Category: Union News

Welcome to Union News, your guide to what’s happening in the UK trade union and labour movement. Reporting is by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. in this edition, Railway unions express outrage over significant delays in the government’s railway overhaul plans. Rooted Finance workers prepare to strike amidst allegations of anti-union tactics. At the TUC Women’s Conference, employers’ dismissal of women’s health concerns is scrutinized, with unions urging increased awareness. The PCS General Secretary reflects on the impact of Women Against Pit Closures and emphasizes their ongoing legacy. And in Coventry, Amazon workers’ strikes result in a 20% pay increase, showcasing a triumph against the retail giant despite ongoing challenges and HR interventions.

Railway Overhaul Delay Sparks Union Outrage: Passengers and Taxpayers Suffer

Unions are slamming the government’s management of railway reforms following a damning report by the National Audit Office (NAO). The report reveals significant delays and “limited progress” in the Department for Transport’s (DfT) plans to overhaul Britain’s railways. The NAO states that the majority of changes and expected savings won’t materialize until at least the next parliament. RMT and Aslef leaders criticize the government’s focus on privatization interests, calling for a publicly owned railway to benefit passengers, workers, and taxpayers.

Rooted Finance Workers Strike Amidst Allegations of Anti-Union Tactics

Front-line workers at debt advice charity Rooted Finance are set to strike following unanimous voting by Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) members. Allegations of “anti-union and intimidatory tactics” by management have fuelled the dispute, which began with concerns over low pay and inadequate training. Workers have highlighted their frustration with management’s reluctance to address concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue.

TUC Women’s Conference: Employers Dismissing Women’s Health Concerns Under Scrutiny

The TUC Women’s Conference recently addressed the dismissal of women’s health concerns by employers, resulting in many leaving their professions. Teachers’ union NASUWT leads a motion calling for greater awareness of gender-sensitive health and safety issues. GMB warns that women are being forced out of work due to inadequate support and understanding, emphasizing the need for trade unions to raise awareness of intersectional gender-sensitive issues.

PCS General Secretary Reflects on International Women’s Day: Honours Women Against Pit Closures

The PCS General Secretary reflected on International Women’s Day, which was celebrated last Wednesday, paying tribute to Women Against Pit Closures during their 40th anniversary. She highlights the pivotal role of working-class women in the miners’ strike and the transformation of the working-class and feminist movements. The legacy of fearless working-class women continues as the first woman general secretary of PCS acknowledges the progress made by women workers in various sectors. The union leader emphasized the importance of standing on the shoulders of those who fought for workers’ rights.

and finally, Amazon Workers’ Strike Success in Coventry Sparks Momentum for Recognition

In a significant victory for Amazon workers in Coventry, ongoing strikes have resulted in a 20% pay increase, marking a substantial win against the retail giant. The Coventry-based employees, represented by the GMB union, initiated strikes in January 2023, with membership growing steadily to over 1,100 members. Despite Amazon’s efforts to recruit additional workers to undermine the action, a surplus of employees has replaced the use of overtime, costing the company an estimated £500,000.

As the strikes gain momentum, discussions are underway about the future emphasis of the protests, both in Coventry and at the Minworth site near Birmingham. GMB representatives in Coventry are organizing to raise a collective grievance about issues ranging from inadequate canteen food to insufficient locker sizes for workers. Management’s response to damage or delays has often been to blame the workers, creating tension on the factory floor. Workers express concerns about constant monitoring, disciplinary measures, and the pressure to meet productivity thresholds.

The success of the strikes has prompted Amazon to offer seemingly positive benefits to workers, though critics argue that these are attempts to avoid recognizing the union. Despite these wins, workers continue to face challenges, including HR interventions and ongoing disciplinary actions. With a growing core of strike leaders in Coventry, the push for recognition gains strength, demonstrating that the union has the structures and capabilities to make recognition a reality. The Coventry Amazon workers’ story reflects a broader narrative of workers standing up against corporate giants for fair treatment and improved working conditions.

1,002 words, 5 minutes read time.

Welcome to Union News, your guide to what’s happening in the trade union and labour movement in the UK. Reporting is by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg.

Union Coalition Fights Back Against Draconian Anti-Worker Law

A new battlefront has emerged in the fight to protect trade union rights against the Tory government’s assault. Led by Strike Map and the Campaign for Trade Union Freedom (CTUF), a coalition of campaign groups and unions has launched a nationwide campaign. Their mission: urging British councils to defy the oppressive Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act, which took effect this year.

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act grants employers unprecedented powers to weaken strike actions. By issuing “work notices,” employers can compel union members to break strikes or risk dismissal. Unions refusing compliance face asset sequestration, threatening their financial stability. Mick Whelan, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, condemns it as blatant union-busting, undermining workers’ fundamental right to strike.

The legislation identifies six sectors affected by Minimum Service Levels (MSL): healthcare, fire services, education, transport, nuclear decommissioning, and border security. The government claims it aims to minimize disruption in these “essential services.” However, the broad scope reveals a deeper motive: sabotaging workers’ right to industrial action.

Local councils employ thousands across these sectors. If MSL is implemented, it will hinder teachers, education support staff, municipal transport workers (especially tramway operators), and fire and rescue services from advocating for better pay and conditions. Unions demand that council leaders unequivocally reject work notices.

While Scotland and Wales have rejected MSL, the campaign now targets English councils. Union members are mobilizing to flood local leaders with demands for worker rights protection. The battle is on, and the unions stand firm in defense of workers’ dignity and autonomy.

George Galloway Triumphs in Rochdale By-Election: A Defiant Stand for Gaza

In a stunning victory, George Galloway secured the Rochdale by-election, claiming 40% of the vote and a commanding majority of nearly 6,000 over independent businessman David Tully. But this win is more than a political shift—it’s a resounding message from Rochdale’s Muslim community, expressing their outrage over Labour’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Galloway’s rallying cry to Sir Keir Starmer echoes across the political landscape: “This is for Gaza.” The catastrophe unfolding in occupied Palestine’s Gaza Strip has galvanized voters. The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act, which grants employers powers to undermine strikes, has struck a chord. Galloway’s victory signals a seismic shift in parliamentary constituencies.

Labour, once the bedrock for loyal voters across generations, now faces a crisis of confidence. Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, two sides of the same coin, felt the sting of defeat. Remarkably, neither major party secured the top two spots—an almost unprecedented outcome.

Labour’s Azhar Ali, despite remaining on the ballot paper, suffered a spectacular fall. His 8% share of the vote represents a staggering 44% drop from Labour’s 2019 performance. Even accounting for circumstances, this decline underscores the party’s struggle to retain its base.

Galloway’s victory isn’t just about a single seat—it’s a spark that could ignite a movement. As the tectonic plates shift, the battle for workers’ rights, justice, and accountability gains momentum. Rochdale’s message reverberates: politicians must heed the call or face the consequences.

London Overground Workers Secure Pay Victory: RMT’s Triumph

In a resounding win, London Overground workers have accepted an improved pay offer from Arriva Rail London, prompting RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch to hail their “tremendous resolve.” The power of strong organization and the looming threat of strike action once again proved effective.

The victory includes a 6.5% increase in pay and allowances for all, or a minimum payment of £2,000 for those earning under £30,000 in 2023. Additionally, there’s an uplift based on February RPI 2024 or a minimum lump sum of £1,750 for salaries below £32,000 in 2024. Negotiations for a similar uplift in 2025 are set for next February.

This win isn’t just about money—it’s a testament to workers’ collective strength. Overwhelming support in an e-referendum led to the cancellation of planned strikes next Monday and Tuesday. The message is clear: organized action can yield results.

Transport for London expressed relief as industrial action scheduled for March 4 and 5 has been suspended by the RMT. The battle may be on pause, but the fight for fair wages and workers’ rights continues.

and finally, Eight Years After Didcot Boiler House Collapse: Families Demand Justice

Didcot, United Kingdom – On the sombre anniversary of the Didcot Boiler House collapse, Families Against Corporate Killers (FACK) raises urgent concerns about the prolonged investigation into the tragic incident that claimed the lives of four experienced demolition workers. Mick Collings, Chris Huxtable, Ken Cresswell, and John Shaw lost their lives on February 23, 2016, while preparing the boiler house for demolition at Didcot Power Station.

Eight years have passed since that fateful day, yet justice remains elusive. Despite extensive investigations by the Police, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), no conclusive findings have emerged. Hilda Palmer, FACK’s facilitator, expresses deep dismay that no decision on charges has been reached. The families fear they may face the same uncertainty on the 10th anniversary. Delayed justice not only compounds their grief but also leaves current demolition workers vulnerable to similar risks.

Mick Collings’ body was recovered immediately, but Chris, Ken, and John remained buried under tons of rubble for over six months. The precarious state of the remaining structure necessitated careful demolition before recovery efforts could begin. The violence of their deaths and the prolonged anguish inflicted upon their loved ones – partners, husbands, fathers – has left scars that time cannot heal.

FACK stands by the families of Chris Huxtable, Ken Cresswell, and John Shaw. Their unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, understanding what went wrong, and honouring the lives lost is commendable. As the investigation continues, the world watches, hoping that justice will prevail and prevent such tragedies in the future.

Welcome to Union News your guide to what’s happening in the trade union and labour movement in the UK. Reports are by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg. Please consider subscribing on your chosen platform.

RMT Anticipates Challenges with Labour at the Helm

During the RMT young members’ conference, Eddie Dempsey voiced concerns over the Labour Party’s reliability on fulfilling its promise to repeal the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) law. He highlighted the importance of solidarity within the trade union movement and progressive elements within Labour to exert pressure for change. Dempsey also touched upon the future of rail services, suggesting a shift towards a centralized commissioning model similar to Transport for London, which could lead to significant changes in how rail services are managed and operated.

Strathclyde Campaigners Rally for Bus Service Overhaul

Nearly 10,000 citizens have made their voices heard through a petition to Strathclyde Passenger Transport, demanding a transformation of the bus system. The call for public control is driven by a coalition of trade unions, anti-poverty advocates, and environmentalists who argue that re-regulation, franchising, and public ownership would lead to more affordable and efficient bus services. This movement underscores the critical role of public transport in economic development and environmental sustainability.

STUC Demands Clearer Vision for National Care Service

The Scottish Trades Union Congress has expressed dissatisfaction with the SNP-Green coalition’s vague proposals for a National Care Service. The STUC is calling for a detailed plan that addresses the pressing issues facing Scotland’s care sector. The lack of specifics has raised alarm among stakeholders who are eager to see a robust and well-defined strategy that ensures the long-term viability and improvement of care services.

Museum Staff in Liverpool Strike Over Unpaid Covid Bonus

The staff at the National Museums of Liverpool, represented by the PCS union, have launched an eight-week strike action. The dispute centres around a Covid bonus that the government had promised but has yet to deliver. The workers are using picketing and public demonstrations to highlight the discrepancy between their treatment and that of the museum’s executives, arguing for fair compensation and recognition of their contributions to the cultural sector.

Welsh Junior Doctors Stand Up Against Pay Erosion

Junior doctors have taken a decisive step by initiating a 72-hour strike to voice their concerns over longstanding pay erosion. These dedicated healthcare professionals, who form a crucial part of the National Health Service (NHS), are demanding fair compensation for their tireless work. Their dissatisfaction stems from the fact that their salaries have been gradually eroded over the years, leaving them financially strained.

The British Medical Association (BMA) union, representing junior doctors, has firmly rejected the Welsh government’s offer of a 5 percent pay rise. Instead, they are advocating for a more substantial change—a restoration of salaries to match inflation rates since 2008. This demand reflects their commitment to ensuring that their compensation keeps pace with the rising cost of living and economic realities.

The strike has garnered significant attention and support. On the front lines, picket lines have been established in key areas, where junior doctors stand united in their cause. These picket lines serve as a visible symbol of their determination to bring about meaningful change. Their colleagues, patients, and the public at large have rallied behind them, recognizing the importance of fair pay for those who dedicate their lives to healing others.

Beyond the immediate impact, the junior doctors’ stance is part of a larger conversation about fair compensation within the NHS. Healthcare professionals play a critical role in maintaining the well-being of communities, and their remuneration directly affects the quality of healthcare delivery. As discussions continue, policymakers must consider the long-term implications of pay policies and prioritize the well-being of both patients and those who care for them

and finally, New Code to Tackle ‘Fire and Rehire’ Practices Amidst Worker Rights Debate

The UK Government has introduced a draft code of practice aimed at addressing the controversial ‘fire and rehire’ tactics used by some employers. This new statutory code promises to empower employment tribunals with the ability to increase employee compensation by up to 25 percent if employers fail to adhere to the code’s guidelines. The move is seen as a balance between protecting workers’ rights and maintaining business flexibility.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake championed the code, stating, “Our new Code will crack down on employers mistreating employees and sets out how they should behave when changing an employee’s contract. This announcement shows we are taking action to tackle fire and re-hire practices by balancing protections for workers with business flexibility.”

The code outlines clear expectations for employers, emphasizing the need for proper consultation with employees and fair treatment during contract changes. It also discourages the use of dismissal threats as a pressure tactic to force acceptance of new terms.

Susan Clews, Chief Executive of Acas, highlighted the risks associated with ‘fire and rehire,’ noting that it “can seriously damage working relations and has significant legal risks for organisations.” She advised employers to seek Acas’s impartial advice before considering such drastic measures.

Supporting the code, Alexandra Hall-Chen from the Institute of Directors and Ben Willmott from CIPD praised its clarity and emphasis on good industrial relations. They underscored the importance of early and meaningful consultation with employees to find mutually agreeable solutions.

However, the response from unions has been one of scepticism. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak criticized the code for lacking the necessary strength to deter unscrupulous employers. “This code lacks bite and is not going to deter bad employers, like P&O, from treating staff like disposable labour,” he remarked, calling for more robust legislation.

The introduction of the code follows a TUC poll revealing that one in ten workers faced ‘fire and rehire’ threats during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, underscoring the urgency for reform in employment practices. As the debate continues, the effectiveness of the new code in curbing the contentious ‘fire and rehire’ practice remains to be seen.

1,479 words, 8 minutes read time.

Welcome to Union News featuring reports from the labour and trade union movement in the UK. Writing is by Pat Harrington and music is by Tim Bragg

Junior doctors to strike for five days in England and seven days in Wales over pay dispute

Junior doctors in England are set for a fresh strike over five days this month, and those in Wales are preparing for their own extended action. The English stoppage follows a six-day strike by junior doctors in the BMA union last month—the longest in the health service’s 76-year history.

The tenth round of junior doctors’ strike in England is set to take place from 7am on Saturday 24 February to 11.59pm on Wednesday 28 February. BMA consultant members voted to reject a new government pay offer last month, raising the possibility of further strikes by consultants and junior doctors again.

The BMA said the Tory offer in England of a 3 percent pay increase, on top of a roughly 9 percent rise already offered, was not “credible”. It said it did not address 15 years of inflation-linked pay erosion. The BMA junior doctors’ committee is also balloting for a further six-month strike mandate.

Dr Robert Laurenson and Dr Vivek Trivedi, co-chairs of the BMA junior doctors’ committee, said the “glacial speed” of progress in dealings with ministers was “frustrating and incomprehensible”. Health secretary Victoria Atkins had made clear that she had a further offer to make, they said. It took more than 20 days for a meeting with a minister to be offered, only then to tell them “there was no offer on the table”.

In Wales the Labour government offered junior doctors just a 5 percent increase— lower than the amount recommended by an independent review body. Junior doctors in Wales are set to walk out for three days from 7am on Wednesday next week and for four days from 7am on Monday 25 March.

Delivery workers strike on Valentine’s Day for fair pay and dignity

Delivery riders and drivers in London joined their counterparts in the US and Ireland in a strike on Wednesday evening. They were angry about low pay, harsh conditions and police harassment. They chose to strike for five hours on one of the busiest nights for food deliveries—Valentine’s Day.

Workers from Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat took action across the capital. They set up strong picket lines outside dark kitchens—takeaway-only restaurants—in Tower Hamlets and Hackney. They persuaded some workers who were trying to make deliveries to join them. They also clamped up the bikes of those who refused to stop working.

The strikers were mostly migrant workers, many of them from Brazil. They said they had to work long hours every day to make enough money. They complained about the low pay per order, which sometimes was as little as 80p. They also said they suffered from fatigue, back pain and rent arrears.

The workers took their protest to the home of Deliveroo co-founder and CEO Will Shu. They also rode around parliament and blocked Westminster Bridge. They demanded better pay and respect from the companies and the authorities.

In Dublin, workers gathered at the Spire on O’Connell Street to make the same demands. In the US, thousands of workers for Uber, Lyft and other apps also went on strike. They said they were tired of the exploitation.

The strikes were organised from the bottom up by the workers themselves. They should inspire all workers who are fighting for higher pay. They showed that workers can send a powerful message to the bosses with more action.

Steelworkers rally in Port Talbot to save blast furnaces and jobs

Hundreds of steelworkers from south Wales will hold a rally in Port Talbot on Saturday to demand that Tata Steel UK stops its plans to close down two blast furnaces at the site. The union Unite said the closure would destroy jobs, reduce capacity, damage the community and put the national security at risk.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, who will speak at the rally along with representatives from Community and GMB, said the town of Port Talbot, which depends on steel, needed to be heard. She said Unite had a £12 billion plan to revive British steelmaking over 12 years and was considering industrial action to stop Tata’s plans.

Tata Steel UK announced last month that it would shut down the blast furnaces as part of its £1.25bn four-year plan to build electric arc furnaces (EAFs) at the site. The company said it had secured a £500 million government support for the plan, which would save 200 jobs and create some temporary ones. However, the plan would also result in the loss of 2,800 jobs and reduce the steel output by half.

The rally will take place at the Civic Centre Square in Port Talbot and will be attended by local politicians and union representatives. A separate plan by Community and GMB, which has the support of industry experts, the Labour Party and members of the Senedd, will also be presented. The plan calls for keeping the blast furnaces open and investing in green steel technology.

Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock, who will also speak at the rally, said Tata should not rush into a decision that would have irreversible and damaging consequences for the steel industry and the region. He said the workers and the community deserved a better future.

Asda workers vote to strike over ‘toxic’ conditions and cuts

Workers at three more Asda stores are set to join the strike action against the retail giant over its “toxic” working environment. The GMB union accused the owners of Asda, the billionaire Issa brothers and TDR Capital, of “asset-stripping” the company and cutting staff hours and pay.

The union said nearly 400 workers at the Wisbech, Brighton Hollingbury, and Brighton Marina stores will vote on whether to take industrial action until March 5. They are unhappy with the poor health and safety, inadequate training, lack of collective bargaining and failure to resolve equal pay issues at Asda.

The strike action follows the first-ever walkout by Asda workers in Gosport earlier this month. The GMB national officer Nadine Houghton said the strike was a result of the “continuing asset-stripping of Asda at pace”. She said the company had cut an estimated eight million hours from the shop floor in the past two years, reducing staff costs by tens of millions of pounds.

An Asda spokesman said the company had processes in place for the union to raise concerns and was waiting for specific details over the alleged issues. He said the company was committed to providing a safe and rewarding working environment for its staff.

and finally, George Galloway hopes to shake up politics with Rochdale by-election victory

George Galloway, the leader of the Workers Party of Britain, is hoping to pull off a political upset in the Rochdale by-election on February 29. The former Labour MP, who has been campaigning on the issue of Gaza and criticising Keir Starmer’s leadership, is the bookies’ favourite to win the seat.

The by-election was triggered by the death of veteran Labour MP Tony Lloyd, who had a majority of 9,668 in the 2019 general election. However, Labour’s chances of retaining the seat have been damaged by the suspension of its candidate, Azhar Ali, over alleged antisemitic remarks.

Galloway, who has previously won two seats from Labour as a Respect party candidate, has been appealing to the large Muslim population in Rochdale, which makes up about 20 percent of the electorate and 30 percent of the population. He has also been using social media and his online talkshow to mobilise his supporters.

Galloway said he was offering an alternative to the “failed” mainstream parties, which he accused of neglecting the working class and the north of England. He said he wanted to revive the spirit of the Rochdale pioneers, who founded the co-operative movement in the 19th century.

Galloway faces competition from the Conservative candidate, James Daly, who is the leader of the opposition on Bury council, and the Liberal Democrat candidate, Andy Kelly, who is a Rochdale councillor. The Green party, Reform UK, and the Social Democratic party are also fielding candidates.

The result of the by-election could have significant implications for the future of British politics, as it could signal a shift in the loyalty of traditional Labour voters and the emergence of a new force on the left. Galloway said he was confident of winning and making history in Rochdale.

Picture credit:
Port Talbot Blast Furnace #5 By Grubb at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20431866

ASDA By Oxfordmale – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=136449577

George Galloway By David Hunt from Warwickshire, UK – Stop The War – 09 – George Galloway, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=144593400

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.