Unions North Issue 21: October 2009

The Magazine of the Northern TUC

TUC Annual Congress Your update of the key events from the 2009 Congress

Future Jobs Fund Investing in the workforce and employers of tomorrow

A Revolution in Learning The national campaign to promote learning gets underway

New Director of unionlearn Tom Wilson pays a visit to the Northern Region

unions north Issue : 21 October 2009

Issue 21 unionsnorth

As always the TUC Annual Congress gives rise to a wealth of stories and important decisions

2009 TUC Annual Congress Report

Ed Miliband chose the TUC Congress to announce the awaited boost for the ‘green manufacturing revolution in the North East’.

Among other key measures, companies seeking to invest in manufacturing offshore wind turbines are set to receive significant government support to develop the technology and expertise that could see the North East as the international lead in this area as well as benefiting from thousands of jobs. Clipper, a US wind turbine blade manufacturer, are set to gain the most support and this could lead directly to around 1000 jobs within a few months.

Image courtesy of Rod Leon

The Government kickstarts the Green Manufacturing Revolution in the North East at TUC Congress Michael Hunt receiving his award from Gordon Brown watched by Brendan Barber.

'The Prime Minister's warning against early cuts in spending and the strong emphasis on creating and sustaining jobs - particularly for the young - went down well with delegates.

Congratulations to Michael from the TUC. 'The Prime Minister understands that deep cuts would choke off what is still a precarious recovery and would threaten a deeper recession that could repeat the social divisions of the 1980s. The dividing lines for the next election got that bit clearer today.

Goodbye Barney!

The government investment supports the development of the new Britannia Offshore Turbines. Ed Miliband commented, “… I do believe there is a big future for us both in onshore and offshore wind. Today we are announcing resources for Clipper. Clipper will be building a factory in the North East of England to make the largest offshore wind blade in the world, each weighing 30 tonnes.That is a sign of our commitment to green jobs and we are willing to invest another £120m to make us the centre for the offshore wind industry.”

While Gordon Brown tries to balance jobs, public services and public spending…

Commenting on the Prime Minister's speech to Congress, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'This was a jobs versus cuts speech, and he chose jobs.

tremendous recruitment and organising achievement and bodes well for the GMB in the Northern Region.

'Unions are naturally concerned about the best way to tackle the deficit once we have real recovery. But again the Prime Minister made clear that there will be a real choice at the next election. His emphasis on growth, to get tax income flowing again, and support for measures to make the rich bear a fairer share of the tax burden chime not just with union concerns, but public opinion too.'

Organising Rep of the Year - Michael Hunt, GMB, npower Michael Hunt is a GMB member who set up a branch of the union within npower.

His recruitment efforts have seen membership leap from 50 to 1,000 in the past 18 months.

The branch has a diverse membership and an excellent relationship with management.

Michael spends most of his time on union duties and is based in a call centre in Thornaby, Stockton on Tees.

By any stretch of the imagination this is a

Unions are for young workers!

One of the most entertaining meetings on the fringe of Congress was the meeting focusing on young workers and trade unions.

Chaired by Deputy General Secretary, Frances O’Grady, the meeting heard from NUJ, PCS and CWU about their effective organising strategies that are reaching young workers and benefiting from enabling them to have a strong voice in the union.

Frances encouraged the trade union movement to ‘take risks’ and listen to what young workers are telling us.

The thing that set this fringe meeting aside was the presentation of the winners of the TUC’s ‘60 seconds challenge’ competition in which people were asked to design and produce a 60 second video blog which presented a positive message about trade unions. The winning videos were incredible, and have to be seen to be believed. You can check them out at: www.strongerunions.org or on You Tube.

Reports from Congress 2009, including all decisions made and the complete text of speeches are available at tuc.org.uk

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Progress in equality at work highlights demand for flexible working

fewer than a third of unions (30%) say they have achieved bargaining success with employers in this area.

The area where most unions report that they have actually struck deals with employers since 2005 is working parents, parents-tobe and carers. Just over half of all unions (51%) have been successful in this area.

While the law has been substantially improved in this area over the past four years, it seems this has stimulated negotiators to improve upon the statutory minimum arrangements rather than relying on them.

The biennial TUC Equality Audits reveal the enormous spread and depth of work done

by TUC affiliates in their attempts to provide real equality for all categories of worker.

The 2009 TUC Equality Audit is no exception.

Unions have issued guidance in hundreds of detailed areas across all 12 broad equalities areas covered by this audit, and in the majority of areas there is evidence that this work has borne some fruit in terms of real results in the workplace.

The figures for this 2009 TUC Equality Audit give an indication of which topics unions have felt it most useful to advise their negotiators on, and also in which areas they are most likely to have achieved success in terms of collective bargaining with employers in the last four years. Many unions have issued general equality policies or guidance for their negotiators, including materials to raise awareness of and build the case for equality, advice on the overall legal framework, and guidance on negotiating around time off and facilities for representatives dealing with equalities issues.

The other top issue for the provision of guidance is flexible working and work-life

Almost a quarter of unions have achieved negotiation success for migrant workers’ equality

balance, which covers the standard range of flexible working options but also the aim of extending the right to request to all workers and tackling the long-hours culture. Flexible working and work-life balance is also an area where a relatively high amount has been achieved through collective bargaining, with 44% of unions saying they have achieved results on this topic.

A large proportion of unions (63%) have issued materials to negotiators on women's pay and employment, which was also cited as the clear top equalities bargaining priority for unions over the last two years. However,

An indication of unions' acceptance to take on an ever-widening range of equalities issues is provided by the fact that more than one in three unions have issued negotiating guidance or policy on issues around trans workers, and the same proportion have done so in the area of migrant workers.

Indeed almost a quarter of unions have achieved negotiating successes for migrant workers' equality in areas such as provision of time off for English language training, recognition of foreign qualifications, prevention of unreasonable deductions from wages and recognition agreements with agencies supplying migrant workers.

Do you have problems recruiting staff?

If you have to, or think you might have to, recruit staff from outside the EEA due to a shortage of skilled workers, why not meet with the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC); you could help to bring about a change.

to designate a particular occupation as a shortage occupation, employers are able to bring migrants to the UK to fill posts quickly.

This is done through the ‘shortage occupation list’ route of tier 2 of the Points Based System for migration.

The MAC is an independent Committee which provides clear advice to the Government, based on robust evidence, on where shortages of skilled labour exist that can sensibly be filled by migration. If the Government agrees

Occupations for the shortage occupation list have to be skilled to at least NVQ level 3 or equivalent, there must be clear evidence that a national shortage exists, and the shortage occupation list needs to be a sensible

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mechanism for alleviating shortages.

The MAC is planning to visit Newcastle in mid-November. All employers who have an interest in these issues are invited to attend.

You will have an opportunity to learn more about who we are, what we do and how you can work with us.

For information about the venue and timing, please email: mac@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

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As the depth and scale of the downturn surprises everyone the TUC outlines the stark choices

Warning of double-quick, double-dip recession A year ago the TUC warned in our economic statement for Congress that we were on the brink of a downturn, but I think evidence suggests that everyone has been taken aback by the scale of the recession.

It could of course have been even worse. If the banking system had been left to collapse then the results could have been catastrophic.

At this year’s Congress the TUC published a new economic statement which emphasised that the economy is still in a very precarious position. Of course, any sign of recovery is very welcome, but much of what has been taken as evidence of recovery is the result of government intervention and bank action.

It is clear that even with these actions unemployment will almost certainly rise throughout next year.

This is no time to rein back on public sector investment. Cut the stimulus off and the economy would go into decline again. It is astonishing that there are the calls to cut the public sector deficit as the top urgent priority. This would simply be a further severe blow to the economy, especially in the Northern Region.

That is why the TUC have issued the warning that public spending cuts will provoke a double-quick double-dip recession.

Unemployment could well exceed four million nationally and it would take many years before there was any chance of returning to anything like full employment. That would scar for life a whole generation of young people.

Deficits are an inevitable symptom of recession. When the economy shrinks, governments need to spend more on benefits but get less in tax income - and there has been a spectacular collapse in tax income in this recession. But you can't fight recession without making the short-term deficit bigger.

just make cuts much deeper elsewhere. And now the Institute of Directors have told us what public spending cuts would need to look like. Freezing pensions is not a politically viable option so therefore tax increases are therefore inevitable. The question is 'who should pay them?’

When consumers and businesses stop spending, the state must take up the slack.

Otherwise unemployment gets bigger, and the tax take falls again. So the only real choice is whether you have a deficit caused by effective investment to hasten recovery - or one caused by making the recession deeper and longer.

The TUC has led the way in exposing just how little tax the super-rich pay and how the real middle Britain - people on middle earnings failed to share in the boom even though they are suffering in the bust. There is a strong case for a real national debate about who should pay more tax. Should they be paid by ordinary people, through for example VAT increases, or will they be borne by those who can most afford to pay extra?

Spending cuts will hit both public and private sectors leading to prolonged mass unemployment that would not just do economic damage, but have terrible social effects, on social cohesion, family break-up and the nation's health.

It may not look that bad from the City of London where bankers are telling us that a longer recession would be good for us, but it would take us back to the days of a deep North South divide and once again hollow out whole areas of the economy. Going for recovery is the best way to tackle the deficit in the long term. But that does not mean that we can ignore it when the economy has recovered.

But voters do not want cuts in spending on public services. They know that if politicians single out areas that will be immune it will

And there is another way to increase the tax take. That is to pay people more. In the ten years to 1976, 60% of GDP went to wages.

In the ten years to 2006, this had fallen to 54%. Putting more money into the hands of ordinary workers - the poor and the average earners whose wages have not kept up with the wealthy - as our society has become more unequal will stabilise the economy.

This recession has been tough. It could get even worse. We have been hit by events outside our control. But the country has real choices about what we do next. The TUC will continue to make the case for the choices that will benefit the great bulk of the British people, whether they work in the private or public sectors.

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The fund is 16 months into a two and a half year ESF co-financed contract. As a direct results of ULR activity projects have achieved the following within that time:

As part of the LfAF training programme ‘project management’ and ‘management information’ sessions were delivered in the

N

RTH E R NO

and ULRs do on the learning agenda.

This workshop was delivered through popular demand - case studies and articles are one of the best ways to illustrate the diverse work of initiatives like the LfAF and the practical differences they make for all involved.

Projects are encouraged to produce one or two case studies/articles each quarter.

Encouragingly, feedback from all workshops was positive, some comments made by ULRs:

Individuals

Achieving Outcome

Over 1,300

Adults have participated in non-accredited learning activity

233

ULRs have completed the introductory five week course

Over 600

Adults have gained a literacy qualification

742

Adults have completed a numeracy qualification

I feel more confident to write now I know how to construct an article or a case study

394

Level 2 completions

Other comments included...

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Level 3 completions

Over 50% of learners engaged through the programme have no previous qualifications.

This really demonstrates that through union led projects ULRs are making learning accessible to underrepresented groups who may not have had the opportunity or confidence to participate in learning before.

Enhancing an individual’s skills increases life, social and employment prospects, all of which are core to what unionlearn and trade unions are about.

Undoubtedly the success of the Fund is attributed to the commitment of trade unions in the region to the learning agenda and the highly motivated ULRs brokering and promoting learning in the workplace.

Access for All Unionlearn is committed to supporting, practicing and promoting equality of opportunity in every aspect of our work.

Projects are required to outline how equal

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opportunities will be built in to the project, both in terms of managing the project and ensuring that individuals are assisted in overcoming the obstacles that prevent them from participating in learning. At least one ULR from each project will participate in the ‘TUC equalities training for ULRs’ which will be delivered later in the year.

N F O R ALL

In its eighth year, the Northern TUC Learning for All Fund (a fund managed by Trade Unions, trusted by ULRs and driven by learner demand) continues to complement the role of the ULRs through offering trade union funding to support high quality workplace learning projects.

C LEARNI

G

The flagship fund that sails from strength to strength...

TU

It was good to take time out and concentrate on planning activity shape of a two-day course in June, which looked at using simple project management tools to help plan project activity. A new LfAF project toolkit has been designed to help projects and each lead ULR received a copy of the toolkit on the day.

A case study workshop held in August 2009 was attended by 30 ULRs and aimed to provide them with the skills and the ability to identify and write case studies and articles about both activities and learners within their workplace learning project. The intention was to promote all of the fantastic work unions

Well presented, useful information Good resource packs Good explanation of ESF evidence requirements Well structured workshops, allowed opportunity to share ideas and network with other ULRS, very helpful This will help me promote the project”

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A new Government helpline will benefit workers and employers across the UK

Securing a better deal for workers and employers

Commenting on the launch of the Government’s new Pay and Work Rights helpline, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “This vital new helpline was a key recommendation of the TUC’s Commission on Vulnerable Employment final report last year.

“It will ensure workers at risk of mistreatment by their employers not only have a phone number that they can call to find out about their rights to the minimum wage, excessive working hours and agency standards, but they can also ask for help in enforcing these rights.

“The helpline should also enable increased co-ordination between the national enforcement agencies, ensuring more effective enforcement of the law, another recommendation of the TUC’s Commission.

“The helpline and enforcement agencies will champion the rights of vulnerable workers,

WORLD DAY FOR DECENT WORK ‘

07.10.09 The Northern TUC will be marking 'World Day for Decent Work' (WDDW) with a seminar event at the new City Library in Newcastle.

and ensure that rogue employers who flout the law do not get away with it.

“This will not only benefit workers across the UK, but will also help employers by promoting fair competition and preventing good employers from being undercut by bad ones using unlawful practices.

“Everyone has the right to work in a safe and harmonious workplace and the easiest way to secure a better deal at work is joining a union. Union members are better paid, less likely to have an accident at work and are more likely to be offered the chance to develop professionally.”

You can contact the Pay and Work Rights Helpline on: 0800 917 2368

Good jobs all round!

The basic idea around this day is that every person should be able to have a job that enables them to live a good life in which their basic needs are met.

Every year, on the 7th of October, WDDW highlights the issues such as low pay, migration, discrimination, forced labour, the freedom to organise and the informal economy.

At the seminar, we shall be highlighting some of the work we have done with vulnerable workers across the region over the last year as well as discussing some of the issues associated with the idea of "decent work".

In particular, this year we will be highlighting the ‘lost skills’ of new migrants and refugees in the UK and looking at how we can address these issues as trade unions.

You can get further information about World Day for Decent Work WDDW is a global event organised by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

at: www.wddw.org

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Northern Region Visit Unionlearn Director - Tom Wilson

New director smokes out the real success story When Tom Wilson, newly appointed unionlearn Director, asked for a visit to the Northern Region office and also to attend a union led learning centre, he got a little more than he bargained for.

While at the Newcastle office, Tom participated in a full scale walkout of the staff, not because of any dispute, but down to an electrical lighting fault, filling the conference room with smoke and fumes. We are relieved to say that the Tyne and Wear Rescue Service were quickly on the scene. One of the fire fighters attending, Lisa Charlton, was also in fact a Northumberland trained Union Learning Representative - we couldn’t have planned that better if we had tried!

It was fitting that the learning centre that had been included in Tom’s visit was in fact the well known, long established FBU Learning Centre at Morpeth in Northumberland. The FBU project at Morpeth began a decade ago when Fire Officer Trainer Adrian Slassor attended the very first ULR course in the northern region.

During the past ten years the Northumberland project, with Adrian Slassor leading, has continued to develop with help from the Union

Back Row( l-r): Malcolm Orr (Morpeth Learning Delivery Worker), Julia Watson ( Unet Support Officer), Tom Wilson (new Unionlearn Director), Barney McGill, Adrian Slassor (National Finance Manager) Front Row (l-r): Kieran Brennan (FBU Branch Secretary), Claire Wealleans (Learning Centre Manager), Lara Hindhaugh (National Administrative Officer/Learning Support Worker), Jean Reid (Morpeth Learning Support Worker).

Learning Fund and regional Learning for All Funding, resulting in a very efficient learning centre.

Officer Mike Brewer, a former ULR, before visiting the learning centre training facility and learning garden.

The Northumberland project has provided huge educational support to trade union members, their families and indeed the community. IAG support is given and the centre provides Skills for Life and further education courses including courses in IT.

At the centre Tom met all of the staff including ULR Claire Wealleans, Centre Manager, and Julia Watson, unionlearn Support Officer.

The Morpeth FBU project was chosen for Tom’s visit as it emerged that he was in fact born in Alnwick and lived there until he was fourteen. Tom visited the union office and met the FBU Secretary Kieran Brennan and Senior

Tom was impressed by the projects’ sustained ten years progress and development and by the high quality support provided for the members. He was delighted to be in the region meeting unionlearn staff and of course visiting the well established FBU project in Northumberland; the flag ship for the FBU regional and national projects.

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Career Progression From Care Working - to Teaching

The ‘English Woman’ travels from Sunderland to Turkey Kristina Gardiner started her career as a residential care worker 28 years ago but she did all she could to avoid learning and development for a variety of reasons including lack of confidence, time, financial resources and because she suffered from dyslexia.

A chance conversation with a nanny encouraged Kris to take an NVQ as a classroom assistant. Kris had reservations about the task, but tackled the requirements and achieved a Level 3 award in 2004. This provided her with confidence, a start to adult education along with a full time classroom assistant post.

She enrolled on distance learning courses and this new found method and style of learning fitted with her working commitments; suited her lifestyle and enabled her to progress at her own pace.

Kris returned to work in residential care, but without relevant qualifications.

Another chance conversation, this time with her friend Lorraine Sidney, a ULR (Sunderland City Council) changed this.

Lorraine encouraged and enabled Kris to participate in equality and diversity training and continued to give

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Kristina Gardiner and Lorraine Sidney

information and advice which helped Kris gain numerous qualifications including a Level 4 S.A.C. Diploma (Social Work with Children and Families) and a team leader’s certificate. She is now undertaking a Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care.

Today Kris spends her time between her homes in Sunderland and the small mountain village of Yakapinar near Izmir, Turkey. Although she is the only non Muslim woman in the village she has been fully accepted and adopted by the community and is fondly know as “The English Woman”. Having recently gained a TEFL Teaching English as a Foreign Language qualification she is also now learning Turkish.

Whist in Turkey, she gives free English

lessons to the local children which came about when she discovered the Turkish “English” teacher at the school didn’t speak English very well and that the children were mispronouncing words and not making progress.

Kris is at her happiest when she is helping others, something she has done all her working life. Her recent learning journey has not only helped her career here in the UK but also helped her establish a great life overseas.

Kris acknowledges the huge part Lorraine and her colleagues at work played in her achievements and that the support and encouragement gave of this year’s Learning at Workto Daycarry activities her Some the confidence and drive on with her education.

Learning Revolution Festival Promoting Learning - National Campaign

Learning about the birds and bees and other festivities During the summer, Unions across the North East and Cumbria were invited to bid to unionlearn to run informal learning events which would be made available in the workplace and to adults in local communities. With the finishing touches currently being put to the range of events, plans are shaping up to run an exciting programme of activities during October including:

When the Government presented the White Paper ‘The Learning Revolution’ earlier this year, the vision for promoting informal adult learning amongst our communities was set out, starting with a ‘festival of learning’ in the autumn.

Designing and building birds and bees boxes Kite making Salsa & Tai Chi Bagpipe taster sessions (don’t forget your ear defenders!)

Healthy eating and fair trade produce

With £20million being set aside in a ‘Transformation Fund’ to fund informal adult learning, opportunities for unions to offer a wider range of learning experiences to their members have never been better.

At the launch of the paper, the Government said “Learning in all its many forms improves our quality of life, our happiness and our personal wellbeing. This initiative sows the seeds for a new movement for informal learning and how we want to help it grow. We want to build new partnerships, open up access to resources, and find exciting ways of getting people learning”.

Trade unions will be getting on board straight away by participating in the Government’s Learning Revolution Festival in October. Across the country, trade unions will be joining in celebrations with museums, libraries, the BBC, community groups, employers and education providers to celebrate informal adult learning.

LEARNING RE OLUTION FESTIVAL Trade Unions at the HEART of the Community

The focus of the Learning Revolution Festival will be on fun ways to learn new activities, represented through three key themes: Arts, culture and heritage Sports, health and wellbeing Nature and the environment The festival also coincides with several other national initiatives, including Black History Month, National Poetry Day, World Day for Decent Work and Get Online Day.

Whether its’ healthy eating cookery courses, singing in a choir, yoga or going on a ramble, Unions will be showcasing opportunities for enjoyable learning and community development, highlighting the real benefits that informal learning bring.

So watch out for an event coming soon to your local community, and you may learn about more than the habitats of the birds and the bees!!!

For more information on the Transformation Fund and organisations hosting activities in the Learning Revolution Festival go to: http://learningrevolution.direct.gov.uk or the unionlearn website at: www.unionlearn.org.uk/northern

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Learning : Higher Level Skills The Next Generation - of Leaders and Managers

Taking learning to the next level Since

1999 the TUC has been supporting the region’s trade union officers and reps in negotiating for workplace learning and training and brokering courses for their members.

It is fair to say that the focus has largely been around the needs of lower skilled, lower paid workers, supporting them to achieve skills for life or first Level 2 qualification. We know that unions have had huge successes in this area, and our own evidence shows that last year over 50% of learners through the LFAF workplace projects achieved a SfL or Level 2 qualification, proving that unions really are helping those members most in need.

In 2007 we identified that the next challenge for us as a movement was to help our members take their learning to the next level and access higher level learning opportunities. From this objective, Unionlearn’s North East Higher Level Skills project was born. Working in partnership with the North East Higher Level Skills Network, the TUC employed two Project Workers to focus their energies on finding out about what higher level learning offers are available from the FE & HE providers in the region, sharing that information with ULRs, and signposting learners to those opportunities. The project quickly gathered momentum, and so far nearly

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150 union members have embarked upon a foundation degree or similar. We were so enthused by the appetite for this activity from ULRs and their members, that we asked Ekosgen Consultants to carry out an independent evaluation into the success of the project. Whilst the report is still in draft form at the time of going to press, a number of early findings give a flavour for the breadth of success of this initiative: Over 200 adults have received IAG relating to Higher Education Of these adults, nearly 150 have gone on to enrol on an HE course Over 100 employers have taken an interest in the initiative, many of them offering financial support or support ‘in kind’ to their employees During the course of the evaluation, Ekosgen also discovered a number of wider benefits of unionlearn Project Worker activity in promoting Higher Level Skills across the region: They successfully secured discounted course fees with a number of providers (up to 50% in some cases), and secured free taster courses on a Leadership and Management foundation degree Securing discounted rates proved an incentive for encouraging some employers to contribute the remaining fees Main barriers to higher level learning were overcome (largely cost, time, support from employer)

and in over 80% of cases learners identified ULR support as having made the difference to whether or not they undertook the learning Half of the respondents felt the course was directly relevant to their current role, with a third feeling that it would help them progress in work, and 75% felt that their performance at work had improved following undertaking higher level learning

On welcoming the report, Regional Manager, Elizabeth Killoran said: “We always knew there would be an appetite amongst union members for progressing in learning, and there was a sense that they were just waiting for the green light in terms of support being offered by their union.

“We are thrilled that this project has been hailed as successfully promoting skills progression across the region, recognising the critical role unions and ULRs can play in encouraging and enabling adults in the North East to upskill.

“This activity will have long-term benefits for the individuals, their employer, and the region as a whole.

“I was particularly heartened to hear that Leadership and Management has been so popular, and look forward to the next generation of leaders and managers in the region being trade union members and activists!”

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Raising motivation amongst trade union activists to campaign against the threat from the far right

Northern Region anti-fascist study visit to Auschwitz Birkenau

This study tour has been arranged as part of the Northern TUC and Unison Northern Region’s ongoing Challenging Racism programme.

This project has been set up following a visit by four activists to the camps last October as part of a joint delegation with colleagues from the North West. The aim of the study tour is to politicise and motivate activists to campaign against the far right.

We hope that the four days in Poland will not only raise delegates’ understanding of the events of the Holocaust but will equip them with the confidence, knowledge and ability to develop and implement programmes within their own workplaces, trade unions and communities.

The Northern Region tour takes place 18-22 November 2009 For more information please contact Nicky Ramanandi at: nicky.ramanandi@newcastle.gov.uk

Trade Unions Pedalling for Charity Trade unions take to the road in the Great North Bike Ride in aid of Northern Cancer Care Charity Over £2500 was raised by the TUC Northern team cycling from Seahouses to Tynemouth in the Great North Bike Ride last month.

Trade Unions Pedalling for Charity

Members of the TUC staff, including Anne Aitkenhead, Carolyn Clayton, Melanie Lowden, Ken Gyles, Graeme Rushton and Kevin Rowan were also joined by Melanie’s husband Jim, Philip Ballard and Rob Wood from Thompsons Solicitors and a few friends in the ride. Joe McGuigan provided the support car.

The money was donated to the Emma Gyles Bursary Fund, part of a broader Northern Cancer Care Charity campaign, with a specific focus on research into Ovarian Cancers.

The charity is hoping to raise £10,000 by December 2010, and currently needs £2400 to hit this target For more information or to make a donation please visit: www.justgiving.com/kengyles

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The process to establish the new single Regional Strategy has begun

Regional Strategy The Regional Development Association (RDA) has been gathering evidence to inform the next strategy, which will include Transport measures for the first time.

The Future Jobs Fund investing in the workers of tomorrow through work and training today

The TUC has been invited to engage with the development of the strategy and there will be a meeting of the Regional Policy Forum on Friday 13 November, which will take the lead

The Future Jobs Fund is part of the Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee, which aims to provide work or training for young people. Other elements to be rolled out will include additional training or work as part of a Community Task Force.

The FJF is supported by a £1billion commitment from central government and aims to provide job opportunities for young workers, aged 18-24 who have been out of work for at least 9 months. FJF seeks to provide ‘real jobs’ not substitute employment, work of at least 25 hours per week paying at least the National Minimum Wage and lasting

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The TUC is also participating in some research work commissioned by the RDA to investigate key sectors for the regional economy moving forward. This work will inform the development of the Regional Strategy and also influence the review of European Structural Funding frameworks.

Future Jobs; benefitting young workers, and trade unions alike a minimum of six months. Employers participating in FJF are required to provide support to these young workers during their employment and have a duty to seek to improve their ‘employability’ through training and development.

This month will see the first young workers beginning employment under the ‘Future Jobs Fund’ initiative.

in shaping the TUC’s input. into the strategy.

Potential FJF employers are required to submit a bid which is then evaluated by a regional panel, at which the TUC is represented with observer status, which makes recommendations to the Regional Minister.

Final approval of bids is given by the Secretary of State. In the region so far there have been three rounds of bid evaluations and the successful bidders include Tyne and Wear City Region (which includes the five Tyne and Wear Local Authorities plus Northumberland and Durham County Councils), Hartlepool Borough Council, Stockton Borough Council, Middlesbrough Council, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Darlington Council, the Salvation Army, Gateshead College, Barnardo’s, Groundworks and the National Housing Federation.

Most bids are partnerships with a wide range

of employers in the public, private and third sector, offering a very wide range of job opportunities for up to around 6,000 workers to date. More rounds of bidding are ongoing.

Trade unions and the TUC Young Members Network are working on efforts to ensure that these young workers have the opportunity to understand what trade unions can do to support them in their employment and to encourage them to join the relevant trade union. It is vital that these work opportunities provide a real and meaningful chance for young workers to develop their skills and gain transferable qualifications if they are going to really improve their chances of future employment.

Trade union representatives in the workplace have a real role to play in supporting and mentoring these young workers and ensuring they are treated properly by their employers.

For more information about the Future Jobs Fund use any of the links below: Kevin Rowan: krowan@tuc.org.uk Carolyn Clayton on: cclayton@tuc.org.uk www.dwp.gov.uk/campaigns/futurejobsfund

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Celebrating modern Britain and exposing the extremism of the BNP

HOPE

not hate

During the course of the European elections thousands of people from across the country stood up and took action to stop the BNP. Together we delivered millions of leaflets and I'm certain that we made a real difference.

But we had a problem - organisational capacity. We’re keenly aware that if we're

going to stop the BNP in the future, we need to invest in a national infrastructure - but one that is rooted in local communities.

and hatred with our most powerful weapon: the truth.

Hope not hate are running 12 Organisers Academies throughout the UK. The sessions will last for half a day - and give you the skills and training you need to take ownership of the Hope not Hate campaign in your area.

We're at a crucial moment in our movement - in the next few weeks we can either give our supporters the skills and training required to stop the BNP. Or we can sit back, take our foot off the pedal and watch as the BNP continue to slowly spread.

You'll be joining a very special group of people - those willing to stand up and take responsibility for knocking back the fascists on our streets. And this really is how we'll stop them - community based campaigns that reach out to those being sucked in by the BNP. We have to combat the BNP's lies

What happens is up to you. This is your chance to take a lead role in our campaign to take ownership of our movement of hope.

To find details of your nearest training event please click here: www.action.hopenothate.org.uk/eventsnearme Hope to you see soon!

Union Reps...Meet offline in Newcastle!

Date:

Monday, 12th October 2009

Time:

10.30-12.30pm

Location: TUC, 5th Floor, Commercial Union House, 39 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

NE1 6QE Details: FREE Half day training and networking session Lunch:

Provided at 12.30pm

You are invited to attend a useful and informative half-day training and networking session in Newcastle.

This is an event specifically for reps in the region, particularly those registered on www.unionreps.org.uk. This is a great opportunity for you to meet each other offline and to get an update on the latest news from the TUC. Outline What’s happening in the Northern region? Kevin Rowan, TUC Regional Secretary Revised Code of Practice - time

off for trade union duties and activities. Bill Moore, ACAS What next for online campaigning?

Eric Lee, Labourstart Organising and the activist academy.

Anna Burton, TUC Lunch and networking and an opportunity to register for www.unionreps.org,uk To register for a place e-mail: erichards@tuc.org.uk If you would like further information, contact: aburton@tuc.org.uk

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unionsnorth Issue 21

Learning changed my life...and now I’m helping others I joined Darlington Borough Council in 1994 as a refuse collector and quickly became a union rep for Unison, a role I continue playing today.

Becoming a Unison rep helped me develop my own skills. I have achieved several health and safety qualifications and my “Train the Trainers” badge helping other employees at work. I have also completed an NVQ level 3 in management at Darlington College which I am also very proud of.

As I was completing my Union Learning Representative’s (ULR) course I got very interested in dyslexia and worked closely with a work colleague who suffered from it.

My colleague went on to achieve a learning award, this gave me confidence and a big

Dedication above and beyond, ensures a successful Adult Learners Week at npower

push into helping others to gain further life skills and I now also have a better understanding of the learning agenda.

Taking over from Rose Gallagher as Lifewise Project Co-ordinator I hope to help others to achieve their goals and continue the good work Rose and Darlington Borough Council ULRs achieved in the last two years.

I look forward to carrying out my new role and working with our ULRs to continue developing a learning culture within Darlington Borough Council.

Employees at Darlington Borough Council can contact Paul at: paul.bowers@darlington.gov.uk and at the Unison office on 01325 358 270 for advice on learning.

I’m very pleased the LfAF project will continue at Darlington Borough Council and I’m confident that the project will achieve its outcomes for the rest of the year with the commitment of Paul and the ULRs. I would also like to thank Rose for her hard work in the last two years and her help in a smooth transition Ken Gyles: unionlearn Project Worker

Honeymoon’s over...early?

Donna Walker (nee Couzens) is a ULR & Project Co-Coordinator with the “Learning Fuel” project within npower based at their Peterlee Contact Centre.

LEARN I NG FU EL Donna was determined the project would get off to a flying start and even her honeymoon wouldn’t get in the way when it clashed with Adult Learners Week! Her fellow ULRs were well equipped to make full arrangements for an Adult Learners Week event and she cut her honeymoon short by two days to attend and it all went to plan.

Donna is also a shop steward and health and safety rep and has actively promoted union

16

A personal story of how Paul Bowers became inspired to help others in their quest for learning

recruitment since she started with the company. She successfully recruited nine new members at the event and a further 15 this year.

73 People were engaged in learning on the day with seven taster sessions running including Reiki, drum tuition, juggling, salsa & saving money.

Donna has engaged the project with the health agenda and is embarking on a mental health first aid course later this month.

She has also just completed her level 4 IAG course through the initiative - the first person to complete this latest stage, an excellent achievement especially as she started the course late and had the small matter of a wedding to plan as well!

Issue 21 unionsnorth

A classic story of how personal development can lead learners in the most unexpected directions

From Union Learning to Leeds University

Andrew Simpson is Cumbrian born and bred. Brought up in Cockermouth, he left school and home at 16 to go to catering college in Workington - if you want any tips on how to produce an excellent Christmas lunch, Andrew’s your man!

The catering industry is a 24/7 business and can have a major impact on your home life through working unsociable hours. After meeting his wife Sharon, and having two children, Andrew felt that it was time to find a new job so he could enjoy time with his family. His qualifications were in catering so his choices were limited and he swapped the kitchen for the outdoors and spent a year erecting marquees.

Now living in Abbeytown, Andrew got a job at manufacturing company Innovia Films Ltd in Wigton in 1997. He became a shop floor operator in the slitting department which again was a totally different environment for Andrew.

He discovered a passion for health & safety and wanted to know more.

Although the company had automated the processes within the plant as much as possible, it was still a labour intensive job and staff health and safety was paramount.

Andrew’s ‘life journey’ then led him to become a GMB shop steward and Health & Safety Representative in 2006. He completed the 13 day GMB training course to give him the tools to represent GMB members within the workplace and make sure they continued to work in a safe environment.

Andrew wanted advice and guidance on his options if he wanted to pursue a career in health & safety. An appointment with Gill Baillie ULR & GMB Learning Centre Coordinator at Innovia Films Learning Centre led to ‘skills analysis’ which looked at what qualifications and skills Andrew already had and what he would need to further this ambition.

After looking at all the options, Andrew did an IOSH on-line course in the learning centre.

Gill arranged funding and Andrew completed the course in his own time. He passed with flying colours and then embarked on a NEBOSH course and Gill arranged for the company to pay for it. Andrew completed this at the local Carlisle College again in his own time and even took holidays to revise for the exam.

The company recognised Andrew’s passion for health & safety especially through his role as a GMB Health & Safety Rep and decided to utilise his comprehensive knowledge and experience and Andrew got a new job in training, health and safety.

Dave Dewis, Operational Plant Manager commented: “It is one of the pleasures of my job watching someone grow within our organisation and with Andrew we have a situation where he is not only able to follow his passion, he now is able to use that to benefit of everyone here.”

The rest is history as they say - but perhaps not? Due to Andrew’s own experience of

what a ULR’s function is within a workplace and how individuals can benefit greatly from it, he decided to become one himself and pass on his enthusiasm for learning.

In September, Andrew started a degree course at Leeds University with sponsorship from Innovia Films.

We have a wealth of talent out there in our workforce and we have a history of growing our own people into positions of responsibility which is now being helped by the ULR’s in the workplace giving advice on what is available to increase the knowledge and skills of the workforce and highlighting their talents Dave Dewis: Operational Plant Manager, Innovia Films

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unionsnorth Issue 21

Goodbye and best wishes to Barney McGill MBE undoubted ability and enthusiasm, leading a hugely successful operation that has grown and delivered consistently under Barney’s leadership.

In September Barney picked up a richly deserved MBE awarded to him for ‘Services to Lifelong Learning and Trade Unions in the North East’ placing him firmly in the annals of regional trade union history, exemplifying why he will be greatly missed by all who worked with him.

What can only be described as the end of an era occurred at the end of August when unionlearn Regional Manager, Barney McGill MBE, retired from the TUC. Barney has been an active trade unionist all of his working life, leading the AEEU in Parsons Engineering, where he worked for 33 years and was convenor, through one of the most difficult periods in its history.

Bob Clarke, Brian Cole and Davey Hall all paid high praise to Barney’s industrial contribution at a very well attended retirement party at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead. Regional Minister, the Right Honourable Nick Brown MP, made a particular tribute to Barney’s discipline, honesty and hard work for the workers and communities in the east end of Newcastle.

Barney’s work with the TUC and unionlearn, where he spent the last 10 years of his career, was marked and appreciated by contributions from former unionlearn National Director, Liz Smith, and TUC Regional Secretary, Kevin Rowan. Both paid tribute to Barney’s leadership, professionalism and commitment.

From joining the then ‘learning services’ team as a Project Worker in a team of three, Barney was promoted swiftly through the ranks, Development Worker, Coordinator and finally Regional Manager, reflecting Barney’s

18

Barney said: “As a lifelong trade unionist, receiving the MBE was the icing on the cake going into retirement as it is recognition not just of personal achievements but of the contribution that many of my colleagues and fellow trade unionists have made to improving our region in so many ways.”

The retirement in August of Barney McGill heralds the end of an era at the Northern TUC

”It’s true that we have big shoes to fill, but I feel privileged to be in the position to take our organisation into what promises to be a bright future, and continue to deliver real and tangible outputs on the learning agenda.”

Northern TUC Regional Secretary, Kevin Rowan, added, “Unionlearn has been a tremendous success in the Northern Region, providing great support to trade unions and trade union members engaging in learning and skills. Much of that success has been due to Barney and it is very fitting that his contribution has been formally appreciated in the form of his recent MBE. We all wish Barney a much deserved, long and happy retirement.

My time with the TUC and unionlearn has been truly inspirational and it has been a pleasure and privilege to watch as union learning has burgeoned into a meaningful and embedded part of thousands of people’s working lives.

Barney McGill : MBE

As one door closes however, another one opens, and unionlearn is pleased to welcome Elizabeth Killoran into the new role of Regional Manager for the northern region. Elizabeth has worked for the TUC for eight years and has been Barney’s ‘second’ as Union Development Co-ordinator for the last three years. Elizabeth said: “Although we are all sad to see Barney go, never has a retirement been more deserved and we wish him a very long and happy one.

In Elizabeth, who has worked very closely with Barney for a number of years, we have an ideal replacement to continue to develop this excellent area of work, adding great value to the region’s trade union organisation.

Issue 21 unionsnorth

Contacts: Kevin Rowan Northern TUC Regional Secretary krowan@tuc.org.uk Carolyn Clayton Regional Policy officer cclayton@tuc.org.uk

Workplace Trends.

Have you had your say?

Tom Ross Policy Project Worker tross@tuc.org.uk Melanie Lowden Secretary/Office Manager mlowden@tuc.org.uk Ben Sellers Vulnerable Workers Project Worker bsellers@tuc.org.uk Elizabeth Killoran Unionlearn Regional Manager ekilloran@tuc.org.uk Dave Storrie Regional Development Worker dstorrie@tuc.org.uk Ian West Regional Education Officer iwest@tuc.org.uk Anne Aitkenhead Unionlearn Project Assistant aaitkenhead@tuc.org.uk Linda Hughes Regional Development Worker lhughes@tuc.org.uk

We know that union reps and activists like to be heard, so here’s your chance to have your say. Help us to paint a picture of what issues matter the most to workers in the region.

The survey, carried out on our behalf by Northumbria University, was distributed to

events

Beth Farhat Union Development Co-ordinator bfarhat@tuc.org.uk

For more information on events or issues please contact the Northern TUC

David Nicholson Project Worker dnicholson@tuc.org.uk

October 2009 Calendar

Pat Winter Project Worker pwinter@tuc.org.uk Julie Robinson Higher Level Skills Project Worker jrobinson@tuc.org.uk Mike Tansey Project Worker mtansey@tuc.org.uk Joe McGuigan Project Worker jmcguigan@tuc.org.uk Ken Gyles Skills (Recession & Recovery) Development Worker kgyles@tuc.org.uk Graeme Rushton Project Worker, Cumbria grushton@tuc.org.uk Helen Parry Marketing and Communications Administrator hparry@tuc.org.uk

workplace reps mid September, with a return deadline of 10th October.

To encourage participation, those filling the survey in will be entered into a prize draw.

The survey can also be completed online at: www.northumbria.ac.uk/cpp/tuc

Northern TUC Commercial Union House 5th Floor, 39 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6QE Telephone 0191 232 3175 or email northern@tuc.org.uk

October 2009 Continued

01

Learning Revolution Festival Running Nationally from 01-31 Oct

22

ELSF Darlington Football Club

02

Health and Safety Executive/ TUC Seminar

23

North East Equality Awards Hilton Hotel, Gateshead

03

TUC Women’s Group

November 2009 Calendar

07

World Day for Decent Work Newcastle City Library

11

Health & Safety Working Party

12

Union Reps Online Northern TUC Office

21

Reclaim the Night Durham City

14

Health and Safety Working Party

17

Regional Council Centre for Life, Newcastle

09

Health & Safety Working Party

19

Disability Forum Gateshead Civic Centre

12

TUC Women’s Group

December 2009 Calendar

www.unionlearn.org.uk/northern • www.tuc.org.uk/northern

Julia Watson u-net Performance and Support Officer jwatson@tuc.org.uk Copyright in this publication is held by the TUC unless otherwise stated. For further copies of this item contact Northern TUC on 0191 232 3175 or via Email northern@tuc.org.uk. This text may also be made available, on request, in accessible formats such as braille, audio tape and large print, at no extra cost.