1948, in order to patrol the Atlantic coast of south America.
In 2008 Colombian forces violated neighbouring Ecuador's territory. Although this intervention was roundly condemned, it was seen by many on the left as a signal of further US or US-backed interventions in the future.
With last summer's coup in Honduras, many of those who'd raised concerns felt vindicated - the coup-plotters made use of the US base in Soto Cano, despite Barack Obama publicly claiming opposition to the president's overthrow.
This year further coup plots have been discovered in Paraguay and Ecuador, with Correa stating that the Ecuadorian government has received "intelligence reports that support with data and figures that conspirators have being receiving help not just from the US government but from US right-wing organisations."
Correa argued that "this is the new method for destabilising progressive governments that don't want to follow orders from a foreign master."
Such warnings have particular resonance in Venezuela, not only because of the temporarily successful coup in 2002 but also because of President Obama's hostile public position towards the country's elected government.
Last month national director of intelligence Admiral Dennis Blair presented the Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community to US policy-makers.
The report details the perceived threats to US interests and security around the world.
This year, in addition to the usual suspects, such as Iran, Afghanistan and al-Qaida, the report dedicates significant space to Venezuela, arguing that "Hugo Chavez has established himself as one of the US's foremost international detractors, denouncing liberal democracy and market capitalism and opposing US policies and interests in the region."
US writer Eva Golinger has taken the report to indicate that "operations against the Chavez government will substantially increase this year."
Alongside this escalation of hostility, corporate media stories across the world have falsely claimed that, among many other things, Venezuela "supports terrorism."
Acclaimed film-maker and writer John Pilger has argued that, when considered alongside the new US militarisation of the region, this media propaganda has "laid the ground" for intervention against Venezuela.
The labour movement and progressives of all kinds in Britain have a proud history of support for the people of Chile, Nicaragua, El Salvador and, most recently, Honduras.
We must now fully support Venezuela and other progressive governments and raise awareness of the new threats they face.
* Jennie Bremner is assistant general secretary of Unite and chair of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign. She will be one of the speakers at the Venezuela Under Threat event on March 27 at Bolivar Hall, 54 Grafton Way W1T 5DL from 11am to 5pm.
The event is followed by a fundraising dinner in Islington with special guests Ambassador Samuel Moncada, Tony Burke (Unite AGS) and local Labour MP Emily Thornberry.
Visit http://www.vicuk.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=656 to register online today!
By Jennie Bremner, Unite AGS & VSC Chair
In 1998, Hugo Chávez won the presidential election in Venezuela for the first time. Whilst many didn’t realise its huge significance for the Left across the world at the time, the period since has seen Venezuela become a beacon of social progress across the world. Chavez was followed in the region by a wave of governments which refused to accept US domination, meaning that over the past decade the US military presence in Latin America has been steadily eroded.
In 1999, the year Chavez came to power, the US base in Panama was closed. Then in 2004 its 50-year presence in Venezuela was ended.
Last year Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa refused to renew the agreement on the US base in his country.
But the US is far from pleased about these developments and is stepping up its efforts to roll back the progressive tide - no doubt with one eye on south America's vast oil and gas reserves, not only in Venezuela but also Bolivia, Brazil and elsewhere.
Part of this counter-offensive has seen the US secure - and in the future probably further expand - the number of military bases it has access to in the region.
Last year the Pentagon announced it would open seven new bases in Colombia and four new bases have been agreed in Panama, with possibly more on the way.
In a sinister warning sign, the US has also reactivated its Fourth Naval Fleet, which was taken out of service in 1948, in order to patrol the Atlantic coast of south America.
In 2008 Colombian forces violated neighbouring Ecuador's territory. Although this intervention was roundly condemned, it was seen by many on the left as a signal of further US or US-backed interventions in the future.
With last summer's coup in Honduras, many of those who'd raised concerns felt vindicated - the coup-plotters made use of the US base in Soto Cano, despite Barack Obama publicly claiming opposition to the president's overthrow.
This year further coup plots have been discovered in Paraguay and Ecuador, with Correa stating that the Ecuadorian government has received "intelligence reports that support with data and figures that conspirators have being receiving help not just from the US government but from US right-wing organisations."
Correa argued that "this is the new method for destabilising progressive governments that don't want to follow orders from a foreign master."
Such warnings have particular resonance in Venezuela, not only because of the temporarily successful coup in 2002 but also because of President Obama's hostile public position towards the country's elected government.
Last month national director of intelligence Admiral Dennis Blair presented the Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community to US policy-makers.
The report details the perceived threats to US interests and security around the world.
This year, in addition to the usual suspects, such as Iran, Afghanistan and al-Qaida, the report dedicates significant space to Venezuela, arguing that "Hugo Chavez has established himself as one of the US's foremost international detractors, denouncing liberal democracy and market capitalism and opposing US policies and interests in the region."
US writer Eva Golinger has taken the report to indicate that "operations against the Chavez government will substantially increase this year."
Alongside this escalation of hostility, corporate media stories across the world have falsely claimed that, among many other things, Venezuela "supports terrorism."
Acclaimed film-maker and writer John Pilger has argued that, when considered alongside the new US militarisation of the region, this media propaganda has "laid the ground" for intervention against Venezuela.
The labour movement and progressives of all kinds in Britain have a proud history of support for the people of Chile, Nicaragua, El Salvador and, most recently, Honduras.
We must now fully support Venezuela and other progressive governments and raise awareness of the new threats they face.
* Jennie Bremner is assistant general secretary of Unite and chair of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign. She will be one of the speakers at the Venezuela Under Threat event on March 27 at Bolivar Hall, 54 Grafton Way W1T 5DL from 11am to 5pm.
The event is followed by a fundraising dinner in Islington with special guests Ambassador Samuel Moncada, Tony Burke (Unite AGS) and local Labour MP Emily Thornberry.
Visit http://www.vicuk.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=656 to register online today!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Truth About The BA Dispute and Teamsters Statement on Support For Unite
Read Unite email to activists on the BA Strike @
http://unite.newsweaver.co.uk/ugl8cdmtbpq-47daw5oyt3?email=true
Commenting on the BA Strike a Teamsters spokesman said:
“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Unite who are fighting for a fair contract at British Airways.
“The Teamsters are an active member of the International Transport Workers Federation. ITF affiliates around the world are mobilizing to support British Airways workers in their fight for passenger safety and worker respect.
“Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa has been in communication with Unite’s Joint-General Secretary Tony Woodley regarding his members’ struggles with British Airways management.”
http://unite.newsweaver.co.uk/ugl8cdmtbpq-47daw5oyt3?email=true
Commenting on the BA Strike a Teamsters spokesman said:
“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at Unite who are fighting for a fair contract at British Airways.
“The Teamsters are an active member of the International Transport Workers Federation. ITF affiliates around the world are mobilizing to support British Airways workers in their fight for passenger safety and worker respect.
“Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa has been in communication with Unite’s Joint-General Secretary Tony Woodley regarding his members’ struggles with British Airways management.”
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
MHPA and Unite Reach Pension's Deal
Milford Haven Port Authority and Unite reach agreement on pilots' pensions
Milford Haven Port Authority and Unite have reached agreement, resulting in planned industrial action by pilots at the port being called off.
The talks came just a week before the end of a 28 consultation period in which Unite agreed to suspend industrial action in order to discuss details of further offers tabled by MHPA on February 22nd.
The dispute concerned changes to the Authority's pensions scheme following a long period of increased deficit on the company's final salary pension schemes.
Milford Haven Port Authority and Unite have reached agreement, resulting in planned industrial action by pilots at the port being called off.
The talks came just a week before the end of a 28 consultation period in which Unite agreed to suspend industrial action in order to discuss details of further offers tabled by MHPA on February 22nd.
The dispute concerned changes to the Authority's pensions scheme following a long period of increased deficit on the company's final salary pension schemes.
Monday, March 15, 2010
National Print Pay Deal - Unite tells members push for 3.7% pay rise
Unite has urged members working under the BPIF National Agreement to push for a 3.7% wage increase from their employers, based on the current UK Retail Price Index (RPI).
The union's call to action comes after the BPIF said they had no mandate to negotiate a pay increase for 2010.
In addition to putting the 2005 Partnership At Work (PAW) agreement in jeopardy, this decision has led the union to advise its chapels to negotiate pay increases with full support from the union at regional and national level.
In a letter to all members Unite said: "The BPIF position last year was that as the Retail Price Index was in the negative, there should be no increase. Following the BPIF's logic, the claim should be an increase in wages of 3.7%, which is the current Retail Price Index."
In addition, the letter claims some employers have already come to agreements over pay, with rises ranging from 1-3%.
Unite national officer Steve Sibbald said the union would continue to push for the national pay agreement to return in order to preserve the PAW agreement.
"Our whole objective is to save the national agreement. It took a lot of time and money to get the agreement in place and, if we are complacent, the partnership is buried," he said. We think it is worth fighting for - it promises to deliver so much, but that won't happen overnight. It is a unique progressive agreement that can do so much for this industry. Yet, the first time we reach trouble and have a chance to work through a problem together, the BPIF turn up with a mandate."
The BPIF has reiterated that is also sees a future in the partnership, but insisted that some members were not in a position to implement a pay increase this year, because of the recession.
The union's call to action comes after the BPIF said they had no mandate to negotiate a pay increase for 2010.
In addition to putting the 2005 Partnership At Work (PAW) agreement in jeopardy, this decision has led the union to advise its chapels to negotiate pay increases with full support from the union at regional and national level.
In a letter to all members Unite said: "The BPIF position last year was that as the Retail Price Index was in the negative, there should be no increase. Following the BPIF's logic, the claim should be an increase in wages of 3.7%, which is the current Retail Price Index."
In addition, the letter claims some employers have already come to agreements over pay, with rises ranging from 1-3%.
Unite national officer Steve Sibbald said the union would continue to push for the national pay agreement to return in order to preserve the PAW agreement.
"Our whole objective is to save the national agreement. It took a lot of time and money to get the agreement in place and, if we are complacent, the partnership is buried," he said. We think it is worth fighting for - it promises to deliver so much, but that won't happen overnight. It is a unique progressive agreement that can do so much for this industry. Yet, the first time we reach trouble and have a chance to work through a problem together, the BPIF turn up with a mandate."
The BPIF has reiterated that is also sees a future in the partnership, but insisted that some members were not in a position to implement a pay increase this year, because of the recession.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Unite Mobilising In Key Marginals
Unite is mobilising members to canvass for Labour in key marginal constituencies, and help counteract the money being poured into the areas by the Conservative election team.
Up to 100,000 Unite members in 90 marginals will be contacted by the union, in the hope that it will galvanise support for the government.
"In 90 key seats the Unite membership is larger than the current Labour majority," said Charlie Whelan. "If almost every Unite member voted Labour, we would win the election. If the union delivers votes it has a lot more influence than if it simply delivers cash. That is the brutal truth."
He added: "Unions traditionally had a policy of bunging money to the party and saying 'get on with it', but we have taken a different approach. In terms of resources there is no way in a million years we can match what Lord Ashcroft is putting in to the Conservative party."
The technique has been borrowed from Barack Obama's election team and Charlie Whelan is hoping that the union member-to-union member approach will generate new levels of Labour support.
Unite is using a virtual phone bank, software that lets activists access a list of members living in a region's marginal seats and phone them. "You don't need to go to the union's local office or a call centre any longer to make these calls," he said. "The beauty of the system is that it can work anywhere. Unite members are quite happy talking to other members."
So far, 1,000 activists are using the phone bank regularly. Unite's head office can see how many calls are made daily, and monitor the running issues.
Charlie Whelan said: "At present we are on course for 100,000 members being called in the key seats, by the time of the election. All I can say in terms of feedback, is how much union members enjoy doing it, and how pleased they are to get a call from another member. One reason it works because it is not coming from a political party. It is not just about asking members to vote Labour. If it was, it would not work. It is also about ascertaining their views. One goal is to find out what issues are motivating union members."
The answers, he said, were often immigration and protection of wages and conditions. "This cannot be a cynical exercise. They want to know their views are going to be listened to. So if we ask them their views, we have to push them inside the union. It's true our members have not been happy with Labour, but at no stage has there been a mass desertion from Labour to the Tories. We have been doing a real opinion poll every day."
The idea of direct member-to-member contact has been influenced by how Obama drew on organisations such as the United Steelworkers of America (USW).
Charlie Whelan said: "For many years the USW has had a successful strategy of talking to its members on a regular basic. It knew what they thought. As a result, the union managed to persuade 90% of those who voted, to vote for Obama."
For more information visit:
http://unite4labour.org/
Up to 100,000 Unite members in 90 marginals will be contacted by the union, in the hope that it will galvanise support for the government.
"In 90 key seats the Unite membership is larger than the current Labour majority," said Charlie Whelan. "If almost every Unite member voted Labour, we would win the election. If the union delivers votes it has a lot more influence than if it simply delivers cash. That is the brutal truth."
He added: "Unions traditionally had a policy of bunging money to the party and saying 'get on with it', but we have taken a different approach. In terms of resources there is no way in a million years we can match what Lord Ashcroft is putting in to the Conservative party."
The technique has been borrowed from Barack Obama's election team and Charlie Whelan is hoping that the union member-to-union member approach will generate new levels of Labour support.
Unite is using a virtual phone bank, software that lets activists access a list of members living in a region's marginal seats and phone them. "You don't need to go to the union's local office or a call centre any longer to make these calls," he said. "The beauty of the system is that it can work anywhere. Unite members are quite happy talking to other members."
So far, 1,000 activists are using the phone bank regularly. Unite's head office can see how many calls are made daily, and monitor the running issues.
Charlie Whelan said: "At present we are on course for 100,000 members being called in the key seats, by the time of the election. All I can say in terms of feedback, is how much union members enjoy doing it, and how pleased they are to get a call from another member. One reason it works because it is not coming from a political party. It is not just about asking members to vote Labour. If it was, it would not work. It is also about ascertaining their views. One goal is to find out what issues are motivating union members."
The answers, he said, were often immigration and protection of wages and conditions. "This cannot be a cynical exercise. They want to know their views are going to be listened to. So if we ask them their views, we have to push them inside the union. It's true our members have not been happy with Labour, but at no stage has there been a mass desertion from Labour to the Tories. We have been doing a real opinion poll every day."
The idea of direct member-to-member contact has been influenced by how Obama drew on organisations such as the United Steelworkers of America (USW).
Charlie Whelan said: "For many years the USW has had a successful strategy of talking to its members on a regular basic. It knew what they thought. As a result, the union managed to persuade 90% of those who voted, to vote for Obama."
For more information visit:
http://unite4labour.org/
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Vale Inco Latest: Talks Underway
Talks to end the long running and bitter dispute between the USW and Vale Inco are underway.
Unite and Workers Uniting have been supporting over 3000 USW members on strike in Canada.
The mediated talks between United Steelworkers and Vale Inco Ltd. will continue all weekend in Toronto.
Officers of USW Locals 6500 in Sudbury and 6200 in Port Colborne and negotiators for Vale Inco are still involved in discussions with an independent arbitrator.
USW staff representative Myles Sullivan confirmed talks will continue and would only say that his union and Vale Inco "hope to work closely" with Burkett over the weekend.
About 3,000 production and maintenance workers in Sudbury and another 130 in Port Colborne have been on strike over pensions, nickel bonuses and seniority transfer rights since July 13th.
There had been no formal talks between the formal parties until it was announced last week the parties they had sought the assistance of Burkett, a much sought after arbitrator-mediator, to engage in exploratory talks.
The two sides met last weekend, then adjourned for two days so the mediator could fulfil other commitments on his calendar.
Talks resumed Wednesday and continued Thursday.
Former executive board members of USW Local 6500 were speculating this week that exploratory talks had likely moved on to bargaining.
The entire bargaining committee for USW Local 6500 and Local 6200 has been in Toronto for more than a week.
Originally, only a few members of Vale Inco's bargaining team were in Toronto, but company spokesman Steve Ball told The Star that more members had joined their colleagues in recent days.
USW's bargaining committee is being headed by USW District 6 director Wayne Fraser, who was installed on the union's international board Monday. Well-known Toronto labour lawyer Harvey Beresford is lead negotiator for Vale Inco.
The mediator, who has worked with both the parties before, has issued a complete media blackout, which is customary when talks are down to the wire.
USW Local 6500 president John Fera said that the nature of the talks was very "sensitive" so both parties were honouring the blackout.
Unite and Workers Uniting have been supporting over 3000 USW members on strike in Canada.
The mediated talks between United Steelworkers and Vale Inco Ltd. will continue all weekend in Toronto.
Officers of USW Locals 6500 in Sudbury and 6200 in Port Colborne and negotiators for Vale Inco are still involved in discussions with an independent arbitrator.
USW staff representative Myles Sullivan confirmed talks will continue and would only say that his union and Vale Inco "hope to work closely" with Burkett over the weekend.
About 3,000 production and maintenance workers in Sudbury and another 130 in Port Colborne have been on strike over pensions, nickel bonuses and seniority transfer rights since July 13th.
There had been no formal talks between the formal parties until it was announced last week the parties they had sought the assistance of Burkett, a much sought after arbitrator-mediator, to engage in exploratory talks.
The two sides met last weekend, then adjourned for two days so the mediator could fulfil other commitments on his calendar.
Talks resumed Wednesday and continued Thursday.
Former executive board members of USW Local 6500 were speculating this week that exploratory talks had likely moved on to bargaining.
The entire bargaining committee for USW Local 6500 and Local 6200 has been in Toronto for more than a week.
Originally, only a few members of Vale Inco's bargaining team were in Toronto, but company spokesman Steve Ball told The Star that more members had joined their colleagues in recent days.
USW's bargaining committee is being headed by USW District 6 director Wayne Fraser, who was installed on the union's international board Monday. Well-known Toronto labour lawyer Harvey Beresford is lead negotiator for Vale Inco.
The mediator, who has worked with both the parties before, has issued a complete media blackout, which is customary when talks are down to the wire.
USW Local 6500 president John Fera said that the nature of the talks was very "sensitive" so both parties were honouring the blackout.
Pleural Plaques Campaign - Thompson's Comment
This news item was sent to us by Workers Uniting Group members who have been campaigning on pleural plaques.
From Unite legal advisors Thompson's......
Thompsons has expressed disappointment at last week’s decision by the Government not to restore compensation for people with pleural plaques in England and Wales.
However, it welcomed a multi million pound package which will see increased state benefit payments for dependants of deceased asbestos victims and funding for research into asbestos related disease.
The announcement by the Ministry of Justice confirmed fears that the Government would not be overturning the House of Lords ruling on pleural plaques in October 2007. Instead it will make lump sum payments to those who had already begun a legal claim for pleural plaques at the time of the ruling.
It is anticipated that around 6,000 people will receive ex-gratia payments of £5,000 each. Others will receive nothing, despite being diagnosed with pleural plaques before and since the House of Lords changed the law on compensation.
The other measures announced include:
• The creation of an Employers' Liability Tracing Office to help people who have been injured or developed an industrial disease and to track down their employers’ liability insurance policies
• A Department of Work and Pensions consultation, currently underway, on the creation of an Employers’ Liability Insurance Bureau (see weekly LELR 155) to provide a fund of last resort for those who are unable to trace insurers
• Increased upfront payments for mesothelioma sufferers and their dependants
• A commitment to expand research into asbestos-related diseases, including considering how best to establish a network of medical practitioners to carry out research, with government support for increased investment alongside £3 million of funding from the insurance industry.
• A working group of claimant solicitors, trade unions, insurers, the judiciary and civil servants to examine litigation practices and procedures for compensation claims relating to mesothelioma, and to identify options for streamlining them in order to reduce the time taken to conclude cases
• Consideration of changes to the law to clarify the limitation period to bring a claim for mesothelioma, and resolve differences in claims settled before or after death
• The Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Bill, currently before Parliament, which aims to simplify the process of bringing claims against the insurers of companies which no longer exist.
From Unite legal advisors Thompson's......
Thompsons has expressed disappointment at last week’s decision by the Government not to restore compensation for people with pleural plaques in England and Wales.
However, it welcomed a multi million pound package which will see increased state benefit payments for dependants of deceased asbestos victims and funding for research into asbestos related disease.
The announcement by the Ministry of Justice confirmed fears that the Government would not be overturning the House of Lords ruling on pleural plaques in October 2007. Instead it will make lump sum payments to those who had already begun a legal claim for pleural plaques at the time of the ruling.
It is anticipated that around 6,000 people will receive ex-gratia payments of £5,000 each. Others will receive nothing, despite being diagnosed with pleural plaques before and since the House of Lords changed the law on compensation.
The other measures announced include:
• The creation of an Employers' Liability Tracing Office to help people who have been injured or developed an industrial disease and to track down their employers’ liability insurance policies
• A Department of Work and Pensions consultation, currently underway, on the creation of an Employers’ Liability Insurance Bureau (see weekly LELR 155) to provide a fund of last resort for those who are unable to trace insurers
• Increased upfront payments for mesothelioma sufferers and their dependants
• A commitment to expand research into asbestos-related diseases, including considering how best to establish a network of medical practitioners to carry out research, with government support for increased investment alongside £3 million of funding from the insurance industry.
• A working group of claimant solicitors, trade unions, insurers, the judiciary and civil servants to examine litigation practices and procedures for compensation claims relating to mesothelioma, and to identify options for streamlining them in order to reduce the time taken to conclude cases
• Consideration of changes to the law to clarify the limitation period to bring a claim for mesothelioma, and resolve differences in claims settled before or after death
• The Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Bill, currently before Parliament, which aims to simplify the process of bringing claims against the insurers of companies which no longer exist.
Derek Simpson told Tory union emissary to "get lost"
This from Consevartive Home (the Torie's main website) - lifted from the New Statesman.
Well done Derek!
"Last September, Richard Balfe, the one-time Labour MEP who joined the Conservatives in 2002 wrote here about the "very constructive dialogue" which some in the trade union movement are having with the Conservatives. Balfe liaises with the unions on behalf of David Cameron.
However, in this week's New Statesman, the joint general secretary of Unite, Derek Simpson reveals that he told Mr Balfe to "get lost" when he sought a dialogue:
“I come from the old school. I don't think there is any advantage in talking to the Tories at all. You are just going to get whatever they are going to give you. Quite frankly, it's just waffle. Fortunately, since I'm in my final year [he steps down as leader in December], I won't have to be in that situation. Which is why I told Richard Balfe to get lost."
"The idea that they have changed is completely wrong. Lord Ashcroft - he's basically bought the party and is waiting for power. The cabinet wouldn't be able to resist whatever Ashcroft wants. They are already mouthing off about what they are going to do about the unions. I just wouldn't talk to them, personally. Waste of time."
Well done Derek!
"Last September, Richard Balfe, the one-time Labour MEP who joined the Conservatives in 2002 wrote here about the "very constructive dialogue" which some in the trade union movement are having with the Conservatives. Balfe liaises with the unions on behalf of David Cameron.
However, in this week's New Statesman, the joint general secretary of Unite, Derek Simpson reveals that he told Mr Balfe to "get lost" when he sought a dialogue:
“I come from the old school. I don't think there is any advantage in talking to the Tories at all. You are just going to get whatever they are going to give you. Quite frankly, it's just waffle. Fortunately, since I'm in my final year [he steps down as leader in December], I won't have to be in that situation. Which is why I told Richard Balfe to get lost."
"The idea that they have changed is completely wrong. Lord Ashcroft - he's basically bought the party and is waiting for power. The cabinet wouldn't be able to resist whatever Ashcroft wants. They are already mouthing off about what they are going to do about the unions. I just wouldn't talk to them, personally. Waste of time."
Friday, March 5, 2010
The case for an Executive Council based on the working members that can take the union forward.
We are almost there - the vision of the new union’s lay democratic structure is almost fully implemented.
Below the leadership level the members are embracing the new structures and moulding them to meet their needs. Reports from all Industrial Sectors and Regions, the Area Activist Committees and the Equalities Committees report huge satisfaction with the progress made.
The implementation of Rule 6 has given these committees real meaning and purpose, composed as they are of working reps. The new expenses regime is generally perceived as fair as reps neither lose nor gain as a result of their activity.
The vision of the Rules Committee and Joint Executive is becoming a reality as Unite harnesses the energy, commitment and knowledge of our thousands of activists. The key principles of Proportionality and Proportional Representation of the membership through the Industrial Sectors, welds the diverse membership together in the common strength and purpose of the union.
Only by being strong at the bottom and the top can a trade union function effectively to meet the three pillars that most of us have recognised as the key to transforming the industrial and political agenda necessary for trade unionism to be effective in the 21st century.
We are now at the final stages of implementing the lay democracy with the Policy Conference in June 2010 to determine Unite policy and actions and a proposal to be put to a special Rules Conference to determine the process and make-up of the first Unite Executive Council.
This has not been an easy process, as two great unions with all their traditions have had to make changes to the way they have traditionally done business. For the Amicus section change has been the norm for many years as its membership came from almost 50 different unions. Whatever preferences activists have for the way things should be done all agree that the sector structure is the best.
We must remember also that by the time of the EC elections probably 100,000 members will have joined Unite and not its former sections. We know that 48% of them join on-line. They join a national union and are immediately allocated to their appropriate sector.
If we stick to this principle, that the Industrial sectors are at the heart of the union and the new EC should be largely composed of delegates from the sectors then the same successes we are experiencing can be expected from the highest lay body of the union.
All agree that the current EC of 80 delegates is too big and unwieldy. Most agree that the EC should meet on a quarterly basis to both save costs and to make the union administration more effective. There has to be representation on the new EC from the Industrial Sectors, the Regions , Women and BAEM members. So getting the balance correct is the task in hand.
The principles of proportionality must be applied to ensure the EC is genuinely representative of its Women and BAEM members and that the sectors, which vary in size enormously, feel that there is proportional representation based on the numerical strength of the sectors. It has to be remembered that many of the sectors are the size of many of the TUC affiliated trade unions.
This has to be balanced with the size of the EC, which would ideally be between 48 and 60, preferably nearer 48.
As the new EC will be composed entirely of working reps consideration must be given to the amount of time EC members are expected to give to EC business along with their heavy representational workloads at the workplace.
Building lay democracy is an art. It cannot be based on fudges and compromises that satisfy no-one. If the make up of the new EC doesn’t reflect the reality of the democratic processes that constitute the great majority of decision making in the union it will very quickly lack the legality and credibility amongst the majority of activists who will see it as unrepresentative of themselves.
The future will be one of convulsive battle to change the structure which will open up a path for those in the union that haven’t embraced the changes that are necessary to deliver the Unite vision.
Whilst there is genuine concern that different methods of electing the new EC could favour either the former TGWU or Amicus side, if this becomes the situation then a huge error of judgement will be made.
The new, and first General Secretary of Unite, will need a strong EC to effectively govern the union. The first Unite GS will have to be above the ‘tribes’ and lead and take the whole union forward. This applies equally to the first Unite EC.
The best guarantee of this is that the Industrial Sectors put forward their tried and trusted leaders to the ballot knowing as they do that the ‘collective responsibility’ of the EC is what gives it the political and moral right to lead the union.
Please pass this onto other Unite Activists, Unite Reps and members of Unite Statutory Committees.
Below the leadership level the members are embracing the new structures and moulding them to meet their needs. Reports from all Industrial Sectors and Regions, the Area Activist Committees and the Equalities Committees report huge satisfaction with the progress made.
The implementation of Rule 6 has given these committees real meaning and purpose, composed as they are of working reps. The new expenses regime is generally perceived as fair as reps neither lose nor gain as a result of their activity.
The vision of the Rules Committee and Joint Executive is becoming a reality as Unite harnesses the energy, commitment and knowledge of our thousands of activists. The key principles of Proportionality and Proportional Representation of the membership through the Industrial Sectors, welds the diverse membership together in the common strength and purpose of the union.
Only by being strong at the bottom and the top can a trade union function effectively to meet the three pillars that most of us have recognised as the key to transforming the industrial and political agenda necessary for trade unionism to be effective in the 21st century.
We are now at the final stages of implementing the lay democracy with the Policy Conference in June 2010 to determine Unite policy and actions and a proposal to be put to a special Rules Conference to determine the process and make-up of the first Unite Executive Council.
This has not been an easy process, as two great unions with all their traditions have had to make changes to the way they have traditionally done business. For the Amicus section change has been the norm for many years as its membership came from almost 50 different unions. Whatever preferences activists have for the way things should be done all agree that the sector structure is the best.
We must remember also that by the time of the EC elections probably 100,000 members will have joined Unite and not its former sections. We know that 48% of them join on-line. They join a national union and are immediately allocated to their appropriate sector.
If we stick to this principle, that the Industrial sectors are at the heart of the union and the new EC should be largely composed of delegates from the sectors then the same successes we are experiencing can be expected from the highest lay body of the union.
All agree that the current EC of 80 delegates is too big and unwieldy. Most agree that the EC should meet on a quarterly basis to both save costs and to make the union administration more effective. There has to be representation on the new EC from the Industrial Sectors, the Regions , Women and BAEM members. So getting the balance correct is the task in hand.
The principles of proportionality must be applied to ensure the EC is genuinely representative of its Women and BAEM members and that the sectors, which vary in size enormously, feel that there is proportional representation based on the numerical strength of the sectors. It has to be remembered that many of the sectors are the size of many of the TUC affiliated trade unions.
This has to be balanced with the size of the EC, which would ideally be between 48 and 60, preferably nearer 48.
As the new EC will be composed entirely of working reps consideration must be given to the amount of time EC members are expected to give to EC business along with their heavy representational workloads at the workplace.
Building lay democracy is an art. It cannot be based on fudges and compromises that satisfy no-one. If the make up of the new EC doesn’t reflect the reality of the democratic processes that constitute the great majority of decision making in the union it will very quickly lack the legality and credibility amongst the majority of activists who will see it as unrepresentative of themselves.
The future will be one of convulsive battle to change the structure which will open up a path for those in the union that haven’t embraced the changes that are necessary to deliver the Unite vision.
Whilst there is genuine concern that different methods of electing the new EC could favour either the former TGWU or Amicus side, if this becomes the situation then a huge error of judgement will be made.
The new, and first General Secretary of Unite, will need a strong EC to effectively govern the union. The first Unite GS will have to be above the ‘tribes’ and lead and take the whole union forward. This applies equally to the first Unite EC.
The best guarantee of this is that the Industrial Sectors put forward their tried and trusted leaders to the ballot knowing as they do that the ‘collective responsibility’ of the EC is what gives it the political and moral right to lead the union.
Please pass this onto other Unite Activists, Unite Reps and members of Unite Statutory Committees.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
More Job Losses At Lloyds
Unite has attacked banking giant Lloyds after another 370 job losses were announced.
National officer Rob MacGregor said: "The 760 finance staff who have been told they face an uncertain future will be devastated by these announcements."
Unite said Lloyds had now announced more than 15,000 job losses over the past year.
Rob MacGregor said: "Unite has been working with Lloyds to minimise the number of redundancies at the bank as a result of the integration of Lloyds and HBOS businesses. The union is optimistic that Lloyds will continue to work with us to identify all possible options of alternative employment for staff."
Unite has been calling for a commitment of no compulsory redundancies, and said work which had been offshored over the years should be brought back to the UK.
The latest Lloyds cuts will hit the Wealth & International, Group Operations and Group Executive operations across the UK, said Unite.
National officer Rob MacGregor said: "The 760 finance staff who have been told they face an uncertain future will be devastated by these announcements."
Unite said Lloyds had now announced more than 15,000 job losses over the past year.
Rob MacGregor said: "Unite has been working with Lloyds to minimise the number of redundancies at the bank as a result of the integration of Lloyds and HBOS businesses. The union is optimistic that Lloyds will continue to work with us to identify all possible options of alternative employment for staff."
Unite has been calling for a commitment of no compulsory redundancies, and said work which had been offshored over the years should be brought back to the UK.
The latest Lloyds cuts will hit the Wealth & International, Group Operations and Group Executive operations across the UK, said Unite.
Asda Agency Staff Win Pay Breakthrough
Unite has stepped up the pressure on supermarket bosses exploiting agency workers after signing a breakthrough deal on workers' rights with Asda stores.
The agreement between Unite and Asda - owned by US Wal-Mart corporation - aims to end the discrimination suffered by thousands of meat and poultry workers labouring for the supermarket's suppliers.
The union's three-year organising campaign among abattoir and meat-processing workers exposed what Unite DGS Jack Dromey described as "harsh and divisive conditions" in the companies that produce meat for high street supermarkets.
"In many cases, a permanent two-tier workforce had been created, one where mainly migrant agency workers are on even lower pay and worse conditions than the directly employed workers," Jack said.
Unite's agreement with Asda will allow the union to bring an end to what Mr Dromey described as the "semi-permanent employment status" of more than 6,000 agency workers in the meat industry.
"For years supermarkets have driven down costs, with thousands of workers paying the price with discriminatory practices," he stressed.
"It is wrong to exploit migrant agency workers on poorer conditions of employment and it is wrong to undercut directly employed workers on better conditions - that divides the workforce," Mr Dromey added.
An investigation into discrimination in the meat industry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission is due to report later this month and Mr Dromey welcomed Asda bosses' decision to "act and not wait" for the results of the inquiry.
"It is a matter of regret that for most of Asda's competitors the word 'ethical' is not put seriously into practice," he added.
The agreement between Unite and Asda - owned by US Wal-Mart corporation - aims to end the discrimination suffered by thousands of meat and poultry workers labouring for the supermarket's suppliers.
The union's three-year organising campaign among abattoir and meat-processing workers exposed what Unite DGS Jack Dromey described as "harsh and divisive conditions" in the companies that produce meat for high street supermarkets.
"In many cases, a permanent two-tier workforce had been created, one where mainly migrant agency workers are on even lower pay and worse conditions than the directly employed workers," Jack said.
Unite's agreement with Asda will allow the union to bring an end to what Mr Dromey described as the "semi-permanent employment status" of more than 6,000 agency workers in the meat industry.
"For years supermarkets have driven down costs, with thousands of workers paying the price with discriminatory practices," he stressed.
"It is wrong to exploit migrant agency workers on poorer conditions of employment and it is wrong to undercut directly employed workers on better conditions - that divides the workforce," Mr Dromey added.
An investigation into discrimination in the meat industry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission is due to report later this month and Mr Dromey welcomed Asda bosses' decision to "act and not wait" for the results of the inquiry.
"It is a matter of regret that for most of Asda's competitors the word 'ethical' is not put seriously into practice," he added.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Email From Les4GS - Equalities.
Here is the lastest email from Les Bayliss, Candidate for Unite General Secretary.
Dear supporter,
As many of you are aware I have recently been attending meetings in various Unite regions. There are many more such meetings planned across the country over the coming weeks.
At these meetings I have explained in detail the policies I will be proposing when the election for the Unite General Secretary is called later this year.
I have been encouraged by the positive responses I have received at these meetings, from members, officers and staff alike. I am looking forward to listening to the views of many more of our activists and discussing the issues that our union faces. I will also continue to explain and roll out further policies over the next few weeks and months.
Today I want to bring to your attention a leaflet circulated by the Workers Uniting Group, who are supporting my nomination for the position of Unite General Secretary.
The leaflet is available on my website at: www.les4gs.org
It can also be downloaded at: www.workersunitinggroup.org
The leaflet covers my record in supporting the equalities agenda, notably the successful 'Equality Reps Project'. It also sets out my views on other important issues facing Unite.
Please take the time to read the leaflet, pass it on to others and also display it in your workplace.
I look forward to discussing my views and policies on Unite equalities with you at the forthcoming meetings in the regions.
Les Bayliss
Dear supporter,
As many of you are aware I have recently been attending meetings in various Unite regions. There are many more such meetings planned across the country over the coming weeks.
At these meetings I have explained in detail the policies I will be proposing when the election for the Unite General Secretary is called later this year.
I have been encouraged by the positive responses I have received at these meetings, from members, officers and staff alike. I am looking forward to listening to the views of many more of our activists and discussing the issues that our union faces. I will also continue to explain and roll out further policies over the next few weeks and months.
Today I want to bring to your attention a leaflet circulated by the Workers Uniting Group, who are supporting my nomination for the position of Unite General Secretary.
The leaflet is available on my website at: www.les4gs.org
It can also be downloaded at: www.workersunitinggroup.org
The leaflet covers my record in supporting the equalities agenda, notably the successful 'Equality Reps Project'. It also sets out my views on other important issues facing Unite.
Please take the time to read the leaflet, pass it on to others and also display it in your workplace.
I look forward to discussing my views and policies on Unite equalities with you at the forthcoming meetings in the regions.
Les Bayliss
Support Mexican Miners LabourStart campaign!
S Some 1,200 members of Mexico's National Miners' and Metalworkers' Union, or Los Mineros, have been on strike since July 2007 at the Cananea mine over health and safety and other contract violations.
Grupo Mexico, the mining giant which operates Cananea, and the Mexican government have continuously tried to end the strike and crush the union.
They have threatened and jailed union leaders, illegally frozen union bank accounts and failed to investigate or prosecute assassinations of union members.
On February 11th, a federal court gave Grupo Mexico permission to fire the striking workers and terminate the labor agreement. The government has threatened to use armed force to gain control of Cananea.
The Los Mineros members at Cananea are resolved to continue occupying the mine until a fair labour agreement is reached. Los Mineros is one of the strongest and most democratic trade unions in Mexico.
We ask Workers Uniting Group supporters take a moment to send off your letter of protest today from the LabourStart website today at:
http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=637
Grupo Mexico, the mining giant which operates Cananea, and the Mexican government have continuously tried to end the strike and crush the union.
They have threatened and jailed union leaders, illegally frozen union bank accounts and failed to investigate or prosecute assassinations of union members.
On February 11th, a federal court gave Grupo Mexico permission to fire the striking workers and terminate the labor agreement. The government has threatened to use armed force to gain control of Cananea.
The Los Mineros members at Cananea are resolved to continue occupying the mine until a fair labour agreement is reached. Los Mineros is one of the strongest and most democratic trade unions in Mexico.
We ask Workers Uniting Group supporters take a moment to send off your letter of protest today from the LabourStart website today at:
http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=637
Monday, March 1, 2010
Unite fears over closure of smear test lab
A Merseyside lab that analyses smear tests is facing closure.
The Cervical Cytology Service at Southport hospital is facing the axe and the majority of work will be transferred to the Royal Liverpool.
Local health trusts say the move will make no difference to how and where women are tested, but it will mean they will get results back quicker.
But Unite has criticised the step, saying GPs and patients rely on the local service.
It has not yet been decided whether there will be any job losses or how many staff will take transfers.
Unite regional officer, Debbie Brannan, said: “The gynaecologists at Southport and Ormskirk are concerned that the service is becoming fragmented. The union is demanding that the Trust delays the closure and transfer of work.”
The Cervical Cytology Service at Southport hospital is facing the axe and the majority of work will be transferred to the Royal Liverpool.
Local health trusts say the move will make no difference to how and where women are tested, but it will mean they will get results back quicker.
But Unite has criticised the step, saying GPs and patients rely on the local service.
It has not yet been decided whether there will be any job losses or how many staff will take transfers.
Unite regional officer, Debbie Brannan, said: “The gynaecologists at Southport and Ormskirk are concerned that the service is becoming fragmented. The union is demanding that the Trust delays the closure and transfer of work.”
North Wales Arriva bus drivers vote for strike action
Unite members who are employed as bus drivers in North Wales have voted in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay.
Arriva Buses Wales services throughout the region.
Unite is meeting shop stewards to discuss taking action.
The company said it was working with trade unions and the conciliation service Acas to resolve the matter.
Peter Hughes, from Unite, said drivers in depots in North Wales and Chester were unhappy with a pay offer they had received from Arriva.
He added that it was considerably lower than colleagues working on Merseyside and the Wirral had been promised.
Any strike action would affect services in Chester, Wrexham, Rhyl, Llandudno Junction, Bangor, Pwllheli, Dolgellau and Aberystwyth, which would affect services down the coast to Cardigan and to Carmarthenshire.
A majority of 77% of Arriva's Unite members voted in favour of taking action.
Arriva Buses Wales services throughout the region.
Unite is meeting shop stewards to discuss taking action.
The company said it was working with trade unions and the conciliation service Acas to resolve the matter.
Peter Hughes, from Unite, said drivers in depots in North Wales and Chester were unhappy with a pay offer they had received from Arriva.
He added that it was considerably lower than colleagues working on Merseyside and the Wirral had been promised.
Any strike action would affect services in Chester, Wrexham, Rhyl, Llandudno Junction, Bangor, Pwllheli, Dolgellau and Aberystwyth, which would affect services down the coast to Cardigan and to Carmarthenshire.
A majority of 77% of Arriva's Unite members voted in favour of taking action.
Capita job losses at Belfast site
Unite members employed by Capita have been informed that 84 of 154 staff at their Belfast site face redundancy.
These job losses come less than a week after the company announced record profits, and just two weeks after announcing that it was placing 65 people at risk on its’ Northern Ireland civil service contract based in Belfast city centre.
Daryl Williams, Unite National Officer said: “Unite is angry that despite a commitment in October 2006 from Capita Chief Executive, Paul Pindar to grow the Clarendon Dock site in Belfast, Capita has failed to deliver. A once vibrant finance life and pensions service centre will have gone from 450 staff to now less than 75. There is no reason why Capita should not invest in Belfast, they have readily available the experienced and skilled staff, space and infrastructure at the site. The union is calling on Capita to show their commitment to Northern Ireland by reversing the planned redundancies and deliver on their promise to grow their Belfast operation.”
Capita generates most of it’s profit in Northern Ireland from taxpayers and licence fee payers due to their contracts with NICS and BBC. Yet while they increase dividends on an annual basis to shareholders, they are continuing to decimate the local job market with mass redundancies.
Unite is also calling Northern Ireland’s politicians, as a major client of Capita, to engage with the company to do whatever they can to reverse the job loss announcement today.
These job losses come less than a week after the company announced record profits, and just two weeks after announcing that it was placing 65 people at risk on its’ Northern Ireland civil service contract based in Belfast city centre.
Daryl Williams, Unite National Officer said: “Unite is angry that despite a commitment in October 2006 from Capita Chief Executive, Paul Pindar to grow the Clarendon Dock site in Belfast, Capita has failed to deliver. A once vibrant finance life and pensions service centre will have gone from 450 staff to now less than 75. There is no reason why Capita should not invest in Belfast, they have readily available the experienced and skilled staff, space and infrastructure at the site. The union is calling on Capita to show their commitment to Northern Ireland by reversing the planned redundancies and deliver on their promise to grow their Belfast operation.”
Capita generates most of it’s profit in Northern Ireland from taxpayers and licence fee payers due to their contracts with NICS and BBC. Yet while they increase dividends on an annual basis to shareholders, they are continuing to decimate the local job market with mass redundancies.
Unite is also calling Northern Ireland’s politicians, as a major client of Capita, to engage with the company to do whatever they can to reverse the job loss announcement today.
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