From the Guardian Monday 28 June 2010 10.00 BST posted by a BA Manager
Anyone walking into the reception area of Waterside (British Airways's head office at Heathrow) cannot help but notice the poster that hangs in front of the security barriers; a poster that implores staff to "Back BA". The building is awash with such posters: hanging in front of the "pavement cafe" (a popular meeting place for staff) is a banner spanning the width of the "street", the message is the same: "Back BA."
Look closely at the staff and you will see that their BA identity passes swing proudly from lanyards that declare "I am backing BA". The wall where staff were invited to post their views of the dispute and the cabin crew may have long since been removed, but its presence looms large.
The views of many within BA, so clearly depicted on BA's "wall of shame", are that the cabin crew are a cosseted, precious and overpaid workforce. When faced with such a damning condemnation of a group of individuals, it is not difficult to see why BA was so confident in its assumption that its staff could be persuaded to "back BA" and to fly as voluntary cabin crew.
Couple this with the widely held belief that Bassa (the cabin crew branch of Unite) is a group of unyielding and intransigent militants who have held a gun to BA's head for more years than anyone cares to remember, and it is not difficult to see why so many staff are happy to back BA.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of staff have been released from their day jobs to train as cabin crew, and continue to be released as we brace ourselves for the next round of strikes that could happen towards the end of the summer. But the day job doesn't go away – the emails keep coming, our people still need to be managed, there are disciplinary and grievances hearings that we need to hear, attendance management issues that have to be addressed. As the backlog of work grows, so does the disillusion we feel for our leadership team, board of directors, chairman and CEO, Willie Walsh.
Scratch below the surface and you will find that, while many proclaim to back BA, the reality is that many managers and staff of all levels are growing increasingly resentful of senior management and the chief executive. Anyone who has attended his management briefings cannot help but liken the situation to a leader who is losing the war but will never surrender. We are a weary and embittered army who just wants peace.
To question the direction that Walsh is taking this company is seen as heresy, so everyone continues on, worn down by a dispute that is the most acrimonious in BA's history; a dispute that an increasing number of managers believe should have been settled months ago.
We all keep our counsel, choosing to voice our concerns to only our most trusted colleagues, believing that this dispute is not just about cost savings but rather the destruction of Bassa and its mother union, Unite. Like the cabin crew, those of us who do not condone this management style are fearful of our positions within the company
We attend the briefings held by Walsh in the Waterside theatre, we read the propaganda that is sent to us daily and we ask ourselves "why didn't I have the foresight to take the voluntary severance when it was offered".
Those managers who have not chosen to volunteer as cabin crew find themselves under-resourced, overworked and despairing of a dispute that has become BA's primary focus. To voice concern is inconceivable; those who have dared speak out are viewed with suspicion and colleagues are quick to distance themselves from them, fearful of being tainted by association. The culture of fear is all-pervading; staff are suspicious of their co-workers, of those they report into, and of those that they once thought of as friends.
What is most frightening is the ignorance within the management team as to what actually lies behind this dispute. As a manager who can count their years of service with BA in decades rather than years, who has witnessed numerous disputes within BA, believe me when I say that the ramifications of this dispute will be felt for years, even decades into the future.
BA will struggle to weather the fallout from this bitter dispute. Our brand, our reputation and our integrity as an employer have all been damaged – indeed continue to be damaged – as this dispute rolls on with no sign of a resolution or closure. The road ahead will be fraught with challenges – challenges that we will all have to deal with. It will be an uphill struggle and it will not be easy.
Those BA staff who have chosen to volunteer as cabin crew have unwittingly prolonged this dispute and, in all probability, hastened their own demise. Their actions have allowed BA to keep flying rather than to reach a negotiated settlement.
As Unite prepares for another ballot and, in all probability, more industrial action, many managers are trawling through employment websites, desperate to find anything that will enable them to leave the bedlam that is now BA.
For anyone who really wants to understand what it is like to work for the world's favourite airline, I would suggest reading George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four.
I just wonder why the posters in Waterside don't read "war is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength". Take care, BA employees and BA shareholders, the end is just the beginning.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
USW and Alcoa Reach Deal
A new 4-year labor agreement between the United Steelworkers (USW) union and Alcoa covering some 6,000 workers at 11 U.S. locations has been ratified in a secret ballot vote by the membership.
The agreement provides for lump sum bonuses of $2,250 this year, $1,750 next year; general wage increases of 2.5% in each of the following two years; and a $2 per month per year of service increase in the pension multiplier.
During negotiations, Alcoa proposed a series of changes in health care benefits which would have dramatically shifted costs to employees through reduced coverage and higher employee premium amounts. Although the proposal was designed to appear to offer greater individual choice, in reality each of the options offered only poorer coverage and higher costs.
“Our members were adamant in the need for a single plan which provided everyone with access to high quality health care and protection against catastrophic medical bills,” said USW District 7 Director Jim Robinson, who served as chief negotiator for the union. “The new contract does raise employee premiums, but they will still be much less than paid by Alcoa salaried and non-union employees.”
“Alcoa was not only insisting on implementing a plan that would have required our members to pay much higher costs for a lower level of coverage, but Alcoa also wanted the right to set future costs and coverage at whatever levels the company deemed appropriate,” he said.
“Our membership understood what was at stake and stood in solidarity with us,” Robinson said. “The company understood that and it’s the reason why we will continue to have excellent health care that is affordable for our families.”
Other important issues important to the union were the preservation of long-standing seniority practices and the rejection of a two-tier pay and benefit proposal that would have been divisive to union members in the workplace.
The agreement is retroactive to June 1 and expires on May 15, 2014.
The agreement provides for lump sum bonuses of $2,250 this year, $1,750 next year; general wage increases of 2.5% in each of the following two years; and a $2 per month per year of service increase in the pension multiplier.
During negotiations, Alcoa proposed a series of changes in health care benefits which would have dramatically shifted costs to employees through reduced coverage and higher employee premium amounts. Although the proposal was designed to appear to offer greater individual choice, in reality each of the options offered only poorer coverage and higher costs.
“Our members were adamant in the need for a single plan which provided everyone with access to high quality health care and protection against catastrophic medical bills,” said USW District 7 Director Jim Robinson, who served as chief negotiator for the union. “The new contract does raise employee premiums, but they will still be much less than paid by Alcoa salaried and non-union employees.”
“Alcoa was not only insisting on implementing a plan that would have required our members to pay much higher costs for a lower level of coverage, but Alcoa also wanted the right to set future costs and coverage at whatever levels the company deemed appropriate,” he said.
“Our membership understood what was at stake and stood in solidarity with us,” Robinson said. “The company understood that and it’s the reason why we will continue to have excellent health care that is affordable for our families.”
Other important issues important to the union were the preservation of long-standing seniority practices and the rejection of a two-tier pay and benefit proposal that would have been divisive to union members in the workplace.
The agreement is retroactive to June 1 and expires on May 15, 2014.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Unite threatens action following Cavendish administration
The Cavendish arm of printers Richmond Cavendish has gone into administration.
Cavendish Press and Richmond Press both trade out of the same facility in Leicester as Richmond Cavendish and are run by managing director Martyn Kübe.
Unite confirmed that a number of staff were made redundant on 4 June. Rose Mooney, Unite regional officer, said the union would be taking action against the initial redundancies because, no consultation took place with employees.
"The guys are totally devastated," she said. "Some of them are very long-time employees and the manner in which this has been done, the way they have been treated, leaves a very sour taste in the mouth."
Cavendish Press and Richmond Press both trade out of the same facility in Leicester as Richmond Cavendish and are run by managing director Martyn Kübe.
Unite confirmed that a number of staff were made redundant on 4 June. Rose Mooney, Unite regional officer, said the union would be taking action against the initial redundancies because, no consultation took place with employees.
"The guys are totally devastated," she said. "Some of them are very long-time employees and the manner in which this has been done, the way they have been treated, leaves a very sour taste in the mouth."
Unite demands meeting following Axa Life sale
Unite has called for an urgent meeting with Resolution to discuss how the investment firm's £2.75bn takeover of Axa Life will affect the insurance company's 2,200 staff.
Resolution, which will merge Axa's UK life, pensions and annuities business with Friends Provident to form Friends Life, said it aimed to cut £75m, or 16%, from the companies combined cost base and conceded there would be job cuts from the joint workforce of around 6,000 staff, although it wouldn't be drawn on the number of redundancies expected.
Unite is concerned about potential job cuts as well as the impact the takeover will have on Axa's pension scheme, says Unite national officer Siobhan Endean.
"As a matter of urgency, it is vital that the new management give the 2,200 staff cast-iron guarantees that their pensions are not in danger," she said.
"The sale of the Axa life protection business will cause the workforce considerable anxiety as they now have serious concerns about the security of their jobs and the drive by Resolution to reduce costs. The union's priority is to start a dialogue with Resolution and ensure we protect our members' jobs and get clarity on the future of their pension provisions."
Resolution, which will merge Axa's UK life, pensions and annuities business with Friends Provident to form Friends Life, said it aimed to cut £75m, or 16%, from the companies combined cost base and conceded there would be job cuts from the joint workforce of around 6,000 staff, although it wouldn't be drawn on the number of redundancies expected.
Unite is concerned about potential job cuts as well as the impact the takeover will have on Axa's pension scheme, says Unite national officer Siobhan Endean.
"As a matter of urgency, it is vital that the new management give the 2,200 staff cast-iron guarantees that their pensions are not in danger," she said.
"The sale of the Axa life protection business will cause the workforce considerable anxiety as they now have serious concerns about the security of their jobs and the drive by Resolution to reduce costs. The union's priority is to start a dialogue with Resolution and ensure we protect our members' jobs and get clarity on the future of their pension provisions."
Sunday, June 27, 2010
New BA Offer - Strike Ballot Off
Unite has said it will defer a fresh ballot on industrial action - planned for next week after the airline made an "interesting" new offer.
Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of the Unite union, said it would be "suicidal and indeed inexplicable" if members were not consulted on the offer put forward by BA last week.It would be suicidal and indeed inexplicable if we didn't put this latest offer to our members at this stage," Woodley said.
He said that after "some interesting movement" by the airline, "we will be undoubtedly postponing the ballot that was due to start on Tuesday so our members themselves can view this latest and final offer from British Airways".
BA said the new offer would ensure existing crew will not see their pay cut when new, less-well paid members are taken on, and it has also scrapped a plan to raise the number of crew on flights, paid for by cutting crew allowances.
However, Tony Woodley added that the issue of the company's removal of travel perks from striking staff remained to be fully resolved and could still get in the way of a settlement.
The decision on whether to defer the strike ballot has to be formally confirmed.
Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of the Unite union, said it would be "suicidal and indeed inexplicable" if members were not consulted on the offer put forward by BA last week.It would be suicidal and indeed inexplicable if we didn't put this latest offer to our members at this stage," Woodley said.
He said that after "some interesting movement" by the airline, "we will be undoubtedly postponing the ballot that was due to start on Tuesday so our members themselves can view this latest and final offer from British Airways".
BA said the new offer would ensure existing crew will not see their pay cut when new, less-well paid members are taken on, and it has also scrapped a plan to raise the number of crew on flights, paid for by cutting crew allowances.
However, Tony Woodley added that the issue of the company's removal of travel perks from striking staff remained to be fully resolved and could still get in the way of a settlement.
The decision on whether to defer the strike ballot has to be formally confirmed.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Mass Anger At BemroseBooth Closures and Job Losses
Security printers BemroseBooth has closed its two Derby sites making over 200 staff redundant and made 30 staff redundant at its site in Hull.
Unite said workers had been treated "disgracefully" after they were escorted from the sites by security guards after being informed of the closures and job loses as well as being told told that June's wages would not be paid.
Unite regional officer Kathy Brooks, said BemroseBooth chief executive Jean-Paul Ansel blamed Marks & Spencer's decision to stop dealing with the company, together with major problems related to a promotional products contract for the closures.
Kathy Brooks said that the company had failed to consult meaningfully with the union, if at all and that Unite was now taking legal advice on its options. "The union is shocked and appalled at the manner in which the company has chosen to deal with this issue," she added. "It is the union's view that the company has demonstrated a blatant disregard of the law that places a duty on an employer to engage in meaningful consultation in good time."
Jean Paul Ansel had said that the company was currently being restructured to make it profitable and had formed a new company, Bemrosebooth Systems, created on 8 June 2010 and which lists Ansel, and Leonard Levie, of BemroseBooth's US-based owner AIAC, as directors.
Meanwhile Marks and Spencer has accused BemroseBooth's management of misleading workers over claims the retail giant was partly to blame for the demise of the historic Derby firm. Marks and Spencer said it had every intention of renewing a multi-million-pound contract with the Derby firm, which employed 234, until it was revealed it would have been with a new company set up by two members of BemroseBooth's senior management team. A Marks and Spencer spokesman said as a result it refused to do business with the new company.
At Hull 30 redundancies have been made. A total of 28 staff members were marched off the site at Bemrose Booths, in Sutton Fields, after being told they had been made redundant.
Tony Randerson, Unite regional officer, said the way the situation had been handled was possibly the worst he had seen in his six years as a union officer.
He said: "In my opinion it is quite despicable what has happened here today. A lot of the workers who were made redundant were in tears as they left the site. Security guards were on hand to escort them off the sites".
Tony Burke, assistant general secretary at Unite the Union said: "We are furious about the situation at BemroseBooth and that a long-established and well-known company has come to such an ignominious and tragic end.
"Employees have not been paid for work they've already done, people were working in the morning and the company knew they would not be paid - for people to be thrown out of work in this way is disgusting. We will do all we possibly can to help our members and their families - we are already consulting our lawyers and meetings are taking place with our reps. There is no place for this sort of behaviour in the UK printing industry or anywhere else for that matter."
Unite said workers had been treated "disgracefully" after they were escorted from the sites by security guards after being informed of the closures and job loses as well as being told told that June's wages would not be paid.
Unite regional officer Kathy Brooks, said BemroseBooth chief executive Jean-Paul Ansel blamed Marks & Spencer's decision to stop dealing with the company, together with major problems related to a promotional products contract for the closures.
Kathy Brooks said that the company had failed to consult meaningfully with the union, if at all and that Unite was now taking legal advice on its options. "The union is shocked and appalled at the manner in which the company has chosen to deal with this issue," she added. "It is the union's view that the company has demonstrated a blatant disregard of the law that places a duty on an employer to engage in meaningful consultation in good time."
Jean Paul Ansel had said that the company was currently being restructured to make it profitable and had formed a new company, Bemrosebooth Systems, created on 8 June 2010 and which lists Ansel, and Leonard Levie, of BemroseBooth's US-based owner AIAC, as directors.
Meanwhile Marks and Spencer has accused BemroseBooth's management of misleading workers over claims the retail giant was partly to blame for the demise of the historic Derby firm. Marks and Spencer said it had every intention of renewing a multi-million-pound contract with the Derby firm, which employed 234, until it was revealed it would have been with a new company set up by two members of BemroseBooth's senior management team. A Marks and Spencer spokesman said as a result it refused to do business with the new company.
At Hull 30 redundancies have been made. A total of 28 staff members were marched off the site at Bemrose Booths, in Sutton Fields, after being told they had been made redundant.
Tony Randerson, Unite regional officer, said the way the situation had been handled was possibly the worst he had seen in his six years as a union officer.
He said: "In my opinion it is quite despicable what has happened here today. A lot of the workers who were made redundant were in tears as they left the site. Security guards were on hand to escort them off the sites".
Tony Burke, assistant general secretary at Unite the Union said: "We are furious about the situation at BemroseBooth and that a long-established and well-known company has come to such an ignominious and tragic end.
"Employees have not been paid for work they've already done, people were working in the morning and the company knew they would not be paid - for people to be thrown out of work in this way is disgusting. We will do all we possibly can to help our members and their families - we are already consulting our lawyers and meetings are taking place with our reps. There is no place for this sort of behaviour in the UK printing industry or anywhere else for that matter."
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
USW and Los Mineros Explore Potential Merger
From PRNewswire-USNewswire
The United Steelworkers (USW) and the National Union of Mine, Metal, Steel and Related Workers of the Mexican Republic (SNTMMSSRM) – known as Los Mineros – announced a joint declaration to create a cross-border commission to explore unification of a potential union representing one-million industrial workers in Mexico, Canada, U.S. and the Caribbean.
In signing the declaration over the weekend, USW President Leo W. Gerard and Napoleon Gomez, general secretary for Los Mineros, jointly renewed the two unions "common commitment to democracy, equality, and solidarity for working men and women throughout North America and throughout the world."
Citing a global strategic alliance signed in 2005, Gerard and Gomez said the declaration establishes a joint commission of five members from each of the two unions' executive boards to propose "immediate measures to increase strategic cooperation between our organizations as well as the steps required to form a unified organization."
The USW represents 850,000 workers in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, while Los Mineros represents about 180,000 in Mexico.
Both the USW and Los Mineros members have been under assault in lengthy mining strikes. The USW is in the 11th month of a strike in Canada against Vale Inco – a Brazilian mining giant with 3,500 nickel miners in Sudbury; and 1,100 Los Mineros copper miners are nearing three years on strike against Grupo Mexico in a small desert mining town called Cananea in northern Mexico.
The two unions condemned the "cowardly and brutal attack by Mexican federal police on the striking mineworkers and their families at Cananea, and on the family members of mineworkers at Pasta de Conchos."
On Jun. 6, an estimated 2,000 federal and state police garbed in riot gear – backed by armed helicopters, armored personnel carriers and tear gas – forcefully evicted the striking miners while beating and injuring at least three Los Mineros leaders.
Simultaneously during the same day, 20 car loads of state police stormed a small group of miners and widows occupying the entrance to the Pasta de Conchos coal mine owned by Grupo Mexico in Coahuila state – where 65 miners where killed in a February 2006 explosion. Five widows and two mothers of the dead miners were arrested. The mine was sealed from further entry to block any effort for retrieval of the entombed miners.
Los Mineros General Secretary Gomez has been leading his union in exile from Canada for the past four years, battling legal efforts by the Mexican authorities to have him extradited on trumped up charges alleging misappropriation of union funds and for calling the 65 coal miners' deaths "industrial homicide."
Multiple court decisions by Mexican judges have cleared the Los Mineros leader of any such government claims – yet he cannot return to Mexico without risking imprisonment by the conservative government that seeks his ouster for demanding workplace safety and better wages.
The declaration was released while the USW and Los Mineros leaders were participating in an assembly of two global union federations representing 45 million workers from 132 countries at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.
If the USW and Los Mineros are successful in their exploration of a merger to consolidate North American industrial worker strength against trans-national mining and metal corporations, it could build upon the more than three-million-member global union called 'Workers Uniting' created by the 2008 trans-Atlantic merger between Unite in the UK and the USW in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
The declaration by the USW and the SNTMMSSRM, or Los Mineros, can be accessed at: www.usw.org/; or www.usw.ca/.
The United Steelworkers (USW) and the National Union of Mine, Metal, Steel and Related Workers of the Mexican Republic (SNTMMSSRM) – known as Los Mineros – announced a joint declaration to create a cross-border commission to explore unification of a potential union representing one-million industrial workers in Mexico, Canada, U.S. and the Caribbean.
In signing the declaration over the weekend, USW President Leo W. Gerard and Napoleon Gomez, general secretary for Los Mineros, jointly renewed the two unions "common commitment to democracy, equality, and solidarity for working men and women throughout North America and throughout the world."
Citing a global strategic alliance signed in 2005, Gerard and Gomez said the declaration establishes a joint commission of five members from each of the two unions' executive boards to propose "immediate measures to increase strategic cooperation between our organizations as well as the steps required to form a unified organization."
The USW represents 850,000 workers in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, while Los Mineros represents about 180,000 in Mexico.
Both the USW and Los Mineros members have been under assault in lengthy mining strikes. The USW is in the 11th month of a strike in Canada against Vale Inco – a Brazilian mining giant with 3,500 nickel miners in Sudbury; and 1,100 Los Mineros copper miners are nearing three years on strike against Grupo Mexico in a small desert mining town called Cananea in northern Mexico.
The two unions condemned the "cowardly and brutal attack by Mexican federal police on the striking mineworkers and their families at Cananea, and on the family members of mineworkers at Pasta de Conchos."
On Jun. 6, an estimated 2,000 federal and state police garbed in riot gear – backed by armed helicopters, armored personnel carriers and tear gas – forcefully evicted the striking miners while beating and injuring at least three Los Mineros leaders.
Simultaneously during the same day, 20 car loads of state police stormed a small group of miners and widows occupying the entrance to the Pasta de Conchos coal mine owned by Grupo Mexico in Coahuila state – where 65 miners where killed in a February 2006 explosion. Five widows and two mothers of the dead miners were arrested. The mine was sealed from further entry to block any effort for retrieval of the entombed miners.
Los Mineros General Secretary Gomez has been leading his union in exile from Canada for the past four years, battling legal efforts by the Mexican authorities to have him extradited on trumped up charges alleging misappropriation of union funds and for calling the 65 coal miners' deaths "industrial homicide."
Multiple court decisions by Mexican judges have cleared the Los Mineros leader of any such government claims – yet he cannot return to Mexico without risking imprisonment by the conservative government that seeks his ouster for demanding workplace safety and better wages.
The declaration was released while the USW and Los Mineros leaders were participating in an assembly of two global union federations representing 45 million workers from 132 countries at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.
If the USW and Los Mineros are successful in their exploration of a merger to consolidate North American industrial worker strength against trans-national mining and metal corporations, it could build upon the more than three-million-member global union called 'Workers Uniting' created by the 2008 trans-Atlantic merger between Unite in the UK and the USW in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
The declaration by the USW and the SNTMMSSRM, or Los Mineros, can be accessed at: www.usw.org/; or www.usw.ca/.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
New strike ballot for BA cabin crew
Unite members employed as British Airways cabin crew are to be balloted for a third round of strike action next week.
Unite, is expected to notify BA of the vote - walk-outs could begin as soon as August 3rd.
While the £62.5m ($92.3m) cost-saving programme that sparked the dispute has all but been resolved, the conflict is now centred on measures introduced by BA since the strikes began.
Unite is demanding the full reinstatement of travel perks for staff participating in the strike and the withdrawal of disciplinary action against 70 cabin crew members. It has also accused BA of creating an “unworkable environment” by disregarding the agreements with the union and by using staff employed elsewhere by the airline to do cabin crew’s jobs on reduced terms. The measures are widely seen as an attempt by BA to fundamentally alter the power balance with the union.
A solid majority of 92 per cent and 81 per cent of cabin crew union members have voted in favour of industrial action in the two polls since December last year.
In a recent letter to cabin crew, Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson, joint general secretaries of Unite, outlined three areas of dispute: using volunteer air stewards, depriving strikers who joined walkouts in March of their concessionary travel, and "vindictive" disciplinary action taken against at least 70 flight attendants since the dispute began.
"It has become apparent that the company's continued refusal to reinstate staff travel concessions for striking members and its vindictive disciplinary measures against Unite members raises new items of dispute," said Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson.
Unite, is expected to notify BA of the vote - walk-outs could begin as soon as August 3rd.
While the £62.5m ($92.3m) cost-saving programme that sparked the dispute has all but been resolved, the conflict is now centred on measures introduced by BA since the strikes began.
Unite is demanding the full reinstatement of travel perks for staff participating in the strike and the withdrawal of disciplinary action against 70 cabin crew members. It has also accused BA of creating an “unworkable environment” by disregarding the agreements with the union and by using staff employed elsewhere by the airline to do cabin crew’s jobs on reduced terms. The measures are widely seen as an attempt by BA to fundamentally alter the power balance with the union.
A solid majority of 92 per cent and 81 per cent of cabin crew union members have voted in favour of industrial action in the two polls since December last year.
In a recent letter to cabin crew, Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson, joint general secretaries of Unite, outlined three areas of dispute: using volunteer air stewards, depriving strikers who joined walkouts in March of their concessionary travel, and "vindictive" disciplinary action taken against at least 70 flight attendants since the dispute began.
"It has become apparent that the company's continued refusal to reinstate staff travel concessions for striking members and its vindictive disciplinary measures against Unite members raises new items of dispute," said Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Re-published from Guardian - Sheffield Forgemasters Folly
Written by Gregor Gall of Strathclyde Uni....
The decision to scrap an £80m loan to Sheffield Forgemasters could turn into an act of considerable political folly for the still-young coalition government.
The loan was given to allow the company to install a new forging press for producing nuclear plant components. Its rationale was part of a policy to support successful businesses – especially in areas of high unemployment and low wage, unskilled jobs – to expand and prosper. The withdrawal of the loan not only threatens hundreds of jobs at the company and its suppliers, as well as the company's business strategy. It may also impede the ability of the new tranche of nuclear power plants to come on stream, for the company is almost alone in Britain in producing such steel products.
This decision appears particularly short-sighted, for it was a loan (rather than a non-returnable grant or gift) and to a company that is far from being a basket case or a lame duck. Not only does Sheffield Forgemasters have a long and illustrious history, but it is one of the few businesses from that age of the industrial revolution to have survived, grown and developed when others around it withered and failed. It now manufactures general and specialised high-quality steels, in either rolled or cast formats.
Some observers may say a successful company should not need state aid – they would say this almost axiomatic. Yet, the £80m loan was matched by the same amount raised in private money markets by the company, so this was not exactly a case of the government bailing out a company or encouraging it not to stand on its own two feet. Rather, relative to the worth and assets of the company, it would not have been able to raise such sums of money without government help.
On top of this, steel and Sheffield have a kind of resonance in the political fabric of Britain unlike many others industries and places because of the parts they played in the industrialisation of the economy. Indeed, in what many consider the last great Clash song, Joe Strummer sang "This is England … This knife of Sheffield steel." By the same token, bringing into doubt the future of a successful smokestack company speaks to a long-running sore in British political life, namely, that of deindustrialisation. The contrast with Corus, the owner of former British Steel operations, could not be greater. It has recently shut down and mothballed many of its production facilities.
But what will really give foundation to the loan withdrawal being an act of political folly for the price of a returnable £80m is that the MP for the constituency in which the company is based is the deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg. This makes his statement of lament in response look rather hollow and insincere.
However, the icing on the cake will be the extent to which the Labour opposition can land a blow on the coalition government for bringing about the danger of a "double dip" recession by cutting too much too soon. This was the political fault line in this year's general election between the main political parties. With Clegg as the local MP, Labour's leadership contenders should be able to have a field day. Added to this mix will be the accusation that the Liberal Democrats are no different from the "slash and burn" Tories. Or, put another way, rather than moderating the Tories, the Liberal Democrats have given in to them in return for a few ministerial Mondeos.
And at the back of all this, the longstanding Tory dogmas that people should get on their bikes to look elsewhere for work and that there is nothing wrong with becoming a nation of hairdressers are likely to fall on increasingly deaf and unreceptive ears. To many, it will look like the new face of the Tories under Cameron is pretty much the same as the old one under Thatcher.
The decision to scrap an £80m loan to Sheffield Forgemasters could turn into an act of considerable political folly for the still-young coalition government.
The loan was given to allow the company to install a new forging press for producing nuclear plant components. Its rationale was part of a policy to support successful businesses – especially in areas of high unemployment and low wage, unskilled jobs – to expand and prosper. The withdrawal of the loan not only threatens hundreds of jobs at the company and its suppliers, as well as the company's business strategy. It may also impede the ability of the new tranche of nuclear power plants to come on stream, for the company is almost alone in Britain in producing such steel products.
This decision appears particularly short-sighted, for it was a loan (rather than a non-returnable grant or gift) and to a company that is far from being a basket case or a lame duck. Not only does Sheffield Forgemasters have a long and illustrious history, but it is one of the few businesses from that age of the industrial revolution to have survived, grown and developed when others around it withered and failed. It now manufactures general and specialised high-quality steels, in either rolled or cast formats.
Some observers may say a successful company should not need state aid – they would say this almost axiomatic. Yet, the £80m loan was matched by the same amount raised in private money markets by the company, so this was not exactly a case of the government bailing out a company or encouraging it not to stand on its own two feet. Rather, relative to the worth and assets of the company, it would not have been able to raise such sums of money without government help.
On top of this, steel and Sheffield have a kind of resonance in the political fabric of Britain unlike many others industries and places because of the parts they played in the industrialisation of the economy. Indeed, in what many consider the last great Clash song, Joe Strummer sang "This is England … This knife of Sheffield steel." By the same token, bringing into doubt the future of a successful smokestack company speaks to a long-running sore in British political life, namely, that of deindustrialisation. The contrast with Corus, the owner of former British Steel operations, could not be greater. It has recently shut down and mothballed many of its production facilities.
But what will really give foundation to the loan withdrawal being an act of political folly for the price of a returnable £80m is that the MP for the constituency in which the company is based is the deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg. This makes his statement of lament in response look rather hollow and insincere.
However, the icing on the cake will be the extent to which the Labour opposition can land a blow on the coalition government for bringing about the danger of a "double dip" recession by cutting too much too soon. This was the political fault line in this year's general election between the main political parties. With Clegg as the local MP, Labour's leadership contenders should be able to have a field day. Added to this mix will be the accusation that the Liberal Democrats are no different from the "slash and burn" Tories. Or, put another way, rather than moderating the Tories, the Liberal Democrats have given in to them in return for a few ministerial Mondeos.
And at the back of all this, the longstanding Tory dogmas that people should get on their bikes to look elsewhere for work and that there is nothing wrong with becoming a nation of hairdressers are likely to fall on increasingly deaf and unreceptive ears. To many, it will look like the new face of the Tories under Cameron is pretty much the same as the old one under Thatcher.
Rob McGregor: Santander Purchase of RBS Branch's "Another Nail In The Coffin"
The shake-up of UK retail banking continued this morning when Spanish bank Santander said it had submitted an offer to buy 300 high street branches from Royal Bank of Scotland.
Santander, long the favourite to win the auction, is now the only bidder left. Market speculation suggests the deal could be worth about £1.8bn.
"Currently, it is not possible to say when the tender process will conclude," Santander said in a statement to the London Stock Exchange this morning.
The branches, which are being sold under the Williams & Glyn's brand, initially attracted five other suitors: Virgin Money, National Australia Bank, US private equity group Blackstone, the Wellcome Trust and Spanish bank BBVA. Santander and NAB were the only two to begin scrutinising RBS's books last month; NAB subsequently dropped out because it wanted to focus on Asia.
RBS, which is 84% owned by the taxpayer, has to sell the branches and its insurance arm as a condition of receiving state aid after a European Commission ruling last year. It has until 2013 to sell the branches.
Santander already has a presence on the UK high street after snapping up Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley. Acquiring the RBS branches would give it close to 14% of the UK mortgage market and 10% of savings. The group is eager to grow outside its core Spanish market which is in the midst of a property market meltdown, and has also expanded in Latin America.
Unite however, is disappointed that the RBS branches are not going to a new entrant to the banking sector. "This move by Santander to buy 318 Royal Bank of Scotland branches is yet another nail in the coffin of the diverse financial services sector which consumers have long benefited from. Simply on the basis of market competition on the high street, this sale is bad news," said Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer.
"There is a danger that soon British customers will only have one provider to choose from. Where does this daily consolidation in the sector leave the Con-Dem government's commitment to a diverse financial services industry?" MacGregor asked.
Santander, long the favourite to win the auction, is now the only bidder left. Market speculation suggests the deal could be worth about £1.8bn.
"Currently, it is not possible to say when the tender process will conclude," Santander said in a statement to the London Stock Exchange this morning.
The branches, which are being sold under the Williams & Glyn's brand, initially attracted five other suitors: Virgin Money, National Australia Bank, US private equity group Blackstone, the Wellcome Trust and Spanish bank BBVA. Santander and NAB were the only two to begin scrutinising RBS's books last month; NAB subsequently dropped out because it wanted to focus on Asia.
RBS, which is 84% owned by the taxpayer, has to sell the branches and its insurance arm as a condition of receiving state aid after a European Commission ruling last year. It has until 2013 to sell the branches.
Santander already has a presence on the UK high street after snapping up Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley. Acquiring the RBS branches would give it close to 14% of the UK mortgage market and 10% of savings. The group is eager to grow outside its core Spanish market which is in the midst of a property market meltdown, and has also expanded in Latin America.
Unite however, is disappointed that the RBS branches are not going to a new entrant to the banking sector. "This move by Santander to buy 318 Royal Bank of Scotland branches is yet another nail in the coffin of the diverse financial services sector which consumers have long benefited from. Simply on the basis of market competition on the high street, this sale is bad news," said Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer.
"There is a danger that soon British customers will only have one provider to choose from. Where does this daily consolidation in the sector leave the Con-Dem government's commitment to a diverse financial services industry?" MacGregor asked.
Derek to Lib Dems - Tear Up Your Cards!
Derek Simpson is urging Lib Dem members to tear up their membership cards rather than be associated with cuts in public spending.
He has accused the party's leadership of "falling hook, line and sinker" for an agenda of cuts in public services.
Derek Simpson said the Conservatives were using the UK's huge budget deficit as "cover". He also said they were using the Lib Dems for the authority to push the cuts through.
Derek said: "Under the ConDems, working people will suffer the most, no matter what Nick Clegg says about the cuts being progressive.
"Liberal Democrat members with a social conscience should tear up their membership cards and join Labour to save the shame of being associated with this ruthless right-wing agenda.
"The public did not vote for early and deep public spending cuts, as both Labour and the Lib Dems in the general election campaign opposed severe and immediate austerity measures, warning that the consequence may be a double-dip recession."
He said the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition "seem to have no plans to build, only to cut.
"The government want to attack public sector jobs, public sector pensions and the vital public services that ordinary working families rely on."
Derek also said there had been "unprecedented scaremongering" by Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne about the state of the economy and the need to save money.
He has accused the party's leadership of "falling hook, line and sinker" for an agenda of cuts in public services.
Derek Simpson said the Conservatives were using the UK's huge budget deficit as "cover". He also said they were using the Lib Dems for the authority to push the cuts through.
Derek said: "Under the ConDems, working people will suffer the most, no matter what Nick Clegg says about the cuts being progressive.
"Liberal Democrat members with a social conscience should tear up their membership cards and join Labour to save the shame of being associated with this ruthless right-wing agenda.
"The public did not vote for early and deep public spending cuts, as both Labour and the Lib Dems in the general election campaign opposed severe and immediate austerity measures, warning that the consequence may be a double-dip recession."
He said the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition "seem to have no plans to build, only to cut.
"The government want to attack public sector jobs, public sector pensions and the vital public services that ordinary working families rely on."
Derek also said there had been "unprecedented scaremongering" by Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne about the state of the economy and the need to save money.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Cancellation of loan to Sheffield Forgemasters 'a colossal error of judgement'
Unite, has branded the decision to cancel 12 projects totalling £2 billion including an £80 million loan to Sheffield Forgemasters “a colossal error of judgement.”
Derek Simpson, Unite joint general secretary, said: "The Con-Dems’ decision not to support companies like Sheffield Forgemasters is a colossal error of judgement. It is short-sighted and will leave Britain's manufacturing sector trailing behind its competitors.
“There is only one other manufacturer in the world which builds the forgings that Sheffield Forgemasters produces.
“This is an appalling decision because it denies UK manufacturing the opportunity to become a supplier on a global scale . Every other country in Europe sees the value in supporting its industries and jobs.
“This is a kick in the teeth to the community in Sheffield. During the election campaign Nick Clegg was keen to vow extra support to areas like Sheffield, but now the Con-Dem government has turned its backs on this local business.
“We are urging the Treasury to reconsider this decision if it wants to nurture Britain's skilled manufacturing base.”
Derek Simpson, Unite joint general secretary, said: "The Con-Dems’ decision not to support companies like Sheffield Forgemasters is a colossal error of judgement. It is short-sighted and will leave Britain's manufacturing sector trailing behind its competitors.
“There is only one other manufacturer in the world which builds the forgings that Sheffield Forgemasters produces.
“This is an appalling decision because it denies UK manufacturing the opportunity to become a supplier on a global scale . Every other country in Europe sees the value in supporting its industries and jobs.
“This is a kick in the teeth to the community in Sheffield. During the election campaign Nick Clegg was keen to vow extra support to areas like Sheffield, but now the Con-Dem government has turned its backs on this local business.
“We are urging the Treasury to reconsider this decision if it wants to nurture Britain's skilled manufacturing base.”
URGENT - DEMO IN LONDON FRIDAY PM
Unite leads protest outside Ministry of Justice
When: Friday 18 June, 2010 at 4.30pm
Where: Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, Westminster, SW1H 9AJ
Unite will lead a protest outside the Ministry of Justice on 18th June over the government's refusal to provide a relatively small amount of money to bail out Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ) which has gone into administration resulting from the failings in the Legal Services Commission's funding regime. Government could choose to save it.
A high profile list of speakers will be addressing the demonstration.
RMJ - the largest provider of specialist legal advice for asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in England and Wales - went into administration on June 16, 2010 and will be closing its doors for the last time next Wednesday.
Ahead of the budget next week, Unite believes that George Osborne could have revealed what was meant by "compassionate Conservatism" by saving RMJ. The jobs of over 300 solicitors, legal advisers and staff, and the plight of up to 10,000 vulnerable adults, including 900 children will be affected by the government's decision. Many of RMJ’s clients will face being returned to countries where they face persecution and where their lives will be put in danger.
Rachael Maskell, Unite national officer, said: "We now understand the value that this government puts on charities and the most disadvantaged in our communities, they simply turn their back and walk away. They don't care that many refugees and migrants will lose their vital support from professional advisers and will simply be returned to the countries they fled from as they came to seek safety in the UK."
"With the budget just days away, George Osborne could save this organisation. Government has a simple choice, they could walk away or show that they really value charities and will help them to play their role in the ‘Big Society’.
"The workforce who are more concerned for their clients than themselves will also be cast aside, adding nearly 350 more people to the unemployed list."
RMJ used to get paid monthly, but is now only paid after each case is closed – many cases last many months or even years. No charity can be expected to wait that long for payment and many law centres are finding it difficult to cope with the new payment system. David Cameron’s claims to value the work of charities rings very hollow indeed.
RMJ (formerly the Refugee Legal Centre) was founded in 1992 and in the last year alone has helped over 11,000 people. Closure would mean that up to 10,000 vulnerable people will be left without legal representation, including 900 children. Many will face being returned to countries where they face persecution and their lives are in danger.
So far the Ministry of Justice has declined to help RMJ. Unite is calling for RMJ to be saved and for proper legal aid funding to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society have real access to justice.
Cuts in public spending are affecting the poorest people right across our society. But these people did not cause the economic crisis and should not be made to pay for it. This government has the choice to support the most marginalised people in our society or face asylum chaos.
Unite, the union which represents RMJ’s 340 staff, has called a demonstration outside the Ministry of Justice at 4.30pm on Friday, 18th June 2010.
When: Friday 18 June, 2010 at 4.30pm
Where: Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, Westminster, SW1H 9AJ
Unite will lead a protest outside the Ministry of Justice on 18th June over the government's refusal to provide a relatively small amount of money to bail out Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ) which has gone into administration resulting from the failings in the Legal Services Commission's funding regime. Government could choose to save it.
A high profile list of speakers will be addressing the demonstration.
RMJ - the largest provider of specialist legal advice for asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in England and Wales - went into administration on June 16, 2010 and will be closing its doors for the last time next Wednesday.
Ahead of the budget next week, Unite believes that George Osborne could have revealed what was meant by "compassionate Conservatism" by saving RMJ. The jobs of over 300 solicitors, legal advisers and staff, and the plight of up to 10,000 vulnerable adults, including 900 children will be affected by the government's decision. Many of RMJ’s clients will face being returned to countries where they face persecution and where their lives will be put in danger.
Rachael Maskell, Unite national officer, said: "We now understand the value that this government puts on charities and the most disadvantaged in our communities, they simply turn their back and walk away. They don't care that many refugees and migrants will lose their vital support from professional advisers and will simply be returned to the countries they fled from as they came to seek safety in the UK."
"With the budget just days away, George Osborne could save this organisation. Government has a simple choice, they could walk away or show that they really value charities and will help them to play their role in the ‘Big Society’.
"The workforce who are more concerned for their clients than themselves will also be cast aside, adding nearly 350 more people to the unemployed list."
RMJ used to get paid monthly, but is now only paid after each case is closed – many cases last many months or even years. No charity can be expected to wait that long for payment and many law centres are finding it difficult to cope with the new payment system. David Cameron’s claims to value the work of charities rings very hollow indeed.
RMJ (formerly the Refugee Legal Centre) was founded in 1992 and in the last year alone has helped over 11,000 people. Closure would mean that up to 10,000 vulnerable people will be left without legal representation, including 900 children. Many will face being returned to countries where they face persecution and their lives are in danger.
So far the Ministry of Justice has declined to help RMJ. Unite is calling for RMJ to be saved and for proper legal aid funding to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society have real access to justice.
Cuts in public spending are affecting the poorest people right across our society. But these people did not cause the economic crisis and should not be made to pay for it. This government has the choice to support the most marginalised people in our society or face asylum chaos.
Unite, the union which represents RMJ’s 340 staff, has called a demonstration outside the Ministry of Justice at 4.30pm on Friday, 18th June 2010.
BA Cabin Crew - No breakthrough
The latest attempt to secure an deal between British Airways and the Unite union made no progress according to ACAS.
Acas had given both sides a new set of proposals but said that they were unable to break the deadlock and move closer to a deal.
It said no new meetings were currently planned, but that it would monitor developments.
Unite has threatened to ballot over further walkouts in July if no agreement is reached with BA.
"Unite remains committed to finding a settlement which addresses its members' concerns," said a Unite spokesman "We remain in touch with Acas and with British Airways to that end."
The industrial action has cost the airline an estimated £150m. It recently said passenger numbers were 14.2% lower in May than a year earlier.
Acas said it would continue to offer its services to both sides.
You can now follow the BA Dispute at http://twitter.com/unitebaupdates
And you can sign up to support Unite members in dispute with BA at
http://www.unitetheunion.com/campaigns/ba_united_we_stand.aspx
Acas had given both sides a new set of proposals but said that they were unable to break the deadlock and move closer to a deal.
It said no new meetings were currently planned, but that it would monitor developments.
Unite has threatened to ballot over further walkouts in July if no agreement is reached with BA.
"Unite remains committed to finding a settlement which addresses its members' concerns," said a Unite spokesman "We remain in touch with Acas and with British Airways to that end."
The industrial action has cost the airline an estimated £150m. It recently said passenger numbers were 14.2% lower in May than a year earlier.
Acas said it would continue to offer its services to both sides.
You can now follow the BA Dispute at http://twitter.com/unitebaupdates
And you can sign up to support Unite members in dispute with BA at
http://www.unitetheunion.com/campaigns/ba_united_we_stand.aspx
Friday, June 11, 2010
Outrage As 101 Trade Unionists Murdered in 2009
ITUC Annual Survey
101 Trade Unionists Murdered in 2009; Pressure on Workers’ Rights Grows as Crisis Hits Jobs
http://www.ituc-csi.org/ituc-annual-survey.html
101 Trade Unionists Murdered in 2009; Pressure on Workers’ Rights Grows as Crisis Hits Jobs
http://www.ituc-csi.org/ituc-annual-survey.html
Unite members jobs at risk as London bus company goes up for sale
Unite has made it clear that the current situation facing the East London Bus Group must not impact detrimentally on its 4,500 members.
The giant bus company which runs routes in east London, south east London and central London has announced that it will be selling up, as it is facing huge losses.
Unite is concerned that the proposed sale will mean potential job losses, a reduction in services in the city and could lead to a number of routes lost, affecting the travelling public.
Unite is prepared to listen to the company's plan for moving out of the chaos it finds itself in, but 630 Unite members made clear at a mass meeting that they would not be prepared to accept the significant wage cuts and attacks on terms and conditions that the East London Bus Group is demanding.
Unite regional officer, John Griffiths, said: “This is the result of the mayor's tendering policies in the London bus market which is leading to an accelerated and ugly race to the bottom.
“Our members carry millions of passengers everyday and keep this city moving. Why should they be penalised as a result of this anarchic system, and by an operator that has made a fast buck, and is now bailing out.
“Our huge fear is for the many thousands of loyal workers at the the East London Bus Group and Unite is calling for a swift resolution to end the uncertainty that our members face.”
Unite is now seeking urgent meetings with Transport for London to seek assurances that jobs and terms and conditions will be preserved.
The East London Bus Group was acquired from Stagecoach by a consortium led by Australian investment bank Macquarie.
The giant bus company which runs routes in east London, south east London and central London has announced that it will be selling up, as it is facing huge losses.
Unite is concerned that the proposed sale will mean potential job losses, a reduction in services in the city and could lead to a number of routes lost, affecting the travelling public.
Unite is prepared to listen to the company's plan for moving out of the chaos it finds itself in, but 630 Unite members made clear at a mass meeting that they would not be prepared to accept the significant wage cuts and attacks on terms and conditions that the East London Bus Group is demanding.
Unite regional officer, John Griffiths, said: “This is the result of the mayor's tendering policies in the London bus market which is leading to an accelerated and ugly race to the bottom.
“Our members carry millions of passengers everyday and keep this city moving. Why should they be penalised as a result of this anarchic system, and by an operator that has made a fast buck, and is now bailing out.
“Our huge fear is for the many thousands of loyal workers at the the East London Bus Group and Unite is calling for a swift resolution to end the uncertainty that our members face.”
Unite is now seeking urgent meetings with Transport for London to seek assurances that jobs and terms and conditions will be preserved.
The East London Bus Group was acquired from Stagecoach by a consortium led by Australian investment bank Macquarie.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Les Bayliss address to Unite Policy Conference GS Campaign Rally
Unite - our opportunity
I am proud to be here at this conference, for me it represents the hope and opportunity that is Unite.
However today Unite’s true potential is as yet unfulfilled. It can be a vibrant union that meets every new challenge head on.
Our unique structure allows us to accommodate different needs at the same time fighting for common goals. Fighting to win! In our strong union I back our members in dispute, but won’t lead people to the top of the hill and leave them there alone.
Championing change
We have all seen leaflets this week being handed out outside the conference by the various campaign camps. They contain lots of rhetoric - “new future” – “decentralisation” it is all meaningless. These messages short change the members.
I love this union, the union I joined as an apprentice 40 years ago. I have been on picket lines, run campaigns, recruitment drives and been involved politically and industrially at every level. And most recently I have negotiated the mergers that have brought in great unions to form Unite. I wan the future of Unite to be about creating to a state-of-art union.
I will end; the duplication of services in every region, the wasting of resources, wasting expertise and the weakening the union with fragmentation.
I will use the technology at our disposal to engage and politicise our members.
Service is key
The old reliance on big bargaining units servicing themselves is sadly dead. Political understanding is at an all time low throughout society and the union. For this reason within twelve months I will establish 24 hour support centre for our reps as well as our members. I believe that every member is important and deserves a first class service from their union. We must value all members equally regardless of sector or branch size.
Member contact
It is vital that we reconnect with our members. Today in Unite 48% of members join online and 50% are unorganised. These people have a poor service experience from the union. Many members have never had a magazine or direct communication from the union.
Our union relies our reps, who do a fantastic job in difficult and sometimes impossible circumstances. I think it is a disgrace that the reps get more information from the right wing media or papers than they do from our union.
Effective organising
In my view organising and campaigning key to our success. In Unite we have seen massive investment in organising. Let me make one thing clear, people say I am opposed to organising - I am not. But I do think that the current model is too narrow, a model that is too narrowly applied, one size fits no one.
I want to see organising lead by workplace groups and sector committees, which is co-ordinated through our branch structures. We need our organising campaigns to be run, administered and evaluated by those at the heart of the campaign.
Political influence
The Labour Party is us. Some in the media have tried to attack us by saying: “the Labour Party is the political wing of Unite.” I think we have to make this a reality. Now is the time to reclaim Labour’s agenda and politicise our members - not merely complaining from the sidelines. Our army needs to be ready for the next election.
We must influence and involve our members in our Labour Party. So I will introduce a programme to recruit an accredited political rep in every workplace.
Fighting to win
I want to be absolutely clear here, as General Secretary of Unite I will always support our members in their industrial disputes. But being angry doesn’t win an industrial dispute. Our future isn’t a choice between rolling over or militancy, our every fight is to win and every loss weakens us.
Tony Woodley said: “If you fight you won’t always win, but if you don’t fight you will surely lose.” I agree but we should not fight with our eyes closed and our arms tied behind our backs. We need strategic campaigning. I will not back: bravado and mock militancy, cheap publicity stunts and ‘back of a fag packet’ bargaining strategies.
For too long we have seen: a lack of leadership, ignored legal advice and no strategy for communication. I will introduce a strategic campaigns unit to back our members not just in dispute but in negotiation so we can win without disputes. But if we do go into battle we go in to win!
Commitment to Unite members
This election is an opportunity to change the union to fit the members. To service the members we have, not those we wish we had and to change our Labour party by involving our members.
We need to educate and politicise our people to win in the workplace and politically. To build equality into everything we do industrially and organisationally
This our one chance to release Unites’ potential and improve the lives of working people in UK and Ireland and around the world
I am proud to be here at this conference, for me it represents the hope and opportunity that is Unite.
However today Unite’s true potential is as yet unfulfilled. It can be a vibrant union that meets every new challenge head on.
Our unique structure allows us to accommodate different needs at the same time fighting for common goals. Fighting to win! In our strong union I back our members in dispute, but won’t lead people to the top of the hill and leave them there alone.
Championing change
We have all seen leaflets this week being handed out outside the conference by the various campaign camps. They contain lots of rhetoric - “new future” – “decentralisation” it is all meaningless. These messages short change the members.
I love this union, the union I joined as an apprentice 40 years ago. I have been on picket lines, run campaigns, recruitment drives and been involved politically and industrially at every level. And most recently I have negotiated the mergers that have brought in great unions to form Unite. I wan the future of Unite to be about creating to a state-of-art union.
I will end; the duplication of services in every region, the wasting of resources, wasting expertise and the weakening the union with fragmentation.
I will use the technology at our disposal to engage and politicise our members.
Service is key
The old reliance on big bargaining units servicing themselves is sadly dead. Political understanding is at an all time low throughout society and the union. For this reason within twelve months I will establish 24 hour support centre for our reps as well as our members. I believe that every member is important and deserves a first class service from their union. We must value all members equally regardless of sector or branch size.
Member contact
It is vital that we reconnect with our members. Today in Unite 48% of members join online and 50% are unorganised. These people have a poor service experience from the union. Many members have never had a magazine or direct communication from the union.
Our union relies our reps, who do a fantastic job in difficult and sometimes impossible circumstances. I think it is a disgrace that the reps get more information from the right wing media or papers than they do from our union.
Effective organising
In my view organising and campaigning key to our success. In Unite we have seen massive investment in organising. Let me make one thing clear, people say I am opposed to organising - I am not. But I do think that the current model is too narrow, a model that is too narrowly applied, one size fits no one.
I want to see organising lead by workplace groups and sector committees, which is co-ordinated through our branch structures. We need our organising campaigns to be run, administered and evaluated by those at the heart of the campaign.
Political influence
The Labour Party is us. Some in the media have tried to attack us by saying: “the Labour Party is the political wing of Unite.” I think we have to make this a reality. Now is the time to reclaim Labour’s agenda and politicise our members - not merely complaining from the sidelines. Our army needs to be ready for the next election.
We must influence and involve our members in our Labour Party. So I will introduce a programme to recruit an accredited political rep in every workplace.
Fighting to win
I want to be absolutely clear here, as General Secretary of Unite I will always support our members in their industrial disputes. But being angry doesn’t win an industrial dispute. Our future isn’t a choice between rolling over or militancy, our every fight is to win and every loss weakens us.
Tony Woodley said: “If you fight you won’t always win, but if you don’t fight you will surely lose.” I agree but we should not fight with our eyes closed and our arms tied behind our backs. We need strategic campaigning. I will not back: bravado and mock militancy, cheap publicity stunts and ‘back of a fag packet’ bargaining strategies.
For too long we have seen: a lack of leadership, ignored legal advice and no strategy for communication. I will introduce a strategic campaigns unit to back our members not just in dispute but in negotiation so we can win without disputes. But if we do go into battle we go in to win!
Commitment to Unite members
This election is an opportunity to change the union to fit the members. To service the members we have, not those we wish we had and to change our Labour party by involving our members.
We need to educate and politicise our people to win in the workplace and politically. To build equality into everything we do industrially and organisationally
This our one chance to release Unites’ potential and improve the lives of working people in UK and Ireland and around the world
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Unite Fury As Northern Rock Axes Jobs
Northern Rock was described yesterday as "short term" and "rash" for planning to shed 650 of the state owned bank's 4,500 staff. The company also dealt those who remain a further blow by closing the final salary pension scheme to future contributions.
All grades of staff will be affected by the job losses and Northern Rock has entered a 90-day consultation period before the first of the cutbacks.
Unite National Officer for the Finance Sector Rob MacGregor, said the decision was "devastating" and customer service would suffer.
All grades of staff will be affected by the job losses and Northern Rock has entered a 90-day consultation period before the first of the cutbacks.
Unite National Officer for the Finance Sector Rob MacGregor, said the decision was "devastating" and customer service would suffer.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Another great Australian union video
Remember that great video produced by Australian unions -- "What have the unions ever done for us?"
Well, the people who made it are at it again - with a terrific new video entitled "It's Going To Ruin Us."
Australian unions are eager for people around the world to view it.
Have a look yourself - and email it on.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4PcQfz0MfU&feature=player_embedded
And just in case you missed the last one..............
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=184NTV2CE_c
Well, the people who made it are at it again - with a terrific new video entitled "It's Going To Ruin Us."
Australian unions are eager for people around the world to view it.
Have a look yourself - and email it on.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4PcQfz0MfU&feature=player_embedded
And just in case you missed the last one..............
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=184NTV2CE_c
BA Dispute latest
Unite took a further step towards a further ballot of British Airways cabin crew after discussions over the terms for a new strike ballot.
Derek Simpson, discussed the reasons for another poll with cabin crew shop stewards.
Unite is expected to make a further announcement on the ballot when the last of three five-day strikes ends on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, BA's chief executive, Willie Walsh, showed showed his true colours when he told an Air Transport Conference in Berlin that he intended to "hold out for as long as it takes." i
Derek Simpson, discussed the reasons for another poll with cabin crew shop stewards.
Unite is expected to make a further announcement on the ballot when the last of three five-day strikes ends on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, BA's chief executive, Willie Walsh, showed showed his true colours when he told an Air Transport Conference in Berlin that he intended to "hold out for as long as it takes." i
Coca Cola Strike Threat
More than 2,000 UK workers at Coca-Cola, are set to vote on possible strike action.
Unite and GMB unions said Coca-Cola Enterprises, had refused a claim for national bargaining from its workforce. The claim was made in the wake of what the unions described as "a sneak attack" on pay and pensions.
Unite, which represents over 2,000 workers said a strike could see soft drink supplies running low before the close of the World Cup, which is being sponsored by Coca-Cola.
The unions accused Coca Cola Enterprises of refusing to consult on major changes to conditions of employment such as requirements for staff to work an extra five years to the age of 65 or risk losing up to a quarter of their pension. They are also disputing the implementation of a 2% pay rise, which they say was rubber-stamped by a company forum comprised "predominantly of management and non-union representatives".
Jennie Formby,Unite national officer for the food, drink and tobacco sector, highlighted the inequity between the changes to workers' pension arrangements and the retirement pot of CCE chief executive John Brock, which is currently worth $3.5m (£2.4m) after less than 12 years' service.
"Where is the fair play in sneakily attacking members' pay and pensions while freezing the workers' representatives out of any discussions on the matter?
"CCE is seeking to attack our members' wages but is rewarding senior executives' groaning pension pots," Jenny Formby said.
Unite and GMB unions said Coca-Cola Enterprises, had refused a claim for national bargaining from its workforce. The claim was made in the wake of what the unions described as "a sneak attack" on pay and pensions.
Unite, which represents over 2,000 workers said a strike could see soft drink supplies running low before the close of the World Cup, which is being sponsored by Coca-Cola.
The unions accused Coca Cola Enterprises of refusing to consult on major changes to conditions of employment such as requirements for staff to work an extra five years to the age of 65 or risk losing up to a quarter of their pension. They are also disputing the implementation of a 2% pay rise, which they say was rubber-stamped by a company forum comprised "predominantly of management and non-union representatives".
Jennie Formby,Unite national officer for the food, drink and tobacco sector, highlighted the inequity between the changes to workers' pension arrangements and the retirement pot of CCE chief executive John Brock, which is currently worth $3.5m (£2.4m) after less than 12 years' service.
"Where is the fair play in sneakily attacking members' pay and pensions while freezing the workers' representatives out of any discussions on the matter?
"CCE is seeking to attack our members' wages but is rewarding senior executives' groaning pension pots," Jenny Formby said.
Visteon Pensions
Former Visteon workers and Unite are close to launching legal action to rescue their pensions.
Visteon UK went into administration in April last year, leaving more than 600 people out of work when it closed its car parts factory in Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, as well as factories in Enfield and Belfast.
The Government-run pension Protection Fund is set to take over Visteon UK’s retirement scheme, but this could mean a drop of up to 50 per cent in the former car workers’ monthly pension payments.
Unite has taken legal advice and workers believe court action is imminent.
They hope this will force Ford, which set up Visteon in the 1990s, to take back responsibility for their pensions. Visteon UK pensioner Paul Bailey, 60, of Wincoat Drive, Benfleet, said: “As far as we’re concerned it’s a no-brainer.
“Ford mis-sold the situation when they transferred us from the Ford to the Visteon pension fund and they should take back responsibility.
“A lot of the people affected paid into the Ford pension scheme for more than 20 or 30 years, before they were transferred to Visteon. We were loyal to Ford for all those years and it owes us.”
Some of the former Visteon workers lobbied this week’s annual Unite conference, in Manchester, and were told by Tony Woodley the union was seeking fresh legal advice.
The pensioners claim they were given assurances by Ford, when their factories were transferred to Visteon UK, they would retain equal pay and conditions to staff who were still employed directly by the global car giant.
Because of the pledge to retain equal conditions, the former staff believe they should still be entitled to equivalent pensions to Ford workers. Ford has so far denied further responsibility towards its former workers.
Visteon UK went into administration in April last year, leaving more than 600 people out of work when it closed its car parts factory in Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, as well as factories in Enfield and Belfast.
The Government-run pension Protection Fund is set to take over Visteon UK’s retirement scheme, but this could mean a drop of up to 50 per cent in the former car workers’ monthly pension payments.
Unite has taken legal advice and workers believe court action is imminent.
They hope this will force Ford, which set up Visteon in the 1990s, to take back responsibility for their pensions. Visteon UK pensioner Paul Bailey, 60, of Wincoat Drive, Benfleet, said: “As far as we’re concerned it’s a no-brainer.
“Ford mis-sold the situation when they transferred us from the Ford to the Visteon pension fund and they should take back responsibility.
“A lot of the people affected paid into the Ford pension scheme for more than 20 or 30 years, before they were transferred to Visteon. We were loyal to Ford for all those years and it owes us.”
Some of the former Visteon workers lobbied this week’s annual Unite conference, in Manchester, and were told by Tony Woodley the union was seeking fresh legal advice.
The pensioners claim they were given assurances by Ford, when their factories were transferred to Visteon UK, they would retain equal pay and conditions to staff who were still employed directly by the global car giant.
Because of the pledge to retain equal conditions, the former staff believe they should still be entitled to equivalent pensions to Ford workers. Ford has so far denied further responsibility towards its former workers.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Unite Response to Ed Balls' Comment on EU Immigration
In response to Ed Balls' Comment on EU Immigration Unite Assistant General Secretary, Les Bayliss said:
"Ed Balls is absolutely correct. The current situation of immigration from the EU combined with weak employment protection in this country has led to widespread exploitation of workers in the construction industry. Wage levels are being undercut and national bargaining agreements are being ignored. We need to tighten up on regulations to protect domestic workers' ability to get jobs and to earn a decent living, whilst at the same time allowing skilled workers from the EU to come here without fear of being cheated by unscrupulous employers."
Les Bayliss has national responsibility for the construction industry including the Olympic site in London. Unite is Britain's biggest union for construction workers.
"Ed Balls is absolutely correct. The current situation of immigration from the EU combined with weak employment protection in this country has led to widespread exploitation of workers in the construction industry. Wage levels are being undercut and national bargaining agreements are being ignored. We need to tighten up on regulations to protect domestic workers' ability to get jobs and to earn a decent living, whilst at the same time allowing skilled workers from the EU to come here without fear of being cheated by unscrupulous employers."
Les Bayliss has national responsibility for the construction industry including the Olympic site in London. Unite is Britain's biggest union for construction workers.
Les Bayliss For GS Websites
Follow Les Bayliss's campaign to become Unite General Secretary at the following sites - more information and more communication to come soon!
htpp://twitter.com/les4gs
http://les4gs.org
www.les4gsnw.co.uk
htpp://twitter.com/les4gs
http://les4gs.org
www.les4gsnw.co.uk
Saturday, June 5, 2010
ETUC Day of Action - September 29th
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has announced plans to hold a European Day of Action on September 29th, including a rally in Brussels, to protest against the spending cuts, which is expected to attract 100,000 demonstrators.
The ETUC said trimming public expenditure would harm recovery from the worst economic crisis in decades, especially if it is done in economically stronger countries.
"We made this call for a high-level meeting (with the EU) out of despair and alarm at the prospects of growth in Europe as all countries, not just those in distress, move to cut their budgets," ETUC GS John Monks said. "The fact that all of them are doing it at the same time is our biggest worry."
The ETUC John Monks said Germany should boost spending, for example by allowing wages to grow, to generate extra demand in the 16-nation euro zone.
Unions would press the governments to ensure the poorest in society are not burdened too much. "We will keep on the pressure in the months ahead, we don't want a bleak mid-winter for the unemployed," he said
The ETUC said trimming public expenditure would harm recovery from the worst economic crisis in decades, especially if it is done in economically stronger countries.
"We made this call for a high-level meeting (with the EU) out of despair and alarm at the prospects of growth in Europe as all countries, not just those in distress, move to cut their budgets," ETUC GS John Monks said. "The fact that all of them are doing it at the same time is our biggest worry."
The ETUC John Monks said Germany should boost spending, for example by allowing wages to grow, to generate extra demand in the 16-nation euro zone.
Unions would press the governments to ensure the poorest in society are not burdened too much. "We will keep on the pressure in the months ahead, we don't want a bleak mid-winter for the unemployed," he said
Friday, June 4, 2010
Unite Conference - A Success For Workers Uniting Group
Initial feedback from delegates returning from the Unite Conference in Manchester is that Workers Uniting Group supporters had a very successful week.
A number of the key policies and motions supported by the Workers Uniting Group delegates were carried and are now the clear and agreed policy of Unite.
Important policy motions on the repeal of the Anti Union laws; Manufacturing; taking back ownership of the Labour Party; Organising; Finance and Banking; Global unions; Peace, Defence and Trident - (the EC statement was carried by a convincing majority and was an excellent debate); Palestine including an emergency motion on the appalling attack on the humanitarian convey by Israel; support for Latin America and the rule change for the new EC structure were all carried.
Delegates report that the other key developments during the conference included the decision of National Officer Paul Reuter who had previously indicated he was standing in the ballot for the GS position to publically back Workers Uniting Group's Candidate for GS Les Bayliss; Les Bayliss's packed campaign rally setting out his manifesto and the public support for Les announced by Unite's largest sector - the Finance sector - at their delegate's function.
Delegates also report that the Fringe meetings were well attended and well supported notably the packed BA Cabin Crew fringe; the Miami Five fringe; Latin America and Justice For Columbia fringes were reportedly the best of the week.
See below:
If delegates who attended the Conference wish to send in their conference impressions - feel free to do so and we will amend the posting. If you wish to remain anonymous (we understand!) we will mention sector or region.
Dear Comrades
Just a note to say this was my first conference and I really enjoyed it, I attended all the sessions and the debates were excellent and lively, if on accasion heated, but that made for a great four days. I also attended the Justice For Columbia, the anit BNP and the Venezuala/Cuba/Ecuador fringes.
I also particularly enjoyed the Finance Sector Social, the Conference Social at Old Trafford and the Les Bayliss campaign social.
I also took part in promoting the Les Bayliss Campaign, handing out leaflets on Tuesday and Wednesday.
I met lots of new friends and comrades and in conclusion I am very optimistic for the future of our great union.
Peter Cookson
Finance and Legal Sector North West
A number of the key policies and motions supported by the Workers Uniting Group delegates were carried and are now the clear and agreed policy of Unite.
Important policy motions on the repeal of the Anti Union laws; Manufacturing; taking back ownership of the Labour Party; Organising; Finance and Banking; Global unions; Peace, Defence and Trident - (the EC statement was carried by a convincing majority and was an excellent debate); Palestine including an emergency motion on the appalling attack on the humanitarian convey by Israel; support for Latin America and the rule change for the new EC structure were all carried.
Delegates report that the other key developments during the conference included the decision of National Officer Paul Reuter who had previously indicated he was standing in the ballot for the GS position to publically back Workers Uniting Group's Candidate for GS Les Bayliss; Les Bayliss's packed campaign rally setting out his manifesto and the public support for Les announced by Unite's largest sector - the Finance sector - at their delegate's function.
Delegates also report that the Fringe meetings were well attended and well supported notably the packed BA Cabin Crew fringe; the Miami Five fringe; Latin America and Justice For Columbia fringes were reportedly the best of the week.
See below:
If delegates who attended the Conference wish to send in their conference impressions - feel free to do so and we will amend the posting. If you wish to remain anonymous (we understand!) we will mention sector or region.
Dear Comrades
Just a note to say this was my first conference and I really enjoyed it, I attended all the sessions and the debates were excellent and lively, if on accasion heated, but that made for a great four days. I also attended the Justice For Columbia, the anit BNP and the Venezuala/Cuba/Ecuador fringes.
I also particularly enjoyed the Finance Sector Social, the Conference Social at Old Trafford and the Les Bayliss campaign social.
I also took part in promoting the Les Bayliss Campaign, handing out leaflets on Tuesday and Wednesday.
I met lots of new friends and comrades and in conclusion I am very optimistic for the future of our great union.
Peter Cookson
Finance and Legal Sector North West
Unite GS Election - Paul Reuter to back Les Bayliss
Unite General Secretary Election – A Strategic Alliance
We are pleased to announce that following detailed discussions between Les Bayliss and Paul Reuter an agreement has been reached with the objective of ensuring both the broadest and widest support for the Workers Uniting Group candidate for the Unite General Secretary election.
It has been mutually and jointly agreed that in the interests of the Union going forward, and in developing and strengthening the election leadership team, that Paul and his supporters will continue to support the aims and objectives of the Workers Uniting Group with an objective of building a strong, efficient and effective union with particular emphasis on officer support and development. To this end, Paul has been asked by the Workers Uniting Group to develop strategies which will ensure that officer development is central to its mandate for change.
In this vein, the Workers Uniting Group will continue dialogue with all Unite members, activists, representatives, officers, organisers, and staff within the Union who wish to voluntarily agree with its aims and objectives and can assist in the election of its candidate, Les Bayliss as the new General Secretary of Unite.
We are pleased to announce that following detailed discussions between Les Bayliss and Paul Reuter an agreement has been reached with the objective of ensuring both the broadest and widest support for the Workers Uniting Group candidate for the Unite General Secretary election.
It has been mutually and jointly agreed that in the interests of the Union going forward, and in developing and strengthening the election leadership team, that Paul and his supporters will continue to support the aims and objectives of the Workers Uniting Group with an objective of building a strong, efficient and effective union with particular emphasis on officer support and development. To this end, Paul has been asked by the Workers Uniting Group to develop strategies which will ensure that officer development is central to its mandate for change.
In this vein, the Workers Uniting Group will continue dialogue with all Unite members, activists, representatives, officers, organisers, and staff within the Union who wish to voluntarily agree with its aims and objectives and can assist in the election of its candidate, Les Bayliss as the new General Secretary of Unite.
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