World Peace Council and Non Aligned Movement stand with Venezuela

Image Posted on February 27, 2014 Updated on February 27, 2014

Over 100 countries joined international calls for an end to violent protests in Venezuela and respect for the country’s Bolivarian democracy today.

The Non Aligned Movement (NAM), which represents 120 developing countries said the organisation reaffirmed, “its commitment towards peace, stability and development, as well as its respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, territorial integrity, and the self-determination of peoples.

“We take note of the efforts undertaken by the Government of Venezuela to promote a broad national dialogue with a view to finding solutions to the country’s common challenges and to continue its way towards development and well-being.”

The statement comes after the UN recognised NGO, the World Peace Council (WPC), denounced the demonstrators and their “imperialist” backers who are helping to economically “sabotage” the country.

Protests against President Maduro’s democratically elected government are receiving huge levels of international media coverage but are confined to the affluent areas of the Latin American country.

In a statement, the WPC secretariat said:

“The World Peace Council denounces the ongoing plans and actions to destabilize the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela by reactionary forces and groups with the support of imperialist forces.

“The recent violent orchestrated events in Caracas and other regions of the country show clearly the intention of the local oligarchy and its foreign supporters which are aiming in putting obstacles to the efforts of the elected government of the country to empower the people and to solve social problems and needs.

“The economic sabotage in multiple ways, the violent provocations and intimidation of the people are going hand in hand with the nostalgy of the old establishment which is loosing power and privileges and therefore is acting subversively against the efforts of the Bolivarian revolution and its forces.

“The WPC expresses its full-hearted solidarity to its member organisation in Venezuela, the COSI (Committee for International Solidarity), to the anti-imperialist forces of the country and to the Venezuelan people.

“The World Peace Council and the peace loving people all over the world are confident that the Venezuelan people will win this battle on the road to become masters of their fortunes, with sovereignty and dignity.”

Disability protesters target Atos benefit test centres

Image Posted on February 19, 2014

Disability campaigners laid siege to Atos assessment centres up and down the country today, in a bid to increase public pressure on the government to end what many see as a war against disabled people.

Union activists, Disabled People Against Cuts and Black Triangle targeted 144 assessment centres where people are told whether they are able to work and if they are still entitled to benefits.

The government argues the system helps millions of people off benefit and back into work. But campaigners have pointed out that the government’s own figures show 10,600 people died within six weeks of being declared ‘fit for work’ by Atos, last year.

Unite the union assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: ‘This alone should have set alarm bells ringing that the assessments were not fit for purpose. We are calling on the government to stop this degrading policy and introduce a fairer transparent system that restores dignity to the sick and disabled.’

Over 40 per cent of cases where people have been deemed fit to work have had their appeals upheld. However the appeals process can take months or even years while some of the most vulnerable disabled are plunged into poverty.

Leading Wolverhampton trades unionist Nick Kelleher knows all too well about this issue. From a protest early this morning in the city he told Red Pepper: ‘I know people who have appealed a decision by Atos have been waiting a year. They have no benefits and are relying on food banks.’

He said the government was intent on cutting the benefits bill but insisted it was small percentage of overall spending. He added: ‘They should be going after big companies that don’t pay their fair share of tax.’

Many campaigners are eager to see people with disabilities genuinely helped back into work, if they are able to. But they say the onus doesn’t just lie with the individual.

Bob Williams-Findlay, a university equality training officer, said: ‘The system used by Atos only measures certain aspects of someone’s capability to work. Some people with disabilities like me can work but only when a good employer addresses their needs.

‘Atos is making huge profits. The system needs changing, not the welfare state.’

Another union backing the campaign against Atos today, the PCS, would be a major union in representing workers assessing disabled people if the service was brought back in-house.

General secretary Mark Serwotka said: ‘It is a scandal that the likes of Atos are profiting from this government’s cold and calculating assault on sick and disabled people. The demeaning tests should be scrapped and the work to provide the kind of professional and caring support that disabled people need and deserve should be brought back in-house.’

Today marks an important escalation in the campaign and through social media, rather than the mass media, this injustice being heaped on the disabled and sick will not go unnoticed.

– This article originally appeared in the Red Pepper Magazine: http://www.redpepper.org.uk/disability-protesters-target-atos-benefit-assessment-centres/

UK Atos protest: Campaigners in Wolverhampton call for fair treatment of disabled

Image Posted on February 19, 2014 Updated on February 20, 2014

Disability rights campaigners protested outside the Atos assessment centre in Wolverhampton this morning, calling for fairer treatment of disability benefit claimants.

The protest was one of 144 taking place across the country against the private company which is responsible for assessing whether people are fit to work or entitled to receive disability benefit allowance.

The government argues the system helps millions of people off benefit and back into work.

But campaigners have pointed out that the government’s own figures show 10,600 people died within six weeks of being declared ‘fit for work’ by Atos, last year.

Protester Bob Williams-Findlay, a Wolverhampton University Equality Training Officer said: “The system used by Atos only measures certain aspects of someone’s capability to work.

“Some people with disabilities like me can work but only when a good employer addresses their needs.

“Atos is making huge profits. The system needs changing not the welfare state.”

Nick Kelleher, Secretary of Wolverhampton Trades Union council, said people who had lost their benefits following a an appeal to Atos were now in some cases, were relying on charities to survive.

He said: “They have no benefits and are relying on food banks.

“People should be assessed on their abilities and needs and given help to live their lives as best they can.”

He said the government was intent on cutting the benefits bill but insisted it was small percentage of overall spending.

He added: “They should be going after big companies that don’t pay their fair share of tax.”

pic: Red Dugmore 

– This article was published in the Morning Star national newspaper:  http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-9b2e-Disability-campaigners-target-benefit-assessment-centre#.UwY9G_l_vqA

2000 jobs could go at Wolverhampton City Council

Image Posted on February 18, 2014 Updated on February 18, 2014

Workers at Wolverhampton City Council face a nervous wait over their futures today, after council bosses announced 2000 jobs are set to go.

Council chiefs are blaming central government cuts to their funding which amount to 52 percent.

Council leader Roger Lawerence said the council was going to lose £147 million over the next 4 years.

He said: “We’ve made no secret of our financial position and these budget proposals are a direct result of the savage cuts central Government is making to our budget.

“No organisation or individual could sustain losing half of their income without having to radically reduce spending.

“We are no different – but when a council reduces its spending that means services people value get cut and jobs are lost.”

Worse maybe still yet to come as the council is set to put forward 205 savings proposals over the next 5 years, totalling £66.7 million, with a further £59 million “still to be identified.”

Cllr Lawerence added: “More job losses are hugely regrettable, not just for the individuals who face losing their livelihoods but also for the city because many of these people live here and spend their money here.”

One the unions representing public sector workers, the GMB said they would meet members to discuss their next move.

Karen Leonard, GMB regional organiser, said: “Today’s announcement of a jobs cull in Wolverhampton due to the cuts is a devastating blow to GMB members, who now face an uncertain future. Jobs and working hours are under threat.

“Those who survive the jobs cull can expect a pay freeze, equating to a real terms pay cut, and an ever increasing work load.

“GMB officers and shop stewards will be meeting with the council to discuss these cuts in order to protect the interests of our members.”

Trade unionists support uprising in Bosnia

Image Posted on February 10, 2014 Updated on February 10, 2014

The World Federation of Trade Unions has come out in support of Bosnian workers protesting against wage cuts, government corruption and police violence against protesters.

The WFTU which represents 86 million workers across the world, issued the statement after a spate of civil unrest and violence.

At least 44 people have been arrested during three days of rioting with yesterday’s protests passing off peacefully.

The leadership of the WFTU – the Secretariat said:

The World Federation of Trade Unions expresses its solidarity with the Bosnian people struggling against the policies of unemployment, privatization and poverty for their rights to work, dignified livelihood, social security rights, healthcare.

“The first demonstrations started from the dismissed workers of privatized industries who claimed bankruptcy.

“We denounce the violent response of the government of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the riot police who utilizing the provocative actions of a small group attacked and injured hundreds of protesters.”

Unemployment in Bosnia has jumped to 45 per cent with many protesters demanding early elections be called.

– The World Federation of Trade Unions, which was formed in 1945 is active in 126 countries and says it is  “working to build a strong class-oriented militant trade union movement and coordinate the struggles of the working people for their own interests against the policies monopolies and imperialism.”

Cambodian government face worldwide protest for jailing workers

Image Posted on February 9, 2014 Updated on February 9, 2014

The Cambodian government will come under mounting international pressure over its jailing of 23 garment workers, with worldwide protests planned tomorrow.

Trades unionists and human rights activists will lay siege to Cambodian embassies in dozens of countries calling for justice for workers in the country.

23 garment workers and human rights activists, were imprisoned in early January after a brutal police crackdown on demonstrators, leaving 4 people dead and 39 injured.

Union bodies IndustriALL, UNI and ITUC along with major clothing brands have already sent an open letter to the Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, demanding he investigate the killings and honour a commitment to take concrete steps to establish a minimum wage.

Cambodia’s low wages and government incentives for businesses have seen a boom in the textile industry worth some 5 billion US dollars per year, while living standards for workers have stagnated.

Haji Muhammad Saeed Arian, Founder and Secretary General Pakistan Labour Federation, said the PLF expressed solidarity with the jailed trade unionists and urged the Cambodian government to see reason.

Cambodia’s £3bn garment industry employs more than 500,000 garment workers with textiles making up 80% of the country’s exports.

– The PLF is affiliated to World Federation of Trade Unionists (WFTU)

Blacklisted trade unionist speaks out in defense of sacked Grangemouth convenor

Image Posted on February 6, 2014 Updated on February 6, 2014

Stewart Hume – a Unite shop steward and former blacklisted construction worker wrote the following letter to his local MP Tom Clarke (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill).

Dear Tom Clarke

RE: Early Day Motion 1046

This week Ineos, owners of the Grangemouth site, sacked Mark Lyon.

Mark has worked at the site for 25 years, and as Unite convenor served his industry and supported thousands of people at work at their time of need.

Now we need to stand by Mark.

Mark has been on sick leave, under dreadful stress because of intolerable pressure at work.

But despite medical advice that Mark was not fit to attend his disciplinary hearing, he was sacked.

He was dismissed in his absence.

Unite firmly believes that this was because Ineos was determined to rush through a disciplinary process against Mark, denying his legal representatives the appropriate time to prepare his defence.

Unite will, of course, fight this disgraceful decision and will pursue justice, not just because Mark deserves it but because workers and trade unionist everywhere must be protected at work.

But we need you to speak out too.

Please take one moment to help build support for Mark and for trade unionists everywhere and support this EDM.

Michael Connarty MP has be tabled an Early Day Motion 1046 expressing serious concern at the anti-trade union behaviour of Ineos at its
petrochemical plant in Grangemouth.

As someone who has been victimised and sacked for my trade union activities in the past and was named and my disgraceful treatment used as an example that blacklisting continues in the Scottish Affairs Select Committee Interim Report into Blacklisting, I fully support Mark Lyon as he played a role in getting me my job back after my employer (a contractor at Ineos) were put under pressure from my work colleagues with a threat of industrial action unless I was reinstated.

Mark along with Stephen Deans, got involved to help with negotiations on my reinstatement. It appears that Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are completely out of control with regards to the treatment of trade union members, particularly members of Unite.

I find their conduct completely unacceptable, especially with the fact that they have secured UK and Scottish Government investment in the plant and had only last week dropped legal action against Unite which they claimed was to “draw a line” under the recent dispute and move forward with the Grangemouth survival plan.

I am heavily involved with the Blacklist Support Group as well and I can see a situation developing at Ineos where trade unionists are being
targetted just like those who were put on the disgraceful ConsultingAssociation Blacklist.

For Mark and for trade union members across this country, please show your support.

Yours sincerely,

Stewart Hume

Unite Shop Steward/Safety Rep

http://unite.newsweaver.co.uk/vvvozr4m944t0gddn0c1aq?email=true&a=11&p=44540915

Tube strike receives international support

Image Posted on February 5, 2014 Updated on February 5, 2014

A 48 hour tube strike by RMT and TSSA union members has received support from the World Federation of Trade Unions.

Transport workers on the London Underground walked out last night over ticket office closures which if implemented will see one thousand jobs lost on the network.

The WFTU, representing 86 million workers across the globe, praised striking workers for taking a stand for passenger safety.

The WFTU greets the RMT and TSSA British unions for calling their members into a struggle to protect not only their fair labour rights but also the safety of the underground means of transport for all the passengers,” a spokeswoman said.

“The objective is none other than squeezing the workers and the passengers to produce as much profit as possible in burden of workers’ rights and safety.”

The WFTU also criticised media reporting of the strike, accusing mainstream outlets of a “slandering campaign against the workers struggle aiming to tear the public apart from supporting their cause and enhance its dynamic.”

“We join our voices in solidarity with the transport workers’ struggle to demand safe, efficient and affordable public transport with the respect of workers’ rights.”

– The RMT is the only British trade union affiliate to the WFTU.

BREAKING NEWS: Union launches legal action against Ineos after Grangemouth convenor is sacked

Image Posted on February 4, 2014 Updated on February 4, 2014

Unite launched legal action today after Grangemouth convenor Mark Lyon was sacked by Ineos.

Mr Lyon who has worked at the company for 25 years was tried in absence and told of his dismissal earlier today.

Unite said it will appeal the company’s decision and issue an employment tribunal claim for unfair dismissal and victimisation for trade union activity.

Pat Rafferty, Unite’s Scottish secretary, said:

Once again, a decent man and loyal employee has been hounded out of his job by Ineos.

“The rank hypocrisy of Ineos knows no bounds. The company withdrew its defamation action against Unite to “draw a line under the dispute”, yet at the same time it was drafting a letter dismissing a Unite convenor.”

The move follows the resignation of Unite’s other Grangemouth convenor Stevie Deans last year in protest of his treatment by the company and comes as Ineos drops its defamation claim over accusations by Unite that it had ‘victimised’ Mr Deans.

Unite believes that Ineos was determined to rush through a disciplinary process against Mr Lyon, denying his legal representatives the appropriate time to prepare his defence.

The union has said Mr Lyon is suffering from a serious stress-related illness as a result of the treatment he has endured at the hands of the company.

“Mark Lyon has been subjected to a grotesque mockery of the disciplinary system which saw him tried in his absence. While he attended a doctor’s appointment, his employer was sacking him on trumped up charges,” said Mr Rafferty.

“From start to finish, this has been a circus and reflects extremely poorly on Ineos.”

“Ineos has run away from the defamation action and Unite stands by its assertion that Stevie Deans was victimised. Ineos has no interest in drawing a line and moving forward, just confrontation and conflict.

“We would urge Ineos to think again about a decision that is bound to send shock waves through the workforce.

“Worryingly skilled people are choosing to leave Grangemouth. Ineos needs to realise that this is not a time for further unrest and that they need to get the workforce on side to deliver a successful future.”

– Ineos has been contacted for a response