Wednesday 11 September 2013

Some Decisions at TUC Conference

1. TUC announces November 20 as National Day of Action on blacklisting
Own Up, Clean Up, Pay Up 
http://www.tuc.org.uk/industrial/tuc-22577-f0.cfm 
2. TUC Congress passes motion calling for blacklisting to be made a criminal offence and for a full Leverson style public inquiry.
Blacklisted worker Billy Parry from UCATT spoke in the debate - great work Billy
Motion moved by Justin Bowden GMB and seconded by Gail Cartmail UNITE

3. Wales becomes the first country to ban blacklisting firms from public contracts. This is not just passing a motion at the Welsh Assembly, that was done a few months ago. This is official guidance sent out from the Welsh government to 103 public bodies for staff involved in the procurement process. Well done all the Welsh comrades.
 
Steve Barley - Blacklisted Welsh electrician and Blacklist Support Group spokesperson said:
'Thousands of building workers have been victimised and blacklisted for standing up for our legal rights. At last in Wales we are showing solidarity via our Assembly we will not tolerate this persecution of workers'


4. Frank Morris blacklisting victory on Crossrail results in a motion to the Scottish parliament - well done Neil Findlay MSP 
Motion submittted to Scottish parliament on the reinstatment of sacked shop steward Frank Morris

Motion Number: S4M-07593
Lodged By: Neil Findlay
Date Lodged: 05/09/2013


Title: Crossrail Agreement on Blacklisting and Trade Union Rights

Motion Text:
That the Parliament acknowledges the agreement between Unite and the three main Crossrail contractors, Royal BAM, Ferrovial and Kier, to resolve the blacklisting dispute on the Crossrail project; understands that the Unite campaign, which began in September 2012, was based on what the union believed to be compelling evidence of blacklisting by senior HR managers on the Crossrail project, when the Unite shop steward, Frank Morris, and 27 others working for an electrical sub-contractor, EIS, lost their jobs shortly after Mr Morris raised health and safety concerns; understands that the agreement will ensure the reinstatement of Frank Morris and union recognition for the first time on the £16 billion publicly-funded rail infrastructure project, as well as allowing Unite representatives to speak to all new Crossrail workers during the induction process before they enter any Crossrail construction site; believes that this outcome preceded by the Unite campaign once again shows the value of trade union organisation and united action; believes it to be a warning to any company that may consider using a blacklist in future; suggests that, while it considers that this has been a successful conclusion to the Crossrail campaign, the fight for justice for blacklisted workers continues; commends the Scottish Affairs Select Committee for what it sees as its effective investigations thus far and looks forward to further forensic scrutiny, and hopes that the Scottish Government will include meaningful protection against blacklisting in the public procurement process to ensure that companies that continue the practice are excluded from tendering for public contracts. 
5. Bristol City passes motion against blacklisting on Tuesday night
Moved by the Greens and supported by Labour councillors. 
Well done all the many comrades in Bristol who have run a big campaign locally to get the council to move on this.

6. TUC Congress started with a minutes silence for trade unionists who had passed away in the last year including giant photos of Chris Murphy - blacklisted building worker and UCATT EC member and Vic Turner - jailed Pentonville 5 docker
Respect.

 
Blacklist Support Group

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