Union News 7 December 2023

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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.

Financial Struggles Grip Higher Education Workers as 5% Pay Offer Sparks Controversy

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.

Union News (18 June 2023)

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Welcome to Union News, the weekly podcast from the labour and trade union movement in the UK. In this edition: Unmasking the Cover-Up: Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign Fights for Accountability, The People Stand with Nurses: Public Support Surges as Strike Action Continues, Rising Cost of Living Hits Hard: Public Service Workers Struggle to Make Ends Meet, Rising Cost of Living Hits Hard: Public Service Workers Struggle to Make Ends Meet, Train Drivers Take a Stand: Strikes Loom as Working Agreements Come Under Fire, Strike for Change: Junior Doctors Demand Decisive Action on Pay, and finally, Pay Battle Escalates: Teachers in England Set for July Strikes. Writing is by the Solidarity team and music is by Tim Bragg.

Unmasking the Cover-Up: Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign Fights for Accountability

The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign (OTJC) renewed its calls for an inquiry into a severe state attack on organized workers by the Conservative government at a march this week. The campaign seeks to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The campaigners argue that an inquiry would expose the government’s lies and cover-ups regarding their role in managing the pit closure program, orchestrating militaristic police operations during the miners’ strike in the 1980s, and manipulating the courts and media to create a false narrative that demonized and criminalized workers fighting for their jobs and communities.

The incident in question took place on June 18, 1984, when police confronted striking miners at the Orgreave Coking Plant in South Yorkshire. The police had previously impeded pickets and engaged in acts of violence. On that day, they corralled the miners into a field and initiated a violent charge with mounted and riot police, leading to what has been referred to as the “Battle of Orgreave.” However, eyewitnesses and campaigners contend that it was an assault rather than a battle, with the police being the only armed side.

The OTJC argues that an inquiry is essential due to several factors, including pardons granted by the Scottish government to Scottish miners arrested during the strike, ongoing resentment in former mining communities, the withholding of strike-related documents until 2066, and growing public support for the campaign. They believe that a comprehensive and authoritative review is in the public interest to uncover the truth about what transpired and why the workers were treated so harshly.

Despite the evidence compiled and submitted, the Tory government has refused to grant pardons or initiate an inquiry into the events at Orgreave. The OTJC emphasizes that no one in government or the police has been held accountable for their actions. They view the government’s attempts to bury these issues as a serious threat to democracy. Some campaigners suspect that the government fears an Orgreave inquiry would expose scandals, corruption, and attempts to suppress dissent. They argue that the right to protest and strike should not be subject to the state’s discretion but should be inherent rights in a democratic society.

The People Stand with Nurses: Public Support Surges as Strike Action Continues

Support for striking nurses has surged even higher than when the industrial action began six months ago, according to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). In an RCN poll, it was revealed that 62 percent of the public now backs the strikes, marking the highest level of support for any profession engaged in strike action. A majority of supporters expressed strong support for nurses. Additionally, more than eight in 10 respondents (82 percent) expressed their backing for a pay increase for nurses.

The RCN is conducting a second ballot among its 300,000 members as per government regulations, which require reballoting after a six-month period of industrial action. If nurses vote to continue their campaign, the strike will persist until December of this year, with voting concluding on June 23.

RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Pat Cullen acknowledged the immense public support received by nursing staff during this time. The presence of patients on picket lines, some coming directly from their hospital beds, provided a significant morale boost for the nurses concerned about leaving patients unattended. Cullen emphasized that the unwavering public support should draw attention in Downing Street, calling on Rishi Sunak to recognize the significance of this backing. Cullen stressed the importance of doing right by nurses, as it ultimately benefits patients as well. Cullen noted that support for the nursing strikes cuts across party lines, and urged Sunak to regain public support this summer. The upcoming 75th anniversary of the NHS is expected to elevate this issue further in the context of elections.

Rising Cost of Living Hits Hard: Public Service Workers Struggle to Make Ends Meet

During a debate on the rising cost of living, Unison delegates highlighted the difficult choices faced by public service workers, including having to sacrifice meals to provide for their children. The cost-of-living crisis disproportionately affects already disadvantaged workers, including women, black, disabled, LGBT, and young members.

Yvonne Green from the Greater London region expressed concern over members struggling to meet their financial obligations and being priced out of living near their workplaces due to escalating housing costs. She emphasized the importance of supporting and holding employers accountable to address these issues.

Tina Roach from the Northern region highlighted the insecurity faced by many individuals, with some members even relying on charitable donations as current benefits prove inadequate. She lamented that instead of making progress in eradicating poverty, the country is witnessing the opposite trend.

The conference resolved to advocate for a well-funded public sector that prioritizes its workers and to raise awareness of the mounting financial pressures faced by public service workers.

Train Drivers Take a Stand: Strikes Loom as Working Agreements Come Under Fire

Train drivers from the union Aslef have initiated two new disputes against private rail operators to protect their working agreements. Avanti West Coast is being accused of attacking the workers’ sick pay agreement, leading to a vote in favour of strike action. The drivers will stage a 24-hour walkout on Sunday, July 2. In a separate dispute, drivers at London North Eastern Railways (LNER) will enforce an overtime ban starting from Saturday, July 1. These conflicts add to Aslef’s ongoing national dispute over pay.

Mick Whelan, the general secretary of Aslef, expressed regret that their members had to resort to such actions but emphasized that they would not tolerate violations of their agreed terms and conditions by the train operating companies. Whelan stated that they have been actively seeking resolutions to these disputes for several months, but unless the operators honor their agreements, further action will be necessary.

Strike for Change: Junior Doctors Demand Decisive Action on Pay

Junior doctors in England, following their 72-hour walkout, are being encouraged to escalate their strikes to demand proper negotiations and a substantial pay offer. Tens of thousands of doctors, supported by the BMA union, took part in a march from Tavistock Square to Parliament Square last week, calling for fair pay and the preservation of the NHS. The government’s current offer of a mere 5 percent pay increase has been deemed inadequate, leading to calls for more decisive action. Junior doctors express concerns about the strain on waiting lists and the shortage of staff, emphasizing the importance of unity and continued strikes. They are also considering collaborating with other unions, such as the RCN nurses’ union, to strengthen their cause. The ultimate goal is to bring about meaningful negotiations for a significant pay offer and rejuvenate the fight to protect the NHS.

And finally, Pay Battle Escalates: Teachers in England Set for July Strikes

Teachers in England, represented by the National Education Union (NEU), are planning to strike over pay in July. The strikes are scheduled for two dates, 5th and 7th July, and are likely to result in the closure of many schools, either fully or partially. The NEU considers strike action as a last resort and is calling for renewed negotiations with the government. The Department for Education has expressed concerns that further strikes would negatively impact student learning.

The NEU has previously organized five national and three regional strike days since February, making it the largest education union in the UK. The most recent strike on 2nd May affected a significant number of schools, with less than half fully operational.

The joint general secretaries of the NEU, Dr. Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, accuse Education Secretary Gillian Keegan of abandoning teachers in England. They demand that Keegan engage in negotiations, as their previous appeals have been disregarded. Bousted and Courtney emphasize that Keegan possesses the authority to prevent the strikes.

State school teachers in England received a 5% pay increase for the 2022-23 academic year. The government also proposed a one-time cash payment of £1,000, which was forfeited when negotiations failed. The unions argue that the offer should be higher to account for inflation, and they insist that any pay rise should be funded by additional government funds rather than schools’ existing budgets.

The government has offered a 4.3% pay rise for most teachers in the 2023-24 academic year, with starting salaries reaching £30,000. The Department for Education regards this offer as fair and reasonable, noting that schools will receive an additional £2.3 billion over the next two years. It claims that, on average across England, the offer is fully funded, although individual schools will be affected differently.

Negotiations stalled when all four unions rejected the government’s offer, arguing that most schools would need to make cuts elsewhere to accommodate it. The unions are urging the government to disclose the recommendations of the independent pay review body, which advises on appropriate pay rises for teachers in the coming year.

Picture credits

Cops with riot shields: West Midlands Police from West Midlands, United Kingdom – Day 150 – West Midlands Police – Handsworth riots (1985), CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84332454
Teacher image 14995841 from Pixabay

Support the strikers – join a picket line!

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Our graphic highlights a number of upcoming strikes by fellow British workers who are fighting for fair pay and working conditions. It is becoming increasingly clear that people cannot manage on below inflation “pay rises” that are, in reality, pay cuts. Unfortunately, this year, many workers are facing not just one but multiple years of real-terms wage cuts.

People are understandably fed up and are taking action to fight back against these unfair policies. At Solidarity, we firmly believe that it is important to support and stand with our brothers and sisters in other unions when they take action. This is why we are explaining the reasons behind these strikes and urging you to join the picket lines if possible.

It is true that times are tough, but we encourage you to consider making a small donation to the strike funds if you can. Every little bit helps and can make a big difference in supporting those who are fighting for fair pay and better working conditions.

The strikes are not just about money, they are also about dignity and respect for workers. Many of the workers who will be striking are in essential services such as healthcare, transportation, and education. They are on the front lines every day, providing vital services to our communities, and deserve to be treated with fairness and respect.

We urge you to show your support for these workers and stand in solidarity with them as they fight for their rights. By doing so, we can send a message to employers and the government that we will not stand idly by while workers are treated unfairly. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for all workers.

Why are the junior doctors in the British Medical Association striking?

The strikes are mainly over pay. The BMA said the wage for junior doctors has fallen 26% in the last 15 years, with newly qualified medics making less than a barista in a coffee shop.

It has demanded a 35% pay rise for junior doctors to bring salaries back to 2008-2009 levels, calling this “pay restoration”.

“The lack of investment in wages by the government has made it harder to recruit and retain junior doctors,” the BMA said.

“If junior doctors are forced out of the NHS because of poor pay and conditions, the services we all rely on to look after our loved ones will suffer.”

What can I do to help the workers?

You can donate to their strike fund

You can join striking staff on the picket lines.

Why are teachers in the National Education Union striking?

Experienced teachers’ pay has fallen by one fifth in real terms since 2010, and that the current cost-of-living crisis in Britain is exacerbating the problem. It is also troubling to hear that the government is suggesting only a five per cent increase in pay for experienced teachers, which is effectively a seven per cent cut when inflation is factored in.

It is not surprising that long hours and poor pay are causing many teachers to leave the profession, leading to a recruitment and retention crisis in education. This situation ultimately harms children’s education, as there are not enough teachers to provide high-quality instruction. Furthermore, when supply teachers or unqualified teachers are used, it can negatively impact students’ learning outcomes.

It is important for the government to take action to address this issue and prioritize the recruitment and retention of qualified teachers. This includes providing fair and competitive pay, reducing workload, and ensuring that teachers are supported and valued for the important work they do. It is crucial for the future of education in Britain that we invest in our teachers and provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed.

What can I do to help the workers?

You can join striking staff on the picket lines.

Why are civil and public servants in the PCS striking?

Their industrial action is in support of our claim for a 10% pay rise, pensions justice, job security and no cuts to redundancy terms. The PCS been carrying out targeted industrial action with specific groups of members, designed to cause the most disruption to the employer.

What can I do to help the workers?

You can sign their petition
You can donate to their strike fund
You can join striking staff on the picket lines.

Why are Amazon workers in the GMB at the Coventry Warehouse striking?

Workers at Amazon’s Coventry warehouse have announced six fresh strike dates, as the GMB union prepares to test support for stoppages among staff at another five of the delivery company’s sites.

Strikes at the vast Coventry centre, known as BHX4, began in January – the first industrial action ever taken against Amazon in the UK. Staff are demanding pay of £15 an hour.

The GMB claims to have signed up hundreds of new members among the workforce at Coventry and in Amazon sites further afield since the dispute began.

Amazon announced a fresh pay rise for all its UK staff earlier this month but the union said this amounted to an average of only 1.8%-2.5%, describing it as “an insult”.

More than 560 workers are now expected to join in two three-day stoppages, one from 16-18 April and another from 21-23 April. Previously fewer than 300 staff were involved. The union believes it is edging closer to the 50% membership that would allow it to apply for statutory recognition.

What can I do to help the workers?

You can donate

You can join striking staff on the picket lines.

Union News, 5th of March 2023

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Welcome to Union News for Sunday, 5th of March 2023. In this episode:
Government agrees to resume talks on pay, suspending planned strike action by ambulance workers, Greece mourns rail disaster victims and demands safety improvements, Doubts over CWU agreement with Royal Mail and Tens of Thousands of Junior Doctors Plan Massive Strike on March 15 over Pay Dispute with UK Government. Music in this episode is by Tim Bragg.

Government agrees to resume talks on pay, suspending planned strike action by ambulance workers

The UK government has agreed to resume pay talks with ambulance workers, leading to the suspension of the planned strike action. The decision comes after Health Secretary Steve Barclay wrote to unions Unison and GMB, following the workers’ announcement that they would reduce emergency cover during strike days on March 6 and 8. GMB reported that talks will also focus on improving other terms and conditions, and will begin next week. GMB national secretary Rachel Harrison noted the government’s significant shift in attitude towards negotiations on pay, but warned that the strike would return if the talks broke down.

Greece mourns rail disaster victims and demands safety improvements

Greece is still reeling from the worst rail disaster in its history, which killed 57 people, mostly students returning to university after a holiday. Rail workers held a two-day national strike demanding swift answers and a timetable for overdue safety measures. The authorities have arrested and charged with manslaughter the station master closest to the accident, but the Greek public is aware that the disaster was a long time in the making after years of neglect and warnings. The Troika’s demand to privatise the railway in 2013 was supposed to bring modernisation, but the chronic underinvestment prior to privatisation was never reversed in either the rolling stock or the infrastructure.

Doubts over CWU agreement with Royal Mail

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) recently reached an agreement with Royal Mail bosses in an attempt to resolve ongoing disputes over jobs and pay. The agreement, which is the first outcome of talks between union leaders and management, has caused some concern among workers, who feel it could result in attacks on their working conditions.

Under the agreement, union representatives will oversee changes to working conditions that have been implemented by Royal Mail management in recent weeks. Many workers had hoped that such changes, known as “revisions,” would be halted, but instead, the CWU has agreed to continue with them, albeit with union reps’ involvement.

The agreement is designed to help Royal Mail remain profitable, with changes aimed at improving productivity and making workplaces more efficient. However, some workers fear this will mean squeezing more work out of fewer employees.

As for changes that have already been implemented, the agreement only promises to review them to ensure they meet efficiency levels and have been done within an agreed process, rather than reversing them.

The agreement has also left as many as 200 suspended CWU reps and members at the mercy of an “independent” review process. While some workers are concerned that the union has been too accommodating to Royal Mail management. Many believe that strikes are necessary.

And finally, Tens of Thousands of Junior Doctors Plan Massive Strike on March 15 over Pay Dispute with UK Government

Tens of thousands of junior doctors are planning to join the 15th March mass strike. By then they’ll be into their third day of a 72-hour walkout, bringing the NHS to a standstill. Junior doctors, who make up almost all medical staff below the grade of consultant, are crucial to the functioning of the health service. They work gruelling hours on challenging shifts, taking responsibility for the care of numerous patients.

They are responsible for most medical decision-making at night and at weekends.

NHS bosses estimate doctors’ strikes could lead to 125,000 operations needing to be rescheduled, despite there already being a backlog of about 57,000. But after more than a decade of pay cuts, Junior doctors’ patience has snapped. Last month they voted by 98 percent for strikes on a massive 76 percent turnout.

The doctors’ BMA union has spent months trying to persuade ministers to start talks over pay. Just days before the strike was due to start, health secretary Steve Barclay finally agreed to negotiate. But the government’s move was a trick. It soon became clear that the Tories were unprepared to offer junior doctors more money.

As talks ended last Friday, the union accused the health secretary of delaying tactics and said this Monday’s strike would go ahead. Following the collapse of the talks, Dr Robert Laurenson, co-chair of the BMA’s junior doctors committee, said, “We came here with a mandate, and Steve Barclay turned up without one. There was never any real prospect of any real negotiation or offer—it was just a facade.”

Other unions should take heed of the failed pay talks of junior doctors, as it serves as a warning against being lured into the health secretary’s office. The Tories’ tactic is intended to diminish the momentum of the strikes and weaken their impact. The optimal course of action is to announce more impactful, united action throughout the NHS and beyond, and to decline further discussions until a reasonable offer is presented.