Special announcement - Unite Equality Structures
HAVE YOUR SAY! - Unite Equality Structures
Unite Reps will shortly receive an invite to the Unite Regional Equality Conferences which are scheduled to take place in October 2009. Siobhan Endean, Unite National Officer for Equalities explains the importance of these Conferences.
"Unite equality structures are an important part of our union's formal democratic decision making processes and are a central part of our union's rule book. These structures are an opportunity for workplace reps to have their say in the way our union works and the issues that the union tackles in the workplace.
The equality structures are an important aspect of our union's positive action agenda to ensure that all voices are heard when we are determining our union's policy, and to tackle the under representation of members who face discrimination in the workplace.
The Unite Executive Council has decided to hold the first Unite Equality Conferences in each region in October 2009. These conferences are new to many workplace reps and it is important to spread the word on how to get involved.
All Regions will be holding Regional Equality Conferences for:-
• Women members who are reps who can attend the Regional Women's Conference
• BAME members who are reps who can attend the Regional BAME Conference
• Disabled members who are reps who can attend the Regional Disability Conference
• LGBT members who are reps who can attend the Regional LGBT Conference
Delegates to these Conferences will be able to raise issues that they feel the union should be campaigning on which will help to formulate an action plan and organising strategy in their region. The Conferences will also discuss motions that will be forwarded to the National Committee and elect a Regional Committee that will take forward the issues that are discussed at the Conference.
In order to be nominated to stand for election for a Regional Equality Committee, Workplace reps will need to be nominated by their Area Activist Committee or Regional Industrial Sector Committee . If you wish to stand for election for any of the Regional Equality Committees you must attend the Area Activist Meetings and Regional Industrial Sector Conferences that will be held in July and September in your region in addition to attending the Regional Equality Conferences in October. We would also recommend that you stand for election for your Area Activist Committee and Regional Industrial Sector Committee. You will need to inform your Regional Office that you wish to stand for election for a Regional Equality Committee prior to your attendance at the Area Activist Meeting and Regional Industrial Sector Conferences. Nominations will not be accepted on the day of these events.
It's very important to Unite that your voices are heard in the regional industrial and equality structures of our union. I hope that you will be able to attend and raise the issues that are most important to you. I look forward to meeting you at the regional equality conferences in October. " Siobhan Endean, Unite National Officer for Equalities
Please follow the link to find out more about the Regional Equality Committees and Conferences http://www.unitetheunion.com/resources/equalities/equality_structures.aspx
Please e-mail Karen Cole on karen.cole@unitetheunion.com if you require further clarification about the Regional Equality Conferences and Committees.
Unite Equality Reps' Project
Summer School, Durham 2009
The first ever Unite Equality Reps' Project Summer School was held at Durham University from 10-16 June, and was a huge success. We have included some pictures from the event for you.
History was made for the first ever Unite Equality Reps Summer School. 55 elected work place Union Equality Reps (UERs) gathered for this significant occasion, to be trained and accredited as UERs, and learn about the 3 cornerstones of Unite vision in our international, political and organising work.
Just before the Summer School, tutors and UERs attended the Durham Miners Gala, an event which attracted hundreds of thousands of trade unionists from across Europe . This was one of the biggest gathering of trade unionists from across Europe . The photo's from the event show just how awesome this event was, but nothing could come close to being there.
UERs were provided with a variety of learning materials including the new Equality Reps' Negotiators Guides, which was launched at the Summer School. UERs were clearly impressed by the level of resources on hand to assist them with learning and tackling discrimination in their work places.
Dahlia Mukherji, Unite Equality Rep with Barclay's Bank said "This Summer School was such an empowering experience, especially meeting with other colleagues from other work places in Unite. Equality issues at work are so important, especially in these uncertain economic times, and are the key to improving our members working lives, terms and conditions. The course was very well resourced and tutors were extremely helpful. A lot of work clearly went into making the week the success it was. I particularly enjoyed the Miners Gala, which was an unforgettable experience."
Whilst UERs do not currently enjoy Statutory Rights, many UERs are existing Work Place, Health & Safety and Learning Reps. Following the success of the Summer School, the Unite Equality Reps' Project team is embarking on working with Public Sector UERs, to develop their understanding and knowledge of the Single Equality Bill, which cover Public Sector Duties.
Les Bayliss, Unite Assistant General Secretary, said "Unite continues to put equality at the very heart of the union, and through holding this Summer School it is clear that our UERs are committed and enthusiastic. I was highly impressed by the hard work, commitment and dedication UERs are engaged in with the Equality Reps' Project. I had the pleasure of speaking at the plenary session of the Summer School, and am proud to be associated with the project. The event was filled very quickly, which demonstrates that our UERs are eager tackle equality and discrimination issues in their workplace."
More information about the Equality Reps' Project is also available at the Unite website:
http://www.unitetheunion.com/resources/equalities/
equality_reps_project_amicus.aspx
Join one of our equality networks:
http://www.unitetheunion.com/resources/equalities/
equalities_resources/unite_equality_email_networks.aspx
You can also join our Equality Reps' Facebook site at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=41019575344&ref=ts
Sign the Hope Not Hate petition – NOT IN MY NAME
Although the BNP received a smaller share of the vote than in 2004, Nick Griffin and Andrew Brons were elected to the European Parliament. Following their shock election we must sign the petition below, to show the BNP and other MEPs that the BNP do not represent us, and their actions do not represent the majority of hard working people in the UK .
http://action.hopenothate.org.uk/page/s/notinmyname
Equality and Discrimination Law News
Decisions of the European Court of Justice: Implications for UK labour law
Professor Keith Ewing has written a briefing highlighting four major decisions of the European Court of Justice which impact on UK labour law and where these may impact of the work of trade unions ability to negotiate a living wage agreement in local government and elsewhere such as projects connected with the Olympics.
http://www.ier.org.uk/system/files/Decisions+of+the+ECJ
+and+implications+for+UK+laws.pdf
Sex discrimination inquiry in the finance sector
The Equality & Human Rights Commission has called for people to come forward with evidence to offer around the issue of sex discrimination in financial services sector.
The EHRC would be particularly interested to hear from existing or former employees, employers and trade unions.
http://cecollect.com/ve/ZZ94i79n7272Lnn83CZ/VT=0/page=11#1
Other News
Virgin Atlantic - Equality Rep success story
David Smith is the lead Equality Rep at Virgin Atlantic, and reports back on his first year in the role.
"Since I was elected last year, there have been key areas for improvement. Most notable has been the negotiations for staff members, who are in registered Civil Partnerships, receiving an upgrade on company benefits. This is for instances such as honeymoons. The same rights are afforded to 'married' couples in heterosexual relationships, and Virgin has extended this in recognition of Civil Partners.
This has made a real difference to the lives of many of our members".
You can find out more about by contacting the South East Regional Office on 01293 613 795
Organising Guide to Equality
Please take the opportunity to view our latest Campaigning and Organising guide to Equality. The document is a great way to identify key dates for your diary and to organise around issues in your workplace as well as finding out more about the work Unite is undertaking on equality.
A PDF version of the guide is available at
http://www.unitetheunion.com/pdf/Campaigning%20on
%20equality%202009%20.pdf
Equality Reps Negotiators Guides
Please see the link below for the latest publication on Union Equality Reps. This is a negotiators guide on the development, recognition and resources for union Equality Reps
http://www.unitetheunion.com/resources/equalities/equalities_resources/
negotiators_guides_on_equalit.aspx
All of these guide's can also be ordered through publications in the normal manner.
Unite lobby's to save London bendy buses
Please sign the petition, the link for which is below. Over 600 workers were sacked at Visteon (part of Fords) at a moments notice with no redundancy pay or the pensions they worked hard for all their lives.
http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/news/entry/
unite_lobby_at_city_hall_to_save_londons_bendy_buses/
ITUC report - Gender inequality
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) represents 170 million workers, 40% of whom are women, in 157 countries and territories and has 312 affiliates.
The report highlights the average pay gap is around 22.4% and that trade union membership has a positive influence on wage equality, showing the pay gap is smaller for those who are trade union members compared to those who are not.
To see the full report, please click on this link:
http://www.ituc-csi.org/IMG/pdf/GAP-09_EN.pdf
Support Unite's call for more trains to be built in the UK
Unite is seeking to support and save the one remaining UK train builder, Bombardier. Please register your support which will be sued to call on the government to support UK train building. More information and the petition can be found at:
http://www.unitetheunion.com/campaigns/build_trains_in_the_uk.aspx
Events and Training
Government Equalities Office (GEO) is holding four events on the Equality Bill in September in 2009.
The events will be held on Tuesday 1 September in Wales , Wednesday 2 September in central England , Thursday 3 September in Scotland and Friday 4 September in the south of England . Full details, including precise locations, venues and how to register to attend will soon be available on the GEO website, the link for which is below.
http://www.equalities.gov.uk/
Unite the union supports Brighton Pride
Unite' South East region is proud to support this years Pride event in Brighton . Unite will be taking part in the parade and the event in Preston Park on August 1, 2009, which is the single largest event in the South East and possibly the large st LGBT event in Europe.
To support Unite at this event you can participate in the parade or help out on the union stall at Preston Park.
Parade - meet at 10am on Madeira Drive
Park - the stall will be located within the Community Village section of Preston Park and will be open from noon onwards.
Brighton Pride is an opportunity to promote the union's equality and diversity agenda to a wide audience so please come along and support us.
If you require additional information please email Claire Simpson Regional Officer at: claire.simpson@unitetheunion.com
Burston Strike School Rally Sunday 6th September 2009, 11:00am to 4:00pm
Organised by Unite and SERTUC (South East Region TUC), and Burston Strike School Trustees, this event commemorates the longest strike in history, and celebrate the campaigns trade unionists are engaged in, the fight for trade union rights, working class education, democracy in the countryside and international solidarity.
To find out more, and apply to join the Rally, please click on the link below: http://www.unitetheunion.com/news__events/
events/burston_strike_school_rally.aspx
Dates for your diary August
4th Krishna Janmashtami - Himdu
22nd Ramadan begins - Islam
23rd International Slavery Remembrance day
Pride Events
Leeds, 2 August contact - Sue Pollard on 0113 236 4830.
Contact Claire.simpson@unitetheunion.com if you would like to help with Unite activities
8th Cornwall Gay Pride, Truro - Cheltenham Pride
15th Swindon Pride
Doncaster Pride. 16 August - contact Sue Pollard on 0113 236 4830.
21st -31st Manchester Gay Pride Festival
29th Barnsley Gay Pride, Manchester Gay Pride
UK Black Pride 2009 is on Saturday 15th August from 12.00pm - 9.00pm .
Regents College,
Inner Circle
Regents Park, London NW1 4NS
For further information on materials, information on your rights at work, please click on the link below:
http://www.unitetheunion.com/resources/equalities.aspx
If you would like to receive the e-equality Newsletter on a regular basis and are not doing so already, please contact Bridget Clemson, National Administrator, Equalities, with your e-mail address, to be added to our contact list. Her e-mail address is bridget.clemson@unitetheunion.com
Contact Wayne Lawlor, Unite Amicus Project Development Officer, about any best practice or action in your organisation in relation to equality issues which can be included in the Newsletter. e-mail Wayne on wayne.lawlor@unitetheunioncom
Please feel free to circulate this bulletin shop stewards and members.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Workers Uniting Group - News Update: Rolls Royce, Guardian, Local Government Pay
Rolls Royce Investment Welcomed
Rolls-Royce’s announcement of investment in four new factories and two advanced research programmes in the UK has been welcomed by Unite.
The investment by Rolls-Royce and the government is expected to create or secure over 800 jobs in the high-value manufacturing programmes in Rolls-Royce’s aerospace and civil nuclear markets.
Rolls-Royce will invest over £300 million in four factories in the UK, with £45 million of support to be provided by the UK government.
Unite national officer for aerospace and committee Bernie Hamilton who is also chair of the Confederation of Shipbuilding Engineering Unions (CSEU), said: “These announcements by Rolls Royce and the government are a ringing endorsement to the skills and abilities of the current and future UK aerospace workforce. This is a welcome investment for the UK manufacturing base including new sites for aerospace and civil nuclear which will secure and create jobs in communities badly hit by losses of employment in the UK manufacturing base and in other sectors of the UK economy."
Bernie said: "Unite and the CSEU stand ready to make these investments a success. We recognise the challenge of building world class manufacturing facilities but we will reach this goal and with it secure the future for Rolls-Royce workers for decades to come. Of course, we would have liked to have seen all the investments Rolls-Royce has announced today made in the UK, but the significant money announced today for UK projects is nonetheless an excellent indicator to all of its UK employees that this country is still at the heart of the company.”
Industrial action at Guardian Print Centre "on hold" for talks.
Industrial action at the Guardian Print Centre has been put on hold as negotiations continue.
Unite has refused to rule out the possibility of action. Steve Sibbald Unite National Officer for Newspapers said that since the threat of industial action was put to the publisher, it has been more willing to negotiate.
Steve said: "The ballot is suspended, but it could still go ahead next week pending further negotiations – it really depends how they go."
Local government pay
Unite, GMB and Unison, have formally agreed to consult members on an improved pay offer for 2009/2010, calling it the “best available through negotiation."
The results of the unions’ consultations will be available in early to mid September.
The unions are warning that, after years of below inflation pay awards, local government workers are angry about the way they have been treated. They will be gearing up for a campaign to protect national bargaining and fight for a higher pay award next year.
Rolls-Royce’s announcement of investment in four new factories and two advanced research programmes in the UK has been welcomed by Unite.
The investment by Rolls-Royce and the government is expected to create or secure over 800 jobs in the high-value manufacturing programmes in Rolls-Royce’s aerospace and civil nuclear markets.
Rolls-Royce will invest over £300 million in four factories in the UK, with £45 million of support to be provided by the UK government.
Unite national officer for aerospace and committee Bernie Hamilton who is also chair of the Confederation of Shipbuilding Engineering Unions (CSEU), said: “These announcements by Rolls Royce and the government are a ringing endorsement to the skills and abilities of the current and future UK aerospace workforce. This is a welcome investment for the UK manufacturing base including new sites for aerospace and civil nuclear which will secure and create jobs in communities badly hit by losses of employment in the UK manufacturing base and in other sectors of the UK economy."
Bernie said: "Unite and the CSEU stand ready to make these investments a success. We recognise the challenge of building world class manufacturing facilities but we will reach this goal and with it secure the future for Rolls-Royce workers for decades to come. Of course, we would have liked to have seen all the investments Rolls-Royce has announced today made in the UK, but the significant money announced today for UK projects is nonetheless an excellent indicator to all of its UK employees that this country is still at the heart of the company.”
Industrial action at Guardian Print Centre "on hold" for talks.
Industrial action at the Guardian Print Centre has been put on hold as negotiations continue.
Unite has refused to rule out the possibility of action. Steve Sibbald Unite National Officer for Newspapers said that since the threat of industial action was put to the publisher, it has been more willing to negotiate.
Steve said: "The ballot is suspended, but it could still go ahead next week pending further negotiations – it really depends how they go."
Local government pay
Unite, GMB and Unison, have formally agreed to consult members on an improved pay offer for 2009/2010, calling it the “best available through negotiation."
The results of the unions’ consultations will be available in early to mid September.
The unions are warning that, after years of below inflation pay awards, local government workers are angry about the way they have been treated. They will be gearing up for a campaign to protect national bargaining and fight for a higher pay award next year.
Vestas eviction attempt fails
Vestas workers are to continue their fight after a legal attempt to evict them failed.
Adjourning the hearing to evict the occupyers until Tuesday next week, the judge,said papers had not been properly served on individuals occupying the property.
Papers were served last Thursday to Mark Smith, a worker at the factory.
In the court papers, Vestas named 13 individuals and "persons unknown" it believed had occupied the office space in the building. Three of those are now thought to have left.
However, lawyers for the company conceded the company could not be sure who else had barricaded themselves inside the property.
Vestas lawyers asked the judge to fast-track the possession order, saying "emotions are running high" at the factory and there was a real risk of disturbance. They said the police presence at the site was evidence of the risk of disorder.
The judge said "I see no evidence of any threat of violence to property or person by reason of the individuals who are occupying the property remaining there." The judge added he was "distinctly uncomfortable" with the way the company was seeking to bring proceedings, which he described as an attempt to "get around the rules. I am not satisfied that any named person other than Mark Smith has been personally served," he said.
The adjournment resulted in celebrations for the occupying workers, who were told by mobile phone. They had expected bailiffs to arrive soon after court proceedings.
"Everyone in here went absolutely ballistic," said one of the workers inside. "It's given us another week to spread the word and given our legal team time to strengthen the case."
"We have just heard that the case has been adjourned to 4 August," Steve Stotesbury, a 29-year-old blade maker, announced to the crowd. "As we have said from the outset, this is a peaceful demonstration." He added: "We're extremely jubilant. This was the decision we were hoping for. It goes to show the fight is not over."
Vestas has been criticised for the way it informed the protesting workers that they had been sacked. The termination letters were delivered to the factory beneath slices of pizza.
Adjourning the hearing to evict the occupyers until Tuesday next week, the judge,said papers had not been properly served on individuals occupying the property.
Papers were served last Thursday to Mark Smith, a worker at the factory.
In the court papers, Vestas named 13 individuals and "persons unknown" it believed had occupied the office space in the building. Three of those are now thought to have left.
However, lawyers for the company conceded the company could not be sure who else had barricaded themselves inside the property.
Vestas lawyers asked the judge to fast-track the possession order, saying "emotions are running high" at the factory and there was a real risk of disturbance. They said the police presence at the site was evidence of the risk of disorder.
The judge said "I see no evidence of any threat of violence to property or person by reason of the individuals who are occupying the property remaining there." The judge added he was "distinctly uncomfortable" with the way the company was seeking to bring proceedings, which he described as an attempt to "get around the rules. I am not satisfied that any named person other than Mark Smith has been personally served," he said.
The adjournment resulted in celebrations for the occupying workers, who were told by mobile phone. They had expected bailiffs to arrive soon after court proceedings.
"Everyone in here went absolutely ballistic," said one of the workers inside. "It's given us another week to spread the word and given our legal team time to strengthen the case."
"We have just heard that the case has been adjourned to 4 August," Steve Stotesbury, a 29-year-old blade maker, announced to the crowd. "As we have said from the outset, this is a peaceful demonstration." He added: "We're extremely jubilant. This was the decision we were hoping for. It goes to show the fight is not over."
Vestas has been criticised for the way it informed the protesting workers that they had been sacked. The termination letters were delivered to the factory beneath slices of pizza.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Cadbury's Due To Announce "Huge Profits".
Unite members at Cadbury's will demonstrate outside the chocolate manufacturer's sites as the firm releases its half-year results.
Cadbury's plans to renege the final year of a three-year pay deal, despite expecting to register huge profits.
Cadbury had agreed a deal in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI) plus 0.5%, but with a minimum of 2% for 2009. However, as the RPI in February was 0%, Unite claims the company is breaking the original agreement and instead imposing a deal of 0.5%.
The workers will protest at Bourneville, Chirk, Marlbrook and Somerdale plants.
Jennie Formby, Unite national officer for the food and retail sector, said: "The company has breached the agreement, which was to pay workers in line with the cost of living for three years.
"We have repeatedly offered to enter into meaningful negotiations and still will. We say to the management, talk to us because we can work this out. We do not want to take any action and it is very unusual for Cadbury, so to be demonstrating on Wednesday shows the strength of feeling among these workers."
More than 1,000 workers across Cadbury's sites are currently being balloted on the prospect of industrial action to force the company to uphold the agreement. The ballot result is expected towards the end of August.
Cadbury's plans to renege the final year of a three-year pay deal, despite expecting to register huge profits.
Cadbury had agreed a deal in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI) plus 0.5%, but with a minimum of 2% for 2009. However, as the RPI in February was 0%, Unite claims the company is breaking the original agreement and instead imposing a deal of 0.5%.
The workers will protest at Bourneville, Chirk, Marlbrook and Somerdale plants.
Jennie Formby, Unite national officer for the food and retail sector, said: "The company has breached the agreement, which was to pay workers in line with the cost of living for three years.
"We have repeatedly offered to enter into meaningful negotiations and still will. We say to the management, talk to us because we can work this out. We do not want to take any action and it is very unusual for Cadbury, so to be demonstrating on Wednesday shows the strength of feeling among these workers."
More than 1,000 workers across Cadbury's sites are currently being balloted on the prospect of industrial action to force the company to uphold the agreement. The ballot result is expected towards the end of August.
Vestas Occupation Latest - Pizza and the sack
Eleven staff at Vestas who are taking part in the occupation at the wind turbine blade factory on the Isle of Wight have been sacked according to news reports.
Vestas says it had sacked 11 employees who it had identified as being inside the office.
Mike, one of the workers, said that dismissal letters - telling them they had lost their jobs and their redundancy packages - were delivered with their evening meal - a slice of pizza.
He said: "We're obviously disappointed but we kind of expected this. It's not going to deter us and we're not going to leave. We're not doing this for us now, we're doing this for everybody else."
On Wednesday, the company will make an application at Newport County Court for a possession order to remove the protestors from the factory.
Vestas says it had sacked 11 employees who it had identified as being inside the office.
Mike, one of the workers, said that dismissal letters - telling them they had lost their jobs and their redundancy packages - were delivered with their evening meal - a slice of pizza.
He said: "We're obviously disappointed but we kind of expected this. It's not going to deter us and we're not going to leave. We're not doing this for us now, we're doing this for everybody else."
On Wednesday, the company will make an application at Newport County Court for a possession order to remove the protestors from the factory.
YouTube If You Want To....
TUC YouTube contest - win one of 3x £250 of video kit prizes
Video sharing has become one of the most exciting parts of Internet culture. Trade unions have been quick to get involved. Sending out videos through YouTube, social networking sites, virals and blogs, unions have been able to get their campaign and organising messages out to tens of thousands of people.
We want to take this further. So we have launched the 'TUC 60 Second Challenge'. This is a competition open to everyone and anyone who wants to make a short video advert (no longer than 60 seconds) that promotes the role that trade unions play in the world today.
We're not looking for the next Spielberg. Fresh and creative ideas that are well presented are what matters both. Telling the trade union story and making an impact on YouTube means far more than any previous experience you may have.
There are 3 prizes to be won to the value of £250 each and the winning video will be broadcast at TUC Congress.
To find out more go to:
http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://www.tuc.org.uk/tucadvertcontest
Video sharing has become one of the most exciting parts of Internet culture. Trade unions have been quick to get involved. Sending out videos through YouTube, social networking sites, virals and blogs, unions have been able to get their campaign and organising messages out to tens of thousands of people.
We want to take this further. So we have launched the 'TUC 60 Second Challenge'. This is a competition open to everyone and anyone who wants to make a short video advert (no longer than 60 seconds) that promotes the role that trade unions play in the world today.
We're not looking for the next Spielberg. Fresh and creative ideas that are well presented are what matters both. Telling the trade union story and making an impact on YouTube means far more than any previous experience you may have.
There are 3 prizes to be won to the value of £250 each and the winning video will be broadcast at TUC Congress.
To find out more go to:
http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://www.tuc.org.uk/tucadvertcontest
Vestas Gets £6m - But Says It Will Still Close IoW Plant
The government yesterday awarded Vestas Technology £6m but the cash injection will not stop the Danish owned turbine manufacturer from closing its Isle of Wight factory!
The £6m award will go towards Vestas's offshore research and development division.
Vestas workers continue to occupy the factory and energy secretary Ed Miliband was heckled by protesters over the closure of the business while he was in Oxford on ministerial business.
A possession order will be sought by Vestas to regain control of the factory at court on tomorrow.
Ed Miliband said: "The money … will help us generate green jobs on top of our success as the leading country in the world for generating offshore wind. Alongside these proposals, we are reforming planning laws, finding new ways of working with local communities and are determined to persuade people that we need a significant increase in onshore wind as part of the UK's future energy mix."
Too little too late!
The £6m award will go towards Vestas's offshore research and development division.
Vestas workers continue to occupy the factory and energy secretary Ed Miliband was heckled by protesters over the closure of the business while he was in Oxford on ministerial business.
A possession order will be sought by Vestas to regain control of the factory at court on tomorrow.
Ed Miliband said: "The money … will help us generate green jobs on top of our success as the leading country in the world for generating offshore wind. Alongside these proposals, we are reforming planning laws, finding new ways of working with local communities and are determined to persuade people that we need a significant increase in onshore wind as part of the UK's future energy mix."
Too little too late!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Diago - We Can Win!
Rally 'puts pressure' on Diageo
Yesterday's march and rally against Diageo's plans to cut 900 jobs has forced the company to pay attention to public opposition said Jim Winters.
20,000 people took part in the demonstration in Kilmarnock. The size of the demo, surprised many union members.
Jim Winters of Unite told BBC Scotland: "I think yesterday's march and rally was a clear demonstration of the depth of feeling, not only in Kilmarnock, but across Scotland. There is an air of confidence that this can be won. However, we are dealing with a real serious business acumen. We are dealing with people who look to rationalise their company, as it stands currently, in order to ensure that their sustainability within the market place in Scotland remains. I think there will be further marches and rallies. The unions will look to keep the pressure on the company in order to ensure that this remains firmly on the radar at all times."
Alex Salmond addressed rally and said the march marked "another step forward" in the campaign to keep the plant open.
Scottish Enterprise, the government's enterprise agency, is co-ordinating an effort to draw up a plan for an alternative to closure. The company has said it will co-operate with that effort and listen to its conclusions.
Diageo has said the company believes its closure plans should save £20m each year, from an investment of £100m.
Yesterday's march and rally against Diageo's plans to cut 900 jobs has forced the company to pay attention to public opposition said Jim Winters.
20,000 people took part in the demonstration in Kilmarnock. The size of the demo, surprised many union members.
Jim Winters of Unite told BBC Scotland: "I think yesterday's march and rally was a clear demonstration of the depth of feeling, not only in Kilmarnock, but across Scotland. There is an air of confidence that this can be won. However, we are dealing with a real serious business acumen. We are dealing with people who look to rationalise their company, as it stands currently, in order to ensure that their sustainability within the market place in Scotland remains. I think there will be further marches and rallies. The unions will look to keep the pressure on the company in order to ensure that this remains firmly on the radar at all times."
Alex Salmond addressed rally and said the march marked "another step forward" in the campaign to keep the plant open.
Scottish Enterprise, the government's enterprise agency, is co-ordinating an effort to draw up a plan for an alternative to closure. The company has said it will co-operate with that effort and listen to its conclusions.
Diageo has said the company believes its closure plans should save £20m each year, from an investment of £100m.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
News Updates on Diageo, FSA, Asbestos, Local Government Craft Workers
Diageo Campaign - Fighting To Save Jobs
Following the devastating announcements made on 1st July, Unite is supporting Diageo workers fighting to keep their jobs after the company announced 900 job cuts across plants in Scotland including the historic Johnnie Walker packaging plant in Kilmarnock and Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow.
You can find out much more information directly at the following sites:
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=101098331269
Please Sign The Petition To Paul Walsh CEO of Diageo @
http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=559
Download posters, stickers, newsletters @
http://www.unitetheunion.com/savediageojobs
Unite Seeks Recognition At FSA
Unite has called on the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to urgently enter into talks to recognise Unite as the union to represent all staff at the regulatory body.
There is currently no independent trade union to negotiate with management on behalf of the workforce at the financial regulator. Unite workplace representatives in the FSA have been banned from distributing information about the union to colleagues. Unite already has many members at the FSA, but the organisation continues to deny the union recognition to bargain collectively on behalf of staff.
The announcement by the Conservative party that it plans to abolish the FSA has caused a wave on uncertainty across the organisation. Unite is seeking formal recognition of the 2,500 staff based in London and Edinburgh.
Unite's National Officer for the Finance sector Rob MacGregor said: “The FSA must consider the needs of the staff working under massive pressure at the financial regulator. At a time of great economic and political uncertainty at the FSA, it is more important than ever that management and Unite representatives work together. Staff want a union to fight on their behalf, the FSA should stop resisting the calls of the workforce. There is a farcical situation in the FSA where commercial organisations, social and religious groups are allowed stalls, to give out leaflets to staff, and are able to put posters up, but the trade union is not. Staff view the plans from the Conservative party as a bitter blow, they need reassurance that the important work of the financial regulator is not under threat.”
Unite has written formally to the chair of the FSA board, Lord Turner, to ask for an urgent meeting to discuss formal recognition of the union.
Asbestos: Tony Woodley Slams Decision To Delay Justice
Following the announcement from the government at the end of the parliamentary year that it will not overturn the House of Lords' ruling which removed compensation for sufferers of asbestos-related diseases and have opted to half heartedly look at some of the other issues surrounding asbestos related disease, Unite joint general secretary, Tony Woodley said: “It’s an absolute disgrace that the government is not announcing a reversal of the House of Lords ruling on compensation for those with pleural plaques. It’s an insult to hard working British people who have been negligently exposed to asbestos.
“There is plenty of medical evidence that supports the fact that pleural plaques do harm workers, something the government is well aware of. So for those workers who are suffering from these terrible diseases this delay will seem unnecessary and cruel. But, as profoundly disappointed as we are with this outcome, we urge the government to look at the latest evidence from scientists that asbestos-related pain is connected to the disease. This should convince them that they need to act to compensate these workers and help alleviate their distress.
"The fact remains, however, that while the government debates the medical evidence, our members remain uncompensated for their suffering and the industry which took serious risks with workers' lives and health remain unpunished for the misery they've caused to innocent people.”
Attack On Skilled Craft Workers
Unions representing 40,000 skilled council craftworkers (Unite, Ucatt and GMB) have said they are appalled that a long delayed pay offer has been formulated in order to cut the terms and conditions of all local government craftworkers.
The workers concerned are local government craftworkers including: carpenters, bricklayers, painters, labourers, electricians, plumbers, heating and ventilator engineers and gas fitters. Their terms and conditions are set by the Joint Negotiating Committee JNC “Red Book” agreement, which is tailored to cover their specific working environment.
The employers are proposing a pay increase of just 1% for the majority of pay grades, with the building labourer rate (the lowest) receiving a 1.25 per cent increase. Allowances would also only rise by 1 per cent.
The employers are also offering to pay an additional 0.3 per cent, which other council workers on the Green Book received last year, if the unions voluntarily agree to collapse the Red Book. A 0.3 per cent increase for the majority of local government craftworkers would be worth just 50 pence - the cost of a Mars Bar - in take home pay.
In a further sinister move the employers say in their proposal: “However, should an agreement to dissolve the JNC not prove possible, the Employers would subject to the outcome of a consultation of all local authorities, give the Trade Union Side notice of their intention to withdraw from the JNC”
A unilateral decision to collapse the JNC, a national agreement, would create a situation where all 40,000 craftworkers would be issued with formal redundancy notices and then issued with new contracts. Given past experiences where individual councils have taken such action, this will result in extensive legal cases, thousands of tribunal claims and years of internal chaos for the councils involved.
At a time of economic uncertainty where councils are being forced to make cuts it is illogical and dogmatic to propose that hard-pressed councils use council taxpayers money to fund an unnecessary, legal and bureaucratic nightmare.
John Allott, Unite National Officer and Chair of the Union Side JNC, said “This offer does nothing to address the ever widening gap between the Red Book Agreement and the Private Sector Building Agreements for Craft Workers. The ill thought out and unnecessary threats to end the Red Book Craft Agreement are being made by incompetent civil servants who do not understand the industry nor do they seem to care that they may well land the Public purse with unnecessary hugely expensive legal cases and thousands of Tribunal Claims whilst they say they the cupboard is bare and are only prepared to offer a derisory 1%. Their treatment of loyal hardworking craftworkers is disgraceful and disrespectful”.
Following the devastating announcements made on 1st July, Unite is supporting Diageo workers fighting to keep their jobs after the company announced 900 job cuts across plants in Scotland including the historic Johnnie Walker packaging plant in Kilmarnock and Port Dundas distillery in Glasgow.
You can find out much more information directly at the following sites:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=101098331269
Please Sign The Petition To Paul Walsh CEO of Diageo @
http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=559
Download posters, stickers, newsletters @
http://www.unitetheunion.com/savediageojobs
Unite Seeks Recognition At FSA
Unite has called on the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to urgently enter into talks to recognise Unite as the union to represent all staff at the regulatory body.
There is currently no independent trade union to negotiate with management on behalf of the workforce at the financial regulator. Unite workplace representatives in the FSA have been banned from distributing information about the union to colleagues. Unite already has many members at the FSA, but the organisation continues to deny the union recognition to bargain collectively on behalf of staff.
The announcement by the Conservative party that it plans to abolish the FSA has caused a wave on uncertainty across the organisation. Unite is seeking formal recognition of the 2,500 staff based in London and Edinburgh.
Unite's National Officer for the Finance sector Rob MacGregor said: “The FSA must consider the needs of the staff working under massive pressure at the financial regulator. At a time of great economic and political uncertainty at the FSA, it is more important than ever that management and Unite representatives work together. Staff want a union to fight on their behalf, the FSA should stop resisting the calls of the workforce. There is a farcical situation in the FSA where commercial organisations, social and religious groups are allowed stalls, to give out leaflets to staff, and are able to put posters up, but the trade union is not. Staff view the plans from the Conservative party as a bitter blow, they need reassurance that the important work of the financial regulator is not under threat.”
Unite has written formally to the chair of the FSA board, Lord Turner, to ask for an urgent meeting to discuss formal recognition of the union.
Asbestos: Tony Woodley Slams Decision To Delay Justice
Following the announcement from the government at the end of the parliamentary year that it will not overturn the House of Lords' ruling which removed compensation for sufferers of asbestos-related diseases and have opted to half heartedly look at some of the other issues surrounding asbestos related disease, Unite joint general secretary, Tony Woodley said: “It’s an absolute disgrace that the government is not announcing a reversal of the House of Lords ruling on compensation for those with pleural plaques. It’s an insult to hard working British people who have been negligently exposed to asbestos.
“There is plenty of medical evidence that supports the fact that pleural plaques do harm workers, something the government is well aware of. So for those workers who are suffering from these terrible diseases this delay will seem unnecessary and cruel. But, as profoundly disappointed as we are with this outcome, we urge the government to look at the latest evidence from scientists that asbestos-related pain is connected to the disease. This should convince them that they need to act to compensate these workers and help alleviate their distress.
"The fact remains, however, that while the government debates the medical evidence, our members remain uncompensated for their suffering and the industry which took serious risks with workers' lives and health remain unpunished for the misery they've caused to innocent people.”
Attack On Skilled Craft Workers
Unions representing 40,000 skilled council craftworkers (Unite, Ucatt and GMB) have said they are appalled that a long delayed pay offer has been formulated in order to cut the terms and conditions of all local government craftworkers.
The workers concerned are local government craftworkers including: carpenters, bricklayers, painters, labourers, electricians, plumbers, heating and ventilator engineers and gas fitters. Their terms and conditions are set by the Joint Negotiating Committee JNC “Red Book” agreement, which is tailored to cover their specific working environment.
The employers are proposing a pay increase of just 1% for the majority of pay grades, with the building labourer rate (the lowest) receiving a 1.25 per cent increase. Allowances would also only rise by 1 per cent.
The employers are also offering to pay an additional 0.3 per cent, which other council workers on the Green Book received last year, if the unions voluntarily agree to collapse the Red Book. A 0.3 per cent increase for the majority of local government craftworkers would be worth just 50 pence - the cost of a Mars Bar - in take home pay.
In a further sinister move the employers say in their proposal: “However, should an agreement to dissolve the JNC not prove possible, the Employers would subject to the outcome of a consultation of all local authorities, give the Trade Union Side notice of their intention to withdraw from the JNC”
A unilateral decision to collapse the JNC, a national agreement, would create a situation where all 40,000 craftworkers would be issued with formal redundancy notices and then issued with new contracts. Given past experiences where individual councils have taken such action, this will result in extensive legal cases, thousands of tribunal claims and years of internal chaos for the councils involved.
At a time of economic uncertainty where councils are being forced to make cuts it is illogical and dogmatic to propose that hard-pressed councils use council taxpayers money to fund an unnecessary, legal and bureaucratic nightmare.
John Allott, Unite National Officer and Chair of the Union Side JNC, said “This offer does nothing to address the ever widening gap between the Red Book Agreement and the Private Sector Building Agreements for Craft Workers. The ill thought out and unnecessary threats to end the Red Book Craft Agreement are being made by incompetent civil servants who do not understand the industry nor do they seem to care that they may well land the Public purse with unnecessary hugely expensive legal cases and thousands of Tribunal Claims whilst they say they the cupboard is bare and are only prepared to offer a derisory 1%. Their treatment of loyal hardworking craftworkers is disgraceful and disrespectful”.
WORKERS UNITING GROUP - SCOTLAND - 22nd AUGUST
Workers Uniting Group Meeting
SCOTLAND REGION
The Workers Uniting Group is the broad based left-progressive organisation within Unite the Union
A meeting of Workers Uniting Group Supporters in Scotland will take place at
Scottish Trade Union Congress
333 Woodlands Road
Glasgow
G3 6NG
SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST - 1030am – 1200pm
Facing the Challenge. This is the 2nd meeting within the Scotland Region. It is important that the group’s Regional Structures are established.
This meeting will provide that opportunity.
Please pass onto Unite Members!
www.workersunitinggroup.com
SCOTLAND REGION
The Workers Uniting Group is the broad based left-progressive organisation within Unite the Union
A meeting of Workers Uniting Group Supporters in Scotland will take place at
Scottish Trade Union Congress
333 Woodlands Road
Glasgow
G3 6NG
SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST - 1030am – 1200pm
Facing the Challenge. This is the 2nd meeting within the Scotland Region. It is important that the group’s Regional Structures are established.
This meeting will provide that opportunity.
Please pass onto Unite Members!
www.workersunitinggroup.com
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