British Airways said cabin crew strikes and Iceland's volcanic ash cloud have sent the beleaguered airline £164 million into the red for the three months to June 30.
The combination of the dispute with the Unite union and the closure of most of European airspace for almost a week in April cost the airline around £250 million over the quarter.
Cabin crew have taken 22 days of strike action since March and further walkouts could take place from September as the unrest lingers on.
Chief executive Willie Walsh said the airline had seen an improved operating performance despite the disruptions and BA still expects to break even this year after two years of losses.
Mr Walsh played down fears of a "double-dip" recession, saying the airline was seeing a "steady recovery" and positive underlying trends in both cargo and passenger traffic. At the operating level, losses of £72 million were less than the £94 million posted a year earlier, the chief executive added.
The impact of the disruption saw the airline's overall first-quarter revenues fall 2.3% to £1.94 billion. Passenger revenues were down 3.4% after an 11.2% slide in capacity. But Mr Walsh also flagged up falling operating costs - helped by a lower fuel bill - and added: "Our focus must remain on cost control as we grow and continue our quest for permanent structural change across the business."
The group also received a boost this month when it was given US regulatory clearance for its alliance with American Airlines and Iberia on transatlantic flights, as well as agreeing a recovery plan with regulators for its pension scheme.
But BA is still facing the threat of further strikes after members of Unite rejected its "final" offer, raising the prospect of another ballot for industrial action.
Derek Simpson, joint leader of Unite, said he was sorry to see BA lose money, adding that it had never been the union's intention to see the company struggle.
He again accused the carrier of imposing change on cabin crew without their agreement, insisting that the union had come within £10 million of savings wanted by BA, which was a "drop in the ocean" compared with the losses.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
22,000 jobs could be lost in higher education
22,000 jobs could be lost, as cuts hit higher education
The five trade unions within higher education have accused higher education employers of refusing to engage in meaningful national negotiations in response to the first-ever joint union claim. Employers made a final offer to the trade unions of a 0.4 per cent pay increase.
With the retail price index running at 5.0 per cent, the trade unions complained that the employers’ offer represented a real-terms pay cut for the second year running.
Unite, the largest union in the country, was particularly bitter that nothing had been done to address the position of the low-paid within the sector.
With fears that over 22,000 jobs are at risk, Unite branded the employers’ refusal to negotiate around job security as unacceptable and irresponsible.
Unite also complained that the employers had failed even to address many other aspects of the claim, including measures to improve equality in the sector.
No union accepted the employers’ offer and would be referring the matter back to their constituent bodies.
Unite’s national officer for higher education, Mike Robinson, said: ”The employers refusal to negotiate around job security shows that vice chancellors and senior professors are safe, but are not prepared to engage nationally on a sensible process for staff in the future.
”The average pay for a vice-chancellor is about £250,000 and last year’s pay rise for professors came in at 7.1 per cent.
”The 0.4 per cent offer represents a miserly £1 a week increase before tax and national insurance to the lowest paid employees working in higher education at a time when inflation is affecting low paid workers especially hard.
”University vice chancellors, deans and senior professors who have already pocketed substantial increases are showing a BP-like insensitivity from their Tuscan villas, whilst ordinary staff struggle to cope.
”Unite predicts that the currant austerity measures could result in 22,000 jobs being lost in the higher education sector over the next few years. This will seriously dent Britain’s position as a world leader in education and research.“
The five trade unions within higher education have accused higher education employers of refusing to engage in meaningful national negotiations in response to the first-ever joint union claim. Employers made a final offer to the trade unions of a 0.4 per cent pay increase.
With the retail price index running at 5.0 per cent, the trade unions complained that the employers’ offer represented a real-terms pay cut for the second year running.
Unite, the largest union in the country, was particularly bitter that nothing had been done to address the position of the low-paid within the sector.
With fears that over 22,000 jobs are at risk, Unite branded the employers’ refusal to negotiate around job security as unacceptable and irresponsible.
Unite also complained that the employers had failed even to address many other aspects of the claim, including measures to improve equality in the sector.
No union accepted the employers’ offer and would be referring the matter back to their constituent bodies.
Unite’s national officer for higher education, Mike Robinson, said: ”The employers refusal to negotiate around job security shows that vice chancellors and senior professors are safe, but are not prepared to engage nationally on a sensible process for staff in the future.
”The average pay for a vice-chancellor is about £250,000 and last year’s pay rise for professors came in at 7.1 per cent.
”The 0.4 per cent offer represents a miserly £1 a week increase before tax and national insurance to the lowest paid employees working in higher education at a time when inflation is affecting low paid workers especially hard.
”University vice chancellors, deans and senior professors who have already pocketed substantial increases are showing a BP-like insensitivity from their Tuscan villas, whilst ordinary staff struggle to cope.
”Unite predicts that the currant austerity measures could result in 22,000 jobs being lost in the higher education sector over the next few years. This will seriously dent Britain’s position as a world leader in education and research.“
Unite Wins Union Representation At Hitachi
Unite secures union representation with Hitachi
Unite, has reached a deal to represent workers at Hitachi's state of the art maintenance depot at Ashford, Kent, which maintains the high speed Javelin Fleet.
Unite's national officer, Bob Rixham, said: "Unite has secured the first UK union recognition agreement with Hitachi Rail after many months of meetings and negotiations. I have been impressed by the long term commitment that Hitachi has made to both train operating and manufacturing. Unite will be working hard to support and assist the workers at the Ashford depot."
Unite continues to grow in the rail sector, this ground breaking deal follows recognition agreements reached with Bombardier at its New Cross Gate, Haymarket and Nottingham maintenance depots.
Unite, has reached a deal to represent workers at Hitachi's state of the art maintenance depot at Ashford, Kent, which maintains the high speed Javelin Fleet.
Unite's national officer, Bob Rixham, said: "Unite has secured the first UK union recognition agreement with Hitachi Rail after many months of meetings and negotiations. I have been impressed by the long term commitment that Hitachi has made to both train operating and manufacturing. Unite will be working hard to support and assist the workers at the Ashford depot."
Unite continues to grow in the rail sector, this ground breaking deal follows recognition agreements reached with Bombardier at its New Cross Gate, Haymarket and Nottingham maintenance depots.
Unite to take BA to court
Unite plans to take BA to court over travel concessions. The planned court action is the latest move in the long running dispute between BA and its cabin crew
Unite, which represents 11,000 cabin crew at the airline, said the management's action was a breach of European Human rights legislation. Unite also believes the concessions were withdrawn without proper disciplinary procedures being followed.
In another move, Unite said it would provide additional assistance to support crew who have suffered particular financial hardship.
Unite's joint general secretaries, Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson, said: "Unite remains determined to secure a settlement to this dispute acceptable to cabin crew.
"We will continue to support our members financially and legally to ensure that every avenue is explored to achieve justice for these loyal and professional men and women who have been so badly treated by their employer."
Union leaders are planning to meet BA executives next week at the conciliation service Acas for further talks to resolve the still unsolved dispute, which has cost the airline £150m and disrupted 22 days of service.
Unite, which represents 11,000 cabin crew at the airline, said the management's action was a breach of European Human rights legislation. Unite also believes the concessions were withdrawn without proper disciplinary procedures being followed.
In another move, Unite said it would provide additional assistance to support crew who have suffered particular financial hardship.
Unite's joint general secretaries, Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson, said: "Unite remains determined to secure a settlement to this dispute acceptable to cabin crew.
"We will continue to support our members financially and legally to ensure that every avenue is explored to achieve justice for these loyal and professional men and women who have been so badly treated by their employer."
Union leaders are planning to meet BA executives next week at the conciliation service Acas for further talks to resolve the still unsolved dispute, which has cost the airline £150m and disrupted 22 days of service.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Les4GS Nomination Procedure
Dear colleague,
We are well into the nomination stage in the General Secretary election process. Nominations are coming in from branches and from workplaces but it has come to our attention that some reps are having difficulty obtaining the necessary nomination papers. This is very serious and something we must address immediately.
We have published a step by step nomination guide for workplace reps on the website www.les4gs.org . You will also find the contact details of the Regional Secretaries, who are responsible for providing reps with the correct forms and information.
If you experience any problems please contact us on lesbayliss@les4gs.org
Best wishes
Les4gs
We are well into the nomination stage in the General Secretary election process. Nominations are coming in from branches and from workplaces but it has come to our attention that some reps are having difficulty obtaining the necessary nomination papers. This is very serious and something we must address immediately.
We have published a step by step nomination guide for workplace reps on the website www.les4gs.org . You will also find the contact details of the Regional Secretaries, who are responsible for providing reps with the correct forms and information.
If you experience any problems please contact us on lesbayliss@les4gs.org
Best wishes
Les4gs
Statement From British Airways Ground Services Heathrow Unite 1/616 Branch
This statement was sent to the Workers Uniting Group for publication.
We have been advised that it was circulated at the Unite EC Meeting this week.
Dear Fellow Unite Activists
We are a group of representatives from Unite the Union 1/616 branch.
It’s a former TGWU branch based at Heathrow Airport.
And we have a warning for you all.
During this election I am hearing lots about “lay member democracy”. All the candidates promise membership democracy at the heart of the union.
But by their actions, not all will deliver it.
If your face doesn’t fit, if you’re not part of the ruling clique, then woe betide you.
Our branch represents workers at British Airways Ground Services Heathrow: Baggage Handlers, Loading Staff, Cargo Delivery Drivers, GTS (coach drivers) and the like. By any measure it’s a successful branch, focussed around a workplace, with 1400+ members and vibrant meetings.
There was just one problem.
We refused to pledge blind loyalty to the existing leadership of the TGWU Section. Nothing personal. We just value independence.
Our reward?
A couple of months ago we were told our branch would be closed down. We objected, but were told by our regional secretary and national officer that they were progressing anyway.
They’ve since taken more than 400 of our members and allocated them to other branches.
We pointed out that the branch was viable with a big membership and our cross over of skills helped in greater understanding of each other’s areas, we did not want to be broken up and scattered to the winds.
Again they ignored us.
In fact only one person has taken our complaint seriously.
That person is Les Bayliss.
Les has asked us if the Regional Council had approved the break-up of our branch. He asked if the Executive Council had approved it. Of course, the answer was no.
In a truly lay-democratic union, only the lay members would be able to take a decision like this one, to close a viable branch against its will.
In fact Unite’s Rules state that only the lay-member Executive Council can merge or change members’ branches.
But the Regional Secretary and National Officer don’t care. They’ve never asked the Executive permission to carry out their plans.
And the warning? Well both these senior officers are leading members of the campaign team for one of the candidates in the current election for Unite General Secretary. The National Officer is in fact the campaign manager.
This group talks about lay member democracy but by their actions they show contempt for it. They show contempt for us.
Only one candidate is proven to stand up for the Unite Rule Book, and proven to stand up for genuine lay member democracy.
That candidate is Les Bayliss.
Our union actively campaigns against bullying, so why are they trying to bully and intimidate the 1/616 into submission.
My branch – what’s left of it – will be supporting Les in the General Secretary election.
If you value democracy, we urge you to do so too.
John Webster
Branch Secretary
We have been advised that it was circulated at the Unite EC Meeting this week.
Dear Fellow Unite Activists
We are a group of representatives from Unite the Union 1/616 branch.
It’s a former TGWU branch based at Heathrow Airport.
And we have a warning for you all.
During this election I am hearing lots about “lay member democracy”. All the candidates promise membership democracy at the heart of the union.
But by their actions, not all will deliver it.
If your face doesn’t fit, if you’re not part of the ruling clique, then woe betide you.
Our branch represents workers at British Airways Ground Services Heathrow: Baggage Handlers, Loading Staff, Cargo Delivery Drivers, GTS (coach drivers) and the like. By any measure it’s a successful branch, focussed around a workplace, with 1400+ members and vibrant meetings.
There was just one problem.
We refused to pledge blind loyalty to the existing leadership of the TGWU Section. Nothing personal. We just value independence.
Our reward?
A couple of months ago we were told our branch would be closed down. We objected, but were told by our regional secretary and national officer that they were progressing anyway.
They’ve since taken more than 400 of our members and allocated them to other branches.
We pointed out that the branch was viable with a big membership and our cross over of skills helped in greater understanding of each other’s areas, we did not want to be broken up and scattered to the winds.
Again they ignored us.
In fact only one person has taken our complaint seriously.
That person is Les Bayliss.
Les has asked us if the Regional Council had approved the break-up of our branch. He asked if the Executive Council had approved it. Of course, the answer was no.
In a truly lay-democratic union, only the lay members would be able to take a decision like this one, to close a viable branch against its will.
In fact Unite’s Rules state that only the lay-member Executive Council can merge or change members’ branches.
But the Regional Secretary and National Officer don’t care. They’ve never asked the Executive permission to carry out their plans.
And the warning? Well both these senior officers are leading members of the campaign team for one of the candidates in the current election for Unite General Secretary. The National Officer is in fact the campaign manager.
This group talks about lay member democracy but by their actions they show contempt for it. They show contempt for us.
Only one candidate is proven to stand up for the Unite Rule Book, and proven to stand up for genuine lay member democracy.
That candidate is Les Bayliss.
Our union actively campaigns against bullying, so why are they trying to bully and intimidate the 1/616 into submission.
My branch – what’s left of it – will be supporting Les in the General Secretary election.
If you value democracy, we urge you to do so too.
John Webster
Branch Secretary
Aerospace and Shipbuilding Reps Statement on Unite GS Election
LES BAYLISS FOR UNITE GENERAL SECRETARY
28/07/2010
AEROSPACE & SHIPBUILDING
MESSAGE FROM KEY REPS AND ACTIVISTS IN THE SECTOR
Aerospace and shipbuilding employs 300,000 people in the UK. These livelihoods depend primarily on government defence contracts that have been hard won. Unite has historically played an important role in securing this investment into our industry through government lobbying and by winning public support through long running campaigns.
All this is now under threat. The Tories budget cuts threaten major defence projects going forward. These could easily account for the loss 100,000 jobs. Now more than ever we need a leader at the head of our union that is dedicated to defend our sector and our industry.
The candidate we’re supporting in the forthcoming General Secretary is Les Bayliss. Les is a time served engineer with 40 years membership of the union. He has shown total support for our industry and pledges to keep campaigning to protect our members’ jobs when he is GS.
The other candidates and their supporters are openly hostile to the defence industry and in particular to replacement of Trident and the Eurofighter project. They also reject the union’s sectoral structure that allows us to set our own industrial policy without interference from other groups. Les is determined to keep the current structure as the only way to represent all the members’ interests in such a diverse organisation.
Les is also pledged to dramatically improve the level of service to members and to increase support and education for workplace reps.
You can find out more about Les Bayliss at www.les4gs.org
Yours fraternally
Duncan McPhee NISC Member, Convenor BAe Systems Surface Ships - Clyde
Raymond Duguid NISC Member, Convenor Babcock Marine - Rosyth
Roy Cartwright Convenor Manuals BAe Systems - Brough
Brian Rice Convenor Bombardier - Belfast
Jimmy Neil Executive Council Member, Senior Shop Steward Bombardier - Belfast
Jim Thompson NISC Member, Convenor Manuals Selex - Edinburgh
Ian Gent NISC Member, Convenor Staff BAe Systems - Brough
Jim Cull Convenor Staff Selex - Edinburgh
Mike Lowe NISC Member, Senior Shop Steward Airbus - Broughton
Terry Dillon NISC Member, Convenor Airbus - Broughton
Walt Stasyszyn NISC Member, Convenor GKN - Isle of White
Norman Banfield Convenor Honeywell - Yeovil
Ray Bazeley Executive Council Member, Convenor Rolls Royce - Bristol
David Kane NISC Member, Convenor Thales - Belfast
Derek Torrie NISC Member, Convenor Babcock - Faslane
Visit the Les Bayliss websites
www.les4gs.org www.les4gsnw.co.uk www.workersunitinggroup.com
28/07/2010
AEROSPACE & SHIPBUILDING
MESSAGE FROM KEY REPS AND ACTIVISTS IN THE SECTOR
Aerospace and shipbuilding employs 300,000 people in the UK. These livelihoods depend primarily on government defence contracts that have been hard won. Unite has historically played an important role in securing this investment into our industry through government lobbying and by winning public support through long running campaigns.
All this is now under threat. The Tories budget cuts threaten major defence projects going forward. These could easily account for the loss 100,000 jobs. Now more than ever we need a leader at the head of our union that is dedicated to defend our sector and our industry.
The candidate we’re supporting in the forthcoming General Secretary is Les Bayliss. Les is a time served engineer with 40 years membership of the union. He has shown total support for our industry and pledges to keep campaigning to protect our members’ jobs when he is GS.
The other candidates and their supporters are openly hostile to the defence industry and in particular to replacement of Trident and the Eurofighter project. They also reject the union’s sectoral structure that allows us to set our own industrial policy without interference from other groups. Les is determined to keep the current structure as the only way to represent all the members’ interests in such a diverse organisation.
Les is also pledged to dramatically improve the level of service to members and to increase support and education for workplace reps.
You can find out more about Les Bayliss at www.les4gs.org
Yours fraternally
Duncan McPhee NISC Member, Convenor BAe Systems Surface Ships - Clyde
Raymond Duguid NISC Member, Convenor Babcock Marine - Rosyth
Roy Cartwright Convenor Manuals BAe Systems - Brough
Brian Rice Convenor Bombardier - Belfast
Jimmy Neil Executive Council Member, Senior Shop Steward Bombardier - Belfast
Jim Thompson NISC Member, Convenor Manuals Selex - Edinburgh
Ian Gent NISC Member, Convenor Staff BAe Systems - Brough
Jim Cull Convenor Staff Selex - Edinburgh
Mike Lowe NISC Member, Senior Shop Steward Airbus - Broughton
Terry Dillon NISC Member, Convenor Airbus - Broughton
Walt Stasyszyn NISC Member, Convenor GKN - Isle of White
Norman Banfield Convenor Honeywell - Yeovil
Ray Bazeley Executive Council Member, Convenor Rolls Royce - Bristol
David Kane NISC Member, Convenor Thales - Belfast
Derek Torrie NISC Member, Convenor Babcock - Faslane
Visit the Les Bayliss websites
www.les4gs.org www.les4gsnw.co.uk www.workersunitinggroup.com
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Labour Leadership - Unite Decision
Unite's Political Committee are to recommend to the full Unite EC that Unite nominates Ed Milliband for the leadership of the Labour Party. More later........
Meggitt Strike Update
Workers at Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems in Coventry are on strike today because their pay has been frozen but bonuses of 1.5m have been paid to three senior managers.
Unite says an overtime ban continues and workers are planning to hold another strike from 7 p.m. on 27 July.
Unite says chief executive Terry Twigger and senior amangers Stephen Young and Philip Green received bonuses of 770,000, 463,000 and 353,000 respectively plus shares.
Unite Regional officer Alan Lewis said: "Our members are justifiably furious.
"Workers' pay is being frozen while three senior managers are awarded 1.5 million in bonuses.
"A fair pay increase of four per cent for the staff in Coventry would cost the company less than a quarter of the cost of the bonuses given to just three men."
Unite says an overtime ban continues and workers are planning to hold another strike from 7 p.m. on 27 July.
Unite says chief executive Terry Twigger and senior amangers Stephen Young and Philip Green received bonuses of 770,000, 463,000 and 353,000 respectively plus shares.
Unite Regional officer Alan Lewis said: "Our members are justifiably furious.
"Workers' pay is being frozen while three senior managers are awarded 1.5 million in bonuses.
"A fair pay increase of four per cent for the staff in Coventry would cost the company less than a quarter of the cost of the bonuses given to just three men."
Friday, July 23, 2010
Early Day Motion on BA Dispute
Tabled by Jim Sheridan
Early Day Motion
EDM 165 BA DISPUTE
That this House notes with deep concern that there has been no settlement to the dispute between British Airways management and the airline's 12,000 cabin crew; further notes that this is now the longest-running strike in recent British aviation history; further notes that this can only be damaging to the reputation and standing of the UK's national carrier; is pleased to note that savings worth £60 million immediately to the company and more into the future have been agreed by both sides but fears that this progress will be lost because the withdrawal of cost free staff travel from crew who took industrial action remains an impediment to peace; further notes with concern the comments of Professor Martin Upchurch of Middlesex Univesity that disciplinary action at the airline is on an `unprecedented scale' and that experts, including those at Manchester Business School, are warning that passengers will abandon BA for competitor airlines; therefore urges both parties to move urgently to use both ACAS and the TUC to find a lasting peace and return trust in and stability to the airline's operations
Early Day Motion
EDM 165 BA DISPUTE
That this House notes with deep concern that there has been no settlement to the dispute between British Airways management and the airline's 12,000 cabin crew; further notes that this is now the longest-running strike in recent British aviation history; further notes that this can only be damaging to the reputation and standing of the UK's national carrier; is pleased to note that savings worth £60 million immediately to the company and more into the future have been agreed by both sides but fears that this progress will be lost because the withdrawal of cost free staff travel from crew who took industrial action remains an impediment to peace; further notes with concern the comments of Professor Martin Upchurch of Middlesex Univesity that disciplinary action at the airline is on an `unprecedented scale' and that experts, including those at Manchester Business School, are warning that passengers will abandon BA for competitor airlines; therefore urges both parties to move urgently to use both ACAS and the TUC to find a lasting peace and return trust in and stability to the airline's operations
GDP figures highlight importance of construction
GDP figures highlight importance of construction and dangers of Tory economic policy
The 1.1 per cent advance in GDP figures were driven by the UK's powerhouse services sector and the construction industry.
Les Bayliss, Unite's assistant general secretary with responsibility for Unite's construction sector, said: "These figures demonstrate that investing in the construction industry is a sure fire way to drive growth, tragically the new chancellor ignores the evidence and does the opposite."
"The construction industry, which jumped by 6.6 per cent, is driving the economy and it is a testament to the good judgement of the former Labour government which maintained support for the sector.
"Unfortunately the savage cuts planned by this Tory government will hit publicly funded construction projects, cost construction jobs and have a knock-on effect on both the public and private sector. Britain has taken one step forward but will take two steps back thanks to the Con-Dem cuts."
The 1.1 per cent advance in GDP figures were driven by the UK's powerhouse services sector and the construction industry.
Les Bayliss, Unite's assistant general secretary with responsibility for Unite's construction sector, said: "These figures demonstrate that investing in the construction industry is a sure fire way to drive growth, tragically the new chancellor ignores the evidence and does the opposite."
"The construction industry, which jumped by 6.6 per cent, is driving the economy and it is a testament to the good judgement of the former Labour government which maintained support for the sector.
"Unfortunately the savage cuts planned by this Tory government will hit publicly funded construction projects, cost construction jobs and have a knock-on effect on both the public and private sector. Britain has taken one step forward but will take two steps back thanks to the Con-Dem cuts."
6000 BAA Staff Begin Ballot in Action
UK Airport workers are to be balloted in a dispute which will disrupt travel over the busy August period.
Some 6,000 BAA staff at six airports are being asked to vote for strike action by Unite in a pay row.
The airports involved are Heathrow, Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Southampton.
Firefighters, security guards and engineers working for BAA will start voting on what Unite has called a "paltry" pay offer of 1%, following a pay freeze last year.
A vote in favour of industrial action could mean a strike in late August.
The strike ballot among Unite's 6,185 BAA members runs from Friday until 12 August.
Some 6,000 BAA staff at six airports are being asked to vote for strike action by Unite in a pay row.
The airports involved are Heathrow, Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Southampton.
Firefighters, security guards and engineers working for BAA will start voting on what Unite has called a "paltry" pay offer of 1%, following a pay freeze last year.
A vote in favour of industrial action could mean a strike in late August.
The strike ballot among Unite's 6,185 BAA members runs from Friday until 12 August.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
BA Cabin Crew Reject Final Offer
Unite which represents 90% of BA's 12,000 cabin crew, said 67% of its members voted against BA's final pay offer, which included two years' guaranteed basic salary increase.
According to the Guardian the vote "came as a shock to BA watchers who had expected it to be close but believed cabin crew would accept the pay deal, which offered a pay rise of 2.9% next year and 3% the year after".
The vote – with 3,419 members rejecting the deal and 1,686 accepting it – paves the way for Unite to ballot members for further industrial action.
According to the Guardian the vote "came as a shock to BA watchers who had expected it to be close but believed cabin crew would accept the pay deal, which offered a pay rise of 2.9% next year and 3% the year after".
The vote – with 3,419 members rejecting the deal and 1,686 accepting it – paves the way for Unite to ballot members for further industrial action.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
NZ Unions Storm Right Wing Party Conference
New Zealand union members and protesters broke through security and police cordons at the right wing National Party conference as PM John Key announced sweeping changes to employment law.
Around 40 protestors broke through a security cordon and entered the hotel and shouted slogans against the Government's changes to employment law which include making it easier for employers to fire workers, extending the 90 day trial for new workers, and tightening union access to workplaces. Unions will need the consent of employers to enter a company premisis.
The protest moved to the door of the convention centre that was guarded by a strong police presence where protesters repeatedly charging the police line.
Unite Union (NZ) leader Matt McCarten said Mr Key's comments amounted to a declaration of war on working people.
He said Mr Key has enjoyed the support of some working people but now "the mask has come down".
"This country has changed for the worse and my advice to Mr Key would be to back down," Mr McCarten said.
Asked if the changes were necessary to stimulate job growth in a tough financial climate, Mr McCarten said that was "bullsh**".
"Employers do not employ people out of charity. They run a business and they want a job done," Mr McCarten said.
He said the Government's changes were about restoring power to employers and they amounted to a return to the Feudal System.
"They want to make us slaves in our own country and they know where they can stick that," Mr McCarten said.
Members from Unite; Engineers, Printing and Manufacturing Union; National Dairy Workers; National Distribution Union; and the New Zealand Educational Institute, amongst others turned out to listen to union leaders speak beneath an inflated giant rat.
Veteran protester John Minto said the rat had a "remarkable resemblance" to Mr Key. He told the crowd that 400,000 workers will either enter the work force for the first time or change jobs and all will be affected by the Government's changes.
Maxine Gay from the National Distribution Union said the issue was about "who owns the workplace".
She said denying workers the right to choose who to invite into their workplace "amounts to slavery".
Helen Kelly, National President of the Council of Trade Unions, described the Government's plans as a disgrace, she said 22 per cent of those employed under the existing 90-day scheme were dismissed and
47 per cent of those were people under the age of 23.
She said one of the underlying reasons for their dismissals' was because of their "attitude", she said that could have been because they joined a union or raised safety concerns.
Ms Kelly said she had seen many of these young people in her offices and the "impact was devastating".
Around 40 protestors broke through a security cordon and entered the hotel and shouted slogans against the Government's changes to employment law which include making it easier for employers to fire workers, extending the 90 day trial for new workers, and tightening union access to workplaces. Unions will need the consent of employers to enter a company premisis.
The protest moved to the door of the convention centre that was guarded by a strong police presence where protesters repeatedly charging the police line.
Unite Union (NZ) leader Matt McCarten said Mr Key's comments amounted to a declaration of war on working people.
He said Mr Key has enjoyed the support of some working people but now "the mask has come down".
"This country has changed for the worse and my advice to Mr Key would be to back down," Mr McCarten said.
Asked if the changes were necessary to stimulate job growth in a tough financial climate, Mr McCarten said that was "bullsh**".
"Employers do not employ people out of charity. They run a business and they want a job done," Mr McCarten said.
He said the Government's changes were about restoring power to employers and they amounted to a return to the Feudal System.
"They want to make us slaves in our own country and they know where they can stick that," Mr McCarten said.
Members from Unite; Engineers, Printing and Manufacturing Union; National Dairy Workers; National Distribution Union; and the New Zealand Educational Institute, amongst others turned out to listen to union leaders speak beneath an inflated giant rat.
Veteran protester John Minto said the rat had a "remarkable resemblance" to Mr Key. He told the crowd that 400,000 workers will either enter the work force for the first time or change jobs and all will be affected by the Government's changes.
Maxine Gay from the National Distribution Union said the issue was about "who owns the workplace".
She said denying workers the right to choose who to invite into their workplace "amounts to slavery".
Helen Kelly, National President of the Council of Trade Unions, described the Government's plans as a disgrace, she said 22 per cent of those employed under the existing 90-day scheme were dismissed and
47 per cent of those were people under the age of 23.
She said one of the underlying reasons for their dismissals' was because of their "attitude", she said that could have been because they joined a union or raised safety concerns.
Ms Kelly said she had seen many of these young people in her offices and the "impact was devastating".
Friday, July 16, 2010
DuPont staff vote for Industrial Action
Unite members showed “overwhelming support” for the dispute over pay at Dumfries’ DuPont Teijin Films.
Andy Macfarlane, Unite’s Official, said staff have not been given a pay rise for the past two years and are unhappy with the 2.5 per cent final offer for 2010/11 on the table from bosses at the multinational science company.
Union members have complained that having to forgo pay deals during the recession has left them effectively with a drop in wages and have asked for a figure above inflation.
According to Unite, when they first sought pay talks the retail price index stood at 3.7 per cent and is now at 5.2 per cent.
Initially the company offered 0.5 per cent but after negotiations this has risen to 2.5 per cent which bosses say is their final offer.
However, union members agreed to a ballot of a bargaining group of 201 employees.
On Wednesday night 80 per cent of those balloted agreed to industrial action.
“The ballot has shown overwhelming support for industrial action.”
Andy Macfarlane added: “It is unfortunate that members have felt they have no alternative but to take this form of action.
“However, we have left the door open for further negotiations should the company wish to come forward with an increased pay offer and meaningful discussions to avoid action by the workforce.”
DuPont is the largest manufacturer of PET polyester film in the world, with four sites in Europe, of which Dumfries is the largest.
Andy Macfarlane, Unite’s Official, said staff have not been given a pay rise for the past two years and are unhappy with the 2.5 per cent final offer for 2010/11 on the table from bosses at the multinational science company.
Union members have complained that having to forgo pay deals during the recession has left them effectively with a drop in wages and have asked for a figure above inflation.
According to Unite, when they first sought pay talks the retail price index stood at 3.7 per cent and is now at 5.2 per cent.
Initially the company offered 0.5 per cent but after negotiations this has risen to 2.5 per cent which bosses say is their final offer.
However, union members agreed to a ballot of a bargaining group of 201 employees.
On Wednesday night 80 per cent of those balloted agreed to industrial action.
“The ballot has shown overwhelming support for industrial action.”
Andy Macfarlane added: “It is unfortunate that members have felt they have no alternative but to take this form of action.
“However, we have left the door open for further negotiations should the company wish to come forward with an increased pay offer and meaningful discussions to avoid action by the workforce.”
DuPont is the largest manufacturer of PET polyester film in the world, with four sites in Europe, of which Dumfries is the largest.
BAA Strike Ballot
Unite has given U.K. airport operator BAA seven days notice of a strike ballot in a dispute over pay.
Unite said that after months of negotiations, its has "no choice" but to give BAA notice of a strike ballot, which will start on July 23rd and end August 12th.
Unite said BAA staff had accepted a pay freeze in 2009, and this year the operator of six U.K. airports is only offering a 1% pay increase, plus 0.5% that is conditional on changes in a sickness agreement.
Staff were also offered a bonus for last year on condition that BAA met its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization target of £1.2 billion ($1.85 billion). But staff missed out because BAA, which is owned by a consortium headed by Spain's Grupo Ferrovial, fell short of that target by 3%.
The union will ballot 6,185 members including security staff, engineers, firefighters and support staff at BAA airports including Heathrow, Stansted, Southampton, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
"A negotiated agreement can be reached if the company is prepared to be fairer and more realistic," said Unite's national officer for civil aviation, Brendan Gold. "The union understands the difficulties the airline industry is facing but BAA must realize that these airport workers are struggling to make ends meet."
Unite said that after months of negotiations, its has "no choice" but to give BAA notice of a strike ballot, which will start on July 23rd and end August 12th.
Unite said BAA staff had accepted a pay freeze in 2009, and this year the operator of six U.K. airports is only offering a 1% pay increase, plus 0.5% that is conditional on changes in a sickness agreement.
Staff were also offered a bonus for last year on condition that BAA met its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization target of £1.2 billion ($1.85 billion). But staff missed out because BAA, which is owned by a consortium headed by Spain's Grupo Ferrovial, fell short of that target by 3%.
The union will ballot 6,185 members including security staff, engineers, firefighters and support staff at BAA airports including Heathrow, Stansted, Southampton, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
"A negotiated agreement can be reached if the company is prepared to be fairer and more realistic," said Unite's national officer for civil aviation, Brendan Gold. "The union understands the difficulties the airline industry is facing but BAA must realize that these airport workers are struggling to make ends meet."
Great Recogintion Win At Capita
Unite wins union recognised at Capita, Craigforth
Unite has officially been recognised to represent finance workers at Capita at Craigforth.
A ballot of 750 staff who work for the outsourcing company returned with the majority in favour.
Tuesday, July 13th was the first day of the union’s official presence at the site.
A ballot was agreed following talks with Acas in May with 97 per cent in favour in a 60 per cent turnout.
Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer said: “Unite the Union is extremely pleased that the staff at Capita, Craigforth will finally have the right to be represented by an independent trade union. For many years the staff at this site have wanted Unite to be formally recognised in their workplace, giving them the support they felt they need at work.”
Daryl Williams Unite Officer for Capita added: “While Capita have in the past resisted the involvement of Unite at this Capita site, the staff have through this ballot made their wishes very clear.
“Redundancies, changes to pensions and terms and conditions has caused staff to feel they need a trade union to represent their interests. “This is a clear message to their employer, Capita.”
Well done to all concerned!!!
Unite has officially been recognised to represent finance workers at Capita at Craigforth.
A ballot of 750 staff who work for the outsourcing company returned with the majority in favour.
Tuesday, July 13th was the first day of the union’s official presence at the site.
A ballot was agreed following talks with Acas in May with 97 per cent in favour in a 60 per cent turnout.
Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer said: “Unite the Union is extremely pleased that the staff at Capita, Craigforth will finally have the right to be represented by an independent trade union. For many years the staff at this site have wanted Unite to be formally recognised in their workplace, giving them the support they felt they need at work.”
Daryl Williams Unite Officer for Capita added: “While Capita have in the past resisted the involvement of Unite at this Capita site, the staff have through this ballot made their wishes very clear.
“Redundancies, changes to pensions and terms and conditions has caused staff to feel they need a trade union to represent their interests. “This is a clear message to their employer, Capita.”
Well done to all concerned!!!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Unite Labour Leadership Hustings
Take part in the Unite Labour Leadership Hustings
10am Saturday 17 July 2010
The five candidates for the Labour leadership will take part in a hustings meeting on Saturday 17th July starting at 10am.
Diane Abbott, Ed Balls, Andy Burnham, David Miliband and Ed Milliband will all be there answering questions put by Unite members with Kevin Maguire of the Daily Mirror chairing proceedings.
The meeting will be broadcast live via the Unite website. You don’t need to be a member of Unite to watch it. Simply go to the home page at http://www.unitetheunion.org/ and click on the main image link at just before 10am on Saturday 17 July and view the meeting for yourself.
The broadcast will then be saved. So if you miss it first time, you can still go to the Unite website home page and view it at your leisure.
Gordon Brown’s dignified departure has opened up the race to be the next leader of the Labour Party and, hopefully, defeat the Con-Dem coalition to be the next British Prime Minister.
If you are a Unite member and also a member of the Labour Party, you can join your colleagues and watch the broadcast together at your nearest Unite regional office listed below. Please let the relevant contacts know if you are going to attend beforehand.
Unite members who pay the political levy will have an opportunity to cast a vote for which candidate will fulfil the leader’s role. We’d urge you to take part in the ballot when it takes place in September.
The Unite Executive will meet on Monday 26 July to determine which of the candidates the union recommends for you to back in the ballot.
You can cast your vote as a Unite political levy payer but you can also vote as a Labour Party member. If you haven’t joined the party yet, you can do so before 8 September and still take part in the ballot. To join, contact Andrew Dodgshon in the Unite Political Department at :andrew.dodgshon2@unitetheunion.org
10am Saturday 17 July 2010
The five candidates for the Labour leadership will take part in a hustings meeting on Saturday 17th July starting at 10am.
Diane Abbott, Ed Balls, Andy Burnham, David Miliband and Ed Milliband will all be there answering questions put by Unite members with Kevin Maguire of the Daily Mirror chairing proceedings.
The meeting will be broadcast live via the Unite website. You don’t need to be a member of Unite to watch it. Simply go to the home page at http://www.unitetheunion.org/ and click on the main image link at just before 10am on Saturday 17 July and view the meeting for yourself.
The broadcast will then be saved. So if you miss it first time, you can still go to the Unite website home page and view it at your leisure.
Gordon Brown’s dignified departure has opened up the race to be the next leader of the Labour Party and, hopefully, defeat the Con-Dem coalition to be the next British Prime Minister.
If you are a Unite member and also a member of the Labour Party, you can join your colleagues and watch the broadcast together at your nearest Unite regional office listed below. Please let the relevant contacts know if you are going to attend beforehand.
Unite members who pay the political levy will have an opportunity to cast a vote for which candidate will fulfil the leader’s role. We’d urge you to take part in the ballot when it takes place in September.
The Unite Executive will meet on Monday 26 July to determine which of the candidates the union recommends for you to back in the ballot.
You can cast your vote as a Unite political levy payer but you can also vote as a Labour Party member. If you haven’t joined the party yet, you can do so before 8 September and still take part in the ballot. To join, contact Andrew Dodgshon in the Unite Political Department at :andrew.dodgshon2@unitetheunion.org
Walsh Hits Turbulence At BA AGM
Bullying BA boss Willie Walsh hit turbulence at the BA AGM yesterday as he was accused of engendering a culture of "fear and loathing" and "damaging the BA brand".
The tone for the AGM was set by Martin Broughton, BA chairman, who stated "The board's patience with Bassa has now been exhausted".
However shareholders were not convinced.
One investor said that, having spoken to Bassa members, "they used exactly the same words about the management – refusal to listen etc."
Outside the meeting, Unite members urged BA to reinstate travel perks Walsh had removed from striking crew.
The theme was taken up by one employee shareholder, who said: "The culture in BA isn't open, it's authoritarian and it relies on bullying. I think the cabin crew picked the wrong fight here but they conducted a legitimate, democratic ballot.
"What the company is not allowed to do is to continue punishing legal strikers for the rest of their career at BA. Most companies show leadership with a stick and a carrot approach. With BA it is stick and stick."
The tone for the AGM was set by Martin Broughton, BA chairman, who stated "The board's patience with Bassa has now been exhausted".
However shareholders were not convinced.
One investor said that, having spoken to Bassa members, "they used exactly the same words about the management – refusal to listen etc."
Outside the meeting, Unite members urged BA to reinstate travel perks Walsh had removed from striking crew.
The theme was taken up by one employee shareholder, who said: "The culture in BA isn't open, it's authoritarian and it relies on bullying. I think the cabin crew picked the wrong fight here but they conducted a legitimate, democratic ballot.
"What the company is not allowed to do is to continue punishing legal strikers for the rest of their career at BA. Most companies show leadership with a stick and a carrot approach. With BA it is stick and stick."
LES BAYLISS: "We must build mass support for public sector battle ahead". Workers Uniting Group - Durham Miners Gala Meeting
A meeting of over 70 Workers Uniting Group supporters took place at the Durham Miners Gala on July 9th.
Supporters heard Les Bayliss, Workers Uniting Group candidate for Unite General Secretary initially report on his campaign.
Les said that support for the campaign continued to grow with more shop stewards, union reps, branches, chapels and workplaces pledging their support - from many sectors including manufacturing, the public services, transport, local authorities, construction, energy, civil air transport, print and paper, aerospace and the finance sector as well as retired comrades. This was reflected in the turnout the meeting with reps from many of these sectors.
In his address to the meeting Les announced the successful settlement of the year long Vale Inco dispute in Canada where 3500 USW-Workers Uniting nickel miners had voted by 75% to accept a deal negotiated by the USW. This announcement was met with cheers and loud applause and it was agreed to send a message of congratulations to the USW comrades in Canada.
Les spoke about the forthcoming battle on public services. Expressing support for our members in defending jobs and pensions he said Unite and other unions had to "plan to win" the dispute.
Calling or threatening strikes without building mass support was "leading with our chin" and would result in eventual failure.
There was a need to build support from Unite reps and members working in public services at local and branch level and also a need to build a broad alliance with TUC affiliated unions in public services - and in the private sector - as well as local support and community groups.
We must explain to the public that it was a fallacy that "we were all in this together" as the ConDem Government we stating. The fact is that the well off would not feel the cuts in the same way as many of our members.
Losing the battle was not an option, as the Tories would also then find ways to attack private sector workers.
Turing to organisiation Les explained that we must ensure the Unite organising programmes were a success. However he argued that if elected he would ensure that organising campaigns involved the union's industrial sectors and that organisers would be allocated to specific sectors with good potential for membership growth as well supporting as campaigns already earmarked for resources.
Les outlined the development of a strategic campaigning unit that would link the three pillars of Unite - organising, political and international, which would be available to help Unite branches and workplaces in all campaigns and disputes.
Answering a question on future branch structure he explained that he was in favour of strong workplace or sector branches where they were or could be established. He argued that smaller workplaces or workplaces with low membership could be formed into geographical branches and assistance provided through the strategic unit.
Further questions and discussion from the floor related to the finance industry, the global union, Labour leadership, education and retired members concluded a highly successful meeting.
Supporters heard Les Bayliss, Workers Uniting Group candidate for Unite General Secretary initially report on his campaign.
Les said that support for the campaign continued to grow with more shop stewards, union reps, branches, chapels and workplaces pledging their support - from many sectors including manufacturing, the public services, transport, local authorities, construction, energy, civil air transport, print and paper, aerospace and the finance sector as well as retired comrades. This was reflected in the turnout the meeting with reps from many of these sectors.
In his address to the meeting Les announced the successful settlement of the year long Vale Inco dispute in Canada where 3500 USW-Workers Uniting nickel miners had voted by 75% to accept a deal negotiated by the USW. This announcement was met with cheers and loud applause and it was agreed to send a message of congratulations to the USW comrades in Canada.
Les spoke about the forthcoming battle on public services. Expressing support for our members in defending jobs and pensions he said Unite and other unions had to "plan to win" the dispute.
Calling or threatening strikes without building mass support was "leading with our chin" and would result in eventual failure.
There was a need to build support from Unite reps and members working in public services at local and branch level and also a need to build a broad alliance with TUC affiliated unions in public services - and in the private sector - as well as local support and community groups.
We must explain to the public that it was a fallacy that "we were all in this together" as the ConDem Government we stating. The fact is that the well off would not feel the cuts in the same way as many of our members.
Losing the battle was not an option, as the Tories would also then find ways to attack private sector workers.
Turing to organisiation Les explained that we must ensure the Unite organising programmes were a success. However he argued that if elected he would ensure that organising campaigns involved the union's industrial sectors and that organisers would be allocated to specific sectors with good potential for membership growth as well supporting as campaigns already earmarked for resources.
Les outlined the development of a strategic campaigning unit that would link the three pillars of Unite - organising, political and international, which would be available to help Unite branches and workplaces in all campaigns and disputes.
Answering a question on future branch structure he explained that he was in favour of strong workplace or sector branches where they were or could be established. He argued that smaller workplaces or workplaces with low membership could be formed into geographical branches and assistance provided through the strategic unit.
Further questions and discussion from the floor related to the finance industry, the global union, Labour leadership, education and retired members concluded a highly successful meeting.
Friday, July 9, 2010
USW statement on Vale Inco Settlement
United Steelworkers (USW) members in Sudbury and Port Colborne, Ont., have voted to end their year-long strike against mining giant Vale, approving a new collective agreement.
USW Local 6500 members in Sudbury voted 75% in favour of the new contract, while Local 6200 members in Port Colborne ratified the deal by a 74% margin.
"Our members have spoken and I believe everyone respects the decisions they have made in extremely difficult circumstances," said Wayne Fraser, the USW's District Director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
"We congratulate our members for the determination, spirit and solidarity they demonstrated over the last year in their unprecedented struggle against this huge multinational corporation," said USW Local 6200 President Wayne Rae.
"We also extend our sincere appreciation to our community for its tremendous support throughout the last year and to the countless people, unions and other groups around the world who demonstrated incredible international solidarity with our members," said John Fera, President of USW Local 6500.
Highlights of the new collective agreement, which runs until May 31, 2015, include:
- Across-the-board, hourly wage increases with cost-of-living increases each of the five years. Thus, bringing the wage hike to between $2.25 and $2.50 an hour over the life of the agreement.
- Improvements to the existing Defined Benefit Pension Plan increasing to $41,400 per year, with cost-of-living indexing for life, along with life-time health care benefits.
- A Defined Contribution Pension Plan for new hires that provides for Company contributions equal to 8% of employees' regular basic earnings. As well, employees will be able to make additional contributions ranging from 2% to 6% of regular earnings, with matching contributions from the Company subject to certain limits. The new plan also will include Long Term Disability coverage for employees.
- As a result of sustained, hard-fought negotiations, the nickel bonus program will allow employees to earn up to $15,000 annually in addition to regular earnings.
"For the last 12 months our members have stood together in the face of incredible adversity," Fraser said. "They demonstrated tremendous character and they can hold their heads high as they return to work."
"As our brothers in Voisey's Bay NLF head into negotiations, our members in Sudbury and Port Colborne will remain in solidarity with them as they continue to fight for the fair deal they deserve," said Fraser.
USW Local 6500 members in Sudbury voted 75% in favour of the new contract, while Local 6200 members in Port Colborne ratified the deal by a 74% margin.
"Our members have spoken and I believe everyone respects the decisions they have made in extremely difficult circumstances," said Wayne Fraser, the USW's District Director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
"We congratulate our members for the determination, spirit and solidarity they demonstrated over the last year in their unprecedented struggle against this huge multinational corporation," said USW Local 6200 President Wayne Rae.
"We also extend our sincere appreciation to our community for its tremendous support throughout the last year and to the countless people, unions and other groups around the world who demonstrated incredible international solidarity with our members," said John Fera, President of USW Local 6500.
Highlights of the new collective agreement, which runs until May 31, 2015, include:
- Across-the-board, hourly wage increases with cost-of-living increases each of the five years. Thus, bringing the wage hike to between $2.25 and $2.50 an hour over the life of the agreement.
- Improvements to the existing Defined Benefit Pension Plan increasing to $41,400 per year, with cost-of-living indexing for life, along with life-time health care benefits.
- A Defined Contribution Pension Plan for new hires that provides for Company contributions equal to 8% of employees' regular basic earnings. As well, employees will be able to make additional contributions ranging from 2% to 6% of regular earnings, with matching contributions from the Company subject to certain limits. The new plan also will include Long Term Disability coverage for employees.
- As a result of sustained, hard-fought negotiations, the nickel bonus program will allow employees to earn up to $15,000 annually in addition to regular earnings.
"For the last 12 months our members have stood together in the face of incredible adversity," Fraser said. "They demonstrated tremendous character and they can hold their heads high as they return to work."
"As our brothers in Voisey's Bay NLF head into negotiations, our members in Sudbury and Port Colborne will remain in solidarity with them as they continue to fight for the fair deal they deserve," said Fraser.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Unite To Fight Linamar Closure
Unite has announced it will fight to save the 200 jobs at risk at the Linamar auto component plant in South Wales.
The Canadian firm announced that the Crymlyn Burrows factory is to close by the end of 2010.
Linamar has stated it will transfer the work to different plants overseas, believed to be in Mexico and Germany.
Unite has vowed to do all it can to save the plant during the 90-day consultation period announced by Linamar. Rob Williams, union convener for the plant said: "We are totally opposed to the closure of the plant. We will be discussing with our members over the next few days. We can either have 90 days of genuine discussion, or it means that workers have 90 days until they are unemployed. The redundancy deal on the table could be as much as £11 million. We believe it would be far better to use that £11 million for investment. We would rather the money was used to keep people in jobs."
The Neath Port Talbot-based plant, which employs around 200 workers, has been open since the 1960s, and was formerly owned by Ford and Visteon before being acquired by the Canadian-based Linamar Corporation in 2008.
The Linamar takeover, in July 2008, was heralded with a promise of "substantial investment" by the firm.
However, just five months later, the firm called for 208 voluntary redundancies, with 140 redundancies eventually made last March. Rob Williams said promises had not been kept. He said: "The investment hasn't happened."
The Canadian firm announced that the Crymlyn Burrows factory is to close by the end of 2010.
Linamar has stated it will transfer the work to different plants overseas, believed to be in Mexico and Germany.
Unite has vowed to do all it can to save the plant during the 90-day consultation period announced by Linamar. Rob Williams, union convener for the plant said: "We are totally opposed to the closure of the plant. We will be discussing with our members over the next few days. We can either have 90 days of genuine discussion, or it means that workers have 90 days until they are unemployed. The redundancy deal on the table could be as much as £11 million. We believe it would be far better to use that £11 million for investment. We would rather the money was used to keep people in jobs."
The Neath Port Talbot-based plant, which employs around 200 workers, has been open since the 1960s, and was formerly owned by Ford and Visteon before being acquired by the Canadian-based Linamar Corporation in 2008.
The Linamar takeover, in July 2008, was heralded with a promise of "substantial investment" by the firm.
However, just five months later, the firm called for 208 voluntary redundancies, with 140 redundancies eventually made last March. Rob Williams said promises had not been kept. He said: "The investment hasn't happened."
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Defending Public Services
Les Bayliss Progressive Left Candidate For Unite General Secretary
The recent Con-Dem Budget provides Unite with a major challenge. We must campaign to protect public sector pay and pensions and the public services our members provide. That's a given. The challenge is to win the fight rather than pull off a glorious defeat that alienates the union movement from our members and the general public.
The Con-Dem budget is an ideologically driven attack on the welfare state. It goes much further than Thatcher ever did. It will lock inequality into our society for generations to come. It's not just income inequality but also gender inequality. As my colleague, AGS Gail Cartmail has rightly pointed out in a recent press statement, "The Tory cuts will hit the purse even harder than the wallet".
The Con-Dem coalition statement that "We are all in this together", is a fallacy. It will be our members and their families, pensioners and the sick that will suffer from this budget. Asking public sector workers to take part in an X-Factor style competition to decide on what services get the chop and which survive, is just a smokescreen. The argument that the private sector will provide jobs for displaced public servants will be shown to be cruelly misleading. The Tories are using this competition to provide a cover for their cuts. When the axe falls they'll blame the choices on us.
It's a big lie that many people believe over 60% of voters support the cuts. They have been fooled into believing the cuts are necessary and more importantly, that they will not affect them as individuals but someone else less worthy of protection.
In order to fight to defend public services and our members' jobs, we will need to educate and politicise our members to provide a solid basis for the campaign and the battles to come. Sabre-rattling and knee jerk reactions from armchair revolutionaries will not substitute for a strategic campaign based on the three pillars of Unite's philosophy.
We must involve our activists and officers on the front-line of all our industrial struggles, to inform our campaign and help move all our forces as one, into the fray. We must ally with other public sector unions and the TUC and, most importantly, we need to foster public and community support for our campaign using the media and direct contact with our members.
Building this support and consensus for the battle ahead has to be a major priority for our Political and Communications Departments.
Work has already begun to widen the campaign internationally. Most notably with the involvement of Workers Uniting, our global union. Capitalism is global and the attack on public services will take place in every part of the industrialised world.
Workers Uniting has explained in detail the experience of Canadian members of the United Steelworkers, who have bitter experience of identical right-wing assaults on the public sector.
In leading up to the Budget, the Con-Dem coalition sought advice from Canada's former finance minister Paul Martin, who wielded the axe on his country's public spending in the 1990's. Women, the unemployed, the sick and frail were the biggest losers from Canada's slash-and-burn budget. We have to take note that the Con-Dem government proposals are twice as tough as those made in Canada. We have to argue this case in the UK.
As General Secretary, I will introduce a Strategic Campaigns Unit that will have the authority to call on all the resources of our organisation. The Unit will plan and execute disciplined and effective political and industrial campaigns. The sooner this happens the better. We need to be the best - second best is not good enough.
If you agree with this vision, you can nominate Les for GS. As a Workplace Rep you will need to get a nomination form from your Regional Secretary. You can also nominate at your branch meeting.
Yours fraternally
Les4gs.org
The recent Con-Dem Budget provides Unite with a major challenge. We must campaign to protect public sector pay and pensions and the public services our members provide. That's a given. The challenge is to win the fight rather than pull off a glorious defeat that alienates the union movement from our members and the general public.
The Con-Dem budget is an ideologically driven attack on the welfare state. It goes much further than Thatcher ever did. It will lock inequality into our society for generations to come. It's not just income inequality but also gender inequality. As my colleague, AGS Gail Cartmail has rightly pointed out in a recent press statement, "The Tory cuts will hit the purse even harder than the wallet".
The Con-Dem coalition statement that "We are all in this together", is a fallacy. It will be our members and their families, pensioners and the sick that will suffer from this budget. Asking public sector workers to take part in an X-Factor style competition to decide on what services get the chop and which survive, is just a smokescreen. The argument that the private sector will provide jobs for displaced public servants will be shown to be cruelly misleading. The Tories are using this competition to provide a cover for their cuts. When the axe falls they'll blame the choices on us.
It's a big lie that many people believe over 60% of voters support the cuts. They have been fooled into believing the cuts are necessary and more importantly, that they will not affect them as individuals but someone else less worthy of protection.
In order to fight to defend public services and our members' jobs, we will need to educate and politicise our members to provide a solid basis for the campaign and the battles to come. Sabre-rattling and knee jerk reactions from armchair revolutionaries will not substitute for a strategic campaign based on the three pillars of Unite's philosophy.
We must involve our activists and officers on the front-line of all our industrial struggles, to inform our campaign and help move all our forces as one, into the fray. We must ally with other public sector unions and the TUC and, most importantly, we need to foster public and community support for our campaign using the media and direct contact with our members.
Building this support and consensus for the battle ahead has to be a major priority for our Political and Communications Departments.
Work has already begun to widen the campaign internationally. Most notably with the involvement of Workers Uniting, our global union. Capitalism is global and the attack on public services will take place in every part of the industrialised world.
Workers Uniting has explained in detail the experience of Canadian members of the United Steelworkers, who have bitter experience of identical right-wing assaults on the public sector.
In leading up to the Budget, the Con-Dem coalition sought advice from Canada's former finance minister Paul Martin, who wielded the axe on his country's public spending in the 1990's. Women, the unemployed, the sick and frail were the biggest losers from Canada's slash-and-burn budget. We have to take note that the Con-Dem government proposals are twice as tough as those made in Canada. We have to argue this case in the UK.
As General Secretary, I will introduce a Strategic Campaigns Unit that will have the authority to call on all the resources of our organisation. The Unit will plan and execute disciplined and effective political and industrial campaigns. The sooner this happens the better. We need to be the best - second best is not good enough.
If you agree with this vision, you can nominate Les for GS. As a Workplace Rep you will need to get a nomination form from your Regional Secretary. You can also nominate at your branch meeting.
Yours fraternally
Les4gs.org
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tentative Deal Reached At Vale Inco Dispute
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/831925--tentative-deal-in-vale-strike-in-sudbury?bn=1
Unite Slams HP Job Losses
Unite has have attacked news of almost 1,000 job losses at US giant IT company Hewlett Packard (HP). Unite says that there could be followed by a further 1,000 cuts next year, saying it undermined the Government's view that private firms will lead the UK out of recession.
Unite said the announcement showed that the jobs designed to replace those lost in manufacturing were now being lost or off-shored.
National officer Peter Skyte said: "This is a further cull by HP of its skilled and experienced UK workforce, and follows nearly 4,000 jobs being cut over the past two years since the takeover of EDS by HP.
"This will create further insecurity and uncertainty in HP with the threat of yet more redundancies to come, and undermines the coalition Government view that the private sector will fuel job growth out of the economic recession."
Unite warned the company that by cutting workplace levels "to the bone", remaining workers would be in danger of developing stress-related illnesses.
Peter Skyte added: "There are also serious implications for those who remain in their jobs and carry on service to customers and clients. Skeleton levels of staff will lead to stressed-out workers who struggle to complete an ever increasing workload. The fact that the company still retains nearly 2,000 temporary staff and contractors merely adds insult to injury."
Unite said sites expected to be hit by the job losses included Bracknell, Bristol, Hook, Erskine, Milton Keynes, London and Warrington.
Unite said the announcement showed that the jobs designed to replace those lost in manufacturing were now being lost or off-shored.
National officer Peter Skyte said: "This is a further cull by HP of its skilled and experienced UK workforce, and follows nearly 4,000 jobs being cut over the past two years since the takeover of EDS by HP.
"This will create further insecurity and uncertainty in HP with the threat of yet more redundancies to come, and undermines the coalition Government view that the private sector will fuel job growth out of the economic recession."
Unite warned the company that by cutting workplace levels "to the bone", remaining workers would be in danger of developing stress-related illnesses.
Peter Skyte added: "There are also serious implications for those who remain in their jobs and carry on service to customers and clients. Skeleton levels of staff will lead to stressed-out workers who struggle to complete an ever increasing workload. The fact that the company still retains nearly 2,000 temporary staff and contractors merely adds insult to injury."
Unite said sites expected to be hit by the job losses included Bracknell, Bristol, Hook, Erskine, Milton Keynes, London and Warrington.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Chavez vs Cameron
Poll from South of the Border Film Distribution, Chavez or Cameron!
Take a look at
http://www.facebook.com/l/f0736N8rv6eLwMXL1khGkiAfuhQ;southoftheborder.dogwoof.com/chavez_vs_cameron/
One of a number of new things on the excellent South of the Border website.
Take a look at
http://www.facebook.com/l/f0736N8rv6eLwMXL1khGkiAfuhQ;southoftheborder.dogwoof.com/chavez_vs_cameron/
One of a number of new things on the excellent South of the Border website.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Unite union demands inquiry into fatality at Total's Lindsey oil refinery
Unite has called for an independent investigation into the death of a worker in an explosion at Total's Lindsey oil refinery.
The French energy major has shut its Lincolnshire facility processing 200,000-223,000 barrels of crude oil per day after the fire that also injured two people.
"It is with deep regret that Total Lindsey Oil Refinery can confirm that there has been a fatality following the fire and explosion," a company spokesman said. "All affected process units at the refinery are shut down and safely isolated. All other units remain operational."
Tom Hardacre, Unite's national officer for construction, urged the oil giant to allow "an immediate, independent and comprehensive inquiry" into the death of one of its members at the facility. The 24-year old man, who has not been named, died on Tuesday.
Tom Hardacre said: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to our member's family at this tragic time. We would particularly like to know why further searches were not made when our member was unaccounted for in the roll-call when employees were evacuated." The worker was initially reported missing but his death was only confirmed yesterday.
The French energy major has shut its Lincolnshire facility processing 200,000-223,000 barrels of crude oil per day after the fire that also injured two people.
"It is with deep regret that Total Lindsey Oil Refinery can confirm that there has been a fatality following the fire and explosion," a company spokesman said. "All affected process units at the refinery are shut down and safely isolated. All other units remain operational."
Tom Hardacre, Unite's national officer for construction, urged the oil giant to allow "an immediate, independent and comprehensive inquiry" into the death of one of its members at the facility. The 24-year old man, who has not been named, died on Tuesday.
Tom Hardacre said: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to our member's family at this tragic time. We would particularly like to know why further searches were not made when our member was unaccounted for in the roll-call when employees were evacuated." The worker was initially reported missing but his death was only confirmed yesterday.
BAe to close factory in Leicester
Almost 300 people are to lose their jobs after BAe Systems said it was closing a factory in Leicester.
The firm is shutting its Radar Road plant by autumn 2011, blaming the failure to win an armoured vehicle contract.
Bernie Hamilton, the Unite union's national officer for aerospace and shipbuilding, said the reasons for the closure included the government's decision to award the next generation of armoured vehicles to the UK subsidiary of US company, General Dynamics.
He said: "This is a body blow to the local Leicester economy and also to the future research and development skill base of the UK's defence industry.
'It will result in the UK losing advanced research technology and manufacturing capability for armoured vehicles and will mean that the UK will be dependent on companies from other nations in future for its armoured land vehicles for the army.
"We will work with the management to identify opportunities for the workers affected to be able to transfer to other businesses elsewhere within BAe Systems."
The firm is shutting its Radar Road plant by autumn 2011, blaming the failure to win an armoured vehicle contract.
Bernie Hamilton, the Unite union's national officer for aerospace and shipbuilding, said the reasons for the closure included the government's decision to award the next generation of armoured vehicles to the UK subsidiary of US company, General Dynamics.
He said: "This is a body blow to the local Leicester economy and also to the future research and development skill base of the UK's defence industry.
'It will result in the UK losing advanced research technology and manufacturing capability for armoured vehicles and will mean that the UK will be dependent on companies from other nations in future for its armoured land vehicles for the army.
"We will work with the management to identify opportunities for the workers affected to be able to transfer to other businesses elsewhere within BAe Systems."
MERGENCY COMMITTEE AGAINST THE COUP IN HONDURAS
The Workers Uniting Group has continued to campaign against the coup in Honduras.
We urge Workers Uniting Group supporters to sign up for their regular e-bulletin at:
notohondurascoup@googlemail.com
or visit their website
http://committeeagainsthondurascoup.blogspot.com
EMERGENCY COMMITTEE AGAINST THE COUP IN HONDURAS (ECACH)
E-BULLETIN: ONE YEAR SINCE THE COUP
MANIFESTO ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL RESISTANCE FRONT AGAINST THE COUP IN HONDURAS (FNRP) (FULL TEXT IN SPANISH)-JUNE 28, 2010.
The Statement’s key points include that:
The Honduran people have not stopped fighting for democracy ever since the coup of June 28, 2009
Two diametrically opposed views on society confront each other in Honduras: that of the oligarchy and that of the people
Manuel Zelaya was overthrown because he took steps towards building a new Honduras for the majority
Honduras is bankrupt and faces acute fiscal and financial crisis; additionally corruption is rampant
The FNRP continues to grow stronger. It organises the country’s huge social, ethnic, and gender diversity and is fighting to establish a National Constituent Assembly aimed at the re-founding of Honduras
The FNPR seeks to repeal all concessions made to voracious private (national and foreign companies) in the areas of water, energy, forests, and in any other area of our economy due to the application of neo-liberal policies.
It also pays homage to the many comrades who lost their life at the hands of the repressive forces of Honduras.
HUMAN RIGHTS: THE RECORD
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: “Honduras failing to tackle coup rights abuses” – 28 June 2010
In a statement issued on June 28 to coincide with the anniversary of the coup that overthrew democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL “has accused the Honduran authorities of failing to address serious human rights violations that followed the coup d’etat of 28 June 2009, when ex-President Manuel Zelaya was forced from power.” Read more…
MORE PIECES ON HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES:
· Ninth media worker this year is shot to death in Honduras – June 15
· Luis Arturo Mondragón, 9th Journalist killed in Honduras in 2010 – June 15
· Roland Valenzuela, former Minister of the National Program for Sustainable Development under Manual Zelaya, assassinated – June 16
· ITUC: Honduras: Violence and Human Rights Violations Escalate – June 17
· Honduran activist Maria Luisa Regalado tells group at El Barrio of President Lobo's brutality – June 26 Remembering the Honduran Coup – 26 June (nice pictures of the people’s struggle)
SINCE LOBO CAME TO POWER: THE TRUTH
· 21 persons of the resistance movement have been murdered
· 7 journalists have been assassinated (click here)
· 127 resistance activists have been accused and processed for political offenses by the regime
· 310 cases of human rights violations have been identified; 53 unlawful arrests have been made, and more than 23 homes of people affiliated with the resistance have been searched by security forces
· According to the Committee of Relatives of the Detained and Disappeared in Hondura there have been more than 700 politically motivated attacks countrywide since January 30 2010 (click here)
· 34 people have been murdered for political reasons
· More than 60 so called "undesireables" have died violently, allegedly at the hands of death squads.
· One of the most impacted sectors is that of the LGBT community, with 26 of the most recognized activists murdered after receiving tortures
· 12 women have been violated by one, or more, elements of the police while they were captured and detained.
· Media censorship is regularly applied; although the world corporate media keep silent on this
· The economy has grown even more dependent on the U.S and instability has intensified
· State coffers have been plundered and Honduras has no national reserves
· The legitimacy of state institutions has evaporated
· Honduras is heavily isolated in the world
· Unemployment and poverty have increased; although the Honduran elite has grown richer
· Roberto Micheletti has been named MP for life
· There is no democracy in Honduras; human rights are systematically violated
Most information at: Honduras Resists - Current Situation One Year After the Coup d'état
THE ROLE OF THE UNITED STATES
· The Role of the International Republican Institute (IRI) in the Honduran Coup
· Oliver Stone: coup in Honduras is a disgrace – 5 June
· US Military Aid to Honduras Continues. Rights Violations Do Also – June 9
· Clinton Urges OAS to Forget Coup, Readmit Honduras – 9 June
· Washington Resumes Military Aid to Honduras – June 19
· Will the US ever get Latin America? – 26 June
· Honduras: Disappearing truth and justice; Washington covers up repression (The Real News video report – 13 April, 2010)
HONDURAS: A PARIAH STATE
· Venezuela in OAS: No Honduran Re-Entry until Democracy Restored - June 9
· Salvadorian president slams visit of Honduras' former post-coup leader 25 June
· 27 Members of Congress Send Letter to Sec. Clinton – June 25, 2010
“On June 24, 2010, 27 members of Congress sent a letter asking Secretary of State Clinton to send Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Michael Posner to Honduras to assess the political and human rights situation. The letter points to continuing human rights abuses, the assassination of nine journalists this year alone, and political corruption as reasons for an early and accurate report. Without such a report, the members of Congress "would be reluctant to see U.S. support for Honduras continue without significant restrictions."
· Honduras has Two Truth Commissions – June 22
· Press Release: Quixote Center Delegation to Honduras - June 24
· The Honduran Business Elite One Year After the Coup – June 23
“… Zelaya’s biggest reforms, […] include[d] raising the minimum wage, joining the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas, and opening up a process of constituent assembly, have already been rolled back by the coup regime. That said, in other areas only baby steps towards increasing foreign direct investment have been made. The Lobo government, however, has granted an additional 500 non-metallic mining concessions, some of which went to a subsidiary of transnational mining company Goldcorp Inc.”
Truth in Honduras - One year after the coup, the battle over who gets to expose—or avoid—recent history begins – June 11
“To counter the official commission, the Honduran opposition movement is establishing its own investigative body. Six human-rights organizations will launch “Comisión de la Verdad” (known in English as “Commission of the Truth”) on June 28, the coup’s anniversary. It will be “responsible for making known the human rights violations committed against thousands of Hondurans,” according to a May 6 commission press release. The commission—which will include a Nobel laureate, a writer and a priest—will last one year.”
No U.S. military aid to Honduras!
Stop human rights abuses in Honduras!
For a free and democratic Honduras!
For the full restoration of democracy in Honduras!
The Emergency Committee Against the Coup in Honduras.
The Committee involves Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, Cuba Solidarity Campaign, Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign, Labour Friends of Venezuela, UNITE the Union, UNITE London & Eastern Region, the South East Region of the TUC, and other bodies of the British Labour movement and Latin American communities.
Visit the blog at http://committeeagainsthondurascoup.blogspot.com.
For more information email: notohondurascoup@googlemail.com
We urge Workers Uniting Group supporters to sign up for their regular e-bulletin at:
notohondurascoup@googlemail.com
or visit their website
http://committeeagainsthondurascoup.blogspot.com
EMERGENCY COMMITTEE AGAINST THE COUP IN HONDURAS (ECACH)
E-BULLETIN: ONE YEAR SINCE THE COUP
MANIFESTO ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL RESISTANCE FRONT AGAINST THE COUP IN HONDURAS (FNRP) (FULL TEXT IN SPANISH)-JUNE 28, 2010.
The Statement’s key points include that:
The Honduran people have not stopped fighting for democracy ever since the coup of June 28, 2009
Two diametrically opposed views on society confront each other in Honduras: that of the oligarchy and that of the people
Manuel Zelaya was overthrown because he took steps towards building a new Honduras for the majority
Honduras is bankrupt and faces acute fiscal and financial crisis; additionally corruption is rampant
The FNRP continues to grow stronger. It organises the country’s huge social, ethnic, and gender diversity and is fighting to establish a National Constituent Assembly aimed at the re-founding of Honduras
The FNPR seeks to repeal all concessions made to voracious private (national and foreign companies) in the areas of water, energy, forests, and in any other area of our economy due to the application of neo-liberal policies.
It also pays homage to the many comrades who lost their life at the hands of the repressive forces of Honduras.
HUMAN RIGHTS: THE RECORD
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: “Honduras failing to tackle coup rights abuses” – 28 June 2010
In a statement issued on June 28 to coincide with the anniversary of the coup that overthrew democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL “has accused the Honduran authorities of failing to address serious human rights violations that followed the coup d’etat of 28 June 2009, when ex-President Manuel Zelaya was forced from power.” Read more…
MORE PIECES ON HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES:
· Ninth media worker this year is shot to death in Honduras – June 15
· Luis Arturo Mondragón, 9th Journalist killed in Honduras in 2010 – June 15
· Roland Valenzuela, former Minister of the National Program for Sustainable Development under Manual Zelaya, assassinated – June 16
· ITUC: Honduras: Violence and Human Rights Violations Escalate – June 17
· Honduran activist Maria Luisa Regalado tells group at El Barrio of President Lobo's brutality – June 26 Remembering the Honduran Coup – 26 June (nice pictures of the people’s struggle)
SINCE LOBO CAME TO POWER: THE TRUTH
· 21 persons of the resistance movement have been murdered
· 7 journalists have been assassinated (click here)
· 127 resistance activists have been accused and processed for political offenses by the regime
· 310 cases of human rights violations have been identified; 53 unlawful arrests have been made, and more than 23 homes of people affiliated with the resistance have been searched by security forces
· According to the Committee of Relatives of the Detained and Disappeared in Hondura there have been more than 700 politically motivated attacks countrywide since January 30 2010 (click here)
· 34 people have been murdered for political reasons
· More than 60 so called "undesireables" have died violently, allegedly at the hands of death squads.
· One of the most impacted sectors is that of the LGBT community, with 26 of the most recognized activists murdered after receiving tortures
· 12 women have been violated by one, or more, elements of the police while they were captured and detained.
· Media censorship is regularly applied; although the world corporate media keep silent on this
· The economy has grown even more dependent on the U.S and instability has intensified
· State coffers have been plundered and Honduras has no national reserves
· The legitimacy of state institutions has evaporated
· Honduras is heavily isolated in the world
· Unemployment and poverty have increased; although the Honduran elite has grown richer
· Roberto Micheletti has been named MP for life
· There is no democracy in Honduras; human rights are systematically violated
Most information at: Honduras Resists - Current Situation One Year After the Coup d'état
THE ROLE OF THE UNITED STATES
· The Role of the International Republican Institute (IRI) in the Honduran Coup
· Oliver Stone: coup in Honduras is a disgrace – 5 June
· US Military Aid to Honduras Continues. Rights Violations Do Also – June 9
· Clinton Urges OAS to Forget Coup, Readmit Honduras – 9 June
· Washington Resumes Military Aid to Honduras – June 19
· Will the US ever get Latin America? – 26 June
· Honduras: Disappearing truth and justice; Washington covers up repression (The Real News video report – 13 April, 2010)
HONDURAS: A PARIAH STATE
· Venezuela in OAS: No Honduran Re-Entry until Democracy Restored - June 9
· Salvadorian president slams visit of Honduras' former post-coup leader 25 June
· 27 Members of Congress Send Letter to Sec. Clinton – June 25, 2010
“On June 24, 2010, 27 members of Congress sent a letter asking Secretary of State Clinton to send Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Michael Posner to Honduras to assess the political and human rights situation. The letter points to continuing human rights abuses, the assassination of nine journalists this year alone, and political corruption as reasons for an early and accurate report. Without such a report, the members of Congress "would be reluctant to see U.S. support for Honduras continue without significant restrictions."
· Honduras has Two Truth Commissions – June 22
· Press Release: Quixote Center Delegation to Honduras - June 24
· The Honduran Business Elite One Year After the Coup – June 23
“… Zelaya’s biggest reforms, […] include[d] raising the minimum wage, joining the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas, and opening up a process of constituent assembly, have already been rolled back by the coup regime. That said, in other areas only baby steps towards increasing foreign direct investment have been made. The Lobo government, however, has granted an additional 500 non-metallic mining concessions, some of which went to a subsidiary of transnational mining company Goldcorp Inc.”
Truth in Honduras - One year after the coup, the battle over who gets to expose—or avoid—recent history begins – June 11
“To counter the official commission, the Honduran opposition movement is establishing its own investigative body. Six human-rights organizations will launch “Comisión de la Verdad” (known in English as “Commission of the Truth”) on June 28, the coup’s anniversary. It will be “responsible for making known the human rights violations committed against thousands of Hondurans,” according to a May 6 commission press release. The commission—which will include a Nobel laureate, a writer and a priest—will last one year.”
No U.S. military aid to Honduras!
Stop human rights abuses in Honduras!
For a free and democratic Honduras!
For the full restoration of democracy in Honduras!
The Emergency Committee Against the Coup in Honduras.
The Committee involves Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, Cuba Solidarity Campaign, Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign, Labour Friends of Venezuela, UNITE the Union, UNITE London & Eastern Region, the South East Region of the TUC, and other bodies of the British Labour movement and Latin American communities.
Visit the blog at http://committeeagainsthondurascoup.blogspot.com.
For more information email: notohondurascoup@googlemail.com
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