Conference sees 'historic' meeting

(22/6/06) Trade unionists from Palestine and Israel stood side by side in conference today, in what UNISON president Christine Wilde called an "historic moment".
Abla Masrujeh of the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) and Ophir Elkalay of Histradut, expressed their different views on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Elkalay described the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005 as a "ray of hope" in the peace process, but the democratic election of Hamas as a major setback.
He called on the PGFTU condemn terrorism and defended the building of the "security fence" as a necessary measure to protect Israeli's from terrorism.
But he also suggested the suffering of many Israeli citizens by describing the murder of his own brother at the hands of a suicide bomber in Jerusalem.
"Despite, or perhaps, because of this I have decided to struggle for peace," he said. "We must work together to end violence and return to negotiations.
"We may disagree on a number of issues," he added, "but we can agree on one thing: only through peace and co-existence can we and the Palestinians build a future together."
Abla Masrujeh reminded delegates that she had spoken to them before, in 2001. "At that time I expressed the enormous difficulties we were facing as Palestinian workers, and as Palestinian people," she said.
"The audience was astonished. But the changes we campaigned for have not been achieved. Here I am again and the unendurable conditions are the same."
Masrrujeh spoke of pregnant women being detained by Israeli soldiers while in labour, of a family of seven that was recently killed by an Israeli missile attack on a beach, and of the 35 Palestinians that were killed in Gaza in the past two weeks alone.
And she asked: "What does terror mean if these actions are not terror?"
She described the plight of tens of thousands of Palestinian workers denied access to work in Israel, with more jobs lost since the election of Hamas. Those who do find work, she said, were exploited by Israeli employers.
The PGFTU reports unemployment amongst Palestinians at 60%. Masrrujeh said that 650,000 people were living below the poverty line.
She said those in the UK had a "moral responsibility" to help.
"There are many issues that need to be resolved. We are not talking about charity, we are demanding basic rights. We call you to support an end to the occupation, an end to the arrogance of power, and to bring down the apartheid wall."
Helen Jenner of the NEC introduced a motion that underlined UNISON's solidarity with the Palestinians and opposition to the Israeli occupation - which has been exacerbated by the creation of the wall.
She also spoke of the need to support the PGFTU and Histradut in their difficult attempt to communicate over the political divide.
"Although tensions still exist and the two sides disagree on policy, both have recognised the importance of talking to each other," she said.
"Israeli trade unions have an important role to play. We should be encouraging them in this role, and not isolating them."
Conference vowed to

• continue capacity building projects and solidarity work with the PGFTU;
• strengthen links and practical support with both the PGFTU and, where appropriate, Israeli trade unions;
• campaign actively and publicly for the dismantling of Israeli wall around the West Bank;
• continue to support the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the Trade Union Friends of Palestine, and encourage branches and regions to affiliate.

Tackling the long hours culture
(7/9/05) Working smarter is key to improving employee satisfaction and productivity, said employment minister Gerry Sutcliffe, launching a report on flexible working practices.
The report 'Managing Change', produced jointly by the Department of Trade and Industry, the TUC and the CBI, explores how firms can manage change to improve working patterns and address the long hours culture in the workplace.
Companies including BT, Accenture, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Eversheds have introduced measures including part-time working, flexitime, job-sharing and annualised hours in a bid to modernise working practices, while maintaining, or improving, productivity.
The aim of the report is to give companies the opportunity to showcase the work they have done in this area. It has been produced as the culmination of a series on nine master classes around the UK, at which the featured 'business champions' have shared their experiences with other employers.
TUC general secretary, Brendan Barber, said lots of organisations have shown that they can beat Britain's long hours culture by working smarter.
“Unions do believe in proper regulation, but this initiative shows that workplaces can do even better when managers and employees work together," he said.
UNISON policy officer, Ross Hendry, welcomed the new guide as an example of how employers can learn from best practice examples but warned that for work life balance policies to work, employers must work with staff and unions.
“A clear lesson is that the potential benefits of work-life balance policies will only be fully realised when employers involve staff and unions in designing and implementing a clear, transparent, accountable, and fairly implemented set of policies," he said.
He said UNISON had supported and promoted work-life balance policies for some time because it believes that well-trained, well-motivated staff are key in delivering high-quality, efficient and effective public services.
“Good employers understand that they are responsible for the well-being of their staff and that part of that responsibility lies in making sure that the way work is arranged is sensitive to the needs of the employee,” Hendry said.

Edinburgh Rally 2nd July, 2005
Are you taking part in the Edinburgh Rally on 2nd July? If you are interested e-mail your local Steward by Friday 17th June so that the Branch can facilitate transport to the event. You, your family and friends can play your part to MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY.
If you can’t attend on 2nd July you can still play your part.
Wear a white band. Buy them from Oxfam, The Body Shop or online.
Go to www.makepovertyhistory.org and register. Follow the links on the site for all the ways you can make your voice heard.

Why bother............?

In the time it has taken you to read this message 10 children have died due to poverty. Is that a good enough reason?

TRADE UNIONS AGAINST THE G8

PUBLIC MEETING
Wednesday 8th June 7pm
Transport & General Workers Union Office
290 Bath Street GLASGOW
Rozanne Foyer, TGWU
Peter Murray, BBC NUJ
Kenny Ross, Chair Scottish FBU
Plus speakers from STUC & UNISON

The leaders of the G8 richest countries in the world meet at the exclusive golfing retreat of Gleneagles next month. Thirty years of G8 summits -formerly G6 and G7 - have brought an increase in inequality and poverty, global instability, war and environmental destruction.

The G8 Summit in Scotland will be a chance for thousands of people to raise our voices for an end to poverty and for a better world. The Make Poverty History March through Edinburgh on Saturday 2nd July promises to be Scotland's biggest ever protest.

The trade union movement continues to play a key role in campaigns for social justice and peace.

The STUC Conference this year passed policy supporting a range of events around the G8.

Events at the g8 include:

Saturday 2nd July Make Poverty History Demonstration in Edinburgh
Sunday 3rd July G8 Alternative Summit in Edinburgh
Monday 4th July Demonstrate against Trident at Faslane
Tuesday 5th July Demonstrate at Dungavel Detention Centre.
Wednesday 6th July Demonstrate against the G8 at Gleneagles.
This meeting has been called by the TGWU to help publicise and build these events. Please encourage workmates and friends to come along and take part.

 

Got a Christmas present that's not quite you?

Give it to Oxfam and help others. Click below to find your local Oxfam store.

www.oxfam.org.uk



Debt Clinic/PayPlan

UNISON and their partners FCL (Federation Credit Limited) have a PayPlan for members with debt problems.

With PayPlan you get:
> reduction of debts to a single payment 
> choice of payment methods including PayPoint cash option 
> an assigned case worker to call for advice throughout the repayment programme 
> supported self-help if you prefer 
> completely free service.

The PayPlan is paid for by the credit industry so every penny of your repayments goes towards your debt unlike some debt management companies who charge a fee.

The Debtline number is 0800-389-3302 8am-9pm M-F and 9am-1pm Saturdays. The website is www.debtclinic.co.uk/unison

The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003

The long-awaited regulations protecting lesbian, gay and bisexual workers from discrimination were finally laid before Parliament on 8 May 2003. They will come into force on 1 December 2003.

The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 will make it unlawful for any employer to discriminate against a worker on grounds of their sexual orientation. They cover all employees and contract workers based in Great Britain and address discrimination - direct and indirect - harassment, victimisation, and recruitment. The regulations make the employer liable for discriminatory acts taken by anyone acting on their behalf, whether or not to their knowledge, unless they can show they took reasonable steps to prevent this.

These protections have been hard fought for and it is right to celebrate their achievement, but they do contain weaknesses and loopholes.

UNISON will keep pushing for an end to the right to discriminate on the basis of marriage. This is one of the issues of most concern to UNISON members, not least because it directly impacts on the public sector pensions schemes. Surviving partner benefits will still be denied to same sex partners.

UNISON is also extremely concerned about the specific exception for religious employers, which strikes at the very heart of the concept of equality. UNISON is in discussion with others about challenging this clause, which a number of legal experts believe does not comply with the Employment Directive.

UNISON will also continue to campaign for full protection from discrimination in employment and service delivery and for a positive duty to promote equality on all grounds.

United Against Racism - Update

Representatives from Britain's rich multicultural society marched through Manchester in their thousands on 26 April, delivering a simple united message against racism ahead of the local council elections on 1 May: "No them and us".

The day of protest started with the march through the city centre to a rally in Albert Square - addressed by union leaders, MPs, survivors of racism campaigners and local activists.

A United Against Racism concert in the evening saw a packed Manchester Apollo dancing to dynamic new music including Alabama 3, Uncut and RDB, as well as some old favourites.

Both our President, Danny Gillespie and our Secretary, Tony Grieve were there to represent the Branch.

United Against Racism Concert - 26 April 2003

Tickets for the UNISON and TUC "United Against Racism Concert" at the Carling Apollo in Manchester will go on advance sale to UNISON members from Thursday 20 March. The line up for this concert is as follows:
ALABAMA 3 (writers and performers of the Sopranos theme tune)
A frenzy of technobilly, lunacy, roots country, hip-hop, dub, gospel politics and excess. (more info at www.alabama3.co.uk)

COURTNEY PINE
Jazz and Beats 'The most outstanding musician in The UK' Straight no Chaser
LUCIANO
Live e)and Direct from Jamaica- Natural Mystic Reggae

RDB (Rhythm Dhol and Bass)
Award winning blend of Bhangra, House, Garage, Hindi, RnB, Hiphop and Ragga
The ticket price is £6 and we would urge UNISON members to book early because the tickets will go on sale to the general public from Monday 24 March. Depending on how you book you may have to pay a handling fee. To avoid this please read info below.

Ticket Arrangements

To avoid paying the handling fee you can pay by cheque via postal applications. Send a covering letter stating the title of the show "United Against Racism Concert" 26 April, the number of tickets you want and your contact details and a self addressed envelope. Cheques should be made payable to Clear Channel Entertainments and posted to the Carling Apollo, Stockport Road, Ardwick Green, Manchester M12 6AP. The venue will insist on sending the tickets guaranteed delivery so include an extra £4.85 to the total cost of your ticket purchase to cover postage. You can avoid paying this by asking to pick up the tickets on the day of the show from the box office. The Apollo will allow 14 days for cheques to clear so book early.

You can also avoid paying a handling charge by paying by cash or cheque in person at the Palace Theatre, Oxford Street Manchester. The box office is located on the corner of Oxford Street and Whitworth Street opening hours 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday.

You can also pay by cash or cheque in person at The Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester M3 3HP. Opening hours 10 am – 8pm Mon -Sat (credit or debit card also accepted but will be liable for a handling fee).

You can purchase tickets at the Ticket Master Ticket Centre, Virgin Megastore, 52 – 56 Market Street, Manchester M1 1PW opening hours Mon to Sat 9am –7pm Sun 11am – 5pm. At this outlet a handling fee for cash/cheque and credit card will be charged.

Telephone credit card bookings are handled by Ticketmaster via the Carling Apollo, Manchester Box Office telephone number: 0870 401 8000. This is open 24 hours. If you book through this route you will be charged a handling fee.

Internet booking via www.ticketmaster.co.uk a handling fee and postage will be charged.

Leaflets and fliers promoting the concert can also be obtained via UNISONdirect.

Contact: Chris Fabby, Tel no: 0207 551 1550 or email: c.fabby@unison.co.uk.

Workers Memorial Day – 28 April 2003

Trade unions around the world have adopted 28th April as Workers Memorial Day. On that day workers will be wearing a forget-me-not purple ribbon and will take action to remember all those who have been killed, maimed, or had their health destroyed by their jobs; and campaign for better standards for those at work.

This year’s theme is corporate accountability for workers health and safety. 

Wear a purple ribbon to remember the dead and renew your commitment to fight for the living.  

New UNISON-sponsored Leaflet on GM Crops

UNISON has been involved in the production of a new leaflet, "Do You Want GM Crops Growing in the UK?" As a member of the Five-Year Freeze steering group, UNISON has been active in the campaign for a moratorium on the production and commercialisation of GM Crops.

We do not yet know enough about the environmental costs or the safety of GM organisms. GM food testing has so far been inadequate and there is the additional danger of the crops having a detrimental impact on organic foods. The world currently produces enough food through conventional and organic farming methods to feed one-and-a-half times the world's population, so genetically modified foods are not the answer to solving the problem of world hunger.

The leaflet explores these arguments and others around this increasingly high profile issue. To order a copy/copies contact Guy Collis (details below) or alternatively you can access the leaflet from its own website www.gmleaflet.org.

For further information or hard copies contact Guy Collis on 020 7551 1752. 


IRAQ - UNISON Members Meeting in the Couper Institute, 84 Clarkston Road, Glasgow G44 will be held on Wednesday 19th March 2003 at 18:00
(Doors Open 17:30).

Speakers: Matt Smith - UNISON Scottish Secretary & John McFadden - UNISON 
NEC and International Committee

This meeting has been organised by UNISON Scottish Electricity Branch following a motion from a member at our recent Branch AGM. The Branch has been asked to provide a platform for members to air their views on the current and potential issues surrounding the impending conflict in Iraq.

The Branch encourages as many of our members as possible to make the effort and attend. This may be the last chance we have to express our outrage at events before any conflict starts.


National Hazards Conference 2003 (17/3/03)

The 2003 National Hazards Conference takes place in London on the weekend of 5 - 7 September. It is organised by the National Hazards Campaign's whose aim is campaigning for improvements in workplace health and safety, via the key set of demands, the Hazards Charter. The Conference allows those safety reps attending: to participate and contribute to the Charter, to develop their knowledge and strategy for dealing with workplace hazards, and to network with fellow 
safety reps. There is always a vast selection of workshops to choose from. Further information including booking details are available from Willie Docherty, your Health and Safety Officer.


With war still looming Terry Jones from Monty Python has decided to follow George Bush by example

I'm really excited by George Bush's latest reason for bombing Iraq: he's running out of patience. And so am I! For some time now I've been really p *** ed off with Mr Johnson, who lives a couple of doors down the street. 

Well, him and Mr Patel, who runs the health food shop. They both give me queer looks, and I'm sure Mr Johnson is planning something nasty for me, but so far I haven't been able to discover what. Read more ...

Unison Anti War March

We took part in an Anti War March in Glasgow on Saturday the 15th of February along with more  than 97,000 people anti war supporters. Branches from all over Scotland came together for the occasion. View the event in pictures here

New Unison Site

We've redesigned! let us know what you think by emailing web@unisonenergy.org . Big thanks to Kiaran Macgregor for the redesign and graphic work within the site.