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Sunday 11 December 2011

Unilever Colman's of Norwich Dispute - Update

I would like to thank everyone, who sent messages of support to GMB and Unite members at Colman's of Norwich, on their day of action to protect their pension.

By expressing your support to them, it demonstrated that the wider Trade Union movement stands shoulder to shoulder with them in their fight for a fair pension and a dignified retirement, irrespective of which sector they work in.

Members were overjoyed by the expressions of support given by the general public and a special thank you must be made to Norfolk Fire Service who allowed use of their toilet facilities and provided refreshments.

I would also like to thank Ed and Richard of NCAC for getting the word out so quickly.

This action sends a clear message to Unilever that this betrayal of their employees will not be tolerated and that they will not be bullied into poverty when they retire.

In gratitude and solidarity
Ivan Mercer
GMB Regional Organiser
Norwich

Thursday 8 December 2011

Private Sector pension dispute - Unilever Colman's of Norwich

Message of support

On behalf of the Southend Trades Union Council, I wish to express our support for your members taking strike action in defence of their pension scheme at Unilever Colman's site in Norwich.
 
The Southend TUC believes that private sector pensions are one of the greatest scandals of our age. It is a national disgrace that only 40% of private sector workers are currently in an employer-sponsored pension scheme.We therefore believe that the action your members are taking in defence of their pension scheme id fully justified.
 
We hope the strike action is a success and that the employer is forced to reconsider their plans to close the pension scheme.
 
Yours in solidarity
 
Ian Pope
Secretary
Southend Trades Union Council

Tuesday 29 November 2011

Message of Support from the General Confederation of Labour

MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO THE BRITISH UNIONS
FOR THE DAY OF ACTION ON NOVEMBER 30, 2011



The CGT (General Confederation of labour) _ Union Mairie de Roubaix (North)
_ and its members bring you the following message:


We are for your movement and support your fight against attacks by your Government.

In Britain, as almost everywhere in Europe, Governments impose austerity measures to meet the crisis.

Employees, retirees, deprived of employment, students, and all young people are not those responsible for the crisis. They must not bear all the consequences.

The solution to stimulate the economy is not to attack the public services, raising the age of retirement, to increase pension contributions, or to lower pensions.

The CGT Union and all its members, we wish you all our best wishes of success for this new day of mobilization and strike on Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

At the call of the F.S.E.S.P. (European Federation of trade unions of the public Services) and of the C.G.T. we will also be in action and organize several trade union rallies in France this 30 November to say:

"NOT THE AUSTERITE! YES A EMPLOYMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICES!

Be sure, dear friends, that the CGT Union and its members are with you and welcome your combativeness.

Fraternal greetings.

Sunday 27 November 2011

Southend TUC press release - N30

Press Release
From Southend Trades Union Council (Southend TUC)
- For immediate use –
Day of Action - 30th November 2011
The Southend TUC is fully supporting the Day of Action for pensions justice called by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on Wednesday 30th November.
We express our full solidarity with striking trade union members and call upon the Government to enter into genuine negotiations to secure the future of the public sector pension schemes.
The Southend TUC, in conjunction with the campaigning group Southend Against The Cuts, have organised a rally for union members and supporters under title ‘Unit the Resistance’ at 11.00am in the Victoria Plaza Area outside the Odeon Cinema, Southend High Street. In addition there will be a march of union members to Victoria Plaza starting from the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue at 10.45am.
Southend TUC President Rachel Heemskerk said
“The average pay of a civil servant is £22,850 about £2000 less than the private sector average. Nearly a quarter of all workers are being paid less than £7 an hour work in the public sector. Public sector pay has been frozen when inflation has soared to 5%. The effect of inflation and the proposed increase in pension contributions represent a major pay cut for public sector workers.”
Ian Pope, Southend TUC Secretary added
“The Government has sought to set public sector workers against their counterparts in the private sector on the issue of pension funding. Private sector pensions are one of the greatest scandals of our age. Only 40% of private sector workers are currently in an employer-sponsored pension scheme. The Government should not be seeking to drag down the pensions of public sector workers, but to raise those of private sector workers.”

Thursday 24 November 2011

November 30th - Local Picket Lines

There will be picket lines at the following workplaces on the Day of Action November 30th :-

Dencora Court, Tylers Avenue, Southend on Sea
Kingswood House, Baxter Avenue ,Southend on Sea
Rayleigh Jobcentre London Hill
Basildon Jobcentre The Gore
Basildon BDC Great Oaks House
HMRC, Alexander House, Victoria Avenue, Southend on Sea
Southend Hospital
Southend Civic Centre
South Essex College, Southend
Central Library Southend
Margaret Thatcher House Southend
Queensway House Southend
Southchurch House Southend
Avro, Southend
Viking Building, Southend
Chevoit House, Baxter Avenue, Southend

Please visit the nearest picket line to show your support!

Saturday 12 November 2011

TUC Day of Action - 30th November


A Defend Public Services/ Strike Rally will be held at 11am in the Plaza Area outside the Odeon Cinema, High Street Southend.
We will have speakers from PCS, UCU, UNISON, Southend Trades Council and Southend Against The Cuts. (NUTand ATL have been invited)

There maybe a short march from the Civic Centre Victoria Avenue leaving there at 10:45am!

Friday 28 October 2011

The next Southend TUC meeting - 2.11.2011

NOTICE OF NEXT SOUTHEND TRADES UNION COUNCIL MEETING

Date :             Wednesday 2nd November 2011
Time :             6.30pm
Venue :         Labour Party Office, 268 Sutton Road, Southend on Sea

AGENDA

1.         President's opening remarks
2.         Apologies for absence
3.         Minutes of last meeting held on 5th October 2011& matters arising
4.         Campaigning activities:
·         Day of Action - 30th November
·         Southend Against the Cuts

5.         Branch Reports
6.         Financial Report
7.         Correspondence
8.         Any other business
9.         Close of meeting - by 8.00pm

Yours fraternally
Ian Pope
Secretary

Friday 16 September 2011

Public Meeting 6th October - Defend Public Services


Come along and hear the debate as millions of trades unionists prepare for mass industrial action in November over the issue of public sector pension reform,

Monday 29 August 2011

Protest Vigil to save Our NHS – 5th September

This event has been called jointly by Southend Against The Cuts and Keep Our NHS Public.

Meet from 6pm on Monday 5th September outside Southend Hospital, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-Sea

This protest is part of a national campaign to stop the government’s Health and Social Care Bill from breaking up and privatising our National Health Service. This Bill goes back to Parliament on 7th Septmber  join our protest to help make sure politicians know we will defend our NHS!

Sunday 28 August 2011

Burston March & Rally - 4th September 2011

BURSTON STRIKE SCHOOL RALLY
The annual Burston Strike School Rally will be held on Sunday 4th September. The march and rally commemorates the continuing struggle for trade union rights, working class education, democracy in the countryside and international solidarity. There will be speakers from the Labour Movement plus music and entertainment.
The Southend TUC has organised a coach to Burston, near Diss, Norfolk. The pick up points are White Horse 7.15 am, Queensway 7.25 am, Prince Avenue Tesco 7.35 am , to arrive at Burston by 10.30 am. The return journey from Burston will start at 4.30pm.
The cost is £5 per person with children travelling free.  This low price is thanks to subsidies from UNISON and PCS. Contact Rachel Heemskerk for tickets/information via e-mail on rachel.heemskerk@gmail.com
Burston Strike School – the Longest Strike in History
In 1st April 1914 the pupils of Burston School marched in support of their two dismissed teachers, Tom and Kitty Higdon. The Higdons were closely associated with the Agricultural Workers’ Union which brought them into conflict with the squirachy and the Church of England which was responsible for the education of children in the countryside.
Association with the farm workers’ union and Tom’s election to the Parish Council as a Labour member had prompted the dismissals. The school children, 66 out of 72, had gone on strike. This was to be the first day of the longest strike in history.
The Strike School, the alternative to the CofE County School from where the Higdons had been sacked, was at first located in the blacksmith’s workshop and latterly in purpose built premises erected on Burston Village Green by Labour Movement subscription.
The Strike School continues to function until the beginning of the Second World War. Tom Higdon died on 17th August 1939 and the school closed a few months later. Kitty, then in her seventies, was unable to carry on alone and the remaining pupils transferred to the County School. Kitty died on 24th April 1946.
In 1949 the Strike School was registered as an educational charity. There are 4 trustees who, with the support of UNITE, manage the school and try to develop it as a museum, visitor centre, educational archive and village amenity.
Since 1984, an annual; rally has been held in Burston to commemorate the first rally held in 1914 and celebrate the struggles that took place in Burston in the first half of the 20th century – celebration of a challenge to the old rural order that has yet to be completed, but continues to be inspired by the struggle that began in Burston.
As the current government pushes forward its policies of free schools and academies to reduce the democratic accountability of education services to the community, we should not forget the lessons from the struggle of Burston.

Saturday 16 July 2011

Your Tax Office Services Reduced "To Save You Money"

HMRC recently announced they would be reducing the days and hours of many of the ‘Face to Face’ Tax Enquiry offices nationally.

Southend Tax Enquiry Office will from 13th June have the following opening days and times

New Days Opening:  Monday, Wednesdays and  Fridays only
New opening times: 9.30am –  4.00pm

According to HMRC, these changes will ‘introduce more efficient working processes, requiring fewer staff, to provide an improved customer service but at a reduced cost.’

What this 22 hours weekly reduction actually means to you is

·        inconvenience of reduced opening days
·        more queues and waiting times to get appointments
·        poorer customer service, as fewer staff will be available to help you

This will especially affect the elderly and those who cannot afford lengthy and costly telephone calls to the department’s tax enquiry contact centre.

This won’t be the end of the cuts either. While HMRC continues to reduce services ‘to make efficiencies,’ the free ‘phone helplines available in tax offices will be the next service to be cut ‘to improve customer service!’ 

If you are unhappy about any of this, please make your concerns known to your local member of Parliament by writing to them at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA:

Southend East & Rochford -  James Dudderidge MP
Southend West -  David Amess MP
Rayleigh & Wickford –  Mark Francois MP
Castle Point –  Rebecca Harris MP

OR contact your local Councillor or Citizen’s Advice.


  HMRC said they consulted the public about these changes:

          Make sure you have had YOUR  say now!


PCS South East Essex Branch (R&C)
Fighting unnecessary cuts to YOUR Public Services!

Thursday 23 June 2011

UCU, NUT, ATL and PCS Strike Rally -

Unite The Resistance!
 Thursday 30th June 2011
12:30 at Victoria Circus, Southend on Sea SS1 1TJ
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Speakers include
Hector Wesley PCS NEC member
Doug Rouxel UCU NEC member
plus other speakers from PCS, NUT, UNISON and 
Southend Against The Cuts

Unless the government does an about-turn on its plans to force public sector workers to work longer and pay more for much less pension in retirement, this first joint strike will include 750,000 public servants.There is also a very real prospect of hundreds of thousands more workers joining the dispute later in the year.


Thursday 16 June 2011

Vote to strike over pensions, pay and job cuts

PCS members have voted by a clear majority in favour of strike action and action short of strike, in the dispute over pensions, pay and job cuts.


61.1% of members voted in favour of strike action and 83.6% in favour of action short of strike, on a turnout of 32.4%.


The PCS result follows yesterday’s announcement of votes in favour of strike action by teaching unions. The PCS NEC has agreed to co-ordinate action with education unions, which will lead to the biggest strike in a generation.


The NEC has agreed unanimously that unless there are significant concessions from the government, a 24 hour strike for 30 June 2011 will be called. This will be followed by an overtime ban throughout July.


Further information will follow shortly. Find out the latest at http://www.pcs.org.uk


 

Monday 30 May 2011

PCS ballot for industrial action on 30th June

by Kerry Fairless, President of PCS R&C South East Essex Branch

PCS is working with several teachers unions to take co-ordinated action, possibly on 30th June. Throughout the summer we expect other public sector unions to start balloting members. Len McCluskey, General Secretary of UNITE, made a commitment to PCS at National Conference that his members will come to the party soon. Hopefully UNISON can get their membership records in order, so they too will be able ballot.

Our General Secretary, Mark Serwotka, has made it clear that our proposed action isn’t political posturing or a demonstration against our employers. Our action is designed to win. The action on 30th June would only be the start.

So, why are we taking action?

PensionsThe Hutton Report demands that the Civil Service Pension contributions will need to go up by 3%. Instead of a Salary Ending payment, future pension payments will be based on career average.

The media myth is that our pensions are gold plated. They are not. The average Civil Service pension pays out at just over £6000 a year.

PayThe Government has implemented a 2 year pay freeze for Civil Servants. At the same time the bankers who created the economic collapse are still receiving excessive and grotesque bonus payments. Inflation is running at 5%, food and fuel prices are escalating at a higher rate. It is expected that gas and electricity will rise by between 15% and 25% before the year is out. We are already paying 2.5% extra VAT than we used to.

JobsThe Government cuts agenda continues unabated. Civil Service jobs are being slashed left, right and centre. HMRC are due to face somewhere in the region of an 18% cut. It could be you! In Southend we had the most pre-surplus staff in the country until recently. All of our jobs could be done elsewhere in the country or by private companies. None of us are safe. The local Job Centre has few jobs, mostly in the driving, nursing and catering sectors, all at minimum wage and mostly part time.

This Government only cares about the rich, the bankers, and big business. They do not care, nor represent, people like you and I. We are merely collateral damage. Statistics on a balance sheet.

We know this Government is weak and made up of uneasy bedfellows. We have seen them squabble with each other like children in the playground. We know they can be split and divided. Our response must be as a united front. It must be unequivocal.


Friday 6 May 2011

Leigh Folk Festival - 16th - 19th June 2011

Leigh Folk Festival  
The Largest Free Folk Festival in the Country



16th - 19th JUNE 2011

MARTIN CARTHY
 TOM PALEY, JOHN OTWAY,
EMILY PORTMAN TRIO,
CASS MEURIG & NIAL CAIN,
STEVE TURNER, LUCY WARD, LUCY & JACOB FARRELL,
LONDON BULGARIAN CHOIR,

MODESTE, KLEZMER KLUB, PHILLIP HENRY,
O'HOOLEY & TIDOW, PAMELA WYN SHANNON

The Southend TUC is supporting the festival again this year. We strongly urge all members to go along, with friends and families, to enjoy the great atmosphere of the festival.

Saturday 30 April 2011

Trades Unionists call for a Labour Vote on 5th May

Press Release
From Southend Trades Union Council (Southend TUC)
- For immediate use –
Trades Unionists call for a Labour Vote on 5th May
The Southend TUC is advising all members of trades unions and everyone who is opposed to the Government’s policies of spending cuts to vote for the candidates of the Southend Labour Party on 5th May.
We believe the reduction in public services and job losses are likely to have a devastating effect on an economically disadvantaged area like Southend on Sea, and that the situation will worsen with further cuts to be made over the next 4 years.
Southend TUC President Rachel Heemskerk said
“In our view the Southend Labour Party has demonstrated their principled opposition to cuts and job losses, particularly through their support for and participation in the local anti-cuts campaigns. Therefore, we are calling on all our supporters to vote for the Labour Party’s candidates in the elections for Southend Borough Council”.
Ends

Monday 28 March 2011

All Together for the NHS 1st April

Join this lunchtime publicity stall, 12-2pm on Friday 1st April.  Meet under the railway bridge in Southend High Street.

Southend Against The Cuts has organised this event in support of a campaign backed by the TUC to defend the NHS against cuts and privatisation.

Tuesday 22 March 2011

UCU Strike - Thursday 24th March

UCU has successfully balloted its members on strike action over pay and pensions in the Further and Higher education sectors, a national day of strike action in relation to this campaign has been called for Thursday 24th March.

On a local level this is a significant strike action, South East Essex College (now South Essex College) did not recognise trade unions for over 15 years and staff at the college only regained union recognition at the end of 2009, this will be the first strike action in the modern history of the branch. On a national level this strike is also significant because it is the first wave of action over the proposed reforms to public sector pensions which this government is forcing upon ordinary working people.

The 24th March will see almost all members of UCU on strike for the first time in the unions history. The main thrust of the dispute is over pension reforms which have been brought about by the government’s austerity agenda, which have no real basis in financial sense as the pension schemes for both older universities (USS) and newer universities and colleges (TPS) are both healthy and decreasing in cost.

There will be pickets from 0730 at the Luker Road site and all supporters are welcome to join us. We will be running a ‘teach out for the alternative’ at the Railway pub from 1300 on afternoon of the 24th March and would welcome anyone along to this.
FIGHT THE CUTS
Public Meeting 31st March
No to privatisation - defend our public services
Thursday 31st March 
St George’s Suite, Basildon Centre (Council Office) St Martin’s Square, Basildon SS14 1DL

Speakers  include - Nick Bradley Regional organiser for Unison in health services
Rachel Heemskerk  - Secretary of PCS union in Dept for Work and Pension

This meeting is to launch a local community and trade union campaign against cuts in public services. It has been organised by Basildon Unison branch with the support of PCS, Unison health branch and Essex County Council Unison branches.

Saturday 5 March 2011

RMT secures major court victory (4.3.2011)

RMT secures major court victory on right to strike paving the way for millions to take action over cuts to jobs and services
 
TRANSPORT UNION RMT this morning secured a major victory in the Court of Appeal over UK strike laws that will pave the way for millions to take action over cuts to jobs and services in the months ahead.
 
RMT had appealed an injunction granted in the High Court in January preventing a 48 hour strike on Docklands Light Railway. This morning that injunction - which would have taken the anti-trade union laws in this country to within a whisker of effectively banning the right to strike - was overturned in the Court of Appeal.
 
This morning’s judgment has massive implications for ongoing disputes, including on Arriva Trains Wales and London Underground, and clears a path for unions in all sectors planning ballots over jobs, pensions and cuts to living standards.
 
RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:
 
“This morning’s judgment is not only a victory for staff on Serco Docklands and RMT’s 80,000 members but it is also a massive victory for the seven million trade unionists in the UK.
 
“The Serco Docklands injunction on balloting process would have taken the anti-union laws in this country to within a whisker of effectively banning the right to strike if it had been allowed to stand and would have tightened the noose around the necks of nurses, firefighters, ambulance crew, home helps and others engaged in fighting back to the point of strangulation. This victory today helps clear the path for those workers to take action.
 
“This landmark victory for working people in this country could not have been secured without the sterling work of Richard Arthur and Doug Christie from Thompson’s solicitors and the advocacy of RMT’s standing counsel John Hendy QC. The result also means that the best part of £100,000 in RMT’s legal costs will be paid back to the union.
 
“We said on the steps of the High Court last year after the Network Rail case that it was round one to the employers. Well, this is round two to the trade unions and the millions who count on us to defend their jobs, pensions and workplace rights.”

Saturday 12 February 2011

Anti-cuts events during March

Tuesday 1st March - Lunchtime protest called by Unison as Southend Council's Cabinet discusses the Budget. Meet 1:30pm, steps of Civic Centre

Thursday 3rd March - Help Unison lobby the Council meeting as councillors vote on the cuts budget. Meet 6pm, steps of Civic Centre. This will be a vital meeting to lobby and a real show of strength is needed.

Saturday 12th March - Southend High Street Demonstration. Meet 12pm at Pier Hill, marching to rally at Victoria Circus. More details of arrangements and speakers to be announced

Monday 7 February 2011

Southend Public Meeting - 16th February

Southend Against The Cuts Public Meeting – ‘ConDem Cuts – Time to Fight Back’

7:30pm, Wednesday 16th February, Southend Central Library, Victoria Avenue, Southend
Speakers include:
Glyn Hawker, UNISON Eastern Regional Secretary
Adam Khalif, PCS National Executive
and a representative from Essex University students

Thursday 20 January 2011

Message of support for PCS call centre walkout - 20th & 21st January

On behalf of the Southend Trades Union Council, I wish to express our solidarity with your strike action against the sweat shop conditions in Jobcente Plus call centres.
We believe that a Government Department, such as Job Centre Plus, should act as a model employer and not subject their staff to bullying by micro-managing their work.
The Southend TUC hopes that industrial action is a success and that you are victorious over this unjust managment regime.
Yours in solidarity
Ian Pope
Secretary
Southend Trades Union Council

Tuesday 11 January 2011

Campaigning Activities Update


Saturday 15th January

In support of SERTUC's day of action, we shall be running a street stall in the High Street, under the railway bridge, between 12 noon and 2.00pm . If anyone is able to help with giving out leaflets this would be greatly appreciated.

Saturday 12th March


Southend Against The Cuts and Southend TUC will be calling a march and rally in Southend on to build support for the TUCs national demonstration.

Saturday 26th March

The PCS will be running 2 coaches to London for the TUC's March For The Alternative.
If there is a greater number of people wishing to attend following our campaigning events, then further coaches will be organised by UNISON and/or the Southend TUC.

Sunday 9 January 2011

Say NO to unnecessary spending cuts!

The following events have been organised by the TUC and SETUC to fight against the government's attacks on working people:

Saturday 15 January
SERTUC day of action to bust the government’s economic lies
Monday 14 February
Oppose the St Valentine’s Day massacre of our services
Tuesday 8 March
Expose the impact of the cuts on women on International Women’s Day
Saturday 26 March
TUC National Demonstration in London
Sunday 1 May
Celebrate International Workers Day
Thursday 5 May
Kick out the ConDems in the South East and East of England local elections
Wednesday 1 June
Expose the injustice to our children on International Children’s Day


The Southend TUC will be supporting all of these events, and details will be posted here when the arrangements have been confirmed.



Wednesday 5 January 2011

Annual Report - 2010

Southend Trades Union Council

Secretary’s Report for year ended 31st December 2010

As I was elected as the Secretary of the Southend TUC in September 2010, regrettably I am only able to report on our activities since then. However I can report one great success form earlier in the year:
Leigh Folk Festival
In conjunction with RMT, PCS and SERTUC, we sponsored the 2010 Festival and ran a Trade Union stall on the Saturday (26th June).

As the major sponsors, the back cover of the Festival’s programme featured the Trade Unions. In previous years, the Southend Borough Council was the leading sponsor but their funding of the Festival was reduced. I would express our gratitude to Brian Denny for his hard work in liaising between the Unions and the Festival’s organisers.
I think the linking of our work in the local community and the folk traditions of the Festival helped to form a lasting partnership.
Public Spending Cuts
After the formation of the Coalition Government following the General Election, there could be no doubt that there would be an all-out attack on the living standards of working people. The Tories and Lib Dems, in the name of reducing the national deficit, are intent on making the working class pay the cost of the economic crisis created by the reckless speculative activities of the bankers and their allies in the City.
In the front line of the Government’s attacks are the members of public sector trades unions. However, there is a growing movement of students, benefit claimants, NHS users and other groups disadvantaged by the savage spending cuts.
Southend Against The Cuts
In September, the Southend TUC organised the public meeting which set up this campaigning group, which aims to unite all groups opposing the Government’s spending cuts.
On 12th December, a very successful march and rally was held in Southend High Street. Over 200 people joined the march to express their opposition to the cuts. Not were there only trade unionists, but students, pensioners and other campaigning groups. The Southend Labour Party and other political groups were also represented.
The Government’s plans will without doubt dominate the agenda for the Southend TUC throughout the coming year. We will need to build the maximum possible support for the TUC’s national demonstration called for 26th March 2011.
Finally, I would like to thank all Officers and delegates to the Southend TUC for their input in the past year. This work will stand us in good stead for the struggles to come in 2011.
Ian Pope – Secretary