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.