Early Day Motion 844: Banning Of Journalists From Football Grounds
That this House condemns the decision of Newcastle United FC Chairman, Mike Ashley, to withdraw all report facilities for journalists working on the Newcastle Chronicle, Newcastle Journal and Sunday Sun; notes that the denial of access to the St James' Park stadium press box, training ground and interviews with players and manager leaves reporters unable to report on events which are of great interest to the local community; further notes that this follows the temporary banning of a Daily Telegraph reporter by the same club last season and similar actions by Nottingham Forest, Crawley Town, Port Vale and Rotherham United; supports the National Union of Journalists in believing that journalists working for a free press in a democratic society must be able to express themselves as they see fit within the law, without fear of petty and vindictive corporate sanctions; welcomes the broad support that supporters of the club have given to reporters trying to do their professional best in reporting the affairs of football clubs; and therefore calls on the Premier League and Football Association to implement a code of conduct in respect of the treatment of working journalists.
Sponsors: Lavery, Ian/ Mearns, Ian / Morris, Grahame M / Meale, Alan / Campbell, Ronnie / Skinner, Dennis <> House of Commons: 04.12.2013
This is the official blog for the NUJ Birmingham and Coventry branch.
Thursday, December 5
Wednesday, November 27
EDM 795: Defence of Public Interest and the Prosecution of Journalists
That this House recognises the need for journalists to pursue difficult stories in the public interest without fear of prosecution; is concerned about the situation facing journalists who have been arrested and charged in relation to charges of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office; believes that such charges, levied against individuals who had no role in the authorisation of payments nor responsibility for a workplace culture where such payments were institutionalised and where trade union recognition was not allowed, do nothing to tackle the real issue of corporate responsibility for any alleged wrongdoing; regrets that it is ordinary working journalists who are being targeted, whilst senior executives and the companies themselves escape blame; further regrets that to discount the public interest defence in bringing legal proceedings sets a very damaging precedent for the industry; and therefore calls on the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure that a consistent and fair approach is taken in regard to such cases.
Sponsors: Mitchell, Austin / McDonnell, John / Leech, John / Llwyd, Elfyn
<> House of Commons: 26.11.2013
************************************************************
Winter Deaths of Old Age Pensioners
Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the number of “excess winter deaths” in England and Wales rose by 29% compared with the previous year.
The majority of these deaths were among pensioners – with over-75s accounting for 25,600 winter-related deaths in 2012/13.
Early Day Motion 804: Excess Winter Deaths
That this House is ashamed and appalled by the massive increase in excess winter deaths last winter in England and Wales as detailed by the Office of National Statistics; notes that an estimated additional 31,100 people died, up 29 per cent over the previous year, most of these the frail and elderly; believes that these sad and unnecessary deaths were largely caused by cold and lack of heating, a consequence of this Government's austerity programme and the lack of regulation of the rapacious energy companies; contrasts this massive surge in fatalities with the ballooning profits of the big six energy companies, up 77 per cent in one year; and demands an emergency national insulation programme, a boost to the state pension, a nationally co-ordinated programme through local authorities to identify those most vulnerable to the cold, the immediate freezing of energy prices and a programme to bring energy supply into public ownership so that this avoidable tragedy is not repeated this winter and in the following years.
Primary sponsor: Galloway, George <> House of Commons: 26.11.2013
Put your MP to work demand they sign EDMs 795/804
Early Day Motions are very good ways of raising issues in parliament, which may not get debated in normal sittings of parliament.
You can contact your MP for free, through: WriteToThem.Com
http://www.writetothem.com/
That this House recognises the need for journalists to pursue difficult stories in the public interest without fear of prosecution; is concerned about the situation facing journalists who have been arrested and charged in relation to charges of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office; believes that such charges, levied against individuals who had no role in the authorisation of payments nor responsibility for a workplace culture where such payments were institutionalised and where trade union recognition was not allowed, do nothing to tackle the real issue of corporate responsibility for any alleged wrongdoing; regrets that it is ordinary working journalists who are being targeted, whilst senior executives and the companies themselves escape blame; further regrets that to discount the public interest defence in bringing legal proceedings sets a very damaging precedent for the industry; and therefore calls on the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure that a consistent and fair approach is taken in regard to such cases.
Sponsors: Mitchell, Austin / McDonnell, John / Leech, John / Llwyd, Elfyn
<> House of Commons: 26.11.2013
************************************************************
Winter Deaths of Old Age Pensioners
Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the number of “excess winter deaths” in England and Wales rose by 29% compared with the previous year.
The majority of these deaths were among pensioners – with over-75s accounting for 25,600 winter-related deaths in 2012/13.
Early Day Motion 804: Excess Winter Deaths
That this House is ashamed and appalled by the massive increase in excess winter deaths last winter in England and Wales as detailed by the Office of National Statistics; notes that an estimated additional 31,100 people died, up 29 per cent over the previous year, most of these the frail and elderly; believes that these sad and unnecessary deaths were largely caused by cold and lack of heating, a consequence of this Government's austerity programme and the lack of regulation of the rapacious energy companies; contrasts this massive surge in fatalities with the ballooning profits of the big six energy companies, up 77 per cent in one year; and demands an emergency national insulation programme, a boost to the state pension, a nationally co-ordinated programme through local authorities to identify those most vulnerable to the cold, the immediate freezing of energy prices and a programme to bring energy supply into public ownership so that this avoidable tragedy is not repeated this winter and in the following years.
Primary sponsor: Galloway, George <> House of Commons: 26.11.2013
Put your MP to work demand they sign EDMs 795/804
Early Day Motions are very good ways of raising issues in parliament, which may not get debated in normal sittings of parliament.
You can contact your MP for free, through: WriteToThem.Com
http://www.writetothem.com/
Friday, November 22
People's Assembly - Hands Off Our Unions - Defend The Right To Resist
This petition is supported by the NUJ, please add your name and circulate
The People's Assembly has launched this statement with a letter to the Guardian following the governments recent attacks on the trade unions. Add your name below:
The government's announcement of an inquiry into trade union tactics is further proof of its determination to undermine the right to protest against its austerity programme.
David Cameron's speech at the recent Lord Mayor's banquet has revealed the government is determined that there will be no end to austerity.
The trade union's customary right to strike and the right to protest are fundamental liberties that have already been significantly restricted by anti-union laws and other legislation. This inquiry is a new Tory-Lib Dem assault on the unions, demonstrated by the fact that the appointed chairman is the former QC for British Airways who led the attack on Unite the Union during the previous dispute between Unite and BA in 2011.
As millions of people face falling real wages, unemployment, part time or casualised low paid work, and the rapid destruction or privatisation of the welfare state they stand in need of trade union organisation and the right to protest more than ever.
We pledge ourselves to resist this attack. The right to protest is a fundamental civil liberty. The right to join an effective trade union is the product of generations of working class resistance. We have no intention of relinquishing it to a Government with no interests in the needs of working people.
Initial signatories:
Len McCluskey, Unite the Union, Mark Serwotka, Public and Commercial Services Union, Christine Blower, National Union of Teachers, Michelle Stanistreet, National Union of Journalists, Manuel Cortes, Transport Salaried Staffs' Association, Billy Hayes, Communication Workers Union, Matt Wrack, Firebrigades Union, Mick Whelan, Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen, Ian Lawrence, NAPO, Tony Benn, Maxine Peake, Actress, Sam Fairbairn, Secretary, The People's Assembly, Steve Turner, Unite the Union & Chair, The People's Assembly, Romayne Phoenix, Co-chair, The People's Assembly, Owen Jones, Journalist & The People's Assembly, Jeremy Corbyn MP, John McDonnell MP, Caroline Lucas MP, Murad Qureshi, London Assembly Member, Cllr Rania Khan, Mark Steel, Comedian, Francesca Martinez, Comedian, Roger Lloyd Pack, Actor, Carolyn Jones, Institute of Employment Rights, Andrew Murray, Unite the Union, Dave Smith, Blacklist Support Group, Kevin Courtney, NUT Deputy General Secretary, Zita Holborne, Black Activists Rising Against Cuts, Lindsey German, Stop the War Coalition, Kate Hudson, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Lee Jasper, Black Activists Rising Against Cuts, Aaron Keily, Black Students Officer, NUS, Alex Kenny, NUT national executive, John Rees, Counterfire, Paul Mackney, former General Secretary, UCU, Salma Yaqoob, James Meadway, Senior Economist, New Economics Foundation, John Hilary, War on Want, Rob Griffiths, Communist Party of Britain, Hilary Wainwright, Red Pepper, Andrew Burgin, Left Unity, Roy Bailey, singer / songwriter, Mark Barratt, Occupy campaigner, Clare Solomon, former president, ULU, Fred Le-Plat, Socialist Resistance
You can add your name here:
http://thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/handsoffunions/
This petition is supported by the NUJ, please add your name and circulate
The People's Assembly has launched this statement with a letter to the Guardian following the governments recent attacks on the trade unions. Add your name below:
The government's announcement of an inquiry into trade union tactics is further proof of its determination to undermine the right to protest against its austerity programme.
David Cameron's speech at the recent Lord Mayor's banquet has revealed the government is determined that there will be no end to austerity.
The trade union's customary right to strike and the right to protest are fundamental liberties that have already been significantly restricted by anti-union laws and other legislation. This inquiry is a new Tory-Lib Dem assault on the unions, demonstrated by the fact that the appointed chairman is the former QC for British Airways who led the attack on Unite the Union during the previous dispute between Unite and BA in 2011.
As millions of people face falling real wages, unemployment, part time or casualised low paid work, and the rapid destruction or privatisation of the welfare state they stand in need of trade union organisation and the right to protest more than ever.
We pledge ourselves to resist this attack. The right to protest is a fundamental civil liberty. The right to join an effective trade union is the product of generations of working class resistance. We have no intention of relinquishing it to a Government with no interests in the needs of working people.
Initial signatories:
Len McCluskey, Unite the Union, Mark Serwotka, Public and Commercial Services Union, Christine Blower, National Union of Teachers, Michelle Stanistreet, National Union of Journalists, Manuel Cortes, Transport Salaried Staffs' Association, Billy Hayes, Communication Workers Union, Matt Wrack, Firebrigades Union, Mick Whelan, Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen, Ian Lawrence, NAPO, Tony Benn, Maxine Peake, Actress, Sam Fairbairn, Secretary, The People's Assembly, Steve Turner, Unite the Union & Chair, The People's Assembly, Romayne Phoenix, Co-chair, The People's Assembly, Owen Jones, Journalist & The People's Assembly, Jeremy Corbyn MP, John McDonnell MP, Caroline Lucas MP, Murad Qureshi, London Assembly Member, Cllr Rania Khan, Mark Steel, Comedian, Francesca Martinez, Comedian, Roger Lloyd Pack, Actor, Carolyn Jones, Institute of Employment Rights, Andrew Murray, Unite the Union, Dave Smith, Blacklist Support Group, Kevin Courtney, NUT Deputy General Secretary, Zita Holborne, Black Activists Rising Against Cuts, Lindsey German, Stop the War Coalition, Kate Hudson, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Lee Jasper, Black Activists Rising Against Cuts, Aaron Keily, Black Students Officer, NUS, Alex Kenny, NUT national executive, John Rees, Counterfire, Paul Mackney, former General Secretary, UCU, Salma Yaqoob, James Meadway, Senior Economist, New Economics Foundation, John Hilary, War on Want, Rob Griffiths, Communist Party of Britain, Hilary Wainwright, Red Pepper, Andrew Burgin, Left Unity, Roy Bailey, singer / songwriter, Mark Barratt, Occupy campaigner, Clare Solomon, former president, ULU, Fred Le-Plat, Socialist Resistance
You can add your name here:
http://thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/handsoffunions/
Monday, November 18
Demonstration Against Blacklisting of Trade Union Members
Called by Trades Union Congress (TUC) - Supported by NUJ
Own up, clean up, pay up:
Wednesday 20 November at 11:00 am to 12:00 Noon
Carillion Plc
Birch Street
Wolverhampton
WV1 4HY
GMB Birmingham & West Midlands Region are organising a demonstration outside Carillion's, the contractors head office in Wolverhampton next Wednesday. This is to show our disgust at their part in Blacklisting Trade Union Members, Representatives and Health and Safety Representatives.
Blacklisting came to light when in 2009 when the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) seized a Consulting Association database of 3,213 construction workers and environmental activists used by 44 companies to vet new recruits and keep out of employment trade union and health and safety activists. These ordinary hard working people were prevented from working and providing for their families for years, we want Carillion to recognise that, we need your help to show them how annoyed we are.
Please spare an hour or so and come along to offer your support.
From: Dave Dutton BTUC <cddutton@hotmail.com>
TUC campaign against blacklisting visit:
http://www.nuj.org.uk/campaigns/tuc-campaign-against-blacklisting/
For more information about GMB Actions against Blacklisting
http://www.gmb.org.uk/campaigns/blacklisting
Called by Trades Union Congress (TUC) - Supported by NUJ
Own up, clean up, pay up:
Wednesday 20 November at 11:00 am to 12:00 Noon
Carillion Plc
Birch Street
Wolverhampton
WV1 4HY
GMB Birmingham & West Midlands Region are organising a demonstration outside Carillion's, the contractors head office in Wolverhampton next Wednesday. This is to show our disgust at their part in Blacklisting Trade Union Members, Representatives and Health and Safety Representatives.
Blacklisting came to light when in 2009 when the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) seized a Consulting Association database of 3,213 construction workers and environmental activists used by 44 companies to vet new recruits and keep out of employment trade union and health and safety activists. These ordinary hard working people were prevented from working and providing for their families for years, we want Carillion to recognise that, we need your help to show them how annoyed we are.
Please spare an hour or so and come along to offer your support.
From: Dave Dutton BTUC <cddutton@hotmail.com>
TUC campaign against blacklisting visit:
http://www.nuj.org.uk/campaigns/tuc-campaign-against-blacklisting/
For more information about GMB Actions against Blacklisting
http://www.gmb.org.uk/campaigns/blacklisting
Friday, November 8
Early Day Motion 686: Sanctions At Sparkhill Jobcentre In Birmingham
That this House notes with concern reports that Sparkhill Jobcentre in Birmingham hands out unusually high levels of sanctions; further notes reports that people have inappropriately been given jobseeker's directions, which are supposed to be only for people with a history of non-compliance;
further notes that the practice of making people attend 8:15 am appointments and then sanctioning them for a few minutes' lateness was stopped after it generated negative publicity;
calls on the Government to fully investigate reports of unfair practices at this jobcentre;
draws to the Government's attention cases from around the country of people being sanctioned, even though they informed their jobcentre that they needed to rearrange an appointment to attend a job interview, training appointment or family funeral;
urges the Government to consider how people who want to work are supposed to travel to job interviews, maintain a smart appearance or even feed themselves if the income they rely on to survive is removed for such reasons;
and calls on the Government to use all effective means possible to dramatically reduce the inappropriate use of an increasingly oppressive sanctions regime that seeks to penalise rather than encourage an effective route back into work.
Sponsors: Godsiff, Roger - <> House of Commons: 06.11.2013
That this House notes with concern reports that Sparkhill Jobcentre in Birmingham hands out unusually high levels of sanctions; further notes reports that people have inappropriately been given jobseeker's directions, which are supposed to be only for people with a history of non-compliance;
further notes that the practice of making people attend 8:15 am appointments and then sanctioning them for a few minutes' lateness was stopped after it generated negative publicity;
calls on the Government to fully investigate reports of unfair practices at this jobcentre;
draws to the Government's attention cases from around the country of people being sanctioned, even though they informed their jobcentre that they needed to rearrange an appointment to attend a job interview, training appointment or family funeral;
urges the Government to consider how people who want to work are supposed to travel to job interviews, maintain a smart appearance or even feed themselves if the income they rely on to survive is removed for such reasons;
and calls on the Government to use all effective means possible to dramatically reduce the inappropriate use of an increasingly oppressive sanctions regime that seeks to penalise rather than encourage an effective route back into work.
Sponsors: Godsiff, Roger - <> House of Commons: 06.11.2013
Freedom of Expression And Democracy in the Digital Age
- Opportunities, rights, responsibilities
In his keynote speech at the Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Media and Information Society today, the Commissioner highlighted restrictions to media freedom on grounds of national security as particularly serious ones, following the recent disclosure of the US and UK mass surveillance programmes.
"Spying on individuals on a massive scale, without strict legal rules and democratic oversight, can have adverse effects on freedom of expression by provoking a chilling effect on investigative journalists and activists who might fear exposing their sources."
The Commissioner stressed that we must ensure that media freedom applies to the new, digital environment where bloggers, activists and ordinary citizens have joined journalists in reporting in the public interest. "Maintaining an open Internet, without undue restrictions by the authorities (or the private industry) is therefore an important dimension of my work on freedom of expression".
Nils Muiznieks, EU Commissioner for Human Rights, <> Belgrade, 7/11/2013 -
- Opportunities, rights, responsibilities
In his keynote speech at the Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Media and Information Society today, the Commissioner highlighted restrictions to media freedom on grounds of national security as particularly serious ones, following the recent disclosure of the US and UK mass surveillance programmes.
"Spying on individuals on a massive scale, without strict legal rules and democratic oversight, can have adverse effects on freedom of expression by provoking a chilling effect on investigative journalists and activists who might fear exposing their sources."
The Commissioner stressed that we must ensure that media freedom applies to the new, digital environment where bloggers, activists and ordinary citizens have joined journalists in reporting in the public interest. "Maintaining an open Internet, without undue restrictions by the authorities (or the private industry) is therefore an important dimension of my work on freedom of expression".
Nils Muiznieks, EU Commissioner for Human Rights, <> Belgrade, 7/11/2013 -
Tuesday, October 22
Calling Notice: Birmingham & Coventry NUJ November Branch Meeting
Tuesday 5th November 2013
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of October meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
7) NUJ Delegate Meeting 2014: Nomination for NUJ delegate bodies national/regional to be elected by regional ballot, Nominations for branch delegates to 2014 NUJ Delegate meeting. NUJ's policy, objectives and campaigning priorities are decided at the NUJ Delegate Meeting.
Any branch motions to Delegate Meeting, have to be agreed at this branch meeting!
8) Any other business
Topics in this message:
- Should we Have an Enforceable Right to Food
- UK: Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly And Association
- Lord Neuberger - Justice In An Age Of Austerity
- Reminder: Birmingham People's Assembly Launch Rally
Should we Have an Enforceable Right to Food
People are going hungry in England because England, to the detriment of the poor, has forgotten its legal history. Nearly eight hundred years ago, in 1216 English law first recognized a right to food. Yet between April and September this year over 350,000 people received three days' emergency food from the Trussell Trust food banks, triple the numbers helped in the same period last year.
Although justifiable outrage has been expressed at this increasing hunger in 21st century England, such hunger has not been regarded as an issue of human rights law, but only of charity. The United Nations, however, has made clear that the right to adequate food is indivisibly linked to the inherent dignity of the human person and is indispensable for the fulfilment of other human rights.
Read more: by <> 1Crown Office Row
Fat priests, thin congregations - Exploitation of Man By Man In God's Name. The accumulative wealth of any congregation no matter how poor, ends up with the head priest.
Read more: <> Nellie de jongh
The Right to Food, or the Right Sort of Food?
The issue in this country shouldn't be about one's right to food, the issue must be about one's right to food that has quality and that is not going to happen unless we neuter the food lobby's influence on parliament and change the way food is farmed, processed and delivered to our stores. Don't get me wrong because what we face today is a crisis and too many lives have been ruined by this austerity. But no matter how real 21st century want is to those who must endure it,they still don't know, thank god, the ravenous despair of the Great Depression. Yet if we continue down this road of cutbacks who knows, perhaps my yesterday will be everyone's tomorrow?
Posted on UK Human Rights Blog: <> veteran blogger 1923thebook
UK: Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly And Association
Mission to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by Maina Kiai, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. Official visit to the United Kingdom from 14 to 23 January 2013 to assess the situation of freedoms of peaceful assembly and association in the country.
* Amend labour laws to establish a right not to be blacklisted, and to provide redress for those who have been victims of this practice;
* Ensure that the law also protects the right to strike, including secondary strikes in conformity with international human rights law.
You can download the full report <> here . . . .
Lord Neuberger - Justice In An Age Of Austerity
The more power that a government has, the more likely it is that there will be abuses and excesses which result in injustice to citizens
I detect two real problems in relation to justice. Both those problems may be summarised in one word, accessibility: accessibility to the law and accessibility to the courts. Cutting the cost of legal aid deprives the very people who most need the protection of the courts of the ability to get legal advice and representation.
The courts have no more important function than that of protecting citizens from the abuses and excesses of the executive - central government, local government, or other public bodies.
It is when one turns to affordability, that serious problems arise. This is attributable to two reasons: first, legal advice and representation cost a lot more than most people can afford, and, secondly, the Government is increasingly reluctant to pay what the legal profession charges.
Read the full text <> here . . . .
Tuesday 5th November 2013
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of October meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
7) NUJ Delegate Meeting 2014: Nomination for NUJ delegate bodies national/regional to be elected by regional ballot, Nominations for branch delegates to 2014 NUJ Delegate meeting. NUJ's policy, objectives and campaigning priorities are decided at the NUJ Delegate Meeting.
Any branch motions to Delegate Meeting, have to be agreed at this branch meeting!
8) Any other business
Topics in this message:
- Should we Have an Enforceable Right to Food
- UK: Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly And Association
- Lord Neuberger - Justice In An Age Of Austerity
- Reminder: Birmingham People's Assembly Launch Rally
Poverty is not an accident of nature it is a deliberate decision by Capitalists/politicians/Faith leaders to keep the wealth of a nation in the hands of the minority
Should we Have an Enforceable Right to Food
People are going hungry in England because England, to the detriment of the poor, has forgotten its legal history. Nearly eight hundred years ago, in 1216 English law first recognized a right to food. Yet between April and September this year over 350,000 people received three days' emergency food from the Trussell Trust food banks, triple the numbers helped in the same period last year.
Although justifiable outrage has been expressed at this increasing hunger in 21st century England, such hunger has not been regarded as an issue of human rights law, but only of charity. The United Nations, however, has made clear that the right to adequate food is indivisibly linked to the inherent dignity of the human person and is indispensable for the fulfilment of other human rights.
Read more: by <> 1Crown Office Row
Fat priests, thin congregations - Exploitation of Man By Man In God's Name. The accumulative wealth of any congregation no matter how poor, ends up with the head priest.
Read more: <> Nellie de jongh
The Right to Food, or the Right Sort of Food?
The issue in this country shouldn't be about one's right to food, the issue must be about one's right to food that has quality and that is not going to happen unless we neuter the food lobby's influence on parliament and change the way food is farmed, processed and delivered to our stores. Don't get me wrong because what we face today is a crisis and too many lives have been ruined by this austerity. But no matter how real 21st century want is to those who must endure it,they still don't know, thank god, the ravenous despair of the Great Depression. Yet if we continue down this road of cutbacks who knows, perhaps my yesterday will be everyone's tomorrow?
Posted on UK Human Rights Blog: <> veteran blogger 1923thebook
UK: Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly And Association
Mission to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by Maina Kiai, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. Official visit to the United Kingdom from 14 to 23 January 2013 to assess the situation of freedoms of peaceful assembly and association in the country.
* Amend labour laws to establish a right not to be blacklisted, and to provide redress for those who have been victims of this practice;
* Ensure that the law also protects the right to strike, including secondary strikes in conformity with international human rights law.
You can download the full report <> here . . . .
Lord Neuberger - Justice In An Age Of Austerity
The more power that a government has, the more likely it is that there will be abuses and excesses which result in injustice to citizens
I detect two real problems in relation to justice. Both those problems may be summarised in one word, accessibility: accessibility to the law and accessibility to the courts. Cutting the cost of legal aid deprives the very people who most need the protection of the courts of the ability to get legal advice and representation.
The courts have no more important function than that of protecting citizens from the abuses and excesses of the executive - central government, local government, or other public bodies.
It is when one turns to affordability, that serious problems arise. This is attributable to two reasons: first, legal advice and representation cost a lot more than most people can afford, and, secondly, the Government is increasingly reluctant to pay what the legal profession charges.
Read the full text <> here . . . .
Friday, September 27
Bedroom Tax to be Challenged in the Court of Appeal
Lawyers representing adults and children with disabilities who are challenging the Government's 'Bedroom Tax' have been granted permission to take their fight to the Court of Appeal after losing their High Court challenge in July this year.
The permission granted yesterday (25th September 2013) will allow for the Government's controversial new housing benefit regulations to once again be challenged in a Court of Law.
Giving his reasons for granting an appeal hearing, the Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Aikens said that the cases "…raise issues of public importance concerning the amended housing benefit scheme and the needs of disabled/ young people and so should be considered by the Court of Appeal."
Justice Aikens continued: "Further, the points raised in the grounds of appeal and the proposed 'skeleton' argument have a reasonable prospect of success…"
Read more: <> LeighDay, 26 September 2013
Lawyers representing adults and children with disabilities who are challenging the Government's 'Bedroom Tax' have been granted permission to take their fight to the Court of Appeal after losing their High Court challenge in July this year.
The permission granted yesterday (25th September 2013) will allow for the Government's controversial new housing benefit regulations to once again be challenged in a Court of Law.
Giving his reasons for granting an appeal hearing, the Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Aikens said that the cases "…raise issues of public importance concerning the amended housing benefit scheme and the needs of disabled/ young people and so should be considered by the Court of Appeal."
Justice Aikens continued: "Further, the points raised in the grounds of appeal and the proposed 'skeleton' argument have a reasonable prospect of success…"
Read more: <> LeighDay, 26 September 2013
Tuesday, September 17
Calling Notice NUJ October Branch Meeting
Tuesday 1st October 2013
Kahawa Cafe
163 New Union Street
Coventry
CV1 2PL
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Agenda
Guest Speaker: West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of September meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
6) Any other business
Tuesday 1st October 2013
Kahawa Cafe
163 New Union Street
Coventry
CV1 2PL
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Agenda
Guest Speaker: West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of September meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
6) Any other business
Tuesday, September 10
Safety of Journalists - UN Human Rights Council
In keeping the general public informed, journalists and other media professionals play an essential role by ensuring transparency and accountability in the conduct of public affairs and other matters of public interest. It is precisely as a result of this crucial role, however, that journalists are frequently subject to violations of their most fundamental human rights, including abduction, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, expulsion, harassment, killing, surveillance, search and seizure, torture and threats and acts of other forms of violence. Female journalists face additional risks, including being subjected to forms of sexual violence while covering public events or when in detention.
Download the full report <> here . . . .
In keeping the general public informed, journalists and other media professionals play an essential role by ensuring transparency and accountability in the conduct of public affairs and other matters of public interest. It is precisely as a result of this crucial role, however, that journalists are frequently subject to violations of their most fundamental human rights, including abduction, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, expulsion, harassment, killing, surveillance, search and seizure, torture and threats and acts of other forms of violence. Female journalists face additional risks, including being subjected to forms of sexual violence while covering public events or when in detention.
Download the full report <> here . . . .
Friday, September 6
Coaches to the Manchester march and rally 29th September
Sunday 29th September will see the biggest demonstration against cuts to public services since the March for the Alternative in London earlier this year. This September trade unionists and members of the public will be marching in Manchester to tell the Conservative Party conference that their cuts to jobs and services are not acceptable.
The details for coaches to Manchester for the march and rally can be found on the False Economy website here
The march and rally have been called by the North West TUC, backed by
unions and NHS campaign groups. We will be assembling at Liverpool Road
(M3 4FP) from 11am, and marching past the conference venue to a rally in
Whitworth Park.
Website: NHS299.org
Twitter: @NHS299
Wednesday, September 4
EDM 467: State Pension Changes For Women Born In 1953 And 1954
That this House is aware that women reaching 59 and 60 years of age in 2013 have to contend with two changes to their state pension age leaving little time if any to make further arrangements; is further aware that a large proportion of them will miss out on the increased basic state pension scheduled to start in April 2017; and calls on the Government to rethink this unfairness which would lead to this group of women having to work an additional four to five years without the prospect of receiving even the increased basic pension at the end of their working lives.
Sponsors: Meale, Alan/ Benton, Joe / Crausby, David / Dobbin, Jim / Lavery, Ian / Sheridan, Jim - <> House of Commons: 03.09.2013
EDM 469: BBC Censorship At The Proms
That this House condemns the BBC for censoring comments made by violinist Nigel Kennedy when he spoke during a BBC Proms concert from the Royal Albert Hall while performing with a group of young Palestinian musicians; believes that the BBC’s worldwide reputation for impartiality and fairness has been undermined as a result of such censorship when it broadcast the concert on BBC 4 on 23 August 2013; applauds Mr Kennedy for drawing attention to the apartheid being operated by the government of Israel; and urges the Government to seek an explanation from the BBC as to whether its decision to delete the comments made by Mr Kennedy in the course of the concert was because of a complaint from former BBC Governor Baroness Deech.
Sponsors: Russell, Bob/ Hancock, Mike - <> House of Commons: 03.09.2013
That this House is aware that women reaching 59 and 60 years of age in 2013 have to contend with two changes to their state pension age leaving little time if any to make further arrangements; is further aware that a large proportion of them will miss out on the increased basic state pension scheduled to start in April 2017; and calls on the Government to rethink this unfairness which would lead to this group of women having to work an additional four to five years without the prospect of receiving even the increased basic pension at the end of their working lives.
Sponsors: Meale, Alan/ Benton, Joe / Crausby, David / Dobbin, Jim / Lavery, Ian / Sheridan, Jim - <> House of Commons: 03.09.2013
EDM 469: BBC Censorship At The Proms
That this House condemns the BBC for censoring comments made by violinist Nigel Kennedy when he spoke during a BBC Proms concert from the Royal Albert Hall while performing with a group of young Palestinian musicians; believes that the BBC’s worldwide reputation for impartiality and fairness has been undermined as a result of such censorship when it broadcast the concert on BBC 4 on 23 August 2013; applauds Mr Kennedy for drawing attention to the apartheid being operated by the government of Israel; and urges the Government to seek an explanation from the BBC as to whether its decision to delete the comments made by Mr Kennedy in the course of the concert was because of a complaint from former BBC Governor Baroness Deech.
Sponsors: Russell, Bob/ Hancock, Mike - <> House of Commons: 03.09.2013
Wednesday, August 28
A Case Note
The BBC is often described as the world‚s most prestigious broadcaster. Its mission to „inform, educate and entertain‰ is famous and distilled in a set of 'BBC Values' to which staff must adhere. They commit the BBC to the highest ethical standards of impartiality independence and fairness. The Producers‚ Guidelines set-out a detailed code of editorial values intended to ensure honest, accurate and accountable journalism. Director Generals regularly proclaim a belief in the higher purpose of the corporation which is shared by managers and staff.
This assiduously cultivated halo makes it difficult to constructively criticize the BBC - as many have done - for warmongering and propaganda and the suppression of critical journalism within the corporation. Maistry v BBC (2010) established that the belief in its higher purpose encouraged by the BBC is a 'philosophical belief' protected by law and that the BBC cannot discriminate against a journalist for holding such a belief. Maistry v BBC has not aroused much public interest but it has profound possibilities for raising sensible concerns about the BBC.
The BBC defended the claim of discrimination by arguing that its aims and values shouldn't be taken quite so seriously, as they amounted to little more than a mission statement. An employment judge rejected this argument. Undeterred, at the substantial hearing the BBC argued that the BBC Values were a mission statement. No evidence was provided but it was enough to persuade the judge.
On the basis that managers could not have known that the claimant shared a belief that it encourages the BBC sued for costs and was awarded the maximum - £10,000. It now holds a writ of execution.
In the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal it was discovered that there was a widespread culture of bullying and harassment at the corporation. The BBC responded in May 2013 in its ' Respect at Work Review'. It promised a renaissance of its Values to begin in September 2013 and continue into its centenary year in 2022. It repeated the claim that all its managers and staff believed in the BBC Values which served its higher purpose.
The claimant applied for a review of the judgment as this public statement confirmed the evidence he had given and showed that the BBC had misled the court. The judge held that the new evidence was irrelevant. The claimant wrote to the Director General, Tony Hall explaining that the BBC had traduced its Values publicly exposing the corporation to charges of opportunism and hypocrisy. Typically there has been no reply.
On October 30 the claim will be heard by a judge for the final time. The NUJ says it cannot tell if its agreements are breached because this is a matter of subjective interpretation. The claimant intends to take the matter to the European Court of Human Rights, if necessary, and could do with some support.
Devan Maistry
Birmingham & Coventry Branch NUJ
27-08-13
<devan@blueyonder.co.uk>
The BBC is often described as the world‚s most prestigious broadcaster. Its mission to „inform, educate and entertain‰ is famous and distilled in a set of 'BBC Values' to which staff must adhere. They commit the BBC to the highest ethical standards of impartiality independence and fairness. The Producers‚ Guidelines set-out a detailed code of editorial values intended to ensure honest, accurate and accountable journalism. Director Generals regularly proclaim a belief in the higher purpose of the corporation which is shared by managers and staff.
This assiduously cultivated halo makes it difficult to constructively criticize the BBC - as many have done - for warmongering and propaganda and the suppression of critical journalism within the corporation. Maistry v BBC (2010) established that the belief in its higher purpose encouraged by the BBC is a 'philosophical belief' protected by law and that the BBC cannot discriminate against a journalist for holding such a belief. Maistry v BBC has not aroused much public interest but it has profound possibilities for raising sensible concerns about the BBC.
The BBC defended the claim of discrimination by arguing that its aims and values shouldn't be taken quite so seriously, as they amounted to little more than a mission statement. An employment judge rejected this argument. Undeterred, at the substantial hearing the BBC argued that the BBC Values were a mission statement. No evidence was provided but it was enough to persuade the judge.
On the basis that managers could not have known that the claimant shared a belief that it encourages the BBC sued for costs and was awarded the maximum - £10,000. It now holds a writ of execution.
In the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal it was discovered that there was a widespread culture of bullying and harassment at the corporation. The BBC responded in May 2013 in its ' Respect at Work Review'. It promised a renaissance of its Values to begin in September 2013 and continue into its centenary year in 2022. It repeated the claim that all its managers and staff believed in the BBC Values which served its higher purpose.
The claimant applied for a review of the judgment as this public statement confirmed the evidence he had given and showed that the BBC had misled the court. The judge held that the new evidence was irrelevant. The claimant wrote to the Director General, Tony Hall explaining that the BBC had traduced its Values publicly exposing the corporation to charges of opportunism and hypocrisy. Typically there has been no reply.
On October 30 the claim will be heard by a judge for the final time. The NUJ says it cannot tell if its agreements are breached because this is a matter of subjective interpretation. The claimant intends to take the matter to the European Court of Human Rights, if necessary, and could do with some support.
Devan Maistry
Birmingham & Coventry Branch NUJ
27-08-13
<devan@blueyonder.co.uk>
Tuesday, August 20
Calling Notice: Birmingham & Coventry NUJ September Branch Meeting
Tuesday 3rd September 2013
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of May meeting (not attached, incompetent minute taker)
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
7) NUJ Delegate Meeting 2014
8) 'Gripes, Grumbles and Grievances'
9) Any other business
*****************************************************************
Zero-hours Workers Earn £6 Less per Hour
Workers on zero-hours contracts are being paid £6 an hour less than other employees, according to research published ahead of a summit to study what action is needed to tackle the issue. Labour is bringing together unions and employers following the revelation that a million people could be employed on a zero-hours basis, under which they are not guaranteed work from one week to the next. The opposition said official figures analysed by the Resolution Foundation showed that zero-hours workers earned an average of £9 an hour, compared with £15 for other employees.
Read more: Alan Jones, <http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/zerohours-workers-earn-6-less-per-hour-8775187.html>Independent, Tuesday 20 August 2013
Zero Hour Contracts: The NUJ Is Investigating Whether Any Members Are On Or Know Of Employers In The Industry Who Are Using Zero-Hours Contracts.
Email: Campaigns@nuj.org.uk
*****************************************************************
Report Back from Durham Miners Gala Sat 13th July
Bob Crow, speaking at the Durham Miners Gala Sat 13th July, urged trade unionists to break their ties with Ed Miliband's Labour Party and create one that "speaks for working people", watched by Frances O'Grady TUC General Secretary (who followed on the rostrum), her attempts to be as militant as Bob were somewhat pale. I heard little of her "It's time to start making politics real and relevant to working people again" - TUC Press Release Puff. Overlong on what's wrong with the system but not even a stab in the dark how to right it, for as she well knows it can't be fixed
Still even if stymied by Bob, she had to throw her prepared speech to the wind, we were still treated to her conviction, the TUC would back "combined" union action, whatever that purports to be, I deduce however such militant sounding vocal postulating, amounts to little more than the usual annual, do nothing for months, 'building' for the march at the Tory Party Conference! Chuh! Marching up and down the bloody hill once again!
Comedian and actor Ricky Tomlinson spoke to the crowd on behalf of the Shrewsbury 24 campaign to overturn the convictions of 24 builders (including him). On leaving the stage there was an altercation between Ricky and persons unknown, who accused him of lying? Bad blood? As for the thronging crowd, well if there were at any one time, fifty people listening to any individual speaker I'd be surprised
Stalingrad O'Neill
*****************************************************************
Detention of David Miranda Serious Abuse of 'Terrorism Act 2000'
The detention of David Miranda, the partner of Glenn Greenwald, the Guardian journalist reporting on the mass surveillance programmes by the United States National Security Agency (NSA), is yet another chilling incident in a series of attacks on civil liberties and freedom of the press. And an abuse of Schedule 7 Terrorism Act 2000
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: "The shocking detention of David Miranda for the crime of being the partner of a respected investigative journalist points to the growing abuse of so-called anti-terror laws in the UK. His detention and treatment was a gross misuse of the law and clearly linked to the work of his partner Glenn Greenwald, who revealed the extent of mass surveillance and wholesale interception of internet traffic by the US security services and its collusion with GCQH. It's rather ironic that the police's response, in turn, is to put the partner of a journalist under surveillance and detain him in this way.
Online Petition: Review the use of Schedule 7 Terrorism Act 2000, sign <> here . . . .
*****************************************************************
NUJ Open meeting for 60 + members on Wednesday 2 October at Headland House, 308-312 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP. It will start at 13.00 with light refreshments and finish at 16.00. Emily Georghiou from Age UK's policy and public affairs department is the keynote speaker.
A recent online survey of 60+ confirmed that there was no longer a clear division between members who had "retired" and those who were still working. The 60+ Council is part of the structure of the union and fulfills the role of a 'retired' section but more of course given developments in way age is now viewed.
The agenda will include items on proposed guidelines on reporting age, 60+ survey results and implications for the council's future work and the structure of the 60+ council. It will also be an opportunity to ask questions and inform council members on how you want the union to work on 60+ issues internally, but also in terms of NUJ policy on NHS, pensions etc.
If you wish to attend, email Lena Calvert, NUJ equality officer at <:> lenac@nuj.org.uk
*****************************************************************
Reclaiming Our Futures - Celebrating Disabled People
Brought to you by -Disabled People Against Cuts, Black Triangle, Mental Health Resistance Network and the WOW petition
Seven Days of Action - 29th August to 4th September
Our rights are being stripped away day by day, by the neo-liberal policies being imposed on us all by the Condems, leaving us without much hope for our futures - or our children's.
We have been here before. Our history is littered with examples of how our community has come together when under attack to fight - and win. >From the early campaigns of NLBDP (National League of Blind and Disabled People) through to the founding and manifesto of UPIAS (Union of the Physically Impaired Against Segregation) and on to DAN (Direct Action Network)- Now we have DPAC leading direct action and a host of other key grass root campaigns working towards reclaiming our rights and futures.
Read More: <> Disabled People Against the Cuts
*****************************************************************
NUJ Settles Pay Deal With BBC
The NUJ, and sister unions Bectu and Unite, have agreed the deal and have dropped threats of strike action. They have accepted the offer of an £800 pay increase and a 1 per cent increase on pay grades and allowances. The unions reached agreement after the BBC agreed to take off the table proposed changes to redundancy consultation terms and refer their proposals for changes to payments for working unpredictable and anti-social hours to broader consultation on pay and grading taking place for the remainder on this year.
*****************************************************************
Keep the NUJ up to date: If you have moved recently, have a new phone number, become a rep or have made any other changes, please contact us at <> membership@nuj.org.uk or call the membership department on 020 7843 3737
Tuesday 3rd September 2013
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of May meeting (not attached, incompetent minute taker)
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
7) NUJ Delegate Meeting 2014
8) 'Gripes, Grumbles and Grievances'
9) Any other business
- Topics in this message:
- Zero-hours Workers Earn £6 Less per Hour
- Report Back from Durham Miners Gala Sat 13th July
- Detention of David Miranda Serious Abuse of 'Terrorism Act 2000'
- NUJ Open meeting for 60 + members
- Reclaiming Our Futures - Celebrating Disabled People
- NUJ Settles Pay Deal With BBC
*****************************************************************
Zero-hours Workers Earn £6 Less per Hour
Workers on zero-hours contracts are being paid £6 an hour less than other employees, according to research published ahead of a summit to study what action is needed to tackle the issue. Labour is bringing together unions and employers following the revelation that a million people could be employed on a zero-hours basis, under which they are not guaranteed work from one week to the next. The opposition said official figures analysed by the Resolution Foundation showed that zero-hours workers earned an average of £9 an hour, compared with £15 for other employees.
Read more: Alan Jones, <http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/zerohours-workers-earn-6-less-per-hour-8775187.html>Independent, Tuesday 20 August 2013
Zero Hour Contracts: The NUJ Is Investigating Whether Any Members Are On Or Know Of Employers In The Industry Who Are Using Zero-Hours Contracts.
Email: Campaigns@nuj.org.uk
*****************************************************************
Report Back from Durham Miners Gala Sat 13th July
Bob Crow, speaking at the Durham Miners Gala Sat 13th July, urged trade unionists to break their ties with Ed Miliband's Labour Party and create one that "speaks for working people", watched by Frances O'Grady TUC General Secretary (who followed on the rostrum), her attempts to be as militant as Bob were somewhat pale. I heard little of her "It's time to start making politics real and relevant to working people again" - TUC Press Release Puff. Overlong on what's wrong with the system but not even a stab in the dark how to right it, for as she well knows it can't be fixed
Still even if stymied by Bob, she had to throw her prepared speech to the wind, we were still treated to her conviction, the TUC would back "combined" union action, whatever that purports to be, I deduce however such militant sounding vocal postulating, amounts to little more than the usual annual, do nothing for months, 'building' for the march at the Tory Party Conference! Chuh! Marching up and down the bloody hill once again!
Comedian and actor Ricky Tomlinson spoke to the crowd on behalf of the Shrewsbury 24 campaign to overturn the convictions of 24 builders (including him). On leaving the stage there was an altercation between Ricky and persons unknown, who accused him of lying? Bad blood? As for the thronging crowd, well if there were at any one time, fifty people listening to any individual speaker I'd be surprised
Stalingrad O'Neill
*****************************************************************
Detention of David Miranda Serious Abuse of 'Terrorism Act 2000'
The detention of David Miranda, the partner of Glenn Greenwald, the Guardian journalist reporting on the mass surveillance programmes by the United States National Security Agency (NSA), is yet another chilling incident in a series of attacks on civil liberties and freedom of the press. And an abuse of Schedule 7 Terrorism Act 2000
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: "The shocking detention of David Miranda for the crime of being the partner of a respected investigative journalist points to the growing abuse of so-called anti-terror laws in the UK. His detention and treatment was a gross misuse of the law and clearly linked to the work of his partner Glenn Greenwald, who revealed the extent of mass surveillance and wholesale interception of internet traffic by the US security services and its collusion with GCQH. It's rather ironic that the police's response, in turn, is to put the partner of a journalist under surveillance and detain him in this way.
Online Petition: Review the use of Schedule 7 Terrorism Act 2000, sign <> here . . . .
*****************************************************************
NUJ Open meeting for 60 + members on Wednesday 2 October at Headland House, 308-312 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP. It will start at 13.00 with light refreshments and finish at 16.00. Emily Georghiou from Age UK's policy and public affairs department is the keynote speaker.
A recent online survey of 60+ confirmed that there was no longer a clear division between members who had "retired" and those who were still working. The 60+ Council is part of the structure of the union and fulfills the role of a 'retired' section but more of course given developments in way age is now viewed.
The agenda will include items on proposed guidelines on reporting age, 60+ survey results and implications for the council's future work and the structure of the 60+ council. It will also be an opportunity to ask questions and inform council members on how you want the union to work on 60+ issues internally, but also in terms of NUJ policy on NHS, pensions etc.
If you wish to attend, email Lena Calvert, NUJ equality officer at <:> lenac@nuj.org.uk
*****************************************************************
Reclaiming Our Futures - Celebrating Disabled People
Brought to you by -Disabled People Against Cuts, Black Triangle, Mental Health Resistance Network and the WOW petition
Seven Days of Action - 29th August to 4th September
Our rights are being stripped away day by day, by the neo-liberal policies being imposed on us all by the Condems, leaving us without much hope for our futures - or our children's.
We have been here before. Our history is littered with examples of how our community has come together when under attack to fight - and win. >From the early campaigns of NLBDP (National League of Blind and Disabled People) through to the founding and manifesto of UPIAS (Union of the Physically Impaired Against Segregation) and on to DAN (Direct Action Network)- Now we have DPAC leading direct action and a host of other key grass root campaigns working towards reclaiming our rights and futures.
Read More: <> Disabled People Against the Cuts
*****************************************************************
NUJ Settles Pay Deal With BBC
The NUJ, and sister unions Bectu and Unite, have agreed the deal and have dropped threats of strike action. They have accepted the offer of an £800 pay increase and a 1 per cent increase on pay grades and allowances. The unions reached agreement after the BBC agreed to take off the table proposed changes to redundancy consultation terms and refer their proposals for changes to payments for working unpredictable and anti-social hours to broader consultation on pay and grading taking place for the remainder on this year.
*****************************************************************
Keep the NUJ up to date: If you have moved recently, have a new phone number, become a rep or have made any other changes, please contact us at <> membership@nuj.org.uk or call the membership department on 020 7843 3737
Tuesday, August 13
- BBC Generated £8 Billion for the UK Economy in the Last Year
- Ethiopia [Continued Imprisonment of Five Journalists]
- Turkey [Journalists Currently Imprisoned]
*******************************************************
Broadcasting: Public Service Terrestrial Broadcasting
Question
Asked by Lord Clement-Jones
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the value to the United Kingdom economy of free at the point of use public service terrestrial broadcasting.
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The BBC, ITV, S4C and Channels 4 and 5 now invest over £3 billion a year in UK content. Investment by the public service broadcasters supports the wider creative industries.
Deloitte estimates that the BBC alone generated £8 billion for the UK economy in the last year, equating to about two pounds being added to the UK economy for every pound of licence fee spent.
Source: <> House of Lords, 12/08/13
*******************************************************
Ethiopia [Continued Imprisonment of Five Journalists]
Lord Patten to ask Her Majesty's Government , further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 20 June (WA 69), what is their latest assessment of the safety and welfare of the journalists Reeyot Alemu, Yusuf Getachew, Solomon Kebede, Eskinder Neya and Wubshet Taye, currently imprisoned in Ethiopia.[HL1959]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): We remain concerned by the imprisonment of journalists under Ethiopia's anti-terrorism legislation. The Deputy Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr Clegg), discussed the arrest of journalists and opposition leaders with the Ethiopian Prime Minister on 17 June 2013. Our officials in Addis Ababa continue to raise the implementation of Ethiopia's anti-terrorism legislation with the Ethiopian authorities.
Source: <> House of Lords, 12/08/13
*******************************************************
Turkey [Journalists Currently Imprisoned]
Questions
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 19 June (WA 59), whether they will now give their assessment of the number of journalists currently imprisoned in Turkey; and if not, why not.[HL1960]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): We do not have any reliable information on the precise number of journalists imprisoned in Turkey. Estimates of the actual numbers involved vary widely. The Turkish authorities are aware of our concerns, and we and our EU partners continue to raise freedom of expression and other fundamental freedoms as part of our wider dialogue with the Turkish government.
Source: <> House of Lords, 12/08/13
- Ethiopia [Continued Imprisonment of Five Journalists]
- Turkey [Journalists Currently Imprisoned]
*******************************************************
Broadcasting: Public Service Terrestrial Broadcasting
Question
Asked by Lord Clement-Jones
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the value to the United Kingdom economy of free at the point of use public service terrestrial broadcasting.
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: The BBC, ITV, S4C and Channels 4 and 5 now invest over £3 billion a year in UK content. Investment by the public service broadcasters supports the wider creative industries.
Deloitte estimates that the BBC alone generated £8 billion for the UK economy in the last year, equating to about two pounds being added to the UK economy for every pound of licence fee spent.
Source: <> House of Lords, 12/08/13
*******************************************************
Ethiopia [Continued Imprisonment of Five Journalists]
Lord Patten to ask Her Majesty's Government , further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 20 June (WA 69), what is their latest assessment of the safety and welfare of the journalists Reeyot Alemu, Yusuf Getachew, Solomon Kebede, Eskinder Neya and Wubshet Taye, currently imprisoned in Ethiopia.[HL1959]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): We remain concerned by the imprisonment of journalists under Ethiopia's anti-terrorism legislation. The Deputy Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr Clegg), discussed the arrest of journalists and opposition leaders with the Ethiopian Prime Minister on 17 June 2013. Our officials in Addis Ababa continue to raise the implementation of Ethiopia's anti-terrorism legislation with the Ethiopian authorities.
Source: <> House of Lords, 12/08/13
*******************************************************
Turkey [Journalists Currently Imprisoned]
Questions
Asked by Lord Patten
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Warsi on 19 June (WA 59), whether they will now give their assessment of the number of journalists currently imprisoned in Turkey; and if not, why not.[HL1960]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi): We do not have any reliable information on the precise number of journalists imprisoned in Turkey. Estimates of the actual numbers involved vary widely. The Turkish authorities are aware of our concerns, and we and our EU partners continue to raise freedom of expression and other fundamental freedoms as part of our wider dialogue with the Turkish government.
Source: <> House of Lords, 12/08/13
Friday, August 9
Keep the NUJ up to date. If you have moved recently, have a new phone number, become a rep or have made any other changes, please contact us at membership@nuj.org.uk or call the membership department on 020 7843 3737
***************************************************
Discrimination Against Women
Eleanor Lisney Branch Equality Officer has just returned from an international meeting, 'Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women' in Geneva.
Organizations speaking about the United Kingdom indicated that women were bearing the brunt of austerity measures affecting the heavily female public sector and cuts on welfare benefits. Changes to the healthcare system were also affecting women’s rights and affordable and accessible childcare was lacking. Abortion was still not freely available in Northern Ireland, despite earlier recommendations. Cuts to legal aid for many private and family matters constituted a step backwards.
Access the full report <> here . . . .
***************************************************
Stop the Governments 'Go Home Campaign'
In July 2013, the UK Home Office introduced a campaign called 'Go Home'. The campaign targeted six areas of London with two vans, with large billboards with the message 'Go Home or Face Arrest'. The billboards were allegedly targeting those who were 'illegal' or undocumented in the UK. The following week there was also an intensification of immigration spot checks at major transport hubs in the capital. The Go Home Campaign is part of a Government campaign that has caused a national outcry, and infuriated a cross section of communities.
Human rights organisations have said the government's targeting of illegal immigrants over the past two weeks is a cynical ploy that will foster hostility to minority groups, creating a climate of fear and intolerance that threatens to put race relations back decades.
***************************************************
TUC Myth-busting on Migration
The influx of migrant workers into the UK has benefited the economy, according to research published last month by the TUC
Contrary to Far Right accusation that immigrants are a drain on the welfare state, the study shows that migrant workers are paying more in taxes than the value of th public services they receive.
Nor is there any evidence tha migrant workers have depressed wages or caused unemployment t rise overall. While there may be some local effects on low-skilled workers, the study suggests they have not lost out due to the vibrant UK economy.
It argues that more needs to be done to prevent unscrupulous employers from taking advantage of migrant workers’ limited English and lack of knowledge of their rights. Not only should there be a crackdown on bad employers, but rights such as the minimum wage needed to be properly enforced, and loopholes, such as lack of protection for agency workers, closed.
“We do not do enough to protect vulnerable workers, whether migrant or indigenous, from exploitation”, said Brendan Barber. “If migrant workers are treated fairly and paid a decent wage they can only add to the economy, and pose no threat to the livelihoods of the rest of the workforce”.
Last month also saw publication of a new TUC guide on safety for migrant workers, who are more vulnerable to illness or injury at work due to a combination of limited safety training, inadequate safety clothing or equipment, and poor language skills.
In addition, the guide says some migrants may be put at risk by rogue employers cutting corners. With many working long hours there is also a danger of accident occurring at work due to tiredness.
1. Migrants only come to Britain to claim benefits - economic migrants from outside of the EU are not able to claim any benefits. Citizens from Eastern Europe are 60% less likely than UK citizens to claim benefits or tax credits (Source:
Only 2.6% of all JSA benefits were paid to EU citizens last year
2. Migrants take all the social housing - economic migrants from outside of the EU are not eligible for any social housing. Migrants from Eastern Europe are 58% less likely to live in social housing
3. Migrants are bad for the economy - migrants do many important jobs in health, care, services, food, industry, technology and education to name just a few. Migration is estimated to have increased the GDP by 0.6 billion and increased average incomes by 23p a week. By contrast, government cuts have reduced average incomes by £3.34 a week
4. Migrants cause unemployment - the Department for Work and Pensions has stated there is no evidence that migration from Eastern Europe has caused unemployment
5. We couldn't go to their country - as a member of the EU, British citizens have the right to study, work, claim benefits, have free access to healthcare and retire in the 27 other countries in the EU.
Over 103, 000 British retired people are living in Spain & 56,000 British retired people are living in France
About 286,000 UK citizens work in EU member states & 2.6% of British people are claiming benefits in other EU countries
***************************************************
Discrimination Against Women
Eleanor Lisney Branch Equality Officer has just returned from an international meeting, 'Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women' in Geneva.
Organizations speaking about the United Kingdom indicated that women were bearing the brunt of austerity measures affecting the heavily female public sector and cuts on welfare benefits. Changes to the healthcare system were also affecting women’s rights and affordable and accessible childcare was lacking. Abortion was still not freely available in Northern Ireland, despite earlier recommendations. Cuts to legal aid for many private and family matters constituted a step backwards.
Access the full report <> here . . . .
***************************************************
Stop the Governments 'Go Home Campaign'
In July 2013, the UK Home Office introduced a campaign called 'Go Home'. The campaign targeted six areas of London with two vans, with large billboards with the message 'Go Home or Face Arrest'. The billboards were allegedly targeting those who were 'illegal' or undocumented in the UK. The following week there was also an intensification of immigration spot checks at major transport hubs in the capital. The Go Home Campaign is part of a Government campaign that has caused a national outcry, and infuriated a cross section of communities.
Human rights organisations have said the government's targeting of illegal immigrants over the past two weeks is a cynical ploy that will foster hostility to minority groups, creating a climate of fear and intolerance that threatens to put race relations back decades.
***************************************************
TUC Myth-busting on Migration
The influx of migrant workers into the UK has benefited the economy, according to research published last month by the TUC
Contrary to Far Right accusation that immigrants are a drain on the welfare state, the study shows that migrant workers are paying more in taxes than the value of th public services they receive.
Nor is there any evidence tha migrant workers have depressed wages or caused unemployment t rise overall. While there may be some local effects on low-skilled workers, the study suggests they have not lost out due to the vibrant UK economy.
It argues that more needs to be done to prevent unscrupulous employers from taking advantage of migrant workers’ limited English and lack of knowledge of their rights. Not only should there be a crackdown on bad employers, but rights such as the minimum wage needed to be properly enforced, and loopholes, such as lack of protection for agency workers, closed.
“We do not do enough to protect vulnerable workers, whether migrant or indigenous, from exploitation”, said Brendan Barber. “If migrant workers are treated fairly and paid a decent wage they can only add to the economy, and pose no threat to the livelihoods of the rest of the workforce”.
Last month also saw publication of a new TUC guide on safety for migrant workers, who are more vulnerable to illness or injury at work due to a combination of limited safety training, inadequate safety clothing or equipment, and poor language skills.
In addition, the guide says some migrants may be put at risk by rogue employers cutting corners. With many working long hours there is also a danger of accident occurring at work due to tiredness.
1. Migrants only come to Britain to claim benefits - economic migrants from outside of the EU are not able to claim any benefits. Citizens from Eastern Europe are 60% less likely than UK citizens to claim benefits or tax credits (Source:
Only 2.6% of all JSA benefits were paid to EU citizens last year
2. Migrants take all the social housing - economic migrants from outside of the EU are not eligible for any social housing. Migrants from Eastern Europe are 58% less likely to live in social housing
3. Migrants are bad for the economy - migrants do many important jobs in health, care, services, food, industry, technology and education to name just a few. Migration is estimated to have increased the GDP by 0.6 billion and increased average incomes by 23p a week. By contrast, government cuts have reduced average incomes by £3.34 a week
4. Migrants cause unemployment - the Department for Work and Pensions has stated there is no evidence that migration from Eastern Europe has caused unemployment
5. We couldn't go to their country - as a member of the EU, British citizens have the right to study, work, claim benefits, have free access to healthcare and retire in the 27 other countries in the EU.
Over 103, 000 British retired people are living in Spain & 56,000 British retired people are living in France
About 286,000 UK citizens work in EU member states & 2.6% of British people are claiming benefits in other EU countries
Thursday, August 8
Labour Party up to Their Necks With Zero Hour Contracts
These contracts are not just the preserve of “rogue” employers in the private sector like Sports Direct (20,000 workers on zero hours) and McDonald’s (82,000) but are also common in the voluntary and public sector (where up to 200,000 workers could be on zero hours contracts).
Unison says that 97 per cent of all councils use zero-hours contracts for homecare services.
Several Labour councils are using such contracts including Newham, Brent and Tower Hamlets in London, Preston (150 on zero hours like contracts) and Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council where up to 2,759 workers (according to International Business Times) are on zero hours.
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development research suggests that there could be about one million zero hours workers in the UK
These contracts are not just the preserve of “rogue” employers in the private sector like Sports Direct (20,000 workers on zero hours) and McDonald’s (82,000) but are also common in the voluntary and public sector (where up to 200,000 workers could be on zero hours contracts).
Unison says that 97 per cent of all councils use zero-hours contracts for homecare services.
Several Labour councils are using such contracts including Newham, Brent and Tower Hamlets in London, Preston (150 on zero hours like contracts) and Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council where up to 2,759 workers (according to International Business Times) are on zero hours.
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development research suggests that there could be about one million zero hours workers in the UK
Wednesday, July 31
We pay the Queen £37.9 million a year - She pays her Staff zilch
Buckingham Palace, a leading cinema chain and one of Britain's best known art galleries are among a group of high profile employers who sign staff up to so-called "zero-hours" contracts to keep employment costs at a minimum. Two days after it emerged that retailer Sports Direct employs 20,000 staff on zero-hours terms, the Guardian has established that the royal family's London residence, along with Cineworld and the Tate galleries, hire workers under the controversial employment practice.
The 350 part-time employees deployed as extra staff during Buckingham Palace's summer opening have no guaranteed hours. They work in the shop, greet visitors, and work as monitors in the rooms made open to the public.
Read more: <> The Guardian, Tuesday 30 July 2013
Buckingham Palace, a leading cinema chain and one of Britain's best known art galleries are among a group of high profile employers who sign staff up to so-called "zero-hours" contracts to keep employment costs at a minimum. Two days after it emerged that retailer Sports Direct employs 20,000 staff on zero-hours terms, the Guardian has established that the royal family's London residence, along with Cineworld and the Tate galleries, hire workers under the controversial employment practice.
The 350 part-time employees deployed as extra staff during Buckingham Palace's summer opening have no guaranteed hours. They work in the shop, greet visitors, and work as monitors in the rooms made open to the public.
Read more: <> The Guardian, Tuesday 30 July 2013
Tuesday, July 23
Calling Notice NUJ August Branch Meeting
Tuesday 6th August 2013
Kahawa Cafe
163 New Union Street
Coventry
CV1 2PL
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of July meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
6) Any other business
Topics in this message:
Zero-Hour Contracts
Latvian Authorities Failed To Protect Journalistic Sources
NUJ Pushes for Urgent Talks on BBC Pay Deal
Ballot for action at the Independent Commences Wednesday 24th July
Special Conference To Approve Labour-Trade Union Reforms
Delegate Meeting (DM) 2014 - Eastbourne 11th - 13th April 2014
**************************************************************
Coming your way if not already here, you are employed but have no guaranteed work, no guaranteed pay, what you have is a . . . . .
Zero-Hour Contract
A zero-hour contract is an employment arrangement where an employee has agreed to be available for work as and when required, so that no particular number of hours of times of work are specified. The employee is expected to be on-call and receive compensation only for hours worked. Zero-hour contracts may suit some people who want occasional earnings and are able to be entirely flexible about when they work, but they do run the risk of employees facing uncertain income streams, and the possibility of use by management as a tool to reward or reprimand raises issues about how workers can adequately assert their employment rights or maintain decent employment relations.
In the United Kingdom, under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998, workers operating under a zero-hour contract on stand-by time, on-call time and downtime must be paid the national minimum wage, provided they are worked for. Prior to the introduction of the Working Time Regulations 1998 and the National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999, the flexibility zero-hours contracts provided was often used to "clock-off" staff during quiet periods while retaining them on-site so that they could be returned to "paid" work should the need arise.[6]
In the fourth quarter of 2012, 200,000 workers in the United Kingdom reported that they were on zero-hours contacts. In 2011, such contracts were prevalent in many parts of the UK economy:
in the hotels and restaurants sector, 19% of all workplaces (up from 4% in 2004)
in the health sector, 13% (up from 7%)
in the education sector, 10% (up from 1%)
For domiciliary care workers, the incidence was reported to be as high as 55.7% of all workers during 2008-2012.
Some commentators have observed that the number of such contracts may be under-reported, as many people may be confusing them with casual employment, and may not be reporting them as temporary.
Source Wickipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-hour_contract
**************************************************************
Latvian Authorities Failed To Protect Journalistic Sources
In Chamber judgment in the case of Nagla v. Latvia (application no. 73469/10), which is not final, the European Court of Human Rights held, unanimously, that there had been: A violation of Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention onHuman Rights.
The case concerned the search by the police of a well-known broadcast journalist's home, and their seizure of data storage devices. Her home was searched following a broadcast she had aired in February 2010 informing the public of an information leak from the State Revenue Service database.
The Court emphasised that the right of journalist's not to disclose their sources could not be considered a privilege, dependent on the lawfulness or unlawfulness of their sources, but rather as an intrinsic part of the right to information that should be treated with the utmost caution. In this case the investigating authorities had failed to properly balance the interest of the investigation in securing evidence against the public interest in protecting the journalist's freedom of expression.
**************************************************************
NUJ Pushes for Urgent Talks on BBC Pay Deal
Following a meeting of BBC M/FoC's , Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, will be seeking fresh talks with Tony Hall, BBC director general, for further discussions on the corporation's pay deal. As the union was balloting for strike action over the original offer made by the BBC, the management came back with revised terms. The union has now consulted on these terms. The membership has decided that the new terms are still not acceptable and has asked the management to come back to the table. Reps said views on the deal had been coloured by the figures of vast pay-offs to departing executives, revealed by the Public Account Committee's examination of the BBC's finances, and the loss of £100m by the disastrous Digital Media Initiative.
**************************************************************
Ballot for Action at the Independent Commences Wednesday 24th July
Laura Davison, NUJ official, said: it had been forced to move to a ballot because of the management's refusal to engage in proper consultation. "Members recognise the financial issues at play, but are simply calling for a fair and meaningful consultation process to deal with them, not the intransigent approach currently being adopted. At present the company seems fixed on sacking people in early August despite members having summer holidays already booked with their families, which means they will be away and can't be genuinely consulted.
Read more <> here . . . .
**************************************************************
Special Conference To Approve Labour-Trade Union Reforms
In an echo of Blair's revision of Clause IV, the Labour leader Edward Miliband, announces that a Special Conference will be held next spring to approve this "historic reform of Labour’s constitution".
One criticism made of Edward Miliband's recent speech on the Labour-union link was that he failed to provide enough detail on how and when the proposed changes, most notably the introduction of an opt-in system for affiliated members (which will cost Labour millions in funding), would be introduced. Would the reforms be in place before the next election?
Read more: George Eaton, <> New Statesman, Published 22 July
**************************************************************
Delegate Meeting (DM) 2014 - Eastbourne 11th - 13th April 2014
All DM packs containing NEC, Industrial Councils and DM nominations plus information about motions will be sent out early September. The following dates are important deadlines that branches and tabling bodies must adhere to for DM 2014:
Close of motions and nominations (DM bodies) 1:00 pm 25th November. Close of amendments and confirmation of motions and DM nominations 2013 1:00pm 10th February 2014. All deadlines will be strictly enforced.
Information on how to register delegates for conference will be issued in January 2014. Please note branches may wish to consider potential delegate / observer nominations prior to their January branch meeting.
**************************************************************
Tuesday 6th August 2013
Kahawa Cafe
163 New Union Street
Coventry
CV1 2PL
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of July meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
6) Any other business
Topics in this message:
Zero-Hour Contracts
Latvian Authorities Failed To Protect Journalistic Sources
NUJ Pushes for Urgent Talks on BBC Pay Deal
Ballot for action at the Independent Commences Wednesday 24th July
Special Conference To Approve Labour-Trade Union Reforms
Delegate Meeting (DM) 2014 - Eastbourne 11th - 13th April 2014
**************************************************************
Coming your way if not already here, you are employed but have no guaranteed work, no guaranteed pay, what you have is a . . . . .
Zero-Hour Contract
A zero-hour contract is an employment arrangement where an employee has agreed to be available for work as and when required, so that no particular number of hours of times of work are specified. The employee is expected to be on-call and receive compensation only for hours worked. Zero-hour contracts may suit some people who want occasional earnings and are able to be entirely flexible about when they work, but they do run the risk of employees facing uncertain income streams, and the possibility of use by management as a tool to reward or reprimand raises issues about how workers can adequately assert their employment rights or maintain decent employment relations.
In the United Kingdom, under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998, workers operating under a zero-hour contract on stand-by time, on-call time and downtime must be paid the national minimum wage, provided they are worked for. Prior to the introduction of the Working Time Regulations 1998 and the National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999, the flexibility zero-hours contracts provided was often used to "clock-off" staff during quiet periods while retaining them on-site so that they could be returned to "paid" work should the need arise.[6]
In the fourth quarter of 2012, 200,000 workers in the United Kingdom reported that they were on zero-hours contacts. In 2011, such contracts were prevalent in many parts of the UK economy:
in the hotels and restaurants sector, 19% of all workplaces (up from 4% in 2004)
in the health sector, 13% (up from 7%)
in the education sector, 10% (up from 1%)
For domiciliary care workers, the incidence was reported to be as high as 55.7% of all workers during 2008-2012.
Some commentators have observed that the number of such contracts may be under-reported, as many people may be confusing them with casual employment, and may not be reporting them as temporary.
Source Wickipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-hour_contract
**************************************************************
Latvian Authorities Failed To Protect Journalistic Sources
In Chamber judgment in the case of Nagla v. Latvia (application no. 73469/10), which is not final, the European Court of Human Rights held, unanimously, that there had been: A violation of Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention onHuman Rights.
The case concerned the search by the police of a well-known broadcast journalist's home, and their seizure of data storage devices. Her home was searched following a broadcast she had aired in February 2010 informing the public of an information leak from the State Revenue Service database.
The Court emphasised that the right of journalist's not to disclose their sources could not be considered a privilege, dependent on the lawfulness or unlawfulness of their sources, but rather as an intrinsic part of the right to information that should be treated with the utmost caution. In this case the investigating authorities had failed to properly balance the interest of the investigation in securing evidence against the public interest in protecting the journalist's freedom of expression.
**************************************************************
NUJ Pushes for Urgent Talks on BBC Pay Deal
Following a meeting of BBC M/FoC's , Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, will be seeking fresh talks with Tony Hall, BBC director general, for further discussions on the corporation's pay deal. As the union was balloting for strike action over the original offer made by the BBC, the management came back with revised terms. The union has now consulted on these terms. The membership has decided that the new terms are still not acceptable and has asked the management to come back to the table. Reps said views on the deal had been coloured by the figures of vast pay-offs to departing executives, revealed by the Public Account Committee's examination of the BBC's finances, and the loss of £100m by the disastrous Digital Media Initiative.
**************************************************************
Ballot for Action at the Independent Commences Wednesday 24th July
Laura Davison, NUJ official, said: it had been forced to move to a ballot because of the management's refusal to engage in proper consultation. "Members recognise the financial issues at play, but are simply calling for a fair and meaningful consultation process to deal with them, not the intransigent approach currently being adopted. At present the company seems fixed on sacking people in early August despite members having summer holidays already booked with their families, which means they will be away and can't be genuinely consulted.
Read more <> here . . . .
**************************************************************
Special Conference To Approve Labour-Trade Union Reforms
In an echo of Blair's revision of Clause IV, the Labour leader Edward Miliband, announces that a Special Conference will be held next spring to approve this "historic reform of Labour’s constitution".
One criticism made of Edward Miliband's recent speech on the Labour-union link was that he failed to provide enough detail on how and when the proposed changes, most notably the introduction of an opt-in system for affiliated members (which will cost Labour millions in funding), would be introduced. Would the reforms be in place before the next election?
Read more: George Eaton, <> New Statesman, Published 22 July
**************************************************************
Delegate Meeting (DM) 2014 - Eastbourne 11th - 13th April 2014
All DM packs containing NEC, Industrial Councils and DM nominations plus information about motions will be sent out early September. The following dates are important deadlines that branches and tabling bodies must adhere to for DM 2014:
Close of motions and nominations (DM bodies) 1:00 pm 25th November. Close of amendments and confirmation of motions and DM nominations 2013 1:00pm 10th February 2014. All deadlines will be strictly enforced.
Information on how to register delegates for conference will be issued in January 2014. Please note branches may wish to consider potential delegate / observer nominations prior to their January branch meeting.
**************************************************************
Tuesday, July 16
Latvian Authorities Failed To Protect Journalistic Sources
In Chamber judgment in the case of Nagla v. Latvia (application no. 73469/10), which is not final, the European Court of Human Rights held, unanimously, that there had been:
A violation of Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention onHuman Rights.
The case concerned the search by the police of a well-known broadcast journalist's home, and their seizure of data storage devices. Her home was searched following a broadcast she had aired in February 2010 informing the public of an information leak from the State Revenue Service database.
The Court emphasised that the right of journalist's not to disclose their sources could not be considered a privilege, dependent on the lawfulness or unlawfulness of their sources, but rather as an intrinsic part of the right to information that should be treated with the utmost caution. In this case the investigating authorities had failed to properly balance the interest of the investigation in securing evidence against the public interest in protecting the journalist's freedom of expression.
********************************************************
Early Day Motion 414: Maximum Working Temperature
That this House notes that whilst there is a legal minimum workplace indoor temperature there is no legal maximum workplace temperature, so that conditions can vary greatly from employer to employer; further notes that whilst Regulation 7 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the associated Approved Code of Practice suggests that the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable, this guidance leaves considerable uncertainty as to the upper limit beyond which control measures must be in place; understands that employees in a wide range of workplaces - from industrial bakeries to school classrooms - are often subjected to high temperatures which can impact seriously on their health and well-being, with effects ranging from discomfort, stress, irritability and headaches, to extra strain on the heart and lungs, dizziness and fainting and heat cramps due to loss of water and salt; observes that the consequent reduction in cognitive function, attention span and visual motor tracking can contribute to workplace accidents and fatalities; commends the Trades Union Congress for passing a resolution in 2012 adopting a maximum working temperature as its official policy; and therefore urges the Government to resolve uncertainty for employers about their duty to combat excessive heat in the workplace by introducing a maximum working workplace temperature of 30C (86F) and of 27C (81F) for those doing strenuous work.
<> House of Commons: 15.07.2013 - Sponsors: Riordan, Linda/ Anderson, David / Crausby, David / Engel, Natascha / Lavery, Ian / McDonnell, John
In Chamber judgment in the case of Nagla v. Latvia (application no. 73469/10), which is not final, the European Court of Human Rights held, unanimously, that there had been:
A violation of Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention onHuman Rights.
The case concerned the search by the police of a well-known broadcast journalist's home, and their seizure of data storage devices. Her home was searched following a broadcast she had aired in February 2010 informing the public of an information leak from the State Revenue Service database.
The Court emphasised that the right of journalist's not to disclose their sources could not be considered a privilege, dependent on the lawfulness or unlawfulness of their sources, but rather as an intrinsic part of the right to information that should be treated with the utmost caution. In this case the investigating authorities had failed to properly balance the interest of the investigation in securing evidence against the public interest in protecting the journalist's freedom of expression.
********************************************************
Early Day Motion 414: Maximum Working Temperature
That this House notes that whilst there is a legal minimum workplace indoor temperature there is no legal maximum workplace temperature, so that conditions can vary greatly from employer to employer; further notes that whilst Regulation 7 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the associated Approved Code of Practice suggests that the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable, this guidance leaves considerable uncertainty as to the upper limit beyond which control measures must be in place; understands that employees in a wide range of workplaces - from industrial bakeries to school classrooms - are often subjected to high temperatures which can impact seriously on their health and well-being, with effects ranging from discomfort, stress, irritability and headaches, to extra strain on the heart and lungs, dizziness and fainting and heat cramps due to loss of water and salt; observes that the consequent reduction in cognitive function, attention span and visual motor tracking can contribute to workplace accidents and fatalities; commends the Trades Union Congress for passing a resolution in 2012 adopting a maximum working temperature as its official policy; and therefore urges the Government to resolve uncertainty for employers about their duty to combat excessive heat in the workplace by introducing a maximum working workplace temperature of 30C (86F) and of 27C (81F) for those doing strenuous work.
<> House of Commons: 15.07.2013 - Sponsors: Riordan, Linda/ Anderson, David / Crausby, David / Engel, Natascha / Lavery, Ian / McDonnell, John
Friday, July 12
Early Day Motion 394: Supporting the Employee Ownership Sector
That this House welcomes the UK's first Employee Ownership Day; notes the success of businesses owned by and for their staff; recognises the productivity, profitability and motivational benefits which employee ownership brings to UK businesses; further notes that employee-owned businesses still only account for around 3 per cent of GDP, which is below the EU average, and far lower than countries like the US, France or Germany; welcomes the Government's commitment to provide £50 million annually from 2014-15 and the recent HM Treasury consultation to further incentivise growth of the sector; and hopes that this will level the playing field and help the Employee Ownership Association realise their vision to see 10 per cent of UK GDP produced by employee-owned businesses by 2020.
Sponsors: Field, Mark/ Ellman, Louise / Horwood, Martin / Huppert, Julian / Lazarowicz, Mark - House of Commons: 11.07.2013
That this House welcomes the UK's first Employee Ownership Day; notes the success of businesses owned by and for their staff; recognises the productivity, profitability and motivational benefits which employee ownership brings to UK businesses; further notes that employee-owned businesses still only account for around 3 per cent of GDP, which is below the EU average, and far lower than countries like the US, France or Germany; welcomes the Government's commitment to provide £50 million annually from 2014-15 and the recent HM Treasury consultation to further incentivise growth of the sector; and hopes that this will level the playing field and help the Employee Ownership Association realise their vision to see 10 per cent of UK GDP produced by employee-owned businesses by 2020.
Sponsors: Field, Mark/ Ellman, Louise / Horwood, Martin / Huppert, Julian / Lazarowicz, Mark - House of Commons: 11.07.2013
Thursday, July 11
Five Steps To Increase Women’s Safety
Violence against women is one of the most widespread and serious human rights violations occurring every day in Europe. Only in the last three weeks more than five women have been killed in different countries, including Austria, Italy, Spain and Ukraine.
These murders are only the tip of a much larger iceberg of thousands of cases happening all over the world. Although there is a lack of comprehensive data, it is conservatively estimated that more than 60,000 women and girls die yearly in the world due to violent causes. This death toll is higher than those of some pandemic flus, like the swine flu, and yet violence against women has so far not received the same attention and resources the international community has dedicated to the influenza pandemic.
If one includes non-lethal violence against women in the tally, it becomes clear that change is urgent.
As reported by the World Health Organisation on June 20, one out of three women is a victim of physical and psychological violence, resulting in in severe and long-lasting negative health consequences. By taking into account other forms of violence, including stalking, other studies indicate that 45% of women have experienced some sort of violence during their life. Initial data analysis of an EU-wide survey carried out by the Fundamental Rights Agency confirms this dreadful trend.
These studies unequivocally show the magnitude of the problem, but progress is too slow, even in Europe. An example is the slow pace of ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. This Convention helps frame the work of national and local authorities, including police and health officials, around four key principles of the fight against violence: prevention, protection, prosecution and integrated policies. Open to signature since May 2011, it has been so far ratified only by five countries: Albania, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal and Turkey. Five more countries have to ratify it before it can enter into force. Austria has declared its intention to follow suit and I hope more countries will do the same.
However, ratifications alone will not solve this complex phenomenon. Concrete and concerted actions must follow. I see in particular five key areas where gender sensitive measures should be reinforced. First, political leaders, opinion makers, public personalities, in particular men, must take the lead in condemning violence against women and use their influence on public opinion to promote a cultural shift in which nobody turns their eyes away from violence against women.
In addition, prosecution of offenders should be made more effective. Women victims of violence are not safe as long as the offenders are free to offend again. In many cases ending in death, the victims had already suffered and denounced previous violence perpetrated by the same offender without receiving adequate protection.
This is where two other key actors come into play: the police and health professionals. As they are usually the first to encounter situations of violence against women, they need constant training to recognise it and to provide women with gender sensitive help and care. Special attention should be paid to the particular vulnerability of migrant women who are less likely to report an incident to the police for various reasons, including their residence status and previous bad experience with foreign police.
The last element, arguably a pivotal one, is education. European States have to invest more in all forms of education and awareness raising, starting from early childhood, if they really want to come to terms with the root causes of violent male behaviour, which is often based on cultures of machismo and ingrained patterns of patriarchy. Without education, all other measures aimed at stamping out violence against women cannot succeed.
This change will not take place overnight, but the longer we wait, the more violence women will have to endure. This has to stop.
< >Nils Muiznieks, Commissioner for Human Rights, Strasbourg, 10/7/2013
Violence against women is one of the most widespread and serious human rights violations occurring every day in Europe. Only in the last three weeks more than five women have been killed in different countries, including Austria, Italy, Spain and Ukraine.
These murders are only the tip of a much larger iceberg of thousands of cases happening all over the world. Although there is a lack of comprehensive data, it is conservatively estimated that more than 60,000 women and girls die yearly in the world due to violent causes. This death toll is higher than those of some pandemic flus, like the swine flu, and yet violence against women has so far not received the same attention and resources the international community has dedicated to the influenza pandemic.
If one includes non-lethal violence against women in the tally, it becomes clear that change is urgent.
As reported by the World Health Organisation on June 20, one out of three women is a victim of physical and psychological violence, resulting in in severe and long-lasting negative health consequences. By taking into account other forms of violence, including stalking, other studies indicate that 45% of women have experienced some sort of violence during their life. Initial data analysis of an EU-wide survey carried out by the Fundamental Rights Agency confirms this dreadful trend.
These studies unequivocally show the magnitude of the problem, but progress is too slow, even in Europe. An example is the slow pace of ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. This Convention helps frame the work of national and local authorities, including police and health officials, around four key principles of the fight against violence: prevention, protection, prosecution and integrated policies. Open to signature since May 2011, it has been so far ratified only by five countries: Albania, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal and Turkey. Five more countries have to ratify it before it can enter into force. Austria has declared its intention to follow suit and I hope more countries will do the same.
However, ratifications alone will not solve this complex phenomenon. Concrete and concerted actions must follow. I see in particular five key areas where gender sensitive measures should be reinforced. First, political leaders, opinion makers, public personalities, in particular men, must take the lead in condemning violence against women and use their influence on public opinion to promote a cultural shift in which nobody turns their eyes away from violence against women.
In addition, prosecution of offenders should be made more effective. Women victims of violence are not safe as long as the offenders are free to offend again. In many cases ending in death, the victims had already suffered and denounced previous violence perpetrated by the same offender without receiving adequate protection.
This is where two other key actors come into play: the police and health professionals. As they are usually the first to encounter situations of violence against women, they need constant training to recognise it and to provide women with gender sensitive help and care. Special attention should be paid to the particular vulnerability of migrant women who are less likely to report an incident to the police for various reasons, including their residence status and previous bad experience with foreign police.
The last element, arguably a pivotal one, is education. European States have to invest more in all forms of education and awareness raising, starting from early childhood, if they really want to come to terms with the root causes of violent male behaviour, which is often based on cultures of machismo and ingrained patterns of patriarchy. Without education, all other measures aimed at stamping out violence against women cannot succeed.
This change will not take place overnight, but the longer we wait, the more violence women will have to endure. This has to stop.
< >Nils Muiznieks, Commissioner for Human Rights, Strasbourg, 10/7/2013
Sunday, July 7
Reminder: Birmingham & Coventry NUJ July Branch Meeting
Wednesday 10th July
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Topics in this message:
NUJ Consults Members on BBC's New Pay Offer
£25 million Handouts to BBC Senior Managers in the Last Three Years
Early Day Motion 324: Reform Of Civil Legal Aid
Les Reid Scoops Double as Midlands Media Awards Handed Out
Cara Simpson - Midlands Media Feature Writer of the Year
NUJ Informed - News from NUJ National Executive
******************************************************
NUJ Consults Members on BBC's New Pay Offer
The union has announced it will be consulting NUJ members at the BBC in response to a revised offer from the corporation on pay, redundancy consultation and anti-social hours payments (UPA). The offer comes during the unions' existing ballot for industrial action at the BBC. There will now be a consultative ballot of all BBC NUJ members and the NUJ will be holding local workplace meetings to discuss the revised offer with members. The new ballot will close on Friday 26 July.
******************************************************
£25 million Handouts to BBC Senior Managers in the Last Three Years
The BBC's redundancy payouts have been called "deeply worrying" after a Government watchdog found it spent £25 million on handouts to senior managers over the last three years. A National Audit Office (NAO) report into severance pay at the corporation found that it "breached its own policy... too often and without good reason" by offering packages that were in excess of contractual entitlement. It said the payouts had "put public trust at risk".
Read more: <> Press Gazette, 01/07/13
Sue Harris, NUJ Broadcast organiser commenting on above, said: "We welcome the NAO's strong condemnation of the BBC's previous practices around excessive senior management severance payments. The NUJ has been questioning and challenging this practice for many years. The NUJ was pleased when the BBC and Tony Hall adopted the NUJ's proposal that redundancy and severance payments should be capped at £150,000. It is good to know that the new Director General intends to address the problem of excessive management pay-outs and differential treatment from ordinary members of staff."
******************************************************
Midlands Media Awards
Les Reid Scoops Double
Coventry Telegraph journalist (and NUJ member) Les Reid added to his growing haul of awards last night as the 2013 Midlands Media Awards were handed out. Les, who last month won the Columnist of the Year prize at the Regional Press Awards, walked away with two more awards from last night's ceremony at Villa Park.
The political specialist retained both the awards he won at the same event last year - Journalist of the Year and Daily News Reporter of the Year - as well as being shortlisted for two other prizes. Among his entries was a story about the alleged bullying of a journalist at a local BBC Radio Station who took his own life, which prompted an internal inquiry and became a major national story.
Read more: <> HoldTheFrontPage.co.uk
Cara Simpson - Feature Writer of the Year
Demonstrated a high standard of writing, and insight into the lives of people in war torn Sierra Leone bought their plight home to readers in Coventry and Warwickshire.
******************************************************
Early Day Motion 324: Reform Of Civil Legal Aid
That this House believes access to justice is a hallmark of a civilised society; further believes that the Government's proposed reforms to civil legal aid will severely limit the ability for many to access the justice system; is deeply concerned by plans to introduce a residence test for civil legal aid, which will remove legal support for many vulnerable groups including victims of human trafficking and domestic violence; notes that the residence test will also prevent many cases being brought against the Government when it is accused of wrongdoing abroad; further notes that the majority of individuals held in immigration detention will be left without support to challenge their continued detention; regrets the effect the proposed reforms to judicial review will have on the ability of individuals to hold public bodies to account; further believes that the proposals relating to prison law will effectively mean that justice stops at the prison gate; and calls on the Government to abandon its proposed reforms of civil legal aid immediately.
Sponsors: Teather, Sarah/ Durkan, Mark / Edwards, Jonathan / Llwyd, Elfyn / Ritchie, Margaret / Williams, Hywel - <> House of Commons: 01.07.2013
Put your MP to work demand they sign EDM 324
You can contact your MP for free, through: WriteToThem.Com
http://www.writetothem.com/
******************************************************
News from NUJ National Executive
NUJ Informed is aimed at sharing information about union activities and highlight some of the work done for our members. Regular editions of NUJ Informed will be published after NEC meetings and provide an opportunity to promote the union's work. The latest edition has been sent to all NUJ representatives and is attached to this email.
Please feel free to forward NUJ Informed to members in your area or you can print the newsletter (it works in black and white or in colour) and give it out in your workplace and/or at your next chapel or branch meeting. Why not also give a copy to someone you know who isn't already a member and ask them to join the NUJ?
******************************************************
Wednesday 10th July
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Topics in this message:
NUJ Consults Members on BBC's New Pay Offer
£25 million Handouts to BBC Senior Managers in the Last Three Years
Early Day Motion 324: Reform Of Civil Legal Aid
Les Reid Scoops Double as Midlands Media Awards Handed Out
Cara Simpson - Midlands Media Feature Writer of the Year
NUJ Informed - News from NUJ National Executive
******************************************************
NUJ Consults Members on BBC's New Pay Offer
The union has announced it will be consulting NUJ members at the BBC in response to a revised offer from the corporation on pay, redundancy consultation and anti-social hours payments (UPA). The offer comes during the unions' existing ballot for industrial action at the BBC. There will now be a consultative ballot of all BBC NUJ members and the NUJ will be holding local workplace meetings to discuss the revised offer with members. The new ballot will close on Friday 26 July.
******************************************************
£25 million Handouts to BBC Senior Managers in the Last Three Years
The BBC's redundancy payouts have been called "deeply worrying" after a Government watchdog found it spent £25 million on handouts to senior managers over the last three years. A National Audit Office (NAO) report into severance pay at the corporation found that it "breached its own policy... too often and without good reason" by offering packages that were in excess of contractual entitlement. It said the payouts had "put public trust at risk".
Read more: <> Press Gazette, 01/07/13
Sue Harris, NUJ Broadcast organiser commenting on above, said: "We welcome the NAO's strong condemnation of the BBC's previous practices around excessive senior management severance payments. The NUJ has been questioning and challenging this practice for many years. The NUJ was pleased when the BBC and Tony Hall adopted the NUJ's proposal that redundancy and severance payments should be capped at £150,000. It is good to know that the new Director General intends to address the problem of excessive management pay-outs and differential treatment from ordinary members of staff."
******************************************************
Midlands Media Awards
Les Reid Scoops Double
Coventry Telegraph journalist (and NUJ member) Les Reid added to his growing haul of awards last night as the 2013 Midlands Media Awards were handed out. Les, who last month won the Columnist of the Year prize at the Regional Press Awards, walked away with two more awards from last night's ceremony at Villa Park.
The political specialist retained both the awards he won at the same event last year - Journalist of the Year and Daily News Reporter of the Year - as well as being shortlisted for two other prizes. Among his entries was a story about the alleged bullying of a journalist at a local BBC Radio Station who took his own life, which prompted an internal inquiry and became a major national story.
Read more: <> HoldTheFrontPage.co.uk
Cara Simpson - Feature Writer of the Year
Demonstrated a high standard of writing, and insight into the lives of people in war torn Sierra Leone bought their plight home to readers in Coventry and Warwickshire.
******************************************************
Early Day Motion 324: Reform Of Civil Legal Aid
That this House believes access to justice is a hallmark of a civilised society; further believes that the Government's proposed reforms to civil legal aid will severely limit the ability for many to access the justice system; is deeply concerned by plans to introduce a residence test for civil legal aid, which will remove legal support for many vulnerable groups including victims of human trafficking and domestic violence; notes that the residence test will also prevent many cases being brought against the Government when it is accused of wrongdoing abroad; further notes that the majority of individuals held in immigration detention will be left without support to challenge their continued detention; regrets the effect the proposed reforms to judicial review will have on the ability of individuals to hold public bodies to account; further believes that the proposals relating to prison law will effectively mean that justice stops at the prison gate; and calls on the Government to abandon its proposed reforms of civil legal aid immediately.
Sponsors: Teather, Sarah/ Durkan, Mark / Edwards, Jonathan / Llwyd, Elfyn / Ritchie, Margaret / Williams, Hywel - <> House of Commons: 01.07.2013
Put your MP to work demand they sign EDM 324
You can contact your MP for free, through: WriteToThem.Com
http://www.writetothem.com/
******************************************************
News from NUJ National Executive
NUJ Informed is aimed at sharing information about union activities and highlight some of the work done for our members. Regular editions of NUJ Informed will be published after NEC meetings and provide an opportunity to promote the union's work. The latest edition has been sent to all NUJ representatives and is attached to this email.
Please feel free to forward NUJ Informed to members in your area or you can print the newsletter (it works in black and white or in colour) and give it out in your workplace and/or at your next chapel or branch meeting. Why not also give a copy to someone you know who isn't already a member and ask them to join the NUJ?
******************************************************
****************************************************
Calling Notice: Birmingham & Coventry NUJ July Branch Meeting
Wednesday 10th July
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of May meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) NUJ finances, attached Annual Return for financial year ending September 2012. Any comments/questions Email: <birminghamcoventry@nuj.org.uk>
6) Up date on disputes
7) NUJ Delegate Meeting 2014
8) 'Gripes, Grumbles and Grievances'
9) Any other business
Topics in this message:
Delegate Meeting (DM) 2014 - Eastbourne 11th - 13th April 2014
Unison to Judicially Review 'Brutal' Employment Tribunal Fees
Age Immaterial: TUC Survey of Union Members Over the Age of 50
Matchwomen's Strike - Gave Birth to the UK Trade Union Movement
Public Sector Parents Hit Worst by Austerity Drive
Invitation: People's Assembly Group Birmingham!
*****************************************************************
Unison to Judicially Review 'Brutal' Employment Tribunal Fees
News that Unison has applied for Judicial Review of the Government's controversial plans to introduce fees in the Employment Tribunal has gone viral in the Labour Law community. A key theme in the application is access to justice for working people, particularly women. Unison has described the proposed fees of up to£1000 for individuals to bring a claim and have that claim determined in the Employment Tribunals as "brutal".
In summary, the basis of the legal argument is four-fold:
The fees make it difficult, to the point of impossibility, to enforce workers' rights under European Community law.
There are no fees for enforcing domestic rights at a First Tier Tribunal - which is at a similar level to the Employment Tribunals - so the proposed fees offend against the principle of equivalence.
There was no adequate assessment of the proposed fees system by the Government in accordance with the Government's Public Sector Equality Duty (introduced by the previous Labour Government).
The fees are indirectly discriminatory; that is although apparently neutral in expression or written form, the effect in practice would place women at a particular disadvantage, including in the application of the scheme for the partial remission of the fees.
Read more: <> Lauren Godfrey, UK Human Rights Blog, 21/06/13
*****************************************************************
Delegate Meeting (DM) 2014 - Eastbourne 11th - 13th April 2014
All DM packs containing NEC, Industrial Councils and DM nominations plus information about motions will be sent out early September. The following dates are important deadlines that branches and tabling bodies must adhere to for DM 2014:
Close of motions and nominations (DM bodies) 1:00 pm 25th November. Close of amendments and confirmation of motions and DM nominations 2013 1:00pm 10th February 2014. All deadlines will be strictly enforced.
Information on how to register delegates for conference will be issued in January 2014. Please note branches may wish to consider potential delegate / observer nominations prior to their January branch meeting.
*****************************************************************
Age Immaterial: TUC Survey of Union Members Over the Age of 50
The TUC is running a survey aimed at union members over 50 (both men and women) to gather information on the impact of caring responsibilities on work and planning for retirement. If you're a union member aged over 50, please take 2 minutes to fill in this <https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ageimmaterial>short survey.
Age Immaterial is a new blog that will provide a platform to highlight and discuss issues affecting working women over 50. We will gather the best campaigners, writers and women of experience to write about key issues facing women over 50 in the work place focusing on five key areas: pay, jobs, discrimination, caring and health.
We will report the latest news, employment issues and reports whilst ensuring a wide range of voices get to contribute to the debate via our blog, links and work with the leading organisations championing older women.
Women over 50 face significant discrimination in the workplace, we are going to use this blog to shout about it, to raise awareness of the issues and to call for action.
Read more <> here . . . .
*****************************************************************
Public Sector Parents Hit Worst by Austerity Drive
Parents working in the public sector will take the biggest hit to their household incomes from government cuts and stagnant wages, according to Trades Union Congress research published ahead of George Osborne's spending review this week.
The TUC says its findings undermine government attempts throughout the austerity drive to pit private sector workers against "allegedly well-paid public sector workers." Its calculations also suggest that more than 180,000 children with a parent working in the public sector will be pushed into poverty by 2015, proportionately a far bigger rise than for the private sector.
Read more: <> Guardian, 24/06/13
*****************************************************************
Matchwomen's Strike - Gave Birth to the UK Trade Union Movement
125 years ago the Matchwomen's gallant struggle and victory against all the odds led to the new union movement.
For far too long they have been unsung heroes in the pages of history. Celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Matchwomen's victory, and the beginning of the modern labour movement!
The festival will be the kind of 'knees- up' the Matchwomen themselves would have enjoyed - there will be bands, comedians and actors, choirs, stalls, and great food and drink.
Bishopsgate Institute, London. 6th July 2013. Admission Free. Children and family friendly
In July 1888, several hundred women walked out of an East London match factory - and changed the world. The strike was a reaction to management bullying and terrible conditions, and it should have failed. Bryant & May were powerful and prosperous, with friends in government. The women were mere 'factory girls', and even worse, mostly Irish.
However their courage, solidarity and refusal to back down impressed all who saw it. What they revealed about conditions inside the factory, including the horrors of the industrial disease 'phossy jaw', shamed Bryant & May, and their shareholders, many of whom were MP's and clergymen.
In just two weeks, the women won better rates of pay and conditions, and the right to form the largest union of women in the country. Their victory was remarkable, but until now, rarely acknowledged as the beginning of the modern trade union movement.
Following the Matchwomen's victory a wave of strikes, including the 1889 Great London Dock Strike, swept the nation. Multitudes of the most exploited workers formed new unions, sowing the seeds of the modern labour movement, and Labour Party. The Dock Strikers never denied the Matchwomen's influence. In the throes of the Dock Strike, leader John Burns urged a mass meeting of tens of thousands to 'stand shoulder to shoulder. Remember the Matchwomen, who won their fight and formed a union.'
Source: http://www.matchwomensfestival.com/
*****************************************************************
People's Assembly Group Birmingham!
Birmingham Trades Union Council invites you to a meeting to establish a People's Assembly Group in Birmingham
7:00pm Monday 1st July
Unite Offices
211 Broad Street
Birmingham B15 1AY
The People's Assembly in London on Saturday was a massive success. At least 4000 people attended, bringing together trade unionists, community organisations and a whole range of people from the various sections of society. All were looking for an alternative to cuts, poverty and social misery.
The size of the Assembly, the level of discussion and commitments to future activity were impressive. Our meeting on Monday is in response to the call for local People's Assembly groups to be established to campaign on an anti-austerity agenda.
Below is the Founding Statement of the People's Assembly to help inform our discussions and activities.
Let us work together for the benefit of all.
In Solidarity
Mary Pearson / President - Birmingham Trades Union Council
This is a call to all those millions of people in Britain who face an impoverished and uncertain year as their wages, jobs, conditions and welfare provision come under renewed attack by the government. With some 80% of austerity measures still to come, and with the government lengthening the time they expect cuts to last, we are calling a People's Assembly Against Austerity to bring together campaigns against cuts and privatisation with trade unionists in a movement for social justice. We aim to develop a strategy for resistance to mobilise millions of people against the Con Dem government.
The assembly will provide a national forum for anti-austerity views which, while increasingly popular, are barely represented in parliament. A People's Assembly can play a key role in ensuring that this uncaring government faces a movement of opposition broad enough and powerful enough to generate successful co-ordinated action, including strike action. The assembly will be ready to support co-ordinated industrial action and national demonstrations against austerity, if possible synchronising with mobilisations across Europe.
From: "Mary pearson" <btucpresident@btinternet.com>
Calling Notice: Birmingham & Coventry NUJ July Branch Meeting
Wednesday 10th July
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of May meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) NUJ finances, attached Annual Return for financial year ending September 2012. Any comments/questions Email: <birminghamcoventry@nuj.org.uk>
6) Up date on disputes
7) NUJ Delegate Meeting 2014
8) 'Gripes, Grumbles and Grievances'
9) Any other business
Topics in this message:
Delegate Meeting (DM) 2014 - Eastbourne 11th - 13th April 2014
Unison to Judicially Review 'Brutal' Employment Tribunal Fees
Age Immaterial: TUC Survey of Union Members Over the Age of 50
Matchwomen's Strike - Gave Birth to the UK Trade Union Movement
Public Sector Parents Hit Worst by Austerity Drive
Invitation: People's Assembly Group Birmingham!
*****************************************************************
Unison to Judicially Review 'Brutal' Employment Tribunal Fees
News that Unison has applied for Judicial Review of the Government's controversial plans to introduce fees in the Employment Tribunal has gone viral in the Labour Law community. A key theme in the application is access to justice for working people, particularly women. Unison has described the proposed fees of up to£1000 for individuals to bring a claim and have that claim determined in the Employment Tribunals as "brutal".
In summary, the basis of the legal argument is four-fold:
The fees make it difficult, to the point of impossibility, to enforce workers' rights under European Community law.
There are no fees for enforcing domestic rights at a First Tier Tribunal - which is at a similar level to the Employment Tribunals - so the proposed fees offend against the principle of equivalence.
There was no adequate assessment of the proposed fees system by the Government in accordance with the Government's Public Sector Equality Duty (introduced by the previous Labour Government).
The fees are indirectly discriminatory; that is although apparently neutral in expression or written form, the effect in practice would place women at a particular disadvantage, including in the application of the scheme for the partial remission of the fees.
Read more: <> Lauren Godfrey, UK Human Rights Blog, 21/06/13
*****************************************************************
Delegate Meeting (DM) 2014 - Eastbourne 11th - 13th April 2014
All DM packs containing NEC, Industrial Councils and DM nominations plus information about motions will be sent out early September. The following dates are important deadlines that branches and tabling bodies must adhere to for DM 2014:
Close of motions and nominations (DM bodies) 1:00 pm 25th November. Close of amendments and confirmation of motions and DM nominations 2013 1:00pm 10th February 2014. All deadlines will be strictly enforced.
Information on how to register delegates for conference will be issued in January 2014. Please note branches may wish to consider potential delegate / observer nominations prior to their January branch meeting.
*****************************************************************
Age Immaterial: TUC Survey of Union Members Over the Age of 50
The TUC is running a survey aimed at union members over 50 (both men and women) to gather information on the impact of caring responsibilities on work and planning for retirement. If you're a union member aged over 50, please take 2 minutes to fill in this <https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ageimmaterial>short survey.
Age Immaterial is a new blog that will provide a platform to highlight and discuss issues affecting working women over 50. We will gather the best campaigners, writers and women of experience to write about key issues facing women over 50 in the work place focusing on five key areas: pay, jobs, discrimination, caring and health.
We will report the latest news, employment issues and reports whilst ensuring a wide range of voices get to contribute to the debate via our blog, links and work with the leading organisations championing older women.
Women over 50 face significant discrimination in the workplace, we are going to use this blog to shout about it, to raise awareness of the issues and to call for action.
Read more <> here . . . .
*****************************************************************
Public Sector Parents Hit Worst by Austerity Drive
Parents working in the public sector will take the biggest hit to their household incomes from government cuts and stagnant wages, according to Trades Union Congress research published ahead of George Osborne's spending review this week.
The TUC says its findings undermine government attempts throughout the austerity drive to pit private sector workers against "allegedly well-paid public sector workers." Its calculations also suggest that more than 180,000 children with a parent working in the public sector will be pushed into poverty by 2015, proportionately a far bigger rise than for the private sector.
Read more: <> Guardian, 24/06/13
*****************************************************************
Matchwomen's Strike - Gave Birth to the UK Trade Union Movement
125 years ago the Matchwomen's gallant struggle and victory against all the odds led to the new union movement.
For far too long they have been unsung heroes in the pages of history. Celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Matchwomen's victory, and the beginning of the modern labour movement!
The festival will be the kind of 'knees- up' the Matchwomen themselves would have enjoyed - there will be bands, comedians and actors, choirs, stalls, and great food and drink.
Bishopsgate Institute, London. 6th July 2013. Admission Free. Children and family friendly
In July 1888, several hundred women walked out of an East London match factory - and changed the world. The strike was a reaction to management bullying and terrible conditions, and it should have failed. Bryant & May were powerful and prosperous, with friends in government. The women were mere 'factory girls', and even worse, mostly Irish.
However their courage, solidarity and refusal to back down impressed all who saw it. What they revealed about conditions inside the factory, including the horrors of the industrial disease 'phossy jaw', shamed Bryant & May, and their shareholders, many of whom were MP's and clergymen.
In just two weeks, the women won better rates of pay and conditions, and the right to form the largest union of women in the country. Their victory was remarkable, but until now, rarely acknowledged as the beginning of the modern trade union movement.
Following the Matchwomen's victory a wave of strikes, including the 1889 Great London Dock Strike, swept the nation. Multitudes of the most exploited workers formed new unions, sowing the seeds of the modern labour movement, and Labour Party. The Dock Strikers never denied the Matchwomen's influence. In the throes of the Dock Strike, leader John Burns urged a mass meeting of tens of thousands to 'stand shoulder to shoulder. Remember the Matchwomen, who won their fight and formed a union.'
Source: http://www.matchwomensfestival.com/
*****************************************************************
People's Assembly Group Birmingham!
Birmingham Trades Union Council invites you to a meeting to establish a People's Assembly Group in Birmingham
7:00pm Monday 1st July
Unite Offices
211 Broad Street
Birmingham B15 1AY
The People's Assembly in London on Saturday was a massive success. At least 4000 people attended, bringing together trade unionists, community organisations and a whole range of people from the various sections of society. All were looking for an alternative to cuts, poverty and social misery.
The size of the Assembly, the level of discussion and commitments to future activity were impressive. Our meeting on Monday is in response to the call for local People's Assembly groups to be established to campaign on an anti-austerity agenda.
Below is the Founding Statement of the People's Assembly to help inform our discussions and activities.
Let us work together for the benefit of all.
In Solidarity
Mary Pearson / President - Birmingham Trades Union Council
This is a call to all those millions of people in Britain who face an impoverished and uncertain year as their wages, jobs, conditions and welfare provision come under renewed attack by the government. With some 80% of austerity measures still to come, and with the government lengthening the time they expect cuts to last, we are calling a People's Assembly Against Austerity to bring together campaigns against cuts and privatisation with trade unionists in a movement for social justice. We aim to develop a strategy for resistance to mobilise millions of people against the Con Dem government.
The assembly will provide a national forum for anti-austerity views which, while increasingly popular, are barely represented in parliament. A People's Assembly can play a key role in ensuring that this uncaring government faces a movement of opposition broad enough and powerful enough to generate successful co-ordinated action, including strike action. The assembly will be ready to support co-ordinated industrial action and national demonstrations against austerity, if possible synchronising with mobilisations across Europe.
From: "Mary pearson" <btucpresident@btinternet.com>
Friday, June 21
Unison to Judicially Review 'Brutal' Employment Tribunal Fees
News that Unison has applied for Judicial Review of the Government's controversial plans to introduce fees in the Employment Tribunal has gone viral in the Labour Law community. A key theme in the application is access to justice for working people, particularly women. Unison has described the proposed fees of up to£1000 for individuals to bring a claim and have that claim determined in the Employment Tribunals as "brutal".
In summary, the basis of the legal argument is four-fold:
The fees make it difficult, to the point of impossibility, to enforce workers' rights under European Community law.
There are no fees for enforcing domestic rights at a First Tier Tribunal - which is at a similar level to the Employment Tribunals - so the proposed fees offend against the principle of equivalence.
There was no adequate assessment of the proposed fees system by the Government in accordance with the Government's Public Sector Equality Duty (introduced by the previous Labour Government).
The fees are indirectly discriminatory; that is although apparently neutral in expression or written form, the effect in practice would place women at a particular disadvantage, including in the application of the scheme for the partial remission of the fees.
Read more: <> Lauren Godfrey, UK Human Rights Blog, 21/06/13
News that Unison has applied for Judicial Review of the Government's controversial plans to introduce fees in the Employment Tribunal has gone viral in the Labour Law community. A key theme in the application is access to justice for working people, particularly women. Unison has described the proposed fees of up to£1000 for individuals to bring a claim and have that claim determined in the Employment Tribunals as "brutal".
In summary, the basis of the legal argument is four-fold:
The fees make it difficult, to the point of impossibility, to enforce workers' rights under European Community law.
There are no fees for enforcing domestic rights at a First Tier Tribunal - which is at a similar level to the Employment Tribunals - so the proposed fees offend against the principle of equivalence.
There was no adequate assessment of the proposed fees system by the Government in accordance with the Government's Public Sector Equality Duty (introduced by the previous Labour Government).
The fees are indirectly discriminatory; that is although apparently neutral in expression or written form, the effect in practice would place women at a particular disadvantage, including in the application of the scheme for the partial remission of the fees.
Read more: <> Lauren Godfrey, UK Human Rights Blog, 21/06/13
Tuesday, June 18
Police had 'No power' to take 'Kettled' Woman's Details BBC News, 18/06/13
Police officers who took the personal details of a woman "kettled" during a trade union rally in 2011 acted unlawfully, the High Court has ruled. The court ordered the Metropolitan Police to delete records of Susannah Mengesha and film and photographs taken of her at the demo. Her details were taken while she was contained by police while a legal observer during the London protest. A judge ruled officers had no powers to film her or take her name and address.
Ms Mengesha, a law graduate, was part of a group of protesters who were contained by police near London's Piccadilly Circus for two hours on 30 November 2011 at a trade union march against public sector pension cuts. Police said the "kettle" - which involves police forming a barrier around protesters to keep them within a fixed area - was "necessitated by a reasonably apprehended imminent breach of the peace". Before being allowed to leave, police filmed Ms Mengehsa and made her hand over personal information.
Read the full article BBC News, 18/06/13
Susannah Mengesha Claimant V Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis
Full judgement can be downloaded from <> here . . . . .
Police officers who took the personal details of a woman "kettled" during a trade union rally in 2011 acted unlawfully, the High Court has ruled. The court ordered the Metropolitan Police to delete records of Susannah Mengesha and film and photographs taken of her at the demo. Her details were taken while she was contained by police while a legal observer during the London protest. A judge ruled officers had no powers to film her or take her name and address.
Ms Mengesha, a law graduate, was part of a group of protesters who were contained by police near London's Piccadilly Circus for two hours on 30 November 2011 at a trade union march against public sector pension cuts. Police said the "kettle" - which involves police forming a barrier around protesters to keep them within a fixed area - was "necessitated by a reasonably apprehended imminent breach of the peace". Before being allowed to leave, police filmed Ms Mengehsa and made her hand over personal information.
Read the full article BBC News, 18/06/13
Susannah Mengesha Claimant V Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis
Full judgement can be downloaded from <> here . . . . .
Early Day Motion 253: No More Page 3 Campaign
That this House is concerned about the strong link between the portrayal of women as sexual objects and attitudes that underpin violence and discrimination against women and girls; notes that this has been demonstrated by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and in a Government-commissioned Sexualisation of Young People Review; applauds the work of the No More Page 3 campaign; observes that The Sun newspaper is available across the parliamentary estate in at least eight locations; further notes that if someone is looking at page 3 of The Sun others can be subjected to it whether they like it or not; and calls on the House of Commons Administration Committee to take the necessary steps to prevent the House stocking The Sun newspaper until it removes the Page 3 feature.
Primary sponsor: Lucas, Caroline - <> House of Commons: Date tabled: 17.06.2013
*********************************************************
EDM 256: End Trade of Conflict Minerals in the European Union
That this House notes that the European Union (EU) has opened a public consultation on a possible EU initiative on conflict minerals; applauds the hard work of UK non-governmental organisations (NGOs), notably Global Witness, Christian Aid and Save the Congo, as well as Congolese NGOs, particularly ASSODIP, CREDDHO, OGP and CENADEP, for their campaign work to end the international trade of minerals that funds conflict in Congo; recalls the central role played by the UK in clamping down on blood diamonds which funded brutal wars in Angola, DRC, Liberia, Sierra Leone and elsewhere; urges the EU Commission to ensure that the initiative is mandatory, based on the Organisation for Economic, Co-operation and Development's Due Diligence Guidance, applies to all segments in the supply chain and focuses on the 3T's (tungsten, tantalum and tin) and gold but that may be extended to any natural resource funding conflict; and further urges the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to pledge UK support for EU, legally-binding legislation to ensure that natural resources traded by companies and individuals in the UK are sourced responsibly and have not funded conflict or human rights abuses in foreign countries.
Sponsors: Hain, Peter/ Bayley, Hugh - <> House of Commons: 17.06.2013
*********************************************************
Early Day Motion 261: World Health Organisation Report On Iraq
That this House is deeply concerned that a World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the catastrophic health effects of the war in Iraq has still not been published; understand that the report was commissioned to gauge the effect of toxic war pollutants on the population which appears to have resulted in sterility, repeated miscarriages, stillbirths and severe birth defects which are still increasing in frequency; notes that the report was due to be published in November 2012; further notes that 58 scientists, health professionals and human rights activists from around the world have called for its immediate publication; and calls on the Government to put pressure on the WHO to publish the report immediately and to make it available to the House.
Primary sponsor: Galloway, George - <> House of Commons: 17.06.2013
*********************************************************
That this House is concerned about the strong link between the portrayal of women as sexual objects and attitudes that underpin violence and discrimination against women and girls; notes that this has been demonstrated by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and in a Government-commissioned Sexualisation of Young People Review; applauds the work of the No More Page 3 campaign; observes that The Sun newspaper is available across the parliamentary estate in at least eight locations; further notes that if someone is looking at page 3 of The Sun others can be subjected to it whether they like it or not; and calls on the House of Commons Administration Committee to take the necessary steps to prevent the House stocking The Sun newspaper until it removes the Page 3 feature.
Primary sponsor: Lucas, Caroline - <> House of Commons: Date tabled: 17.06.2013
*********************************************************
EDM 256: End Trade of Conflict Minerals in the European Union
That this House notes that the European Union (EU) has opened a public consultation on a possible EU initiative on conflict minerals; applauds the hard work of UK non-governmental organisations (NGOs), notably Global Witness, Christian Aid and Save the Congo, as well as Congolese NGOs, particularly ASSODIP, CREDDHO, OGP and CENADEP, for their campaign work to end the international trade of minerals that funds conflict in Congo; recalls the central role played by the UK in clamping down on blood diamonds which funded brutal wars in Angola, DRC, Liberia, Sierra Leone and elsewhere; urges the EU Commission to ensure that the initiative is mandatory, based on the Organisation for Economic, Co-operation and Development's Due Diligence Guidance, applies to all segments in the supply chain and focuses on the 3T's (tungsten, tantalum and tin) and gold but that may be extended to any natural resource funding conflict; and further urges the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to pledge UK support for EU, legally-binding legislation to ensure that natural resources traded by companies and individuals in the UK are sourced responsibly and have not funded conflict or human rights abuses in foreign countries.
Sponsors: Hain, Peter/ Bayley, Hugh - <> House of Commons: 17.06.2013
*********************************************************
Early Day Motion 261: World Health Organisation Report On Iraq
That this House is deeply concerned that a World Health Organisation (WHO) report into the catastrophic health effects of the war in Iraq has still not been published; understand that the report was commissioned to gauge the effect of toxic war pollutants on the population which appears to have resulted in sterility, repeated miscarriages, stillbirths and severe birth defects which are still increasing in frequency; notes that the report was due to be published in November 2012; further notes that 58 scientists, health professionals and human rights activists from around the world have called for its immediate publication; and calls on the Government to put pressure on the WHO to publish the report immediately and to make it available to the House.
Primary sponsor: Galloway, George - <> House of Commons: 17.06.2013
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Wednesday, June 12
Early Day Motion 234: Closure Of Public Service Broadcaster In Greece
That this House condemns the decision of the Greek government to shut down the public broadcasting organisation ERT's three television stations, radio and regional radio stations, satellite emissions and internet portal which together employ approximately 2,700 people; notes that the decision was taken without democratic debate in the Greek parliament; further notes that whilst it will re-open this will be on the basis of significantly reduced staffing levels; regrets that employees at ERT were given very little notice when the government shut off its transmitters; believes that Greece needs a reliable news source given the desperate time for the country, the economic situation and rise of dangerous far-right groups; therefore sends its support and solidarity to all the journalists who have been treated in this disgraceful way; and calls on the Greek government to reverse this damaging decision.
Sponsors: Clark, Katy/ Corbyn, Jeremy /Hancock, Mike / Hopkins, Kelvin / Russell, Bob
<> House of Commons: 12.06.2013
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Early Day Motion 232: Protests In Turkey
That this House notes that despite the impression given by the mass media that the events in Turkey are subsiding, thenews from many in Turkey remains worrying; further notes that the Turkish government appears intent on suppressing widespread democratic protests by brute force; believes that hand picked groups are being depicted as representatives of the protestors in order to give the impression that they are trying to bring about a negotiated solution; further notes that the police attacks using water cannons and tear gas continue unabated in many provinces as well as Istanbul and that there are already nearly 600 injured in hospitals, some of them critically; and calls on the Government to make representations to the Turkish government on its handling of the protests as a matter of urgency.
Sponsors: Corbyn, Jeremy/ Hopkins, Kelvin/ Russell, Bob
<> House of Commons: 12.06.2013
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Early Day Motion 217: Living Wage For Barbican Cleaners
That this House notes that the cleaners employed by MITIE, under contract at the Barbican Centre, are paid below the London Living Wage; urges the Corporation of the City of London which owns the Barbican Centre to take appropriate steps to raise the wages of its cleaners to the rate recommended by the Greater London Authority as the London Living Wage of £8.55 per hour; further notes that the cleaners at the Barbican Centre have raised serious complaints at their treatment; and expects the cleaners to be treated with respect and dignity at work.
Sponsors: Corbyn, Jeremy / Caton, Martin / Clark, Katy / Cryer, John / Lavery, Ian / McDonnell, John - <> House of Commons: 11.06.2013
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Early Day Motion 219: Gay-To-Straight Conversion Therapy in the UK
That this House believes that being lesbian, gay or bisexual is not a disease or illness and that therapy which attempts to cure or change a person's sexual orientation is both ineffective and potentially extremely harmful; notes that a 2009 survey of 1,300 British psychiatrists, therapists and psychoanalysts revealed over 200 had attempted to change at least one patient's sexuality (BMC Psychiatry, 9:11, 26 March 2009); further notes than an undercover investigation in 2010 (The Independent, 1 February 2010) found one psychotherapist claimed most of her clients were forwarded to her from her local GP; further notes that the Department of Health does not condone the concept of therapists offering cures for homosexuality and recognises that the practice may well cause significant harm to some patients; is deeply concerned that nothing currently prevents conversion therapists from freely operating in Britain or practising in the psychotherapy sector; and therefore calls on the Government to investigate any NHS links with conversion therapists, ensuring that NHS medical professionals cannot inflict this cruel treatment on their patients and to take steps to ban conversion therapy for under-18s.
Sponsors: Osborne, Sandra / Betts, Clive / Blunt, Crispin / Gilbert, Stephen / McDonnell, John / Williams, Stephen - <> House of Commons: 11.06.2013
Tuesday, June 4
Understanding Gezi Park, the AKP, and
the Turkish Protest Movement
Public Meeting
Friday 7 June 2013
6.45pm - 8.15pm
6.45pm - 8.15pm
274 Moseley Road, Highgate, Birmingham, B12
0BS (opposite Old Fire Station)
Main speaker: Turkish journalist and NUJ
activist Ozen Sengulen
Meeting is kindly hosted by community
advocacy service 'United We Stand'
Enquiries/further information
Özen Sengülen <osengulen@hotmail.com>
Reminder NUJ June Branch Meeting
Wednesday 12th June 2013
Kahawa Cafe
163 New Union Street
Coventry
CV1 2PL
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Topics in this message:
Don't let the Racists Divide us - Support Unite Against Fascism
UN Committee Against Torture Strongly Critical of UK Human Rights
Understanding Gezi Park, the AKP, and the Turkish Protest Movement
******************************************************
Don't let the Racists Divide us - Support Unite Against Fascism (UAF)
We must never let the politics of hate divide us. Creating more good quality jobs and affordable homes is the best way to give ordinary working people hope for the future and to tackle the root causes of fear and insecurity that the likes of the EDL and BNP feed on.'
Frances O'Grady, TUC General Secretary
Unite Against Fascism has launched a campaign - Don't let the racists divide us - to organise a nationwide response to the attempts by the racist and fascist English Defence League (EDL) and British National Party (BNP) to exploit the tragic death of Lee Rigby by whipping up racism and hatred. This is a cynical attempt to pursue their own agenda directed against Black, Asian and especially Muslim communities.
Since the day of Lee Rigby's death there has been a severe spike in Islamophobic attacks and a wave of assaults on Mosques. Muslim communities are experiencing verbal abuse, women's headscarves have been torn off as well as more serious threats and violent attacks. Racists are simply stepping up their campaign.
Last Saturday, Unite Against Fascism organized counter demonstration against a number of planned demonstrations by the EDL and BNP, in Coventry, London Leeds, Glasgow and successfully stopped the EDL and BNP from marching.
In Coventry, there were a variety of speakers at the counter demonstration at Broadgate which included representatives from the Warwick & Coventry Student Unions, Unite, NUT, Unison, PCS & Coventry Trade Union Council. As well as observing a minutes silence for Lee Rigby, speakers spoke about the need to work in unity to ensure the proud anti racist tradition in Coventry. The small number of EDL supporters who did turn up were not able to do much in the face of the strength of UAF opposition.
In Light of the above as Equality officer, I would like to table a motion, at this months branch meeting, that the NUJ Birmingham and Coventry Branch 'Affiliate to Unite Against Fascism', cost £50 for one year.
Eleanor Lisney <<mailto:elisney@gmail.com>elisney@gmail.com>
Unite Against Fascism Website
*********************************************************
UN Committee Against Torture Strongly Critical of UK Human Rights
Concluding observations on the fifth periodic report of the United Kingdom, adopted by the UN Committee against Torture report at its fiftieth session (6-31 May 2013). The report notes 36 areas of serious concern and in its' conclusion, 'invites the State party to ratify the core United Nations human rights treaties to which it is not yet a party, namely the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.'
Read the full report <> here . . . .
Wednesday 12th June 2013
Kahawa Cafe
163 New Union Street
Coventry
CV1 2PL
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: alan.weaver1@ntlworld.com
Topics in this message:
Don't let the Racists Divide us - Support Unite Against Fascism
UN Committee Against Torture Strongly Critical of UK Human Rights
Understanding Gezi Park, the AKP, and the Turkish Protest Movement
******************************************************
Don't let the Racists Divide us - Support Unite Against Fascism (UAF)
We must never let the politics of hate divide us. Creating more good quality jobs and affordable homes is the best way to give ordinary working people hope for the future and to tackle the root causes of fear and insecurity that the likes of the EDL and BNP feed on.'
Frances O'Grady, TUC General Secretary
Unite Against Fascism has launched a campaign - Don't let the racists divide us - to organise a nationwide response to the attempts by the racist and fascist English Defence League (EDL) and British National Party (BNP) to exploit the tragic death of Lee Rigby by whipping up racism and hatred. This is a cynical attempt to pursue their own agenda directed against Black, Asian and especially Muslim communities.
Since the day of Lee Rigby's death there has been a severe spike in Islamophobic attacks and a wave of assaults on Mosques. Muslim communities are experiencing verbal abuse, women's headscarves have been torn off as well as more serious threats and violent attacks. Racists are simply stepping up their campaign.
Last Saturday, Unite Against Fascism organized counter demonstration against a number of planned demonstrations by the EDL and BNP, in Coventry, London Leeds, Glasgow and successfully stopped the EDL and BNP from marching.
In Coventry, there were a variety of speakers at the counter demonstration at Broadgate which included representatives from the Warwick & Coventry Student Unions, Unite, NUT, Unison, PCS & Coventry Trade Union Council. As well as observing a minutes silence for Lee Rigby, speakers spoke about the need to work in unity to ensure the proud anti racist tradition in Coventry. The small number of EDL supporters who did turn up were not able to do much in the face of the strength of UAF opposition.
In Light of the above as Equality officer, I would like to table a motion, at this months branch meeting, that the NUJ Birmingham and Coventry Branch 'Affiliate to Unite Against Fascism', cost £50 for one year.
Eleanor Lisney <<mailto:elisney@gmail.com>elisney@gmail.com>
Unite Against Fascism Website
*********************************************************
UN Committee Against Torture Strongly Critical of UK Human Rights
Concluding observations on the fifth periodic report of the United Kingdom, adopted by the UN Committee against Torture report at its fiftieth session (6-31 May 2013). The report notes 36 areas of serious concern and in its' conclusion, 'invites the State party to ratify the core United Nations human rights treaties to which it is not yet a party, namely the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.'
Read the full report <> here . . . .
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