Northern Rock was described yesterday as "short term" and "rash" for planning to shed 650 of the state owned bank's 4,500 staff. The company also dealt those who remain a further blow by closing the final salary pension scheme to future contributions.
All grades of staff will be affected by the job losses and Northern Rock has entered a 90-day consultation period before the first of the cutbacks.
Unite National Officer for the Finance Sector Rob MacGregor, said the decision was "devastating" and customer service would suffer.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Another great Australian union video
Remember that great video produced by Australian unions -- "What have the unions ever done for us?"
Well, the people who made it are at it again - with a terrific new video entitled "It's Going To Ruin Us."
Australian unions are eager for people around the world to view it.
Have a look yourself - and email it on.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4PcQfz0MfU&feature=player_embedded
And just in case you missed the last one..............
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=184NTV2CE_c
Well, the people who made it are at it again - with a terrific new video entitled "It's Going To Ruin Us."
Australian unions are eager for people around the world to view it.
Have a look yourself - and email it on.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4PcQfz0MfU&feature=player_embedded
And just in case you missed the last one..............
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=184NTV2CE_c
BA Dispute latest
Unite took a further step towards a further ballot of British Airways cabin crew after discussions over the terms for a new strike ballot.
Derek Simpson, discussed the reasons for another poll with cabin crew shop stewards.
Unite is expected to make a further announcement on the ballot when the last of three five-day strikes ends on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, BA's chief executive, Willie Walsh, showed showed his true colours when he told an Air Transport Conference in Berlin that he intended to "hold out for as long as it takes." i
Derek Simpson, discussed the reasons for another poll with cabin crew shop stewards.
Unite is expected to make a further announcement on the ballot when the last of three five-day strikes ends on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, BA's chief executive, Willie Walsh, showed showed his true colours when he told an Air Transport Conference in Berlin that he intended to "hold out for as long as it takes." i
Coca Cola Strike Threat
More than 2,000 UK workers at Coca-Cola, are set to vote on possible strike action.
Unite and GMB unions said Coca-Cola Enterprises, had refused a claim for national bargaining from its workforce. The claim was made in the wake of what the unions described as "a sneak attack" on pay and pensions.
Unite, which represents over 2,000 workers said a strike could see soft drink supplies running low before the close of the World Cup, which is being sponsored by Coca-Cola.
The unions accused Coca Cola Enterprises of refusing to consult on major changes to conditions of employment such as requirements for staff to work an extra five years to the age of 65 or risk losing up to a quarter of their pension. They are also disputing the implementation of a 2% pay rise, which they say was rubber-stamped by a company forum comprised "predominantly of management and non-union representatives".
Jennie Formby,Unite national officer for the food, drink and tobacco sector, highlighted the inequity between the changes to workers' pension arrangements and the retirement pot of CCE chief executive John Brock, which is currently worth $3.5m (£2.4m) after less than 12 years' service.
"Where is the fair play in sneakily attacking members' pay and pensions while freezing the workers' representatives out of any discussions on the matter?
"CCE is seeking to attack our members' wages but is rewarding senior executives' groaning pension pots," Jenny Formby said.
Unite and GMB unions said Coca-Cola Enterprises, had refused a claim for national bargaining from its workforce. The claim was made in the wake of what the unions described as "a sneak attack" on pay and pensions.
Unite, which represents over 2,000 workers said a strike could see soft drink supplies running low before the close of the World Cup, which is being sponsored by Coca-Cola.
The unions accused Coca Cola Enterprises of refusing to consult on major changes to conditions of employment such as requirements for staff to work an extra five years to the age of 65 or risk losing up to a quarter of their pension. They are also disputing the implementation of a 2% pay rise, which they say was rubber-stamped by a company forum comprised "predominantly of management and non-union representatives".
Jennie Formby,Unite national officer for the food, drink and tobacco sector, highlighted the inequity between the changes to workers' pension arrangements and the retirement pot of CCE chief executive John Brock, which is currently worth $3.5m (£2.4m) after less than 12 years' service.
"Where is the fair play in sneakily attacking members' pay and pensions while freezing the workers' representatives out of any discussions on the matter?
"CCE is seeking to attack our members' wages but is rewarding senior executives' groaning pension pots," Jenny Formby said.
Visteon Pensions
Former Visteon workers and Unite are close to launching legal action to rescue their pensions.
Visteon UK went into administration in April last year, leaving more than 600 people out of work when it closed its car parts factory in Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, as well as factories in Enfield and Belfast.
The Government-run pension Protection Fund is set to take over Visteon UK’s retirement scheme, but this could mean a drop of up to 50 per cent in the former car workers’ monthly pension payments.
Unite has taken legal advice and workers believe court action is imminent.
They hope this will force Ford, which set up Visteon in the 1990s, to take back responsibility for their pensions. Visteon UK pensioner Paul Bailey, 60, of Wincoat Drive, Benfleet, said: “As far as we’re concerned it’s a no-brainer.
“Ford mis-sold the situation when they transferred us from the Ford to the Visteon pension fund and they should take back responsibility.
“A lot of the people affected paid into the Ford pension scheme for more than 20 or 30 years, before they were transferred to Visteon. We were loyal to Ford for all those years and it owes us.”
Some of the former Visteon workers lobbied this week’s annual Unite conference, in Manchester, and were told by Tony Woodley the union was seeking fresh legal advice.
The pensioners claim they were given assurances by Ford, when their factories were transferred to Visteon UK, they would retain equal pay and conditions to staff who were still employed directly by the global car giant.
Because of the pledge to retain equal conditions, the former staff believe they should still be entitled to equivalent pensions to Ford workers. Ford has so far denied further responsibility towards its former workers.
Visteon UK went into administration in April last year, leaving more than 600 people out of work when it closed its car parts factory in Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, as well as factories in Enfield and Belfast.
The Government-run pension Protection Fund is set to take over Visteon UK’s retirement scheme, but this could mean a drop of up to 50 per cent in the former car workers’ monthly pension payments.
Unite has taken legal advice and workers believe court action is imminent.
They hope this will force Ford, which set up Visteon in the 1990s, to take back responsibility for their pensions. Visteon UK pensioner Paul Bailey, 60, of Wincoat Drive, Benfleet, said: “As far as we’re concerned it’s a no-brainer.
“Ford mis-sold the situation when they transferred us from the Ford to the Visteon pension fund and they should take back responsibility.
“A lot of the people affected paid into the Ford pension scheme for more than 20 or 30 years, before they were transferred to Visteon. We were loyal to Ford for all those years and it owes us.”
Some of the former Visteon workers lobbied this week’s annual Unite conference, in Manchester, and were told by Tony Woodley the union was seeking fresh legal advice.
The pensioners claim they were given assurances by Ford, when their factories were transferred to Visteon UK, they would retain equal pay and conditions to staff who were still employed directly by the global car giant.
Because of the pledge to retain equal conditions, the former staff believe they should still be entitled to equivalent pensions to Ford workers. Ford has so far denied further responsibility towards its former workers.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Unite Response to Ed Balls' Comment on EU Immigration
In response to Ed Balls' Comment on EU Immigration Unite Assistant General Secretary, Les Bayliss said:
"Ed Balls is absolutely correct. The current situation of immigration from the EU combined with weak employment protection in this country has led to widespread exploitation of workers in the construction industry. Wage levels are being undercut and national bargaining agreements are being ignored. We need to tighten up on regulations to protect domestic workers' ability to get jobs and to earn a decent living, whilst at the same time allowing skilled workers from the EU to come here without fear of being cheated by unscrupulous employers."
Les Bayliss has national responsibility for the construction industry including the Olympic site in London. Unite is Britain's biggest union for construction workers.
"Ed Balls is absolutely correct. The current situation of immigration from the EU combined with weak employment protection in this country has led to widespread exploitation of workers in the construction industry. Wage levels are being undercut and national bargaining agreements are being ignored. We need to tighten up on regulations to protect domestic workers' ability to get jobs and to earn a decent living, whilst at the same time allowing skilled workers from the EU to come here without fear of being cheated by unscrupulous employers."
Les Bayliss has national responsibility for the construction industry including the Olympic site in London. Unite is Britain's biggest union for construction workers.
Les Bayliss For GS Websites
Follow Les Bayliss's campaign to become Unite General Secretary at the following sites - more information and more communication to come soon!
htpp://twitter.com/les4gs
http://les4gs.org
www.les4gsnw.co.uk
htpp://twitter.com/les4gs
http://les4gs.org
www.les4gsnw.co.uk
Saturday, June 5, 2010
ETUC Day of Action - September 29th
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has announced plans to hold a European Day of Action on September 29th, including a rally in Brussels, to protest against the spending cuts, which is expected to attract 100,000 demonstrators.
The ETUC said trimming public expenditure would harm recovery from the worst economic crisis in decades, especially if it is done in economically stronger countries.
"We made this call for a high-level meeting (with the EU) out of despair and alarm at the prospects of growth in Europe as all countries, not just those in distress, move to cut their budgets," ETUC GS John Monks said. "The fact that all of them are doing it at the same time is our biggest worry."
The ETUC John Monks said Germany should boost spending, for example by allowing wages to grow, to generate extra demand in the 16-nation euro zone.
Unions would press the governments to ensure the poorest in society are not burdened too much. "We will keep on the pressure in the months ahead, we don't want a bleak mid-winter for the unemployed," he said
The ETUC said trimming public expenditure would harm recovery from the worst economic crisis in decades, especially if it is done in economically stronger countries.
"We made this call for a high-level meeting (with the EU) out of despair and alarm at the prospects of growth in Europe as all countries, not just those in distress, move to cut their budgets," ETUC GS John Monks said. "The fact that all of them are doing it at the same time is our biggest worry."
The ETUC John Monks said Germany should boost spending, for example by allowing wages to grow, to generate extra demand in the 16-nation euro zone.
Unions would press the governments to ensure the poorest in society are not burdened too much. "We will keep on the pressure in the months ahead, we don't want a bleak mid-winter for the unemployed," he said
Friday, June 4, 2010
Unite Conference - A Success For Workers Uniting Group
Initial feedback from delegates returning from the Unite Conference in Manchester is that Workers Uniting Group supporters had a very successful week.
A number of the key policies and motions supported by the Workers Uniting Group delegates were carried and are now the clear and agreed policy of Unite.
Important policy motions on the repeal of the Anti Union laws; Manufacturing; taking back ownership of the Labour Party; Organising; Finance and Banking; Global unions; Peace, Defence and Trident - (the EC statement was carried by a convincing majority and was an excellent debate); Palestine including an emergency motion on the appalling attack on the humanitarian convey by Israel; support for Latin America and the rule change for the new EC structure were all carried.
Delegates report that the other key developments during the conference included the decision of National Officer Paul Reuter who had previously indicated he was standing in the ballot for the GS position to publically back Workers Uniting Group's Candidate for GS Les Bayliss; Les Bayliss's packed campaign rally setting out his manifesto and the public support for Les announced by Unite's largest sector - the Finance sector - at their delegate's function.
Delegates also report that the Fringe meetings were well attended and well supported notably the packed BA Cabin Crew fringe; the Miami Five fringe; Latin America and Justice For Columbia fringes were reportedly the best of the week.
See below:
If delegates who attended the Conference wish to send in their conference impressions - feel free to do so and we will amend the posting. If you wish to remain anonymous (we understand!) we will mention sector or region.
Dear Comrades
Just a note to say this was my first conference and I really enjoyed it, I attended all the sessions and the debates were excellent and lively, if on accasion heated, but that made for a great four days. I also attended the Justice For Columbia, the anit BNP and the Venezuala/Cuba/Ecuador fringes.
I also particularly enjoyed the Finance Sector Social, the Conference Social at Old Trafford and the Les Bayliss campaign social.
I also took part in promoting the Les Bayliss Campaign, handing out leaflets on Tuesday and Wednesday.
I met lots of new friends and comrades and in conclusion I am very optimistic for the future of our great union.
Peter Cookson
Finance and Legal Sector North West
A number of the key policies and motions supported by the Workers Uniting Group delegates were carried and are now the clear and agreed policy of Unite.
Important policy motions on the repeal of the Anti Union laws; Manufacturing; taking back ownership of the Labour Party; Organising; Finance and Banking; Global unions; Peace, Defence and Trident - (the EC statement was carried by a convincing majority and was an excellent debate); Palestine including an emergency motion on the appalling attack on the humanitarian convey by Israel; support for Latin America and the rule change for the new EC structure were all carried.
Delegates report that the other key developments during the conference included the decision of National Officer Paul Reuter who had previously indicated he was standing in the ballot for the GS position to publically back Workers Uniting Group's Candidate for GS Les Bayliss; Les Bayliss's packed campaign rally setting out his manifesto and the public support for Les announced by Unite's largest sector - the Finance sector - at their delegate's function.
Delegates also report that the Fringe meetings were well attended and well supported notably the packed BA Cabin Crew fringe; the Miami Five fringe; Latin America and Justice For Columbia fringes were reportedly the best of the week.
See below:
If delegates who attended the Conference wish to send in their conference impressions - feel free to do so and we will amend the posting. If you wish to remain anonymous (we understand!) we will mention sector or region.
Dear Comrades
Just a note to say this was my first conference and I really enjoyed it, I attended all the sessions and the debates were excellent and lively, if on accasion heated, but that made for a great four days. I also attended the Justice For Columbia, the anit BNP and the Venezuala/Cuba/Ecuador fringes.
I also particularly enjoyed the Finance Sector Social, the Conference Social at Old Trafford and the Les Bayliss campaign social.
I also took part in promoting the Les Bayliss Campaign, handing out leaflets on Tuesday and Wednesday.
I met lots of new friends and comrades and in conclusion I am very optimistic for the future of our great union.
Peter Cookson
Finance and Legal Sector North West
Unite GS Election - Paul Reuter to back Les Bayliss
Unite General Secretary Election – A Strategic Alliance
We are pleased to announce that following detailed discussions between Les Bayliss and Paul Reuter an agreement has been reached with the objective of ensuring both the broadest and widest support for the Workers Uniting Group candidate for the Unite General Secretary election.
It has been mutually and jointly agreed that in the interests of the Union going forward, and in developing and strengthening the election leadership team, that Paul and his supporters will continue to support the aims and objectives of the Workers Uniting Group with an objective of building a strong, efficient and effective union with particular emphasis on officer support and development. To this end, Paul has been asked by the Workers Uniting Group to develop strategies which will ensure that officer development is central to its mandate for change.
In this vein, the Workers Uniting Group will continue dialogue with all Unite members, activists, representatives, officers, organisers, and staff within the Union who wish to voluntarily agree with its aims and objectives and can assist in the election of its candidate, Les Bayliss as the new General Secretary of Unite.
We are pleased to announce that following detailed discussions between Les Bayliss and Paul Reuter an agreement has been reached with the objective of ensuring both the broadest and widest support for the Workers Uniting Group candidate for the Unite General Secretary election.
It has been mutually and jointly agreed that in the interests of the Union going forward, and in developing and strengthening the election leadership team, that Paul and his supporters will continue to support the aims and objectives of the Workers Uniting Group with an objective of building a strong, efficient and effective union with particular emphasis on officer support and development. To this end, Paul has been asked by the Workers Uniting Group to develop strategies which will ensure that officer development is central to its mandate for change.
In this vein, the Workers Uniting Group will continue dialogue with all Unite members, activists, representatives, officers, organisers, and staff within the Union who wish to voluntarily agree with its aims and objectives and can assist in the election of its candidate, Les Bayliss as the new General Secretary of Unite.
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