STUC, 333 Woodlands Rd
e-brief Glasgow G3 0141 337 8100 www.stuc.org.uk September 2005 Contents: STUC launches campaign for public inquiry into Maryhill Stockline disaster P 2 Recent STUC activity The STUC provides assistance to the ICL/Stockline Support Group and P 3 Stockline. Calmac supports their call for a public inquiry ... more P 4 STUC launch Unionlink STUC launches Unionlink - a P 5 STUC launch Unionlink passport to better rights for working students ... more P 6 For thcoming Conferences STUC disappointed and angry at P7 Dumfries & District Executive's Calmac tender TUC decision but heartened by European visit ... more P 8 Scottish Union learning Forthcoming STUC conferences. Black Workers P 9 News Conference; Women's Conference; Disabled Workers Conference; Speacial Congress ... more P 1 0 St Andrew's Day March No Place for Racism: STUC St Andrew's Day March and Rally and Rally ... more
P 1 1 Health & Safety The Policy and Campaigns Team are keen to hear your comments on P 1 2 Inter national Workers the format of this e-brief, along with any suggestions you have for Memorial Day improvements or additions. You can send your comments to the STUC at dmoxham@stuc.org.uk or kbuchanan@stuc.org.uk P 1 3 Close the Gap General Secretary: Bill Speirs bspeirs@stuc.org.uk P 1 4 Tractor Appeal D.G. Secretary: Grahame Smith gsmith@stuc.org.uk Head of Administration: Margaret Reid mreid@stuc.org.uk P 1 5 Make Poverty History Assistant Secretary: Ian Tasker itasker@stuc.org.uk Assistant Secretary: Stephen Boyd sboyd@stuc.org.uk to repor t. Make Poverty Assistant Secretary: Mary Senior msenior@stuc.org.uk P 1 7 Histor y - future Assistant Secretary: John Park jpark@stuc.org.uk campaigns Assistant Secretary: David Moxham dmoxham@stuc.org.uk Current Consultations Research: Kevin Buchanan kbuchanan@stuc.org.uk Research: Anna Ritchie aritchie@stuc.org.uk Vol. Sec Workers Safety Advisor: Terry Anderson tanderson@stuc.org.uk P 1 8 Youth Conference Lifelong Learning Unit: John Slaven: jslaven@stuc.org.uk Re p o r t Thomas Walker twalker@stuc.org.uk to Youth Conference Pam Urquhart: purquhart@stuc.org.uk Re p o r t Adult Literacy Co-ordinator: Wendy Burton: wburton@stuc.org.uk Close the Gap Project: Emma Ritch eritch@stuc.org.uk P20 Current Consultations One Workplace Project: Zaffir Hakim zhakim@stuc.org.uk Scottish One Fund for All: Mike McNicholl: mmcnicholl@stuc.org.uk Scottish Pensioners Forum: Doreen Kean: doreenk@stuc.org.uk
STUC Staff Changes
A number of new members of staff have been appointed to the STUC. Thomas Walker and John Slaven have been appointed to the posts of Development Officer with the Lifelong Learning Unit, Anna Ritchie has been appointed to the post of Research Assistant and Terry Anderson has been appointed Worker's Safety Advisory Officer. The STUC is sad to lose Dec McGrath who returns to the Scottish Executive following a lengthy secondment with the STUC, he will be much missed.
Meeting with Westminster Trade Union Group In July a delegation from the STUC General Council met with the Scottish members of Labour's Westminster Trade Union Group and highlighted a number of STUC priorities on issues such as procurement, energy policy, redundancy rights, public sector pensions and the implementation of Warwick. The STUC found the meeting very constructive and both parties recognised the importance of improving communication and the campaigning tools available at both Westminster and in constituencies for joint work.To build and develop and joint campaigning platform it was agreed to meet on a formal and more regular basis, twice a year, at Westminster.
Many areas of joint work were identified and in the coming months both groups will be working on issues such as statutory redundancy entitlement, the Scottish dimension on public sector pensions, energy policy and procurement.
Union Modernisation Fund Details of the Fund can be found at http://www.dti.org.uk/ If you require any further information please contact STUC Assistant Secretary John Park on 0131 226 0077
Sectarianism Research The STUC Youth Committee have been awarded funding of £9,500 to carry out a study into sectarian behaviour in the workplace. It is anticipated that the bulk of the funding will be used to carry out the research, whilst around £1,000 can be utilised by the STUC for promotional material and a Conference at the STUC Centre. The aim of the Project is to build capacity within the STUC, its Youth Committee and affiliated unions to tackle sectarianism in the workplace. It is hoped that having well researched evidence supporting the existing activity of the Youth Committee in this area, will enable the STUC to work more closely with existing groups whilst encouraging participation from affiliated unions and other organi- sations in terms of anti-sectarian activity.
Discussions are taking place with the Scottish Executive about the extension of the research work through adding new partners and matched funding from the Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department. If you require any further information about our sectarianism work please contact STUC Assistant Secretary John Park on 0131 226 0077
Opencast Coal The STUC and coal industry trade unions met with Johann Lamont MSP, Deputy Communities Minister on 5 September to discuss the potential impact of recent Scottish Executive Planning Guidance on the opencast coal industry. The meeting was constructive and the delegation were heartened to hear the Minister explain that she firmly believes the industry has a future.
ICL Stockline Support Group Public Petition On May 11th 2004 the worst workplace health and safety disaster in Scotland since Piper Alpha in 1988 occurred at the ICL/Stockline factory in Glasgow when, tragically, nine people lost their lives, and more than 40 others were seriously injured. The STUC provides assistance to the ICL/Stockline Support Group and s u p p o r t s their call for a public inquiry if criminal proceedings are not forthcoming. We agree that only through an open public inquiry will the victims, and r e l a t i v e s of the victims, be provided with a full explanation of the causes of the deaths and injuries. Fur ther, only a public inquiry can reveal the full facts surrounding the disaster and bring about the changes that can prevent the recurrence of such a tragedy. To download copies of the petition go here.
STUC `angry and disappointed' at Executive's Calmac decision takes the argument to Strasbourg. The STUC and Calmac trade unions are extremely disappointed at the decision to press ahead with the tendering of Calmac's lifeline services.
Costs - the Transport Minister has conceded that tendering Calmac services will result in higher costs to the taxpayer. This runs contrary to the purposes of the EU regulations under which the tender is being forced. Jeanette Findlay's report "The Financing of Lifeline Services to the Clyde and Hebrides" (March 2005) suggests that the costs to the Scottish taxpayer will be significant.
Timetable - the STUC welcomed the Audit Scotland's inquiry into the Northlink farrago and believes that it would have been far more sensible to await the final report before proceeding with the Calmac tender. This would also have allowed breathing space for an expert panel to thoroughly and independently con- sider alternatives to tendering. We are not satisfied that such analysis to date has been sufficiently rigorous.
Workforce and communities - the STUC recognises that, having decided to tender, the Executive is committed to safeguarding the terms, conditions and pension rights of the workforce. However, if Calmac fails to win the contract there is ultimately no protection against dismissal and a serious shadow will be cast over the Calmac pension scheme. Even if the TUPE transfer of undertakings rules were to apply, they would not protect the pension scheme, and substantial up-front pay-outs are likely to be needed to retain a scheme with similar benefits under a new employer. Tendering these services is a bad deal for the workforce, the communities and the Scottish taxpayer. The STUC is angry and disappointed that neither the Scottish Executive nor the Parliamnet has been willing to stand up to Europe on this issue.
Delegation to Strasbourg - At the time of writing an STUC delegation has just completed a visit to Strasbourg (28 September) to meet with EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot. The delegation asked, in robust terms, why the Commission is apparently set on applying the letter of the Maritime Cabotage Regulations to the detriment of the Calmac workforce, fragile island communities and the Scottish taxpayer. Early reaction to the meeting was positive. Assistant Secretary Stephen Boyd said: "Today's meeting was very positive and constructive. It is clear the Commissioner recognises the potential negative consequences of tendering for the workforce and the communities. When pressed on the implications for the workforce the Commissioner indicated that he was keen to examine whether measures could be put in place to protect conditions of employment of the workforce. We believe our concerns struck a cord with the Commissioner and we are hopeful of further developments."
Unionlink - A Passport to better suppor t for working students Last week the STUC in partnership with NUS, Thompsons Solicitors and Edinburgh TUC launched Unionlink at Edinburgh University Freshers Fayre. The launch was supported by local MSP Sarah Boyack who has submitted Members Motion S2M-3254 to the Scottish Parliament supporting the initiative. (To read the motion follow this link.)
2000 unionlink cards were distributed to, mainly 1st year students, with further cards to be distributed to 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students through the EUSA Welfare office and the University's one stop job shop.
Increasingly, students are working part-time to fund their studies, with research suggesting that over 60% currently hold down at least one part-time job. However, for a variety of reasons, student membership of trade unions is low. Students tend to work in less organised sectors such as retail and leisure and on short-term and flexible contracts.
The STUC believes that sensible part-time working can be a benefit to students, providing extra cash and useful working experience. However, our research suggests that a significant number of working students have a poor workplace experience suffering from stress, over tiredness and undue pressure to work during important exam times. Students' wages tend to be low, and terms and conditions of employment can be poor. Worryingly, a large proportion is unaware of their rights or their best recourse in the case of a problem at work.
Unionlink is a new development in trade union activity. By offering free advice and a range of services to working students, we will provide valuable support and help to eliminate bad employment practice. Unionlink will also provide a bridge to the enormous benefits of full trade union membership both during and following students' time at university/college. We will be working closely with student association advice services, which have responded enthusiastically to the addition of employment expertise to the range of services they are currently able to operate.
Unionlink has subsequently been promoted successfully at Napier and Heriot Watt universities with Stevenson College of Further Education being targeted next. If the Unionlink Edinburgh pilot is successful it will be rolled out to the whole of Scotland in the future.
The Pilot Unionlink is a pilot project, launched in the first year in Edinburgh. If successful it will be rolled out to other universities and colleges in Scotland. The Unionlink card will be available at Freshers' Fairs, Student Association job shops and a range of other venues and events. Unionlink membership will be available to all students irrespective of whether they are working at the time of joining.
What Unionlink offers
Employment advice
· Free telephone advice service from the Edinburgh TUC based at the Lothian Trade Union Resource Centre (LTURC) · Face to face advice from Edinburgh TUC by appointment at the LTURC premises · Employment advice surgeries on campus · Website and online support
Legal support
· Accident at work representation from Thompson's Solicitors · Free criminal legal advice · Post accident support for third-party insurance only drivers
Campaigning and engagement
· U n i o n l i n k will offer the opportunity for working students to compare experiences and campaign on issues relating to work/study balance. · In conjunction with NUS and Scottish trade unions, common problems will be raised with employers and groups of employers to ensure a better deal for working students.
What Unionlink cannot offer
· U n i o n l i n k is not a replacement for full trade union membership. Full membership offers representation, legal support, a range of benefits and democratic engagement with fellow employees and the wider union. Unionlink will promote full trade union membership as the best guarantee of workplace rights.
For more details on Unionlink contact David Moxham
Forthcoming Conferences
9TH ANNUAL STUC BLACK WORKERS' CONFERENCE SATURDAY/ SUNDAY 1-2 OCTOBER 2005 - STIRLING BLACK WORKERS' POLITICAL CHALLENGE TO PARTIES Scotland's black and minority ethnic trade unionists will next weekend challenge political parties to select black candidates in winnable seats for the Scottish Parliament. A motion criticising the failure of parties to ensure black representation in the Scottish Parliament, and calling on political parties to remedy this, will be debated at the STUC Black Workers' Conference, (1st-2nd October Highland Hotel, Stirling). Chairperson of the STUC Black Workers' Committee Satnam Ner said: "The resolution from the Black Worker's Committee reflects the frustration felt by the Committee and Black citizens throughout Scotland at the commonly received perception that we have been effectively excluded from decision making at the Scottish Parliament. This resolution is a challenge, to all the political parties in Scotland, to provide some evidence that they are as inclusive as they continually claim to be and select Black candidates for the Scottish Parliament elections.
The resolution is also a challenge to Black Workers to get more involved in the party political process and put themselves forward as candidates for selection for the Scottish Parliament.
78th ANNUAL WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
The 78thth Annual STUC Women's Conference will be held on Tuesday/Wednesday 15/16 November 2005, in the City Chambers, George Square, Glasgow.
Timetable Receipt of Motions Friday 2 September Receipt of Amendments Friday 7 October Receipt of Meritorious Awards Friday 7 October Receipt of Creche Applications Friday 14 October Receipt of Delegates Friday 14 October Receipt of Nominations to The Women's Committee Friday 14 October Issue of Conference papers Friday 4 November
2ND STUC DISABLED WORKERS' CONFERENCE
Date: Saturday 12/Sunday 13 November 2005 Venue: Aviemore Highland Resort, Aviemore
THEME: UNIONS WORK FOR DISABLED PEOPLE CHAIR: IAIN MONTGOMERY, UNISON SCOTLAND
STUC SPECIAL CONGRESS - MONDAY 5 DECEMBER 2005
The General Council is convening a Special Congress to discuss the composition of the General Council, with a view to amending the STUC's Constitution in time for the 2006 Annual Congress. The Special Congress will be held on Monday, 5 December, 2005 in the City Chambers, George Square, Glasgow, commencing at 10.30 am and concluding no later than 4.00 pm.
The closing date for your the submission of an amendment to the motion on the Preliminary Agenda is Friday 7th October 2005.
A Final Agenda for the Special Congress will be sent directly to delegates on Friday 11th November 2005.
Reestablishment of Dumfries & District TUC Discussions are underway in relation to the re-establishment of Dumfries and District Trade Union Council. The problems facing trade unionists in Dumfries & Galloway are acute. While the public sector shares with all Scotland issues of pensions, single status and privatisation, the private sector is experiencing threats to agricultural and manufacturing output and is struggling to get pay levels off the floor of the National Minimum Wage. The branches behind the relaunch are acutely aware of the need to bring everyone together to form a common agenda on these, as well as on the question of increasing levels of immigrant labour, which need to be put in a proper industrial and political context so as to build working class unity and avoid social tensions. Above all, we need a trades council to influence regional economic policy development and to support industrial disputes
Affiliates will shortly be contacted to begin the formal process of reestablishment and for local union branches to attend a meeting in November.
Any local union branch interested in participating in the reformed TUC should contact David Moxham at the STUC or Bob Tennant in Dumfries.
STUC Evidence to Parliamentary Committees
9th June: David Moxham and Stephen Boyd gave evidence to the European and External Relations Committee on the Fresh Talent Initiative. Go here for full transcript.
22nd June: Stephen Boyd gave evidence to the Environment Committee on the Scottish Parliament's Inquiry into Rural Development. Go here for full transcript.
7th September: David Moxham gave evidence to the Enterprise and Culture Committee on Denis Canavan's Member's Bill on St Andrew's Day Holiday. Go here for full transcript.
13th September: John Park and Dave Watson (UNISON) gave evidence to the Local Government and Transport Committee on Tommy Sheridan's Members Bill on Council Tax Abolition and Service Tax Introduction (Scotland) Bill. Go here for full transcript.
Scottish Union Learning News STUC Scottish Executive agrees to support Scottish Union LEARNING Academy TEAM In October 2004, the Executive agreed to fund a study into the feasibility of establishing a Scottish Union Academy. This study was completed at the end of Development January 2005, and the General Council, at its February meeting, agreed in principle Officers to work, in partnership with the TUC and others, towards the establishment of the Academy by April 2007. John Slaven jslaven@stuc.org.uk The Scottish Executive has now confirmed that it will provide £1.4m to the STUC for the period 2005-08 to support the development of the Scotland wide Thomas Walker infrastructure necessary to support trade union learning activity. twalker@stuc.org.uk The Executive has also recently announced the continuation of the SULF to March 2008, allocating £800K per annum, for each of the financial years 2005-06, 2006- 07, and 2007-08. Discussions are ongoing with the Executive about the timing of (Adult Literacies) SULF6, with the expectation that bids may be sought in late 2005. Wendy Burton The funding made available by the Executive has supported the substantial wburton@stuc.org.uk development of union led learning in Scotland. More than 1000 union learning representatives have been trained to assist members secure learning through the (Highlands and union route. More than half of affiliated unions have created and are developing Islands) some level of strategic and operational capacity to deal with learning issues and many thousands of members have participated in learning through union led Pamela Urquhart initiatives, many returning to formal learning for the first time since leaving school. purquhart@stuc.org.uk Forthcoming events Administrative The next round of the Scottish Union Learning Fund (SULF) opens 01/10/ Assistant 05 to assist trade unions who may wish to apply for funding the STUC are hosting a "bid workshop" at the STUC offices on 07/10/05. Alice Fleeting afleeting@stuc.org.uk The STUC will be hosting a presentation to trade union members who are interested in the DTI home computer initiative on 14/10/05 at the STUC office.
The 5th annual STUC learning conference will be held at the Corn Exchange Edinburgh on 08/11/05 the Deputy Minister for Lifelong Learning Allan Wilson MSP has agreed to be the keynote speaker.
The STUC are developing regional ULR forums, if you are a Union Learning Rep in Lanarkshire, Fife, Dundee, Inverness or Aberdeen and would like to join these forums please contact the STUC for further details. If you wish further information on these events please contact Thomas Walker Development Officer Skills & Learning Team. twalker@stuc.org.uk
A trade union learning event with MOLI! Would you like to know about British Sign Language and communicating with Deaf people? Or maybe you would like infor mation about other learning opportunities in your area?
The STUC in conjunction with Unison, the FBU, the Rail unions and with European Social Fund aid will be visiting a number of workplaces with MOLI, the mobile online learning bus. If you would like information about learning sign language or about any other type of learning, please join us on the MOLI bus at any of the venues listed below.
Inverness - Tuesday 27th September 2005 10am - 12 noon Raigmore Hospital, 12.30pm - 2.30pm Inverness Railway Station, 3pm - 5pm Highland Council HQ, Glenurquhart Rd 7pm - 9pm Inverness Fire Station
Elgin - Wednesday 28th September 2005 12noon - 2pm Plainstones, Town Centre, 2.30pm - 4.30pm Dr Grays Hospital, 6pm - 9pm Elgin Fire Station
Fort William - Tuesday 4th October 2005 10am - 12 noon Railway Station, 1pm - 3pm Fort William High Street, 7pm - 9pm Fort William Fire Station
Wick - Thursday 6th October 2005 9.30am - 11.30am Scrabster Ferry Terminal, 1pm - 3pm Assembly Rooms Car Park, 4pm - 6pm Caithness General Hospital 7pm - 9pm Wick Fire Station
Stornoway - Tuesday 11 October 2005 10am - 12noon Western Isles Council, 12.30 - 2.15pm Ferry Terminal, 3pm - 5pm Western Isles Hospital, 7pm - 8pm Fire Station
For further information and to arrange time off to attend the road show at your workplace, please contact your union rep or contact Pam Urquhart, STUC Lifelong Learning on 01463 248905 or purquhart@stuc.org.uk
in partnership with your trade union
Voluntary Sector Workers' Safety Adviser
The STUC/SCVO Partnership Forum along with Employers in Voluntary Housing have secured funding to employ a Workers Safety Adviser to promote worker involvement in health and safety improvement in Scotland's third force.
Following the launch of the project at a seminar held in the STUC on Wednesday 18 May, attended by 70 delegates from over 40 different organisations, the recently appointed WSA will begin to carry out a number of visits to each of the 25 organisations participating in the project.
The project aims to measure improvement in health and safety management within organisations over a twelve month period but also and more importantly, placing emphasis on worker participation in health and safety decision making. This will include ensuring all volunteers, workers and management, including committee members are aware of their responsibilities.
Interest from the employers has been extremely encouraging, reflecting the diversity of the sector and the unique management structures in voluntary organisations .
The project will run initially until March 2006. We will be looking to demonstrate that improved health and safety management including consultation arrangements with workers and volunteers can bring other positive advantages to organisations that face increasing demands on time and finances.
It is planned to keep participants and affiliates informed of the progress through the e-brief.
For further details contact: Terry Anderson; Ian Tasker; Dave Moxham
Corporate Culpable Homicide The STUC met with the Justice Minister, Cathy Jamieson and her Deputy, Hugh Hendry following her decision to delay the proposed consultation.
Following a constructive meeting, at which we were given a number of assurances on the Executive's committment to introduce Scottish specific legislation independently from the Home Office, the General Council agreed to support the Minister's proposals regarding the formation of a panel of experts to develop the work already completed by the Executive with a view to preparing a report for the Minister by the end of the summer.
The General Council nominated Ian Tasker, Assistant secretary with responsibility for health and safety along with Patrick McGuire from Thompsons Solicitors as our legal advisers on this issue, to represent the STUC on the panel. The full membership of the panel can be found on the Scottish Executive website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2005/04/15162143 . In order to ensure the views of unions are properly represented a sub group of affiliates will meet between meetings of the panel.
As an organisation the STUC believes that there is clearly a need for strong legislation in this area including adequate deterrents for individual directors and this can only be achieved by ensuring that custodial sentences for irresponsible directors become the norm rather than the exception.
International Workers Memorial Day
Following the launch of the STUC campaign for wider recognition of workers memorial day all local TUC's have been supplied with model letters to send to local authorities and newspapers outlining the purpose of the day and the need for increased support.
An encouraging start to the campaign was assured when West Lothian Council took the decision prior to this year's memorial day to lower the flags at all public buildings to half mast for this yearand in the future, to commemorate all workers worldwide who have lost their lives in work related accidents.
Informal discussions have also taken place with Glasgow City Council and officials from the Lord Provosts office for further Order copies of the Unions Work for Health & Safety dialogue on the City's opportunities to Leaflet recognise the day. The STUC have produced a The STUC also welcomed the motion S2M- leaflet explaining key 2738# lodged by Cathy Peattie on the 28th aspects of health and safety April calling for the Scottish Executive to policy and formally recognise the day. encouraging trade union membership as the best way to At this early stage, following an encouraging ensure improved safety at work. start, it is clear that the campaign can deliver The leaflet also explains the it's aims. In order that we can monitor STUC's ongoing campaign for progress and report this in future e-briefs the proper commemoration of feedback from individual TUC's regarding Workers Memorial Day. activity in their own areas is essential, re- The leaflet is free though sponses should be sent to Ian Tasker at the donations towards the Unions STUC itasker@stuc.org.uk Work Campaign are welcome.
Closing the finance sector pay gap
Close the Gap and Amicus hosted an equal pay awareness-raising event for reps at John Smith House on 21st June.
Ed Sweeney, Deputy General Secretary of Amicus, delivered the keynote speech, in which he spoke of the history of equal pay within the trade union movement, and its specific relevance to Amicus and its members. He highlighted the large finance sector pay gap, and reiterated Amicus' support for compulsory pay reviews, regulation strengthening rights to flexible working, and statutory equality reps like those for health & safety and learning.
The event brought together equal pay legal expertise from around the UK. Margaret Gribbon, of Digby Brown, provided a comprehensive and succinct outline of the Equal Pay Act, the causes of the pay gap, and the process of taking an equal pay case. Nicola Dandridge, of Thompsons, concentrated on the trade union movement and equal pay, and issues in respect of contracting out, privatisation, and the collective bargaining process. Muriel Robison, of EOC Scotland, spoke about equal value and job evaluation.
Linda McCulloch, National Industrial Equalities Officer, and Gillian McKay, Equalities Officer, introduced the new Amicus guide to equal pay.
Equal. But Different.
Close the Gap's work with employers, trade unions and employees has identified a need for further support on equal value. Although there is a widespread understanding that equal pay is a requirement for "like work", the concepts underpinning equal value are not so well understood.
Close the Gap has commissioned Kay Gilbert, at Strathclyde University, to produce an accessible tool for carrying out equal value comparisons. This tool will enable employers, workplace reps, and employees to compare two posts and to determine if they are of equal or differing value. Identifying jobs involving similar levels of skills and knowledge is a key step in carrying out a robust equal pay review.
Copies of the tool are available from Emma Ritch at Close the Gap: eritch@stuc.org.uk .
Gender Equality in Practice Close the Gap joined with the other four projects funded under Theme H of the EQUAL programme to host a conference at Chelsea Village on July 14th.
The conference, which aimed to disseminate new and exciting methodologies, products and good practices designed to combat gender segregation, was targeted at Learning and Skills Councils, Connexions, Careers Scotland, Business Link, Employment Services, FE/HE Institutions, Chambers of Commerce, and work based learning providers.
Close the Gap's workshop focused on barriers to promoting pay reviews and raising awareness of the pay gap with employers and trade unions, and identified good practice in overcoming these barriers.
Copies of the workshop presentation are available from Emma Ritch at Close the Gap: eritch@stuc.org.uk.
Women's Committee/ACTSA Fundraising for South Africa
Back in 2003, the STUC Women's Committee took part in a joint visit with ACTSA Scotland to South Africa. During the visit the delegation met with workers from the Nomzamo Co- operative at Fort Hare University in Alice near Cape Town. The Co-operative had been formed after the university put the landscape gardening department out to tender and sold off equipment and the workers were left with little hope of other employment. Together, with the help of their trade union, they formed their co- operative and won the tender.
However, the tractor they are dependent on is now in a state of serious disrepair, and with ACTSA Scotland, the STUC Women's Committee has already raised in the region of £2000 towards a reconditioned replacement. At Congress 2005 the Women's Committee held a stall to sell of nominal parts of the tractor, and held a raffle with prizes kindly donated by MSPs. The Congress stall was successful at raising just an additional £1200, and the Committee would like to thank all those who donated. Any affiliates, individuals or branches who are still interested in donating or buying parts of the tractor please contact ACTSA Scotland, 52 St Enoch Square Glasgow G1 4AA.
MAKE POVERTY Current Consultations HISTORY! Office of the Thousands of trade unionists join quarter of a million Commissioner for in Edinburgh Make Poverty History Rally Ministerial Appointments in The Make Poverty History Rally of 2nd June 2005 Scotland : The Code of demonstration brought together an enormous number of trade unionists from around Scotland and the whole of the Practice for Ministerial UK with the secretariat co-ordinating the booking and Appointments to Public sharing of a tens of buses from affiliates around Scotland. Bodies in Scotland (Office of the The trade union section of the march carried hundreds of Commissioner for STUC/TUC banners with the message "Make Poverty History Public Appointments in Respect Workers Rights" as well as vast range of affiliates Scotland) own banners, leaflets, flags, T-shirts and balloons. Closing date for affiliates The STUC played the key role in coordinating the trade comments union section of the march. Unfortunately a significant 12-Sep-05 number of trade unionists were unable to participate in or complete the march waiting for other sections of the Closing date for crowd to leave the Meadows. consultation
30-Sept-05 In this respect the march was clearly the victim of its own success, exceeding the expected 100,000 participants with View the consulation reliable estimates being in excess of a quarter of a million. document here The STUC General Council will, in September consider the best ways for the trade union movement to continue our campaigning efforts as part of the wider Make Poverty Histor y Campaign, with a particular emphasis on the Scottish Executive: centrality of the fair trade issue with the next meeting of the Ethnicity Classifications World Trade Organisation due in December. Consultation Paper (Scottish Executive) White Band Day 1st July 2005 Closing date for affiliates A significant number of affiliates and their branches marked comments White Band Days 1 and 2 by displaying the "Make Poverty 1-Sept-05 Histor y Respect Workers Rights" banners on workplaces and union offices. These banners, along with further Closing date for campaigning activities will be used to mark the next White consultation Band Day, White Band Day 3 on 10 December. 15-Sept-05
View the consultation document here
Current STUC/TUC Joint Youth Event
Consultations The event was attended by approximately 30 young trade unionists, half from Scotland, half from the rest of the UK. The event was addressed by Didier Leitón Valverde, a young trade union representative of banana workers in Costa Rica. Scottish Executive: The main focus of the event was for young trade unionists to act Protecting Vulnerable as G8 delegates to discuss the issues of trade, debt, aid and how Adults Securing their these affect working people around the world. After dividing into Safety groups for workshops on the purpose of the G8, each `delegation' had the task of amending, proposing and defending a Closing date for affiliates policy section of a final communiqué, or agreed statement of comments intended action, that would come out of the summit. 9-Sept-05
Closing date for consultation G8 Alternatives Counter- Summit 3rd July 2005 23-Sept-05 The first plenary session of the summit was addressed by Natasha Gerson and a number of affiliates sponsored and View the consulation participated in plenary and workshop events. document here
Dungavel Demonstration 5th July Scottish Executive: Controls of the Adult The STUC supported the demonstration through co-ordination Entertainment Industry in of union transport details and provision of stewarding vests. A Scotland number of trade union speakers were also present on the platform. Estimates on the size of the demonstration were up to Closing date for affiliates 1000. The Dungavel detainees were removed from the detention comments centre for the duration of the G8 week. 15-Sept-05
Closing date for consultation
Gleneagles Demonstration 6th July 2005 26-Sept-05
View the consultation Significant doubt surrounding the nature and timing of the document here demonstration at Gleneagles frustrated attempts to judge how and whether the STUC were able to support the event. In press releases in the weeks prior to July 6th, the STUC made clear our support for a peaceful demonstration, argued for police and local authority permissions to be given, but also made clear our opposition to a march without permission going ahead. In the event late permission was granted for a march and coach details and a call for stewards was put out. However, due to the uncertainties surrounding the march only limited support could be given.
Current Make Poverty History Campaign: Consultations September December 2005
The STUC has played a full role thus far in the formulation and campaigning initiatives of Make Poverty History. Particular efforts DTI : Draft Employment have been made to raise the issues of free trade unionism and Equality (Age) Regula- international workers' rights through joint work with the TUC tions 2006 on the "Respect Workers' Rights" Campaign.
The STUC, TUC and the whole of the MPH movement are Closing date for affiliates committed to raising the profile of Trade issues for the remainder comments of 2005. This approach should place under the spotlight the 3-Oct-05 issues of: Closing date for consultation · GATS and WTO agreements as they affect the developing 17-Oct-05 world. · GATS, WTO and European Union agreements as they affect public service delivery in the UK. View the consulation · International trade union rights. document here
A number of initiatives are planned in relation to campaigning around the issue of Trade Justice. Free School Meals Cam- paign : Consultation on Vote for Trade Justice the Scottish Free School Meals Campaign The collection of the maximum number of "votes" for trade justice has already begun and will extend to December 2005. The STUC are currently creating a brief campaign pack to promote Closing date for affiliates the Vote For Trade Justice. for more details contact Dave comments Moxham 3-Oct-05 Mass lobby of Parliament Wednesday 2 November 2005 Closing date for consultation The mass lobby is intended to focus on the issue of trade justice 14-Oct-05 and thousands of people are expected to come to London to lobby their MP as part of the Campaign. View the consulation The specific purpose of the lobby will be to now increase the document here pressure on the UK Government to take the lead at the forth- coming World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting in Hong Kong, by helping to rewrite world trade rules to benefit poor countries and the environment.
White Band Day 3: 10 December 2005
White Band Day 3 is timed to coincide with the December meeting of the WTO. The STUC will further promote the use of white banners and the wearing of white bands on December 10.
Current REPORT OF 65 ANNUAL STUC YOUTH th Consultations CONFERENCE
Scottish Executive : Draft The 65th Annual STUC Youth Conference was held at the STUC Scottish Planning Policy Centre, Glasgow, on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September, 2005. 21: Green Belts The Conference was Chaired by Fiona Smith, Unison Scotland. 36 delegates, representing 8 trade unions, were nominated to attend Closing date for affiliates the Conference. comments 14-Oct-05 A copy of the Decisions of the Conference is attached. As usual for this Conference, there were a number of first time speakers and Closing date for consultation on the Saturday morning, two Workshops were held: 28-Oct-05 i) "An Introduction to Conference" - Facilitator : John Park, STUC Assistant Secretary View the consulation ii) "Unions Work" document here - Facilitator : Dave Moxham, STUC Assistant Secretary
The level of presentation and calibre of debate was excellent, and Scottish Executive : Adult delegates left Conference more aware of issues experienced in ESOL Strategy for different employment sectors, in public policy and in young Scotland workers' lives more generally.
A number of key speakers addressed Conference, including: Closing date for affiliates comments Johann Lamont MSP, Scottish Executive Deputy Minister for 3-Oct-05 Communities Melanie Ward, President, National Union of Students (Scotland) Closing date for consultation Helena Brackenridge, Chairperson, Scottish Labour Party Youth 31-Oct-05 Campaigns Committee Raj Jethwa,TUC Young Members' Forum View the consulation John Keenan, Chairperson, STUC General Council document here Grahame Smith, STUC Deputy General Secretary2. Gareth Keogh, Irish Congress of Trade Unions Chakir El homrani, Avalot UGT of Catalonia
There was an STUC Equalities Committees Session on the Saturday afternoon on "How the Committees are Engaging with Young Workers". This was Chaired by Zaffir Hakim, Project Manager of the One Workplace Equal Rights Project. Panellists included:
Elspeth Bettany, Disabled Workers' Committee; Janet Cassidy, Chair, Women's Committee; Satnam Ner, Chair, Black Workers' Committee; and Andy Brady,Vice-Chair,Youth Committee
Current A Violence Against Workers Session was also arranged for the Consultations Saturday afternoon. Linda Shanahan, STUC Secondee of the STUC/Scottish Executive Partnership on the Protection of Workers Serving the Public and Ian Tasker, STUC Health and Scottish Executive : Safety Officer, presented this Session to Conference. Delegates Draft Scottish Planning were issued with a survey and asked to complete this to assist Policy 21: Green Belts the work of the STUC/Scottish Executive Partnership.
Closing date for On the Sunday, the Conference received a Unions Work/Workers' affiliates comments Rights Open Panel Debate, Chaired by: Fiona Smith, Chairperson 14-Oct-05 of the STUC Youth Committee. Panellists included: Closing date for consultation Katy Clark MP Rozanne Foyer,TGWU 28-Oct-05 Dave Moxham, STUC Assistant Secretary Pauline McNeill MSP View the consulation document here Conference agreed to write to the General Secretary restating the Conference's long held position of having two Young Workers' Scottish Executive: Seats on the General Council.3. Adult ESOL Strategy for Election results Scotland Closing date for Youth Committee affiliates comments 3-Oct-05 General Seats: Closing date for consultation Andrew Brady, T&G Scotland 31-Oct-05 Hamish Drummond, PCS Alex Glachin, Unison Scotland Gillian MacMillan, Community Scottish Executive: Adoption Policy Review: Women's Seats: Secure and safe homes Fiona Smith, Unison Scotland for our most vulnerable Julia Winkless, T&G Scotland children There were no nominees for the Trade Union Council Seat. Closing date for affiliates comments Young Workers' Seats on the STUC General Council 17-Oct-05 General Place: Andrew Brady (T&G Scotland) Closing date for consultation
31-Oct-05 Woman's Seat: Fiona Smith, Unison Scotland
Current Consultations Youth Conference Delegation to the STUC Annual Congress 2006 Scottish Executive : General Places: Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000: Andrew Brady, T&G Scotland Improving with Daniel Donaldson, GMB Scotland Gillian MacMillan, Community Experience Woman's Places: Closing date for Fiona Smith, Unison Scotland affiliates comments 28-Oct-05 Youth Conference Delegation to the STUC Special Closing date for consultation Congress 2005 11-Nov-05 General Places: View the consulation Andrew Brady, T&G Scotland document here Daniel Donaldson, GMB Scotland Hamish Drummond, PCS Draft Scottish Planning Woman's Places: Policy 8: Town Centres Gillian MacMillan, Community Fiona Smith, Unison Scotland Closing date for affiliates comments A number of delegates at the Conference also volunteered to 28-Oct-05 be co-opted to fill vacancies on the Youth Committee and enquiries are now being pursued with affiliates. Closing date for consultation 11-Nov-05 Fiona Smith (Unison Scotland), Chairperson of the STUC Youth Committee, was awarded the Jimmy Waugh Memorial Trophy, which is presented each year at the Conference to an outstanding young trade unionist.
The Committee would like to thank Unison Scotland for hosting a drinks Reception for delegates and visitors on the Saturday afternoon at the close of the Conference session. The Conference Social took place on the Saturday evening at the STUC Centre, and was enjoyed by all.