Vision by Future Plus

The magazine for GMB members

Vision

www.gmb.org.uk | Spring 2013

Visit our new website: gmb-southern.org.uk

IaiN W of r p a

Has beans! GMB stan ds up to Starbucks

o t s a Gltickets 3 age 2 p e e S

! t l u REs GMB wins settlement for Sodexo members

Does your boss keep you hanging on the line? See p14

In this issue...

Paul Maloney GMB Southern regional secretary

What the Dickens? Page 6

GMB wins a living wage for Barking and Dagenham members Page 16

Regional

National

4 Sodexo settlement

9 Make a difference

6 Round the twist

11 Paul Kenny speaks

7 Prospect pay cut

12 Blacklisting

8 Labour’s London

14 Zero hours contracts

25 Emergency in A&E

16 A living wage

Members win a settlement in Brighton

A Dickens themed protest in Windsor

GMB fights pay cut at Prospect Housing

Political support on the streets of Brixton

GMB fights to save Lewisham hospital

26 Coffee controversy Members tell Starbucks to pay its tax

28 A clean win

GMB wins pay battle for weekend cleaner

29 Know your rights! Are you being treated fairly at work?

30 Well bread

Bakery workers’ learning achievements

31 Contact GMB

Names and numbers you can call on

GMB regional editor Michelle Gordon: 020 8397 8881 Editorial director Stephen Pierce Editor Matt Robinson Art editor Johnny Goddard Contributors Emma Johnston, Jayne Nelson Advertising manager Steve Hulbert Account managers David Parker, Lisa Dunham Production and procurement manager Matt Eglinton Production co-ordinator Katty Skardon Creative director Matthew Williams Art director Stuart Hobbs Director, Future Plus UK Jayne Caple Printed at St Ives Direct

Help the Labour Party win the next election

A word from your general secretary

How GMB is beating the illegal blacklist

Paul Routledge on the pitfalls of ZHCs

GMB is winning fair pay for members in councils across the UK

18 GMB@WORK

How to pay your GMB subs by Direct Debit

20 British Gas offer

Recommend a friend for free insulation and get a £50 voucher with this exclusive offer

23 Win Glasto tickets

Your chance to win tickets to Glastonbury

24 Save a life today

Produced by Future Plus, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2BW

We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from well managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. Future Publishing and its paper suppliers have been independently certified in accordance with the rules of the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

Would you like to advertise in GMB Vision magazine? Please contact Steve Hulbert on 01225 442 244 (ex 5205) Accepting of advertising and inserts and does not imply GMB endorsement of the product or services. Remember that GMB recommends all services and offers should always be used to test the cost against other commercial companies. Members are advised to secure at least two quotes on all commercial transactions.

GMB is here to support you because you are GMB Welcome to the latest edition of GMB Southern Region’s Vision magazine. As most of our members are aware the coalition government cuts in public services, welfare and investment are now having a real and detrimental effect on our members and communities. Over £1bn has been spent on sacking frontline nursing staff from hospitals. People with severe disabilities are being forced to attend job interviews, where they are told to go self-employed only to get them off benefits so the private companies who interview them can get bonuses. Members’ wages are being driven down in a game of ‘race to the bottom’ by employers and none more so than Prospect Housing Association in Horley, where staff are suffering pay cuts of up to 40 per cent. Meanwhile the bosses continue to enjoy their fat cat pay-packets and benefits. GMB members across the region have had enough. In Brighton Hospital GMB members voted to strike when Sodexo announced 14 per cent staff cuts. In Lewisham 15,000 people rallied against the closure of the A&E department. Hundreds of GMB members protested in Wandsworth over the closure of meals on wheels. Youth unemployment continues to rise and, even when they have a job, young workers are paid poverty wages. How are they ever going to get on the housing ladder or afford rented accommodation? The answer is simple; get rid of the private sharks that are bleeding our public services dry and allocate money to councils to build and maintain council housing for families. It is easy to get involved in GMB. From becoming a workplace representative to joining our political activists’ network, you can defend your community. More and more GMB members are standing for election for public office because they know the plight of their local communities and are better equipped than career politicians to represent them. GMB is here to support you because you are GMB.

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GMB m o r f s w e n All the

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n o t h g i r b GMB wins settlement over Sodexo job cuts and pay

MB members have won a settlement after they showed they would not back down in the fight for fair treatment at Sodexo. In a display of solidarity, hundreds of GMB members gathered outside Brighton hospital to support those in a dispute over pay, hours and job cuts. Back in December, 700 NHS employees working as cleaners, caterers and porters were transferred to Sodexo. Ever since, Sodexo has failed to pay staff at Brighton and Haywards Heath hospitals properly. Even worse, less than two weeks into the contract the company announced plans to make 96 staff redundant. FAIR TREATMENT In January, GMB members led Members are highlighting the public in a mass protest Sodexo’s unfair practice. against the Sodexo’s shabby 04 www.gmb.org.uk

treatment. The demonstration outside Brighton Hospital was also attended by Lord Bassam, former leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and Shadow Cabinet member. See Lord Bassam’s letter of support on page 5. It was originally published by GMB in the local paper, The Argus. Describing the situation as “an appalling story.” He said, “The staff here have been victims of privatisation and the company has got to wake up to the fact that it’s got to treat people with respect and got to treat people properly. What I also want to see is the trust doing its part and making sure their contractors treat staff fairly.”

Scrooged by Sodexo Sodexo staff are supposed to receive their wages every Friday, but the company failed to pay them properly until GMB members forced them to. Some workers received no wages while others were charged emergency tax or denied their

regional

Visit our website www.gmb-southern.org.uk

What’s it all about? Last year, private company Sodexo won the contract to manage services at Brighton and Haywards Heath hospitals. In December, 700 hospital staff including caterers, porters and housekeepers were transferred to Sodexo. Shortly afterwards, Sodexo announced plans to make 14 per cent of staff redundant. It also failed to pay staff the wages they were owed, leaving many in dire straits over Christmas.

TV TIMES The media hear the protesters’ message.

Shadow Cabinet member Lord Bassam has been a big supporter for Sodexo employees. In this open letter to Chris Adcock, Interim Chief Executive at Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, he describes the situation as “a shambles” and calls for the Trust to resolve the issue. Dear Mr Adcock, On 1 December, 2012, 700 staff work ing in portering, cleaning, housekeeping and catering at hosp itals in Brighton and Haywards Heath had their employment transferr ed to private sector contractor Sodexo. Less than two weeks into the cont ract the company announced plans to make 96 staff, or 14 per cent of the workforce, redundant. Such plans can only harm patient care . In Sodexo, staff are supposed to be paid on a Friday. Sodexo have failed to pay staff properly on ever y Friday since the contract was taken over. Some staff received no wages while other low paid workers have been charged ‘emergen cy tax’ or have had their overtime payments withheld.

Good lord Lord Bassam shows his support for the workers.

“The company must treat people with respect.”

overtime payments. These errors left many Sodexo staff penniless over Christmas. Following this action by GMB and in light of the determination of GMB members, Sodexo made an offer to settle the dispute which GMB members accepted. The agreement included an apology from the managing director and compensation for all of the errors in pay. Sodexo have also agreed a massive reduction in the number of redundancies and these will be voluntary. This success just goes to show that when GMB members stand firm together they get results.

While the rest of Sussex were enjo ying their Christmas holidays, hundreds of Sodexo staff were left with no money to pay their bills or to buy basic supplies such as food for their families. This shambles cannot continue. We are now calling on you to intervene and take personal control of the situation to ensure that Sodexo immediately resolves thes e matters. If they are unable to do so, then the obvious answer is that the staff should be brought back in-house as direct employees of the NHS. Lord Bassam Former Leader of Brighton & Hov e City Council Labour Member of the Shadow Cabinet

street view! Get the inside track on January’s action with our videos from the demonstration online at www.gmb-southern.org.uk Watch interviews with Lord Bassam, GMB organisers and GMB regional secretary Paul Maloney, who all came out on the day to show their support for GMB members. Watch the video at: www.gmb-southern.org.uk

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BECOME A GMB WORKP LACE ORGANISER

UPDATE

from GMB All the news

www.g mb.org gmbwo .uk/

What the

DEMO WITH A TWIST Members stand up against Dickensian pay cuts.

Dickens?

Oliver Twist demonstration against cuts at Windsor and Maidenhead Council

lease sir, can I have my contract?” GMB members asked during a rally in December. They dressed up for the Oliver Twist demonstration against Windsor and Maidenhead Council following proposed pay cuts and the tearing up of contracts of employment at the full council meeting in Windsor Guildhall. Tory-run Windsor and Maidenhead Council has proposed cuts and changes to pay and conditions without their agreement. GMB

members rejected the proposals, which will affect 250 staff, by 99 per cent. Kevin Brandstatter, GMB senior organiser, said: “These members’ terms and conditions are being ripped up by the council. This is a terrible thing for our members in Windsor and Maidenhead, and we’re determined to do everything we can to restore their link to the terms and conditions of their colleagues around the country.”

get the full story

re Go online to find out mo h wit s iew and watch interv s. ive tat en res rep B key GM g.uk www.gmb-southern.or

Left to starve Wandsworth council puts the brakes on meals on wheels Tory-run Wandsworth Council is risking the lives of vulnerable people by closing its meals on wheels service. The council has said it will close the service, which provides a lifeline to the elderly and the disabled, in April. Outraged by the decision, GMB members took to the streets for a funeral procession protest, marching a black coffin to Wandsworth Town Hall. And lives really are in the balance. The council’s own Equality Impact Assessment shows that 81.4 per cent of current service users have either a physical or sensory disability or are frail. 06 www.gmb.org.uk

Paul Grafton, GMB organiser said, “The Tory council claims that the elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents of Wandsworth do not need the vital service that provides them with a hot, nutritious meal throughout the week in the safety of their own homes. “GMB considers that cutting the meals on wheels service will result in Wandsworth’s frail residents facing a dramatic deterioration

HUNGER GAMES Plans to end meals on wheels could spell disaster. in their health and wellbeing which may result in their starving to death. This is disgraceful.” Go to www.gmb-southern.org.uk/ mealsonwheels to sign GMB’s petition.

regional

Save ships our

GMB joins fight to save jobs at BAE

Decisions, decisions... GMB gets ready to ballot members as Prospect Housing staff are told to take a pay cut or face the sack Last October, Surrey County Council, after a public value review, asked Prospect Housing and Support Services to undertake a cut to their budget in exchange for additional referrals. Instead of looking at whether the organisation could be run more efficiently, Prospect Housing and Support Services executives are pressing on with these massive cuts in terms and conditions, which will lead to severe hardship for our members. Staff members have now been given a stark choice: accept a wage cut of up to £16,000 per annum or face the sack. Prospect Housing and Support Services are blaming Surrey County Council for a lack of funding. This is denied by the council, which has offered to meet with GMB and Prospect

to find a way forward – but Prospect CEO Deborah Tosler refused this offer. GMB has now given full details of the effect on staff to Surrey Councillors across the political divide. Councillors are concerned by the actions of their own social services department and in fact have raised questions at full council meetings. GMB is concerned that vulnerable people who have been under the care of well qualified staff all of their lives will now be left without the support from people they regard as their family. Sheila Carlson, GMB regional officer, said: “This attack on hardworking care staff has been handled appallingly from beginning to end. Staff have now lost all trust and confidence that Deborah Tosler is a fit person to run this organisation. She should do the decent thing for once and resign.”

support the campaign Show your support and w. fill in the petition at ww k g.u .or rn the gmb-sou

GMB Southern regional secretary, Paul Maloney, recently visited Portsmouth Naval Base to meet with BAE GMB stewards, who represent more than 500 members in the shipbuilding and ship repair facility. GMB wanted to offer support for the workers’ campaign to keep shipbuilding in Portsmouth. The yard’s future has been the subject of speculation over recent times due to the government’s refusal to place naval ships orders with the company. Paul said: “It’s a national disgrace that the Royal Navy, in such desperate need of vessels to protect our shores and British interests abroad, are being denied that ability by a government prepared to play Russian roulette with hundreds of highly

ROCKING THE BOAT It’s essential that shipbuilding stays in Portsmouth. skilled workers’ jobs – which, if lost to the nation, would be gone forever.” During his visit, Paul visited the on-site Apprentice Training Centre and the Trade Unions Learning Centre, where he chatted with members engaged in education and training. Paul was accompanied by Gary Cook, regional organiser responsible for shipbuilding and engineering, along with GMB south coast senior officer, Charles Harrity. And recently retired yard convenor John (Jock) Stevenson was presented with the Southern Region Silver Badge in recognition of his service to the union and members during his 40 years of membership.

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UPDATE

from GMB All the news

high flyers

Move tto Direc Debit k/ .u mb.org www.g ove ddm

STANDING PROUD GMB members hit the streets of Brixton to support Labour.

GMB’s political activist network heads to Brixton to support Labour Candidate Martin Tiedmann

locally, in parliamentary election and in said: “It is great to see so many GMB he Southern region’s relaunched Euro elections.” members supporting Martin’s campaign political activist network took Martin won the election in January with in Brixton. It shows that when we have to the streets of Brixton on 63 per cent of the vote so all of the hard a candidate who shares our values and 12 January to show its support work paid off – proving the power of GMB’s is prepared to stand up for the vulnerable for Labour Candidate Martin Tiedmann. political activist network. and our members then we will do everything Mr Tiedmann is a GMB member who stood we can to help them win an election. In the for Labour in the Brixton and Lambeth future we want to see more and by-election and he shares GMB values. more people who share GMB He said: “I have been a GMB member values getting elected to since I started work about 15 years ago office either and I currently work in the Co-Operative movement. I have previous experience as a local councillor in Croydon, so know what to expect from the role. Like most GMB members, I am very concerned by the current government proposals to cut Lambeth Council’s income by 20 per cent, and if elected I will work with GMB to oppose the cuts where possible, and work with GMB to ensure the most vulnerable are protected and jobs are preserved.” le like you. If you would GMB members were GMB is looking for peop ard and influence he out in force to support like to make your voice region, join GMB’s Martin’s campaign. political decision in the . Join now at HELPING BRIXTON GMB regional political activist network g.uk/activists .or rn the GMB members get behind www.gmb-sou political officer, Martin’s Labour campaign. Michelle Gordon,

itical join the pol activist network

08 www.gmb.org.uk

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om GMB r f s w e n e h t l Al

e c n a h c r You to shape

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MEMBER

Stand up for working families in the UK

e all now realise the damage this Con-Dem government is inflicting on our public services and on GMB members and their families. The Lib Dems are complicit in the havoc being wreaked on our communities; we should never forget that. The GMB Central Executive Council (CEC) policy is to make the Labour Party electable in time for the next general election. GMB is now staffed with a political department and each GMB region has a regional political officer (RPO). These officers’ jobs are to organise politically and they are there to help, so get in touch – see the panel on the next page for details of your regional RPO. GMB is encouraging members to join the Labour Party, become active in their communities and local Labour Parties, and help the party become electable. If our members are involved they can encourage the party to adopt policies which will help people provide for their families. Only by being politically active can GMB members influence Labour Party policy and make sure it stands for the things we believe in: a stop to the privatisation of public services, a Living Wage for all working people and investment in our schools and hospitals. As a GMB member you can be part of the Labour Party for just £1.80 a month – that’s only £21.50 a year. Download a form from www.labour.org.uk/trade-union-join and start making a difference!

Bring YOUR mag to life! Discover a world of extras when you point your smartphone at the pages of this GMB magazine. To get started, download the Layar app from get.layar.com

1 Download the Layar app for iPhone and Android devices.

2 Point your smartphone at a WHOLE page of the mag where you see this logo.

3 Watch as it comes to life on your screen.

www.gmb.org.uk 09

national

UPDATE

from GMB All the news

Shaping a Europe that works for you In the November edition of this magazine we appealed to members to put themselves forward to stand as Labour candidates for the 2014 European elections. This was a huge success and many GMB members will be on the list of candidates to be voted on by Labour Party members in July. The result of the ballot and final regional lists of candidates will be announced at the Labour Party Annual Conference in September. Some of us see the EU as distant or gobbledygook that we don’t understand and just over 30 per cent of us voted in the last European elections. Yet GMB members benefit from the rights that belonging to the EU brings

us, and we must to fight to ensure these are protected and improved, not taken away. We have the power of our vote to start shaping a Europe that works for us – and if we want positive change we must vote for it at the next European election. We must vote for the GMB members and other trade unionists who have stood up for us and know that the EU needs change, but not at the expense of our hard-won rights. The rights from Europe came to us when we had majorities of Labour and Socialist MEPs, commissioners and governments at European level. It is no surprise that since we lost the majority across the EU, these rights fell under attack.

What does Europe mean to you? For GMB, Europe means a basketful of employment and social rights that we might otherwise never have had. Health and safety protection, paid holidays from work, limits on working hours, protection when faced with collective redundancies and rights when the company we work for is sold. The transfers of undertakings (TUPE) regulations give GMB the right to make sure we keep our hard-won pay and conditions. Part-time workers are guarded; fixed term and temporary agency workers’ rights have been improved; we have improved maternity/pregnant workers’ rights and extensive equal treatment and equality rights. When workers come to the UK to work they have to be paid the negotiated rate of pay and cannot be exploited. And these are just some of the rights we enjoy from Europe. Yet increasingly, when we hear and read about Europe, it is about why Britain should leave it. It's not about whether it's good for us as working families and everyday people to be in or out; the debate is being dominated by politicians. So if we are going to have a debate about Europe, we want it to be about shaping a Europe that works for us.

Watch GMB TV Want to know more about getting involved? Get it from the horse’s mouth! Watch interviews with Labour MPs and GMB organisers at www.gmb.public-i.tv

10 www.gmb.org.uk

We want honest answers about what will happen to our jobs if we leave the EU. Around 50 per cent of everything we produce is bought by Europe. The USA has already said that for them the UK is a route to the EU – and if we’re not in they will find another route. All this will have big implications for us as working families, our jobs and our economy. David Cameron says he wants to renegotiate the terms of our involvement with Europe rather than withdraw altogether. One of the top priorities for him and the coalition is to remove workers’ rights. So any renegotiation under a Con-Dem government is bad news for GMB members. The UK Independence Party (UKIP) would also remove our rights. They are not any friend of GMB members. So get involved and help us shape a Europe that works for us – because its future is in our hands.

GMB

cts political conta

Get in touch with your regional political officer GMB Birmingham & West Midlands Region Stephanie Peacock 0121 550 4888 stephanie.peacock@gmb.org.uk

GMB London Region Gary Doolan 020 7391 6748 gary.doolan@gmb.org.uk

GMB Midland & East Coast Region

Richard Oliver 0115 960 7171 richard.oliver@gmb.org.uk

GMB Northern Region Chris Jukes 0191 233 3930 chris.Jukes@gmb.org.uk

GMB North West and Irish Region Neil Smith 0151 727 0077 neil.smith@gmb.org.uk

GMB Scotland

Richard Leonard 0141 332 8641 richard.leonard@gmb.org.uk

GMB Southern Region Michelle Gordon 020 8397 8881 michelle.gordon@gmb.org.uk

GMB Wales & South West Region Mike Payne 029 2049 1260 mike.payne@gmb.org.uk

GMB Yorkshire & North Derbyshire Region Steve Jennings 0845 337 7777 steve.jennings@gmb.org.uk

GMB Euston Political Team Cath Speight, national political officer 020 7391 6746 Heidi Benzing 020 7391 6749 Gary Doolan 020 7391 6748 Lisa Johnson 020 7391 6764 Steve Kemp 020 7391 6700 Hilary Perrin 020 7391 6753

! get onrtyline u yo what

Tell the Labour Pa esto 2014 want in the Labour Manif k g.u .or ain rit rb ou at www.y ney Find out who’s giving mo at s rie To to the searchthemoney.com

Paul kenny

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cretary e s l a r e n e g your GMB m o r f d r o w A

It is a scandal that people are victimised for asking questions

here is a line in a Joni Mitchell song which goes “you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone”. How true those words ring when the people you love are no longer around, and I guess that is what the song was written to convey. However, such sentiments also apply to the standards of equality, justice and services which are lost, diluted or just plundered by politicians and the vested interests of markets and millionaires. We now live in a country where our natural resources are all owned by private companies, who make vast profits selling us back natural resources, like water, which falls from the sky for free!!

SELLING IT OFF Our energy, railways and public services are all seen as primary wealth producers for corporations’ shareholders or entrepreneurs rather than being instruments for a richer economy for all, a planned future for the benefit of the many. I look in disbelief as this generation of snake oil salesmen that masquerade as our government, package up our health service for privatisation. How they tell us that somehow giving hundreds of millions, currently spent on patient care, to the back pockets of privateers, is the health service we need or indeed want!

RISKY BUSINESS The power of the business lobby is stronger now than at any time in modern government and where better to see that power than to look at the “special advisors” from business, which now adorn every government department. The lobby group who don’t ever have to book an appointment to see the minister. They just waltz right in from the office next door! These “business” interests, demanding cuts in regulations on everything from health and safety to employment rights and equality laws. These are the same guardians of our interests who welcomed cuts in public services whilst applauding cash hand outs to millionaires. The same crew who demanded and got cuts in corporation tax alongside cuts in benefits. The vested interests of multi nationals who earn billions from our country yet pay nothing or virtually nothing back in taxes on their vast profits. The vested interests of the companies who were allowed to get away with compiling blacklists designed to discriminate against ordinary men and women whose only crime might have been to attend a meeting about working conditions or airport expansions or similar environmental concerns.

It is a scandal that people who live in a country that politicians like to tell us is a free democratic society are victimised for asking questions or having the desire to just listen to a debate.

DEMAND ACTION GMB has led the way in both exposing and demanding action on these matters, from tax avoidance by the Starbucks and Amazons of this world to the companies like Carillion and McAlpine whose involvement in blacklisting is now out in the open. If anyone thinks GMB will tire of pursuing these companies, then they better think again. The first political party which has the courage to break the strangle hold of the self-interest buccaneers will be embraced by millions of British people who have become victims of the snout in the trough arrangement, the “we can do whatever we want” culture, of so many companies and individuals whose only interests are their own. I hope that party is Labour. I hope Ed Miliband has the strength to follow his own natural instinct on justice and equality. And a vision which enhances the lives of British people, not on servicing the vested interests of an unelected rich elite. After all when it comes to political support, as the song goes, “you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone”. www.gmb.org.uk 11

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UPDATE

3 1 2 , 3 from GMB All the news

d e t s i l k c a l b

e of the on , ow kn u yo ne eo m so is or u, yo Are 3,213 names on the construction industry blacklist?

ore than 3,000 names appear on an illegal blacklist used by companies in the construction industry. The map, right, was made by GMB to show how many people in each area of the UK were on the blacklist of 3,213* workers. The blacklist first came to light in 2009. The Information Commissionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office (ICO) seized a Consulting Association database of 3,213 construction workers used by 44 companies to vet new recruits and keep out trade union and health and safety activists. By autumn 2012, only 194 of the 3,213 blacklisted workers knew they were on it. After GMB pressed for disclosure, the ICO agreed to supply names, dates of birth, trades and towns of residence on a restricted basis to enable GMB to check our own membership records to find members who are on the blacklist. We found 200 exact matches and are in contact with these members to get their files from ICO. GMB appointed lawyers Leigh Day are preparing litigation to get compensation for them. There were a further 300 names on the list, who may be GMB members, but we need more information to assess if they are. We publish the map, based on locations supplied by ICO for all 3,213, to prompt responses from members to help us in this. If you were a construction worker from one of these areas and as a trade union or health 12 www.gmb.org.uk

STAND UP FOR JUSTICE Blacklisting makes innocent members into outlaws.

1 northern ireland

1 eire

and safety activist were denied work for reasons you could not explain, get in touch so we can crosscheck the records. GMBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priority is to step up the campaign to get every blacklisted GMB member compensation. GMB is calling on councils not to award work to the companies that operated the blacklist until they compensate those they damaged. GMB is also pushing ICO for a proactive action to inform all builders affected that they are on the blacklist. A GMB report on blacklisting showed that it was not something isolated or rare. The

report estimated that in one quarter, Carillion, for example, checked 2,776 names with the Consulting Association, and in the period from October 1999 to April 2004 it estimates that Carillion checked at least 14,724 names.

NATional

Orkney islands

highland

aberdeenshire

Aberdeen city

14 stirling city of glasgow

falkirk

argyle & bute

3 35

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60 greater manchester

173

gwynedd

cheshire

birmingham met area

glamorgan swansea

5 10

monmouthshire

19 3

cornwall

devon

oxon

bristol

bath

8 dorset

leics

berks

5 wilts

beds

essex

454

isle of wight

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blacklisting is not something isolated or rare.â&#x20AC;?

london

hants

12 herts

surrey

suffolk

cambs

bucks

somerset

glos

cardiff

norfolk

northants

warks

heref & worcs

powys

lincs

notts

derbys

staffs

shropshire

kingston upon hull

east riding of yorks

south yorks

ceredigion

183

merseyside

denbighshire

north yorks

lancashire

fy mo If you can help us identi the on d me of the people na rst, hu ite Wh il Ph l tel blacklist, on r ice off GMB construction il. ph or 0 81 8 07968 33 k whitehurst@gmb.org.u son en ph Ste or GMB, 22 Way, London NW1 2HD.

cleveland

tyne & wear

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Beat g blacklistin re

northumberland

durham

D&G

anglesey

GRIM PRACTICE GMB members demonstrate at . a Carillion court hearing in Swansea

mid lothian w loth

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52 12

dundee city

95 8

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west sussex

* When alias names and duplicates are excluded there are 3,213 individuals on the blacklist. The map shows where 2,554 lived or worked. There are an additional 12 unmapped in Wales and 8 unmapped in Scotland. For 639, or 20%, no proper addresses are given. The ICO using NI details could, with help of DWP, find current addresses for most of 3,213 but they have not done so.

www.gmb.org.uk 13

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BECOME A GMB WORKP ORGANILACE SER

UPDATE

from GMB All the news

www.gmb .org gmbwo .uk/

hangin’ on the

telephone Daily Mirror columnist Paul Routledge on how zero hours contracts are keeping UK workers waiting by the phone

ON’T call us – we’ll call you!” That’s the old showbiz gag. Promoters who exploit struggling artistes tell them to stay by the phone on the off chance of something coming up. But it’s no joke in modern-day Britain, where employers impose “zero hours contracts” (ZHC) contracts on people desperate for work. These breadwinners spend hours listening for the boss to call them in for a few hours’ paid work. Sometimes the phone rings, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s not a job. It’s not even a genuine contract – it’s a con-trick. But nowadays it’s year zero every year in UK plc, as employers rush to turn their workforce into casual labourers. Once upon a time, it was the dockers, gathered at the dock gates waiting for the foreman to shout 14 www.gmb.org.uk

“You, you and you! The rest go home.” Today, this system goes right across the board from fast-food outlets to the NHS. Exactly what are we talking about here? Under a zero hours contract, employees are obliged to make themselves available for work – but the employer is under no obligation to provide work. There are no specified hours, and work can vary from week to week. Workers are paid only for the time they work, so the waiting time they spend by the phone is unpaid. And some employers don’t even pay for waiting time spent on work premises, though legally workers are entitled to payment. ACAS, the employment relations service, says, “National Minimum Wage (NMW) regulations state that workers on ‘stand-by time’, ‘on-call time’ and ‘downtime’ must

still be paid the NMW if they are at their place of work and are required to be there. “Similarly, such time is likely to count as ‘working time’ under the Working Time Regulations if the worker is required to be on call at the place of work. This means that it’s against the law to ask employees to ‘clock’ during quiet periods but still remain on the premises.” Workers should be aware of these provisions. It’s obvious why the employers like this evil system. As GMB puts it: “This isn’t a proper job at all, but being on a bank of agency workers, with no rights, no guarantees and unable to plan their lives.” Security work has been particularly hard hit by the zero hours revolution. And as the union for security workers, GMB members and GMB workplace

SIGN up for the GMB eNEWSletter AT www.gmb.org.uk Bring these pages to life! organisers have spotlighted the excesses and are driving action by the union in the workplace and in a wider public debate. GMB has successfully challenged ZHCs in a number of companies, where the employer has agreed minimum hours so workers have a “default position” knowing just how much they will get.

tough fight But it’s a tough fight we have on our hands. The industry is highly fragmented, with many people working alone and on night shifts. Where workers are isolated, and communication is poor, it’s easy for them to be abused by management. Security is probably the worst in terms of exploitation, but ZHCs are also found in local government, schools, food processing, telecommunications, agriculture and some parts of manufacturing. And in the NHS, one Trust in south-west England has more than 1,000 people on ZHCs at all levels of the organisation: healthcare assistant, midwife, doctor, surgeon and admin worker. None have security of income. Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, Andy Burnham, has called on the coalition government to halt the spread of ZHCs in the NHS pending an urgent review into the potential risks to continuity of care and patient safety. “What we’re seeing is the casualisation of our health service, turning parts of the NHS into a temping workforce,” he warned. Reliable figures across the nation are hard to come by, but the official government Labour Force Survey calculates that in pre-recession Britain of 2005, there were

JOB INSECURITY Factory workers suffer from unfair contracts.

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75,000 employees on zero hours contracts, 32,000 of them women. In 2011 this had increased to 146,000, with 85,000 women.

tip of the iceberg These figures show a doubling of ZHCs since the bankers’ recession hit the economy, with women now more likely to be exploited by employers. And the official numbers are just the tip of an iceberg. They exclude hundreds of thousands of agency workers – who are not technically employees. The clear and present danger of exploitation from zero hour contracts has prompted GMB to back a call for a National Minimum Hours strategy to complement the National Minimum Wage, with GMB giving evidence to the Low Pay Commission. GMB executive policy officer Ida Clemo says: “Employers regard these workers as ‘flexible’, but it is GMB policy that if workers

“Where workers are isolated and communication is poor, it’s easy for them to be abused by management.” have a regular pattern of work over a fixed period then they must be offered employment on a permanent contract, not a casual one.” The security industry is traditionally a low-wage economy with long hours. In addition to this many sites are not GMB-organised sites, and there is a high potential for guards to be exposed to violence. As such security guards are SIA-licensed and vetted to high standards. The big players, with whom GMB has recognition agreements, fund the license with the cost repaid if guards leave before the end of the three-year license period. However, most guards who aren’t GMB members are on ZHCs and have to pay for their own license and training with no guarantee of work. The logical outcome of this cut-throat business practice was perfectly demonstrated during the Olympic Games, when security firm G4S – many of whose security officers were on ZHCs – failed dismally to produce the tens of thousands of guards required to keep the sites safe.

ON CALL Andy Burnham, Shadow Health Secretary, objects to ZHCs. That’s because ZHCs cut both ways. How can an employee treated badly in this way feel any loyalty to a company that treats him or her like an industrial serf? These work deals first reappeared in the recession of the ’90s. They didn’t guarantee any hours or pay. But they were a contract with that employer, so the employee could not work anywhere else, nor could they sign on for benefits. Where did they go afterwards? As soon as the labour market eases and better forms of employment become available, people stop accepting them and they become rare. But there are few signs that the labour market is picking up. Quite the opposite. And with the UK economy bumping along the bottom, most new employment is low-paid, part-time work. Hundreds of thousands of worthwhile jobs in the public services have been sacrificed in the name of austerity but the private sector only wants “flexible” staff who can be called out when they’re needed. This is a recipe for disaster, because dissatisfied workers are reluctant workers. Whatever the nature of the work, you need people who are committed to doing a good job. “A fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work” is an old maxim, but one that reflects the British way of life. A way of living now under siege from the zero hours mobsters.

get help from gmb ered a zero Have you been off ch hours contract? Get in tou ice off al with your region or find out more online at www.gmb.org.uk

www.gmb.org.uk 15

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from GMB All the news

GMB calls on UK councils to pay

IT’S A LIVING THING GMB secures a living wage at Barking & Dagenham council.

a living wage

The campaign steps up as some councils make the first step to get on board

pay freezes have meant that this progress has t’s nonsensical that council been halted and dragged back, leaving some workers’ pay has to be topped up by GMB members at the lower end of the pay state benefits. More councils are scale on £6.30 per hour. GMB is determined signing up to the GMB living wage that members on these lower pay rates, who campaign all the time, so check out the are forced to claim tax credits, free school latest list of the councils that haven’t at: meals, housing benefit and council tax benefit www.gmb.org.uk/livingwage to make ends meet will be paid a living wage. GMB is calling on all UK councils to pay a Around 280,000 – 16 per cent of living wage. In England and Wales local authority staff – would GMB wants councils to pay £7.45 benefit from a living wage. Jobs per hour. With a much higher currently paid £6.30–£6.38 cost of living in the capital, per hour include home help, GMB is seeking an hourly teaching assistants, rate of £8.55 from the 33 rts pe ex at The hourly rate th cleaners, grave diggers, London boroughs. The ed ne le op pe y sa an admin assistants, sure-start, campaign is being backed to be paid to have d ar nd sta caretakers, care workers and by Labour Party. A le ab pt acce school crossing patrols. sokesperson said, “Labour of living (£8.55 in London). You will find GMB living wage councils are leading the way in material at www.gmb.org.uk/ committing to pay a living wage livingwage GMB has petitions to their staff and subcontracted among council workers and is meeting with workers. As part of Labour’s policy review we the chief executives of councils and calling on are now looking at ideas for extending it elected councillors to vote for a living wage. further into the private sector.” At the time of writing, 35 councils in Council rates of pay have been pushed up England, including 10 London boroughs by GMB negotiators over time, but years of

£7.45

which will pay the higher hourly rate, have committed to pay a living wage. They are Ashfield, Blackpool, Birmingham, Brent, Brighton & Hove, Calderdale, Camden, Carlisle, Chorley, Croydon, Dartford, Deal, Derby City, Ealing, Enfield, Gloucester City, Hackney, Harrow, Hounslow, Hyndburn, Islington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newark & Sherwood, Newcastle, Norwich, Oxford City, Preston, Sheffield, Southwark, Wirral, Wolverhampton, Barking & Dagenham, Greenwich and York. Scotland is leading the way by paying £7.20 from 1 April this year in all 26 Scottish councils. GMB Scotland intends to move on to the private sector contractors delivering catering and cleaning services to councils by extending the campaign to cover them too. None of the 26 Northern Ireland councils have signed up to the GMB living wage aims Only two of Wales’s 22 councils, Cardiff and Swansea, have signed up to pay a living wage of £7.45. GMB wants a living wage for members in the private sector too, not just in councils.

GMB wins a living wage of £9ph for members at Barking & Dagenham council in London. 16 www.gmb.org.uk

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from GMB All the news

How GMB makes life easier for you GMB workplace organisers are there to offer support and advice, so whether you are having a problem that you need help with, or if you just want to know what your rights are, call them! Don’t worry, Clive. Just fill in a direct debit form and I will send it off to GMB. it’s that simple.

One afternoon…

Jen, I Start a new job next week and my new boss won’t deduct My GMB contributions from my wages.

you have a legal right to be a GMB member wherever you work, Whether your Boss recognises GMB or not.

I Still want to be a GMB member. What can I do?

Yes, I saw your names on the list of staff who are leaving. I’ll be meeting with you both later in the week.

Thanks, Jen. If you give me the Direct debit form I’ll fill it out now. By the way, Helen is moving to the new depot.

The End

18 www.gmb.org.uk

Gavin Roberts

Great! I’ll Ask Helen to fill in a Membership Transfer Note. Then payroll can keep her GMB deductions going.

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

from GMB All the news

50 could be yours! VOUCHER

EXCLUSIVE TO GMB MEMBERS!

Refer a friend to British Gas for free insulation and earn yourself a £50 voucher!

ritish Gas is offering a FREE £50 voucher to anyone who refers a friend on qualifying benefits to receive free insulation worth up to £1,000. If you have a friend on any of the benefits listed in the table to the right, you could get them FREE insulation and a £50 voucher for yourself! The voucher will be sent to you once the installation has been completed. What’s more there is no limit on the number of people you can refer. As well as getting FREE insulation, the customer you refer will be paid £50 too and they don’t even need to be a British Gas customer to be eligible. The offer is part of a government initiative to help Britain’s homes become more energy efficient – and it is FREE to anyone who qualifies. The whole process is hassle free and is usually complete in less than a day. What’s more insulation can save your friend money on their bills. Loft insulation alone could save as much as £175 a year!

ND REFER A r,FtelRl anIE eligible To earn a £50 vouche British Gas on: friend or relative to call

0800 107 1683 ’ with your name, quoting ‘GMBMAG number. address and telephone

Who qualifies?

Visit www.britishgas.co.uk/smallprint or see the table below:

If you receive one of the following benefits: 1. State Pension Credit or 2. Child Tax Credit with an income below £15,860 or 3. A combination of the following: Income-related employment and support allowance, which must include a work-related activity or support component

Income-based job seekers allowance

A child tax credit which includes a disability or severe disability element

AND

A disabled child premium Income support

A disability premium, enhanced disability premium or severe disability premium A pensioner premium, higher pensioner premium or enhanced pensioner premium OR

Working tax credit and has a relevant income of £15,860 or less

AND

Has parental responsibility for a child who ordinariliy resides with that person where the child is: (i) under the age of 16; or (ii) 16 or over but under the age of 20 and in full-time education (other than higher education) Is in receipt of a disabled worker element or severe disability element Is aged 60 years or over

TERMS AND CONDITIONS To be eligible, a member of the household must be on eligible benefits call 0800 107 1683 or see britishgas.co.uk/smallprint for details. British Gas installs in mainland Great Britain only. Not all homes are suitable for insulation. Offer only applies to loft and cavity wall measures recommended by an appointed surveyor. Offer includes up to £1,000 of specialist equipment at the discretion of the appointed surveyor. Tenants must seek landlord permission. Offer only applicable to residential properties and excludes all other properties including commercial or part commercial premises. The Offer is subject to availability and subject to change or withdrawal at any time. A £50 Love2shop voucher will be sent to the Applicant and the Referrer within 30 days of completion of insulation installation. Employees of British Gas, members of their immediate family and British Gas contractors are not eligible for the £50 reward. Referrers may refer more than one Applicant. Applicants must provide proof of their eligibility for the Offer, including proof of receipt of eligible benefits as set out above and/or proof of age and proof of their residential address. Free insulation is limited to one per Applicant. Phone lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm on Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday. Closed on Bank Holidays. Calls are free from 20 however charges from mobile phonesand other networks may vary. Calls may be monitored and/or recorded for quality assurance and compliance purposes. a BT landline,www.gmb.org.uk

iStock

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y b ver o ed l w o b be l ’l u yo

congress 2013 plymouth, 2–6 june

Save the

TELEVISIO

Watch it liv Congress Te on V! Go to www.gmb .public-i.tv

’ s r ine m m a h Dur

Dave Hopper, general secretary, Durham Miners’ Association appeals to GMB members GMB Central Executive Council is backing the future of the Durham Miners’ Gala, which was first held 142 years ago and is the biggest celebration of trade union values in Britain today. However, the cost of the Gala is increasing year on year and we need your help to keep this institution running.

MINERS’ MARCH The Durham Miners’ Gala is 142 year-old tradition.

Since our coalfield was destroyed 20 years ago by a vengeful Tory government, we have had no regular subscription to our funds from working miners. Our financial problems have now been further compounded, as we have to pay more than £1.4m in legal fees. Anyone who donates £2 a month or a one-off payment of £24 a year will become a member of The Friends Of The Durham

Gala

Miners’ Gala Society, and each year will receive a glossy magazine with photographs of the Gala and a report of the speeches. Donations can of course be more than £2 per month if circumstances allow, and one-off payments are equally acceptable. To join or donate, please contact us through our website (details below). You may also wish to buy one or more of the items for sale from the site. This year’s Durham Miners’ Gala will be held on Saturday 13 July.

please donate

la The Durham Miners’ Ga lp! he ur yo s need org www.durhamminers.

www.gmb.org.uk 21

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UPDATE

from GMB All the news

mother

care

Going to be a mum? Don’t miss out on your maternity rights

MB has worked hard over the years for maternity rights and pay. Here are some basic facts for new mothers:

What maternity pay will I get? If you earn the lower earnings limit of £107 a week and you have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks before the 15th week before your baby is due you will probably be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP).

though you are not entitled to SMP, this is Contractual or Occupational Maternity Pay. You should look at your employment contract or the maternity policy to see what it says about maternity pay. There may be a requirement for you to pay some money back if you don’t return to work for a certain length of time.

Remember... The situation with your employer may change, so always discuss your individual situation with your GMB workplace organiser. This is a brief guide to your legal minimum rights and is not a definitive guide to the law, which may change.

Is it true that all women get 52 weeks’ maternity leave no matter how long they have worked for their employer? Yes! The first 26 weeks of leave is known as Ordinary Maternity Leave and the second 26 weeks is Additional Maternity Leave. Employers will assume you're taking the full 52 weeks’ leave. If you want to go back to work before the 52 weeks, you must let your employer know the date you will return to work. What if I decide not to go back to work? You never have to pay back any SMP. If you are getting more than SMP, or if you're getting payments from your employer even

Fighting for cancer GMB and Macmillan help with cancer in the workplace

Four in 10 people in the UK will be affected by cancer at some stage of their life. Many cancer sufferers say that work is important to them, as a job can help restore normality, routine, stability, social contact and income. However, Macmillan Cancer Support has established two hard facts: 91 per cent of workers suffer a loss of income and/or increased costs as a result of cancer, and 48 per cent of cancer patients are not given any financial support information. Macmillan is keen to work with GMB in raising the profile on what can be done for 22 www.gmb.org.uk

sufferers

working people suffering the emotional and financial effects of cancer. GMB, which has long campaigned on the prevention of workplace

elptial Work getn h has an Essen

Macmilla le at at & Cancer Toolkit availab /work, .uk rg n.o illa cm ma w. ww for or call 0808 808 0000 a t jus or rt po sup , ers answ quick chat on the issues.

cancers, will be getting involved to roll out the issue on a regional basis with the help of workplace reps.

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Bring these pages to life!

WIN!

this could be you! Your chance to win a pair of tickets to Glastonbury.

A pair of tickets to Glastonbury Just register at www.gmb.org.uk and update your profile to enter!

ancy going to this year’s Glastonbury festival, taking place from 26–30 June? We’ve got a pair of tickets to give away in association with the Workers Beer Company. For your chance to win follow these steps to update your GMB profile on GMB’s new-look website.

Step 1

• Go to www.gmb.org.uk • Select ‘GMB members login’ • Enter your GMB membership number

and password or create a new password

Step 2

Last issue’s iPhone winner!

Select ‘update profile’ and enter your: Email address Mobile number Home address

Rex Features

• • •

TERMS & CONDITIONS The winning entry will be drawn at random from fully financial GMB members only who register for/login to www.gmb.org.uk members area and update their GMB membership record with additional data before close of business on Friday 3 May 2013 . The winner will be notified by GMB. Prize is subject to availability. No purchase necessary. Entries from employees of GMB or their families will not be accepted. The winner must be prepared to participate in publicity arising from the competition. Winners’ names and photos may be published in future issues.

GMB member Mercedes Fernandez Regalado-Tivy won a brand new iPhone when she entered the prize draw in the last issue of GMB magazine.

she’s a winner! Mercedes receives her new iPhone from her GMB branch secretary Vaugha n West.

www.gmb.org.uk 23

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Be a life-saver from GMB All the news

GMB backs charity ACLT’s call for blood donors

here’s nothing more tragic than a young life needlessly lost, as Beverley De-Gale and Orin Lewis told GMB’s equality conference. Their son, Daniel, had battled for years with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; a bloodrelated cancer. He had overcome many of the hurdles that a cancer sufferer faces, however at the age of 21; he tragically passed away from an unrelated illness. Aged eight Daniel needed a life-saving bone marrow transplant if he was to win his [then] three-year battle against leukaemia. At this time in 1996, there were only 550 donors from black communities on the entire UK bone marrow register. Sadly, for the black, mixed race and ethnic communities this translated to a one in 250,000 chance of

HAPPY FAMILY Beverley De-Gale and Orin Lewis with their son Daniel.

finding a matching bone marrow donor; compare this to the one in five chance for a white member of the UK population. Such statistics were the reason for Beverley and Orin forming the ACLT. For the past 17 years the charity’s few but hard-working staff and volunteers have recruited thousands of blood donors. There are now 40,000 people of minority ethnic origin on the UK bone marrow registers. This has improved the odds, but only to one in 100,000. It is the racially specific characteristics of bone marrow that mean compatible donors for black and mixed race sufferers must come from the black or mixed race population. GMB urges members to sign up to become a blood or organ donor, irrespective of racial origin,

but particularly if you are from a black, minority ethnic or mixed race community. Sufferers from these backgrounds are three times more likely to need an organ transplant but only one per cent of people on the NHS organ donor register are from this community! The ACLT (African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust) was inspired by Daniel. After his successful bone marrow transplant, he enjoyed a precious 12 years with his friends and family. To give other sufferers a similar opportunity, the charity raises awareness throughout the UK, to enable potential donors to come forward and make them potential life-savers. To join the bone marrow, blood or organ donation registers, or to make a financial donation, call the ACLT on 020 8240 4480 or visit aclt.org

and change Have fun the world Verity Jones on why you should join Woodcraft Folk

SERIOUSLY FUN Woodcraft Folk members use fun to make a serious point.

24 www.gmb.org.uk

You might have seen Woodcraft Folk at the TUC march in London last October. There were parents, children and volunteers of all ages in our group – having fun, but taking action on a serious issue at the same time. Woodcraft Folk is a movement for children and young people, which aims to help young people value the planet. We believe no one is too young to learn about social change, and that no one is too old to play games and have fun. We put all this into practice in our local groups, where all ages work together to make the world a fairer place. If you’ve got children, or if you want to volunteer for a youth movement that cares passionately about society and the environment, go along to your local Woodcraft Folk group. Find your closest group at www.woodcraft.org.uk Alternatively VERITY JONES email info@woodcraft.org.uk or call Verity loves being part 020 7703 4173. of Woodcraft Folk.

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BECOME A GM HealthB safety & rep w ww.gmb .o gmbhsr rg.uk/ ep

GMB members take to the street to fight for Lewisham A&E

MB members led 25,000 people marching in support of Lewisham Hospital on Saturday 26 January. As they marched in a bid to save Lewisham A&E department, it was with David Cameron’s pre-election claims ringing in their ears. In 2010, Cameron claimed that a Tory government would cut the deficit, not the NHS. Almost three years later, only accounting tricks prevent the deficit from rising and across the country NHS Trusts are experiencing closures and redundancies at a rate not seen during the NHS’s 65 year history. In South East London the situation has reached crisis point. The population of Lewisham is seeing its maternity unit close and its A&E downgraded. The neighbouring South London Healthcare Trust is being dissolved with £42m being cut from the staff budget. The government claims that these changes are required to make the Trusts financially viable, but what we are seeing is yet another

example of NHS staff and local people being forced to pay the costs incurred by management incompetence and political mismanagement. The situation in South East London has been compounded by PFI, a system which has straddled the Trust with debt, which has turned public money into private profit. GMB believes that the NHS should be protected at all costs and that closures that cost lives should be vigorously resisted, especially when the Treasury has creamed well over £1bn from NHS budgets. GMB will continue to campaign and fight for a health service that we depend on.

“The NHS should be protected at all costs and closures that cost lives should be vigorously resisted.”

SAVE OUR A&E! Protesters of all ages showed up. www.gmb.org.uk 25

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from GMB All the news

TROUBLE BREWING GMB members picket a Starbucks store.

e l t t i l o To

too latte!

GMB members take action against Starbucks across the region

MB members have been holding demonstrations across the region to stick it to Starbucks. From Wandsworth to Portsmouth, members have taken the coffee giant to task on its appalling employment policy and its shoddy tax record. Last year Starbucks made the headlines after it was revealed that the company paid just £8.6m corporation tax in 14 years of trading in the UK. This is despite UK sales of £400m in 2011 alone. Initially, Starbucks claimed to have paid lots of money in various taxes – however, the figures it provided actually outlined the VAT paid by customers and income tax and national insurance paid by employees. An embarrassed Starbucks later agreed to pay £20m to the taxman in a bid to settle the matter.

ns grinding conditio But dodgy dealings with the taxman are just the tip of iceberg. Starbucks also plans to slash the terms and conditions of its 26 www.gmb.org.uk

employees and refuses to pay 8,500 employees a living wage. GMB members employed by the company said that Starbucks plans to cut terms and conditions on paid 30-minute lunch breaks and paid sick leave for the first day of illness. Some staff will also see pay increases frozen and there will be cuts in maternity benefits. Starbucks is avoiding paying a living wage of £8.55 per hour in London and of £7.45 per hour outside London. Starbucks does not recognise GMB as a trade union and GMB members in the company are afraid they will be victimised if managers find out they are members of a trade union.

protests

RETIRE FROM WORK NOT G www.gmb MB .o

r gmbrm g.uk/ a

Faced with cuts to terms and conditions, GMB members have said “No!” Members rallied outside Starbucks stores in Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Portsmouth and Colliers Wood. In Merton, members presented Starbucks with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order recognising its antisocial, anti-union policies. GMB branch secretary Keir Greenaway said: “Even though they’ve said they’ll put some money in the pot [the £20m mentioned above], that’s not enough. They should be paying their taxes properly without the need for public pressure. They don’t pay the living wage and they’re looking at attacking their staff’s rights now to help pay the tax they haven’t paid before.”

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UPDATE

injured ? orgk at w .uk/ .gmb.or

from GMB All the news

www atwork injured

Clean Victory GMB wins premium pay rate for weekend cleaner

MB member Kulwinder Kaur was employed as a cleaner whose employment transferred to a company Facilities Management Ltd. sway Cari d calle paid at a Before the transfer Kulwinder was When ing. work kend premium rate for wee , they sway Cari for ing work ed she first start ever, How . rate this at her pay to d inue cont ped stop pany a few months later the com it was paying the premium rate – saying would be work kend wee that and a mistake . rate c basi at paid

28 www.gmb.org.uk

Kulwinder came to GMB, but when the grievance procedure did not resolve the issue, GMB instructed Thompsons solicitors to pursue an employment tribunal. As a result of Kulwinder’s courage and determination GMB won the tribu nal.

d In essence the judgement confirme the paid be to led entit Kulwinder was she premium rates for weekend work and back gone has was paid £1,299. Kulwinder paid to working weekends and is being so. do to s premium rate

b from gm get help ! rk? GMB will back you up e Got a problem at wo ntact your GMB workplac For more information, co GMB office on to find ur organiser or contact yo tails on page 31. de – ary ret sec your branch

Join our facebook group GMB Southern Region

regional

know your

s t h g i R

ompsons, took Th , rs ito lic so ’s GMB y? irl fa d te ea Are you being tr ked questions as ly nt ue eq fr ur yo er sw an to t some time ou reduce My employer says they need to ncial fina in 're they my hours because e? agre to e hav I Do y. difficult s unless No. Your boss can’t change your hour the to e agre you your contract allows it, or your cut to you force to change. If they try tribunal hours you may have an employment es. wag claim for unlawful deduction of r to give However, it is legal for an employe them offer to then and e an employee notic and s term rent diffe on back their job less conditions, such as fewer hours and so. g pay, if they can justify doin niser as Speak to your GMB workplace orga y are salar and s hour your If can. you soon as loyer emp reduced and you want to take your to have you nal, to an employment tribu ths, less submit the claim within three mon first your of one day, payday after the change. My company has announced a round of redundancies. What happens next? When an employer proposes to dismiss 20 or more people, it must consult with them or their representatives. The consultation process must start 30 days before any redundancies take place if between 20 and 99 jobs are at risk, and 90 days if more than 100 are to go.

pursue I have been sacked and want to en't hav I a claim for unfair dismissal. gh, thou ing, sack appealed against my that Will k. bac job the t as I didn't wan affect my claim? lve Yes, it will. If a worker didn't try to reso re befo r loye their issue with their emp nal lodging a claim, an employment tribu any ce redu to on mati infor that can use compensation awarded.

r was For a year I've felt that my manage in my ded han just I've me. on ing pick ed notice, but I feel like I’ve been forc on. sati pen com into it and would like l? Can I claim constructive dismissa ll need You' win. to ult diffic are s claim e Thes your that nal to prove to an employment tribu y tivel effec was n natio resig a dismissal because it was in response to a fundamental breach of your contract by your employer. In other words, what caused you to resign was so serious that you had no choice. Also, it’s worth considering that if you found another job before resigning, then a claim for constructive dismissal is unlikely to succeed.

SUPPORT WORKERS GMB members get help with their queries.

another My job has been transferred to now are rs loye emp new My y. compan that trying to harmonise our terms so the are etc day our pay, benefits, holi same. Can they do this? new This is called a TUPE transfer. Your and employer can't change your terms changes the for on conditions if the only reas f. is the transfer itsel However, should you challenge the to justify changes, your employer may be able l or nica Tech al, omic it for what is called Econ of use beca not and ons reas Organisational e imat legit s, word r othe in – sfer the tran business reasons.

HELPING HAND GMB members get support for their workplace issues.

www.gmb.org.uk 29

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UPDATE

Training day from GMB All the news

Celebration of learning at Nicholas & Harris

alisbury bakers Nicholas & Harris celebrated the learning achievements of their employees at a presentation awards evening on 10 January. Also in attendance were representatives from learning partners GMB, who have been working with the company. Managing Director Simon Staddon presented workers with their certificates and congratulated them on their

commitment and success to learning. The courses were arranged partly by GMB and partly by the company, and have been undertaken by 70 employees. Subjects ranged from Proficiency In Food Manufacturing, Diplomas In Business Improvement Techniques (BIT), NVQs in Management, English For Speakers Of Other Languages (ESOL), Numeracy and Driving Goods Vehicles.

MD Simon Staddon and HR Manager Frances Brayford expressed that the partnership approach to learning is the way forward, and is extremely beneficial to both the company and employees. Phil Caiels, GMB Skills For The Future Project Manager, echoed those sentiments – and stated that the working relationship with Nicholas & Harris is being showcased by Unionlearn as the model learning partnership.

COURSE COMPLETERS Proud workers at Nicholas & Harris.

GMB We’ve got

your back Between July and December 2012, GMB Southern region secured

£383,272 for members through employment tribunals!

Compromise agreements and legal settlements totalled

£1m

Have you got a case? Contact your regional office for help!

30 www.gmb.org.uk

hospice hike

Join the walk for Naomi House Children’s Hospice MARK THE DATE GMB P29 Branch is calling for members to take part in a 26-mile walk to raise money for Naomi House Hospice. The historic walk takes place on 2 June and is the hospice’s flagship fund-raising event, helping it raise part of the £7m it needs to stay open each year. Naomi House, near Winchester, cares for children with life-limiting conditions and relies on donations to provide its services. The walk is a great day out with some of the region’s best scenery. GMB officers of the P29 Branch would also like to ask as many GMB members along with their friends & family to participate in the walk. The team aims to reach 1,000 walkers, so do get involved and help raise money for this valuable cause!

The historic walk takes place on 2 June.

get involved

Visit our website www.gmb-southern.org.uk

Marcus Bradley Remembered by GMB regional secretary Paul Maloney Marcus Bradley started work as a student nurse at West Park hospital, Epsom, Surrey in 1980. His first instinct was to join GMB and he was soon elected as the representative for the Student Nurses and did this with distinction. When he qualified he continued to be an active shop steward in the Carshalton Branch and fought tooth and nail for the welfare and well-being of his fellow nurses and others. He never hid behind his nurse qualifications when it came to picket line duty. In August 1982 Marcus was among the 55 health workers arrested in Epsom and charged with a crime none of them ever committed. They were on strike under the GMB banner to stop the closure of a day hospital and were charged with obstruction by a large contingent of the Special Patrol Group (SPG Police). During the clinical nurse grading exercise in 1988 Marcus represented nursing staff with vigour and professionalism and thanks to his efforts hundreds of nursing staff in the branch received proper grading and remuneration. Marcus led the unions during the government closure of the Epsom Cluster Hospitals Closure, where five large psychiatric hospitals were closed and he ensured that staff and patient interests were well represented. As a member of the Labour Party, he worked tirelessly in every election and on one occasion came within 150 votes of being elected to Surrey County Council. Marcus was passionate about his nursing, his colleagues, his community and fairness in society, when I visited him on his last days Marcus wanted to talk about the GMB and how the present government are attacking public services. He will be sadly missed by everybody who knew him. May he Rest In Peace.

GMB

SOUTHERN REGION

Contact GMB

If you have a problem at work and need advice, in the first instance speak to your GMB workplace organiser. Alternatively, contact your local GMB office.

GMB southern region

Cooper House, 205 Hook Rd, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1EA. T: 020 8397 8881 F: 020 8397 1588 E: infoso@gmb.org.uk

GMB basingstoke Office

Thorne House, Queen Mary Ave, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 5PL. T: 01256 308080 F: 01256 843879 E: infobasingstoke@gmb.org.uk

GMB HOVE Office

Ray Lancaster Ray joined the GMWU in 1973 when he was employed as a motor mechanic by the then Maidenhead Council, and quickly became a branch secretary. He was quiet by nature and preferred dealing with administrative tasks and figures. Working with these strengths, he was appointed assistant finance officer at GMB in 1977 and, when computers where introduced in the ’80s, Ray quickly became the region’s ‘computer expert’. He became the Regional Finance Officer in 1992 and retired in 1998, moving to Charmouth in Dorset, where he and his wife Thelma and their family had spent many happy caravanning holidays. In retirement, Ray continued to follow his hobbies of fishing, photography and computers. Ray sadly passed away following a serious illness. His memorial service, held in the local church, was well-attended and friends paid tribute to his work in the community. Ray’s wife Thelma, daughter Susan, granddaughter Vicky and great grandson Luke will sadly miss him.

49 Church Rd, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2BE. T: 01273 777027 E: infohove@gmb.org.uk

GMB south coast Office

6 Gloster Ct, Whittle Ave, Segensworth, Fareham, Hants PO1 5SH. T: 01489 578665 F: 01489 578889 E: infosouthcoast@gmb.org.uk

GMB swindon Office

Swindon Suite 22, Cherry Orchard North, Kembrey Park, Swindon SN2 8UH. T: 01793 818005 F: 01793 617027 E: infoswindon@gmb.org.uk

GMB thanet Office

Innovation Centre, Thanet Reach Business Pk, Millennium Way, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2QQ. T: 01843 609306 F: 01843 609309 E: infothanet@gmb.org.uk

GMB welling Office

3 Park View Rd, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY. T: 020 8303 3407 F: 020 8303 1781 E: infowelling@gmb.org.uk GMB regional website www.gmb-southern.co.uk