Cradley Heath Chainmakers Festival
Saturday 7th June 2014 - 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Bearmore Mound Playing Fields, Cradley Heath, West Midlands B64 6DU
This will be the 10th celebration that celebrates the achievements of 800 women Chainmakers who fought to establish a minimum wage for their labour in 1910, following a 10 week strike. The local employers sought to deny them their rights but were met with forceful opposition. The strike was led by trade unionist Mary Macarthur, who founded the National Federation of Women Workers and later stood for Parliament as a Labour candidate.
More details/full programme <> here . . . .
"Rouse, Ye Women": The Cradley Heath Chain Makers' Strike, 1910
During the 19th century the Black Country, in particular the Cradley Heath area, became the centre for chain making in Britain. Heavy to medium chains were produced by men in factories, however the smaller chains (often known as 'hand-hammered' or 'country-work' chains) were often hand-worked by women or children in small cramped forges in outbuildings next to the home. The work was hot, physically demanding and poorly paid. Like other homeworking, chainmaking was an example of a "sweated" trade, where workers (often women) were paid a pittance to produce cheap goods at home.
At the start of the 20th century the campaign to end the exploitation of "sweated" labour gained increasing popular support. In 1909 the Liberal government passed the Trade Boards Act to set up regulatory boards to establish and enforce minimum rates of pay for workers in four of the most exploited industries - chain-making, box-making, lace-making and the production of ready-made clothing. In the Spring of 1910, the Chain Trade Board announced a minimum wage for hand-hammered chain-workers of two and a half pence an hour - for many women this was nearly double the existing rate. At the end of the Trade Board's consultation period in August 1910, many employers refused to pay the increase. In response, the women's union, the National Federation of Women Workers (NFWW), called a strike.
The strike lasted 10 weeks and attracted immense popular support from all sections of society - nearly £4,000 of donations were received by the end of the dispute from individual workers, trade unions, politicians, members of the aristocracy, business community and the clergy. The founder of the NFWW, Mary Macarthur, used mass meetings and the media - including the new medium of cinema - to bring the situation of the striking women to a wider audience and the strike became an international cause célèbre. Within a month 60% of employers had signed the 'White List' and agreed to pay the minimum rate, the dispute finally ended on 22 October when the last employer signed the list.
Source for this text: Modern Records Centre, Warwick
This is the official blog for the NUJ Birmingham and Coventry branch.
Monday, June 2
Tuesday, April 29
Calling Notice: Birmingham & Coventry NUJ May Branch Meeting
Tuesday 13th May 2014
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: tony@tonyadamsproductions.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of February meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
6) Any other business
******************************************************
Chris Morley - Walking the Walk for NUJ Charity
I've always enjoyed a physical challenge and taking on a long distance trek definitely appealed. So having a go at the Big Daddy of them all, the Pennine Way, seemed like a good idea, especially as it takes in the site of the legendary Kinder Mass Trespass protest at Malham Moor. This was the inspiration for breaking the restricted access to the countryside by the land owners and helped us achieve the "right to roam".
Throughout my membership, I have witnessed the great work the NUJ's charities have done for journalists and their dependants who have fallen on hard times. And in the last decade, those hard times have got very tough indeed for some.
But NUJ Extra has had notable successes in protecting the most vulnerable and supporting them in the hour of their greatest need. As a full-time official, I have seen the power of having that tenuous safety net - enough to keep journalists in a job when otherwise they would have had to throw in the towel and rely on benefits.
So if you support the NUJ and believe journalists and their families should be able to call on a helping hand in times of need, could you show your support by supporting me on my trek through May 2014?
If you can, please donate via the NUJ Extra page on the NUJ website. Just go to http://portal.nuj.org.uk/portal/public/donate/donate.aspx and you can give with Gift Aid to maximise the amount received.
******************************************************
Tuesday 13th May 2014
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: tony@tonyadamsproductions.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of February meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
6) Any other business
******************************************************
Chris Morley - Walking the Walk for NUJ Charity
I've always enjoyed a physical challenge and taking on a long distance trek definitely appealed. So having a go at the Big Daddy of them all, the Pennine Way, seemed like a good idea, especially as it takes in the site of the legendary Kinder Mass Trespass protest at Malham Moor. This was the inspiration for breaking the restricted access to the countryside by the land owners and helped us achieve the "right to roam".
Throughout my membership, I have witnessed the great work the NUJ's charities have done for journalists and their dependants who have fallen on hard times. And in the last decade, those hard times have got very tough indeed for some.
But NUJ Extra has had notable successes in protecting the most vulnerable and supporting them in the hour of their greatest need. As a full-time official, I have seen the power of having that tenuous safety net - enough to keep journalists in a job when otherwise they would have had to throw in the towel and rely on benefits.
So if you support the NUJ and believe journalists and their families should be able to call on a helping hand in times of need, could you show your support by supporting me on my trek through May 2014?
If you can, please donate via the NUJ Extra page on the NUJ website. Just go to http://portal.nuj.org.uk/portal/public/donate/donate.aspx and you can give with Gift Aid to maximise the amount received.
******************************************************
Thursday, April 17
Midland News Association Announces 76 job losses
NUJ members have reacted with shock at an announcement by Midland News Association, publisher of the Express and Star and Shropshire Star, that it plans to cut 76 jobs, 12 in editorial and that its daily titles will switch to overnight production.
A letter from Phil Inman, Claverley Group chief executive, said:
"The Express & Star and Shropshire Newspapers have strong futures where they will remain the leading publishers in their markets but we must consider new ways of operating that better reflect the change in people's lives. This will necessitate significant investment to strengthen the digital operation… Although the exact number of job losses is still under discussion and numbers may change we consider that 76 of the workforce (overall including Express & Star, Shropshire Newspapers and MNA) could be potentially redundant."
He said the plans to move to overnight publication would require changes to working hours and shift patterns for news editors, sub-editors and drivers and potential moves to "continental style shifts" for print production staff.
There will now be a 45-day consultation period on the company's proposals.
Chris Morley, Northern and Midlands organiser:
"There is great shock at the timing of this announcement, although our members had been fearful something like this was not far away This is a huge blow, not just in the numbers of people who may lose their jobs but also to quality journalism.
"The two daily papers in Wolverhampton and Shropshire have been the lonely standard bearers for same-day regional newspaper news and sport and had been very successful in that over many years. But repeated deep cuts to editorial numbers have critically weakened what they have been able to offer readers by badly overstretching staff.
"The NUJ calls on the company to open talks with unions to find a sustainable way forward. This must be done in a way staff are reassured that directors will not take the discredited path to a cycle of cuts to the core business and then more cuts that drives away still yet more readers and advertisers.
"Any change from same-day publication will require major changes to the way staff work. If the proposals are to be implemented, to work they need to be with the agreement of staff - not by the company putting a gun to employees' heads."
The union is now in discussion with the chapeIs involved.
NUJ members have reacted with shock at an announcement by Midland News Association, publisher of the Express and Star and Shropshire Star, that it plans to cut 76 jobs, 12 in editorial and that its daily titles will switch to overnight production.
A letter from Phil Inman, Claverley Group chief executive, said:
"The Express & Star and Shropshire Newspapers have strong futures where they will remain the leading publishers in their markets but we must consider new ways of operating that better reflect the change in people's lives. This will necessitate significant investment to strengthen the digital operation… Although the exact number of job losses is still under discussion and numbers may change we consider that 76 of the workforce (overall including Express & Star, Shropshire Newspapers and MNA) could be potentially redundant."
He said the plans to move to overnight publication would require changes to working hours and shift patterns for news editors, sub-editors and drivers and potential moves to "continental style shifts" for print production staff.
There will now be a 45-day consultation period on the company's proposals.
Chris Morley, Northern and Midlands organiser:
"There is great shock at the timing of this announcement, although our members had been fearful something like this was not far away This is a huge blow, not just in the numbers of people who may lose their jobs but also to quality journalism.
"The two daily papers in Wolverhampton and Shropshire have been the lonely standard bearers for same-day regional newspaper news and sport and had been very successful in that over many years. But repeated deep cuts to editorial numbers have critically weakened what they have been able to offer readers by badly overstretching staff.
"The NUJ calls on the company to open talks with unions to find a sustainable way forward. This must be done in a way staff are reassured that directors will not take the discredited path to a cycle of cuts to the core business and then more cuts that drives away still yet more readers and advertisers.
"Any change from same-day publication will require major changes to the way staff work. If the proposals are to be implemented, to work they need to be with the agreement of staff - not by the company putting a gun to employees' heads."
The union is now in discussion with the chapeIs involved.
Tuesday, March 25
Calling notice: Coventry & Birmingham Branch Meeting April 2014
Tuesday 8 th April 2014
Kahawa Cafe
163 New Union Street
Coventry
CV1 2PL
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: tony@tonyadamsproductions.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of March meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
6) Any other business
Item in this message:
Stand Up For Education - Rally to Defend Teachers
Fair Pay Fortnight - West Midlands Wage Summit
Benefits Street or Scapegoat Street
What all journalists need to know about the Defamation Act 2013
**********************************************************
Stand Up For Education - Rally to Defend Teachers
Birmingham - Wednesday 26th march 2014
11:30 am to 12:4 5 pm
Victoria Square
Birmingham,
B1 1BD
The NUT needs your support to defend education and protect teachers. There is a national strike planned for This Wednesday March 26. there will be Picket Lines across Birmingham schools followed by a rally in Victoria Square @ 11:30am
Striking Against:
Excessive workload and bureaucracy
Performance related pay
Unfair pension changes
Pay: Destroying the national pay framework means tat in every school head teachers and governors have to worry about developing a pay system instead of focusing onf teaching and learning.
Workload: Government policies mean that far too much time is spent on bureaucratic box-ticking that stops teachers focusing on teaching.
Pensions: The NUT recognises that other workers are having their pensions squeezed. We believe that this is wrong too - everyone should be entitled to a decent standard of living in retirement.
**********************************************************
EDM 1207: Wage Levels And The TUC's Fair Pay Fortnight Campaign
That this House notes that living standards have been under pressure since the recession of 2008-09 and despite the recent recovery in growth are not yet picking up, and that real wages for the average full-time worker have fallen by £2,800 since 2009; further notes that the reason for the squeeze, the longest since the 1870s, is weak wage growth; further notes that even on the more optimistic forecasts, real wages for those in the middle and below will not return to their 2008 levels until around 2020, and that whilst more people are now in work and unemployment is falling, too many of the new jobs are low paid, insecure and precarious; believes that a real, sustainable recovery which benefits ordinary people will require real wages to rise, and that this would not only relieve some of the strains on living standards but provide a solid underpinning for rising household spending and economic growth; and therefore strongly agrees with the TUC that Britain needs a pay rise, and supports the TUC's Fair Pay Fortnight campaign beginning on 24 March 2014.
Sponsors: Lavery, Ian/ Morris, Grahame M / Mearns, Ian / Sheridan, Jim / Cryer, John / Clark, Katy - House of Commons: <> 20.03.2014
Fair Pay Fortnight - West Midlands Wage Summit
Friday 4th April 2014 - 18:30 to 20:30
Birmingham City Council Chamber
Town Hall
Victoria Square
Birmingham, B3 3DQ
Costs: Free
About this event: Working people in the UK are seeing their living standards squeezed harder and harder every year. The cost of energy, food and housing is soaring but pay isn't keeping up. On average, workers in the West Midlands have lost more than £2,500 since 2009 and many people are trapped in low-paid and insecure jobs.
Speakers:
Chair Rob Johnston Midlands TUC Regional Secretary
Joe Morgan GMB Regional Secretary
Cllr Stewart Stacey Birmingham City Council
David Gardner KPMG, Director of Public Policy
Jack Dromey Erdington MP & Shadow Police Minister
Mark New UNISON West Midlands Regional Organiser
Further speakers to be confirmed
A media campaign action will also be held at 12 noon outside Birmingham Town hall on 4 April
Inquiries/Further Information:
Michelle Kesterton <mkesterton@tuc.org.uk>
*************************************************************
Benefits Street or Scapegoat Street
Public Meeting
2:30pm Saturday 5th April
The Priory Rooms, Bull Street (off Corporation Street), Birmingham, B4 6AF
Speakers:
Chris Baugh, Assistant General Secretary, PCS
Robert Punton, Disabled Peoples Against the Cuts
Sandra Kane, Birmingham Benefit Justice Campaign
Organised by the Public and Commercial Services Union PCS
<> www.pcs.org.uk
*************************************************************
What all Journalists Need to Know About the Defamation Act 2013
This event is for NUJ members only
The Defamation Act 2013 is now in force and has introduced major changes which affect how journalists work.
Tamsin Allen and Athalie Matthews of Bindmans LLP will guide members through the changes. They will discuss:
what constitutes defamation;
what constitutes publication to third parties;
the various forms that defamation can take;
and the new defences introduced by the Act.
There will be time for questions and answers.
We expect places at the seminar will be in high demand, they will be allocated on a strictly first-come-first-served basis.
Wednesday 16 April 2014 / Headland House, 308-312 Gray's Inn Rd, London
Further details / contact information
Email: freelanceoffice@nuj.org.uk
Tuesday 8 th April 2014
Kahawa Cafe
163 New Union Street
Coventry
CV1 2PL
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: tony@tonyadamsproductions.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of March meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
6) Any other business
Item in this message:
Stand Up For Education - Rally to Defend Teachers
Fair Pay Fortnight - West Midlands Wage Summit
Benefits Street or Scapegoat Street
What all journalists need to know about the Defamation Act 2013
**********************************************************
Stand Up For Education - Rally to Defend Teachers
Birmingham - Wednesday 26th march 2014
11:30 am to 12:4 5 pm
Victoria Square
Birmingham,
B1 1BD
The NUT needs your support to defend education and protect teachers. There is a national strike planned for This Wednesday March 26. there will be Picket Lines across Birmingham schools followed by a rally in Victoria Square @ 11:30am
Striking Against:
Excessive workload and bureaucracy
Performance related pay
Unfair pension changes
Pay: Destroying the national pay framework means tat in every school head teachers and governors have to worry about developing a pay system instead of focusing onf teaching and learning.
Workload: Government policies mean that far too much time is spent on bureaucratic box-ticking that stops teachers focusing on teaching.
Pensions: The NUT recognises that other workers are having their pensions squeezed. We believe that this is wrong too - everyone should be entitled to a decent standard of living in retirement.
**********************************************************
EDM 1207: Wage Levels And The TUC's Fair Pay Fortnight Campaign
That this House notes that living standards have been under pressure since the recession of 2008-09 and despite the recent recovery in growth are not yet picking up, and that real wages for the average full-time worker have fallen by £2,800 since 2009; further notes that the reason for the squeeze, the longest since the 1870s, is weak wage growth; further notes that even on the more optimistic forecasts, real wages for those in the middle and below will not return to their 2008 levels until around 2020, and that whilst more people are now in work and unemployment is falling, too many of the new jobs are low paid, insecure and precarious; believes that a real, sustainable recovery which benefits ordinary people will require real wages to rise, and that this would not only relieve some of the strains on living standards but provide a solid underpinning for rising household spending and economic growth; and therefore strongly agrees with the TUC that Britain needs a pay rise, and supports the TUC's Fair Pay Fortnight campaign beginning on 24 March 2014.
Sponsors: Lavery, Ian/ Morris, Grahame M / Mearns, Ian / Sheridan, Jim / Cryer, John / Clark, Katy - House of Commons: <> 20.03.2014
Fair Pay Fortnight - West Midlands Wage Summit
Friday 4th April 2014 - 18:30 to 20:30
Birmingham City Council Chamber
Town Hall
Victoria Square
Birmingham, B3 3DQ
Costs: Free
About this event: Working people in the UK are seeing their living standards squeezed harder and harder every year. The cost of energy, food and housing is soaring but pay isn't keeping up. On average, workers in the West Midlands have lost more than £2,500 since 2009 and many people are trapped in low-paid and insecure jobs.
Speakers:
Chair Rob Johnston Midlands TUC Regional Secretary
Joe Morgan GMB Regional Secretary
Cllr Stewart Stacey Birmingham City Council
David Gardner KPMG, Director of Public Policy
Jack Dromey Erdington MP & Shadow Police Minister
Mark New UNISON West Midlands Regional Organiser
Further speakers to be confirmed
A media campaign action will also be held at 12 noon outside Birmingham Town hall on 4 April
Inquiries/Further Information:
Michelle Kesterton <mkesterton@tuc.org.uk>
*************************************************************
Benefits Street or Scapegoat Street
Public Meeting
2:30pm Saturday 5th April
The Priory Rooms, Bull Street (off Corporation Street), Birmingham, B4 6AF
Speakers:
Chris Baugh, Assistant General Secretary, PCS
Robert Punton, Disabled Peoples Against the Cuts
Sandra Kane, Birmingham Benefit Justice Campaign
Organised by the Public and Commercial Services Union PCS
<> www.pcs.org.uk
*************************************************************
What all Journalists Need to Know About the Defamation Act 2013
This event is for NUJ members only
The Defamation Act 2013 is now in force and has introduced major changes which affect how journalists work.
Tamsin Allen and Athalie Matthews of Bindmans LLP will guide members through the changes. They will discuss:
what constitutes defamation;
what constitutes publication to third parties;
the various forms that defamation can take;
and the new defences introduced by the Act.
There will be time for questions and answers.
We expect places at the seminar will be in high demand, they will be allocated on a strictly first-come-first-served basis.
Wednesday 16 April 2014 / Headland House, 308-312 Gray's Inn Rd, London
Further details / contact information
Email: freelanceoffice@nuj.org.uk
Friday, March 7
Birmingham & Coventry NUJ Branch Meeting March 2014
Tuesday 11th March 2014
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: tony@tonyadamsproductions.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of February meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
6) Any other business
Item in this message:
- State of the Union
- Migrant Workers in Qatar & the 2022 World Cup
- Rally and Demo Marking UN Anti-Racism Day
*************************************************
State of the Union
All figures are as at the last day of September each year
In the last five financial years membership has declined by 5,680
Membership Year on year decline Paying membership
2013 29,506 1513 25,189
2012 31,019 2053 25,987
2011 33,072 763 26,458
2010 33,835 1351 27,130
2009 35,186 28,337
Monies
2013 Surplus for year £1,752,260
2012 Deficit for year - £3,959,872
2011 Surplus for year £682,897
2010 Deficit for year - £313,082
2009 Deficit for year - £2,855,922
2013 Amount of general fund at end of year - £2,071,601
2012 Amount of general fund at end of year - £3,823,960
2011 Amount of general fund at end of year £135,912
2010 Amount of general fund at end of year £546,985
2009 Amount of general fund at end of year - £223,903
NUJ: Annual return for the years ended 30th September 2009/2013 as filed with the 'Certification Officer', available <> here . . . .
*************************************************
EDM 1095: Migrant Workers in Qatar & the 2022 World Cup
That this House notes that since Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 World Cup the country has experienced a construction boom; further notes that in the last two years hundreds of Indian and Nepalese migrant workers have died working on construction projects in Qatar; moreover is extremely concerned that in the build-up to 2022 hundreds more migrant workers will die due to unsafe working conditions; and calls on the Government, the international community and FIFA to act to urge Qatar in the strongest possible terms to drastically improve working conditions, review the migrant worker sponsorship scheme and properly compensate the families of migrant workers who have been injured or killed.
Sponsors: Mann, John / Betts, Clive / Durkan, Mark / Ritchie, Margaret / Russell, Bob
<http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2013-14/1095> House of Commons: 24.02.2014
*************************************************
Rally and Demo Marking UN Anti-Racism Day
Assemble 11:00am, Saturday 22nd March 2014
London: Parade from the Mandela Statue in Parliament Square to rally at Trafalgar Square
Organized by TUC & Unite
Transport from Birmingham:
8:15 am, Iron Man, Birmingham Town Hall, Victoria Square
Tickets £5 unwaged, £10 waged, £20 solidarity
To buy/book tickets call 07974 131966
UN Anti-Racism day
A day of action has been called for across Europe on 22 March to coincide with UN Anti-racism Day. With eyes on the European elections in May parties in most countries of the right, centre and even the traditional left are allowing politics and the media to be dominated by racism and xenophobia. Islamophobia and anti-Semitism and the scapegoating of minorities - immigrants, Roma, Black and Asian communities - have become the norm. In Britain the fascist and far right are seeking gains, but there is an even greater immediate threat.
No to Scapegoating Immigrants
That is the increasing tendency of mainstream political parties to tail-end the right-wing, populist UKIP. They are out-vying each other in calls for draconian 'anti-immigration' policies and generally promoting a 'Little Englander' anti-foreign, anti-European mentality, most recently seen with the hostility and racism whipped up towards the projected arrival of Bulgarian and Romanian migrant workers.
No to Islamophobia
In particular, it has become acceptable to promote fear and hatred of Muslim people and Islam as a religion. This racism creates a climate of Islamophobia, leading directly to more attacks on the Muslim population, including murder and violent attacks on mosques.
Remember Mandela - YES to diversity
In remembering Nelson Mandela we too should cherish "the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and equal opportunities." UN Anti-racism Day commemorates the victims of the Sharpeville massacre in 1960, when 69 peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were killed by South African police forces.
Many organisations and communities have come together to call for this parade and rally. Join us in rejecting racism and showing that migrants are welcome. Let's celebrate diversity by expressing our cultures and identities. Let's demonstrate our confidence in a future free of scapegoating, racism and hatred.
http://www.standuptoracism.org.uk/
Tuesday 11th March 2014
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Any apologies to branch chair: tony@tonyadamsproductions.com
Agenda
1) Introduction by chair/those attending
2) Minutes of February meeting
3) Secretary/Treasurers reports
4) Branch reports
5) Up date on disputes
6) Any other business
Item in this message:
- State of the Union
- Migrant Workers in Qatar & the 2022 World Cup
- Rally and Demo Marking UN Anti-Racism Day
*************************************************
State of the Union
All figures are as at the last day of September each year
In the last five financial years membership has declined by 5,680
Membership Year on year decline Paying membership
2013 29,506 1513 25,189
2012 31,019 2053 25,987
2011 33,072 763 26,458
2010 33,835 1351 27,130
2009 35,186 28,337
Monies
2013 Surplus for year £1,752,260
2012 Deficit for year - £3,959,872
2011 Surplus for year £682,897
2010 Deficit for year - £313,082
2009 Deficit for year - £2,855,922
2013 Amount of general fund at end of year - £2,071,601
2012 Amount of general fund at end of year - £3,823,960
2011 Amount of general fund at end of year £135,912
2010 Amount of general fund at end of year £546,985
2009 Amount of general fund at end of year - £223,903
NUJ: Annual return for the years ended 30th September 2009/2013 as filed with the 'Certification Officer', available <> here . . . .
*************************************************
EDM 1095: Migrant Workers in Qatar & the 2022 World Cup
That this House notes that since Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 World Cup the country has experienced a construction boom; further notes that in the last two years hundreds of Indian and Nepalese migrant workers have died working on construction projects in Qatar; moreover is extremely concerned that in the build-up to 2022 hundreds more migrant workers will die due to unsafe working conditions; and calls on the Government, the international community and FIFA to act to urge Qatar in the strongest possible terms to drastically improve working conditions, review the migrant worker sponsorship scheme and properly compensate the families of migrant workers who have been injured or killed.
Sponsors: Mann, John / Betts, Clive / Durkan, Mark / Ritchie, Margaret / Russell, Bob
<http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2013-14/1095> House of Commons: 24.02.2014
*************************************************
Rally and Demo Marking UN Anti-Racism Day
Assemble 11:00am, Saturday 22nd March 2014
London: Parade from the Mandela Statue in Parliament Square to rally at Trafalgar Square
Organized by TUC & Unite
Transport from Birmingham:
8:15 am, Iron Man, Birmingham Town Hall, Victoria Square
Tickets £5 unwaged, £10 waged, £20 solidarity
To buy/book tickets call 07974 131966
UN Anti-Racism day
A day of action has been called for across Europe on 22 March to coincide with UN Anti-racism Day. With eyes on the European elections in May parties in most countries of the right, centre and even the traditional left are allowing politics and the media to be dominated by racism and xenophobia. Islamophobia and anti-Semitism and the scapegoating of minorities - immigrants, Roma, Black and Asian communities - have become the norm. In Britain the fascist and far right are seeking gains, but there is an even greater immediate threat.
No to Scapegoating Immigrants
That is the increasing tendency of mainstream political parties to tail-end the right-wing, populist UKIP. They are out-vying each other in calls for draconian 'anti-immigration' policies and generally promoting a 'Little Englander' anti-foreign, anti-European mentality, most recently seen with the hostility and racism whipped up towards the projected arrival of Bulgarian and Romanian migrant workers.
No to Islamophobia
In particular, it has become acceptable to promote fear and hatred of Muslim people and Islam as a religion. This racism creates a climate of Islamophobia, leading directly to more attacks on the Muslim population, including murder and violent attacks on mosques.
Remember Mandela - YES to diversity
In remembering Nelson Mandela we too should cherish "the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and equal opportunities." UN Anti-racism Day commemorates the victims of the Sharpeville massacre in 1960, when 69 peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were killed by South African police forces.
Many organisations and communities have come together to call for this parade and rally. Join us in rejecting racism and showing that migrants are welcome. Let's celebrate diversity by expressing our cultures and identities. Let's demonstrate our confidence in a future free of scapegoating, racism and hatred.
http://www.standuptoracism.org.uk/
Tuesday, February 18
People's Assembly Public Meeting 6th March 7pm Coventry
The People's Assembly Public Meeting Thursday 6th March 7 pm
Methodist Central Hall
Coventry City Centre CV1 2HA
Main Speaker : Owen Jones (Author of Chavs :the demonisation of the Working Class')
Other speakers include Disabled People Against Cuts, Defend George Elliot Hospital Campaign, sacked union activists, Anti Bedroom Tax and more.
Atos Demonstrations in Birmingham and Coventry
Coventry
Demonstration at Coventry Assessment Centre, Cofa Court, St Patricks Rd, Coventry CV1 2HJ ( from 10am) Wednesday 19th February
https://www.facebook.com/events/717017001642348/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular
Birmingham
Birmingham Assessment Centre, Five Ways House, Islington Row Middleway, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1SL
from 8am
https://www.facebook.com/events/267028783448981/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular
Friday, February 14
Early Day Motion 1088: Newsquest Newspapers And Local Journalism
That this House deeply regrets that Newsquest Media Group intends to transfer the design and sub-editing for the Northern Echo (Darlington), Telegraph and Argus (Bradford) and the Press (York) to Newport, Wales; notes that the US-based owner Gannett paid £922 million for Newsquest in 1999, taking on the company's debt, leading to cutbacks and lack of investment in the local newspaper titles; further notes that the current plans represent de-skilling of the workforce and entail serious risks in the reduction of quality due to the loss of local knowledge and the vital connection with the local community; resolves to support members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) taking action to defend local journalism; and calls on the Government to convene urgent discussions with the NUJ and publishers to discuss how to encourage investment, decent pay and conditions essential for a thriving local press and also to develop an effective strategy for protecting local jobs and quality journalism.
Sponsors: McDonnell, John / Mitchell, Austin / Corbyn, Jeremy / Skinner, Dennis / Russell, Bob - House of Commons: 12.02.2014
That this House deeply regrets that Newsquest Media Group intends to transfer the design and sub-editing for the Northern Echo (Darlington), Telegraph and Argus (Bradford) and the Press (York) to Newport, Wales; notes that the US-based owner Gannett paid £922 million for Newsquest in 1999, taking on the company's debt, leading to cutbacks and lack of investment in the local newspaper titles; further notes that the current plans represent de-skilling of the workforce and entail serious risks in the reduction of quality due to the loss of local knowledge and the vital connection with the local community; resolves to support members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) taking action to defend local journalism; and calls on the Government to convene urgent discussions with the NUJ and publishers to discuss how to encourage investment, decent pay and conditions essential for a thriving local press and also to develop an effective strategy for protecting local jobs and quality journalism.
Sponsors: McDonnell, John / Mitchell, Austin / Corbyn, Jeremy / Skinner, Dennis / Russell, Bob - House of Commons: 12.02.2014
Monday, February 3
Annual General Meeting Birmingham and Coventry NUJ
Tuesday 11th February 2014
Kahawa Cafe
163 New Union Street
Coventry
CV1 2PL
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Election of Branch Officers for 2014/2015
All branch posts become vacant at the AGM and all members can stand to serve the branch for 2014/2015.
Current posts are Chair, Vice chair, Secretary/Treasurer (combined post) , Equalities, Communications, Minutes Secretary, Recruitment, Welfare.
Posts of Secretary/Treasurer and Communications, each carry a bursary of £600.
Nominees will need a seconder and nominations can be made at anytime before the February meeting, send nominations to Branch Secretary Stalingrad O'Neill <stalingrad1@yahoo.com>.
If you have any news/stories for branch newsletter,
Email <birminghamcoventry@nuj.org.uk>
*********************************************************
HOPE not hate
Invited speaker: NUJ member Owen Jones, West Midlands Community Organiser for HOPE not hate. To give an update on the campaigns they are currently running in the lead into the European Parliament elections scheduled to be held on Thursday 22 May 2014
Owen, manages and oversee twelve community engagement projects across the West Midlands, working on extremely disenfranchised social housing estates to try and make their communities a nicer, safer and more welcoming place to live.
Tuesday 11th February 2014
Kahawa Cafe
163 New Union Street
Coventry
CV1 2PL
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Election of Branch Officers for 2014/2015
All branch posts become vacant at the AGM and all members can stand to serve the branch for 2014/2015.
Current posts are Chair, Vice chair, Secretary/Treasurer (combined post) , Equalities, Communications, Minutes Secretary, Recruitment, Welfare.
Posts of Secretary/Treasurer and Communications, each carry a bursary of £600.
Nominees will need a seconder and nominations can be made at anytime before the February meeting, send nominations to Branch Secretary Stalingrad O'Neill <stalingrad1@yahoo.com>.
If you have any news/stories for branch newsletter,
Email <birminghamcoventry@nuj.org.uk>
*********************************************************
HOPE not hate
Invited speaker: NUJ member Owen Jones, West Midlands Community Organiser for HOPE not hate. To give an update on the campaigns they are currently running in the lead into the European Parliament elections scheduled to be held on Thursday 22 May 2014
Owen, manages and oversee twelve community engagement projects across the West Midlands, working on extremely disenfranchised social housing estates to try and make their communities a nicer, safer and more welcoming place to live.
Tuesday, January 7
Birmingham & Coventry NUJ January 2014 Branch Meeting
Tuesday 21st January 2014
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Guest speaker: Diana Peasy
Diana has previously served on the NUJ's National Executive Committee for five years, firstly representing Broadcasting and then the Midlands region. And will again represent the Midlands region from April 2014 to March 2016
She has been a member of the Broadcasting Industrial council for the past decade and has spoken in the House of Commons lobby following the announcement on job cuts at Carlton (formerly Central) Television in Nottingham. She supported the campaign to oppose job losses and the closure of the studios in the city. Diana helped with collecting signatures for a huge petition which was presented to 10 Downing Street.
MoC at the BBC in Nottingham for 17 years during which time she was involved in national talks on multi-skill working, pay and the regrading of posts. Diana also represented several members at disciplinary hearings.
Diana is Chair of the Nottingham NUJ branch. She knows the Midlands well, having lived and worked in Leicester, Nottingham and Birmingham. She has worked in newspapers, commercial radio and for the BBC in local radio and regional television. As Chair, she’s given considerable support to one of her freelance photographers who has appeared in court on a charge of obstruction for taking pictures of an armed police marksman.
http://www.dianapeasey.com/
*********************************************
Elected to NUJ Industrial Councils & NEC for April 2014 to March 2016
Eleanor Lisney: Midlands seat, on the New Media Industrial Council.
Stalingrad O'Neill: Freelance Industrial Council, East/West Midlands seat.
Ozen Sengülen : Midlands/East Anglia seat, on the Photographers’ Council.
Alan Taman: Public Relations and Communication Industrial Council, Midlands seat.
John O: National Executive Council - (Job share with Diana Peasy )
*********************************************
Annual General Meeting for Birmingham & Coventry Branch
Will take place in Coventry in February, venue and date to follow. All branch posts will be elected at this meeting, they are: Chair, Vice Chair, Equality, Minutes, Welfare,Communications, Treasurer/Secretary; there is a Bursary of £600 for the latter two posts.
*********************************************
Early Day Motion 909: Threats To Anabel Hernández
That this House salutes the bravery of Mexican journalist Anabel Hernández whose recently published book on Narco Wars has highlighted issues of security and corruption in Mexico; is appalled that in common with many investigative journalists she faces constant death threats; notes that on 19 December 2013 her home was invaded by an armed gang in an attempt to find her and threaten her life; supports campaigns to secure the freedom and security of journalists to go about their work; and calls on the authorities in Mexico to ensure the safety and security of Anabel Hernández and the many serious investigative journalists who are also constantly threatened.
Sponsors: Corbyn, Jeremy / McDonnell, John / Sheridan, Jim / Hopkins, Kelvin / Durkan, Mark / Llwyd, Elfyn - <http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2013-14/909> House of commons: 06.01.2014
*********************************************
Tuesday 21st January 2014
Carrs Lane Church Centre
Carrs Lane
Birmingham
B4 7SX
6:00 pm for 6:30 start
Guest speaker: Diana Peasy
Diana has previously served on the NUJ's National Executive Committee for five years, firstly representing Broadcasting and then the Midlands region. And will again represent the Midlands region from April 2014 to March 2016
She has been a member of the Broadcasting Industrial council for the past decade and has spoken in the House of Commons lobby following the announcement on job cuts at Carlton (formerly Central) Television in Nottingham. She supported the campaign to oppose job losses and the closure of the studios in the city. Diana helped with collecting signatures for a huge petition which was presented to 10 Downing Street.
MoC at the BBC in Nottingham for 17 years during which time she was involved in national talks on multi-skill working, pay and the regrading of posts. Diana also represented several members at disciplinary hearings.
Diana is Chair of the Nottingham NUJ branch. She knows the Midlands well, having lived and worked in Leicester, Nottingham and Birmingham. She has worked in newspapers, commercial radio and for the BBC in local radio and regional television. As Chair, she’s given considerable support to one of her freelance photographers who has appeared in court on a charge of obstruction for taking pictures of an armed police marksman.
http://www.dianapeasey.com/
*********************************************
Elected to NUJ Industrial Councils & NEC for April 2014 to March 2016
Eleanor Lisney: Midlands seat, on the New Media Industrial Council.
Stalingrad O'Neill: Freelance Industrial Council, East/West Midlands seat.
Ozen Sengülen : Midlands/East Anglia seat, on the Photographers’ Council.
Alan Taman: Public Relations and Communication Industrial Council, Midlands seat.
John O: National Executive Council - (Job share with Diana Peasy )
*********************************************
Annual General Meeting for Birmingham & Coventry Branch
Will take place in Coventry in February, venue and date to follow. All branch posts will be elected at this meeting, they are: Chair, Vice Chair, Equality, Minutes, Welfare,Communications, Treasurer/Secretary; there is a Bursary of £600 for the latter two posts.
*********************************************
Early Day Motion 909: Threats To Anabel Hernández
That this House salutes the bravery of Mexican journalist Anabel Hernández whose recently published book on Narco Wars has highlighted issues of security and corruption in Mexico; is appalled that in common with many investigative journalists she faces constant death threats; notes that on 19 December 2013 her home was invaded by an armed gang in an attempt to find her and threaten her life; supports campaigns to secure the freedom and security of journalists to go about their work; and calls on the authorities in Mexico to ensure the safety and security of Anabel Hernández and the many serious investigative journalists who are also constantly threatened.
Sponsors: Corbyn, Jeremy / McDonnell, John / Sheridan, Jim / Hopkins, Kelvin / Durkan, Mark / Llwyd, Elfyn - <http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2013-14/909> House of commons: 06.01.2014
*********************************************
Thursday, December 5
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
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
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 . . . .
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