TUC young workers month is running for the whole of November.* One strand of this work is that the TUC has been campaigning for a higher minimum wage for workers aged up to 25, who are in danger of being left behind by government plans George Osbornes’ plans caused mixed feelings. The TUC was…Read more…
Episode 19: ‘As long as we obey the law’
Sounds familiar? If you work in the hospitality industry you can join www.unitetheunion.org – if you earn less than the Living Wage (£9.15ph in London, £7.85 outside) for just £2.10 per week….Read more…
‘Once in a generation’ opportunity
MPs debating the public stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland today (November 5) must ensure the government does not throw away a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to restore trust to Britain’s banks,…Read more…
On the irony of being in London to campaign against the Trade Union Bill during Living Wage week
The new Living Wage rate was announced on Monday and Living Wage week has involved a range of campaigning activities, including events rightly recognising the progress made by some employers in…Read more…
Anything but apathetic
Thousands of young people from across the country gathered in London yesterday (November 4) to protest government plans to slash maintenance grants, a move that would further shut the door on working…Read more…
Episode 18: ‘It’s the door for union members’
Sounds familiar? If you work in the hospitality industry you can join www.unitetheunion.org – if you earn less than the Living Wage (£9.15ph in London, £7.85 outside) for just £2.10 per week….Read more…
Bleeding jobs
The UK tyre industry is starting to bleed jobs and is facing many of the same problems as the steel industry, says Unite national officer Tony Devlin. He heard the news of plans to axe 860 direct…Read more…
‘Fantastic victory’
Traffic wardens in Hackney in east London have won a major victory after Unite secured them the London living wage and a proper company sick pay policy after last ditch talks to avert strike action….Read more…
Jobs and communities come first
Below Unite’s Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty makes clear the union’s policy on Trident. Luke Akehurst has got it wrong on Unite, I’m afraid. Unite’s policy on Trident is…Read more…
‘Cruel blow’ for tyre workers
Unite is seeking to reverse the devastating announcement of a Michelin tyre factory closure in Northern Ireland, which could mean the loss of nearly 900 jobs. The announcement, made…Read more…
Still a fundamental attack
On the eve of the trade union Bill’s report stage, due to take place next week (November 10), the government suddenly climbed down on some of the legislation’s key elements. Controversial…Read more…
Timely call for stewards at Peoples’ March for Climate, Justice and Jobs
The brilliant team organising the national climate demonstration in London on 29/11 has issued an urgent appeal for more stewards here, just as the UN warns that government pledges ahead of the Paris Treaty negotiations cannot prevent dangerous climate…Read more…
Is Britain fairer for black and minority ethnic workers?
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) report ‘Is Britain fairer?’ examines the extent to which equality and human rights are improving in Britain. It reveals that the systemic labour market discrimination suffered by black and minority ethnic (BME) workers is still a major feature of…Read more…
Token move
Late yesterday (Tuesday November 3) the Department for Business insisted the controls on posting to social media – forcing people to seek police approval before posting to social media – would not be…Read more…
Episode 17: Behind closed doors…
Sounds familiar? If you work in the hospitality industry you can join www.unitetheunion.org – if you earn less than the Living Wage (£9.15ph in London, £7.85 outside) for just £2.10 per week….Read more…
Government forced into first climbdown over trade union bill
Yesterday I had the privilege to speak to over 2,500 people at the lobby against the trade union bill. It was a fantastic event, with union members travelling from all over the UK to talk with their MPs in person. Spirits were high, even though the que…Read more…
‘Believe in our values’
Here is Len McCluskey’s speech he made at the Trade Union Bill rally and lobby of parliament, November 2. The Unite general secretary urged the packed rally to, “Stay solid together and…Read more…
‘Pitiful’ pay offer
Last ditch talks to avoid an escalating pay dispute at the UK’s largest crane hire company, Ainscough, are set to take place this Thursday (November 5) after members of Unite rejected a ‘pitiful’ two…Read more…
The productivity challenge
Earlier this week I participated in an ACAS seminar on building productivity in the UK. I have written previously on the so-called ‘productivity puzzle’ and the critical importance of investment,…Read more…
One in four workers
For the third year in a row, the number of people earning below the Living Wage (LW) has increased, now standing at a record 6m – nearly one in four workers. The news comes as the Living Wage…Read more…