March for the Alternative Big Night Out

"After the 26.03.2011 TUC March for the Alternative Philosophy Football organised a 'Big Night Out in association with the TUC. Featuring the spoken word electronica of Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, comic Josie Long, juggler Rod Laver and soulful acoustic from Maddy Carty. Plus contributions from trade unionist, campaigners, journalists and marchers on what the protest mean to them.

'Does my Society Look Big In This' T-shirt available from www.philosophyfootball.com"

"After the Big March we're having a Party"

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Flyer from Philosophy Football "Saturday 26 March is the day of the enormous TUC March for an Alternative. At the end of a day's marching Philosophy Football is organising,  in association with the TUC, a big night out. Headlined by the superb electro hip-hop beats of Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip, with the brilliant comedy of Josie Long, the show is opened by the surreal juggling of Rod Laver. And after the acts have finished the Melstars: Music soundsystem provide an upbeat set to fill the dancefloor. 

Its a fantastic bill. The night starts with a specially commissioned film of the day's march introduced by TUC Deputy-General Secretary Frances O'Grady. And reviewing the politics of protest a panel of speakers featuring Guardian columnist Zoe Williams, London Citizens organiser and academic Maurice Glasman, student activist Jessica Riches and Unison National Secretary for Local Government Heather Wakefield.

The show starts at 7pm , its the perfect way to complete the day. At the excellent theatre-pub The New Red Lion 271 City Road, London EC1, nearest tube The Angel handy to get to from the end of the demo.

STOP PRESS! Only standing room tickets now remaining.  Available from > http://www.philosophyfootball.com/view_item.php?pid=638

Or you can phone to book on 020 8802 3499. Do book early, we don;t expect to have any tickets on the night".

March for the Alternative Widget

Hat-tip to self confessed "Labor-geek" johninnit for the TUC "March for the Alternative" neat-o widget above which I hope other bloggers will also post and place on their sites. Just click on the "get widget" button and copy & paste.

Also post your message on why you will be marching on Saturday March 26th!

TUC Trustee Pensions Conference 2010: “Shareholder Resolutions”

This post is yet another very late "catch-up".  The  annual TUC Pension Conference is the "Trustee" event of the year.  It was held at Congress House in London on 22 November 2010 and was packed out.

I missed most of the morning due to a regional committee meeting and came in during the end of the Stewardship Panel Q&A. 

I then went to a workshop on “Shareholder Resolutions” led by Tom Powdrill from PIRC, the notoriously shy and retiring UNISON National Capital Stewardship officer, Colin Meech and Unite National officer, Jack Clarke (see above left to right).

Tom explained that in December 2010 fund managers must explain why not or publish their voting record at the AGM’s of the companies whose shares they “hold” on behalf of investors.

To be able to table a motion at a British AGM you need 5% of total voters or 100 x £100 nominal value (Nominal £10k). You must table this motion within strict time limits to prevent the company charging you the full costs of circulating details of your motion.

There have been 8 Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) motions in the last 5 years. Mostly led by trade unions. Warning that many companies see such motions as a confrontational tactic. So you should try and make it appear constructive? Not "anti-company". Instead of appearing to give instructions make suggestions. However, direct motions may well be the only realistic option if companies are being unreasonable. To get the vote out you must contact all major shareholders, investor representative bodies and meet them - preferably face to face.

But you must demonstrate you have tried to engage with the company first. Note fund managers generally vote against ESG motions. Even those who claim to be supportive of ESG principles.

The LAPFF "Marks and Spencer" motion against a combined company chief executive also being the company chair was a landmark occurrence. There had been significant engagement beforehand about best practice. Stuart Rose now says that it was his worse mistake (not to separate the roles of Chair and CEO). Marks and Spencer have now a separate Chair and CEO and comply with best practice. The panel were "disappointed" that L&G tracker fund managers voted against this (why on earth did L&G do this?) and that they had 4.5% share of the company. Remember that there is only usually 50% turnout of shareowners at AGM's.  So you can have a greater affect even if you only have control of a smaller number of shares.  The ESG motion on anti-trade union activities of First Group in the USA did result in significant change in company behaviour.

Colin talked about the Fair Pensions BP/Shell Tar Sands motions and the UNISON staff pension fund which helped bring it about. UNISON staff pension scheme has a broad screening programme such as not to invest PFI contractors.They cleared the proposed motion with the Canadian PSI trade unions beforehand. The motion fitted UNISON policy on climate change. It was crucial to get the support of the large American public sector funds. 45% global pension funds are in the USA. He reminded us all of the Freshfields legal opinion's that such “responsible” investment is a fiduary duty of Trustees. Colin recommended the book Hawley and Williams “The Rise of Fiduciary Capitalism”.

Jack Clarke pointed out that Unite spend 10% of their budget on organising. He talked about the Meat workers campaign. They gained 10,000 new members and 250 new stewards. A key issue was agency working. Agencies undercut permanent workers and exploited staff. The Union wanted equal treatment. They worked on a supply chain strategy. 85% of the meat market goes to retail shops. They pushed Tesco and other large UK retailers in a pincer movement, above (by share motions) and below (from workers). Tesco is a key market driver. They tabled a solution at the AGM with West Yorkshire Pension Fund on this issue. 11% shareholders voted in favour and 7% abstained. There was widespread press coverage. ASDA signed a deal with Unite for equal treatment in the UK and Ireland. 50,000 workers affected in the UK and gained parity of pay and were now usually made permanent after 13 weeks agency work. Lessons: Resource intensive; you need to have economic as well as morale case. Needs to be more active engagement with trade union trustees. It is vital to deliver bottom up pressure on fund managers.

The CUTS Factor: Vote for 2010 Worse Spending Cuts

I voted for "Deprived areas: Local Authority Funding weighted unfairly. Just select your own "worse cut" and click on "submit". Hat tip TUC Touchstone

World Aids Day: Wednesday 1 December TUC Seminar

Via SERTUC. "In June the ILO Conference adopted a recommendation, which the TUC helped to draft, on HIV/AIDS and the world of work. It is an important step in the progress towards universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support through the workplace.

This seminar will bring together government officials, trade unionists, interested NGOs and diplomats and provide us with an opportunity to examine the implications of the Recommendation for current workplace policies. We will explore ways and means of publicising it and mobilising support for its effective implementation both in the UK and abroad".
13.30 Registration, coffee and tea

14.00 SALLY HUNT TUC International Spokesperson
KAY CARBERRY TUC Assistant General Secretary
STEWART BROWN Executive Committee member, Fire Brigades Union
ESTHER OGUNFOWORA, Co-ordinator, NLC-TUC HIV/AIDS Workplace Initiative, Abuja, Nigeria

15.00 Questions from the floor

15.45 Panel Discussion , Co-ordinator, NLC-TUC HIV/AIDS Workplace Initiative, Abuja, Nigeria

15.00 Questions from the floor

15.45 Panel Discussion

POLLY JONES Unison International Department Unison International Department
ZUZANNA MUSKAT-GORSKA HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Global Unions HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Global Unions
SARAH RADCLIFFE Policy Officer, National AIDS Trust
16.50 Chair’s closing remarks

17.00 Seminar ends
Please confirm your attendance to Tanya Warlock on 020 7467 1357 or twarlock@tuc.org.uk 020 7467 1357 or twarlockATtuc.org.uk

Further speakers will be announced soonPolicy Officer, National AIDS Trust"

"The future of our schools" TUC conference Sat 27 Nov

The TUC are putting on this special conference on the future of schools and "debating the Government's reform agenda".

"What do government policies on schools mean for our children and communities?

What are the long-term implications of giving more schools greater autonomy - improved schooling for all or a two-tier system?

Does the focus on parental choice empower the majority of families?

What do academies and free schools mean for teachers and other education professionals?

This conference will consider these questions and hear a range of views on the future of our schools.

The event is based around panel discussions and workshops so that participants can share their experiences and opinions with others.

The event is for everyone with an interest in the future of our schools, including parents, pupils, school governors, school staff, trade unionists, local authority officials, academics and policy advisors.

To register for this free event please complete this online form: www.tuc.org.uk/futureschoolsreg
Let your friends and colleagues know you are attending this event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=160098134017914"

CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE CUTS - RALLY & LOBBY OF PARLIAMENT - 19 OCTOBER

On Greater London UNISON website here.  "As part of the TUC’s campaign against the cuts a rally and lobby of Parliament are planned for 19 October - the day before the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). Cuts are already hitting public services hard after the emergency Budget in June and on 20 October, the Chancellor will set out the details of the coalition’s spending plans for the next three years, in the CSR which will contain savage cuts that will not only hit vital services but threaten the fragile economic recovery. It’s important that we take a strong message to Westminster and the media on the 19th with a successful rally and lobby of Parliament.

The event will start with a rally in Westminster Central Hall (map attached) at 12.30 pm (doors 12.15 pm). The main auditorium at Central Hall holds more than 2,000 and the TUC wants to make sure that it is packed – if it’s not, then what message does this send out to the coalition Government?? Speakers have yet to be confirmed but once this information is available we will let branches know.

The lobby After the rally, the focus moves to the House of Commons. The aim is that unions and service users lobby a carefully targeted list of Government MPs which is attached. For those who are unable to attend the lobby they can meet their MP at a constituency surgery as close as possible to the CSR - MPs need to understand the impact the cuts will have on their constituencies and the case for an alternative approach to the deficit reduction. To simplify this process the attached briefing document sets out everything you need to know about the lobby – the points you need to put across to your MP, why we are lobbying, what is “lobbying”?, making arrangements in advance to meet MPs, what should be raised when you meet your MP. A model letter to be sent to MPs is also included.

What you need to do NOW! Engage with ALL your members, encourage them to make appointments to meet with their MPs at the lobby. We need as many people as possible to attend not just branch officers and activists – this will affect everyone and everyone needs to be given the opportunity to show their objection to the cuts and the CSR. Also engage with community groups and service users and encourage them to attend - it doesn’t matter that some of them may not be trade union members anyone can attend the lobby and it is important that there is a cross section of the community involved.

Please ensure that this information is passed on to ALL YOUR MEMBERS and encourage them to making arrangements to meet their MPs, especially those on the targeted list.

If you have any queries, please contact your Regional Organiser".

STAND UP: For Decent Work - TUC Thursday October 7

Thursday October 7 is the "World Day for Decent Jobs".  This day is supported by the TUC and trade unions in over 100 countries.

The 3 core messages for this year are:-

- Growth and decent jobs, not austerity, are essential to beating the crisis and ending poverty;
- Quality public services are essential for a decent life and must not be slashed in the name of fiscal consolidation; and,
- The financial sector must pay for the damage it has caused and be made to serve the real economy and real human needs.

This is not just about developing countries - my branch has employer's who allow contractors to force their staff to work 6 x 12 hour shifts (including nights) per week on minimum wage (inner London).  I think that many other UK union branches can tell similar stories (and worse).

Find out more about this Day for action here while bloggers can participate here.

The TUC will be holding a comedy Stand Up event that evening (see left) featuring the excellent Shappi Khorsandi.

Torygraph and Tax Avoiders Alliance “twaddle” about unions

What a lot of old twaddle from the Torygraph and the Tax Avoiders’ Alliance about “millions” being (so called) wasted on time off for trade union stewards and safety reps to represent their members.

So every time a rep goes to a meeting with a member or sits down with management to sort out local problems - this is somehow “fund (ing) the activities of the union barons”? How silly.

So what exactly are these “Big Society” Tories clones proposing should happen instead?

a. Workers facing discipline or sickness hearings should be banned from having trade union colleague representing them?
b. safety reps should not be allowed to carry out workplace inspections or investigate accidents ?
c. organisations should not consult elected staff representatives on pay, proposed redundancies or changes to terms and conditions?

This is all politically motivated stuff and nonsense and I suppose in one way we should expect such “tic for tat” attacks on the unions due to our support for Labour. Frankly, I would have thought that they could have come out with something just a little more intelligent to have a go at us.

If you are thinking about efficiency I would suggest the Tories and their allies look into the number of HR personnel in large organisations (and wages paid to the HR directors!) compared to the facility time offered to trade union reps?

The only really sensible quote in the Torygraph article is from UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis about the role of union reps "Far from causing industrial strife, paid facility time has contributed to the lowest levels of strikes on record. In short – trade union facility time makes good business sense."

The TUC blog “Stronger unions” reports on the Tax Avoiders that “The voice of employers is also absent from the report – quite odd given that I assume that the TPA would regard itself as a friend of employers. Is this because only last year the CBI joined with the TUC and BIS to publish a report – Reps in Action – on the role of union reps and stated that it;

“Believes that modern [union] representatives have a lot to give their fellow employees and to the organisations that employ them”

The Ultra right wing “teenage scribblers” of the Torygraph and the Tax Avoiders' Alliance have (self evidently) no idea whatsoever of industrial relations in the real world.

UNISONactive and Socialist Unity have sensible posts on this as well. Caption from here

TUC 60 Second Ad contest: Vote for shortlist

Check this site out to take part in the 2010 TUC 60 Second Ad contest.  Watch and vote to shortlist.  Short listing will finish this Friday 20 August!

Beware "Folks, a quick warning to you all. There is no point in voting multiple times, because the votes will just get deleted (eventually). If this problem persists I may have to consider banning people from the competition. It is clear from the voting system that various people have been figuring out ways to vote themselves up. I’ve already deleted over 350 5 star votes and I’ll work my way through deleting the rest".

You can also register to make comments.  There are a number excellent video's to choose from (including many connected to UNISON) but I thought that my overall favourite was this "its never too soon" by Rayburner.

Enjoy!

"Challenging Poverty in Changing Times"

This conference organised by the TUC unemployed workers centres looks like it will be well worth a visit if possible. I would have thought that "Challenging Poverty in Bloody Awful Times" would have been a more accurate but less diplomatic title.

The speaker list is "interesting".  The Comprehensive Spending Review will be published (I think on the 20th October) a few days latter.

Will Simon Hughes turn out to be a progressive or a conservative - a Lib Dem or a CONDEM MP?

How will he respond to the likely outcomes of the morning workshops?

How will the TUC, its affiliated trade unions, Unemployed worker centres and NGO's work together?  I don't think as a rule trade unions and NGO's really understand each other that well.

Is this about organising campaigning and opposition to "cuts" or is it about trying to influence and change policy?

I think we need to do both.

TUC Member Trustee Network Conference: Stronger Stewardship: Trustee Responsibilities in a Changing Pensions Landscape

Hat tip TUC Pension Trustee Network:

"Date Tue, 16 Nov 2010: Time to from 09:30 to 16:30 Location Congress House, Great Russell Street, London

Cost: The cost for attending remains frozen at the level of earlier years and is £50 Unions, £75 Education, Public or Voluntary Sector; Commercial £250. Payments can be by cheque payable to ‘Trades Union Congress’ or by card.

Description: The theme of this year’s Member Trustee Network conference is ‘Stronger Stewardship’ and the conference will take place in Congress House. Delegates will be able to hear from a range of speakers, including the Pensions Minister Steve Webb, about the latest developments in pensions policy. There will also be a choice of workshops.

A buffet lunch will be provided. Please indicate any access or dietary requirements.

The conference will be followed by an early evening reception.

Accessibility Congress House is an accessible building.

Register interest or request more information

If you wish to attend please contact, trusteesATtucDOTorg.uk"

(Picture is of early trade union pension trustees)