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."
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