John McDonnell's attempt to change the law to stop employers using legal technicalities to stop strikes has failed to clear the Commons.
McDonnell's Lawful Industrial Action Bill would have allowed strikes even after accidental errors in union balloting.
But the proposal ran out of time and stands little chance of going further.
Mr McDonnell said the measure would have "changed the climate of industrial relations".
The legislation backed by a number of unions aimed to prevent situations like the recent legal wrangling between British Airways and the Unite union.
British Airways was able to go to the High Court and argue Unite's strike ballot was invalid, because it included BA staff who were leaving the company and therefore would not be working for it during any strike.
Mr McDonnell said his Bill would have a "significant impact on restoring basic civil liberties."
But the measure was not supported by the Labour front bencher Nia Griffith who insisted the party was "committed to ensuring... that strikes cannot take place without a properly conducted ballot".
But she agreed the existing law was not working as it had been intended.
"In recent years, employers have successfully challenged ballots - not because there was any doubt about the view of the majority of those balloted but because of minor technical non-compliances, which would have no impact whatsoever on the result of the ballot."
The junior business minister, Liberal Democrat MP Ed Davey, said the arguments for Mr McDonnell's Bill seemed to be "a throwback to a previous age".
There was a need to "draw a line under our industrial relations history and turn the page", he said.
The government was anxious to engage with the trade unions.
"We want to hear their considered views and develop a common understanding and approach to the severe problems this country faces," he said.
Mr McDonnell used a parliamentary procedure known as a closure motion in an attempt to stop his Bill being talked out - the practice where opponents of a measure keep talking until time for debate runs out.
MPs voted 87 to 27 in favour of bringing debate to a close, but under Commons rules 100 "yes" votes are needed so discussion continued.
Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg was still making a speech when time for debate ran out at 2.30pm, so the Bill failed to gain a second reading and now stands little chance of making progress due to Commons rules.
Even though it was talked out it is not acceptable that less than 100 Labour MP's were in the House to vote, given that the bill was backed by all the TULO unions.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
CSR: Derek Simpson says "It's a massacre".
Public sector to lose half a million jobs
Chancellor George Osborne confirmed that almost 500,000 public-sector jobs are set to be axed as a result of the spending review yesterday, condemning Britain to "unnecessary wholesale unemployment."
Millionaire Osborne confirmed the Office for Budget Responsibility had estimated 490,000 jobs could go over the four years covered by the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Unison described the cuts as "ideologically driven" and accused the government of failing to consider that there was a fairer alternative.
The union said the 500,000 public-sector job cuts will prove a "false economy" and will cost the private sector a further 425,000 jobs.
Unite joint general secretary Derek Simpson said: "This is not a spending review - it's a massacre. It's totally perverse to claim that cutting half a million jobs and razing our public services to the ground is good for this country.
"No matter how often they repeat that their actions are fair, this government is making a political choice to attack the public sector and by doing this now damaging the whole of the economy long into the future."
Chancellor George Osborne confirmed that almost 500,000 public-sector jobs are set to be axed as a result of the spending review yesterday, condemning Britain to "unnecessary wholesale unemployment."
Millionaire Osborne confirmed the Office for Budget Responsibility had estimated 490,000 jobs could go over the four years covered by the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Unison described the cuts as "ideologically driven" and accused the government of failing to consider that there was a fairer alternative.
The union said the 500,000 public-sector job cuts will prove a "false economy" and will cost the private sector a further 425,000 jobs.
Unite joint general secretary Derek Simpson said: "This is not a spending review - it's a massacre. It's totally perverse to claim that cutting half a million jobs and razing our public services to the ground is good for this country.
"No matter how often they repeat that their actions are fair, this government is making a political choice to attack the public sector and by doing this now damaging the whole of the economy long into the future."
BAE jobs fears in Woodford after Nimrod axed
BAE systems workers have been "angered and devastated" by the decision to axe the new Nimrod, Unite has said.
More than 1,000 people are working to build the MRA4 surveillance aircraft at BAE in Woodford, Stockport - its final contract before closing in 2012.
The prime minister announced on Tuesday the Nimrod order was being cancelled.
Staff now fear the site could close 18 months ahead of schedule. BAE said this was premature speculation.
David Cameron told the Commons the replacement Nimrod MRA4 reconnaissance planes project had cost more than £3bn and was more than eight years late.
The contract was signed in 1996 for a total of 21 planes. This number was reduced to 12 and then later, nine. Two aircraft have actually been built and these will not be put into service.
BAE systems employs 500 staff at its Woodford site and a further 500 contractors. More than 300 people are also employed in Chadderton, Oldham, working on service support.
But the announcement has left staff fearing for their immediate future, according to John Fussey, of the Unite Union.
"I'm absolutely devastated and I'm totally angry with this decision really," he said.
"There's not much opportunity at any other BAE sites, so I think we're going to end up as supermarket checkout people."
Asked whether the plant might not close, Mr Fussey said: "We don't know yet. We've got to discuss with the company what happens.
"I've got to hope that BAE Systems actually see the assets on the table and see what the aircraft is capable to do. If they do realise its assets and potential and realise its saleable value with a bit of luck, you never know."
"Given that the project is virtually complete, scrapping the Nimrod MRA4 makes no sense whatsoever,” said Bernie Hamilton, Unite's national officer for Aerospace and Shipbuilding. “Its cancellation will mean the early closure of BAE’s site at Woodford, leading to the loss of the engineering jobs at BAE and on site at RAF Kinloss.”
A BAE Systems spokesman told the BBC any speculation about what might happen was just that - speculation.
The defence giant said it would study the details of the review - as well as the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review - and make a further statement on Thursday.
"Today's announcement gives us the basis on which to adapt our plans," a spokesman said.
More than 1,000 people are working to build the MRA4 surveillance aircraft at BAE in Woodford, Stockport - its final contract before closing in 2012.
The prime minister announced on Tuesday the Nimrod order was being cancelled.
Staff now fear the site could close 18 months ahead of schedule. BAE said this was premature speculation.
David Cameron told the Commons the replacement Nimrod MRA4 reconnaissance planes project had cost more than £3bn and was more than eight years late.
The contract was signed in 1996 for a total of 21 planes. This number was reduced to 12 and then later, nine. Two aircraft have actually been built and these will not be put into service.
BAE systems employs 500 staff at its Woodford site and a further 500 contractors. More than 300 people are also employed in Chadderton, Oldham, working on service support.
But the announcement has left staff fearing for their immediate future, according to John Fussey, of the Unite Union.
"I'm absolutely devastated and I'm totally angry with this decision really," he said.
"There's not much opportunity at any other BAE sites, so I think we're going to end up as supermarket checkout people."
Asked whether the plant might not close, Mr Fussey said: "We don't know yet. We've got to discuss with the company what happens.
"I've got to hope that BAE Systems actually see the assets on the table and see what the aircraft is capable to do. If they do realise its assets and potential and realise its saleable value with a bit of luck, you never know."
"Given that the project is virtually complete, scrapping the Nimrod MRA4 makes no sense whatsoever,” said Bernie Hamilton, Unite's national officer for Aerospace and Shipbuilding. “Its cancellation will mean the early closure of BAE’s site at Woodford, leading to the loss of the engineering jobs at BAE and on site at RAF Kinloss.”
A BAE Systems spokesman told the BBC any speculation about what might happen was just that - speculation.
The defence giant said it would study the details of the review - as well as the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review - and make a further statement on Thursday.
"Today's announcement gives us the basis on which to adapt our plans," a spokesman said.
Tyneside Safety Glass Ballot On Offer
Unite members at Tyneside Safety Glass will be balloted on a ‘significantly improved’ pay offer.
And as a result, two weeks of continuous strike action due to have begun on 18 October 2010 has been called off at the Gateshead company, pending consultation and a ballot of Unite members.
Unite assistant general secretary, Tony Burke, said: ”The company has made a significantly improved pay offer and there has also been progress on working conditions. The strike action has been called off.
”Unite strongly recommends the improved offer and the fathers of the chapel (shop stewards) will be briefing members this week on the proposals and then there will be a ballot. The workforce should be congratulated on their firm stance and resolution during this dispute.
Seventy-three Unite members at Tyneside Safety Glass, Team Valley, began their dispute on 20 September 2010, after the company imposed a second year of pay freezes, combined with changes to shift patterns which in some cases could have added ten hours to the working week, taking Unite members up to the maximum 48 hour working week.
And as a result, two weeks of continuous strike action due to have begun on 18 October 2010 has been called off at the Gateshead company, pending consultation and a ballot of Unite members.
Unite assistant general secretary, Tony Burke, said: ”The company has made a significantly improved pay offer and there has also been progress on working conditions. The strike action has been called off.
”Unite strongly recommends the improved offer and the fathers of the chapel (shop stewards) will be briefing members this week on the proposals and then there will be a ballot. The workforce should be congratulated on their firm stance and resolution during this dispute.
Seventy-three Unite members at Tyneside Safety Glass, Team Valley, began their dispute on 20 September 2010, after the company imposed a second year of pay freezes, combined with changes to shift patterns which in some cases could have added ten hours to the working week, taking Unite members up to the maximum 48 hour working week.
Unite to ballot Cabin Crew on offer to settle dispute
Reuters report: - The union representing cabin crew at British Airways said on Wednesday it would ballot them on an offer to settle a year-long dispute that has brought strikes costing the airline 150 million pounds ($235 million).
Tony Woodley, joint General Secretary of the Unite union, said he had met cabin crew representatives on Tuesday and they had agreed to put the offer to a ballot of members as soon as possible.
"Representatives agreed that it is the best that can be achieved through negotiation in the current climate," Woodley said. "Our members ... will now decide whether this offer meets their requirements."
BA said it thought the offer, the details of which have not been made public, was fair.
"The offer we have made, based on our previous proposals, is very fair and reasonable and represents a genuine solution to the remaining issues in this dispute," a BA spokesman said.
A key sticking point in resolving the dispute, which originally centred on cuts to pay and staffing levels, has been the airline's decision to remove staff travel perks for cabin crew who took part in the strikes.
However, the head of Unite's cabin crew branch BASSA told members in an email that BA had made enough changes to an earlier offer to warrant a ballot to see if it was acceptable.
"It is now up to you. If you vote against the offer, the dispute goes on. If you vote to accept, the dispute is over," BASSA Secretary Duncan Holley said.
Tony Woodley, joint General Secretary of the Unite union, said he had met cabin crew representatives on Tuesday and they had agreed to put the offer to a ballot of members as soon as possible.
"Representatives agreed that it is the best that can be achieved through negotiation in the current climate," Woodley said. "Our members ... will now decide whether this offer meets their requirements."
BA said it thought the offer, the details of which have not been made public, was fair.
"The offer we have made, based on our previous proposals, is very fair and reasonable and represents a genuine solution to the remaining issues in this dispute," a BA spokesman said.
A key sticking point in resolving the dispute, which originally centred on cuts to pay and staffing levels, has been the airline's decision to remove staff travel perks for cabin crew who took part in the strikes.
However, the head of Unite's cabin crew branch BASSA told members in an email that BA had made enough changes to an earlier offer to warrant a ballot to see if it was acceptable.
"It is now up to you. If you vote against the offer, the dispute goes on. If you vote to accept, the dispute is over," BASSA Secretary Duncan Holley said.
Les Bayliss: Aerospace and Shipbuilding Sector Update.
Les Bayliss visits BAE Systems.
As part of a recent visit to Scotland, Les Bayliss visited BAE Systems. He addressed Unite Shop Stewards Groups from all three Scottish yards. Scotstoun, Govan, and Rosyth.
Les stated: "The positive relationship between BAE Systems and Unite is crucial to the continued success of the Company in Scotland and throughout it's other UK operations. The focus is on long term stability of employment, high quality product, and most importantly, a healthy respect for each others points of view.
The Government is already realising that it can't just demand £40 billion worth of cuts without examining exactly what that would mean to ordinary working people. Shipbuilding in Scotland has a wonderful history of struggle but more importantly survival. All three Scottish yards have flourished in recent years and Unite members are amongst the most highly skilled workers within the industry. We want to work with all our partners to ensure everyone involved has a future well beyond the current order book."
The Ballot for Unite GS opens on 25th October make sure you vote for Les !
As part of a recent visit to Scotland, Les Bayliss visited BAE Systems. He addressed Unite Shop Stewards Groups from all three Scottish yards. Scotstoun, Govan, and Rosyth.
Les stated: "The positive relationship between BAE Systems and Unite is crucial to the continued success of the Company in Scotland and throughout it's other UK operations. The focus is on long term stability of employment, high quality product, and most importantly, a healthy respect for each others points of view.
The Government is already realising that it can't just demand £40 billion worth of cuts without examining exactly what that would mean to ordinary working people. Shipbuilding in Scotland has a wonderful history of struggle but more importantly survival. All three Scottish yards have flourished in recent years and Unite members are amongst the most highly skilled workers within the industry. We want to work with all our partners to ensure everyone involved has a future well beyond the current order book."
The Ballot for Unite GS opens on 25th October make sure you vote for Les !
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Unite warning on cuts
The coalition's threat to slash public spending by between 25 and 40 percent will destroy nearly as many private sector jobs as public sector ones, Unite, the country's largest union will warn at the national demonstration against the cuts today (Tuesday 19 October).
Ahead of tomorrow's comprehensive spending review - set to unveil the heaviest cuts in public investment in generations - Tony Woodley, Unite joint general secretary, will tell the rally of workers that for every four public sector jobs forced by government, three more will follow in the private sector: "The coalition has no brief for the devastation it is about to unleash on this country. Cuts on this scale make no sense. Business knows it needs the public sector to fill the growth gap created by a struggling private sector. And the people of this country, who most need their public services to help them during tough times, did not vote for the dismantling of their schools, hospitals and communities.
"Where is George Osborne's plan B which will see the government grow the economy through investment, implement pain-free taxes on the banks and pursue the real `muggers', the super rich who avoid their tax obligations to this country?
"For every four jobs lost in public services, three more will follow in private industries. This is not a price worth paying.
"Make no mistake, if this government forces through its brutal programme, Britain will not become a stronger economy - it will become a bleaker and more divided country."
Using research produced for the Scottish government (see note below), Unite has found that for every 1,000 public administration jobs cut a further 700 - at least - will follow in the private sector.
Unite also believes the true extent of the cuts will be to take a colossal £145 billion from the economy. This is based on the government's statement in the June budget that it will cut total managed expenditure by 7.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) over six years. This amounts to cuts of £108 billion, but as total managed expenditure also includes debt interest payments, this adds another £36.6 billion over the six years. That means the spending on services, benefits and jobs will be cut in real terms by £145 billion.
Unite has been pressing for the government to abandon a cuts-only policy and focus instead on growing the economy through investment. The union is releasing a briefing paper, Dealing with the deficit - there is a better way, which shows that:
Coalition cuts are ideological, not economic
Germany, France and Japan have all got higher net debt than the UK.
In April 2010, the IMF stated the UK has the lowest government debt as a proportion of GDP in the G7.
Hundreds of thousands of jobs will go
The Treasury predicts the cuts will lead to at least 500,000 public sector jobs losses and between 600,000 and 700,000 private sector jobs in the next four years.
For every four public sector jobs cuts, three more will follow in the private sector.
Unemployment is expected to surge above 10 oer cent in half of our regions by 2015.
Public sector spending cuts could reduce private sector gross output by around £46 billion per annum by 2014/15.
We are not all in this together
The cuts will make the poorest 10 per cent of households will be worse off by £1,514 a year - or 21.7 per cent of household income.
The richest 10 per cent of households will lose just 3.6 per cent of their annual household income.
With 65 per cent of the overall public sector workforce female, women will be hit harder by job cuts and the two year pay freeze (2011 - 2013).
Female unemployment now stands at one million; over 200,000 18-24 year olds have been out of work for over one year.
There is a better way
While the coalition cuts support to families the banks are allowed to defer paying £19 billion in corporation taxes.
Wealthy companies and individuals cost the country £25 billion a year in tax avoidance.
£4.7 billion can be raised by introducing a 50 per cent tax rate on incomes over £100,000.
A tax on the banks, derivative trading and major hedge funds of just 5p for every £1,000 transacted could generate $400 billion globally; in the UK tens of billions of pounds could be generated.
For every £1 billion spent on health, education and social work there is an increase in demand in the economy worth £1.854 billion.
Where is plan B?
The government has no strategy for growing jobs. It has denied a loan to Sheffield Forgemasters, is ending the Future Jobs Fund and scrapping the Regional Development Agencies.
In July 2010, the markets reported that UK deficit had narrowed, reducing government's borrowing requirements and prompting many to ask, why cut so hard and so deeply?
Tony Woodley is to address the TUC-coordinated rally in defence of the public services, which will be held at Westminster Central Hall from 12.30 on Tuesday 19th, before leading Unite members to lobby MPs for their help in resisting the slash in spending. Hundreds of Unite members will be attending the rally from across the UK.
Ahead of tomorrow's comprehensive spending review - set to unveil the heaviest cuts in public investment in generations - Tony Woodley, Unite joint general secretary, will tell the rally of workers that for every four public sector jobs forced by government, three more will follow in the private sector: "The coalition has no brief for the devastation it is about to unleash on this country. Cuts on this scale make no sense. Business knows it needs the public sector to fill the growth gap created by a struggling private sector. And the people of this country, who most need their public services to help them during tough times, did not vote for the dismantling of their schools, hospitals and communities.
"Where is George Osborne's plan B which will see the government grow the economy through investment, implement pain-free taxes on the banks and pursue the real `muggers', the super rich who avoid their tax obligations to this country?
"For every four jobs lost in public services, three more will follow in private industries. This is not a price worth paying.
"Make no mistake, if this government forces through its brutal programme, Britain will not become a stronger economy - it will become a bleaker and more divided country."
Using research produced for the Scottish government (see note below), Unite has found that for every 1,000 public administration jobs cut a further 700 - at least - will follow in the private sector.
Unite also believes the true extent of the cuts will be to take a colossal £145 billion from the economy. This is based on the government's statement in the June budget that it will cut total managed expenditure by 7.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) over six years. This amounts to cuts of £108 billion, but as total managed expenditure also includes debt interest payments, this adds another £36.6 billion over the six years. That means the spending on services, benefits and jobs will be cut in real terms by £145 billion.
Unite has been pressing for the government to abandon a cuts-only policy and focus instead on growing the economy through investment. The union is releasing a briefing paper, Dealing with the deficit - there is a better way, which shows that:
Coalition cuts are ideological, not economic
Germany, France and Japan have all got higher net debt than the UK.
In April 2010, the IMF stated the UK has the lowest government debt as a proportion of GDP in the G7.
Hundreds of thousands of jobs will go
The Treasury predicts the cuts will lead to at least 500,000 public sector jobs losses and between 600,000 and 700,000 private sector jobs in the next four years.
For every four public sector jobs cuts, three more will follow in the private sector.
Unemployment is expected to surge above 10 oer cent in half of our regions by 2015.
Public sector spending cuts could reduce private sector gross output by around £46 billion per annum by 2014/15.
We are not all in this together
The cuts will make the poorest 10 per cent of households will be worse off by £1,514 a year - or 21.7 per cent of household income.
The richest 10 per cent of households will lose just 3.6 per cent of their annual household income.
With 65 per cent of the overall public sector workforce female, women will be hit harder by job cuts and the two year pay freeze (2011 - 2013).
Female unemployment now stands at one million; over 200,000 18-24 year olds have been out of work for over one year.
There is a better way
While the coalition cuts support to families the banks are allowed to defer paying £19 billion in corporation taxes.
Wealthy companies and individuals cost the country £25 billion a year in tax avoidance.
£4.7 billion can be raised by introducing a 50 per cent tax rate on incomes over £100,000.
A tax on the banks, derivative trading and major hedge funds of just 5p for every £1,000 transacted could generate $400 billion globally; in the UK tens of billions of pounds could be generated.
For every £1 billion spent on health, education and social work there is an increase in demand in the economy worth £1.854 billion.
Where is plan B?
The government has no strategy for growing jobs. It has denied a loan to Sheffield Forgemasters, is ending the Future Jobs Fund and scrapping the Regional Development Agencies.
In July 2010, the markets reported that UK deficit had narrowed, reducing government's borrowing requirements and prompting many to ask, why cut so hard and so deeply?
Tony Woodley is to address the TUC-coordinated rally in defence of the public services, which will be held at Westminster Central Hall from 12.30 on Tuesday 19th, before leading Unite members to lobby MPs for their help in resisting the slash in spending. Hundreds of Unite members will be attending the rally from across the UK.
Bernie Hamilton: "Defence review lacks strategy"
Bernie Hamilton, Unite's national officer for Aerospace and Shipbuilding said: "The government's strategic defence review looks devoid of any strategy whatsoever. These decisions will cost thousands of skilled jobs and have long term consequences for the UK's manufacturing base. This review is about cost cutting and backroom deals between the Tories and the Lib Dems for the sake of the coalition not the country.
"Given that the project is virtually complete, scrapping the Nimrod MRA4 makes no sense whatsoever. Its cancellation will mean the early closure of BAE's site at Woodford, leading to the loss of the engineering jobs at BAE and on site at RAF Kinloss.
"The decision to complete the two aircraft carriers is welcome news, but a carrier that carries no planes is bizarre. Any further reductions to the surface fleet will cause major concerns across the workforces at Portsmouth, Rosyth and Devonport dock yards.
"David Cameron leaves many questions unanswered. We have no details on numbers of joint strike fighters and Typhoon Tranche 3B aircraft which leaves workforces across the UK feeling uncertain about their futures."
"Given that the project is virtually complete, scrapping the Nimrod MRA4 makes no sense whatsoever. Its cancellation will mean the early closure of BAE's site at Woodford, leading to the loss of the engineering jobs at BAE and on site at RAF Kinloss.
"The decision to complete the two aircraft carriers is welcome news, but a carrier that carries no planes is bizarre. Any further reductions to the surface fleet will cause major concerns across the workforces at Portsmouth, Rosyth and Devonport dock yards.
"David Cameron leaves many questions unanswered. We have no details on numbers of joint strike fighters and Typhoon Tranche 3B aircraft which leaves workforces across the UK feeling uncertain about their futures."
Message from Les Bayliss to all Unite Members in the Energy Sector,
To all Members in the Energy Sector,
The Energy Sector is vital to the UK economy and you play an enormously significant role in providing the energy and resources that so many people take for granted. There are many challenges and opportunities ahead.
If I'm elected general secretary you and your industry will have my full support. That means protecting your terms and conditions by ensuring that Unite remains vigilant in exposing those employers who might use the economy as an excuse to put pressure on your living standards.
As the biggest union in the energy sector, we also have a wider responsibility to support and campaign for the sector itself. There are tough choices ahead and I want to ensure that Unite influences the debate on behalf of its members.
The current dash for gas will not bring a long term secure supply of energy; what is needed is a combination of nuclear, clean coal, gas and renewables. My goal is that Unite members gain full advantage of the challenges presented by the energy demands of a 21st century.
Considering the current plight of manufacturing, this energy expansion brings with it untold opportunities for the UK. There is no doubt that these enormous investments can and must herald the renaissance of engineering industry with the thousands of jobs that this will bring. But it means that you must have access to quality training at work to enable you to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
Securing our energy supply must therefore be a fundamental priority as we make the transition to a low carbon economy.
This sector needs strong leadership to support you at work. A leadership that will vigorously campaign to ensure that the energy infrastructure, is fit for purpose. If I am elected general secretary, I pledge to do both.
The election for the new General Secretary of Unite opens on 25th October. It presents the ideal opportunity for you to join me in making Unite the great union our members deserve.
Yours fraternally
Les Bayliss
P.S. Keep up to date with my campaign at www.Les4gs.org
The Energy Sector is vital to the UK economy and you play an enormously significant role in providing the energy and resources that so many people take for granted. There are many challenges and opportunities ahead.
If I'm elected general secretary you and your industry will have my full support. That means protecting your terms and conditions by ensuring that Unite remains vigilant in exposing those employers who might use the economy as an excuse to put pressure on your living standards.
As the biggest union in the energy sector, we also have a wider responsibility to support and campaign for the sector itself. There are tough choices ahead and I want to ensure that Unite influences the debate on behalf of its members.
The current dash for gas will not bring a long term secure supply of energy; what is needed is a combination of nuclear, clean coal, gas and renewables. My goal is that Unite members gain full advantage of the challenges presented by the energy demands of a 21st century.
Considering the current plight of manufacturing, this energy expansion brings with it untold opportunities for the UK. There is no doubt that these enormous investments can and must herald the renaissance of engineering industry with the thousands of jobs that this will bring. But it means that you must have access to quality training at work to enable you to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
Securing our energy supply must therefore be a fundamental priority as we make the transition to a low carbon economy.
This sector needs strong leadership to support you at work. A leadership that will vigorously campaign to ensure that the energy infrastructure, is fit for purpose. If I am elected general secretary, I pledge to do both.
The election for the new General Secretary of Unite opens on 25th October. It presents the ideal opportunity for you to join me in making Unite the great union our members deserve.
Yours fraternally
Les Bayliss
P.S. Keep up to date with my campaign at www.Les4gs.org
Monday, October 18, 2010
Bassa cabin crew branch considers new peace offer from British Airways
From Guardian by Dan Milmo
Monday 18 October 2010 18.43 BST
Unite's cabin crew branch says it is considering new peace proposals from British Airways after talks at Acas.
Talks between the Unite trade union and British Airways have produced new proposals that could end a long-running industrial dispute involving the airline's cabin crew workforce.
Willie Walsh, BA's chief executive, and Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite, held discussions last week under the auspices of the Acas conciliation service in an attempt to break the deadlock. According to Unite's main cabin crew branch, Bassa, the talks have resulted in the outlines of a new peace offer.
"We do now have details of the offer and also a reasonable understanding of its detail; as you would expect, it contains both good and bad," said Bassa in an email to members. "Some points have legal implications and so require additional legal opinion; we need to secure that as quickly as possible. We must all carefully decide our next step."
Bassa was noncommittal about the offer, adding that it was still considering a "formal response", but said the proposals would be considered by shop stewards and ultimately by members. The email stated: "Any – and all – decisions taken, will be yours."
A British Airways spokesman said: "We don't give a running commentary on the status of the Acas process."
The dispute between Unite and BA erupted last year after the airline reduced crewing levels on flights, following a voluntary redundancy programme. A subsequent strike vote saw Unite, which represents about 10,000 BA cabin crew, call 12 days of strikes last Christmas but the walkouts were blocked in the high court. Further ballots and the failure to reach an agreement saw a total of 22 days of strikes go ahead this year.
The dispute over how to achieve cost cuts in BA's cabin crew budget has been complicated by a row over sanctions imposed on flight attendants who participated in the strikes. Staff who took part in the walkouts have been barred from using BA's discounted fares scheme. BA has offered to reinstate staff travel perks but without the seniority clauses that give long-serving cabin crew priority over junior colleagues. Unite has demanded the scheme be reinstated in full, while BA has warned that the discounted tickets are for employees who "show loyalty" to the airline.
Bassa has threatened to stage walkouts over the Christmas period but BA has insisted it will run 100% of its long-haul services during a strike, including all long-haul and short-haul flights from Gatwick and City airports.
Earlier this month Walsh said warnings of further walkouts had not damaged bookings. "It has failed. Our traffic stats show that people are continuing to fly with us."
He added that Unite risked a public backlash if it considered action over Christmas. "If they were to get a mandate the public reaction would be pretty much the same as it was last Christmas. Our plans are robust and we know that we can operate a full long-haul programme."
Monday 18 October 2010 18.43 BST
Unite's cabin crew branch says it is considering new peace proposals from British Airways after talks at Acas.
Talks between the Unite trade union and British Airways have produced new proposals that could end a long-running industrial dispute involving the airline's cabin crew workforce.
Willie Walsh, BA's chief executive, and Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite, held discussions last week under the auspices of the Acas conciliation service in an attempt to break the deadlock. According to Unite's main cabin crew branch, Bassa, the talks have resulted in the outlines of a new peace offer.
"We do now have details of the offer and also a reasonable understanding of its detail; as you would expect, it contains both good and bad," said Bassa in an email to members. "Some points have legal implications and so require additional legal opinion; we need to secure that as quickly as possible. We must all carefully decide our next step."
Bassa was noncommittal about the offer, adding that it was still considering a "formal response", but said the proposals would be considered by shop stewards and ultimately by members. The email stated: "Any – and all – decisions taken, will be yours."
A British Airways spokesman said: "We don't give a running commentary on the status of the Acas process."
The dispute between Unite and BA erupted last year after the airline reduced crewing levels on flights, following a voluntary redundancy programme. A subsequent strike vote saw Unite, which represents about 10,000 BA cabin crew, call 12 days of strikes last Christmas but the walkouts were blocked in the high court. Further ballots and the failure to reach an agreement saw a total of 22 days of strikes go ahead this year.
The dispute over how to achieve cost cuts in BA's cabin crew budget has been complicated by a row over sanctions imposed on flight attendants who participated in the strikes. Staff who took part in the walkouts have been barred from using BA's discounted fares scheme. BA has offered to reinstate staff travel perks but without the seniority clauses that give long-serving cabin crew priority over junior colleagues. Unite has demanded the scheme be reinstated in full, while BA has warned that the discounted tickets are for employees who "show loyalty" to the airline.
Bassa has threatened to stage walkouts over the Christmas period but BA has insisted it will run 100% of its long-haul services during a strike, including all long-haul and short-haul flights from Gatwick and City airports.
Earlier this month Walsh said warnings of further walkouts had not damaged bookings. "It has failed. Our traffic stats show that people are continuing to fly with us."
He added that Unite risked a public backlash if it considered action over Christmas. "If they were to get a mandate the public reaction would be pretty much the same as it was last Christmas. Our plans are robust and we know that we can operate a full long-haul programme."
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