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News Archive - E-Articles and Hotlinks
| Tony Lennon elected President again - 11-05-2004 |
BECTU President Tony Lennon has been re-elected in a ballot of members.
The result of the both the President and NEC (National Executive Committee) ballots were announced on May 8 at this year's BECTU Annual Conference.
In BECTU's second direct election of President, Tony Lennon won 3443 votes compared to the only other candidate, Tudor Gates, who received 1791.
There were also ballots in the London Production Division, and the BBC Division, for seats on the NEC. All ballots were conducted postally by Electoral Reform Services.
No elections were necessary in the Arts and Entertainment, Independent Broadcasting, Laboratories, and Regional Production Divisions because the number of nominations did not exceed the number of NEC seats available.
Following the election the new NEC, which meets for the first time on 23 May, comprises:
Arts & Entertainment: Suresh Chalwa, Lou George, Douglas McGill
BBC: Pete Harding, Andy Love, Jane Perry, Winston Phillips
Independent Broadcasting: John Handley, Robert Scott
Laboratories: John Searle/John Wild (jobshare)
London Production: Peter Cox, Tudor Gates, Mary Hillman, Annabelle MacKenzie
Regional Production: Christine Bond, Lawrence Van Reiss
Full result of 2004-2006 BECTU NEC elections
Election of President: Tudor Gates 1791, Tony Lennon 3443 ELECTED
Number of voting papers distributed 25987. Number of voting papers returned 5253. Number of papers found to be invalid (blank/spoilt) 19. Thus total number of valid papers counted 5234. Number of candidates to be elected 1.
London Production Division: Jack Amos 578, Peter Cox 747 ELECTED, Tudor Gates 872 ELECTED, Mary Hillman 800, Annabelle MacKenzie 606 ELECTED, Ken Rowles 530.
Number of voting papers distributed 7163. Number of voting papers returned 1333. Number of papers found to be invalid (blank/spoilt) 13. Thus total number of valid papers counted 1320. Number of candidates to be elected 4.
BBC Division: Pete Harding 812 ELECTED, Alastair Hendrie 448, Tony Lennon (Vote not declared by ERS - see below), Andy Love 501 ELECTED, Jane Perry 938 ELECTED, Winston Phillips 592 ELECTED, Tony Scott 455
[Tony Lennon was elected President and thus is ineligible to be elected in this Division in accordance with BECTU Rule 33 (h) (iv)]
Number of voting papers distributed 6767. Number of voting papers returned 1469. Number of papers found to be invalid (blank/spoilt) 5. Thus total number of valid papers counted 1464. Number of candidates to be elected 4.
from BECTU website www.bectu.org.uk
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| Telegraph journalists set to strike - 13-02-2004 |
February 13 2004
Journalists at The Daily and Sunday Telegraph and the Spectator will go on strike next month if the company refuses to improve its current pay offer.
After registering a huge majority in a strike ballot, the NUJ Telegraph chapel is making a final attempt to resolve their pay dispute, calling on the papers’ management to go to ACAS.
But if no satisfactory agreement can be reached in two weeks, the journalists will serve notice to take strike action, the first of which will be a mandatory meeting on Tuesday 2 March, followed by two days of strike action.
It would be the first national newspaper strike in Britain since 1989 – when it was Telegraph journalists that struck for 36 hours.
Earlier this week members endorsed the principle of taking industrial action with an 82.8 per cent majority in a secret ballot conducted by the Electoral Reform Society.
The NUJ has asked for an 8 per cent pay rise. It says the claim is justified in the light of current inflation, a pay freeze imposed two years ago and the company’s continuing large profits. The company has refused to increase its 3 per cent offer.
The union gained official recognition at the papers last year. Since then, the staff’s anger has been fuelled both by the management’s refusal to negotiate on the claim and by a series of revelations about the huge amounts of money taken out of the company by its owner, Lord Black, partly to help finance his own lavish lifestyle.
The Telegraph group is currently up for sale. The Barclay brothers are favourites to take over the titles, having reached a deal with Lord Black’s holding company, Hollinger Inc. However, that is being disputed by Hollinger International, the parent company, which is seeking other bids.
NUJ National Papers Organiser Barry Fitzpatrick said: “The problem at the Telegraph is that management just won’t recognise the reality of the position.
”The NUJ won a ballot for union recognition last year with the support of 92 per cent of the journalists but they pretend it hasn’t happened. They are trying to convince themselves that this dissatisfaction is not a true reflection of the way journalists feel at the paper – but it is.”
From NUJ website - www.nuj.orguk
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| ISTC - KFAT MOVE TO MERGE - 02-01-2004 |
ISTC & KFAT "agree" to merge
publication date: 2 January 2004
The Executive Councils of two unions agree to merge, ballots of members to follow
Date: Friday 2nd January 2004
The Executive bodies of ISTC – The Community Union and the National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades (KFAT) have voted unanimously in favour of recommending a merger between the unions to their members. Subject to approval in a ballot by ISTC and KFAT members, the new union, as yet unnamed, will be centred upon the steel and knitwear and footwear communities from which the ISTC and KFAT spring and will have as its mission the creation of a new philosophy of trade unionism aimed at supporting working people throughout their working lives, not just in the workplace, but whilst seeking work and through education, training and career development programmes in order to play its part in revitalising these communities.
Commenting on the proposed merger, Michael Leahy, General Secretary of ISTC – The Community Union, said:
“I am delighted that the two union Executives have agreed to recommend a merger to the members of ISTC and KFAT. Steel communities and knitwear and footwear communities have faced similar problems as a result of the industries on which they were founded reducing employment opportunities – and, in some cases, closing completely – in consequence of technological changes and competition from developing countries.
“The ISTC has responded by investing in our communities, building learning centres to help people re-skill and gain education in order to help them cope with industrial change, and by offering the benefits of trade unionism to those who work in non-unionised workplaces. I know that KFAT share that same commitment and our vision to provide a new style of trade unionism for the 21st Century. I believe that this merger is in the interest of both unions current members and also of those potential members in the community.”
Paul Gates, General Secretary of KFAT,added:
“Like the ISTC, KFAT is committed to revitalising the communities in which its members live and I believe that we will be better able to do this as part of a union that remains close to its members, but yet has greater resources to be able to develop this wider policy. The new union will have the financial and organisational strength to play a positive role in supporting the members of the ISTC and KFAT in their industrial base, but also to provide the benefits of a newly focused trade union philosophy which will give greater access to training and education and lifelong development beyond the workplace.
“During our discussions with the ISTC it has been clear that both unions share the same ideas and values – such as the development of partnership where possible, but not being afraid of supporting our members in the face of adversarial employers, and the need for trade unions to be supportive of their members in developing a community philosophy. I am truly excited by the prospect of a new union which will be able to punch above its weight and play a constructive role both in the workplace and society at large.”
Editors Notes:
1. ISTC – The Community Union represents members in a variety of industries and workplaces in current and former steel and metal communities
2. KFAT represents members in the textiles, footwear, lace, leather and other apparel goods industries
3. The new union will have a membership of approximately 45,000.
4. A draft Interim Rule Book to cover the merged union has been agreed by both Executives and is presently with the Certification Officer. Following receipt of his approval of the Rule Book balloting of each union’s members will be commenced as soon as possible.
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| CONNECT ON WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY - 28-04-2003 |
CONNECT WEB SITE ARTICLE
Trade unions around the world remember dead and injured workers
24 April 2003
Trade unionists from countries across the globe are organising special events on 28 April to mark the annual commemoration of working people who are killed, injured or become ill due to health and safety hazards at work.
Activities on the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers are expected in over 100 countries, a number of which have now recognized 28 April as an official national observance day. The 28 April activities are also linked to global trade union activities on May 1, when millions of workers worldwide are expected to join in the call for ‘respect’ for workers' rights, including the right to safe working conditions.
In the past 12 months, over two million working people around the world have lost their lives due to poor health and safety at work, with more than 1.2 million serious injuries and over 160 million falling ill.
A major focus of the commemoration activities this year will be employer accountability, emphasizing the work of trade unions in ensuring that employers provide safe, hygienic and environmentally sustainable workplaces. Many companies promote public relations-oriented codes of conduct which promise much but deliver little. However, growing numbers of multinational companies are recognizing their global union counterparts and some are negotiating framework agreements with them. Such agreements provide a means to resolve real problems for workers at their work places.
This year's events will also highlight the public health aspects of the toll of work-related death, injury and illness. While employers may reap financial benefits from hazardous and unsustainable work practices, the huge costs which result from these are eventually transferred to already overburdened public health systems. Moreover, the effects of unsustainable workplaces often spill over into local communities, through air, water and ground pollution, excessive energy consumption and misuse of natural resources.
Starting with events in the Asia Pacific region in the morning of April 28, commemoration activities will unfold across the different time zones, culminating in the Americas. A major ceremony at the ICFTU's Brussels headquarters, organised with the European Trade Union Confederation, will involve senior union leaders from throughout Europe. In Brazil, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Portugal, Spain and Taiwan, countries where April 28 is being recognized as an official national observance day, unions will be involved in a wide range of activities, including in many cases with governments, employers, the public and occupational health professionals.
In Bermuda, trade unionists will be observing the international commemoration day for the first time by organising a march to remember victims of hazardous work, and in Australia, trade union commemoration gatherings will take place in venues around the country. In Taiwan, the country's Association for Victims of Occupational Injuries (TAVOI) is to use the image of the kapok flower as the 28 April logo. The kapok tree is also known as the ‘tree of heroes’, and the red kapok blossom will symbolise the real blood of occupational injuries.
The single worst record of industrial death and disease is held by China, where free trade unions are banned on the mainland. The China Labour Bulletin, which monitors labour rights in the country, will be casting the spotlight on health and safety in Chinese workplaces, raising awareness inside the country and providing a unique window for the outside world into the realities facing working people in China.
For a fuller list of national and local activities on 28 April, please visit Hazards Magazine's web-site: http://www.hazards.org/wmd/national.htm |
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| TRIBUTE TO OUTGOING MU CHAIR (from MU Website) - 05-02-2002 |
John Patrick - Retires from EC Chairmanship
END OF AN ERA
Executive Committee Vice Chair RICHARD WATSON pays tribute to a unique figure in the Trade Union movement
At the Delegate Conference in July I gave a speech of thanks to John in his last year as Chair of the Executive Committee and Conference after a truly outstanding period of service to the Union spanning 50 years of membership, 40 years on the EC and 32 years as EC Chair. I described it then as the end of an era, an era that has included massive changes for musicians and for the Union in which John has played a significant part.
For anyone who does not know, John is an outstanding jazz pianist with an international reputation having performed alongside a veritable who’s who of international jazz artists, as well as a composer and arranger with several well-known TV signature tunes to his credit. John’s enthusiasm for music knows no bounds, as many of us can testify, and he certainly never misses an opportunity to show anyone who is interested some more “changes” to another jazz standard. Those attending the Delegate Conference were treated to a superb performance by the John Patrick Big Band and I know how excited and impressed those who witnessed this event were by the sheer professionalism, expertise and enthusiasm of it all, especially those for whom it was the first time.
The MU counts many excellent world-class musicians amongst our membership so enough of John the musician for the moment, but how many have seen it as vitally important to help improve the lot of other musicians? John’s work as a Union activist is certainly of the highest order spanning his tireless work on the Birmingham Branch Committee and Midland District Council (which he intends to continue) of which he is also Chair, to his work on the Executive Committee, the International Federation of Musicians Executive, the PAMRA Board, the Board of Jazz Services and, not least, his political lobbying. I think John invented the word “networking” because when ever I have accompanied him anywhere outside the MU, whether it be the Houses of Parliament, the TUC Congress or a trade conference, John seems to know and be known by everyone of any importance and have their respect. His unceasing advocacy on behalf of the music profession in these circles has brought many benefits to musicians, which often far outweigh formal negotiations and letter writing.
His professional handling of that potentially difficult forum will, have impressed many a delegate attending any of the 16 Delegate Conferences that John has chaired, with his patience, good humour, fairness and his desire that everyone has the opportunity to express their views whilst ensuring that the formal business of the Conference is completed. All of us who have the task, sometimes the unenviable task, of chairing meetings have learnt and benefited from his example.
He also has some impressive activities outside the Union to his credit having, amongst other things, been a member of the Board of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Head of Music for Central Television and not least, a Birmingham City Magistrate for over 20 years.
There are those who have said that having a job on the “management” side of Central Television was in conflict with his position on the Union’s ruling body, but I can assure those critics that those working closely with John never saw anything that was other than in the best interests of musicians. There are some that may believe that John is standing down because of the recent troubles we have had in the MU. Let me reassure them that John had made his intention known well before those events that 2001 would be his last year in the Chair and that he had also decided not to stand for re-election to the EC.
It is very regrettable that one or two individuals chose to use the anti trade union legislation, designed to undermine the independence of unions, to complain to the Certification Officer about how we elect our Chair, probably already knowing that the EC was going to address this issue in the next package of Rule changes. John as always, put the Union first and resigned the post at the end of September to protect the interests of the Union.
John has had tremendous support from his family particularly his son Andrew and wife Myrna. Myrna is well used to trade union activities having been the Secretary of the Danish Musicians Union and I know that they are all looking forward to spending more time together. John’s sense of perseverance is well illustrated by his support of West Bromwich Albion (at last it seems to be paying off!) and no one gets very far in John’s presence without his or her own football allegiance being determined. He will be looking forward to indulging his passion for foreign travel, particularly the USA where I am sure the AFM locals will still get a visit.
Not everyone realises what being Chair of the Executive Committee involves, but part of it includes a serious amount of time and thought and some very difficult decision-making in between the meetings of the Executive Committee which John has carried out thoroughly and carefully during the time of four General Secretaries back to the time of Hardie Ratcliffe.
We shall miss your presence John but we know that you are not walking away from the Union and will continue to be available for advice and help and support in our democratic processes. The MU policy of non discrimination on the grounds of age prevent me from disclosing John’s age but he has certainly served us all as man, boy and pensioner! John takes with him our sincere thanks for all his efforts on behalf of members past and present and our very best wishes for a long and healthy “retirement”. We know we will be seeing him in the future behind a piano and continuing to strive for a strong MU. |
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