STUC, 333 Woodlands Rd
e-brief Glasgow G3 0141 337 8100 www.stuc.org.uk 28 May 2004 Contents: PAY UP FOR PENSIONS P2 STUC Activity in May STUC MARCH & RALLY EDINBURGH SATURDAY 19TH JUNE P3 Unions Work for ASSEMBLE 10.30 AM EAST MARKET STREET Asylum Seekers MARCH OFF 11.00 AM Year Planner The STUC are holding a major national demonstration on Saturday 19th P4 Black Workers June in Edinburgh. Full March and Rally details are available from Ian Network & STURN Tasker, itasker@stuc.org.uk or tel: 0141 337 8100. Posters, leaflets and Conference a map of the assembly and rally points are available at the STUC website. Current Consultations Scotland Says No to Racism P5 Scotland Says No to Racism The STUC is urging people to use their vote in the European Parliament Scottish Pride Parade Elections to vote for parties that do not aim to divide Scotland, and that Current Consultations accept that we live in a diverse and multicultural nation, where everyone can contribute whatever their colour, race, gender, sexuality or nationality On Monday 7th June, the STUC is organising a media event to P6 Lifelong Learning Events demonstrate that Scotland rejects racism. Further details on Page 5. Consultation Responses
The Policy and Campaigns Team are keen to hear your comments on the P7 The month ahead for mat of this e-brief, along with any suggestions you have for improvements or additions. You can can send your comments to the P8 The month ahead STUC at dmoxham@stuc.org.uk or lwilson@stuc.org.uk
P9 In the parliaments ... To contact the STUC:
P10 One Workplace Many General Secretary: Bill Speirs bspeirs@stuc.org.uk Cultures: Equality at Work D.G. Secretary: Grahame Smith gsmith@stuc.org.uk Seminars D. G. Secretary: Ronnie McDonald rmcdonald@stuc.org.uk Assistant Secretary: Rozanne Foyer rfoyer@stuc.org.uk Assistant Secretary: Stephen Boyd sboyd@stuc.org.uk Assistant Secretary: Mary Senior msenior@stuc.org.uk Assistant Secretary: Ian Tasker itasker@stuc.org.uk Research: Lorraine Wilson lwilson@stuc.org.uk Research: David Moxham dmoxham@stuc.org.uk Lifelong Learning Unit: Declan McGrath: dmcgrath@stuc.org.uk Jacqueline McGuigan: jkmcguigan@stuc.org.uk Adult Literacy Co-ordinator: Wendy Burton: wburton@stuc.org.uk Close the Gap Project: Evelyn Fraser efraser@stuc.org.uk 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
In May ... In STUC Assistant Secretary Stephen The STUC & Water industry affiliates Boyd spoke at a Regional launched a "Charter for the Water Productivity Workshop seminar at Industr y" at the Water Conference 10 Paisley University on 13 May. He May. stressed the importance of closing the productivity gap with competitor nations A copy of the STUC Charter for the and the crucial role good employment Water Industry can be downloaded here practices can play in the process. or by contacting the STUC.
STUC reponse to the ICL Plastics A copy of the research document tragedy in Maryhill, Glasgow. "Financing the Scottish water and sewage industry" sponsored by the STUC and written by Glasgow University The STUC have been involved in a series economist Jeanette Findlay can be of meetings involving Maryhill MP Ann downloaded here or by contacting the McKechin, MSP Patricia Ferguson and STUC. Thompsons Solicitors to assess what for m of support can be offered to For further details on the STUC Charter victims of the explosion and their for the Water Industry contact Stephen families. Boyd. This is our worst industrial accident since The STUC held a Co-operative Piper Alpha and the STUC considers it a Development Seminar on 11 May 2004 duty, both to the workers in this factory in conjunction with Employee and throughout Scotland, to work to Ownership Scotland. Development ensure that Health and Safety procedures Agency for Scotland. and enforcement minimise risks at all times. As such the STUC have been Speakers were John Logue, Director of lobbying for the fullest and most effective the Ohio Employee Ownership Centre inquir y into the tragedy. (OEOC), Hugh Donnelly, Employee Ownership Scotland and Richard Scottish Union Learning Fund (SULF) Leonard, GMB. A SULF Bid Workshop was held at the The purpose of this seminar was to STUC on Monday 24th May, to introduce provide information on the Co-operative unions to the criteria and support Development Agency consultation available to those considering projects to process, highlight issues around co- be funded under the 5th round of the operative development in general and SULF. With contributions from Tony trade union engagement with the Coultas of the Scottish Executive and proposed new agency in particular. details of the support available to unions in both Highland and Lowland Scotland, The closing date for the consultation is the workshop was attended by 14th June, which can be accessed here representatives from 14 affiliated unions.
Year planner U n i o n s Wo r k fo r Re f u ge e s a n d A s y l u m S e e ke rs A conference on trade unions' role in integrating refugees and asylum seekers into the working environment. JUNE 12 STUC HIGHLANDS Fr i d ay 4 Ju n e 2 0 0 4 , 10am 4pm & ISLANDS @ STUC Centre, CONFERENCE 15 SCOTTISH 3 3 3 Wo o d l a n d s Ro a d , G l a s go w PENSIONERS' FORUM ANNUAL There are currently 11,000 asylum seekers and refugees CONFERENCE resident in Glasgow. Despite the fact that they possess many 19 BLACK WORKERS' of the skills which are needed in our economy they are still NETWORK six times as likely to be unemployed. With 75% of all MEETING asylum applications receiving positive decisions this potential 19 STUC PENSIONS workforce offers a possible solution to skills shortages facing RALLY Scotland today. JULY 3-4 STUC YOUTH This conference will look at some of the challenges facing CONFERENCE refugees and asylum seekers as they prepare to integrate into the working environment, and will focus on the role that OCTOBER trade unions can play in supporting this process. 9-10 BLACK WORKERS CONFERENCE The conference is aimed at: Union activists, Shop Stewards, Branch Secretaries, Full Time Officials, Senior Union Officers, and is free to union members. It is an interactive NOVEMBER conference to debate how your union can engage in 16-17 WOMEN'S CONFERENCE initiatives to integrate refugees and asylum seekers into the working environment.
Lunch and refreshments provided. For further information, or to register for this conference contact: Helen Carson, 0141 337 8100 or email: hcarson@stuc.org.uk
The Conference is sponsored by:
New Glaswegians Projects (Glasgow Chamber of Commerce with the support of Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, Glasgow City Council, Scottish Executive and Glasgow North Ltd)
The Bridges Project (Institute of Contemporary Scotland)
Scottish Trades Union Congress
Cur r ent B l a ck Wo r k e rs ' N e t wo r k Consultations Meeting 11.00 am. Saturday 19 June 2004, STUC Centre, DTI: Towards Equal Pay: 333 Woodlands Road Glasgow A consultation on proposals to streamline equal value The meeting is open to all Black trade union members, and tribunal procedures aims to bring together Black workers from across Scotland Closing date for to share experiences and provide mutual support in an affiliate comments 03-Jun-04 environment which makes them most comfortable. Black Closing date for Workers' Network Meetings are an important part of the consultation Black Workers' Committee's activities for the year, and give 10-Jun-04 crucial support to Black workers in Scotland. Scottish Executive: Schools/Further Contact Mary Senior msenior@stuc.org.uk Education Collaboration S c o t t i s h Tr a d e U n i o n Re s e a rc h Closing date for affiliate comments N e t wo r k (STURN) Confe re n c e 21-May-04 Closing date for This year's STURN Conference will be held on consultation 25th June 2004 @ STUC, Glasgow. STURN 01-Jun-04 brings together academic and trade union Scottish Executive: researchers to present papers and discuss key Co-operative Development themes for the trade union movement in Agency Scotland. Closing date for affiliate comments 04-Jun-04 Conference themes: Closing date for consultation Theme A: Growing Trade Unions 14-Jun-04 Theme B: Trade Union learning Scottish Executive: Theme C: Partnerships Rights of Appeal in Planning Theme D: Workplace issues Closing date for Theme E: Contact/Call Centres affiliate comments Theme F: Special issues 23-Jul-04 Closing date for It is expected that there will be three papers presented to consultation accompany each theme. Rt Hon. Alistair Darling MP will be 30-Jul-04 one of the keynote speakers and there will be a presentation on "demographic change and the changing labour market in Scotland."
Affiliated organisations are encouraged to send delegates and/ or provide sponsorship for the event. Non-affiliated organisations and academics also welcome. Delegate fees, sponsorship packages, academic rates and full programme are available by contacting Lorraine Wilson or David Moxham
Cur r ent Scotland says No to Racism Show racism the red card Consultations Monday 7th June, 9.30am, STUC, 333 Woodlands Road. Scottish Executive: Further Measures to Three days before the European election, the STUC will Improve the Provision of bring together Scotland's mainstream political parties, trade Primary Care Services: unions, religious and faith communities, statutory bodies, and Closing date for civic and community organisations to make a clear statement affiliate comments that Scotland rejects racism. The media are invited to the 11-Jun-04 event which is expected to involve candidates from all of Closing date for Scotland's mainstream parties. consultation 18-Jun-04 The STUC is pledged to support workers who are required Scottish Executive: as part of their job to distribute any materials from the Making Development Plans avowedly racist British National Party. Deliver Closing date for STUC General Secretary Bill Speirs said: "It is affiliate comments understandable that postal workers, journalists and television 23-Jul-04 production staff are concerned that they may be asked to Closing date for distribute election literature, interview candidates, or air consultation party election broadcasts from a party that openly rejects 30-Jul-04 diversity and multiculturalism, promotes hatred and misinfor mation, and divides communities. There is a fine Scottish Executive line between freedom of speech and how we deal with Consultation on the Merger people whose statements, leaflets and broadcasts actually of the Scottish Further infringe on the rights of others. The STUC is encouraging Education Funding Council anyone who is offended by a party election broadcast or and the Scottish Higher literature that they receive through their letter box to Education Funding Council Closing date for report this to the police" affiliate comments For further details of the event contact Mary Senior. 02-Jul-04 Closing date for P r i d e Scotia - Parade consultation 15-Jul-04 Assemble in Blythswood Square 12:00 noon Set off at around 1:00pm. DTI: Fairness for All: A New Route: West Regents Street, Renfield Street, Union Street Commission for Equality Arg yle Street, Queen Street, Merchant City. and Human Rights - White The parade will disperse in George Square at approximately Paper 2:30pm. Closing date for affiliate comments 23-Jul-04 The Pride festival Closing date for The festival encompasses live music, DJs and a community consultation 06-Aug-04 fair. LGBT friendly bars and clubs usually run various acts and events during the day and in the evening.
L i fe l o n g L e a r n i n g E ve n t s Consultation Responses TUC Health & Safety Stage 1 Course
This course will now be commencing on Wednesday 2nd June at 9.00am, Room G14, Inverness College.
Cross union learning forum Scottish Executive: Modernising NHS Fort William: Wednesday 2nd June dental services Full STUC response Lifelong Learning Working Party - 7 June available here The Trade Union Working Party on Lifelong Learning (TUWPLL) chaired by the Deputy Minister for Lifelong Learning, Lewis Mcdonald is to be held at Ross County Football Ground on Monday 7th June 2004. The Working Party which includes the STUC and 9 Scottish Executive: trade union representatives and representatives from the Scottish A New Complaints Executive, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Learndirect Scotland and Communities Scotland, will "kick off " their Landscape for FE/HE visit to the Highlands with a tour of the "Life Skills Through Sport" in Scotland exhibition to be followed by the Working Party meeting. Full STUC response available here Highland Spotlight - 16 June The STUC Lifelong Learning Unit will be attending the Highland Spotlight in Inverness on Wednesday 16th June. This is an event for businesses mainly in the Inverness area, to network and showcase their produce. This is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of trade union learning with a local business community.
Contact Jaqueline McGuigan at Jkmcguigan@stuc.org.uk or 01463 248905 for further information.
Promoting TU learning in Fort William - 29/30 June On Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th June, a mobile learning bus will be touring union recognised businesses in Fort William to promote trade union learning with existing union members in the area.
The bus is being funded by Learndirect Scotland and is aimed at raising awareness of learning and the benefits both to individuals and to the business.
We are planning to launch the STUC Everyday Skills on-line course on 30th June. This will enable learners in the Highlands and Islands to access the adult literacy and numeracy awareness raising training course without the need to leave their locality
Contact Jaqueline McGuigan at Jkmcguigan@stuc.org.uk or 01463 248905 for further information.
The month ahead The (28th May - 14th June) May 14th
28/05/04 STUC visit to Dungavel Detention Centre.
01/06/04 General Council Strategic meeting
02/06/04 General Council Strategic meeting
03/06/04 Meeting with Hilary Benn MP, Secretar y of State for International Development. 03/06/04 Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Women.
04/06/04 Unions Work for Refugees and Asylum Seekers. Further details here. 05/06/04 STUC Youth Commitee
07/06/04 Scottish Women's Convention
08/06/04 Meeting with the DTI on Workforce modernisation fund 08/06/04 Meeting with the German Consulate
08/06/04 Literacies Working Group
11/06/04 EIS Conference - Fringe Meeting STUC speaking at the launch of EIS's new edition of Breaking down the Barriers - the Gender Jigsaw. 14/06/04 Meeting the Governor of the Bank of England. STUC will raise matters of concern relating
The month ahead The (14th June - 23rd June)
14/06/04 STUC/SCVO Forum sub group meeting
15/06/04 Scottish Pensioners Forum Annual Conference, City Chambers, Glasgow 10.30- 3.30pm
16/06/04 Refugee Week: Opening Doors, Sharing practice on integration of asylum seekers - seminar 16/06/04 Meeting of FE and HE affiliates with Jim Wallace MSP. Opportunity for affiliates t o engage with the Minister on a range of issues affecting the FE and HE sectors. 16/06/04 Refugee Week: Scottish Refugee Council Refugee Debate in STUC.
18/06/04 Black Workers' Committee.
19/06/04 Black Workers' Network Meeting. For further details go here. 19/06/04 Refugee Week: Glasgow Film Theatre screening of `Welcome', the Camcorder Guerrilla video on destitute refugees. 19/06/04 Pay up for Pensions. STUC March and Rally. For further details go here. 19/06/04 Pride Scotland March in Glasgow. For further details go here.
21/06/04 Council of the Isles: Cardiff
23/06/04 STUC addressing Commission for Racial Equality Conference in Edinburgh.
In the parliaments ... Parliamentary Committee Business
Scottish Parliament Enterprise and Culture Committee Report in Broadband in Scotland Written evidence submitted from STUC http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/enterprise/reports/elr04-04-vol01-01.htm
Scottish Parliament Health Committee Evidence received for the Prohibition of Smoking in Regulated Areas (Scotland) Bill - Written responses received from Amicus and Unison Scotland http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/health/inquiries/ros/he04-smo-000.htm
Scottish Parliament Health Committee Responses to call for evidence on Breastfeeding etc (Scotland) Bill - Written responses received from Amicus, STUC, TGWU, Unison and Usdaw http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/health/inquiries/bre/he04-bre-00.htm
Parliamentary Debates
UK Parliament - Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill Second reading of Bill introduced by Jim Sheridan http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/cm040521/debtext/40521-02.htm#column_1210
Scottish Parliament - Executive Debate on Skills and Continued Learning http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/plenary/or-04/sor0520-02.htm#Col8583
Government and Parliament Publications
HoC Joint Committee on the Draft Disability Discrimination Bill Report on the Draft Disability Discrimination Bill http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt/jtdisab.htm
NHSScotland Occupational Health and Safety Survey First ever survey into NHS staff health and safety in Scotland http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/files/040525_web.pdf
Scottish Executive Research Report Scottish Human Rights Commission An Analysis of Consultation Responses Written submissions received from STUC and Unison http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/social/hrcacr-07.asp
Department of Trade and Industry Research Report The UK Contact Centre Industry - Research into the past, present and future of the UK call and contact centre industry http://www.dti.gov.uk/ewt/contactind.pdf
Scottish Executive Consultation Responses - Modernising Dental Services in Scotland Written submissions received from STUC, Scottish Pensioners Forum and Unison http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/health/mnhsdscr-00.asp
Scottish Executive Research Report Older People in Scotland: Results from the Scottish Household Survey 1999-2002 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/society/opis-00.asp
EQUALITY AT WORK SEMINARS Awareness-raising seminars for Trade Union Reps and Officials covering:
· How to recognise different types of discrimination · How discrimination affects different groups in different ways · Basic legal rights in the areas of race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation and age · Bargaining for equality in the workplace · Promoting equality in your union
Wednesday 16th June Glasgow Tuesday 22 nd June Edinburgh Tuesday 14th September Aberdeen Tuesday 26th October Inve r n e s s
These seminars will provide a good foundation for the residential weekend schools aimed at training Bargaining for Equality Reps, to be offered around Scotland from November 2004.
If you would like to receive further information, please complete and return the attached form. Alternatively, please contact:
Liza Greig Project Administrator Tel: 0141 337 8135 E-mail: lgreig@stuc.org.uk
One Workplace Equal Rights Seminars for Trade Union Reps and Officials
Please complete and return by fax to Liza Greig on 0141 337 8101
Please indicate which seminar you wish to attend:
Wednesday 16th June 2004 Glasgow Tuesday 22nd June 2004 Edinburgh Tuesday 14th September 2004 Aberdeen Tuesday 26th October 2004 Inverness
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