Unions North Issue 22 : December 2009

The Magazine of the Northern TUC

Starting a revolution Engaging the local community in a festival of learning

Surviving and thriving How a new TUC project aims to beat the recession

Health and wellbeing Unions working hand in hand with the NHS

Delegation to Palestine Northern TUC delegation visits refugee camp

unions north Issue : 22 December 2009

Issue 22 unionsnorth

The scheme to improve our health at work has an impressive first twelve months under its belt

Promoting health and wellbeing These days we are more aware than we ever have been about our health. Messages are constantly reinforced about the importance of health and wellbeing, diet and exercise in what we see and read.

There are now over 110 individual employees covered by the award in the North East. The rapid rise in trade union and employer involvement in the process is testimony to the commitment to improve the health of the working population in the region.

From early on there has been recognition by Public Health North East that the workplace is a perfect place to focus the mind on health improvement. The trade union movement has played a big part in convincing employers and employees to participate.

The focus on prevention, rather than cure, can only be a good thing so it’s no wonder a scheme designed around workplace health and wellbeing has been so well received.

Following the launch of the NHS Better Health at Work award in the region, partnerships have been developed between the NHS Primary Care Trust’s (PCT), trade unions and employers with the intention of raising the standards of workplace health and wellbeing.

The award which is spread over three years is separated into bronze, silver and gold standards and encourages all concerned to focus on improvements and interventions which will improve both workplace and public health in general.

Each workplace that signs up for the award has to identify health advocates. The roles that trade union reps currently undertake make them the perfect choice to take on the role of health advocate.

Training is provided by each PCT on what is expected from the advocate with the option of completing the Royal Society of Public Health’s training course at a greatly reduced cost.

During the first twelve months, initiatives have been introduced that were intended to raise awareness on health issues and interventions, all led by the health advocates.

The initiatives offered follow a workplace questionnaire which is circulated to all staff within the first few weeks of the award which

identifies concerns and interests of individual employees.

Tom Ross, TUC Policy Project Worker said: “There have been some amazing ideas put into practice such as healthy eating initiatives, cycle to work schemes, basketball clubs, Nordic walking events, introduction of gyms, fitness challenges, blood pressure clinics, men and women’s health promotions, mental health awareness as well as first aid training.

Our job now is to share that good practice.”

Years two and three of the award builds on the first twelve months and introduces the opportunity to extend the initiatives beyond the workplace.

In January 2010, a conference jointly organised by Northern TUC and Public Health North East will celebrate the first winners of the bronze award. As well as a celebration event, there will be a keynote speech by Dame Carol Black, the author of ‘Review of the health of Britain’s working age population’. Dame Carol has, for some time, reinforced the idea that a healthy workforce is a happier, more productive workforce.

The North East is currently the only region in England who has adopted this workplace health and wellbeing scheme but with the success of the first twelve months, maybe other regions will soon follow in our footsteps.

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unionsnorth Issue 22

How the Learning Revolution Festival brought communities together

A real Festival of Learning October 2009 saw trade unions across England taking part in the Learning Revolution, a month long celebration of everything that’s great about learning for pleasure and the benefits it brings to individuals, families, businesses and communities.

In the North East and Cumbria trade union members, family and friends joined with their local communities to try their hand at everything from card making to ukulele lessons, bead craft to fell walking, building

bird boxes to poetry reading and much more in between.

The venues were as diverse as a local church hall in Northumberland, a modern art gallery in Middlesbrough to a Lakeside fell.

All of the events provided an ideal opportunity for the union movement to showcase themselves to local communities and generate some positive publicity around the benefits of being a union member as well as having fun at the same time.

Bagpipes by the Sea Over 70 members of the community of Northumbrian seaside town Amble, aged between 5 and 90, took time out of their busy Saturday to pop into Trinity Methodist Church and find out more about the Learning Revolution Festival.

The event was organised by Hannah Pugh and the Brightsparks POA Learning Centre at Acklington Prison and included lessons on how to play the bagpipes given by prison officer Steve Christle.

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Local, Hilary Hope, who suffers from severe arthritis and mobility problems, delighted organisers and her friends when she picked up the instrument for the first time and achieved a note.

Conrad Stewart and Jenna Moffat from Craster who saw the event advertised in the Northumberland Gazette, enjoyed the experience so much, they signed up there and then with Brightsparks for further bagpipe tuition.

Brightsparks Centre Manager & POA Rep, Don Head, congratulated Hannah on her successful event saying without her hard work and dedication, the event wouldn’t have happened.

Issue 22 unionsnorth

Mima opens its doors for arts and craft lessons

Middlesbrough’s Institute of Modern Art hosted a Learning Revolution Festival event for Teesside which was organised by the GMB in partnership with Unite, Unison and Community unions.

Local providers including Middlesbrough Adult Education Services, Dorman Museum, Open University and TWEVNHS Foundation Trust ran stalls and gave demonstrations on crafts including appliqué and jewellery making.

Ian Stubbs, Deputy Curator at Dorman Museum gave a talk on the museum and its unique place in the history of Middlesbrough.

Local poet Linda Robinson ran a session on creative writing, particularly poetry, followed by a session by Geoff Waterfield, Joint Union Chair of the Corus trade unions on the Save Our steel campaign.

ULRs from projects in Teesside lent their support including Middlesbrough Council and Tetley who provided the tea!

Around 80 people took part in the workshops and many more signed up for information from the providers exhibiting.

Local MPs Sir Stuart Bell and Dari Taylor attended as well as council members from Middlesbrough Borough Council, Tom Brennan GMB Regional Secretary and Davy Hall, Unite Regional Secretary.

Delegates at the Northern TUC’s Education Learning and Skills Forum also got the chance to try their hand at some new activities when the Learning Revolution Festival came to their October meeting at Darlington Football Club.

ELSF joins the revolution

This opportunity to participate in some informal learning included heartstart, book club, cycle to work/cycle maintenance, introduction to bagpipes and stress busting.

ELSF Chair Joyce McAndrew, who tried her hand at the bagpipes, said everyone came away from the day having learnt something new or finding hidden talents they didn’t know they had!

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Rewarding workplace contributions that break down barriers and help employees reach their potential impact of racism and the threat of the BNP. Runners up for the award were Patrick McCourt, a Unite rep working at Mears Group Plc in Newton Aycliffe and Unison’s The Learning Styles Project which promotes learning, health and wellbeing for City of Sunderland employees.

...and the Equality for All Award goes to... ...Marie Pearson, who scoops the trade union sponsored award to recognise personal contribution towards inclusivity in the workplace.

Marie, HMRC Learning Co-ordinator with The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) is celebrating after winning this year’s Trade Union Equality for All Award at the North East Equality Awards. Sponsored by TUC Northern and unionlearn, the award recognises the contributions made in the workplace towards breaking down barriers and helping all employees reach their full potential.

Marie has worked tirelessly to champion underrepresented groups in the workplace including those who are often excluded because of their sexuality, gender, age or ethnicity.

Her efforts have also helped reach out to those employees who work part time or have caring responsibilities to increase their profile within the workplace and the trade union as a whole. She has also been instrumental in promoting PCS equality networks as well as working on an anti-racism campaign, helping to run an Anne Frank exhibition around the

Elizabeth Killoran, unionlearn Regional Manager, said...

TUC Northern and unionlearn are delighted to be able to recognise the fantastic work which is taking place across the region in organisations and by individuals who are ensuring that best practice is being followed and robust programmes and procedures are in place to provide equality for all. Representing workers who are disadvantaged is a fundamental element of trade union philosophy.

All three shortlisted for this award would have been worthy winners but congratulations to Marie who truly has made equality her mission and achieved so much within PCS and her workplace.

Into 2010 with the Northern Region TU Education Team If you are a Union Rep, ongoing training helps you to understand your role and rights and update your knowledge and skills.

The new, updated TU Education brochure is now out and has listings of all courses available throughout the North East and Cumbria, contact any of the coordinators (below) for further information.

The Northern Region Trade Union Education

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Co-ordination team is now complete thanks to a couple of recent appointments Back row, left-right: Tracey Errington (Carlisle College); Garry Hunter (City of Sunderland College); Margaret Stephenson (Newcastle College); Chris Thackrah (WEA Cumbria) Front row, left-right: Ken Smith (Darlington College); Lyn Coulthard (WEA North East)

Issue 22 unionsnorth

A new project aims to support unions and their members during the recession and into recovery There has never been a more important time than now to identify ways to help trade unions and their members through the current recession, a new TUC project has been charged with the task of doing just that.

The latest labour market figures (Office for National Statistics, Labour Market Statistics November 2009) make gloomy reading with unemployment currently standing at 2.46 million and part-time employment at a record high (since records began in 1992) of 7.66 million including, nearly a million people who work part-time as they can’t find full time employment. Another record high (since records began in 1992) is the 18% of 18-24 year olds currently out of work.

The TUC’s Recession and Recovery project has set out to identify the needs of unions and their members at this time and provide information and resources to support them whilst enabling the unions to maintain their strength during economic recovery.

The project will bring together existing initiatives around supporting workers affected by the recession. These will include, gathering knowledge and information relating to employability providers and funding streams which it will share with union officers, reps and ULRs in the North East and Cumbria to ensure that trade union members in the region are making the most of the help and support available.

The project will also gather and distribute information on managing finance and debt, benefits and tax credits, welfare and health related issues.

Working alongside existing projects there will be a package of materials to aid reps in the workplace, providing knowledge of existing programmes and also new initiatives on the horizon for dealing with redundancies or generally supporting workers.

Surviving and thriving is top of the agenda Key to the success of the project is engagement with the trade unions, identifying both union and members’ needs alike. With that in mind a combination of briefings and workshops, publications, other materials and support packages will be available, providing trade unions with an opportunity to both hear about and influence the direction of the recovery from recession work.

Kevin Rowan, Regional Secretary, Northern TUC, said: There is a wide range of good quality services being provided for workers facing the prospect of losing their jobs in the downturn and for those who have been out of work a bit longer.

Experience of previous recessions shows us that these services will be needed for at least a few years after the downturn so the sooner we help workers to get the advice, guidance and support for filling any skills gaps, the more likely they are to be able to return to work and the quicker the region is likely to move into positive economic growth.

within one company. This support alongside skills enhancement will help those affected to return into work as quickly as possible, proving again that trade unions reps knowledge and support can make a positive contribution in the workplace.

Briefings for reps will take place throughout 2010 in Newcastle. They will include advice on available benefits, managing budgets, help in redundancy and preparing for the unexpected. These briefings will provide ULRs and reps with the knowledge and confidence to give advice to their members, making sure they are supported consistently throughout the recession.

There are already very good support practices offered by unions, the TUC/unionlearn would welcome discussions with individual unions to gain further knowledge which in turn enables trade unions to share good practice and maximises the continued support to trade union members.

The Recovery from Recession Project will ensure that more workers will be aware of what support is available and will really make a difference in helping workers to stay in employment.

In the first few weeks, the project has concentrated on meeting major stakeholders and sharing information about the project as well as agreeing points of contacts so that a directory can be produced for reps in the workplace.

The knowledge gained has already helped to offer advice and support to three unions/employers in the region as well as three days of advice and guidance for workers

Lead Project Worker, Ken Gyles

For more information on the Recession and Recovery Project or to discuss involvement, contact: Ken Gyles on 0191 227 5552 or email: kgyles@tuc.org.uk

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The second candlelit vigil in support of victims of domestic violence takes place in Durham

Over 100 men, women and children marched through the streets of Durham City on a cold, wet and windy night in support of the victims of domestic violence.

One in four women will experience the effects of domestic violence or sexual abuse at some time in their lives – a statistic that trade unionists and campaigners are determined to see eradicated.

Following the march, attendees gathered in Durham Town Hall for music and refreshments and to hear from guest speakers: Roberta Blackman-Woods MP for Durham City; Bridget Phillipson, Labour PPC for Houghton and Sunderland South and women's refuge manager for Wearside Women in Need. The event was chaired by Clare Williams, Chair

Cumbria Forum event highlights the role of ULRs in closing the skills gap

of the TUC Women's Group and UNISON Regional Convenor.

Domestic violence is a key issue for trade unions as it’s not just an issue for women, it’s an issue for us all. That’s why trade unions

Skills Summit comes to Cumbria Newly elected Chair of the Cumbria Forum John Kane, GMB, welcomed over 100 delegates to the Cumbria Skills Summit on 25th September 2009 at ENERGUS, the £20m state of the art skills, training and education facility in Workington, West Cumbria.

The event highlighted the role Union Learning Representatives play in engaging the workforce and closing skills gaps.

It is also clear that trade unions need to expand their role in raising demand for higher level skills, focusing on young workers and the emerging future jobs fund.

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and the TUC will continue to challenge inequality in all its forms, campaign for safer communities and strive to ensure that all women have the right to use public spaces, day and night, without the fear of sexual harassment and assault.

Speakers at the Summit included Kevin Rowan, TUC Regional Secretary, who spoke about responding to key challenges and the role trade unions can play in the current economic climate with particular reference to Cumbria.

Other speakers included Roxine BeaumontSempill, IAG and Learning Support Manager, Cumbria Higher Learning; Tony Saunders, Learning and Skills for All Fund; Nigel Couzens, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA); Director of Area for Cumbria Learning and Skills Council Emer Clark; Copeland MP Jamie Reed and Ken Gyles, TUC Project Worker, Higher Levels Skills, Northern Region.

Issue 21 unionsnorth

Trade unions debate the challenges and opportunities for West Cumbria, Britain’s Energy Coast

Trade unions and Britain’s Energy Coast Trade Union representatives in Cumbria gathered together to debate the challenges and opportunities of Britain’s Energy Coast, including a key future for the nuclear industry and the vital part it plays in the economic fabric of West Cumbria.

In the wake of the dramatic and devastating floods in West Cumbria John Kane, Chair of the TUC Cumbria Forum, welcomed members to the second Forum in Workington, on Friday 27th November.

Sustainable jobs are what matter to us.

Investment in Britain’s Energy Coast Masterplan provides us with a once in a lifetime opportunity in terms of employment, union recognition and long term membership and a real chance to build on the supply chain in the area.

Final speaker Joe Flanagan, Head of Energy at the North West Development Agency, discussed The Energy Coast

Masterplan, a multi-million pound regeneration programme launched in 2007 with a vision to create a prosperous, sustainable Cumbrian economy.

In conclusion, the Chair thanked members for attending and for their participation in a constructive and positive debate; the speakers for their valued contributions and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for sponsoring the day’s event.

Mike Graham, Prospect National Secretary for the Energy Sector

He opened the meeting by explaining how critical it was that West Cumbria grasps the opportunities that will arise through the nuclear decommissioning process taking place at Sellafield as well as campaigning for new nuclear build in the County, emphasising the important role trade unions can play in contributing to Britain’s Energy Coast Masterplan.

The first guest speaker was Mike Graham, Prospect National Secretary for the energy sector who said there was a real issue concerning energy supply and demand and the UK reaching its CO2 targets. The main unions involved in the industry (GMB, Unite, UCATT and Prospect) have achieved much and with the TUC, supported a balanced energy policy.

Speaker Steve Gibbons of the GMB said it was good to see the unions involved working collectively towards a common goal.

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Workplace Projects Durham Unitary Authority: County Hall, Durham

Learning Together Project hits the note at County Hall

The official launch of the new Learning Together project was a colourful and noisy occasion when it took place in October 2009 at County Hall in Durham to coincide with the Learning Revolution Festival.

Born from a coming together of the UNISON-led ‘Live and Learn’ project and the GMB-led ‘KAT’ project, Learning Together looks at further developing skills at the new Durham County

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Council. The launch of the project included arts and crafts as well as an opportunity to try the ukulele as part of a taster session.

ULRs ran stalls offering learning information and promotional materials and Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, Elizabeth Killoran, unionlearn Regional Manager and Jan Blakey, elected member of Durham County Council joined the event and welcomed the start of the project.

Council Employees and visitors were invited to join in and many stopped by in their lunch break to try their hand at

Workplace learning is beneficial for all It is always good news to see union-led workplace learning projects established in our region as they help to improve recruitment, retention and overall job satisfaction in a workplace.

These projects are made possible through the effective and solid partnerships that exist between the unions and employers and now more than ever given the current economic climate, up-skilling is vital for individuals, unions and employers alike.

Elizabeth Killoran unionlearn regional manager paper flower making, decorating silk scarves or to check out their musical talents on the ukulele.

Representatives from Unison, GMB, Unite and Ucatt were present along with officers from Durham County Council as well as learning providers.

A Great Day was had by all!

New Learning Centre: Warburtons

Learning at Warburtons is bread and butter Labour

MP for Newcastle North, Doug Henderson had the pleasure of officially opening a new state-of-the-art learning centre for employees of a Newcastle bakery last month - a project which is aiming to promote adult education in the workplace.

The innovative learning centre at Warburtons Newburn Bakery will help staff across all departments to enhance their skills in areas including basic computing, literacy and numeracy and gain qualifications such as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).

The facility named ‘Windows of Opportunity Learning Centre’ is a partnership between Warburtons, the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) and unionlearn and an investment of nearly £2,000. Linked to Newcastle College and equipped with personal computers, a full range of software, printers and internet access, it will give employees the opportunity to take part in Key Skills courses delivered under the College’s Skills for Life initiative, ‘Test the Toon’.

Joined at the opening by Warburtons UK Operations Director, Tony Macken; unionlearn Regional Manager, Elizabeth Killoran and unionlearn Project Worker Mike Tansey, as well as other members of management and staff at the bakery, Mr Henderson said: “I’d like to congratulate Warburtons and the BFAWU for creating such a fantastic resource for their workers. Warbutons with its bakeries in Newburn and Stockton is as committed to staff development as ever and have built on their excellent training programmes with this new addition and I’m thrilled to be part of the official opening.”

The opening of the Centre at Newburn Bakery, follows the opening of a Life-

long Learning Centre at the bakers Stockton Bakery in June 2008.

An ongoing Warburtons and BFAWU partnership has developed a national workplace learning agreement which covers all employees that participate in learning activities across the Warburtons business. Ronnie Draper, national president of the BFAWU, said: “We have worked with Warburtons on a number of Learning Centre openings across the country and I can safely say that the family baker is a great example of an organisation which is successfully meeting an educational need by providing a Learning Centre which will help everyone benefit, including the union, staff and the company itself.

Front: Doug Henderson, Newcastle North MP. Back Row (l-r): Kendra Walker, ULR at Warburtons; Darren Bond, Warburton’s General Manager and Ronnie Draper, National President of BFAWU.

Employees will be able to access the Centre around their shift patterns and welcome family and friends to join them in using the facilities. unionsnorth issue 22

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Celebrating successes Learn Direct Achievement Award

National Award recognises achievement Ian Thompson a UCATT ULR from Gentoo Sunderland has been recognised for his outstanding personal achievements by clinching the unionlearn award at this year’s National Learndirect Achievement Awards.

members who have taken a learndirect course to develop their career, or those who have encouraged others to take a learndirect course.

Ian, who had no formal qualifications when he left school and who was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was 30, won the regional unionlearn award earlier this year. This national achievement builds on that success and is awarded to recognise union

Determined not to let his dyslexia get in the way of his personal learning journey, Ian has now achieved a string of vocational qualifications and played a big part in helping over 400 colleagues take advantage of learning opportunities.

The award was presented by TV presenters Eamonn Holmes & Ruth Langsford. Commenting on his award, Ian said: “It’s a great honour to win this award as it can sometimes be hard to recruit learners, so this is definitely something I feel very proud of.”

Far East to the North East Somasundaram Kannan, a warehouseman at Birtley Composite Distribution Centre, found himself living in the North East when he followed his wife here from Singapore in 2005.

Before coming to the UK he had worked as a production manager, a customer service officer and

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completed his national service. Here he put his name down with an agency and landed his current job.

Once settled, Kannan visited the Learning for all Fund project at Usdaw Learning Centre and enrolled on a literacy Level 2 course followed by a numeracy Level 2 course – both great achievements with English not being his first language.

“I wanted to gain these qualifications to help my children with their education and for my CV” he said.

“My children are now picking up some Geordie words as well so it makes life more challenging, they can now speak three languages!”

Usdaw ULR Ged Duff commented: “It’s important that workplaces have a learning culture, structured and managed with professional advice and guidance, which can be sustained long into the future.

Through the support available we’ve seen 150 learners signposted into study.”

Issue 21 unionsnorth

Trade union officer talks about her remit to inspire and help others achieve career ambitions

New role model for Muslim women

The National Muslim Women’s Advisory Group (NMWAG), an independent body who advise national government on issues affecting Muslim women, selected Fazia Hussain, from Unite the Union as one of twelve national role models to inspire young Muslim women to achieve their career ambitions.

The idea for the role models initiative for young women came directly from the NMWAG and reflects their commitment to encouraging Muslim women to meet their potential as well as challenging existing stereotypes.

They recognised that for far too long, women have been unable to realise their full potential in the workplace with Muslim women no exception. The twelve role models, including a TV presenter, scientist, nurse, fire and police officers, an artist, a rugby playing sports development officer and Fazia who is the North East trade union official for Unite, all chosen because they are not employed in ‘traditional’ roles.

The initiative, launched in October 2009 by Communities Minister Shahid Malik, is the first youth focussed project from the NMWAG and includes a road show, which will see the role models visiting towns and cities across England and Wales to share their career experiences.

Fazia is hoping this scheme is the start of a wider campaign to inspire and encourage even more Muslim women to get involved in the workplace and communities in which they live. She said: “I was one of these Muslim girls at school who didn't have anyone to look up to. I didn’t know what my options were or what I could and couldn't do and also how my parents would react if I decided to do something which they deemed wasn't suitable for me.

“It took me a long time to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. I

now want to be able to support and encourage young girls to follow their dreams and aspirations with the signposts and guidance, which I lacked.

“I hope to be able to inspire Muslim school girls to choose any career they wish and give them the confidence to succeed. I hope that my own experience proves that if you want to achieve something, you can. I left school with no career choice in mind but my shop steward and regional officer at the time believed in me and gave me the support to put myself forward for the TUC Organising Academy.

"As a young female Muslim officer of the union, I am extremely passionate about fairness and equality, and work hard everyday to challenge prejudices and barriers and make a difference for my members.

“Statistics show that less than one in three Muslim women are in paid work compared to two in three non Muslim women. This means many young Muslim girls have less access to working women in their everyday lives. Without working women to inspire them, the girls miss out on the diversity of opportunities available to them and we lose the contribution of these often well educated and talented girls.

“I hope this project takes us one step closer to bridging the gaps between workers and everyone has a fair and equal opportunity and a level playing field to compete for jobs in the future.

“We must continue to try and diversify our membership so that we can continue to challenge the barriers in the workplace and develop structures within our unions, which are inclusive.

“We need to do more to encourage young members to understand what their rights are when they join the world of work and understand how trade unions work for their benefit.”

The road show comes to Middlesbrough on 28th April 2010 and is an opportunity for the national role models to talk with an invited audience about their experiences and how they achieved their career ambitions.

Employers and career advisors will also be on hand.

To read Fazia’s story in full or order copies of the booklet featuring all role model stories visit: www.ourchoices.org.uk. For more information about the event or NMWAG, contact: Shahda Khan, NE NMWAG member on 01642 729219.

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unionsnorth Issue 22 Steel River by Linda Robinson We are the children of the Steel River.

Our spirit forged on the anvil of the Ironmasters’ ambition.

In the shadows of the chimneys and the furnaces we are indomitable and fierce, yet open and loyal.

When our industrial masters eat us up and spit us out, their pockets lined like the last blast furnace, we are dignified and proud.

Steel in our hearts and steel in our spines.

From father to son and father to son, the baton of our industrial heritage is handed on, with many a false start in the race to remain relevant, economical, viable.

We will always be the children of the Steel River and if the sounds of industry are one day stilled you will still hear us roar. © Linda Robinson 2009

Aida Quilcue amongst those declared as military objective by paramilitaries Paramilitaries have again threatened social organisations across the southwest region of Colombia, as paramilitary violence and threats continue to intensify in the Andean country.

Indigenous leader Aida Quilcue was amongst those threatened, a month after she returned from a trip to the UK following an invite from Unison Northern and the Northern TUC, in conjunction with the Colombia Solidarity Campaign.

The threat, issued by the Rastrojos Urban Command militia based in Narino department, names Aida and several other social

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Steel River flows in London

Teesside Poet Linda Robinson has her hour on the plinth in Trafalgar Square

Teesside poet Linda Robinson took her place on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square as part of Antony Gormley’s art installation ‘One and Another’ and used the opportunity to highlight the Save Our Steel campaign.

One of only 2400 people who were given the chance to represent humanity in this 100day human monument from the 35,000 people who applied, Linda used her hour on the plinth to display a Save Our Steel banner and to recite her poem ‘Steel River’ in honour of the steelworkers on Teesside.

Speaking about her opportunity to make history, Linda said: “There's a sense of we're all in this together if Teesside is to survive.”

Geoff Waterfield, Chair of the Corus Teesside multi-union Committee said: “It’s fantastic that people in the local community like Linda are making a positive contribution to showcase our steel heritage and plight at the same time.”

Paramilitaries threaten South West Colombia organisations and individuals which operate in the South West region of Colombia. Aida is ex-leader of the Cauca Regional Indigenous Council (CRIC), spokesperson for the Minga of Social and Communitarian Resistance, and currently a pre-candidate for next March’s Senate elections. Her husband was murdered by the Colombian army in December in an attack seemingly meant for Aida herself.

The threat states that all have been declared as military objectives and accuses all of the organisations and individuals of being guerrillas. It comes after a shower of threats and violence against social organisations in the region over the past month. In Cerro Tijeras

indigenous reserve, Cauca department, three community members have been murdered in the past three weeks, and another seriously injured. During her trip to the UK Aida expressed concern for her safety upon returning to Colombia, but said that she had to go back “because she dreams that Colombia can one day be different, a country with social justice and peace, and without arms.”

If you would like to help protect the social organisations and individuals being threatened in Colombia you can email the Colombian embassy, expressing your concerns to: elondres@cancilleria.gov.co

Issue 22 unionsnorth

Northern TUC throws its weight behind plans to create more apprenticeship opportunities Funded through the National Apprenticeship Service, the TUC’s Apprenticeship project, running from 2009-2011, is promoting apprenticeships with unions and employers, developing the TUC’s existing policy on apprenticeship and supporting affiliate unions’ work on apprenticeship programmes across the country.

The government has set a goal of achieving a quarter of a million apprenticeship places every year by 2020. Trade union reps and officers are crucial to supporting apprentices in the workplace, as having the chance to take up an apprenticeship is a great opportunity for anyone, especially for a young person who may be straight out of school or has made a decision to embark on an apprenticeship after a period out of work or training.

There is a toolkit for union reps to help them negotiate with employers to secure more apprenticeship places in the workplace and to support apprentices at work, addressing good quality pay, terms and conditions and training.

Two year project to support apprenticeships Northern TUC Admin team: Alex Rodgers (centre): Left to Right: Ananthi Parkin, Carly Clements, Anne Aitkenhead, Melanie Lowden, Charlotte Farrar, Helen Logan, Helen Parry.

The TUC is now involved to make sure that those apprenticeship places are new jobs, not replacing current workers, and that they are good quality, that pay is within the terms of existing negotiated agreements, and that we deal with occupational segregation by ensuring the most diverse range of people possible are able to apply for opportunities that are available.

Apprenticeship pay is currently a major issue but it’s hoped that it will soon be within the National Minimum Wage framework.

It’s no surprise that the TUC believes that apprenticeships are a great route into a career and is actively supporting their expansion but at the same time it wants to use the opportunity to tackle some of the challenges of apprenticeships, to make them the best they can possibly be.

The TUC is also campaigning to ensure that there are a minimum number of hours set aside for off workstation training.

Testament to success Alex Rodgers tells us about what it’s like to be an apprentice with the Northern TUC “I was appointed the Admin Apprentice for the Northern TUC in November 2008.

My aim was to gain an NVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration and also the relevant experience of working in a professional environment. I am now glad to say I have gained my NVQ Level 2 and on top of that I have also completed my level 3 key skills in numeracy. This programme would usually take 18

months but I have been able to do it in 10 months, which I am delighted about.

“Being an apprentice at the TUC is quite a unique experience. You get the best terms and conditions in the country and they want you to develop as much as you possibly can.

“I would like to thank everyone at TUC unionlearn Northern for their help and support throughout the last 12 months, but I believe special thanks must go to Melanie and the Admin Team.”

Gender segregation is also an issue with 91% of hairdressing apprentices being women and 99% of electro-technical advanced apprentices being men with the latter being much higher paid.

Downing Street launched an Apprenticeship Advocate network in November and the TUC is putting Union Apprenticeship Advocates in place who will sign up to the TUC’s aims of increasing the number of high quality, negotiated apprenticeships, to be achieved through the government, TUC and employers working together. TUC Apprenticeship Advocates will be busy people but the TUC apprenticeship team is offering all the support needed to fulfil the role of advocate.

The goal is to be able to create apprenticeships that offer a real opportunity for young people and for those developing their careers apprenticeships: with the guarantee of a proper job; that promote equality and diversity; that include meaningful training and development; that take place in safe, supportive working environments.

This is an agenda where employers, trade unions and government can work together to make real change.

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Trade unionists visit a Palestinian refugee camp to see what it’s like for working people under siege

Trade unions pledge to Palestine

Building on the solidarity links formed between the Northern TUC International Forum and trade unionists in Palestine, Josie Bird (Unison), Joanne Lawton (CWU) and Fazia Hussain (Unite) travelled to Palestine to meet refugees who are part of a massive community displaced from their homeland.

Palestine has been the subject of conflict since early Persian occupation, through Greek, Roman, Arab, Ottoman and Egyptian Rule. It was subject to the British Mandate to the UN Partition and the 1948 Palestine War. Palestinian refugees who were expelled from their land between 1947 and 1949, through the partition of Palestine, fled to neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.

They found the refugee settlement was nothing like the images seen on the news of tent like homes, dirty water and half naked children.

Their guide Hazem explained that the first refugees did live in tents, with the promise of returning home, but weeks turned into months then years and these camps have now been established for 60 years, developing basic amenities like any other community.

Josie, Jo and Fazia found it wasn’t the living conditions that disturbed the refugees, it wasn’t pity or apologies that they wanted, it was a commitment from trade unions in the UK to do whatever they could to put pressure on the government to take seriously the ‘right to return issue’ and to support them to help secure the future of their children through health and education.

The current situation in the Occupied Territories, including the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, is dire and desperate. Israel is continuing to make life intolerably difficult for Palestinian citizens, occupying their land and denying any movement of people or trade.

Against this backdrop Josie, Jo and Fazia were keen to visit some of the displaced Palestinian community, to understand more of their plight and to see what the trade union movement in the Northern Region could do to help. The focus of the delegation was to visit a refugee camp, live there with the refugees and take a closer look at some of the projects they could get involved in.

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The TUC and its members have spoken out in support of the Palestinian cause and many have affiliated to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. The TUC, in a Congress statement, said it is deeply concerned about the effects of the Israeli occupation on the daily lives of Palestinian workers and their families, the

devastation of the economy, the restrictions on movement of goods and people, and the separation wall, built deep in Palestinian territory.

On the conflict itself, the TUC supports a twostate solution based on UN resolutions, with peace and security for both Israel and an independent and viable Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.

Further motions have been raised, calling for the TUC General Council to put pressure on the British government to end all arms trading with Israel and support moves to suspend the EU-Israel trade agreement. Unions are also encouraged to disinvest in companies which profit from Israel’s illegal 42-year occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.

The trade unionists who visited Palestine are asking individual trade union branches to twin with branches in Palestine, to show fellow trade unionists solidarity and support. There is also a major effort to raise funds to provide play and kindergarten facilities for the children in the refugee camps.

Money raised by the Annual Regional Conference is being used to develop educational and play facilities for refugee children, kindergartens, and training facilities in Damascus. The Jafra Palestinian Youth Centre now forms part of a chain across Lebanon, Gaza and most recently Syria.

Further money is needed however for more youth centres in Palestinian refugee camps in Syria.

Other campaigns needing support include the banning of illegal Israeli settlement produce; labelled as produce of the “West Bank” it misleads the consumer. This unlawful practice denies consumers informed choices between Palestinian goods and illegal settlement goods.

The Northern TUC International Forum has also pledged to keep the issue of solidarity with Palestine high on its agenda.

Issue 22 unionsnorth

Union Learning Representatives to take up the role of equality advocates

Reaching out to vulnerable workers

Addressing the issue of vulnerable workers is one of the big challenges facing unions over the next few years but thanks to the ESOL project, ULRs are being offered the chance to become equalities advocates to push forward the inclusivity agenda in their workplaces.

It’s well documented that ULRs have had great successes in engaging adult learners and opening up opportunities for those with little formal education or who have other barriers to learning.

Now the next big area of work is to address the additional barriers that stand between vulnerable workers and decent work, training and development.

Agency workers, those on short term contracts, workers from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, migrant workers, voluntary sector workers or home workers are often hidden from the mainstream workforce and therefore excluded from mainstream learning and skills. As more of the working population find themselves in positions which could expose them to vulnerability, this is a key area for the trade unions and unionlearn.

Left: Ben Sellers, unionlearn Project Worker, Vulnerable Workers project Right: Samouka Dore, leader of Regional Refugee Forum, Right to Work campaign

While it’s recognised as difficult territory, ULRs are actually in a fantastic position to address these issues.

Over the next year, through the ESOL project, ULRs are being encouraged to become learning and skills equalities advocates in their workplaces.

inclusive and responsive projects that include different groups of vulnerable workers in the work of the unions. This all entails a new way of organising, making links in the community as well as within the wider workforce, but it is an important and exciting opportunity for ULRs which goes right to the heart of being in the trade union movement.

In this role, ULRs have the opportunity to really push this agenda forward and to develop

A new learning and skills equalities forum will be launched early next year.

Time to focus on lost skills For the second year running, the Northern TUC joined forces with the Regional Refugee Forum (RRF) to mark World Day for Decent Work with an event which highlighted the plight of the most vulnerable workers in the region.

This year the focus was on the ‘lost skills’ of thousands of refugees and migrant workers in the region – either the consequence of not being allowed the right to work, not having access to English as a Speaker of Other

Languages (ESOL) or not being able to translate their qualifications in the UK. An audience of over 50 trade unionists, ULRs, voluntary sector workers and community activists gathered at the new City Library in Newcastle to hear speeches and testimony about the effects of being excluded from the labour market and to take part in discussions about different ways we can overcome some of these issues collectively.

The hope is that the dialogue started by this event will both highlight the barriers around ESOL, learning and skills and also become the building blocks for a joint approach between the trade unions and the wider community on these issues.

If you’d like to get involved in the Northern TUC’s community organising initiatives, the ESOL project or other initiatives, contact Ben Sellers on 0191 2275566 or email: bsellers@tuc.org.uk

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unionsnorth Issue 22

New advice and guidance service launched for workers in Tees Valley

As OneDoor opens...

OneDoor, the higher-level training network in the Tees Valley, has launched a new advice and guidance service thanks to the appointment of careers specialist Mark Thorpe.

The OneDoor network is a partnership between Teesside University, Redcar and Cleveland College, Darlington College, Stockton Riverside College, Hartlepool FE College and Middlesbrough College.

Taking up the newly created position of Information Advice and Guidance Practitioner, Mark will work directly with skilled people who are currently unemployed or at risk from redundancy, providing guidance on the next steps available and returning to the job market.

The network has over £800,000 of funding available for businesses and individuals to access higher-level training programmes, business innovation and careers advice and guidance.

Mark’s new role will be particularly focused upon identifying opportunities for skilled workers through the range of higher-level programmes available. He said: “Effective advice and guidance can be a lifeline for individuals facing the difficulties of a challenging job market. I can utilise my experience to deliver the support and guidance required to ensure people are aware of the options open to them.”

Laura Woods, Director of Academic Enterprise at Teesside University said: “With UK unemployment approaching 2.5million, effective careers advice and guidance is vital and we are confident that through our varied supportive measures, OneDoor can make a real difference to the prospects of individuals and I wish Mark every success in his new role.”

For more information about OneDoor, contact: 0845 463 0101 or visit:www.onedoor.co.uk

Nextstep together with unionlearn An exciting partnership between CfBT Advice and Guidance, the North East prime contractor for the nextstep, and unionlearn is bringing additional services and an increased awareness of adult guidance to the workplace and local communities.

Five ULRs who are qualified information, advice and guidance practitioners have been seconded to work alongside existing nextstep advisers to develop the links with unionlearn and the community. Other initiatives include the development of a ‘buddy system’ which will enable the sharing of good practice,

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development of networks within the workplace and raise the profile of both unionlearn and nextstep within the IAG arena.

Jonny Wright, Regional Manager for nextstep with CfBT said: ‘With the new Adult Advancement and Careers Service starting in August 2010, it is crucial that partnerships that enable effective delivery are established and are working for the individuals who need to access the service. Unionlearn is one of the most important partners we work with and I expect the partnership to develop well over the next few months.”

For more information about the nextstep service, contact 0800 027 7944 or visit: www.nextstepnortheast.org.uk

Issue 22 unionsnorth

Contacts: Kevin Rowan Northern TUC Regional Secretary krowan@tuc.org.uk Elizabeth Killoran Unionlearn Regional Manager ekilloran@tuc.org.uk Ian West Regional Education Officer iwest@tuc.org.uk Beth Farhat Union Development Co-ordinator bfarhat@tuc.org.uk Carolyn Clayton Regional Policy officer cclayton@tuc.org.uk

HOPE NOT HATE 2010 Trade Unions and Anti-racism campaigners can be very proud of their achievements in challenging the BNP, tackling the far right and ensuring that they have had no electoral successes in the North East and Cumbria.

In workplaces and in communities, activity

Dave Storrie Regional Development Worker dstorrie@tuc.org.uk

Julia Watson u-net Performance and Support Officer jwatson@tuc.org.uk Tom Ross Policy Project Worker tross@tuc.org.uk Melanie Lowden Secretary/Office Manager mlowden@tuc.org.uk

events

For more information on events or issues please contact the Northern TUC January 2010 Calendar 12

Race Advisory Group Northern TUC Office

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Health and Safety Working Party

Anne Aitkenhead Unionlearn Project Assistant aaitkenhead@tuc.org.uk

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David Nicholson Project Worker dnicholson@tuc.org.uk

Ben Sellers Vulnerable Workers Project Worker bsellers@tuc.org.uk

Pat Winter Project Worker pwinter@tuc.org.uk Julie Robinson Higher Level Skills Project Worker jrobinson@tuc.org.uk

The Hope not Hate conference is an opportunity to take stock of both the progress we have made and the challenges that we continue to face.

Hope not Hate Conference 2010: Trimdon Labour Club Sedgefield Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 February 2010. For more information contact Charlotte Farrar on 0191 232 3175 or cfarrar@tuc.org.uk

Linda Hughes Regional Development Worker lhughes@tuc.org.uk Jo Gonzalez-Chamberlain Development Worker, Learning for All Fund jgonzalez-chamberlain@tuc.org.uk

continues to promote diversity, to champion equality and to fight against unfair treatment and discrimination.

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

February 2010 Continued 11

Health and Safety Working Party

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Executive Committee TUC Regional Office

Centenary of Apex/GMB Newcastle General Branch Vermont Hotel, Newcastle

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Recession and Recovery Launch Venue TBC

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Occupational Health Conference Hilton Newcastle Gateshead

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Hope Not Hate Event 27&28 Feb. Trimdon

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Regional Council Gateshead Civic Centre

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ELSF Durham County Cricket Club

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Learning for All Fund Bid closing date

February 2010 Calendar

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Asset Skills Event Venue TBC

March 2010 Calendar

Mike Tansey Project Worker mtansey@tuc.org.uk

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Building the Good Society Event 5&6 Feb. Centre for Life, Newcastle

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Health and Safety Working Party

Joe McGuigan Project Worker jmcguigan@tuc.org.uk

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Supporting Learners Event Assembly Rooms, Ncle

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Executive Committee TUC Regional Office

Ken Gyles Skills (Recession & Recovery) Development Worker kgyles@tuc.org.uk

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

Graeme Rushton Project Worker, Cumbria grushton@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.