Support Fairness At Work - Lobby Your MP Now!
The Lawful Industrial Action (Minor Errors) Bill has been introduced in response to the raft of court cases brought against unions whose members had voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.
John McDonnell MP has been drawn in the Private Members Bill ballot and is campaigning to repeal part of the anti-trade union laws which make it possible for employers to take trade unions to court to block strike action on minor technicalities.
The current legislation puts a massive burden on trade unions and means trade union ballots are subject to far tighter regulations than general elections.
The Bill will:
Ensure fairer industrial action balloting procedures
Prevent employers exploiting minor technical errors in ballots and notices in order to invalidate the whole ballot
Prevent the courts from overruling a democratic ballot merely on technical grounds.
The Bill is having its Second Reading in Parliament on the 22 October 2010 and in order for this to take place 100 MPs must be present in the Commons. Write to your MP now asking them to make sure they are there!
And please attend the demonstration and rally in support of the Bill on the 13th October 2010
For more information please visit
http://www.unitedcampaign.org.uk/bill.php
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Les Bayliss Gives Full Support To Ed Miliband at Workers Uniting Group Meeting at Labour Conference
“Trade unions are the bedrock of civilised society” – Ed Miliband
Tuesday September 28th
A well attended meeting of the Workers Uniting Group on Septmeber 28th heard Les Bayliss the Progressive Left - Workers Uniting Group candidate for Unite General Secretary welcome Ed Miliband’s election as Labour Party leader. He told the meeting that Unite had been instrumental in getting Ed elected and praised the work of the Unite political department in the campaign.
The result had been remarkable given that Ed had been behind in the polls.
Les said he had been confident that Ed would be elected and that’s why he was able to issue a statement through his website shortly after the leadership ballot result on early Saturday evening.
Les said he fully supported the comments made by Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson on Ed’s election, and on his Leaders speech that afternoon – notably when he said “Trade Unions are the bedrock of a civilised society”, and that the Labour Party must now be the optimist party and play our part in Labour’s new generation and not look back to a bygone era".
Les also welcomed the positive comments from Ed on agency workers, council housing, the Iraq war, and his opposition to the attack on the Palestinian flotilla.
Les also reported on his election campaign so far. He said his policies were being well received by members and activists up and down the country. He was satisfied that he had neared his target for branch and reps nominations in the election process and he was greatly encouraged by the support of comrades who wanted to take Unite forward.
He also explained his deep concern’s about falling Unite membership which had to be arrested quickly if we were to avoid damaging the financial recovery Unite had made. Our organising campaigns and project had to be made to work to replace the members we were losing - and would lose with the proposed cuts in public services which would also knock onto the private sector.
The campaign against the cuts had to be built with support from communities, politicians and other unions. We had to work to ensure that when the fight came we were in a fit state to win the campaign and not be branded as “mindless militants” by the media.
He also discussed the union’s international work explaining the importance of Workers Uniting, the global union in fighting back against multi-nationals.
Les also spoke about recent media coverage notably the coverage of his campaign in the News Of The World. He accepted this was a sensitive issue, but polling had shown that this paper is widely read by Unite members. He also said he would take “no lessons” from others on the Murdoch media – particularly when other officers had been interviewed or had articles and interviews published in Murdoch’s Times, Sunday Times and gave interviews to Sky TV.
In a question and answer session an issue was raised about the 24 contact centre and its effect on branch’s notably in construction where the branch was the point of contact. Les assured the delegates that the contact centre would not replace branch’s but would assist them in their work.
There was also questions raised about union properties, training courses for reps and Ed Miliband’s speech. A discussion took place about Ed’s comment on trade unions and also on his comment on having “no truck with a wave of irresponsible strikes”.
A speaker also said he was concerned that a Unite delegate had been seen by the media to respond by shouting “rubbish”. This, he said sent out the wrong signal to members who should be proud of the work done by Unite in getting Ed Miliband elected.
Les said it was right that we should avoid making “overblown statements” and pointed out that he felt Ed Miliband had gone some distance in reassuring unions he was on our side. Notably on the comment about a catering worker who had to buy her own uniform and felt badly treated with Ed Miliband saying it was right she joined a union.
However Ed had used the words “irresponsible strikes” and it was Les's view that the statement did not rule out support for all strikes and disputes. That was the reason we must build a broad coalition against the cuts and should avoid undermining the goodwill built up.
Closing the debate Les said - This was now the time to build unity within Unite, prepare for the battles ahead and Unite behind our new leader.
Tuesday September 28th
A well attended meeting of the Workers Uniting Group on Septmeber 28th heard Les Bayliss the Progressive Left - Workers Uniting Group candidate for Unite General Secretary welcome Ed Miliband’s election as Labour Party leader. He told the meeting that Unite had been instrumental in getting Ed elected and praised the work of the Unite political department in the campaign.
The result had been remarkable given that Ed had been behind in the polls.
Les said he had been confident that Ed would be elected and that’s why he was able to issue a statement through his website shortly after the leadership ballot result on early Saturday evening.
Les said he fully supported the comments made by Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson on Ed’s election, and on his Leaders speech that afternoon – notably when he said “Trade Unions are the bedrock of a civilised society”, and that the Labour Party must now be the optimist party and play our part in Labour’s new generation and not look back to a bygone era".
Les also welcomed the positive comments from Ed on agency workers, council housing, the Iraq war, and his opposition to the attack on the Palestinian flotilla.
Les also reported on his election campaign so far. He said his policies were being well received by members and activists up and down the country. He was satisfied that he had neared his target for branch and reps nominations in the election process and he was greatly encouraged by the support of comrades who wanted to take Unite forward.
He also explained his deep concern’s about falling Unite membership which had to be arrested quickly if we were to avoid damaging the financial recovery Unite had made. Our organising campaigns and project had to be made to work to replace the members we were losing - and would lose with the proposed cuts in public services which would also knock onto the private sector.
The campaign against the cuts had to be built with support from communities, politicians and other unions. We had to work to ensure that when the fight came we were in a fit state to win the campaign and not be branded as “mindless militants” by the media.
He also discussed the union’s international work explaining the importance of Workers Uniting, the global union in fighting back against multi-nationals.
Les also spoke about recent media coverage notably the coverage of his campaign in the News Of The World. He accepted this was a sensitive issue, but polling had shown that this paper is widely read by Unite members. He also said he would take “no lessons” from others on the Murdoch media – particularly when other officers had been interviewed or had articles and interviews published in Murdoch’s Times, Sunday Times and gave interviews to Sky TV.
In a question and answer session an issue was raised about the 24 contact centre and its effect on branch’s notably in construction where the branch was the point of contact. Les assured the delegates that the contact centre would not replace branch’s but would assist them in their work.
There was also questions raised about union properties, training courses for reps and Ed Miliband’s speech. A discussion took place about Ed’s comment on trade unions and also on his comment on having “no truck with a wave of irresponsible strikes”.
A speaker also said he was concerned that a Unite delegate had been seen by the media to respond by shouting “rubbish”. This, he said sent out the wrong signal to members who should be proud of the work done by Unite in getting Ed Miliband elected.
Les said it was right that we should avoid making “overblown statements” and pointed out that he felt Ed Miliband had gone some distance in reassuring unions he was on our side. Notably on the comment about a catering worker who had to buy her own uniform and felt badly treated with Ed Miliband saying it was right she joined a union.
However Ed had used the words “irresponsible strikes” and it was Les's view that the statement did not rule out support for all strikes and disputes. That was the reason we must build a broad coalition against the cuts and should avoid undermining the goodwill built up.
Closing the debate Les said - This was now the time to build unity within Unite, prepare for the battles ahead and Unite behind our new leader.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Trade union leaders threatened with arrest following strike
Several union leaders and activists organizing a nationwide strike of garment factory workers in Cambodia are at risk of arrest and legal action.
The five day national strike which involved 200,000 workers was called by a coalition of garment industry unions in protest at a new minimum wage set for the garment and footwear industry.
Last week, the Prime Minister authorized the police and local authorities to begin unspecified legal action against strike leaders. The courts are reported to have warrants ready for the arrest of nine individuals for incitement.
Although the strike was temporarily suspended on 16 September following an offer of further negotiations, it is feared that the threat of legal action remains.
Amnesty International has launched a global campaign which I urge you to support.
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions_details.asp?ActionID=716
The five day national strike which involved 200,000 workers was called by a coalition of garment industry unions in protest at a new minimum wage set for the garment and footwear industry.
Last week, the Prime Minister authorized the police and local authorities to begin unspecified legal action against strike leaders. The courts are reported to have warrants ready for the arrest of nine individuals for incitement.
Although the strike was temporarily suspended on 16 September following an offer of further negotiations, it is feared that the threat of legal action remains.
Amnesty International has launched a global campaign which I urge you to support.
http://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions_details.asp?ActionID=716
BMI to land in high court as Unite's legal action takes-off
Unite, Britain's biggest union, is taking BMI to the high court for reneging on a pay increase worth up to £6 million which was promised to more than 3,000 staff at the airline.
The action is thought to be one of the first of its kind, with Unite taking BMI to the high court for breach of contract. A three year pay agreement was entered into in 2007 between Unite and BMI, providing pay rises in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The first two pay rises were paid, but due to economic circumstances the union agreed to accept a deferral of the 4.75 per cent pay rise due on April 2009 to 31 March 2010. However, in early 2010 it became clear that the company did not intend to honour the agreement. BMI even claimed that honouring the agreement would result in job cuts.
The previous owner of BMI was paid £320 million by the new owners Lufthansa around the same time as the original agreement was signed. BMI employees have not received any pay increase since 2008. Unite has therefore notified CEO Mr Wolfgang Prock-Schauer of its intention to pursue high court action to resolve this matter.
Unite's national officer, Brian Boyd, said: "Unite is lodging a high court claim against BMI because the company owes its employees a long overdue pay increase. Staff agreed to defer the increase to help the company during difficult times, they are still waiting for the company to honour its end of the bargain. Staff have not had an increase in earnings since 2008. Lufthansa - which owns BMI - is a huge airline, and employees need reward for their dedication and loyalty. Unite remains available to meet with BMI but we have already made clear what we consider an acceptable solution."
The agreement reached on pay covers all employees at BMI mainline, BMI regional and BMI baby. Unite's lawyers wrote to BMI’s CEO on 8 September notifying the company that they have been instructed by Unite to commence proceedings in the high court.
The action is thought to be one of the first of its kind, with Unite taking BMI to the high court for breach of contract. A three year pay agreement was entered into in 2007 between Unite and BMI, providing pay rises in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The first two pay rises were paid, but due to economic circumstances the union agreed to accept a deferral of the 4.75 per cent pay rise due on April 2009 to 31 March 2010. However, in early 2010 it became clear that the company did not intend to honour the agreement. BMI even claimed that honouring the agreement would result in job cuts.
The previous owner of BMI was paid £320 million by the new owners Lufthansa around the same time as the original agreement was signed. BMI employees have not received any pay increase since 2008. Unite has therefore notified CEO Mr Wolfgang Prock-Schauer of its intention to pursue high court action to resolve this matter.
Unite's national officer, Brian Boyd, said: "Unite is lodging a high court claim against BMI because the company owes its employees a long overdue pay increase. Staff agreed to defer the increase to help the company during difficult times, they are still waiting for the company to honour its end of the bargain. Staff have not had an increase in earnings since 2008. Lufthansa - which owns BMI - is a huge airline, and employees need reward for their dedication and loyalty. Unite remains available to meet with BMI but we have already made clear what we consider an acceptable solution."
The agreement reached on pay covers all employees at BMI mainline, BMI regional and BMI baby. Unite's lawyers wrote to BMI’s CEO on 8 September notifying the company that they have been instructed by Unite to commence proceedings in the high court.
Plymouth in 'ghost town' warning over Devonport
Unite has launched a petition to protect the Devonport dockyards ahead of a strategic defence review in October.
The Ministry and Defence is looking at cuts to its budget of between 10% and 20%.
That has raised concern about Devonport, home base of the largest ship in the Royal Navy, HMS Ocean, and Trafalgar Class submarines.
Dave Springbett, of Unite, said: "We want to send a very strong message to the government that Plymouth cannot survive without the dockyard.
"It is not just the people in the dockyards - it is the whole economy of Plymouth.
"Seven thousand jobs are associated with the navy and navy base and a further 7,000 depend on it.
"It creates 10% of Plymouth's income on its own.
"If you take it out of Plymouth, it will almost be a ghost town."
He said a petition, which is available from the union's offices in Longbridge Road, Plymouth, could work.
"Once the people of Plymouth get behind something they really get behind something.
"If you get thousands of signatures it will, along with everything else, have an effect on government."
The Ministry and Defence is looking at cuts to its budget of between 10% and 20%.
That has raised concern about Devonport, home base of the largest ship in the Royal Navy, HMS Ocean, and Trafalgar Class submarines.
Dave Springbett, of Unite, said: "We want to send a very strong message to the government that Plymouth cannot survive without the dockyard.
"It is not just the people in the dockyards - it is the whole economy of Plymouth.
"Seven thousand jobs are associated with the navy and navy base and a further 7,000 depend on it.
"It creates 10% of Plymouth's income on its own.
"If you take it out of Plymouth, it will almost be a ghost town."
He said a petition, which is available from the union's offices in Longbridge Road, Plymouth, could work.
"Once the people of Plymouth get behind something they really get behind something.
"If you get thousands of signatures it will, along with everything else, have an effect on government."
Jaguar Land Rover - Halewood
Union vows to convert Halewood agency contracts at Jaguar Land Rover into permanent jobs
Jaguar Land Rover has begun to recruit 1,000 new staff for the launch of its prestige Range Rover Evoque in Merseyside.
But the company revealed most will be temporary contracts working for recruitment agency Manpower.
But union leaders revealed once the “baby Range Rover” reaches full production next year, alongside the Halewood plant’s successful Land Rover Freelander 2 model, they have a deal with management to open talks on converting the temporary posts into permanent Land Rover jobs.
Dave Osborne, national car industry spokesman for Unite said he rated their chances “very probable”.
JLR announced the start of recruitment yesterday, saying a small number of the 1,000 jobs will be engineering or supervisory staff taken on by the company.
A Halewood spokeswoman said the majority will be production line workers recruited by Manpower. She could not reveal the exact number involved or the length of their contracts.
Mr Osborne said: “An agreement was reached between the company and the union in Halewood.
“Part of the agreement was to bring them (staff) in on temporary contracts in the build-up to the launch.
“Once the car is launched – and we are also looking at the market recovering for Freelander as well – we see the opportunity to convert them to permanent JLR employees as being very probable.”
He said the recruitment drive was “welcome news and secures Halewood’s long-term future”.
Ralf Speth, JLR chief executive, said: “The Range Rover Evoque is a significant step in the company’s plan to grow the JLR business.
“It is a truly global car and will be sold in over 160 markets around the world. Around 85% of the models built at Halewood will be exported, making a significant contribution to the UK economy.”
The Evoque was first unveiled as the LRX concept car.
Plant director Michael Straughan added: “Halewood has a reputation for excellent manufacturing quality and is recognised throughout the industry as a centre of excellence for lean manufacturing.
“The Range Rover Evoque has been eagerly anticipated since we first showed the LRX concept in Detroit in 2008, so we are looking forward to welcoming some enthusiastic new recruits to the team to deliver the Range Rover Evoque to the marketplace.”
The Evoque is the smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover and will make its public debut next Thursday in Paris.
Jaguar Land Rover has begun to recruit 1,000 new staff for the launch of its prestige Range Rover Evoque in Merseyside.
But the company revealed most will be temporary contracts working for recruitment agency Manpower.
But union leaders revealed once the “baby Range Rover” reaches full production next year, alongside the Halewood plant’s successful Land Rover Freelander 2 model, they have a deal with management to open talks on converting the temporary posts into permanent Land Rover jobs.
Dave Osborne, national car industry spokesman for Unite said he rated their chances “very probable”.
JLR announced the start of recruitment yesterday, saying a small number of the 1,000 jobs will be engineering or supervisory staff taken on by the company.
A Halewood spokeswoman said the majority will be production line workers recruited by Manpower. She could not reveal the exact number involved or the length of their contracts.
Mr Osborne said: “An agreement was reached between the company and the union in Halewood.
“Part of the agreement was to bring them (staff) in on temporary contracts in the build-up to the launch.
“Once the car is launched – and we are also looking at the market recovering for Freelander as well – we see the opportunity to convert them to permanent JLR employees as being very probable.”
He said the recruitment drive was “welcome news and secures Halewood’s long-term future”.
Ralf Speth, JLR chief executive, said: “The Range Rover Evoque is a significant step in the company’s plan to grow the JLR business.
“It is a truly global car and will be sold in over 160 markets around the world. Around 85% of the models built at Halewood will be exported, making a significant contribution to the UK economy.”
The Evoque was first unveiled as the LRX concept car.
Plant director Michael Straughan added: “Halewood has a reputation for excellent manufacturing quality and is recognised throughout the industry as a centre of excellence for lean manufacturing.
“The Range Rover Evoque has been eagerly anticipated since we first showed the LRX concept in Detroit in 2008, so we are looking forward to welcoming some enthusiastic new recruits to the team to deliver the Range Rover Evoque to the marketplace.”
The Evoque is the smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover and will make its public debut next Thursday in Paris.
Strike At Tyneside Safety Glass
Unite members at Tyneside Safety Glass continued their strike action on Thursday over a pay freeze and changes to working hours.
Unite called the action at the Gateshead firm after the company imposed a pay freeze for the second year running combined with changes to shift patterns.
In some cases, it will add an extra 10 hours to the working week, taking some workers up to the maximum 48-hour working week allowed under the European Working Time Directive.
According to Unite, bosses have told union reps that they intend to break the union on site and, over the past two years, intimidation and bulling by management has lead to staff being informed of shift changes with minimal notice, with no consideration to a work-life balance or family-friendly policies.
Following negotiations with the company Unite regional officer Bill Green said: "We have offered a range of options to the company, but these were all rejected out of hand and even after the intervention of Acas it became clear that this dispute is not just about pay.
"Unite understands the company's personnel manager told our representative 'that the company had beaten the union before and would beat it again.'
"Despite these attempts to frighten and bully our members, their comments have not intimidated them but rallied them together and made them stronger.
"We are dismayed that management have refused to hold meaningful talks to settle the dispute. We hope this strike will send a message to the company that they need to return to negotiations to bring the dispute to an end."
Workers started strike action on Monday and a further seven-day strike is planned from Monday October 4.
Unite called the action at the Gateshead firm after the company imposed a pay freeze for the second year running combined with changes to shift patterns.
In some cases, it will add an extra 10 hours to the working week, taking some workers up to the maximum 48-hour working week allowed under the European Working Time Directive.
According to Unite, bosses have told union reps that they intend to break the union on site and, over the past two years, intimidation and bulling by management has lead to staff being informed of shift changes with minimal notice, with no consideration to a work-life balance or family-friendly policies.
Following negotiations with the company Unite regional officer Bill Green said: "We have offered a range of options to the company, but these were all rejected out of hand and even after the intervention of Acas it became clear that this dispute is not just about pay.
"Unite understands the company's personnel manager told our representative 'that the company had beaten the union before and would beat it again.'
"Despite these attempts to frighten and bully our members, their comments have not intimidated them but rallied them together and made them stronger.
"We are dismayed that management have refused to hold meaningful talks to settle the dispute. We hope this strike will send a message to the company that they need to return to negotiations to bring the dispute to an end."
Workers started strike action on Monday and a further seven-day strike is planned from Monday October 4.
Tunnocks Dispute
Wafers of the world, unite!
Striking workers at iconic Scottish confectioners Tunnock's demonstrated outside its factory gates at the start of a two-day stoppage over pay.
Some 350 members of the Unite union walked out yesterday after rejecting the family-owned company's 2 per cent offer.
The union has also started an indefinite overtime ban and work to rule at the 120-year-old company in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, which employs 550 people.
Strikers claimed the action had brought manufacturing of products such as Caramel Wafers and Snowballs and Tea Cakes to a halt, but Tunnock's refused to comment.
The second strike will follow on Tuesday after the firm's four-day holiday closure.
Tony Devlin, 43, regional industrial organiser for Unite, said: "Things have been going well, with more than 250 people turning up at the start of the strike.
"We had a mass meeting with members on Wednesday after the company offered a 2 per cent rise and decided that the strike would go ahead.
"They are determined to see the strike through and are unhappy with how they have been treated.
"Before we had an offer the company had put up notices internally saying the union had rejected a 2 per cent pay increase. That is fundamentally incorrect.
"Our members have accepted pay offers in the past with austerity in mind, then the directors offered themselves significant dividends straight after." One striker, who asked not to be named, speaking from the rain-soaked picket line, accused company chiefs of lying to staff.
He said: "The turnout has been great so hopefully the company will see how we feel.
"Work has near enough stopped inside. The only ones left are the supervisors.
"The bottom line is that we feel lied to. If they had been up front and offered the pay increase we would have probably accepted it.
"Things are getting harder and it's only going to get worse.
"We all don't want to be standing out here because we're losing money, but we will stay for as long as it takes."
Another worker said: "This has been the build-up of a lot of things but we feel we need to make a stand.
"It's not the same place to work any more.
Striking workers at iconic Scottish confectioners Tunnock's demonstrated outside its factory gates at the start of a two-day stoppage over pay.
Some 350 members of the Unite union walked out yesterday after rejecting the family-owned company's 2 per cent offer.
The union has also started an indefinite overtime ban and work to rule at the 120-year-old company in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, which employs 550 people.
Strikers claimed the action had brought manufacturing of products such as Caramel Wafers and Snowballs and Tea Cakes to a halt, but Tunnock's refused to comment.
The second strike will follow on Tuesday after the firm's four-day holiday closure.
Tony Devlin, 43, regional industrial organiser for Unite, said: "Things have been going well, with more than 250 people turning up at the start of the strike.
"We had a mass meeting with members on Wednesday after the company offered a 2 per cent rise and decided that the strike would go ahead.
"They are determined to see the strike through and are unhappy with how they have been treated.
"Before we had an offer the company had put up notices internally saying the union had rejected a 2 per cent pay increase. That is fundamentally incorrect.
"Our members have accepted pay offers in the past with austerity in mind, then the directors offered themselves significant dividends straight after." One striker, who asked not to be named, speaking from the rain-soaked picket line, accused company chiefs of lying to staff.
He said: "The turnout has been great so hopefully the company will see how we feel.
"Work has near enough stopped inside. The only ones left are the supervisors.
"The bottom line is that we feel lied to. If they had been up front and offered the pay increase we would have probably accepted it.
"Things are getting harder and it's only going to get worse.
"We all don't want to be standing out here because we're losing money, but we will stay for as long as it takes."
Another worker said: "This has been the build-up of a lot of things but we feel we need to make a stand.
"It's not the same place to work any more.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Row over pay at DPP factory
Unite engineers employed at Dairy Produce Packers in Coleraine, NI have voted for strike action in what they describe as "a row over pay". The eleven engineers, who are Unite union members at the DPP plant which is part of the Kerry Group, make cheese slices for McDonalds, Burger King, Sainsbury's and Morrison's.
Their union said that they have voted overwhelmingly for the action. Sean Smyth, Regional Industrial Organiser with Unite, said: "The engineers who are critical to production have rejected a company offer of a pay freeze for nine months to be followed by a 3 per cent rise for the next 15 months.
"The engineers have rejected the offer as the company, which has a European wide recognition for its products, is a very profitable concern.
"Once these engineers stop work, the production line will stop. More than 150 production workers will also be balloted to support their colleagues' actions."
Their union said that they have voted overwhelmingly for the action. Sean Smyth, Regional Industrial Organiser with Unite, said: "The engineers who are critical to production have rejected a company offer of a pay freeze for nine months to be followed by a 3 per cent rise for the next 15 months.
"The engineers have rejected the offer as the company, which has a European wide recognition for its products, is a very profitable concern.
"Once these engineers stop work, the production line will stop. More than 150 production workers will also be balloted to support their colleagues' actions."
Anger over Blindcraft closure
Edinburgh councillors have been accused of losing their morals and humanity as they prepare to shut down a charity that gives work to the blind and disabled.
Councillors have agreed to start a consultation period that is expected to lead to around 70 staff at Craigmillar-based Blindcraft losing their jobs.
Unite accused them of attacking some of the city's most vulnerable people. Unite regional officer Gillian McKay said: "Edinburgh City Council has lost its morals and humanity. The SNP and Lib Dems have clearly indicated that they are prepared to attack even the most vulnerable members of our society."
Cllr Lesley Hinds, health spokeswoman for the Labour group on the city council, said: "Despite several suggestions by the Labour group over the last three years which could have saved Blindcraft, this Administration have chosen to attack the vulnerable in their dash for cash. They have put pounds before people once again."
Councillors have agreed to start a consultation period that is expected to lead to around 70 staff at Craigmillar-based Blindcraft losing their jobs.
Unite accused them of attacking some of the city's most vulnerable people. Unite regional officer Gillian McKay said: "Edinburgh City Council has lost its morals and humanity. The SNP and Lib Dems have clearly indicated that they are prepared to attack even the most vulnerable members of our society."
Cllr Lesley Hinds, health spokeswoman for the Labour group on the city council, said: "Despite several suggestions by the Labour group over the last three years which could have saved Blindcraft, this Administration have chosen to attack the vulnerable in their dash for cash. They have put pounds before people once again."
20,000 sign Billingsgate petition
Fish porters fighting to save an historic London market are to hand in a 20,000 name petition in support of their case.
The workers warned that plans to revoke bye-laws governing the running of Billingsgate Market threaten its future and will lead to job losses.
The petition will be handed in to London's Guildhall by the fish porters, who are members of Unite.
Steve Hart, the union's London regional secretary, said: "It is now time for the City of London Corporation to come to their senses and abandon the pointless changes being planned for Billingsgate Market.
"The fish porters have the support of over 20,000 Londoners in their opposition to the fundamental changes being proposed."
The workers warned that plans to revoke bye-laws governing the running of Billingsgate Market threaten its future and will lead to job losses.
The petition will be handed in to London's Guildhall by the fish porters, who are members of Unite.
Steve Hart, the union's London regional secretary, said: "It is now time for the City of London Corporation to come to their senses and abandon the pointless changes being planned for Billingsgate Market.
"The fish porters have the support of over 20,000 Londoners in their opposition to the fundamental changes being proposed."
Tunnock's Dispute - Supplies of teacakes, snowballs and caramel wafers could be hit.
Tunnock’s staff are on verge of staging a strike
Unite members are on the verge of staging a 24-hour strike tomorrow in a row over pay at Tunnocks - the world famous producer of Snowball's, caramel wafers and tea cakes.
Unite members will now take part in the walkout, with further industrial action threatened.
Unite members are due to hold a mass meeting today to discuss the dispute amid warnings that an all-out stoppage has not been ruled out.
Workers had earlier rejected a 2% pay rise as inadequate.
Unite regional officer Tony Devlin said: “Our members are furious at management’s audacity to put out conflicting information regarding any offers made. As far as we are concerned no formal offers were made.
“We have continually said that if a sensible offer with no conditions is made, then we shall put that to our members for them to decide.”
Production will be shut down for four days as they are due to be absent on Friday and Monday because of the September weekend holiday.
Latest company accounts show Tunnock’s turnover increased from £31.8million to £35.6m between 2008 and 2009 although pre-tax profits fell £1.35m to £1.05m.
Three months ago workers were treated to a party at the Glasgow Hilton hotel as a thank you for their efforts.
Tunnock’s managing director Boyd Tunnock, 77, paid for the event in June to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the firm.
Unite members are on the verge of staging a 24-hour strike tomorrow in a row over pay at Tunnocks - the world famous producer of Snowball's, caramel wafers and tea cakes.
Unite members will now take part in the walkout, with further industrial action threatened.
Unite members are due to hold a mass meeting today to discuss the dispute amid warnings that an all-out stoppage has not been ruled out.
Workers had earlier rejected a 2% pay rise as inadequate.
Unite regional officer Tony Devlin said: “Our members are furious at management’s audacity to put out conflicting information regarding any offers made. As far as we are concerned no formal offers were made.
“We have continually said that if a sensible offer with no conditions is made, then we shall put that to our members for them to decide.”
Production will be shut down for four days as they are due to be absent on Friday and Monday because of the September weekend holiday.
Latest company accounts show Tunnock’s turnover increased from £31.8million to £35.6m between 2008 and 2009 although pre-tax profits fell £1.35m to £1.05m.
Three months ago workers were treated to a party at the Glasgow Hilton hotel as a thank you for their efforts.
Tunnock’s managing director Boyd Tunnock, 77, paid for the event in June to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the firm.
Sun Chemical to sign national agreement with Unite
Unite has signed a new company wide collective bargaining agreement with printing ink giant Sun Chemical.
The national agreement, which is the first to have been reached between the ink manufacturer and the union, will cover all current collective bargaining agreements.
It will be signed by seven senior Unite workplace reps, covering all sites in the UK and all grades of staff, along with Sun Chemical’s senior management team.
Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke said: "I welcome this agreement and the work undertaken by the team to secure it.
"This marks the beginning of a new phase in what I hope will be a long, productive and fruitful relationship. We now look forward to working with Sun Chemicals in the interests of their staff and our members."
Unite regional officer, Louisa Bull added: "This agreement is a real breakthrough for Unite members at Sun Chemical. Our reps, members and the management have shown real vision in reaching this agreement.
"I am pleased that staff working for Sun Chemical now have a modern and progressive union to represent them at work and we offer our congratulations to all concerned."
Sun Chemical said that it worked with Unite closely, but it did not wish to add anything more at this time.
The national agreement, which is the first to have been reached between the ink manufacturer and the union, will cover all current collective bargaining agreements.
It will be signed by seven senior Unite workplace reps, covering all sites in the UK and all grades of staff, along with Sun Chemical’s senior management team.
Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke said: "I welcome this agreement and the work undertaken by the team to secure it.
"This marks the beginning of a new phase in what I hope will be a long, productive and fruitful relationship. We now look forward to working with Sun Chemicals in the interests of their staff and our members."
Unite regional officer, Louisa Bull added: "This agreement is a real breakthrough for Unite members at Sun Chemical. Our reps, members and the management have shown real vision in reaching this agreement.
"I am pleased that staff working for Sun Chemical now have a modern and progressive union to represent them at work and we offer our congratulations to all concerned."
Sun Chemical said that it worked with Unite closely, but it did not wish to add anything more at this time.
Coca Cola Dispute Latest
Unite has warned Coca-Cola management to return to the negotiating table and resolve a pay dispute, or risk spreading unrest across the company.
The threat came ahead of the latest two-day strike at Coca-Cola Enterprises' bottling plant in Edmonton, north London, which began at 3pm ton 22 September.
Workers, who downed tools for the first time last week, are planning further action on 29 and 30 September, unless the drinks giant - which reported profits of £618 million last year - improves its 2% pay offer.
Jennie Formby, national officer for food and drink at Unite, said: "Coca-Cola is a licence to print money yet the company is determined to hold down its workers' pay. All the workers want is a fair deal and something which helps them make ends meet.
"There was superb support for the strike action last week and our fight will continue until Coca-Cola does the right thing.
"But we are very concerned by the lack of commitment from Coca-Cola Enterprises to settling this dispute - the company should resume talks with us to get this plant working again."
In a statement, Coca-Cola Enterprises said: "We are expecting industrial action to take place at our Edmonton site today. This is disappointing as we remain open to further dialogue with all our employees and the union. We continue to believe this offers the prospect of a constructive outcome, and that the pay offer we have made is fair in the current climate."
The threat came ahead of the latest two-day strike at Coca-Cola Enterprises' bottling plant in Edmonton, north London, which began at 3pm ton 22 September.
Workers, who downed tools for the first time last week, are planning further action on 29 and 30 September, unless the drinks giant - which reported profits of £618 million last year - improves its 2% pay offer.
Jennie Formby, national officer for food and drink at Unite, said: "Coca-Cola is a licence to print money yet the company is determined to hold down its workers' pay. All the workers want is a fair deal and something which helps them make ends meet.
"There was superb support for the strike action last week and our fight will continue until Coca-Cola does the right thing.
"But we are very concerned by the lack of commitment from Coca-Cola Enterprises to settling this dispute - the company should resume talks with us to get this plant working again."
In a statement, Coca-Cola Enterprises said: "We are expecting industrial action to take place at our Edmonton site today. This is disappointing as we remain open to further dialogue with all our employees and the union. We continue to believe this offers the prospect of a constructive outcome, and that the pay offer we have made is fair in the current climate."
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Workers Uniting Group - Labour Conference Meeting
Workers Uniting Group - Labour Party Conference Meeting
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 28th
7pm - 9pm
MECHANICS CENTRE, MANCHESTER
103 Princess St, Manchester, Greater Manchester M16DD
SPEAKER - LES BAYLISS, Unite AGS and Workers Uniting Group - Progressive Left Candidate for Unite General Secretary
Open to all Unite members in the North West and Conference Delegates
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 28th
7pm - 9pm
MECHANICS CENTRE, MANCHESTER
103 Princess St, Manchester, Greater Manchester M16DD
SPEAKER - LES BAYLISS, Unite AGS and Workers Uniting Group - Progressive Left Candidate for Unite General Secretary
Open to all Unite members in the North West and Conference Delegates
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Les4GS: Les Bayliss Speech At The TUC on Blacklisting
Les Bayliss Progressive Left Candidate for Unite General Secretary in his speech on Blacklisting told the TUC in Manchester that bosses of blacklisting companies should face a spell behind bars.
Mr. President, Les Bayliss, Unite - seconding the motion.
12 months ago we welcomed the Labour Government’s belated promise to deal with the disgraceful practice of denying our members work because of their trade union activities. Activities such as fighting for agreed pay and conditions - and safe working practices.
Nowhere is this outrageous practice more prevalent than in the construction sector.
I take no pleasure in saying that the regulations we got lacked the teeth and scope to deal adequately with the problem.
Our comrades in UCATT commissioned a report which showed where the regulations failed - but still the government - a Labour Government - failed to listen.
How can it be right that employers can discriminate against our members, and do so in the knowledge that if found out - the penalty they will pay will be pocket change.
Congress - contrast that some of our members in construction who are deprived from earning a living because they have campaigned for safe working conditions and yet they would receive a pittance in compensation were they able to prove that they had been blacklisted.
Congress – we must never forget the thousands of our members who suffered at the hands of the Economic League, as I did in the 1970s, when I was blacklisted - and Ian Kerr’s Consulting Association.
Kerr received a fine of just £5000 for his activities!!! A measly sum, which shocked the construction industry and health and safety experts.
Yet, companies paid him almost £500,000 to spy on, and discriminate against over 1,500 trade unionists.
Congress - It’s a disgrace - the real penalty for these activities should have been a spell behind bars!! And don’t forget – our members were not eligible to pursue retrospective claims under the Government’s new regulations.
Congress we are calling for changes to the regulations and for new legislation and we know we will have a battle against a government, pressured by the CBI and Institute of Directors to further undermine trade union rights.
So we ask for your support, as we regroup and prepare to fight yet again to outlaw blacklisting.
Lets end discrimination and blacklisting against our members and decent working people.
I second the motion.
Mr. President, Les Bayliss, Unite - seconding the motion.
12 months ago we welcomed the Labour Government’s belated promise to deal with the disgraceful practice of denying our members work because of their trade union activities. Activities such as fighting for agreed pay and conditions - and safe working practices.
Nowhere is this outrageous practice more prevalent than in the construction sector.
I take no pleasure in saying that the regulations we got lacked the teeth and scope to deal adequately with the problem.
Our comrades in UCATT commissioned a report which showed where the regulations failed - but still the government - a Labour Government - failed to listen.
How can it be right that employers can discriminate against our members, and do so in the knowledge that if found out - the penalty they will pay will be pocket change.
Congress - contrast that some of our members in construction who are deprived from earning a living because they have campaigned for safe working conditions and yet they would receive a pittance in compensation were they able to prove that they had been blacklisted.
Congress – we must never forget the thousands of our members who suffered at the hands of the Economic League, as I did in the 1970s, when I was blacklisted - and Ian Kerr’s Consulting Association.
Kerr received a fine of just £5000 for his activities!!! A measly sum, which shocked the construction industry and health and safety experts.
Yet, companies paid him almost £500,000 to spy on, and discriminate against over 1,500 trade unionists.
Congress - It’s a disgrace - the real penalty for these activities should have been a spell behind bars!! And don’t forget – our members were not eligible to pursue retrospective claims under the Government’s new regulations.
Congress we are calling for changes to the regulations and for new legislation and we know we will have a battle against a government, pressured by the CBI and Institute of Directors to further undermine trade union rights.
So we ask for your support, as we regroup and prepare to fight yet again to outlaw blacklisting.
Lets end discrimination and blacklisting against our members and decent working people.
I second the motion.
Employers Winge On EU Maternity Leave Extension
EU plans to extend the length of maternity leave to 20 weeks on full pay could cost the UK £2.5 billion per year, says the British Chamber of Commerce. The organisation argues that the plans are unaffordable while EU governments deal with budget deficits in the aftermath of the recession.
Currently, UK employers are required to pay pregnant women six weeks' salary at 90% of their average earnings, followed by 33 weeks of statutory maternity pay at £125 per week.
The womens' rights committee voted in favour of extending maternity leave provisions through the Pregnant Workers' Directive earlier this year but the proposals were held up when Conservative MEPS demanded an impact assessment of the costs.
Kieran O'Keefe, head of European affairs at the BCC, said that the proposals were "completely unaffordable" during the current economic climate.
He added: "This Directive should be about setting minimum EU standards for the health and safety of pregnant workers, not adding new payroll costs for overburdened companies and national security systems."
"The Commission's original proposal to extend maternity leave to 18 weeks, but with individual member states allowed to decide the level of pay, is a better, more affordable option."
However, Sarah Jackson, chief executive of Working Families, said that the proposals would not increase costs to employers as the Government recompenses employers for statutory maternity pay and called for fathers to receive full paid leave also.
She commented: "Many employers already pay women on maternity leave above the statutory minimum because they know it encourages high return rates from mothers.
"If the UK wants to become the most family friendly place in the world, both parents should be supported to take paid leave in the first year of life. We'd like to see a levelling up for men and would endorse EU calls for men to be paid paternity leave at full pay."
The European Parliament will vote on the proposals next month.
Currently, UK employers are required to pay pregnant women six weeks' salary at 90% of their average earnings, followed by 33 weeks of statutory maternity pay at £125 per week.
The womens' rights committee voted in favour of extending maternity leave provisions through the Pregnant Workers' Directive earlier this year but the proposals were held up when Conservative MEPS demanded an impact assessment of the costs.
Kieran O'Keefe, head of European affairs at the BCC, said that the proposals were "completely unaffordable" during the current economic climate.
He added: "This Directive should be about setting minimum EU standards for the health and safety of pregnant workers, not adding new payroll costs for overburdened companies and national security systems."
"The Commission's original proposal to extend maternity leave to 18 weeks, but with individual member states allowed to decide the level of pay, is a better, more affordable option."
However, Sarah Jackson, chief executive of Working Families, said that the proposals would not increase costs to employers as the Government recompenses employers for statutory maternity pay and called for fathers to receive full paid leave also.
She commented: "Many employers already pay women on maternity leave above the statutory minimum because they know it encourages high return rates from mothers.
"If the UK wants to become the most family friendly place in the world, both parents should be supported to take paid leave in the first year of life. We'd like to see a levelling up for men and would endorse EU calls for men to be paid paternity leave at full pay."
The European Parliament will vote on the proposals next month.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Les4GS Message on Aviation
Civil Aviation Transport
Dear Colleagues
With over 70,000 members in Civil Air Transport, I know how strategically important the Sector is to Unite. Being the largest trade union within Civil Aviation, means that we are at the forefront of all of the major issues affecting the industry. I want to make sure that this union provides the strong leadership and guidance needed by our members, to meet the challenges that lie ahead. I have strong view on how we do this, and I want to share them with you.
1. I want to support our skilled Engineering members faced with constant change at their workplaces, by giving them the opportunity to meet with other engineers from across the Sector. This would be in order to exchange views and establish a progressive forum that is able to influence employers’ thinking politically and industrially, on new ways of working.
2. I want to make sure that the fantastic work of our Reps and Officers, undertaken in organising Cabin Crew over many years, continues to develop in a positive way. We have established Cabin Crew recognition agreements across the vast majority of UK Airlines, improving terms and conditions throughout - but that is not enough. My guarantee is that this union will confront those equality and diversity issues that hinder real progress in employment for many of our Cabin Crew members and stand against any employer who wishes to erode those hard fought gains.
3. I want to ensure that we provide the very best assistance to our Airport infrastructure and Ground handling members, who are under constant threat of outsourcing and increasing demands from management and passengers alike. In addition to this, new technology should play a positive role within civil aviation. It should not assist employers in driving down costs at our members’ expense.
Our members have worked with aviation employers throughout these difficult economic times. They have encountered pay freezes, redundancies, pay deferrals, efficiency savings and wholesale business restructuring. I now want to see aviation employers rewarding our members for the contribution they continually make to the success of this industry. That reward should be job security and increased earnings. I am certain that working with our civil aviation Reps and Activists to provide them with the right resources and leadership, we can achieve this.
Yours fraternally
Les Bayliss
Dear Colleagues
With over 70,000 members in Civil Air Transport, I know how strategically important the Sector is to Unite. Being the largest trade union within Civil Aviation, means that we are at the forefront of all of the major issues affecting the industry. I want to make sure that this union provides the strong leadership and guidance needed by our members, to meet the challenges that lie ahead. I have strong view on how we do this, and I want to share them with you.
1. I want to support our skilled Engineering members faced with constant change at their workplaces, by giving them the opportunity to meet with other engineers from across the Sector. This would be in order to exchange views and establish a progressive forum that is able to influence employers’ thinking politically and industrially, on new ways of working.
2. I want to make sure that the fantastic work of our Reps and Officers, undertaken in organising Cabin Crew over many years, continues to develop in a positive way. We have established Cabin Crew recognition agreements across the vast majority of UK Airlines, improving terms and conditions throughout - but that is not enough. My guarantee is that this union will confront those equality and diversity issues that hinder real progress in employment for many of our Cabin Crew members and stand against any employer who wishes to erode those hard fought gains.
3. I want to ensure that we provide the very best assistance to our Airport infrastructure and Ground handling members, who are under constant threat of outsourcing and increasing demands from management and passengers alike. In addition to this, new technology should play a positive role within civil aviation. It should not assist employers in driving down costs at our members’ expense.
Our members have worked with aviation employers throughout these difficult economic times. They have encountered pay freezes, redundancies, pay deferrals, efficiency savings and wholesale business restructuring. I now want to see aviation employers rewarding our members for the contribution they continually make to the success of this industry. That reward should be job security and increased earnings. I am certain that working with our civil aviation Reps and Activists to provide them with the right resources and leadership, we can achieve this.
Yours fraternally
Les Bayliss
El Correo del Orinoco
We have been sent the following email by VSC.
You may be interested in the website of the English Edition of 'El Correo del Orinoco' from Venezuela; a weekly newspaper which covers a wide range of issues and topics. The latest issue contains a piece by John Pilger and leads with a story on how social progress is 'Revolutionizing Lives in Venezuela.'
Please circulate this information and resource to others, such as members of your organisations who may be interested in developments in Venezuela.
The current issue can be read and downloaded at http://www.correodelorinoco.gob.ve/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/COI-WEB-29.pdf
For future reference, the website link for all issues (including back issues) is www.correodelorinoco.gob.ve/english-edition/
Best wishes,
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign
www.venezuelasolidarity.co.uk
You may be interested in the website of the English Edition of 'El Correo del Orinoco' from Venezuela; a weekly newspaper which covers a wide range of issues and topics. The latest issue contains a piece by John Pilger and leads with a story on how social progress is 'Revolutionizing Lives in Venezuela.'
Please circulate this information and resource to others, such as members of your organisations who may be interested in developments in Venezuela.
The current issue can be read and downloaded at http://www.correodelorinoco.gob.ve/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/COI-WEB-29.pdf
For future reference, the website link for all issues (including back issues) is www.correodelorinoco.gob.ve/english-edition/
Best wishes,
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign
www.venezuelasolidarity.co.uk
Unite welcomes Defence Committee Report
Unite has welcomed the Commons Defence Committee's report which criticises the government's approach to the strategic defence and security review (SDSR).
The Defence Select Committee has said the ConDems are rushing the strategic defence review and mistakes could be made. Unite believes that the government's SDSR is based on the Treasury's determination to drive through cuts what ever the cost to the country's future security, our armed forces and the need to defend our country.
George Osborne's decision to break convention and force the MOD to pay for the full capital costs for the replacement of the
Trident submarine fleet, will mean devastation to the MOD procurement budget and will leave this nation and our armed forces potentially more poorly equipped than at any time in their history. As the Defence Select Committee said: "it is unclear how a successor to Trident would be paid for". Unite believes that it will be to the cost of every other procurement contract that is currently underway.
Bernie Hamilton, Unite National Officer said: "The strategic defence and security review will leave the Tory's reputation for being strong on defence in tatters. If Liam Fox allows these rushed and ill conceived cuts to take place he will preside over the decimation of thousands of highly skilled jobs, who's professionalism and skills can never be replaced once they are gone. "
The Defence Select Committee has said the ConDems are rushing the strategic defence review and mistakes could be made. Unite believes that the government's SDSR is based on the Treasury's determination to drive through cuts what ever the cost to the country's future security, our armed forces and the need to defend our country.
George Osborne's decision to break convention and force the MOD to pay for the full capital costs for the replacement of the
Trident submarine fleet, will mean devastation to the MOD procurement budget and will leave this nation and our armed forces potentially more poorly equipped than at any time in their history. As the Defence Select Committee said: "it is unclear how a successor to Trident would be paid for". Unite believes that it will be to the cost of every other procurement contract that is currently underway.
Bernie Hamilton, Unite National Officer said: "The strategic defence and security review will leave the Tory's reputation for being strong on defence in tatters. If Liam Fox allows these rushed and ill conceived cuts to take place he will preside over the decimation of thousands of highly skilled jobs, who's professionalism and skills can never be replaced once they are gone. "
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Unite GS Election: From The Press Association
A contender for the head of Britain's biggest trade union has pledged never to call strikes over Christmas if he is elected.
Les Bayliss, who is bidding to be general secretary of Unite, said public sector strikes would only deprive the vulnerable of services they needed and the ones the Tories wanted to cut.
Unions would be doing the job of the "bad guys", said Mr Bayliss, adding: "Strikes will also change the victims, our members, into the villains of the piece. The story will get changed from Government savagery to union militancy. The Tories will hit us with even more restrictive laws and working people will look away in disgust."
Mr Bayliss said the current dispute between Unite and British Airways was a "perfect example" of the point he was making.
"The BA cabin crew had a good case, they were being forced to accept a change in their contracts without agreement by a vicious and greedy employer, and it was unacceptable. But when we announced the 12-day strike over Christmas the public and many of our members were so horrified they immediately lost sympathy for the victims.
"If I am general secretary of Unite there will never be any strikes called over the Christmas holidays. Strikes cost a fortune. I think the unions would be better using these massive resources to win hearts and minds.
"Unite had considerable success talking to members in marginal constituencies in the run-up to the election about the dangerous policies the Tories were planning to introduce. Many of the seats the Tories were targeting remain in Labour hands because of this work."
Mr Bayliss said unions should not repeat the "mistakes" of the 1980s when there were constant battles with the Conservative government.
"Unions face a similar challenge to the one that confronted us under the first Thatcher government. Millions of jobs were lost due to a recession caused by government spending cuts. Unions lost millions of members because of the unemployment and it weakened us.
"We were provoked into battles against the state we could not win, but still we fought because we were proud fighters and we lead with our chins. Inevitably we were cut down, we were restricted by anti-union laws and worst still for us these laws were supported by working people because we had lost the argument."
Les Bayliss, who is bidding to be general secretary of Unite, said public sector strikes would only deprive the vulnerable of services they needed and the ones the Tories wanted to cut.
Unions would be doing the job of the "bad guys", said Mr Bayliss, adding: "Strikes will also change the victims, our members, into the villains of the piece. The story will get changed from Government savagery to union militancy. The Tories will hit us with even more restrictive laws and working people will look away in disgust."
Mr Bayliss said the current dispute between Unite and British Airways was a "perfect example" of the point he was making.
"The BA cabin crew had a good case, they were being forced to accept a change in their contracts without agreement by a vicious and greedy employer, and it was unacceptable. But when we announced the 12-day strike over Christmas the public and many of our members were so horrified they immediately lost sympathy for the victims.
"If I am general secretary of Unite there will never be any strikes called over the Christmas holidays. Strikes cost a fortune. I think the unions would be better using these massive resources to win hearts and minds.
"Unite had considerable success talking to members in marginal constituencies in the run-up to the election about the dangerous policies the Tories were planning to introduce. Many of the seats the Tories were targeting remain in Labour hands because of this work."
Mr Bayliss said unions should not repeat the "mistakes" of the 1980s when there were constant battles with the Conservative government.
"Unions face a similar challenge to the one that confronted us under the first Thatcher government. Millions of jobs were lost due to a recession caused by government spending cuts. Unions lost millions of members because of the unemployment and it weakened us.
"We were provoked into battles against the state we could not win, but still we fought because we were proud fighters and we lead with our chins. Inevitably we were cut down, we were restricted by anti-union laws and worst still for us these laws were supported by working people because we had lost the argument."
Unite GS Election - From Tribune
Two fiercely competitive frontrunners, disputed figures, cries of “bollocks” – the election for the next leader of the Unite union has it all. And reports back from the TUC Congress suggest that rivalry and policy are being doled out in roughly equal measure. Here, behind the News of the World headlines, is what is going on.
Les Bayliss predictably caused a slight sensation on the eve of Congress when a newspaper article appeared quoting him as criticising British Airways cabin crew for their planned 12-day strike over Christmas, saying: “If I am general secretary of Unite there will NEVER be any strikes called over Christmas”, and “Public sector strikes will only deprive the vulnerable of services the Tories want to cut. We’ll be doing the bad guy’s job for him. Strikes will also turn the real victims, our members, into the villains.”
And yes, he did actually say all that.
Not to the News of the World, but in a speech – the full version is on his website.
Bayliss’ argument is that strikes in the 1980s were counter-productive, lost sympathy for unions and encouraged the introduction of laws to curb their power.
Unfortunately for Bayliss, some Unite members assumed that he had given an interview to the NoW. “You’re kidding me!” a senior source said when told of the article, adding: “To use News International as a mouthpiece, whose owner sacked six thousand members in the move to Wapping, is quite a disgrace”.
Fair or not, it’s the impression some have got.
However, the line peddled by the NoW’s David Wooding - “He appealed to the moderate majority to stand up to hardliners hell-bent on leading them over the cliff edge” – is a fair summary of Bayliss’ pitch to Unite members, particularly the skilled professionals that he is targeting.
Many of these are far from dyed-in the-wool lefties; nearly a third of Unite members intend to vote Conservative.
Rival Len McCluskey’s rhetoric is scarcely less colourful. The day after the NoW article, speaking to a plenary Congress session on employment rights, and calling for resistance to the restrictive use of union laws, he said – no, he shouted: “Let me be clear again, especially to anyone in Unite who understands the cuts won’t be stopped by pandering to the Murdoch press. In the words of Henry V, he that hath no stomach for this fight, let him depart.” “Not too over the top, then,” sniggered a Unite official next to me as he spoke.
So, anyway – now that nominations have closed, and the ballot begins next month, who is ahead?
According to McCluskey’s website, it’s him, and according to a Financial Times piece too – except that the piece’s author, Brian Groom, didn’t actually want it published; he thought the figures weren’t solid. McCluskey is claiming over 650 nominations from branches compared to (he says) Bayliss and Jerry Hicks, who are unlikely to get more than 100 nominations apiece. Nominations don’t count as votes, but they do help influence members and allow candidates to receive funding from branches.
Word among McCluskey’s supporters is that he does indeed have well over 600 nominations. Meanwhile, friends of Bayliss dismiss the figures as “bollocks”. They aren’t official – true enough – and they’re two weeks out of date. the complaint goes. Since then, Bayliss has picked up nominations, I am told. I took this rebuttal back to camp McCluskey. “Bollocks”, I was told. Hmm.
Jerry Hicks, however, does agree with McCluskey’s analysis: he is telling supporters that he has won 102 branch nominations, as well as 35 workplaces, and he thinks he is close to Bayliss, ahead of Gail Cartmail and behind McCluskey. Go figure.
Official figures for nominations will be released soon. Watch this space…
Les Bayliss predictably caused a slight sensation on the eve of Congress when a newspaper article appeared quoting him as criticising British Airways cabin crew for their planned 12-day strike over Christmas, saying: “If I am general secretary of Unite there will NEVER be any strikes called over Christmas”, and “Public sector strikes will only deprive the vulnerable of services the Tories want to cut. We’ll be doing the bad guy’s job for him. Strikes will also turn the real victims, our members, into the villains.”
And yes, he did actually say all that.
Not to the News of the World, but in a speech – the full version is on his website.
Bayliss’ argument is that strikes in the 1980s were counter-productive, lost sympathy for unions and encouraged the introduction of laws to curb their power.
Unfortunately for Bayliss, some Unite members assumed that he had given an interview to the NoW. “You’re kidding me!” a senior source said when told of the article, adding: “To use News International as a mouthpiece, whose owner sacked six thousand members in the move to Wapping, is quite a disgrace”.
Fair or not, it’s the impression some have got.
However, the line peddled by the NoW’s David Wooding - “He appealed to the moderate majority to stand up to hardliners hell-bent on leading them over the cliff edge” – is a fair summary of Bayliss’ pitch to Unite members, particularly the skilled professionals that he is targeting.
Many of these are far from dyed-in the-wool lefties; nearly a third of Unite members intend to vote Conservative.
Rival Len McCluskey’s rhetoric is scarcely less colourful. The day after the NoW article, speaking to a plenary Congress session on employment rights, and calling for resistance to the restrictive use of union laws, he said – no, he shouted: “Let me be clear again, especially to anyone in Unite who understands the cuts won’t be stopped by pandering to the Murdoch press. In the words of Henry V, he that hath no stomach for this fight, let him depart.” “Not too over the top, then,” sniggered a Unite official next to me as he spoke.
So, anyway – now that nominations have closed, and the ballot begins next month, who is ahead?
According to McCluskey’s website, it’s him, and according to a Financial Times piece too – except that the piece’s author, Brian Groom, didn’t actually want it published; he thought the figures weren’t solid. McCluskey is claiming over 650 nominations from branches compared to (he says) Bayliss and Jerry Hicks, who are unlikely to get more than 100 nominations apiece. Nominations don’t count as votes, but they do help influence members and allow candidates to receive funding from branches.
Word among McCluskey’s supporters is that he does indeed have well over 600 nominations. Meanwhile, friends of Bayliss dismiss the figures as “bollocks”. They aren’t official – true enough – and they’re two weeks out of date. the complaint goes. Since then, Bayliss has picked up nominations, I am told. I took this rebuttal back to camp McCluskey. “Bollocks”, I was told. Hmm.
Jerry Hicks, however, does agree with McCluskey’s analysis: he is telling supporters that he has won 102 branch nominations, as well as 35 workplaces, and he thinks he is close to Bayliss, ahead of Gail Cartmail and behind McCluskey. Go figure.
Official figures for nominations will be released soon. Watch this space…
Unions must not repeat the mistakes of the 1980s
From Les4GS Website
Unions must not repeat the mistakes of the 1980s
By Les Bayliss
Progressive Left Candidate For Unite General Secretary
I think to talk of strikes when even public sector workers aren’t ready for them, will be to concede defeat before the battle starts.
People who work for a living face a very tough time under this Tory led coalition. The promised cuts in public services will hammer every working family in the UK. Public sector workers will lose their jobs and the general public will suffer a double whammy of a loss of services and an economic downturn, threatening their jobs and their incomes.
Unions face a similar challenge to the one that confronted us under the first Thatcher government. Millions of jobs were lost due to a recession caused by government spending cuts. Unions lost millions of members because of the unemployment and it weakened us. At the same time the government was determined to attack the welfare state and with it the unions that had fought for its establishment after WW2.
We were provoked into battles against the state we could not win, but still we fought because we were proud fighters and we lead with our chins. Inevitably we were cut down; we were restricted by anti union laws and worse still for us, these laws were supported by working people because we had lost the argument. Tory economic policy was hurting our people, but the popular narrative of the time was all about strikes and the power of the unions. We lost it.
In my view the current Tory government is hell bent on finishing the job Margaret Thatcher started, by critically reducing the role of government in helping everyone of us live safely, securely and in good health and giving us all a fair crack of the whip at education and a good job.
The Tories are using the cover of the credit crunch to make these cuts seem unavoidable. They say we have no choice; we must cut services to back fill the deficit caused by the collapse of the banks. But this isn’t true of course, there is another way. A return to economic growth with higher levels of employment, supported by government spending combined with increased taxation on the wealthiest 10% and the closure of tax loop-holes, would also fill the gap in our expenditure. It’s an argument that is finely balanced, but one I believe will resonate with the voters much more clearly as the cuts start to bite.
Many trade union activists will want to fight the cuts with strikes and demonstrations. It’s understandable, what the Tories intend to do with public services is unfair and cruel and it will hurt working people for generations. But I think to talk of strikes when even public sector workers aren’t ready for them, will be to concede defeat before the battle starts.
Public sector strikes will only deprive the vulnerable of the services they need and the services the Tories want to cut. We’ll be doing the bad guy’s job for him.
Strikes will also change the victims, our members, into the villains of the piece. The story will get changed from government savagery to union militancy. The Tories will hit us with even more restrictive laws and working people will look away in disgust.
We have a perfect example of what I’m saying in my own union. The BA cabin crew had a good case, they were being forced to accept a change in their contracts without agreement by a vicious and greedy employer, and it was unacceptable. But when we announced the twelve-day strike over Christmas the public and many of our members were so horrified they immediately lost sympathy for the victims.
As an aside if I am General Secretary of Unite there will never be any strikes called over the Christmas holidays.
Strikes cost a fortune; I think the unions would be better using these massive resources to win hearts and minds. Unite had considerable success talking to members in marginal constituencies in the run up to the election about the dangerous policies the Tories were planning to introduce. Many of the seats the Tories were targeting remain in Labour hands because of this work.
Transpose this work into every union and back it up with a massive advertising campaign and I believe the argument over public services is ours to win. It’s also ours to lose if we choose to repeat the mistakes of the 1980s.
Unions must not repeat the mistakes of the 1980s
By Les Bayliss
Progressive Left Candidate For Unite General Secretary
I think to talk of strikes when even public sector workers aren’t ready for them, will be to concede defeat before the battle starts.
People who work for a living face a very tough time under this Tory led coalition. The promised cuts in public services will hammer every working family in the UK. Public sector workers will lose their jobs and the general public will suffer a double whammy of a loss of services and an economic downturn, threatening their jobs and their incomes.
Unions face a similar challenge to the one that confronted us under the first Thatcher government. Millions of jobs were lost due to a recession caused by government spending cuts. Unions lost millions of members because of the unemployment and it weakened us. At the same time the government was determined to attack the welfare state and with it the unions that had fought for its establishment after WW2.
We were provoked into battles against the state we could not win, but still we fought because we were proud fighters and we lead with our chins. Inevitably we were cut down; we were restricted by anti union laws and worse still for us, these laws were supported by working people because we had lost the argument. Tory economic policy was hurting our people, but the popular narrative of the time was all about strikes and the power of the unions. We lost it.
In my view the current Tory government is hell bent on finishing the job Margaret Thatcher started, by critically reducing the role of government in helping everyone of us live safely, securely and in good health and giving us all a fair crack of the whip at education and a good job.
The Tories are using the cover of the credit crunch to make these cuts seem unavoidable. They say we have no choice; we must cut services to back fill the deficit caused by the collapse of the banks. But this isn’t true of course, there is another way. A return to economic growth with higher levels of employment, supported by government spending combined with increased taxation on the wealthiest 10% and the closure of tax loop-holes, would also fill the gap in our expenditure. It’s an argument that is finely balanced, but one I believe will resonate with the voters much more clearly as the cuts start to bite.
Many trade union activists will want to fight the cuts with strikes and demonstrations. It’s understandable, what the Tories intend to do with public services is unfair and cruel and it will hurt working people for generations. But I think to talk of strikes when even public sector workers aren’t ready for them, will be to concede defeat before the battle starts.
Public sector strikes will only deprive the vulnerable of the services they need and the services the Tories want to cut. We’ll be doing the bad guy’s job for him.
Strikes will also change the victims, our members, into the villains of the piece. The story will get changed from government savagery to union militancy. The Tories will hit us with even more restrictive laws and working people will look away in disgust.
We have a perfect example of what I’m saying in my own union. The BA cabin crew had a good case, they were being forced to accept a change in their contracts without agreement by a vicious and greedy employer, and it was unacceptable. But when we announced the twelve-day strike over Christmas the public and many of our members were so horrified they immediately lost sympathy for the victims.
As an aside if I am General Secretary of Unite there will never be any strikes called over the Christmas holidays.
Strikes cost a fortune; I think the unions would be better using these massive resources to win hearts and minds. Unite had considerable success talking to members in marginal constituencies in the run up to the election about the dangerous policies the Tories were planning to introduce. Many of the seats the Tories were targeting remain in Labour hands because of this work.
Transpose this work into every union and back it up with a massive advertising campaign and I believe the argument over public services is ours to win. It’s also ours to lose if we choose to repeat the mistakes of the 1980s.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Unite To Call In All BA Reps
Unite, is to call a meeting of representatives of all members at the U.K. carrier to discuss the need for a coordinated union response.
The move raises the spectre that other BA workers could take industrial action in support of cabin crew. Unite represents about 25,000 workers at BA, such as baggage handlers, engineers and check-in staff. That figure includes roughly 10,500 cabin crew, who have staged 22 days of strikes in 2010 that have cost BA over GBP150 million.
An expansion of industrial action to other workers remains distant, however. "That is several jumps down the line," a Unite spokesman said.
A dispute over working practices has escalated as British Airways withdrew staff travel concessions from workers who joined strike action and employed disciplinary procedures to sack and suspend crew members, including many union representatives.
About 80 BA staff have been suspended or sacked relating to the dispute for what Unite said often were trivial reasons. Two union representatives recently were suspended simply for attempting to represent other crew facing disciplinary action, Unite said.
"This is no longer a matter for BA cabin crew alone," Unite Joint General Secretary Tony Woodley said in a statement. "If trade unionism is smashed among cabin crew, then we can be sure these methods will be extended to other groups of unionised BA employees."
Tony Woodley said he was calling an early meeting of representatives of all Unite BA members "to discuss the need for a coordinated and concerted union response."
"While it remains my hope that an agreement can be reached with the company, BA's conduct makes it inevitable that we prepare for other outcomes," he added.
Relations between the two sides remain tense and negotiations have been difficult. They have met on numerous occasions in recent months under the auspices of mediator the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.
The move raises the spectre that other BA workers could take industrial action in support of cabin crew. Unite represents about 25,000 workers at BA, such as baggage handlers, engineers and check-in staff. That figure includes roughly 10,500 cabin crew, who have staged 22 days of strikes in 2010 that have cost BA over GBP150 million.
An expansion of industrial action to other workers remains distant, however. "That is several jumps down the line," a Unite spokesman said.
A dispute over working practices has escalated as British Airways withdrew staff travel concessions from workers who joined strike action and employed disciplinary procedures to sack and suspend crew members, including many union representatives.
About 80 BA staff have been suspended or sacked relating to the dispute for what Unite said often were trivial reasons. Two union representatives recently were suspended simply for attempting to represent other crew facing disciplinary action, Unite said.
"This is no longer a matter for BA cabin crew alone," Unite Joint General Secretary Tony Woodley said in a statement. "If trade unionism is smashed among cabin crew, then we can be sure these methods will be extended to other groups of unionised BA employees."
Tony Woodley said he was calling an early meeting of representatives of all Unite BA members "to discuss the need for a coordinated and concerted union response."
"While it remains my hope that an agreement can be reached with the company, BA's conduct makes it inevitable that we prepare for other outcomes," he added.
Relations between the two sides remain tense and negotiations have been difficult. They have met on numerous occasions in recent months under the auspices of mediator the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Paul Reuter: Unite to Oppose Mail Privatisation
Unite's reaction to Government's decision to press ahead with the privatisation of Royal Mail
Paul Reuter, Unite's national officer for Royal Mail said:
"The majority of people in this country do not support the privatisation of Royal Mail. They expect a universal service, a universal tariff and don't want the cost of posting a letter to be at the mercy of the profiteers. Once again the ConDems are riding roughshod over Britain, putting cuts, big business and profits before people.
"Managers at Royal Mail are opposed to privatisation. They are not prepared to see the postal service that they are very proud of disintegrate into a free-for-all for the private sector, which will cherry pick its way to profit. Unite members at the Royal Mail will vigorously campaign to protect the service and their jobs."
Unite the union represents 15,000 managers at Royal Mail.
Paul Reuter, Unite's national officer for Royal Mail said:
"The majority of people in this country do not support the privatisation of Royal Mail. They expect a universal service, a universal tariff and don't want the cost of posting a letter to be at the mercy of the profiteers. Once again the ConDems are riding roughshod over Britain, putting cuts, big business and profits before people.
"Managers at Royal Mail are opposed to privatisation. They are not prepared to see the postal service that they are very proud of disintegrate into a free-for-all for the private sector, which will cherry pick its way to profit. Unite members at the Royal Mail will vigorously campaign to protect the service and their jobs."
Unite the union represents 15,000 managers at Royal Mail.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Interview with Jerry Fernandez, of the global union Workers Uniting
Unite, of Great Britain and Ireland and the United Steelworkers Union (USW), United States and Canada, decided to join forces within Workers Uniting to be more active against multinationals and better face the multiple relocation threats. Jerry Fernandez, USW international relations director since 1988, is telling us about the strategy of the federation, a transatlantic alliance with nearly 3 million members. (Ref. 100614)
What gave you the will to create Workers Uniting (WU)?
Jerry Fernandez. Let’s do some history. In 1988, we experienced a very long strike in a multinational aluminum group. We sought the owner out and we found out that he was Marc Rich who was, at the time, the biggest metal negotiator in the world, in Geneva. Then, in 1992, there was a 3.5-year strike at a Bridgestone factory belonging to a Japanese group. I realized we were involved with multinationals that were geographically widespread and that, to face this, we had to create a strategic alliance with several unions on several continents. This is where the idea of a transnational metal union federation, able to organize joint campaigns, bargain together and work on everyone’s working conditions, came from.
So, what did you establish?
JF. We signed a first agreement with the German IG-Metall for Europe. Then, we looked for a sophisticated union, full of resources, in Asia, and we chanced on two Australian organizations, the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Unions (CFMEU) and the Australian Workers Union (AWU). Then, we discussed with activists from the CUT (Central Unica dos Trabalhadores), Brazil’s key trade union, which opens a window into Latin America. Finally, we signed agreements with Los Mineros in Mexico, Amicus in England (now Unite) and representatives from South Africa National Union of Mine Workers. This way, we cover the entire world.
Is this type of agreement enough for you?
JF. No it isn’t. The next step was to find a partner willing to create a federation. We got even closer to Unite, the largest union in the UK and in Ireland with nearly 2 million members. USW is present in the US, Canada and the Caribbean, so with Unite we cover 5 countries. We speak the same language, we have the same view of the labor world, strikes, activism, we come up against the same employers, we know what it’s like when a private company tries to get rid of a union in a factory…. Workers Uniting is the starting point but, in the long run, we would like 3 or 4 more partners.
How does the federation work, in concrete terms?
JF. We have a steering committee with 16 members, 8 from Unite and 8 from USW. There are two co-presidents and a temporary constitution which allows the committee to make decisions. We also said that, after three years, we would organize a congress, in August 2011, to adopt a more permanent constitution and common rules to include other unions. We are notably thinking about our Australian and Brazilian colleagues as well as a couple other organizations. The south African union is our priority because it is the grand father of all African unions.
Do you want to create a new world organization?
JF. No, we don’t want to be an excessive organization. We want to be 5 big unions in strategic places in the world. We want to be able to mobilize quickly, fight quickly and efficiently, without having to overcome major cultural differences.
Are you interested in France?
JF. No, we’re not. France, as many other countries, has unions with very different ideologies. We can’t form an alliance with just one. You have the CFDT, FO and the CGT…. Why form an alliance with one and not the others? Besides, it isn’t easy for us to establish a common program with three different French organizations. The strength of the federation we want to build will depend on the strength of the weakest member. We need consensus, common employers to fight, and unions with activists that want to fight for workers’ rights.
How do you handle the finances?
JF. For the time being, Unite and USW split costs 50/50. we each have 4 people working for WU full time, sometimes up to 10-12 on special projects. We want to set up our headquarters in London, where we established the constitution. What’s more, London is close to Geneva and Brussels, two cities where international organizations meet. During our congress, we will vote a budget, and determine how much unions have to pay to join the federation. We don’t want junior partners, we’re looking for equals.
Have you already organized joint campaigns with Unite?
JF. Our two unions have invested in sophisticated technical resources. We have videoconferences almost every day. We use HD telepresence and we’re face to face, as if we were in the same room. We’ve had meetings on the paper industry, packaging, and the oil industry in the north sea. We recently received a report from a delegation that went to Bangladesh in ship scrap yards, a dreadful industry. We’re interested in everyone’s struggles. For instance, our union supports the 3,500 workers of the Vale Inco Brazilian company in Canada. Unite sent $200,000 to help them. For our part, we send delegations to support British picket lines. We exchange information and documents on the American and British health systems. I can’t attend all meetings, but I know that a group of British activists met with Americans working in the same company in the US. When they saw that their safety regulations were far more developed than in the US, they decided to campaign together so that the US would get in line with the UK.
Interview by Caroline Crosdale, Planet Labor’s correspondent in New York. Words translated from French to English. About the creation of Workers Uniting, please read our dispatch No. 080567.
What gave you the will to create Workers Uniting (WU)?
Jerry Fernandez. Let’s do some history. In 1988, we experienced a very long strike in a multinational aluminum group. We sought the owner out and we found out that he was Marc Rich who was, at the time, the biggest metal negotiator in the world, in Geneva. Then, in 1992, there was a 3.5-year strike at a Bridgestone factory belonging to a Japanese group. I realized we were involved with multinationals that were geographically widespread and that, to face this, we had to create a strategic alliance with several unions on several continents. This is where the idea of a transnational metal union federation, able to organize joint campaigns, bargain together and work on everyone’s working conditions, came from.
So, what did you establish?
JF. We signed a first agreement with the German IG-Metall for Europe. Then, we looked for a sophisticated union, full of resources, in Asia, and we chanced on two Australian organizations, the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Unions (CFMEU) and the Australian Workers Union (AWU). Then, we discussed with activists from the CUT (Central Unica dos Trabalhadores), Brazil’s key trade union, which opens a window into Latin America. Finally, we signed agreements with Los Mineros in Mexico, Amicus in England (now Unite) and representatives from South Africa National Union of Mine Workers. This way, we cover the entire world.
Is this type of agreement enough for you?
JF. No it isn’t. The next step was to find a partner willing to create a federation. We got even closer to Unite, the largest union in the UK and in Ireland with nearly 2 million members. USW is present in the US, Canada and the Caribbean, so with Unite we cover 5 countries. We speak the same language, we have the same view of the labor world, strikes, activism, we come up against the same employers, we know what it’s like when a private company tries to get rid of a union in a factory…. Workers Uniting is the starting point but, in the long run, we would like 3 or 4 more partners.
How does the federation work, in concrete terms?
JF. We have a steering committee with 16 members, 8 from Unite and 8 from USW. There are two co-presidents and a temporary constitution which allows the committee to make decisions. We also said that, after three years, we would organize a congress, in August 2011, to adopt a more permanent constitution and common rules to include other unions. We are notably thinking about our Australian and Brazilian colleagues as well as a couple other organizations. The south African union is our priority because it is the grand father of all African unions.
Do you want to create a new world organization?
JF. No, we don’t want to be an excessive organization. We want to be 5 big unions in strategic places in the world. We want to be able to mobilize quickly, fight quickly and efficiently, without having to overcome major cultural differences.
Are you interested in France?
JF. No, we’re not. France, as many other countries, has unions with very different ideologies. We can’t form an alliance with just one. You have the CFDT, FO and the CGT…. Why form an alliance with one and not the others? Besides, it isn’t easy for us to establish a common program with three different French organizations. The strength of the federation we want to build will depend on the strength of the weakest member. We need consensus, common employers to fight, and unions with activists that want to fight for workers’ rights.
How do you handle the finances?
JF. For the time being, Unite and USW split costs 50/50. we each have 4 people working for WU full time, sometimes up to 10-12 on special projects. We want to set up our headquarters in London, where we established the constitution. What’s more, London is close to Geneva and Brussels, two cities where international organizations meet. During our congress, we will vote a budget, and determine how much unions have to pay to join the federation. We don’t want junior partners, we’re looking for equals.
Have you already organized joint campaigns with Unite?
JF. Our two unions have invested in sophisticated technical resources. We have videoconferences almost every day. We use HD telepresence and we’re face to face, as if we were in the same room. We’ve had meetings on the paper industry, packaging, and the oil industry in the north sea. We recently received a report from a delegation that went to Bangladesh in ship scrap yards, a dreadful industry. We’re interested in everyone’s struggles. For instance, our union supports the 3,500 workers of the Vale Inco Brazilian company in Canada. Unite sent $200,000 to help them. For our part, we send delegations to support British picket lines. We exchange information and documents on the American and British health systems. I can’t attend all meetings, but I know that a group of British activists met with Americans working in the same company in the US. When they saw that their safety regulations were far more developed than in the US, they decided to campaign together so that the US would get in line with the UK.
Interview by Caroline Crosdale, Planet Labor’s correspondent in New York. Words translated from French to English. About the creation of Workers Uniting, please read our dispatch No. 080567.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
New Les4GS Website - Now up and running
There is now a brand new website launched by Les4GS in support of Unite Assistant General Secretary Les Bayliss, who is the Workers Uniting Group Candidate for Unite General Secretary
http://www.les4gs.org
Read more about Les Bayliss' vision for Unite and the policies he has won support and endorsement for across the UK and Ireland from branches, chapels, workplaces,union reps, shop stewards, chapel officers and members across all regions and sectors of Unite.
These are policies that will Build a Better Union; to Grow Unite and to Win For Members
Building a Better Union including a Vision For Branch's and Chapels:
Les says: "As General Secretary I will not interfere with the branch structure against the wishes of Unite members. For historical reasons branches and chapels are also funded in many different ways in Unite. Here I think there is definite scope for change. I have no desire to take money away from branches for the sake of building a massive centralised treasury, as some would have you believe. I want branches and chapels to play a full part in all our recruitment, organising and campaigning activities and I want the funding to match the degree of involvement that each branch or chapel wants to undertake."
A Better Service for our members:
Les says: "Unite members rightly expect and deserve the best service money can buy. I will introduce a 24-hour contact centre to provide members with the help and advice they need when they need it."
Better Judgement in Campaigning and Supporting Members in Industrial Disputes:
Les says: "I will always support our members in their industrial disputes. My vision for the future of Unite isn’t a choice between sweetheart deals and militancy it’s a choice between progress and failure. I want real victories for our members not moral victories or glorious defeats."
Better Support for members:
Les says: "I will invest more in training Unite representatives and invest more in informing and educating and advising members."
Better Jobs and Job Secrurity:
Les says: "Unite’s priority must be to secure and improve our members’ jobs. Better pay and conditions is what Unite members want and that’s what they deserve. We need to fight for every job and that means winning the argument against the Government cuts. As General Secretary I will use every resource available to us to do this".
Vote Les Bayliss for: Better Service! Better Judgement! Better Support! Better Jobs!
http://www.les4gs.org
http://www.les4gs.org
Read more about Les Bayliss' vision for Unite and the policies he has won support and endorsement for across the UK and Ireland from branches, chapels, workplaces,union reps, shop stewards, chapel officers and members across all regions and sectors of Unite.
These are policies that will Build a Better Union; to Grow Unite and to Win For Members
Building a Better Union including a Vision For Branch's and Chapels:
Les says: "As General Secretary I will not interfere with the branch structure against the wishes of Unite members. For historical reasons branches and chapels are also funded in many different ways in Unite. Here I think there is definite scope for change. I have no desire to take money away from branches for the sake of building a massive centralised treasury, as some would have you believe. I want branches and chapels to play a full part in all our recruitment, organising and campaigning activities and I want the funding to match the degree of involvement that each branch or chapel wants to undertake."
A Better Service for our members:
Les says: "Unite members rightly expect and deserve the best service money can buy. I will introduce a 24-hour contact centre to provide members with the help and advice they need when they need it."
Better Judgement in Campaigning and Supporting Members in Industrial Disputes:
Les says: "I will always support our members in their industrial disputes. My vision for the future of Unite isn’t a choice between sweetheart deals and militancy it’s a choice between progress and failure. I want real victories for our members not moral victories or glorious defeats."
Better Support for members:
Les says: "I will invest more in training Unite representatives and invest more in informing and educating and advising members."
Better Jobs and Job Secrurity:
Les says: "Unite’s priority must be to secure and improve our members’ jobs. Better pay and conditions is what Unite members want and that’s what they deserve. We need to fight for every job and that means winning the argument against the Government cuts. As General Secretary I will use every resource available to us to do this".
Vote Les Bayliss for: Better Service! Better Judgement! Better Support! Better Jobs!
http://www.les4gs.org
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
TUC Talks To Settle BA Dispute?
Talks could take place during the Trades Union Congress next week to avert further strikes and break the stalemate in the long-running dispute over British Airways cabin crew.
More than 1,000 cabin crew members of the Unite union voted at a Bassa meeting for a ballot on fresh strikes.
Reports suggest that Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson, may hold talks with the airline in Manchester, where the TUC’s Congress will be held.
Members of Bassa, Unite’s main cabin crew branch, wore yellow ribbons in support of colleagues who had been sacked or disciplined at their meeting at Kempton Park racecourse near London.
Brendan Gold, a Unite national officer, said: “If it is not resolved we will have another ballot for industrial action, but the emphasis on our side is to try to reach a resolution.” He said Unite was preparing to fight dismissals by taking cases to employment tribunals.
Unite said it had paid out £2.8m in strike pay to more than 6,700 of its 11,000 cabin crew members and given £1,000 interest-free loans to around 50 cabin crew.
More than 1,000 cabin crew members of the Unite union voted at a Bassa meeting for a ballot on fresh strikes.
Reports suggest that Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson, may hold talks with the airline in Manchester, where the TUC’s Congress will be held.
Members of Bassa, Unite’s main cabin crew branch, wore yellow ribbons in support of colleagues who had been sacked or disciplined at their meeting at Kempton Park racecourse near London.
Brendan Gold, a Unite national officer, said: “If it is not resolved we will have another ballot for industrial action, but the emphasis on our side is to try to reach a resolution.” He said Unite was preparing to fight dismissals by taking cases to employment tribunals.
Unite said it had paid out £2.8m in strike pay to more than 6,700 of its 11,000 cabin crew members and given £1,000 interest-free loans to around 50 cabin crew.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Civil Air Transport Reps Statement on Unite General Secretary Election
Workers Uniting Group have been sent a copy of a statement by Unite reps in the CAT sector for publication on this website.
GENERAL SECRETARY ELECTION
Civil Air Transport Sector
September 2010
Recent events within the Civil Air Transport Sector may have given the wrong impression that the sector supports one particular candidate.
We have therefore decided to put the record straight on this by stating our support for the prospective candidate Les Bayliss.
Having listened to Les, we know that he is sincere in how he wants workers within Civil Aviation to be represented. Straight talking, and honest, we share his vision of an organisation that will always support members, but has the courage to ensure real leadership in situations where hard decisions need to be made by and on behalf of those members.
Les has made it clear that he wants to help and encourage members from both former sections to work together to develop our activist structure, and ensure we have a positive influence both industrially and politically. He wants to provide better resources for Activists, and like us he wants to ensure that every Region and every Airport has a voice within Civil Aviation.
Every area of the industry has been affected in some way by the recent difficult economic climate. Ground Handling, Engineering and Maintenance, Cabin Crew, and Passenger Services have all seen job losses and cost cutting.
We know that our members need strong leadership, and genuine support.
We believe that Les Bayliss will provide this and we urge all Unite members within the Civil Aviation to vote for him.
We are just some of the many Reps and Activists who are supporting Les Bayliss for Unite General Secretary.
Join with us today !
Ian Kemp - Senior Convenor - BA Engineering Heathrow.
Tim Fenton - Senior Cabin Crew Rep - Thomas Cook Airlines Manchester.
John Tarrant - Senior Convenor - BAA Maintenance Heathrow.
Gaynor Worrell - Senior Cabin Crew Rep - Virgin Atlantic Heathrow and Gatwick.
Tony Mullet - Senior Convenor - BA Engineering Cardiff.
Alan Roper - Senior Engineering Convenor - Thomas Cook Airlines Gatwick.
Tom McDonald - Senior Rep - John Lennon Airport Liverpool.
Patrice Due- Senior Cabin Crew Rep - Bmi Mainline Heathrow / Glasgow.
Ray Cook - Senior Engineering Convenor - SR Technics Gatwick.
Keith Morgan - Senior Convenor - BA Avionics Wales.
Mike Parker - Senior Cabin Crew Rep - Monarch Airlines
Abigal Jepson - Senior Cabin Crew Rep - Bmi Regional Airlines
GENERAL SECRETARY ELECTION
Civil Air Transport Sector
September 2010
Recent events within the Civil Air Transport Sector may have given the wrong impression that the sector supports one particular candidate.
We have therefore decided to put the record straight on this by stating our support for the prospective candidate Les Bayliss.
Having listened to Les, we know that he is sincere in how he wants workers within Civil Aviation to be represented. Straight talking, and honest, we share his vision of an organisation that will always support members, but has the courage to ensure real leadership in situations where hard decisions need to be made by and on behalf of those members.
Les has made it clear that he wants to help and encourage members from both former sections to work together to develop our activist structure, and ensure we have a positive influence both industrially and politically. He wants to provide better resources for Activists, and like us he wants to ensure that every Region and every Airport has a voice within Civil Aviation.
Every area of the industry has been affected in some way by the recent difficult economic climate. Ground Handling, Engineering and Maintenance, Cabin Crew, and Passenger Services have all seen job losses and cost cutting.
We know that our members need strong leadership, and genuine support.
We believe that Les Bayliss will provide this and we urge all Unite members within the Civil Aviation to vote for him.
We are just some of the many Reps and Activists who are supporting Les Bayliss for Unite General Secretary.
Join with us today !
Ian Kemp - Senior Convenor - BA Engineering Heathrow.
Tim Fenton - Senior Cabin Crew Rep - Thomas Cook Airlines Manchester.
John Tarrant - Senior Convenor - BAA Maintenance Heathrow.
Gaynor Worrell - Senior Cabin Crew Rep - Virgin Atlantic Heathrow and Gatwick.
Tony Mullet - Senior Convenor - BA Engineering Cardiff.
Alan Roper - Senior Engineering Convenor - Thomas Cook Airlines Gatwick.
Tom McDonald - Senior Rep - John Lennon Airport Liverpool.
Patrice Due- Senior Cabin Crew Rep - Bmi Mainline Heathrow / Glasgow.
Ray Cook - Senior Engineering Convenor - SR Technics Gatwick.
Keith Morgan - Senior Convenor - BA Avionics Wales.
Mike Parker - Senior Cabin Crew Rep - Monarch Airlines
Abigal Jepson - Senior Cabin Crew Rep - Bmi Regional Airlines
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Unite anger at BA surveillance of cabin crew
Unite trade union is considering a new strike ballot of British Airways cabin crew over the airline's alleged anti-union activities. The move comes amid allegations from Unite that BA has subjected at least two crew members to surveillance at their own homes and has prevented shop stewards from representing staff.
Officials are expected to raise the issue at a meeting at London's Kempton Park racecourse where cabin crew will wear yellow ribbons in solidarity with colleagues who have been sacked or suspended since the dispute began.
A dispute over reductions in costs is mired in wrangles over sanctions against staff who joined 22 days of strikes earlier this year, and disciplinary proceedings against flight attendants over alleged misdemeanours during the dispute.
The latest allegation from Unite's main cabin crew branch, Bassa, focuses on BA's security department, called Asset Protection. According to last month's Bassa newsletter, two members facing disciplinary action were followed to their homes. "Two more crew members reported to the police that they had been the subject of an ongoing surveillance at their own homes by BA's shadowy 'Asset Protection' department," the newsletter says, adding that members have seen photographic evidence of this.
Last week, Bassa appealed for cabin crew to volunteer as shop stewards because it has lost key members to sackings or suspensions, including the official in charge of representing staff in disciplinary hearings.
BA declined to comment on the surveillance allegations. A spokesperson said: "Investigations into any allegations are conducted under the company's disciplinary procedures, which are agreed with all our unions, including Unite."
A spokesperson for Unite said: "BA is crossing a line. It is moving on from violating people's rights at work to violating their human rights."
Officials are expected to raise the issue at a meeting at London's Kempton Park racecourse where cabin crew will wear yellow ribbons in solidarity with colleagues who have been sacked or suspended since the dispute began.
A dispute over reductions in costs is mired in wrangles over sanctions against staff who joined 22 days of strikes earlier this year, and disciplinary proceedings against flight attendants over alleged misdemeanours during the dispute.
The latest allegation from Unite's main cabin crew branch, Bassa, focuses on BA's security department, called Asset Protection. According to last month's Bassa newsletter, two members facing disciplinary action were followed to their homes. "Two more crew members reported to the police that they had been the subject of an ongoing surveillance at their own homes by BA's shadowy 'Asset Protection' department," the newsletter says, adding that members have seen photographic evidence of this.
Last week, Bassa appealed for cabin crew to volunteer as shop stewards because it has lost key members to sackings or suspensions, including the official in charge of representing staff in disciplinary hearings.
BA declined to comment on the surveillance allegations. A spokesperson said: "Investigations into any allegations are conducted under the company's disciplinary procedures, which are agreed with all our unions, including Unite."
A spokesperson for Unite said: "BA is crossing a line. It is moving on from violating people's rights at work to violating their human rights."
Friday, September 3, 2010
TUC, AFL-CIO, Workers Uniting Back Bangladesh Garment Workers Fight
In a major act of international solidarity, both the 11.5 million members of AFL-CIO labour federation in the United States and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in United Kingdom have released strong statements of solidarity in support of the Bangladeshi garment workers' demand for a new minimum wage of 35 cents an hour.
If the 3.5 million mostly women garment workers win their wage increase, it will allow them to climb out of misery and at least into poverty, says a release of the National Labour Committee (NLC).
'Wake-Up Wal-Mart', an organisation to press Wal-Mart, the largest garment chain in the world, has also launched a massive e-mail letter-writing campaign-pressing Wal-Mart to support the Bangladeshi workers demand for a 35-cent-an-hour minimum wage equivalent to Tk 5,000 a month.
The AFL-CIO Executive Council last week in a statement said: One of the world's great struggles for social justice is taking place in Bangladesh, where more than 3.5 million, mostly young women garment workers, are demanding a minimum wage of 35 cents an hour, which would allow them to climb out of misery and at least into poverty.
The current minimum wage, which has not been raised since 2006 despite annual inflation rates of 6.5 to 10 per cent, is just 11.5 cents an hour, which is the lowest industrial wage in the world.
"Bangladesh's garment workers are among the hardest working women in the world, and the most exploited. Despite working up to 12 hours a day, often seven days a week, the garment workers and their families are crowded into primitive one-room hovels, forced to live from hand to mouth, barely subsisting on rice and lentils. Dozens of families share one primitive hand water pump where they queue up to bathe, scrub their clothes and wash their dishes."
When it rains, the thatched roofs often leak, leaving the workers and their families no choice but to sit up all night covering themselves with pieces of plastic. The garment workers' children often go hungry and lack basic school supplies.
It does not have to be this way. The United States is the largest single market for Bangladeshi clothing exports, while the United Kingdom and the European Union together account for 57 per cent of Bangladesh's total garment exports. This gives the people of North America and Europe a strong voice to stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Bangladesh who sew the clothing we wear. The largest multinational retailers and apparel companies in the world, including, Wal-Mart, Tesco and H&M, are major producers in Bangladesh. There is not one single retailer or apparel company in the world that could not easily afford to pay the very modest 35-cents-an-hour minimum wage the Bangladeshi workers are demanding.
Two weeks back, the minimum wage board announced an increase in the minimum wage to Tk 3000 a month, or 21 cents an hour, to be implemented on November 1, 2010. However, this falls well below workers' compromise demand of Tk 5000, down from their original proposal of Tk 6,200 a month. Still, this modest increase would be a small step forward.
The AFL-CIO stands in complete solidarity with the Bangladeshi garment workers' minimum wage demand of Tk 5000 a month, which amounts to 35 cents an hour, $16.60 a week and $71.94 a month.
"The AFL-CIO will ask our government to work together with the government of Bangladesh to guarantee that Bangladesh's workers have the right to freedom of association, to organise independent unions and to bargain collectively."
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has joined trade unionists and campaigners around the world to demand better terms and conditions for 3.5 million Bangladeshi textile workers, who are striking and demonstrating for, among other things, a higher minimum wage of Tk 5,000, says the release.
The current minimum wage in Bangladesh is Tk 1,662 a month. This leaves textile workers, who are making clothes for sale in the UK, US and around the world, in dire poverty. The USA is the largest single market for Bangladeshi textiles, and the EU as a whole takes a massive 57 per cent of them.
Trade unionists from unions in Britain and the USA - Unite and USW - are supporting the Bangladeshi textile workers through Workers Uniting, and a delegation visited Bangladesh in July. This has now led to statements of support from the AFLCIO (the TUC's equivalent in the USA) and now the TUC as well. Unite vice-chair Steve Davison, who was part of the Workers Uniting delegation, has written about the dispute.
If the 3.5 million mostly women garment workers win their wage increase, it will allow them to climb out of misery and at least into poverty, says a release of the National Labour Committee (NLC).
'Wake-Up Wal-Mart', an organisation to press Wal-Mart, the largest garment chain in the world, has also launched a massive e-mail letter-writing campaign-pressing Wal-Mart to support the Bangladeshi workers demand for a 35-cent-an-hour minimum wage equivalent to Tk 5,000 a month.
The AFL-CIO Executive Council last week in a statement said: One of the world's great struggles for social justice is taking place in Bangladesh, where more than 3.5 million, mostly young women garment workers, are demanding a minimum wage of 35 cents an hour, which would allow them to climb out of misery and at least into poverty.
The current minimum wage, which has not been raised since 2006 despite annual inflation rates of 6.5 to 10 per cent, is just 11.5 cents an hour, which is the lowest industrial wage in the world.
"Bangladesh's garment workers are among the hardest working women in the world, and the most exploited. Despite working up to 12 hours a day, often seven days a week, the garment workers and their families are crowded into primitive one-room hovels, forced to live from hand to mouth, barely subsisting on rice and lentils. Dozens of families share one primitive hand water pump where they queue up to bathe, scrub their clothes and wash their dishes."
When it rains, the thatched roofs often leak, leaving the workers and their families no choice but to sit up all night covering themselves with pieces of plastic. The garment workers' children often go hungry and lack basic school supplies.
It does not have to be this way. The United States is the largest single market for Bangladeshi clothing exports, while the United Kingdom and the European Union together account for 57 per cent of Bangladesh's total garment exports. This gives the people of North America and Europe a strong voice to stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Bangladesh who sew the clothing we wear. The largest multinational retailers and apparel companies in the world, including, Wal-Mart, Tesco and H&M, are major producers in Bangladesh. There is not one single retailer or apparel company in the world that could not easily afford to pay the very modest 35-cents-an-hour minimum wage the Bangladeshi workers are demanding.
Two weeks back, the minimum wage board announced an increase in the minimum wage to Tk 3000 a month, or 21 cents an hour, to be implemented on November 1, 2010. However, this falls well below workers' compromise demand of Tk 5000, down from their original proposal of Tk 6,200 a month. Still, this modest increase would be a small step forward.
The AFL-CIO stands in complete solidarity with the Bangladeshi garment workers' minimum wage demand of Tk 5000 a month, which amounts to 35 cents an hour, $16.60 a week and $71.94 a month.
"The AFL-CIO will ask our government to work together with the government of Bangladesh to guarantee that Bangladesh's workers have the right to freedom of association, to organise independent unions and to bargain collectively."
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has joined trade unionists and campaigners around the world to demand better terms and conditions for 3.5 million Bangladeshi textile workers, who are striking and demonstrating for, among other things, a higher minimum wage of Tk 5,000, says the release.
The current minimum wage in Bangladesh is Tk 1,662 a month. This leaves textile workers, who are making clothes for sale in the UK, US and around the world, in dire poverty. The USA is the largest single market for Bangladeshi textiles, and the EU as a whole takes a massive 57 per cent of them.
Trade unionists from unions in Britain and the USA - Unite and USW - are supporting the Bangladeshi textile workers through Workers Uniting, and a delegation visited Bangladesh in July. This has now led to statements of support from the AFLCIO (the TUC's equivalent in the USA) and now the TUC as well. Unite vice-chair Steve Davison, who was part of the Workers Uniting delegation, has written about the dispute.
BA: Strike Ballot - "An Option"
BA cabin crew have warned passengers they may strike over Christmas as talks to end the bitter dispute stall once again. There is a mass meeting of Bassa members on September 6 to decide on future action.
'It would be prudent for the travelling public to take this into account and make alternative arrangements to ensure their holiday travel plans are not wrecked,' said Duncan Holley, branch secretary of BASSA.
'What we are trying to do is give people plenty of notice this time round. We are also trying to put pressure on BA by hitting their bookings during one of the busiest times of the year.'
Bassa members are being suspended and sacked unfairly over allegations of bullying and intimidation during past strikes.More than 80 members have been suspended and 13 sacked after allegations of incidents related to the bitter dispute.
'It would be prudent for the travelling public to take this into account and make alternative arrangements to ensure their holiday travel plans are not wrecked,' said Duncan Holley, branch secretary of BASSA.
'What we are trying to do is give people plenty of notice this time round. We are also trying to put pressure on BA by hitting their bookings during one of the busiest times of the year.'
Bassa members are being suspended and sacked unfairly over allegations of bullying and intimidation during past strikes.More than 80 members have been suspended and 13 sacked after allegations of incidents related to the bitter dispute.
RBS Job Losses - Horror Story
Royal Bank of Scotland, which is more than 80% government-owned, is planning to cut a further 3,500 jobs from its technical and back office division in the UK.
About a third of the job losses are as a result of RBS selling 318 of its branches to Santander, reducing its number of customers and transactions.
Unite has described the jobs losses as a "horror story". An estimated 27,000 job losses have been announced since RBS unveiled its restructuring plan early in 2009.
It is understood that 30,000 jobs will eventually go.
"The scale of the cuts announced today beggars belief and staff across the country today will be left reeling from this news," said Rob MacGregor, Unite's national officer.
He said the cuts would be a "bitter pill for staff to swallow".
The jobs being cut include some 1,000 in IT support and 2,500 in support services to its other businesses.
The bank has told staff that up to 12 offices could close in England, with some jobs added in Greenock and Edinburgh.
The centres set for closure or downsizing in 2011 are Leeds, Bolton, Enfield and Harrogate.
The following year, Norwich, Bradford, Telford, Plymouth, Milton Keynes, Liverpool, Bristol and Borehamwood have been earmarked.
The Leicester, Southampton and Nottingham centres are under review.
Five hundred of the jobs will be relocated to offshore centres such as those in the Far East and India.
RBS reported a loss of £24.1bn for 2008, the largest annual loss in UK corporate history.
However, it has since returned to profit. In the first half of 2010 it made £1.14bn
About a third of the job losses are as a result of RBS selling 318 of its branches to Santander, reducing its number of customers and transactions.
Unite has described the jobs losses as a "horror story". An estimated 27,000 job losses have been announced since RBS unveiled its restructuring plan early in 2009.
It is understood that 30,000 jobs will eventually go.
"The scale of the cuts announced today beggars belief and staff across the country today will be left reeling from this news," said Rob MacGregor, Unite's national officer.
He said the cuts would be a "bitter pill for staff to swallow".
The jobs being cut include some 1,000 in IT support and 2,500 in support services to its other businesses.
The bank has told staff that up to 12 offices could close in England, with some jobs added in Greenock and Edinburgh.
The centres set for closure or downsizing in 2011 are Leeds, Bolton, Enfield and Harrogate.
The following year, Norwich, Bradford, Telford, Plymouth, Milton Keynes, Liverpool, Bristol and Borehamwood have been earmarked.
The Leicester, Southampton and Nottingham centres are under review.
Five hundred of the jobs will be relocated to offshore centres such as those in the Far East and India.
RBS reported a loss of £24.1bn for 2008, the largest annual loss in UK corporate history.
However, it has since returned to profit. In the first half of 2010 it made £1.14bn
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