The past year has been a difficult year for British workers. Inflation took off at a level not seen for half a century but rates of pay fell far behind, triggering a massive outpouring of industrial action. Junior doctors, nurses, transport workers – people lauded and applauded as ‘essential workers’ during the Covid pandemic – found themselves vilified by the government and the Tory press as selfish and callous militant thug. The government has hinted at new legal restrictions on trade unions and their members’ rights.
So, we enter 2024 with some trepidation; we expect the government to try to trample on workers’ rights, to palm workers off with less-than-inflation pay increases and poorer working conditions. However, 2023 has shown that British workers are mad as hell and we aren’t going to take it anymore.
Solidarity says it wasn’t ordinary workers who caused the massive wave of inflation. Solidarity says we won’t stand for workers being punished for the misdeeds of the so-called ‘great and the good.’ Solidarity is dedicated to fighting for the rights of its member in 2024 as it has done since its foundation. Solidarity has your back. Solidarity will stand by you. There will be a struggle ahead, but as the late Bob Crowe once said, ‘You may fight and lose, but if you don’t fight, you will definitely lose”. Finally let’s give a thought and prayer to mainly ordinary working people who are suffering due to war and conflicts around the Globe, to which there are over a 100. It’s always the Working Class that suffer the most in these conflicts and let’s hope Humanity prevails in the coming year. We can win in 2024.
Happy New Year. Together we are strong. Solidarity Forever.
As we gather together to commemorate this joyous holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the events that unfolded throughout the year 2023. It has undoubtedly been a challenging year for the trade union movement in the United Kingdom, yet we have demonstrated our unwavering strength and dedication to supporting and caring for one another.
In the face of adversity, unions have remained resolute, ensuring that the voices of members are heard loud and clear. We have fought tirelessly for fair wages, improved working conditions, and the protection of workers’ rights. Together, we have proven that we are strong enough to care for the well-being of every individual within our unions.
Throughout 2023, we witnessed remarkable solidarity and unity. We united in rallies and on picket lines, demanding justice and recognition for the invaluable contributions made by workers across various industries. Whether it was standing with our healthcare workers, educators, or essential service providers, we exemplified the true meaning of solidarity. I know that many of you, like me, contributed to individual strike funds of other unions to support their just struggles.
I am proud to share that I personally secured the reinstatement of two members who had been wrongfully dismissed from their employment this year. Our Representatives continue to work tirelessly for members, and I want to highlight the outstanding efforts of Dr. Abbey Akinoshun in this regard. Dr. Akinoshun has achieved numerous victories for healthcare workers within our union. Our Representatives consistently dedicate themselves to resolving grievances, challenging unjust practices, and advocating for fair treatment on behalf of our members. Their commitment remains steadfast week in and week out.
Furthermore, our dedication extends beyond our members to the wider community. Many individual members have supported charities through financial donations or volunteered their time and skills to assist those in need. We take great pride in the generosity and compassion demonstrated by our members. It shows that when we say we are ‘strong enough to care’, we mean it.
I would also like to highlight the establishment of the Solidarity Benevolent Fund, supported by donations from our members. This year, the Fund provided assistance to a builder and his family who were involved in a work-related accident. The Fund offers practical and financial aid during difficult times, such as illness or unemployment. In this particular case, we were able to provide benefit advice and assistance with applications, a service we extended to several members throughout the year.
Our union officials have also played a crucial role by providing certain document witnessing services, including Passport applications, to our members free of charge. Their dedication to supporting our members in various ways has been invaluable.
In 2023, we introduced Union News, a regular video segment aimed at informing and educating trade unionists in the UK. Building on this success, we plan to expand and improve Union News in 2024. We have also started experimenting with cartoons as a simple yet effective means of conveying important information. Embracing new technologies and seeking ways to enhance our communication channels are an integral part of our ongoing efforts to serve our members better.
In looking forward to the year ahead, I am confident that together we will continue to overcome challenges and achieve even greater victories. I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!
A recent survey conducted by Acas has found that 7 out of 10 employees (70%) are unaware of their new right to request flexible working from the very first day of their job starting next year. This significant change in the law will allow employees to ask for flexible working arrangements as soon as they commence employment. Currently, this right is only available to employees who have worked for their employer for 26 weeks or more.
A Code of Practice for a Smooth Transition
To facilitate this transition and provide guidance, Acas will be producing a new statutory Code of Practice on handling requests for flexible working. This code will support both employers and employees in understanding and navigating these changes, which will be implemented next year.
According to Susan Clews, the Chief Executive of Acas, the global shift towards flexible working has already had a positive impact on work-life balance for many individuals. Employers have also benefited from being perceived as attractive places to work. Clews emphasizes the importance of everyone being prepared for the new changes to the law and highlights the recent consultation on a new draft Code of Practice that strengthens good practice in flexible working. The final version of the new Code will be published next year.
Effective Date and Additional Reforms
The right to request flexible working from day one will come into force on April 6, 2024. Alongside this change, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 outlines additional reforms related to flexible working, which are also expected to be implemented at the same time.
Other Legislative Updates
Carer’s Leave
Draft regulations have been published, detailing the operation of the new statutory right to carer’s leave, which will be effective from April 6, 2024. The key points from these regulations include:
Employees with dependents requiring long-term care are entitled to up to one week of unpaid leave within a 12-month period.
Leave can be taken in one continuous block or on separate days, but a minimum of half a day must be taken at a time.
Employees must comply with certain notification requirements, and there are limited circumstances where employers can postpone requested leave.
Employers cannot demand evidence in relation to a request for carer’s leave.
To comply with these regulations, employers will need to develop a carer’s leave policy and ensure their payroll and time & attendance systems are prepared.
Redundancy Protection for Certain Employees
Further draft regulations have been published to extend redundancy protections to a wider category of employees. This extension will cover:
Pregnant employees.
Employees who have returned from statutory maternity or adoption leave.
Employees who have returned from at least 6 consecutive weeks of statutory shared parental leave (and are not already covered by maternity and adoption protection).
These changes will apply to pregnant employees from the point of informing their employer about their pregnancy and eligible parents returning from maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave for 18 months after the expected week of childbirth, the placement date for adoption, or the child’s birth.
Employers should be aware of these changes when planning restructuring exercises involving potential redundancies.
Significant Immigration Changes
The Home Secretary has announced major changes to key immigration routes with the aim of reducing net migration. The notable changes for employers include:
The minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route will increase from £26,200 to £38,700.
There will no longer be a 20% reduction to the Skilled Worker minimum salary threshold for jobs on the shortage occupations list.
Overseas care workers will no longer be able to bring dependents with them under the Health and Care Worker visa route, following a similar approach to that of students.
These changes are expected to take effect in spring 2024. Employers should factor them into their recruitment planning and consider sponsoring workers at an earlier stage, or for a longer period, to adhere to existing lower salary thresholds.
Solidarity Union backs the Junior Doctor’s strike and their Just battle for pay restoration, Picture: iStock.
392 words, 2 minutes read time.
In a show of defiance against bosses, government, and right-wing pressure, thousands of junior doctors in England commenced a significant strike on Wednesday, marking the 26th day of action since the beginning of the pay dispute. The strike, scheduled to last for three days, witnessed junior doctors donning orange hats and displaying orange-lettered BMA placards as they stood on the picket line at University College Hospital in central London.
Hospital managers made provisions for senior doctors to provide emergency cover, although most planned appointments and treatments had to be cancelled. This strike, currently underway, will be followed by an unprecedented six-day walkout at the start of January, marking the longest strike in the history of the NHS.
Pat Harrington, General Secretary of Solidarity, voiced strong support for the strike, backing the junior doctors in their endeavour to bring attention to the ongoing pay dispute. Expressing solidarity with the protesters, he emphasized the need for an equitable resolution that addresses the challenges faced by the medical workforce.
The strike comes on the heels of failed negotiations between the doctors’ union, the British Medical Association (BMA), and the government earlier this month. The NHS management’s fury at the strike was evident, with strong alignment with the government’s stance. The union’s timing was labelled as a “moral issue” aimed at causing “maximum disruption,” leading to heightened tensions within the medical community.
Amid the ongoing strike, the resolve of the doctors remains unshaken, with BMA representative Dr. Robert Laurenson affirming the effectiveness of the union’s actions. Highlighting the impact of their collective strength, he emphasized their ability to compel the government to reconsider their initial stance on pay offers. The determination to continue the fight until a credible offer is presented underscores the unwavering commitment of the medical community to address the pressing challenges within the NHS.
The doctors on the picket lines displayed steadfastness in the face of criticism and received support from consultants, highlighting the unity within the health service. They emphasized the financial struggles resulting from low pay and the diminishing camaraderie within the NHS. Similarly, others echoed the challenges of dwindling resources, increased pressure, and the morale crisis among the medical workforce, underscoring the recurring theme of low pay’s impact on the well-being of NHS staff.
The historic Special Congress of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) commenced in early December, marking the first of its kind in over forty years. The central agenda of the congress revolved around the necessary response of trade unions to legal endeavours aimed at constraining their activities.
An essential legislative development was the enactment of the Strikes (Minimum Services) Act in July, with accompanying regulations coming into effect on 8 December. Notably, these regulations encompassed rail, border security, ambulance services, and forthcoming proposals pertaining to children’s education.
Expanding the coverage of sectors subject to the new law, fire and rescue services, nuclear installations, waste plants, as well as broader sectors of education and transport, were identified. It is estimated by the TUC that approximately 5.5 million workers, constituting one in five of the workforce, would be impacted by these regulations.
The concept of minimum service levels, which served as a basis for the new legislation, draws inspiration from common practices in Europe, particularly in countries such as France, Italy, and Spain, as outlined in a briefing paper from the House of Commons Library.
A significant concern raised pertains to the disregard of ballot results for strike actions, even when meeting stringent criteria. Employers retain the authority to issue notices identifying workers obligated to attend work to sustain an arbitrary level of service. Consequently, the ballot outcome is overridden, and the respective trade union may be compelled to instruct their members to disregard picket lines and report to work.
Notably, the Congress showcased remarkable unity, with representatives from nearly all affiliated unions vocalizing support for the proposals set forth by the General Council. An absence of proposed amendments further underscored this unity.
During the discussions, speakers highlighted instances of employers consistently disregarding safe staffing levels in crucial sectors like health and transport. Anecdotes included accounts from a Unison ambulance service convenor who detailed the emergency cover arrangements implemented during strikes. Notably, diligent coordination by union representatives in control rooms ensured the deployment of ambulances for those in need, resulting in no patient incidents on strike days.
In a unanimous decision, the Congress scheduled a rally for 12 noon on Saturday, 27 January 2024, in Cheltenham, the location of GCHQ. This choice holds significance as it was the site where, in 1984, Margaret Thatcher proscribed workers from union membership.
Furthermore, the TUC committed to orchestrating demonstrations and rallying support should a work notice be issued. Additionally, the organization plans to publicly call out and censure any employer resorting to the use of a work notice.
The context also highlighted the resilience and determination of workers across various sectors, including rail, NHS, schools, universities, and industry, in surpassing stringent ballot requirements imposed by earlier laws, explicitly designed to impede trade union actions.
“Acknowledging historical parallels, the newly enacted law adds to a lineage of anti-working class legislation, tracing back to the Industrial Relations Act of the 1970s and Labour’s In Place of Strife from the late 1960s. My view, in common with many others, is that this legislation cannot be effectively challenged through appeals to a hypothetical future Labour government, costly legal battles, or recourse to the EU or the ILO. The focal point should remain rooted in workplace organization, akin to strategies implemented to circumvent and oppose past laws.”
Pat Harrington, General Secretary of Solidarity union
Welcome to Union News, your guide to what is happening in the UK labour and trade union movement. Reporting is by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. In this edition we report on tough times for the disabled this Christmas, a victory for Government workers on pay, the financial struggles facing health workers and finally, the likelihood of further junior doctor strikes.
Financial Strain Forces Disabled Individuals to Cancel Christmas Plans, Urgent Call for Government Support
A recent survey by disability charity Sense reveals that one in three disabled individuals is cancelling Christmas due to financial difficulties, with over 50% falling into debt. Sense CEO Richard Kramer urges the government to provide targeted financial support for vulnerable households during the winter, emphasizing the inadequacy of the upcoming 6.7% increase in welfare benefits.
The study unveils that two-thirds of disabled individuals constantly worry about bills, and 34% will miss spending time with loved ones. Almost half won’t buy presents, and concerns about energy costs lead two in five to skip festive lights. With over half reducing or turning off heating and a third skipping meals, the survey underscores the urgent need for comprehensive assistance for disabled individuals facing dire financial challenges this holiday season.
Government Department Workers Call Off Strike After Securing Improved Pay Deal
Cleaners, security guards, and support staff at three major government departments in Whitehall have called off their 34-day strike after successfully negotiating an enhanced pay deal with their employer, outsourced company ISS. The workers, represented by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, were employed at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Department for Business and Trade, and Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.
The new pay deal, backdated to March, includes raises ranging from 5 to 8 percent, along with additional benefits such as improved full-pay sickness absence. PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka commended the members for their “great strength” in the prolonged strike, stating that they will now receive the rewards they deserve, setting a standard for statutory minimum terms and conditions in the industry.
Serwotka emphasized the PCS commitment to extending these victories throughout Whitehall, aiming to eliminate the “scourge of outsourcing.” The resolution marks a positive outcome for the workers who stood firm in their demands against what was described as a “stubborn” employer.
A recent survey has unveiled that nearly half of higher education workers are left with less than £50 each month, raising concerns over financial well-being. The 5% pay offer, deemed “entirely inadequate” by Unite, has sparked controversy among administrative, technical, and estate staff.
The survey of over 1,000 workers in the sector revealed that in the past year, 8% have had to skip meals, and 32% cut back on heating their homes due to financial constraints. More than half expressed worries about rent and mortgage payments if their pay remains stagnant.
Unite is currently in talks with the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) regarding the pay award imposed in March as part of the New Joint Negotiating Committee for Higher Education Staff. The committee is advocating for an increase of RPI plus 2% or £4,000, whichever is greater.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, asserted that the 2023/24 pay deal is insufficient and must be improved, emphasizing the impact on the financial stability of higher education workers.
UCEA’s chief executive, Raj Jethwa, acknowledged the cost-of-living pressures facing staff and highlighted the early initiation of pay talks. The final pay award, ranging from 8% to 5% from August 2023, with almost half paid from February, aims to address financial concerns. Despite financial pressures in the sector, Jethwa asserts that the pay award is comparable to settlements in the wider economy. The ongoing discussions between Unite and UCEA will shape the resolution of this contentious issue.
and finally, Historic NHS Strike Looms as Junior Doctors Reject Tory Offer
Junior doctors in England are gearing up for the longest national strike in NHS history this month, following the Tory government’s initial refusal to engage with the union and an unsatisfactory response to talks. The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced strikes from 7 am on December 20 to 7 am on December 23, with another six-day walkout planned from January 3 to January 9.
The prolonged strikes are expected to disrupt planned treatments, outpatient clinics, and hospital ward care, exacerbating the already massive seven million-strong treatment waiting list. The BMA is using the strikes to protest against low pay, demand full pay restoration after a decade of cuts, and defend the NHS.
Junior doctors, with starting hourly rates at £14.09, often carry over £100,000 in student debt. The London Living Wage is £13.15. The BMA argues that low pay is driving doctors away, contributing to a severe shortage of qualified staff, jeopardizing the future of the NHS.
Despite the government’s imposition of an average 8.8% pay rise, the BMA insists this fails to address years of pay erosion. A subsequent 3% increase was unevenly distributed across different grades, leaving many doctors facing a real-terms pay cut. BMA representatives Dr. Robert Laurenson and Dr. Vivek Trevedi expressed frustration, stating, “A year after our dispute started, we are still too far from turning the tide on plummeting pay, morale, and retention of doctors.”
New Tory health secretary Vicky Atkins faces growing opposition to a pay deal with consultants, as some, including Dr. Clive Peedell, threaten to vote against it unless junior doctors receive a better offer. Dr. Ajay M Verma also voiced support for junior doctors, emphasizing solidarity.
The BMA’s call for solidarity pickets and support from local trade unionists aims to increase pressure on the government to improve its offer and serves as encouragement for health workers grappling with low pay to prepare for further action in the new year. The prospect of a fresh wave of coordinated health strikes looms, intended to challenge the Tories and advocate for fair pay and working conditions.
Here are just some of the reasons Solidarity union is urging you to shop local and Buy British this festive season.
Supporting Local Businesses: Building a Sustainable and Resilient Nation
In a world driven by globalization and expansive supply chains, it is crucial that we pause and reflect on the impact of our purchasing decisions. The Solidarity union urges the people of the UK to embrace the power of shopping locally and supporting UK-produced products. This paradigm shift not only benefits our environment but also strengthens our nation’s resilience and fosters economic growth within our communities.
Ecological Impact: Rethinking Supply Chains
By choosing locally sourced products, we take a significant step towards reducing our ecological footprint. When goods are transported across long distances, they contribute to carbon emissions and pollution. On the other hand, supporting local businesses shortens supply chains, leading to decreased transportation requirements and subsequently reducing the overall environmental impact.
Self-Sufficiency: Fostering a Nation’s Resilience
Embracing local products also plays a vital role in establishing a self-sufficient nation. By reducing our dependence on imports, we become less vulnerable to global economic fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties. Investing in domestic industries helps to strengthen our economy, ensuring a reliable and consistent supply of essential goods.
Preserving Jobs & Encouraging Investment
Supporting local businesses is a direct investment in the prosperity of our communities. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, providing employment opportunities for local residents. By choosing to buy UK-produced goods, we can preserve existing jobs and create new ones, stimulating economic growth and fostering a sense of stability in our society.
The Power of Individual Choices
Sometimes, the impact of our choices may seem insignificant, but it’s important to recognize that small, consistent actions can lead to profound change. Let us consider the examples of the fair trade, organic, and vegetarian movements. These movements started with a few individuals making conscious choices, which gradually gained momentum and transformed into widespread societal changes. By choosing to shop locally, we can effectively demonstrate the demand for UK-produced goods and encourage others to follow suit.
In conclusion, it is essential that we recognize the power we possess as consumers. Engaging in conscious shopping and supporting UK-produced products not only benefits our environment but also strengthens our nation’s resilience and promotes economic growth. Let us join hands in building a sustainable and thriving future, one local purchase at a time.
Support your community. Shop local. Embrace the power of UK-produced products.
Welcome to Union News, your guide to the key stories from the UK Trade Union and labour movement. Writing is by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.
Rail Workers Face Dilemma: Pay Cut Deal with Uncertain Future Conditions
Rail workers are set to vote on a proposed “memorandum of understanding” with rail bosses, offering a 5% pay rise or £1,750 (whichever is greater) to resolve the 2022 pay dispute. The deal falls significantly below inflation, amounting to a substantial real-terms pay cut. Although the proposal includes a temporary safeguard against compulsory redundancies, this guarantee expires in just over a year, with the potential for renewed attacks on jobs and working conditions. If accepted, the memorandum would suspend the union’s strike mandate until well into 2024, leaving members concerned about the long-term impact on their terms and conditions. Critics argue that the offer is inadequate, urging fellow members to vote against it. The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) emphasizes plans for 2023 pay talks, hinting at a focus on profit-driven changes to meet passenger needs. The e-ballot concludes on November 30.
Billions for Union Members Amid Greed Crisis
In a remarkable display of worker power, the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) reveals that workers across Scotland have successfully added over £4 billion to their wages and pensions by challenging employers over the past 18 months. The victories, including the restoration of £1.9 billion to university workers’ pension schemes after 69 days of UCU action, come despite calls for “pay restraint” from both UK and Scottish governments. STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer emphasizes the importance of collective strength but warns against complacency, urging vigilance as the movement faces challenges from the anti-trade union Strike (Minimum Service Levels) Bill proposed by the Tories.
RMT Members Overwhelmingly Vote to Extend London Underground Dispute
RMT members on the London Underground have voted overwhelmingly, with a 95% “yes” vote on a 54% turnout, to continue their ongoing dispute with Transport for London (TfL) regarding jobs, conditions, and pensions. The reballot extends the mandate for strike action for another six months. While strike action was temporarily suspended in October due to concessions securing job preservation, the RMT acknowledges persistent disagreements in the broader dispute. RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch congratulates members and states that the union will now assess the results and determine the next steps in the campaign. TfL is yet to comment on the matter.
Surge in Violent Incidents Across Scotland’s Public Sector Sparks Urgent Calls for Action
Scotland has witnessed a disturbing 31% surge in violent incidents within its public sector, as reported by Unison in its annual workplace violence analysis. The data reveals a staggering increase of 12,931 cases, reaching a total of 54,684 incidents during the 2022-23 period. Approximately two-thirds of these attacks occurred in councils, with schools and nurseries within councils experiencing between 80% and 98% of the incidents.
However, the report highlights an incomplete picture due to the non-response of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the largest health board in Scotland, to freedom of information requests regarding the number of violent incidents experienced by its 43,000 staff.
Scott Donohoe, chair of Unison Scotland’s health and safety committee, emphasizes the need for immediate action to address workplace violence, rejecting the notion that it is an inherent part of the job. He calls for employers to take responsibility, advocating for stronger legislation, regulation, and government oversight.
Despite the concerning statistics, a spokesperson for the Scottish government assures that all workers, including those in the public sector, deserve protection from abuse and violence. The government underscores the robust legal powers available to address assaults, with potential sentences extending to life imprisonment.
Unison vows to pursue further action, condemning major employers who fail to respond to requests for information as indicative of a broader issue where employers neglect to gather crucial data on assaults against their staff. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has been contacted for comment.
and finally, NHS Trust Director Threatens Prosecution Over Strike, Unite Condemns “Bullying Tactics”
A director at Barts Health NHS Trust, one of Britain’s largest NHS trusts, warned workers of potential prosecution for striking just hours before a three-day walkout, as revealed by the Morning Star. Unite criticized the “bullying tactics” employed by the trust, highlighting an email sent to members of the East and South East London Pathology Partnership (ESEL) by Charlotte Mustoe, ESEL’s operations director.
Mustoe’s email emphasized that workers could face prosecution for breaching a “safe level of service agreement” with unions, especially if they failed to attend critical shifts impacting patient safety. Unite condemned these tactics as a form of intimidation, expressing no surprise at such behavior.
Despite the threat, the strike by ESEL members and other workers at St Bart’s proceeded as planned, lasting from Monday to Wednesday. Unite regional officer Tabusam Ahmed warned that if Barts Health did not cease bullying tactics and start addressing members’ concerns, the dispute would escalate.
The industrial dispute centers around issues of unsafe understaffing, increased workloads, and changes to rosters eliminating night-time roles. Workers at ESEL reported inadequate facilities, including staff having to use stairwells for lunches due to limited space and exposure to health and safety risks in pathology buildings. The East and South East London Pathology Partnership, hosted by Barts Health NHS Trust, cited the need to maintain patient safety amid strike actions.
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has unveiled a disturbing trend in the UK job market, indicating a substantial decline in real wages since the financial crisis, with most workers still grappling with incomes that have not recovered to pre-2008 levels. The figures show that the average worker would be approximately £125 a week better off had their earnings increased at the same rate as they did between 1997 and 2010.
Alarming as it is, these revelations don’t end there. The data also exposes the Tories’ role in overseeing a drop in real weekly pay by £4.50 from 2010 to 2023. In stark contrast, in the 13 years prior to Conservative governance, real weekly pay experienced a robust growth of £99. This stark contrast between the previous administration and the current one paints a grim picture of the Tories’ approach to workers’ well-being.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has highlighted the transformative potential of Labour’s proposed “New Deal for Working People,” which aims to make work more rewarding, secure, and equitable. Commenting on the ONS annual pay statistics, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak stressed the glaring disparity in living standards. He noted, “While living standards have nosedived for the vast majority of workers, those at the top have been largely insulated. Real pay in the City is above its 2008 level. But it’s a different story for most other workers, with pay packets still worth less than 15 years ago.”
Nowak went on to emphasize the exceptional nature of this situation in modern history and attributed it to a failure on the part of the Conservative Party. “The Conservatives are the party of pay cuts. Working people deserve better,” he declared.
Gender Pay Gap
The latest gender pay figures have also raised concerns, indicating that the gender pay gap currently stands at 14.3%, and at current rates of progress, it will persist until 2044. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak expressed deep concern, saying, “Our economy isn’t working for women. At this rate, it will take decades to close the gender pay gap.”
He called for more robust action, including legal requirements for companies to disclose their strategies for closing the gender pay gap, with potential fines for non-compliance. Additionally, Nowak stressed the urgent need to address issues in the childcare and social care systems, as women continue to bear the brunt of caring responsibilities. He underlined the importance of flexible, affordable, and accessible childcare, as well as addressing the social care crisis through sectoral collective bargaining.
New Deal for Working People
The TUC’s advocacy for government intervention to tackle the gender pay gap aligns with Labour’s commitment to deliver a “New Deal for Working People.” Labour’s proposal includes significant changes to the employment landscape, such as banning zero-hours contracts, providing day one rights for all workers, introducing pay gap reporting for ethnicity and disability, strengthening collective bargaining, and bolstering flexible working rights.
In summary, the ONS ASHE figures reveal a concerning decline in workers’ real wages since the financial crash, with the Tories presiding over a drop in real weekly pay. Labour’s New Deal for Working People offers a vision for a more equitable and secure future, aimed at addressing the gender pay gap and making work fairer for all.
In a remarkable turn of events, a united front of trade unions, disabled people’s organizations, passenger groups, and countless other campaigners has succeeded in compelling the UK government to perform a humiliating U-turn on their plans to shutter hundreds of rail ticket offices in England. The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, announced on Tuesday that the government had urged train operators to withdraw their controversial proposals, citing their failure to meet the high passenger standards expected.
Stevenage Ticket Office – just one of those saved. Picture Kollectiv Futur
This significant reversal of the Conservative Party’s position is a testament to the power of mass campaigning and the fear of electoral annihilation that has gripped the Tories. This victory showcases the importance of collective action and sends a clear message that the public will not accept the deterioration of essential services.
The objections raised against the proposals were widespread and impactful. Passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travelwatch reported that they received a staggering 750,000 responses from individuals and organizations during a public consultation. These responses were characterized by “powerful and passionate concerns,” as stated by Transport Focus.
Mick Lynch, the general secretary of the RMT union, hailed this victory as a resounding one for passengers, community groups, and rail workers alike. He has called for an urgent summit involving the government, train operating companies, disabled and community organizations, and passenger groups to devise an alternative path for the rail network. Their goal is to ensure the preservation of ticket offices and station staff jobs while delivering a safe, secure, and accessible service that prioritizes passengers over profit.
The government is trying to distance itself from the proposed closures, arguing that they were not directly responsible for the plans. However, the fingerprints of the Conservative Party are all over this scheme, as they had originally approved it. Essentially, the Tories have rejected proposals that they themselves had endorsed.
The BBC reported that rail executives were “furious” over the government’s decision to backtrack, given that the original plans had been approved by the Department for Transport (DFT). A source from one of the rail companies expressed their frustration, revealing that they had been compelled to promote and defend the plans despite widespread criticism.
The victory to save ticket offices is a significant step forward, but it should not overshadow the ongoing struggle for fair wages, job security, and passenger safety within the rail industry. This achievement underscores the importance of continued action, including strikes, to push for these essential reforms.
In September, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had asserted that closing ticket offices was in the public interest, citing that only one in ten tickets was currently sold through ticket offices. The initial plans aimed to close ticket offices at 974 stations in England, but none in Scotland or Wales. However, with the overwhelming public response to the consultation, watchdogs such as Transport Focus and London Travelwatch unanimously opposed every planned closure, citing issues related to accessibility and operational concerns.
Mick Whelan, the general secretary of Aslef, highlighted that the consultation process demonstrated that almost no one, except for train companies and the Conservative Party, believed station ticket offices should be closed. The resounding support for the Save Our Ticket Offices campaign has been a victory not only for unions and campaigners but for all rail travelers.
The consensus from passengers, staff, and rail providers for the future of rail travel, as called for by National Pensioners’ Convention general secretary Jan Shortt, is now more attainable. Disabled People Against Cuts founder Linda Burnip emphasized the positive impact of this victory on disabled people, who would have been disproportionately affected by the proposed closures.
Katie Pennick, campaigns manager at accessibility charity Transport for All, aptly described this outcome as bittersweet. The proposals were indeed disastrous and discriminatory, and they should never have been put forward in the first place.
The U-turn on the ticket office closures reflects the triumph of people power, where collective action and a united front of campaigners and unions have successfully pushed back against regressive policies. It underscores the importance of vigilance and continued activism in protecting essential services and workers’ rights. Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh MP’s call for a publicly owned and unified rail network resonates strongly, offering an alternative vision that prioritizes passengers and quality service.
