About Me
- Linda Roy
- Lifetime commitment to the trade union and labour movement. Been local workplace and national CWU representative and held many other positions in the CWU. TUC accredited tutor and disability champion. Former Labour town councillor and town Mayor.
Tuesday 29 March 2011
All together now - video.
Steve Butts has produced a video of last Saturday's March for the Alternative. It really catches the mood. View it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ11SEAGq10&feature=player_embedded
Friday 25 March 2011
The other side of the Olympic Games 2012
London 2012: Playing by the rules on workers’ rights?
Playfair 2012 national speaker tour: 18-24 April 2011
14,000 years is roughly the time it would take a Sri Lankan sportswear worker to earn Nike CEO’s £8m pot for 2010. While Adidas, the official sportswear sponsor for London 2012, can afford £100m in sponsorship fees, it is less sure about being able to pay workers making its products a living wage.
FYI
The Playfair 2012 campaign believes this isn’t playing fair. These mainly female workers play a vital role in making the Olympics possible. Olympic branded goods like mascots, caps and bags are already available on our high streets, so our activism is needed now to ensure that workers making these products and all sportswear in global supply chains are not exploited. Evidence from past Olympics shows a poor track record on respecting workers’ rights. As London 2012 fast approaches Playfair 2012 is stepping up the pressure on the Olympic movement and sportswear brands to make sure that the rights of these workers are respected and that they are paid a living wage.
Keynote speaker at all events: Nirosha Priyadarshini Manakanda Dewage, co-President, Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Trade Union, Sri Lanka, will provide an insight into working conditions in sportswear supply chains and its impacts on the everyday lives of workers and their families, and we will find out more about how workers are mobilising to win better pay and conditions.
Events are taking place in:
London : 18 April, 18.15-19.30
Nottingham: 19 April, 13.30-14.30 (Prospect Young Professionals Conference - members only)
Leeds: 19 April, 18.00-19.30
Liverpool: 20 April, 12.15-13.30 (Association of Teachers and Lecturers National Conference - members only)
Newcastle: 20 April 18.00-19.30
Harrogate: 23 April, 12.45-13.45 (National Union of Teachers National Conference - members only)
Glasgow: 24 April, 12.30-14.00 (NASUWT National Conference - members only)
Find out more here http://www.playfair2012.org.uk/playfair-news/
Playfair 2012 national speaker tour: 18-24 April 2011
14,000 years is roughly the time it would take a Sri Lankan sportswear worker to earn Nike CEO’s £8m pot for 2010. While Adidas, the official sportswear sponsor for London 2012, can afford £100m in sponsorship fees, it is less sure about being able to pay workers making its products a living wage.
FYI
The Playfair 2012 campaign believes this isn’t playing fair. These mainly female workers play a vital role in making the Olympics possible. Olympic branded goods like mascots, caps and bags are already available on our high streets, so our activism is needed now to ensure that workers making these products and all sportswear in global supply chains are not exploited. Evidence from past Olympics shows a poor track record on respecting workers’ rights. As London 2012 fast approaches Playfair 2012 is stepping up the pressure on the Olympic movement and sportswear brands to make sure that the rights of these workers are respected and that they are paid a living wage.
Keynote speaker at all events: Nirosha Priyadarshini Manakanda Dewage, co-President, Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Trade Union, Sri Lanka, will provide an insight into working conditions in sportswear supply chains and its impacts on the everyday lives of workers and their families, and we will find out more about how workers are mobilising to win better pay and conditions.
Events are taking place in:
London : 18 April, 18.15-19.30
Nottingham: 19 April, 13.30-14.30 (Prospect Young Professionals Conference - members only)
Leeds: 19 April, 18.00-19.30
Liverpool: 20 April, 12.15-13.30 (Association of Teachers and Lecturers National Conference - members only)
Newcastle: 20 April 18.00-19.30
Harrogate: 23 April, 12.45-13.45 (National Union of Teachers National Conference - members only)
Glasgow: 24 April, 12.30-14.00 (NASUWT National Conference - members only)
Find out more here http://www.playfair2012.org.uk/playfair-news/
FORWARD
Thanks to Vicki Cornelius for supplying details of this outstanding organisation.
The Foundation for Women's Health, Research and Development - FORWARD - is an African Diaspora women's campaign and support charity (registered in the UK).
The organisation exists to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights as central to the wellbeing of African women and girls. It works work with individuals, communities and organisations to transform harmful practices and improve the quality of life of vulnerable girls and women
To find out more and to support FORWARD's work please log on to http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/about
The Foundation for Women's Health, Research and Development - FORWARD - is an African Diaspora women's campaign and support charity (registered in the UK).
The organisation exists to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights as central to the wellbeing of African women and girls. It works work with individuals, communities and organisations to transform harmful practices and improve the quality of life of vulnerable girls and women
To find out more and to support FORWARD's work please log on to http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/about
Solidarity with the Disabled
I am indebted to Nicola Chapple for supplying the following link to http://www.dpac.uk.net/2011/03/in-solidarity-with-the-protesters-on-the-streets-on-26-march-online-map-disabled-people-and-allies/ Please log on and support the many disabled people who are unable to attend the rally tomorrow due to many reasons including accessibility. Thank you all.
Wednesday 23 March 2011
Save the NHS
Dear friends,
Have a look at this:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/NHS-petition
I've just signed a petition to Save the NHS. Right now the government is rushing through plans which experts, and groups representing doctors and nurses, warn could break the NHS up and hand control to private health companies. It's also a huge waste of money at a time when funding is already squeezed with beds and wards being cut.
It worked when enough of us signed the petition against privatising England's forests. The more of us that sign up to Save the NHS, the more chance we have of winning. Please sign now:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/NHS-petition
Thanks,
Linda
Have a look at this:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/NHS-petition
I've just signed a petition to Save the NHS. Right now the government is rushing through plans which experts, and groups representing doctors and nurses, warn could break the NHS up and hand control to private health companies. It's also a huge waste of money at a time when funding is already squeezed with beds and wards being cut.
It worked when enough of us signed the petition against privatising England's forests. The more of us that sign up to Save the NHS, the more chance we have of winning. Please sign now:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/NHS-petition
Thanks,
Linda
Tuesday 22 March 2011
Employers not ready for introduction of Additional Parental Leave and Pay
Four in Ten Employers are not ready for APL
Tue, 22 March 2011
Campaign Organisation Press Release
Working Families publishes survey of Additional Paternity Leave and Pay
Four in ten employers are not ready for APL but there is good news for fathers: one in five employers promise enhanced pay
Working Families has carried out a survey of employers’ readiness for the changes to Additional Paternity Leave (APL) and Pay, introduced for parents of babies due on or after 3 April 2011 and found:
* 60% of employers had already updated their policies to reflect the introduction of APL and ASPP (Additional Statutory Paternity Pay) but 40% had not yet done so. However, most of those who have not made changes plan to do so within two months.
* 19 % of the employers who have made policy changes plan to pay fathers six weeks on full pay when they take APL. A wide range of policies are proposed for after the first six weeks – some plan to offer further enhancements, others reflect SMP (Statutory Maternity Pay) rates with six weeks of enhanced pay followed by the statutory rates.
* 2 out of 3 employers who have made policy changes plan to pay fathers only the statutory paternity pay of £128.73 per week (or 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings, whichever is lower) during Additional Paternity Leave even though 65% of these offer enhanced maternity pay for the equivalent weeks to a female employee on maternity leave
* 64% of employers saw APL as a legal obligation that they would have to comply with, but 22% saw its potential as a means of improving operational effectiveness.
Commenting on the results, Sarah Jackson, Working Families Chief Executive said:
“It is surprising that 40% of employers report that they are not yet prepared for the change in the law. Parents of babies due on or after 3rd April may already want to discuss their plans to share leave. I’m pleased to see how many employers recognise the benefits of treating fathers well and will offer above the minimum statutory payments. Many fathers don’t take ordinary paternity leave now because they can’t afford to lose pay at a time when family costs increase. Our research also shows that giving fathers greater control and flexibility to improve their work life balance improves their loyalty and commitment to an organisation. Businesses that do right by fathers will reap the benefits.”
http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/
Tue, 22 March 2011
Campaign Organisation Press Release
Working Families publishes survey of Additional Paternity Leave and Pay
Four in ten employers are not ready for APL but there is good news for fathers: one in five employers promise enhanced pay
Working Families has carried out a survey of employers’ readiness for the changes to Additional Paternity Leave (APL) and Pay, introduced for parents of babies due on or after 3 April 2011 and found:
* 60% of employers had already updated their policies to reflect the introduction of APL and ASPP (Additional Statutory Paternity Pay) but 40% had not yet done so. However, most of those who have not made changes plan to do so within two months.
* 19 % of the employers who have made policy changes plan to pay fathers six weeks on full pay when they take APL. A wide range of policies are proposed for after the first six weeks – some plan to offer further enhancements, others reflect SMP (Statutory Maternity Pay) rates with six weeks of enhanced pay followed by the statutory rates.
* 2 out of 3 employers who have made policy changes plan to pay fathers only the statutory paternity pay of £128.73 per week (or 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings, whichever is lower) during Additional Paternity Leave even though 65% of these offer enhanced maternity pay for the equivalent weeks to a female employee on maternity leave
* 64% of employers saw APL as a legal obligation that they would have to comply with, but 22% saw its potential as a means of improving operational effectiveness.
Commenting on the results, Sarah Jackson, Working Families Chief Executive said:
“It is surprising that 40% of employers report that they are not yet prepared for the change in the law. Parents of babies due on or after 3rd April may already want to discuss their plans to share leave. I’m pleased to see how many employers recognise the benefits of treating fathers well and will offer above the minimum statutory payments. Many fathers don’t take ordinary paternity leave now because they can’t afford to lose pay at a time when family costs increase. Our research also shows that giving fathers greater control and flexibility to improve their work life balance improves their loyalty and commitment to an organisation. Businesses that do right by fathers will reap the benefits.”
http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/
Government consults about the future of the EHRC
Major reforms to Equality and Human Rights Commission
Monday, 21 Mar 2011
EHRC was set up in 2007
Consultation launches to make the organisation a stronger, focused and more efficient, Theresa May said today.
Major changes to the way the Equality and Human Rights Commission (new window) (EHRC) operates have been proposed in a consultation today.
Set up in 2007, the independent body was established to help eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations across England, Scotland and Wales.
The reforms set out today aim to increase transparency, accountability and value for money.
Strong, effective, independent
Home Secretary and minister for women and equality Theresa May said: 'It's vital that we have a strong, effective and independent equalities and human rights body, but since its creation the EHRC has struggled to deliver across its remit and demonstrate that it is delivering value for taxpayers’ money.
'We want the EHRC to become a valued and respected national institution, championing effective implementation of equality and human rights laws and holding government and others to account for their performance, while delivering maximum value for money for taxpayers. The proposals being published today are intended to make that happen.'
Proposed changes
Core functions will be clarified to allow the EHRC to focus on the work that really matters.
At present, its functions, as defined in the Equality Act (new window), are vague.
For example, a duty to 'promote understanding of the importance of equality and diversity' has led to the organisation doing a wide range of activities that are not regulatory in nature. This has included running summer camps for young people.
Another cause of the difficulties has also been identified as the breadth of the organisation's remit.
This has included the organisation providing functions that extended beyond its core role such as operating a helpline and grants programme.
Evidence suggests that this work could be done better or more cost-effectively by others, so the EHRC will not be funded for these activities in future.
Better financial performance
Problems with financial controls mean that each set of the EHRC’s accounts have been qualified since its creation, as auditors have judged that they do not paint a complete picture of how EHRC has spent its money.
So today's proposals include a legal requirement for the EHRC to publish an annual business plan in parliament, and comply with the same rules as all other public bodies when spending money.
Where the commission fails to show that it has spent taxpayers' money wisely, there will be financial penalties.
The full proposals and consultation document can be downloaded from the Government Equalities Office website at http://www.equalities.gov.uk/
The consultation closes on 15 June.
Arran Russell
Political Researcher
emap Ltd
Greater London House
Hampstead Road
London
NW1 7EJ
020 7728 4415
Direct
020 7728 4400
Fax
07792 030 857
Mobile
http://www.dehavilland.co.uk/
Monday, 21 Mar 2011
EHRC was set up in 2007
Consultation launches to make the organisation a stronger, focused and more efficient, Theresa May said today.
Major changes to the way the Equality and Human Rights Commission (new window) (EHRC) operates have been proposed in a consultation today.
Set up in 2007, the independent body was established to help eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations across England, Scotland and Wales.
The reforms set out today aim to increase transparency, accountability and value for money.
Strong, effective, independent
Home Secretary and minister for women and equality Theresa May said: 'It's vital that we have a strong, effective and independent equalities and human rights body, but since its creation the EHRC has struggled to deliver across its remit and demonstrate that it is delivering value for taxpayers’ money.
'We want the EHRC to become a valued and respected national institution, championing effective implementation of equality and human rights laws and holding government and others to account for their performance, while delivering maximum value for money for taxpayers. The proposals being published today are intended to make that happen.'
Proposed changes
Core functions will be clarified to allow the EHRC to focus on the work that really matters.
At present, its functions, as defined in the Equality Act (new window), are vague.
For example, a duty to 'promote understanding of the importance of equality and diversity' has led to the organisation doing a wide range of activities that are not regulatory in nature. This has included running summer camps for young people.
Another cause of the difficulties has also been identified as the breadth of the organisation's remit.
This has included the organisation providing functions that extended beyond its core role such as operating a helpline and grants programme.
Evidence suggests that this work could be done better or more cost-effectively by others, so the EHRC will not be funded for these activities in future.
Better financial performance
Problems with financial controls mean that each set of the EHRC’s accounts have been qualified since its creation, as auditors have judged that they do not paint a complete picture of how EHRC has spent its money.
So today's proposals include a legal requirement for the EHRC to publish an annual business plan in parliament, and comply with the same rules as all other public bodies when spending money.
Where the commission fails to show that it has spent taxpayers' money wisely, there will be financial penalties.
The full proposals and consultation document can be downloaded from the Government Equalities Office website at http://www.equalities.gov.uk/
The consultation closes on 15 June.
Arran Russell
Political Researcher
emap Ltd
Greater London House
Hampstead Road
London
NW1 7EJ
020 7728 4415
Direct
020 7728 4400
Fax
07792 030 857
Mobile
http://www.dehavilland.co.uk/
Friday 18 March 2011
Save Mount Pleasant nursery!
One of my responsibilities when i was member of the Postal Executive was to deal with the Union's family friendly policies. That included working with Mount Pleasant branch officials to secure the provision of a workplace nursery.
Not only are the ConDems diluting our hard won employment rights but it now appears that Royal Mail are following their lead by closing Mount Pleasant nursery. This will be a disaster for members who rely on this service to enable them to work. It is an absolute disgrace and must be stopped.
You can help by visiting this CWU website and signing the petition here http://www.cwu.org/online-petition.html
You can also find out more on Facebook here http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/home.php?sk=group_144187782313996
You can help by visiting this CWU website and signing the petition here http://www.cwu.org/online-petition.html
You can also find out more on Facebook here http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/home.php?sk=group_144187782313996
Removing the right to request flexible working
Words fail me.
WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
EDWARD DAVEY, PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS, CONSUMER AND POSTAL AFFAIRS; DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS
18th MARCH 2011
RIGHT TO REQUEST FLEXIBLE WORKING – REPEAL OF EXTENSION TO PARENTS OF 17 YEAR-OLDS
I am announcing today that I intend to repeal shortly the regulations on extending the right to request flexible working to parents of 17 year olds that were laid before Parliament on 16th December 2010 and that were due to come into force on the 6th April 2011.
The Government remains committed to extending the right to request flexible working to all employees in due course. We will consult on this extension later in the Spring.
The Government is constantly listening to the views of all stakeholders including business, and it has recently become clear that this small extension to the flexible working regulations could be an unhelpful complication at this important point in the UK’s economic recovery when employers need to focus on growth and creating jobs. We therefore intend to repeal these regulations, which will also avoid multiple changes to the flexible working regulations over the coming years.
WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
EDWARD DAVEY, PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS, CONSUMER AND POSTAL AFFAIRS; DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS
18th MARCH 2011
RIGHT TO REQUEST FLEXIBLE WORKING – REPEAL OF EXTENSION TO PARENTS OF 17 YEAR-OLDS
I am announcing today that I intend to repeal shortly the regulations on extending the right to request flexible working to parents of 17 year olds that were laid before Parliament on 16th December 2010 and that were due to come into force on the 6th April 2011.
The Government remains committed to extending the right to request flexible working to all employees in due course. We will consult on this extension later in the Spring.
The Government is constantly listening to the views of all stakeholders including business, and it has recently become clear that this small extension to the flexible working regulations could be an unhelpful complication at this important point in the UK’s economic recovery when employers need to focus on growth and creating jobs. We therefore intend to repeal these regulations, which will also avoid multiple changes to the flexible working regulations over the coming years.
TUC Women's Conference report
TUC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE REPORT
Introduction
The 81st TUC Women’s Annual Conference took place in Eastbourne from the afternoon of Wednesday 9th March to Friday 11th March 2011. The Chair of Conference was Lesley Mercer from the CSP.
There were: 276 registered delegates, 31 registered unions, 13 registered regional trades councils and observers, 54 registered visitors, 6 media and 18 exhibitors. The CWU was represented by: Linda Roy (National Equality Officer); Clare Drummond; Maria Exall; Jackie Gatward, Dianne Hill; Vera Kesley; Helen Ogilvie and Katrina Quirke (Thursday & Friday). There were three CWU visitors: Sylvia Beckett; Vicki Cornelius and Marcia Ewing. Pauline Granstan (Researcher) was in attendance.
Conference Theme
2011 marked the 100th year (8th March) of International Women’s Day. The theme for conference was: “Women against the Cuts”.
Motions
Composite 1 was moved by Unite, seconded by PCS and supported by UNISON, TSSA, BECTU, NASUWT, CSP, Community and UCU. The composite outlined how the Coalition Government cuts disproportionately affect women. It called on the Women’s Committee and TUC affiliates to: exert pressure on the Government and MPs to withdraw from the attack on public spending; protect the achievements before the spending cuts; fight for the rights of women; ensure women’s equality is central to the trade union campaign; advance the Women’s Charter; organise and support working women for the TUC rally on 26th March 2011; work with women’s organisations; highlight the disproportionate impact on women of the governments cuts; support women in communities fighting to defend public services and build support for co-ordinated industrial action. The composite was unanimously carried.
Composite 2 was moved by PCS, seconded by Linda Roy, National Equality Officer, CWU and supported by RMT and ASLEF. Conference notes women will bear the brunt of the Coalition’s austerity measures and calls on the incoming TUC Women’s Committee to: lobby and put pressure on the Government to review the decisions around the cuts; encourage and support women to get involved in anti-cuts campaigning; build support for co-ordinated industrial action in defence of public service jobs; oppose public sector job cuts and research the gender impact of the Government’s welfare reform plans. The composite was carried.
Composite 3 was moved by UNISON, seconded by Prospect and supported by ATL and FDA. Conference is disappointed the Equality Act 2010 fails to address fundamental inequalities in society. Conference asked affiliated unions to work to ensure: employers continue to carry out equality impact assessments (EIA); monitor redundancies and appraisals against EIA; lobby the Government to implement the Equality Act 2010 in its entirety; the EHRC has the necessary resources to do its job and to redouble its efforts to work with public bodies and enforcement authorities. Maria Exall of the CWU entered into the discussion. The composite was carried with CWU support.
Motion 7 was moved by the GMB and seconded by UNITE. Conference voiced their anger that the Coalition government budget has resulted in redundancies, massive job cuts, lower terms and conditions for a vast number of staff. Conference calls: on the Secretary of State for Local Government to honour the Government’s pledge `to protect lower paid workers in the public sector from the massive cuts and for the TUC General Council to rally opposition to the attacks on local government jobs. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 14 was moved by the GMB and seconded by the NUT. Conference condemned the Coalition Government’s withdrawal of funding for free school meals and called on delegates to: reaffirm its support for the TUC All Together for Public Services campaign against the cuts. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 15 was moved by the UCU and seconded by the NUT. Conference reiterated its belief in free education. It called on the Women’s Committee to work with affiliates to highlight the immediate and long term effects of education cuts on the opportunities for women and girls and to ensure that evidence is made available to support TU campaigns against education cuts. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 16 (as amended) was moved by CSP and seconded by UNISON. Conference notes the disproportionate impact on women of bringing forward the date when the new state pension age of 66 takes effect. It agreed through the TUC to continue to give gender issues a high profile in the next stages of the All Together for Public Services campaign. Vera Kesley of the CWU entered into the debate. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 17 was moved by NUT and seconded by UCU. Conference welcomed the Government’s commitment to ending child poverty. However data from the Institute of Fiscal Studies (FIS) shows the poorest families are hit the hardest under the austerity budget and that child poverty is set to increase further. Conference instructs the Women’s Committee to continue to: highlight the End Child Poverty campaign; work with like-minded organisations; publicise the impact of the cuts on women and children and to persist in lobbying the Government to ensure its policies have an EIA. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 19 was moved by the FDA and seconded by Prospect. Conference welcomed recent protests highlighting the need to address corporate tax dodging. Conference agreed to: lobby the Government to reduce the tax gap by fully resourcing those departments responsible for raising revenue and for the TUC to publicise the campaigning work of War on Want and the Tax Justice Network against global injustices in the tax system. The motion as amended was carried with CWU support.
Motions 20 and 21 were taken together.
Motion 20 was moved by the Musicians’ Union and seconded by the FBU. Conference condemned violence against women in Colombia and called on the TUC to continue supporting the Justice for Colombia campaign. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 21 was moved by UCU and seconded by FBU. Conference notes the increasing abuse of human rights in Colombia and calls on TUC affiliates to: maintain pressure on the EU to suspend its Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Colombia; continue to support the work of the JFC and campaign for the release of political prisoners. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 22 was moved by Prospect and seconded by USDAW. Conference believes people everywhere should be able to work with dignity, in a secure environment, with fair pay and freedom to choose. Conference agreed to work with the Anti Slavery International and other agencies to: seek immediate action from the UK Government to meet its international obligations on trafficking as ratified in the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Human Trafficking. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 23 was moved by ASLEF and seconded by the RMT. Conference reaffirmed its continued support to helping Haitian women by: lobbying the Haitian Government; raising the plight of Haitian women; calling for improved security on temporary camps in the form of lighting; asking for increased security patrols and forging links with Haitian Women’s charities. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 24 was moved by the FBU and seconded by the Musicians’ Union. Conference continues to be outraged and appalled at the mistreatment of women in Iran. It urged the TUC General Council to raise the profile of the plight of these innocent women by encouraging members to petition the Iranian government on their behalf. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 25 was moved by UNITE and seconded by Nautilus International. Conference is gravely concerned that on the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, sisters globally continues to face acts of violence. It called on the TUC to: challenge the myths and raise awareness of the reality of violence against women; promote best workplace domestic violence and dignity at work policies; campaign with organisations and others challenging the Coalitions cuts; distribute the TUC ‘Say No to Violence against Women’; support anti-trafficking measures and advance with the help of the ITUC and Women’s Committee the role of women in conflict prevention and peace-building. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motions 26 and 27 were taken together.
Motion 26 was moved by NAPO and seconded by NALGO. Conference welcomed the publication of the academic study by Gill Korton and Geraldine Healy on women and trade union leadership. Conference called on the General Council to undertake research into identifying any barriers to the full participation by women in leadership roles. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 27 was moved by Jackie Gatwood of the CWU and seconded by the FBU. Conference instructs the Women’s Committee to carry out a feasibility study, which should include positive practices that encourage full participation of women throughout the entire structure of the Union. The report should be made available to the TUC Women’s Conference 2012. The motion was carried.
Motion 28 (as amended)was moved by the NUJ, seconded by Prospect and supported by SCP. Conference agreed that the Women’s Committee should draw up a strategy to: assist unions in recruiting and mobilising young women members; encourage affiliates to make sure their delegations to TUC Conferences are age-diverse; raise awareness of the trade union movement including the use of social media and to organise a major conference aimed at young women trade unionists. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 29 was moved by USDAW and seconded by UNISON. Conference welcomed the introduction of a national minimum apprenticeship rate and the TUC/YMCA joint paper on apprenticeships and gender. Conference called on the TUC to: establish a campaign to increase all rates of the NMW; press the Government to ensure the enforcement budget is maintained; ensure that increasing the rate is a priority for the TUC and work with affiliates to raise awareness of women’s rights to the NMW. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 30 was moved by CSP and seconded by USDAW. Conference welcomes the draft EU Pregnant Workers Directive. It called upon the TUC and affiliates to: campaign to ensure the Pregnant Workers Directive is speedily implemented by the UK Government, reclaim and, where possible, advance universal benefits for women. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 31 was moved by Community and seconded by USDAW. Conference notes with concern the findings of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion Report 2010. It called on the TUC to campaign to increase in-work earnings and for policies that create better paid and flexible jobs in order to close the gender pay gap and reduce in-work and out-of-work poverty. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 32 (as amended) was moved by the NUJ and seconded by UNITE. Conference notes the report of the Macmillan Cancer Support in particular the lack of awareness of line managers that those diagnosed with breast cancer are covered under the DDA. Conference calls on the Women’s Committee together with healthcare affiliates to: campaign in raising awareness of workplace rights and for free workplace breast screening. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 33 was moved by Accord and seconded by SOR. Conference continues to support the Government, NHS and its staff in their commitment to improve breast cancer services. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 34 (as amended) was moved by POA and supported by NASUWT. Conference called for: better support systems for women suffering mental health issues; a campaign to end the stigma attached to mental health conditions; dissemination of best practice from affiliates and to campaign to address and root out some of the causes of mental health, such as job insecurity, excessive workloads and lack of social support. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Emergency 1 was moved by CSP and seconded by UNITE. Conference called upon the TUC to work with the Women’s Committee to alert affiliates of the full implication of the Health and Social Care Bill, including the specific impact on women and women’s health and the steps individual members can take to influence its passage through parliament. E1 was carried with CWU support.
Emergency 2 was moved by the Musicians’ Union and seconded by UNITE. Conference called upon the TUC to do everything in its power including writing to the Secretary of State for Health to stop the proposed closure of: A&E; maternity unit at King George Hospital and to ensure immediate improvements to the service available at Queens Hospital Unit at Romford. E2 was carried with CWU support.
Motion 36 (as amended) was moved by NASUWT and seconded by NUT. Conference agreed the TUC: should continue defending state education; oppose privatisation; stand firm against erosion of trade union rights/ recognition; campaign for repeal of anti TU laws; urge the government to support existing schools instead of redirecting millions of pounds elsewhere and to support local opposition to any more to academy and free school status. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 37 (as amended) was moved by RMT, seconded by TSSA and supported by USDAW. Conference agreed the General Council reaffirm its commitment to fully support: a properly staffed, safe public transport system and to highlight the role employers can play in helping women stay safe on their journey to and from work. CWU supported the motion.
Motion 38 was moved by Community and seconded by USDAW. Conference called for improvement to the safety of betting shop workers and for minimum standards to be introduced across the industry to help end violence and abuse against women working in betting shops. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 39 was moved by NUT and seconded by ATL. Conference urged the Women’s Committee to: lobby the DoE to ensure ‘education’ is central to the work on ending violence against women and girls national strategy; campaign to ensure teachers are given the right resources to understand and tackle the sexualisation of childhood and to put pressure on companies who promote sexualised images/products to children to cease those activities. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 40 was moved by the Musicians’’ Union and seconded by Equity. Conference called upon recognised performers to embrace feminism in the workplace by highlighting feminist entertainers. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 41 was moved by ASLEF and seconded TSSA. Conference acknowledged that in the majority of cases, outsourcing of services has a detrimental effect on employees’ working conditions. Women cleaners working within the London Underground system and call centre staff are particularly vulnerable. Conference called upon the Women’s Committee to continue campaigning against outsourcing. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 42 was moved by the FBU and seconded by UNITE. Conference called upon the TUC, STUC, WTUC and ICTU to lobby their respective governments to ensure the equality target agenda within their fire and rescue service are met. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 43 was moved by Equity and seconded by BECTU. Conference condemned the Government Comprehensive Review particularly cuts to the ‘arts’ which will limit accessibility to art and culture from disadvantaged socio-economic groups. Conference calls on the TUC to support Equity and to help campaign against the cuts. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion selected for TUC General Conference
Composite 1
Women’s Committee Report 2011
The 2011 Report was agreed.
Delegates Elected to the Women’s Committee 2011/12
Section A: 14 seats
Sue Bond (PCS) Denise Christie (FBU) Tracy Clarke (Community)
Maire Daley (UCU) Kathy Duggan (NASUWT) Sharon Harding (GMB)
Diana Holland (UNITE) Max Hyde (NUT) Hayley Pickles (USDAW)
Linda Roy (CWU) Michelle Stanistreet (NUJ) Jane Steward (UNITE)
Barbara White (MU) Clare Williams (UNISON)
Congratulations to Linda Roy, CWU on being re-elected to the Committee.
Section B: 4 Seats (BEMs)
Evelyn Martin (GMB) Susan Matthews (UNITE)
Sujata Patel (USDAW) Eleanor Smith (UNISON)
Section C: 1 Seat (Disabled Members)
Pauline Mcardle (TSSA)
Section D: 1 Seat (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Members)
Jo Wright (NASUWT)
Guest Speakers
Pemba Lama, senior woman in the Nepalese Trade Union movement spoke about the high levels of unemployment in her country (30%). The highest rate of employment is in the foreign trade she said. Women made up 52% of the country’s population; had little formal maternity provision; low levels of education and skills and no protection against violence and abuse she continued.
Yvette Cooper, Shadow Home Secretary presented to conference findings on the disproportionate effect the Coalitions’ budget is likely to have on women.
Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, reaffirmed the TUC’s commitment to fighting with affiliates against the Coalitions’ austerity measures which has far reaching consequences on the low paid, women and young people.
Helen Kelly, President of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions told conference that unions had more rights in her country than in the UK and it was almost impossible for someone to get a job without belonging to a trade union in New Zealand.
Michael Leahy, TUC President talked of the need to celebrate the ‘diversity’ of trade unionism. He reminded conference of the “Altogether” campaign and the need for the movement to fight the Coalitions’ Government cuts.
Conclusion
On the final day of Conference it was reported in the media Japan had experience one of its worst tsunamis in the last 100 years, the earthquake measuring some 9.1 on the Richter scale. Conference expressed support to families and those who had lost love ones in this terrible disaster.
After the customary formalities, conference closed at approximately 11.30 a.m. on Friday 11th March 2011.
RD11-03-47
18th March 2011
Introduction
The 81st TUC Women’s Annual Conference took place in Eastbourne from the afternoon of Wednesday 9th March to Friday 11th March 2011. The Chair of Conference was Lesley Mercer from the CSP.
There were: 276 registered delegates, 31 registered unions, 13 registered regional trades councils and observers, 54 registered visitors, 6 media and 18 exhibitors. The CWU was represented by: Linda Roy (National Equality Officer); Clare Drummond; Maria Exall; Jackie Gatward, Dianne Hill; Vera Kesley; Helen Ogilvie and Katrina Quirke (Thursday & Friday). There were three CWU visitors: Sylvia Beckett; Vicki Cornelius and Marcia Ewing. Pauline Granstan (Researcher) was in attendance.
Conference Theme
2011 marked the 100th year (8th March) of International Women’s Day. The theme for conference was: “Women against the Cuts”.
Motions
Composite 1 was moved by Unite, seconded by PCS and supported by UNISON, TSSA, BECTU, NASUWT, CSP, Community and UCU. The composite outlined how the Coalition Government cuts disproportionately affect women. It called on the Women’s Committee and TUC affiliates to: exert pressure on the Government and MPs to withdraw from the attack on public spending; protect the achievements before the spending cuts; fight for the rights of women; ensure women’s equality is central to the trade union campaign; advance the Women’s Charter; organise and support working women for the TUC rally on 26th March 2011; work with women’s organisations; highlight the disproportionate impact on women of the governments cuts; support women in communities fighting to defend public services and build support for co-ordinated industrial action. The composite was unanimously carried.
Composite 2 was moved by PCS, seconded by Linda Roy, National Equality Officer, CWU and supported by RMT and ASLEF. Conference notes women will bear the brunt of the Coalition’s austerity measures and calls on the incoming TUC Women’s Committee to: lobby and put pressure on the Government to review the decisions around the cuts; encourage and support women to get involved in anti-cuts campaigning; build support for co-ordinated industrial action in defence of public service jobs; oppose public sector job cuts and research the gender impact of the Government’s welfare reform plans. The composite was carried.
Composite 3 was moved by UNISON, seconded by Prospect and supported by ATL and FDA. Conference is disappointed the Equality Act 2010 fails to address fundamental inequalities in society. Conference asked affiliated unions to work to ensure: employers continue to carry out equality impact assessments (EIA); monitor redundancies and appraisals against EIA; lobby the Government to implement the Equality Act 2010 in its entirety; the EHRC has the necessary resources to do its job and to redouble its efforts to work with public bodies and enforcement authorities. Maria Exall of the CWU entered into the discussion. The composite was carried with CWU support.
Motion 7 was moved by the GMB and seconded by UNITE. Conference voiced their anger that the Coalition government budget has resulted in redundancies, massive job cuts, lower terms and conditions for a vast number of staff. Conference calls: on the Secretary of State for Local Government to honour the Government’s pledge `to protect lower paid workers in the public sector from the massive cuts and for the TUC General Council to rally opposition to the attacks on local government jobs. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 14 was moved by the GMB and seconded by the NUT. Conference condemned the Coalition Government’s withdrawal of funding for free school meals and called on delegates to: reaffirm its support for the TUC All Together for Public Services campaign against the cuts. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 15 was moved by the UCU and seconded by the NUT. Conference reiterated its belief in free education. It called on the Women’s Committee to work with affiliates to highlight the immediate and long term effects of education cuts on the opportunities for women and girls and to ensure that evidence is made available to support TU campaigns against education cuts. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 16 (as amended) was moved by CSP and seconded by UNISON. Conference notes the disproportionate impact on women of bringing forward the date when the new state pension age of 66 takes effect. It agreed through the TUC to continue to give gender issues a high profile in the next stages of the All Together for Public Services campaign. Vera Kesley of the CWU entered into the debate. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 17 was moved by NUT and seconded by UCU. Conference welcomed the Government’s commitment to ending child poverty. However data from the Institute of Fiscal Studies (FIS) shows the poorest families are hit the hardest under the austerity budget and that child poverty is set to increase further. Conference instructs the Women’s Committee to continue to: highlight the End Child Poverty campaign; work with like-minded organisations; publicise the impact of the cuts on women and children and to persist in lobbying the Government to ensure its policies have an EIA. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 19 was moved by the FDA and seconded by Prospect. Conference welcomed recent protests highlighting the need to address corporate tax dodging. Conference agreed to: lobby the Government to reduce the tax gap by fully resourcing those departments responsible for raising revenue and for the TUC to publicise the campaigning work of War on Want and the Tax Justice Network against global injustices in the tax system. The motion as amended was carried with CWU support.
Motions 20 and 21 were taken together.
Motion 20 was moved by the Musicians’ Union and seconded by the FBU. Conference condemned violence against women in Colombia and called on the TUC to continue supporting the Justice for Colombia campaign. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 21 was moved by UCU and seconded by FBU. Conference notes the increasing abuse of human rights in Colombia and calls on TUC affiliates to: maintain pressure on the EU to suspend its Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Colombia; continue to support the work of the JFC and campaign for the release of political prisoners. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 22 was moved by Prospect and seconded by USDAW. Conference believes people everywhere should be able to work with dignity, in a secure environment, with fair pay and freedom to choose. Conference agreed to work with the Anti Slavery International and other agencies to: seek immediate action from the UK Government to meet its international obligations on trafficking as ratified in the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Human Trafficking. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 23 was moved by ASLEF and seconded by the RMT. Conference reaffirmed its continued support to helping Haitian women by: lobbying the Haitian Government; raising the plight of Haitian women; calling for improved security on temporary camps in the form of lighting; asking for increased security patrols and forging links with Haitian Women’s charities. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 24 was moved by the FBU and seconded by the Musicians’ Union. Conference continues to be outraged and appalled at the mistreatment of women in Iran. It urged the TUC General Council to raise the profile of the plight of these innocent women by encouraging members to petition the Iranian government on their behalf. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 25 was moved by UNITE and seconded by Nautilus International. Conference is gravely concerned that on the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, sisters globally continues to face acts of violence. It called on the TUC to: challenge the myths and raise awareness of the reality of violence against women; promote best workplace domestic violence and dignity at work policies; campaign with organisations and others challenging the Coalitions cuts; distribute the TUC ‘Say No to Violence against Women’; support anti-trafficking measures and advance with the help of the ITUC and Women’s Committee the role of women in conflict prevention and peace-building. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motions 26 and 27 were taken together.
Motion 26 was moved by NAPO and seconded by NALGO. Conference welcomed the publication of the academic study by Gill Korton and Geraldine Healy on women and trade union leadership. Conference called on the General Council to undertake research into identifying any barriers to the full participation by women in leadership roles. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 27 was moved by Jackie Gatwood of the CWU and seconded by the FBU. Conference instructs the Women’s Committee to carry out a feasibility study, which should include positive practices that encourage full participation of women throughout the entire structure of the Union. The report should be made available to the TUC Women’s Conference 2012. The motion was carried.
Motion 28 (as amended)was moved by the NUJ, seconded by Prospect and supported by SCP. Conference agreed that the Women’s Committee should draw up a strategy to: assist unions in recruiting and mobilising young women members; encourage affiliates to make sure their delegations to TUC Conferences are age-diverse; raise awareness of the trade union movement including the use of social media and to organise a major conference aimed at young women trade unionists. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 29 was moved by USDAW and seconded by UNISON. Conference welcomed the introduction of a national minimum apprenticeship rate and the TUC/YMCA joint paper on apprenticeships and gender. Conference called on the TUC to: establish a campaign to increase all rates of the NMW; press the Government to ensure the enforcement budget is maintained; ensure that increasing the rate is a priority for the TUC and work with affiliates to raise awareness of women’s rights to the NMW. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 30 was moved by CSP and seconded by USDAW. Conference welcomes the draft EU Pregnant Workers Directive. It called upon the TUC and affiliates to: campaign to ensure the Pregnant Workers Directive is speedily implemented by the UK Government, reclaim and, where possible, advance universal benefits for women. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 31 was moved by Community and seconded by USDAW. Conference notes with concern the findings of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion Report 2010. It called on the TUC to campaign to increase in-work earnings and for policies that create better paid and flexible jobs in order to close the gender pay gap and reduce in-work and out-of-work poverty. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 32 (as amended) was moved by the NUJ and seconded by UNITE. Conference notes the report of the Macmillan Cancer Support in particular the lack of awareness of line managers that those diagnosed with breast cancer are covered under the DDA. Conference calls on the Women’s Committee together with healthcare affiliates to: campaign in raising awareness of workplace rights and for free workplace breast screening. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 33 was moved by Accord and seconded by SOR. Conference continues to support the Government, NHS and its staff in their commitment to improve breast cancer services. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 34 (as amended) was moved by POA and supported by NASUWT. Conference called for: better support systems for women suffering mental health issues; a campaign to end the stigma attached to mental health conditions; dissemination of best practice from affiliates and to campaign to address and root out some of the causes of mental health, such as job insecurity, excessive workloads and lack of social support. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Emergency 1 was moved by CSP and seconded by UNITE. Conference called upon the TUC to work with the Women’s Committee to alert affiliates of the full implication of the Health and Social Care Bill, including the specific impact on women and women’s health and the steps individual members can take to influence its passage through parliament. E1 was carried with CWU support.
Emergency 2 was moved by the Musicians’ Union and seconded by UNITE. Conference called upon the TUC to do everything in its power including writing to the Secretary of State for Health to stop the proposed closure of: A&E; maternity unit at King George Hospital and to ensure immediate improvements to the service available at Queens Hospital Unit at Romford. E2 was carried with CWU support.
Motion 36 (as amended) was moved by NASUWT and seconded by NUT. Conference agreed the TUC: should continue defending state education; oppose privatisation; stand firm against erosion of trade union rights/ recognition; campaign for repeal of anti TU laws; urge the government to support existing schools instead of redirecting millions of pounds elsewhere and to support local opposition to any more to academy and free school status. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 37 (as amended) was moved by RMT, seconded by TSSA and supported by USDAW. Conference agreed the General Council reaffirm its commitment to fully support: a properly staffed, safe public transport system and to highlight the role employers can play in helping women stay safe on their journey to and from work. CWU supported the motion.
Motion 38 was moved by Community and seconded by USDAW. Conference called for improvement to the safety of betting shop workers and for minimum standards to be introduced across the industry to help end violence and abuse against women working in betting shops. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 39 was moved by NUT and seconded by ATL. Conference urged the Women’s Committee to: lobby the DoE to ensure ‘education’ is central to the work on ending violence against women and girls national strategy; campaign to ensure teachers are given the right resources to understand and tackle the sexualisation of childhood and to put pressure on companies who promote sexualised images/products to children to cease those activities. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 40 was moved by the Musicians’’ Union and seconded by Equity. Conference called upon recognised performers to embrace feminism in the workplace by highlighting feminist entertainers. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 41 was moved by ASLEF and seconded TSSA. Conference acknowledged that in the majority of cases, outsourcing of services has a detrimental effect on employees’ working conditions. Women cleaners working within the London Underground system and call centre staff are particularly vulnerable. Conference called upon the Women’s Committee to continue campaigning against outsourcing. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 42 was moved by the FBU and seconded by UNITE. Conference called upon the TUC, STUC, WTUC and ICTU to lobby their respective governments to ensure the equality target agenda within their fire and rescue service are met. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion 43 was moved by Equity and seconded by BECTU. Conference condemned the Government Comprehensive Review particularly cuts to the ‘arts’ which will limit accessibility to art and culture from disadvantaged socio-economic groups. Conference calls on the TUC to support Equity and to help campaign against the cuts. The motion was carried with CWU support.
Motion selected for TUC General Conference
Composite 1
Women’s Committee Report 2011
The 2011 Report was agreed.
Delegates Elected to the Women’s Committee 2011/12
Section A: 14 seats
Sue Bond (PCS) Denise Christie (FBU) Tracy Clarke (Community)
Maire Daley (UCU) Kathy Duggan (NASUWT) Sharon Harding (GMB)
Diana Holland (UNITE) Max Hyde (NUT) Hayley Pickles (USDAW)
Linda Roy (CWU) Michelle Stanistreet (NUJ) Jane Steward (UNITE)
Barbara White (MU) Clare Williams (UNISON)
Congratulations to Linda Roy, CWU on being re-elected to the Committee.
Section B: 4 Seats (BEMs)
Evelyn Martin (GMB) Susan Matthews (UNITE)
Sujata Patel (USDAW) Eleanor Smith (UNISON)
Section C: 1 Seat (Disabled Members)
Pauline Mcardle (TSSA)
Section D: 1 Seat (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Members)
Jo Wright (NASUWT)
Guest Speakers
Pemba Lama, senior woman in the Nepalese Trade Union movement spoke about the high levels of unemployment in her country (30%). The highest rate of employment is in the foreign trade she said. Women made up 52% of the country’s population; had little formal maternity provision; low levels of education and skills and no protection against violence and abuse she continued.
Yvette Cooper, Shadow Home Secretary presented to conference findings on the disproportionate effect the Coalitions’ budget is likely to have on women.
Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, reaffirmed the TUC’s commitment to fighting with affiliates against the Coalitions’ austerity measures which has far reaching consequences on the low paid, women and young people.
Helen Kelly, President of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions told conference that unions had more rights in her country than in the UK and it was almost impossible for someone to get a job without belonging to a trade union in New Zealand.
Michael Leahy, TUC President talked of the need to celebrate the ‘diversity’ of trade unionism. He reminded conference of the “Altogether” campaign and the need for the movement to fight the Coalitions’ Government cuts.
Conclusion
On the final day of Conference it was reported in the media Japan had experience one of its worst tsunamis in the last 100 years, the earthquake measuring some 9.1 on the Richter scale. Conference expressed support to families and those who had lost love ones in this terrible disaster.
After the customary formalities, conference closed at approximately 11.30 a.m. on Friday 11th March 2011.
RD11-03-47
18th March 2011
CBI wants to dilute employment rights
I am indebted to John Colbert in the CWU Communications Department for supplying the following proposals from the CBI. Needless to say i am appalled.
DeHavilland Alert
Confederation of British Industry (CBI) - GOVERNMENT MUST THINK SMALL FIRST ON EMPLOYMENT LAW
Fri, 18 March 2011
Campaign Organisation Press Release
GOVERNMENT MUST THINK SMALL FIRST ON EMPLOYMENT LAW
CBI outlines proposals on tribunals, flexible working and maternity leave to boost SMEs
The CBI today (Friday) called on the Government to “think small first” and tackle regulation that prevents private and family-owned businesses from creating jobs and growing their businesses.
In a new report, Think Small First, the CBI highlighted the potential for small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) to pick up the employment slack from the public sector. Research shows that they create two-thirds of all new jobs and are well represented in regions where the public sector predominates.
But with 60% of private and family-owned firms citing employment regulation as a barrier to job creation, the Government must recognise the disproportionate impact some regulation has on smaller firms, given their limited human resources capacity, and the informal nature of employment relations.
The CBI’s proposals include: speeding up the tribunals system; providing clear guidance in the absence of a default retirement age; introducing the right to an annual review of flexible working and to agree a return date with an employee going on maternity leave.
John Cridland, CBI Director-General, said:
“Smaller firms are job-creation dynamos. The Government must think small first by tackling regulation which distracts them from growing the business and creating jobs.
“Much employment law fails to recognise that private and family-run firms don’t have dedicated human resource teams and tend to manage staff in an informal way.
“The size and nature of these firms makes them strong advocates of flexible and family-friendly working, and the Government should build on this success. An annual review on flexible working would ensure that competing requests could be managed fairly, while agreeing a return date with employees going on maternity leave in advance would help firms plan for the future.
“If the Government gets the law right for small firms, it gets it right for all firms. Thinking small first would better harness the potential of SMEs, rather than simply exempting some of the smallest from aspects of the law that undermine growth.”
The CBI has set out proposals which illustrate how a “think small first” approach would benefit companies of all sizes, but particularly SMEs. These include:
• Extending the unfair dismissal qualifying period to two years. This would reflect the limited HR capacity of SMEs and give them more confidence to hire
• Requiring tribunals to make practical use of current legal defences based on the size of firms
• Reforming the ACAS code to give greater support to smaller firms
• Introducing a package of measures to allow firms to manage retirement with confidence in the absence of a default retirement age
• Improving the speed of resolution of employment tribunal claims. This should include requiring pre-hearing reviews with the power to strike out weak claims, a refundable fee per claim to discourage opportunistic multiple claims and greater efforts to encourage settlement between employee and employer
• Giving firms the right to have an annual review of flexible working arrangements, and to redistribute flexible working as employee needs change. For instance, asking parents of older children to increase their hours to allow a returning mother some access to a limited pool of flexible hours
• Allowing firms to ask someone going on maternity leave to specify when they plan to return, with the expectation that this date will be kept to unless employer and employee both agree to change it.
• Issuing better guidance on managing competing flexible working claims.
Research shows that SMEs grow at a faster rate than larger firms. The sector employs 13.6 million people and since SMEs are widely-dispersed across all major sectors, they are well placed to contribute to the rebalancing of the economy. CBI analysis shows that in regions where the public sector accounts for a larger share of the regional economy, SMEs employ a larger-than-average proportion of the private sector workforce. In Wales and Northern Ireland, for example, public sector employment accounts for 26% and 30% of all employment respectively, well above the UK average of 20.5%. In these places SMEs provide 76% and 78.5% of private sector jobs, well ahead of the UK average of 60%.
A copy of the CBI report Think Small First and the CBI’s Budget submission, which includes its wider proposals for growth, can be found at: http://www.cbi.org.uk/ndbs/press.nsf/0363c1f07c6ca12a8025671c00381cc7/7b96a4cb47539cb58025784900324870?OpenDocument
DeHavilland Alert
Confederation of British Industry (CBI) - GOVERNMENT MUST THINK SMALL FIRST ON EMPLOYMENT LAW
Fri, 18 March 2011
Campaign Organisation Press Release
GOVERNMENT MUST THINK SMALL FIRST ON EMPLOYMENT LAW
CBI outlines proposals on tribunals, flexible working and maternity leave to boost SMEs
The CBI today (Friday) called on the Government to “think small first” and tackle regulation that prevents private and family-owned businesses from creating jobs and growing their businesses.
In a new report, Think Small First, the CBI highlighted the potential for small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) to pick up the employment slack from the public sector. Research shows that they create two-thirds of all new jobs and are well represented in regions where the public sector predominates.
But with 60% of private and family-owned firms citing employment regulation as a barrier to job creation, the Government must recognise the disproportionate impact some regulation has on smaller firms, given their limited human resources capacity, and the informal nature of employment relations.
The CBI’s proposals include: speeding up the tribunals system; providing clear guidance in the absence of a default retirement age; introducing the right to an annual review of flexible working and to agree a return date with an employee going on maternity leave.
John Cridland, CBI Director-General, said:
“Smaller firms are job-creation dynamos. The Government must think small first by tackling regulation which distracts them from growing the business and creating jobs.
“Much employment law fails to recognise that private and family-run firms don’t have dedicated human resource teams and tend to manage staff in an informal way.
“The size and nature of these firms makes them strong advocates of flexible and family-friendly working, and the Government should build on this success. An annual review on flexible working would ensure that competing requests could be managed fairly, while agreeing a return date with employees going on maternity leave in advance would help firms plan for the future.
“If the Government gets the law right for small firms, it gets it right for all firms. Thinking small first would better harness the potential of SMEs, rather than simply exempting some of the smallest from aspects of the law that undermine growth.”
The CBI has set out proposals which illustrate how a “think small first” approach would benefit companies of all sizes, but particularly SMEs. These include:
• Extending the unfair dismissal qualifying period to two years. This would reflect the limited HR capacity of SMEs and give them more confidence to hire
• Requiring tribunals to make practical use of current legal defences based on the size of firms
• Reforming the ACAS code to give greater support to smaller firms
• Introducing a package of measures to allow firms to manage retirement with confidence in the absence of a default retirement age
• Improving the speed of resolution of employment tribunal claims. This should include requiring pre-hearing reviews with the power to strike out weak claims, a refundable fee per claim to discourage opportunistic multiple claims and greater efforts to encourage settlement between employee and employer
• Giving firms the right to have an annual review of flexible working arrangements, and to redistribute flexible working as employee needs change. For instance, asking parents of older children to increase their hours to allow a returning mother some access to a limited pool of flexible hours
• Allowing firms to ask someone going on maternity leave to specify when they plan to return, with the expectation that this date will be kept to unless employer and employee both agree to change it.
• Issuing better guidance on managing competing flexible working claims.
Research shows that SMEs grow at a faster rate than larger firms. The sector employs 13.6 million people and since SMEs are widely-dispersed across all major sectors, they are well placed to contribute to the rebalancing of the economy. CBI analysis shows that in regions where the public sector accounts for a larger share of the regional economy, SMEs employ a larger-than-average proportion of the private sector workforce. In Wales and Northern Ireland, for example, public sector employment accounts for 26% and 30% of all employment respectively, well above the UK average of 20.5%. In these places SMEs provide 76% and 78.5% of private sector jobs, well ahead of the UK average of 60%.
A copy of the CBI report Think Small First and the CBI’s Budget submission, which includes its wider proposals for growth, can be found at: http://www.cbi.org.uk/ndbs/press.nsf/0363c1f07c6ca12a8025671c00381cc7/7b96a4cb47539cb58025784900324870?OpenDocument
Tuesday 15 March 2011
CWU Black Workers Conference report
CWU BLACK WORKERS 2011 CONFERENCE REPORT
Introduction
The 12th motion based CWU Black Workers Conference took place at CWU HQ, 150 The Broadway, London SW19 on Saturday 26th February. Conference was attended by 93 delegates and visitors.
The Race Advisory Committee was represented by: Linda Roy (National Equality Officer); Greg Amissah (Chair); Colin Bell (vice Chair); Romanus Amaefile; Sylvia Beckett; Gurwinder Heer; Safdar Khan; Jitengra Makwana; Bola Omoyeni; Katrina Quirke (NEC); Winston Richards and Ian Taylor;
The General Secretary, Billy Hayes attended conference.
Greg Amissah, Chair opened Conference. Linda Roy (National Equality Officer) gave the opening address and Billy Hayes, General Secretary addressed Conference. Both the National Equality Officer and the General Secretary focused on the subject of multiculturalism.
Motions
16 motions were submitted to Conference including 2 emergencies. Motions 14 and E2 were not accepted onto the agenda.
Emergency 1 by Birmingham District Amal condemned George Osborne’s speech at Munich Security Council on 5th February 2011 which sought the end of multiculturalism. Conference agreed the speech had given unwanted support to right wing racist and fascist groups such as the EDL and National Front. Conference called on the RAC to liaise with the NEC and like minded political parties and organisations to confront the Tory Agenda attack on minority communities’ way of life. E1 was carried and was selected as one of the motions to go to CWU general conference.
Motion No. 1 by the Race Advisory Committee condemned the disproportionate cuts the budget will inflict on services for BEMs. Conference agreed to instruct the Equality Department to make representations with the NEC/General Secretary to urge the TUC and BAME Labour Party Group to explore the possibility of issuing action against the coalition government, in the same way as the Fawcett Society. Motion No. 1 was carried.
Motion No. 2 by South London, Surrey and North Hampshire is concerned that in previous economic depression BEMs and women are more likely to be the greatest causalities. Conference calls on NEC not to agree to any compulsory redundancies but instead should reinvigorate its efforts in eradicating all forms of inequality in the workplace. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 3 by Capital is concerned with the over-representation of BEMs in the mental health system. Conference called on the CWU to: continue its work to ensure BEMs receive appropriate care and support; ensure their work on mental health and the Equality Act 2010 reflects the specific issues facing our members and to challenge negative stereo-typing around mental health issues. The motion was carried
Motion No. 4 by Northamptonshire Amal recognises the rights laid down in the religion and belief regulations of 2003, which are now part of the Equality Act 2010. Conference instructs the RAC to make the necessary provisions to highlight this to make the national officers aware so that any problem areas are identified and remedied. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 5 by West London instructs the RAC to work with the NEC and other relevant advisory committees towards introducing a framework for positive action in line with Rule 2.1.5-2.1.6 so that the CWU is reflective of its members from branch to NEC level. The motion was carried and was the second motion chosen to go to Annual Conference.
Motion No. 6 by Central Counties and Thames Valley recognises that equality is enshrined in the union’s Rule Book, under rule 2. Conference calls on the RAC to work with the NEC and the Equality Officer to support the establishment of a working group tasked with exploring ways in which the union’s constitution be given prominence and emphasis with regards to equality. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 7 by the Race Advisory Committee acknowledges the difficult financial position facing the union. Conference agreed that any cost saving measures being made should be applied equally throughout the CWU structure. Conference instructs the Equal Opportunities Department to continue making the necessary representations to the SDGS to highlight this position. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 8 by the Race Advisory Committee welcomes the push by the Equality Department to strengthen the union’s commitment to equality. Conference called for assistance to be given to the Equality Officer to push the equality agenda forward by bringing in a robust form of monitoring at the point of entry for all new CWU members. In addition positive action mechanisms for existing members should be introduced on this issue. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 9 by Greater London Combined noted the role of the Advisory Committees is to advise the NEC and Industrial Executives on equality matters. Conference instructs the RAC to work with the NEC to ensure that before matters of equality policy including affiliation to organisations campaigning for equality are considered by the NEC, that the relevant Advisory Committees are consulted. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 10 by Central and West Lancs instructs the RAC to work with the NEC to put pressure on companies where we have members and union representation to prevent work being migrated to countries with known human rights abuses. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 11 by South East Wales Amal are appalled by the way the Moroccan workers and other workers are treated in Gibraltar. Conference instructs the RAC to liaise with the NEC to work with other like minded organisations through campaigns to highlight this appalling policy. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 12 by Birmingham, Black Country and Worcester called for the name of the conference to be changed to the Race Advisory Conference. The motion was withdrawn.
Motion No. 13 by Bristol and District Amal asked for regular feedback regarding motions carried at Black Workers Conference. The motion was not carried.
Motions to General Conference
Motions E1 and 5 were selected to go to CWU general conference.
Guest Speakers
Two guest speakers were invited to Conference: Lee Jasper, Black activist and Sadiq Khan, Labour MP and Shadow Justice Minister. In the end the only Guest Speaker on the day was Sadiq Khan.
Sadiq gave a brief outline of his family background and rise to the position of MP for Tooting and now Shadow Justice Minister. He spoke passionately of the help given him by the CWU and trade union movement.
It was obvious from what Sadiq said that he is a champion of the underdog who cared for his community. Workers in the local hospital, St. Georges in Tooting, the NHS, schools, and public services did not get their overnight, he said. Their legacy is something to be defended, he continued. Sadiq also admitted that his party did not get everything right whilst in office and there were many lessons to be learnt. Questions from delegates at Conference to Sadiq confirmed many still believe the Labour Party is better than the current coalition of Conservative and Liberals.
Bucket Collection
There was a bucket collection and raffle for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) which raised over £280.
Conclusion
After the customary formalities, conference closed at 4.10 p.m. on Saturday 26th February 2011.
14th March 2011
Introduction
The 12th motion based CWU Black Workers Conference took place at CWU HQ, 150 The Broadway, London SW19 on Saturday 26th February. Conference was attended by 93 delegates and visitors.
The Race Advisory Committee was represented by: Linda Roy (National Equality Officer); Greg Amissah (Chair); Colin Bell (vice Chair); Romanus Amaefile; Sylvia Beckett; Gurwinder Heer; Safdar Khan; Jitengra Makwana; Bola Omoyeni; Katrina Quirke (NEC); Winston Richards and Ian Taylor;
The General Secretary, Billy Hayes attended conference.
Greg Amissah, Chair opened Conference. Linda Roy (National Equality Officer) gave the opening address and Billy Hayes, General Secretary addressed Conference. Both the National Equality Officer and the General Secretary focused on the subject of multiculturalism.
Motions
16 motions were submitted to Conference including 2 emergencies. Motions 14 and E2 were not accepted onto the agenda.
Emergency 1 by Birmingham District Amal condemned George Osborne’s speech at Munich Security Council on 5th February 2011 which sought the end of multiculturalism. Conference agreed the speech had given unwanted support to right wing racist and fascist groups such as the EDL and National Front. Conference called on the RAC to liaise with the NEC and like minded political parties and organisations to confront the Tory Agenda attack on minority communities’ way of life. E1 was carried and was selected as one of the motions to go to CWU general conference.
Motion No. 1 by the Race Advisory Committee condemned the disproportionate cuts the budget will inflict on services for BEMs. Conference agreed to instruct the Equality Department to make representations with the NEC/General Secretary to urge the TUC and BAME Labour Party Group to explore the possibility of issuing action against the coalition government, in the same way as the Fawcett Society. Motion No. 1 was carried.
Motion No. 2 by South London, Surrey and North Hampshire is concerned that in previous economic depression BEMs and women are more likely to be the greatest causalities. Conference calls on NEC not to agree to any compulsory redundancies but instead should reinvigorate its efforts in eradicating all forms of inequality in the workplace. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 3 by Capital is concerned with the over-representation of BEMs in the mental health system. Conference called on the CWU to: continue its work to ensure BEMs receive appropriate care and support; ensure their work on mental health and the Equality Act 2010 reflects the specific issues facing our members and to challenge negative stereo-typing around mental health issues. The motion was carried
Motion No. 4 by Northamptonshire Amal recognises the rights laid down in the religion and belief regulations of 2003, which are now part of the Equality Act 2010. Conference instructs the RAC to make the necessary provisions to highlight this to make the national officers aware so that any problem areas are identified and remedied. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 5 by West London instructs the RAC to work with the NEC and other relevant advisory committees towards introducing a framework for positive action in line with Rule 2.1.5-2.1.6 so that the CWU is reflective of its members from branch to NEC level. The motion was carried and was the second motion chosen to go to Annual Conference.
Motion No. 6 by Central Counties and Thames Valley recognises that equality is enshrined in the union’s Rule Book, under rule 2. Conference calls on the RAC to work with the NEC and the Equality Officer to support the establishment of a working group tasked with exploring ways in which the union’s constitution be given prominence and emphasis with regards to equality. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 7 by the Race Advisory Committee acknowledges the difficult financial position facing the union. Conference agreed that any cost saving measures being made should be applied equally throughout the CWU structure. Conference instructs the Equal Opportunities Department to continue making the necessary representations to the SDGS to highlight this position. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 8 by the Race Advisory Committee welcomes the push by the Equality Department to strengthen the union’s commitment to equality. Conference called for assistance to be given to the Equality Officer to push the equality agenda forward by bringing in a robust form of monitoring at the point of entry for all new CWU members. In addition positive action mechanisms for existing members should be introduced on this issue. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 9 by Greater London Combined noted the role of the Advisory Committees is to advise the NEC and Industrial Executives on equality matters. Conference instructs the RAC to work with the NEC to ensure that before matters of equality policy including affiliation to organisations campaigning for equality are considered by the NEC, that the relevant Advisory Committees are consulted. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 10 by Central and West Lancs instructs the RAC to work with the NEC to put pressure on companies where we have members and union representation to prevent work being migrated to countries with known human rights abuses. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 11 by South East Wales Amal are appalled by the way the Moroccan workers and other workers are treated in Gibraltar. Conference instructs the RAC to liaise with the NEC to work with other like minded organisations through campaigns to highlight this appalling policy. The motion was carried.
Motion No. 12 by Birmingham, Black Country and Worcester called for the name of the conference to be changed to the Race Advisory Conference. The motion was withdrawn.
Motion No. 13 by Bristol and District Amal asked for regular feedback regarding motions carried at Black Workers Conference. The motion was not carried.
Motions to General Conference
Motions E1 and 5 were selected to go to CWU general conference.
Guest Speakers
Two guest speakers were invited to Conference: Lee Jasper, Black activist and Sadiq Khan, Labour MP and Shadow Justice Minister. In the end the only Guest Speaker on the day was Sadiq Khan.
Sadiq gave a brief outline of his family background and rise to the position of MP for Tooting and now Shadow Justice Minister. He spoke passionately of the help given him by the CWU and trade union movement.
It was obvious from what Sadiq said that he is a champion of the underdog who cared for his community. Workers in the local hospital, St. Georges in Tooting, the NHS, schools, and public services did not get their overnight, he said. Their legacy is something to be defended, he continued. Sadiq also admitted that his party did not get everything right whilst in office and there were many lessons to be learnt. Questions from delegates at Conference to Sadiq confirmed many still believe the Labour Party is better than the current coalition of Conservative and Liberals.
Bucket Collection
There was a bucket collection and raffle for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) which raised over £280.
Conclusion
After the customary formalities, conference closed at 4.10 p.m. on Saturday 26th February 2011.
14th March 2011
TUC Women's Conference Report
WOMEN FIGHTING AGAINST THE CUTS
Cuts in childcare benefits; cuts to welfare services, cuts to the National Health Service; cuts to our social services; cuts to jobs in the public sector; cuts to the Equality budget; public sector pay freeze and why not accelerate women’s retirement age and reform public sector pension at the same time. By George what a budget!
Delegates attending the 81st TUC Women’s Conference were united in condemning the Coalition’s budget. Unite; the union kicking off with Composite No. 1 said they had never known before “such vicious attacks on our terms and conditions”. Delegates heard how the cuts were aimed at the working class; it was an attack on the poor, women in low paid low status employment and the most vulnerable in our society. Linda Roy, CWU National Equality Officer, said: “the scale of the cuts and the timeframe in which the cuts came into force was unprecedented”. Apparently, the Coalition’s big society is one where women: “should be marginalised and their participation limited to that of unpaid carer; unpaid social worker, unpaid nurse and everything that is unpaid”, she continued. Yvette Cooper, Shadow Home Secretary proved through statistics how ‘deeply and unfair’ the budget was to women when compared to men.
In the year marking the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, unequal pay still persists despite legislation. Maria Exall, National Executive Committee member speaking on Composite 3 said: “the disappointment to us in the CWU is that the Equality Act 2010 did not include mandatory pay audits for private sector employers”. Continuing she said: “we have to follow through the minimalist procedures in the Equality Act for voluntary gender pay gap reporting in the private sector…” It was fitting therefore when one delegate said: “The price of progress is eternal vigilance” Despite the shortcomings of the 2010 Equality Act, delegates were determined to make the Act work “for us”. In doing so, they were cognisance of the importance to ‘engage’, ‘corporate’, ‘unite’ and provide robust ‘data’ to influence intended outcome.
The debate around public sector pension was highly charged, particularly coming on the morning of the release of the Hutton Report. Vera Kesley, CWU drew conference’s attention to the unfair and disproportionate impact the changes will have on women’s pension when she said: “women born between 6th March 1954 and 5th April 1954 would have been due to get their state pension on 6th March 2018….they will now have to wait until 6th March 2020”. Continuing the theme the National Assembly of Women circulated a factsheet showing women who were born between 6th April 1953 and 6th April 1955 will work an extra 8 to 52 weeks and have a shortfall of £817.20 to £5,311.80 on their full basic state pension under the Pensions Bill.
Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary mindful of the anger against the cuts, told conference that unions can expect the TUC’s full support if they decide to take industrial action. Already Saturday 26th March is on the calendar for a March against the cuts.
Other emotive debates were around mental health services; child poverty; young people; university fees and proposed cuts to the local maternity services. Showing unity and solidarity, delegates expressed sympathy and support to their Japanese sisters who had within the last 24 hours experienced one of the biggest tsunami of the last century. For as women we know that what happens in one part of the world affects another part of the world. And as one delegate reminded conference: “women are extraordinary, but we have never been brought up to value ourselves”. Altogether the 81st TUC Women’s conference was in unison and agreed the motions on the agenda.
14th March 2011
Cuts in childcare benefits; cuts to welfare services, cuts to the National Health Service; cuts to our social services; cuts to jobs in the public sector; cuts to the Equality budget; public sector pay freeze and why not accelerate women’s retirement age and reform public sector pension at the same time. By George what a budget!
Delegates attending the 81st TUC Women’s Conference were united in condemning the Coalition’s budget. Unite; the union kicking off with Composite No. 1 said they had never known before “such vicious attacks on our terms and conditions”. Delegates heard how the cuts were aimed at the working class; it was an attack on the poor, women in low paid low status employment and the most vulnerable in our society. Linda Roy, CWU National Equality Officer, said: “the scale of the cuts and the timeframe in which the cuts came into force was unprecedented”. Apparently, the Coalition’s big society is one where women: “should be marginalised and their participation limited to that of unpaid carer; unpaid social worker, unpaid nurse and everything that is unpaid”, she continued. Yvette Cooper, Shadow Home Secretary proved through statistics how ‘deeply and unfair’ the budget was to women when compared to men.
In the year marking the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, unequal pay still persists despite legislation. Maria Exall, National Executive Committee member speaking on Composite 3 said: “the disappointment to us in the CWU is that the Equality Act 2010 did not include mandatory pay audits for private sector employers”. Continuing she said: “we have to follow through the minimalist procedures in the Equality Act for voluntary gender pay gap reporting in the private sector…” It was fitting therefore when one delegate said: “The price of progress is eternal vigilance” Despite the shortcomings of the 2010 Equality Act, delegates were determined to make the Act work “for us”. In doing so, they were cognisance of the importance to ‘engage’, ‘corporate’, ‘unite’ and provide robust ‘data’ to influence intended outcome.
The debate around public sector pension was highly charged, particularly coming on the morning of the release of the Hutton Report. Vera Kesley, CWU drew conference’s attention to the unfair and disproportionate impact the changes will have on women’s pension when she said: “women born between 6th March 1954 and 5th April 1954 would have been due to get their state pension on 6th March 2018….they will now have to wait until 6th March 2020”. Continuing the theme the National Assembly of Women circulated a factsheet showing women who were born between 6th April 1953 and 6th April 1955 will work an extra 8 to 52 weeks and have a shortfall of £817.20 to £5,311.80 on their full basic state pension under the Pensions Bill.
Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary mindful of the anger against the cuts, told conference that unions can expect the TUC’s full support if they decide to take industrial action. Already Saturday 26th March is on the calendar for a March against the cuts.
Other emotive debates were around mental health services; child poverty; young people; university fees and proposed cuts to the local maternity services. Showing unity and solidarity, delegates expressed sympathy and support to their Japanese sisters who had within the last 24 hours experienced one of the biggest tsunami of the last century. For as women we know that what happens in one part of the world affects another part of the world. And as one delegate reminded conference: “women are extraordinary, but we have never been brought up to value ourselves”. Altogether the 81st TUC Women’s conference was in unison and agreed the motions on the agenda.
14th March 2011
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Just a Drop project goes ahead.
I'm so pleased to announce that thanks to the generosity of CWU branches and CWU Humanitarian Aid enough money has been raised to finance our Just a Drop project to provide water to the Libala school i Zambia's southern province. The following from Carl Webb says it all. Thanks Carl and to veryone who has made this project possible - especialy the members of the CWU Race Advisory Committee. It's an honour and a privilege to be your National Equality Officer.
Hi Linda
I am writing on behalf of the CWU Humanitarian Trustees to pass on our congratulations to the Race Advisory Committee for all their hard work in raising the funds to finance this fantastic project and deliver clean water to school children.
By delivering clean water to this school you will not only be preventing live threatening diseases, but also providing education to over 400 hundred children, this is a fantastic achievement for the RAC, Equality Department and Just A Drop.
Once again, well done to all involved.
Regards
Carl Webb
CWUHA National Secretary
Hi Linda
I am writing on behalf of the CWU Humanitarian Trustees to pass on our congratulations to the Race Advisory Committee for all their hard work in raising the funds to finance this fantastic project and deliver clean water to school children.
By delivering clean water to this school you will not only be preventing live threatening diseases, but also providing education to over 400 hundred children, this is a fantastic achievement for the RAC, Equality Department and Just A Drop.
Once again, well done to all involved.
Regards
Carl Webb
CWUHA National Secretary
Monday 7 March 2011
Gay/Lesbian Events and Gay Pride around the UK 2011
The 2011 Gay Pride Festivals and Events year has started. Go along and enjoy the celebrations.
For a list of events go to Gay/Lesbian Events and Gay Pride around the UK 2011
For a list of events go to Gay/Lesbian Events and Gay Pride around the UK 2011
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