Unions North Issue 24

The Magazine of the Northern TUC

Northern TUC ARC 2010 Public services, the economy, equalities...and David Miliband

Learning at Work Day Northern Region goes all out with 52 workplaces participating

Asbestos Update Cuts and money grabbers, the latest threats to Asbestos victims

Magnificent Seven PCS make it an amazing 7 matrix accreditations for learning centres

unions north Issue : 24 August 2010

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Issue 24 unionsnorth

The 2010 Northern TUC Annual Regional Conference confidently tackles the big issues

Public Services, the economy and equalities dominate the Northern TUC conference It was no surprise that the key themes at the Northern TUC Annual Regional Conference were the immediate, large scale cuts threatened in the public sector; the recovery from the worst recession in generations; and the need to continue to challenge the far right as the English Defence League prepared to march in Newcastle the week after the conference.

With one in three workers in the north employed in the public sector and a further thirty to forty thousand working in private sector companies dependent upon public spending, the promised cuts were of clear and immediate concern to trade unions.

Delegates from Unison, GMB, Unite and PCS all lined up to express the strong views of their members - that there was no electoral or economic mandate for savage spending cuts; that cutting spending now could severely hamper the recovery from recession; and that the north stood to suffer from a 'triple whammy' of the health, education and employment impact of reducing public services.

Trade unions pledged to work together to speak up for public services and welcomed the launch of the Public Services Alliance which took place on 24th June.

Head of Organisation and Services at the TUC, Paul Nowak, paid tribute to the excellent work of trade unions in the region preventing the BNP from gaining any electoral foothold in the region and talked of the strong

campaigning work of the region in defending public services. Paul also reported further increases in trade union density and membership growth in the region and encouraged trade unions to continue to prioritise workplace organisation.

'A typical recession' was how the recent economic crisis was described, with Northern Regions and manufacturing bearing the brunt.

In a region that hadn't recovered from the decimation of the industrial turmoil of the 1980s and early 1990s further private sector job losses have been devastating and it was the view of delegates that it would take several years to recover meaningful employment and economic growth.

It was especially disappointing that the new government are cutting support for young workers and attacking benefits given that young people are unemployed in unprecedented numbers and the recession has led to a significant and steady growth in the number of long-term unemployed workers.

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Dame Carol Black, National Director for Health and Work for DWP, spoke about the crucial importance of good quality work for people's health and wellbeing. It is not just how people's health and safety at work is considered by employers that is important; poor management skills, working time, bullying and harassment all contribute to people not being able to participate in work. Good work is good for health and good health is good for work. Carol paid tribute to the pioneering work of the TUC, with the Strategic Health Authority, in tackling health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The conference enjoyed a strong debate on tackling the BNP and stepping up to oppose the EDL in Newcastle. The Northern Region can be rightly proud that trade unions have been at the forefront of campaigns to oppose the BNP and National Front wherever they have been active in the region. The successful strategy continues to focus a response wherever the far right are active; to build antiracism actions in workplaces, and to develop sustainable, long-term anti-racism awareness in the workplace including the highly effective Anne Frank Education Trust Exhibition. In the months ahead it is planned to take this exhibition into workplaces throughout the region and train a number of 'guides' to explain the history to visitors.

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Iain Wright MP gave a fantastic endorsement of the work of Union Learning Reps in enabling workers to participate in learning and skills.

Gaining skills in this way has made a dramatic difference to the life-chances and quality of life of many workers in the region and Iain cited the example of a woman in Northumberland who received help from her Union to address reading and writing skills gaps and who is now a senior care worker in the County.

On the learning agenda, newly appointed unionlearn Union Development Co-ordinator Beth Farhat addressed delegates and gave a very accurate picture of the strategic fit of both the TUC and affiliated unions. In a year

which has seen a lot of change and development, she spoke of the forthcoming challenges, but set them against the positive backdrop of the fantastic achievements of the last 12 months, including reaching the national target of training 22000 ULRs and introducing a quarter of a million adults into learning through the union route. Regionally, we can also boast that over 50% of the adults supported into learning had no previous qualifications, which clearly demonstrates the efficacy of ULR activity in reaching the most vulnerable workers.

Future work was also an important focus going into the next year with key objectives of continuing to improve quality of service we provide to unions, employers and individuals, increasing the diversity of adults undertaking learning and improving their skills, and developing and strengthening regional/local partnerships. These principles, combined with our collective successful track record on delivery are all imperative as it is vital - now more than ever - to provide strong evidence to demonstrate the valuable and sustained contribution trade unions make to improving skills, and in turn making a positive impact on our economy. Beth’s final message to delegates was one that underpinned the entire conference – to work hard and to work collectively in order to transform workers’ life chances.

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Issue 24 unionsnorth

Iain Wright then presented the Union Learning Rep Award 2010 to Howard Fawcett of Unison.

On the back of their union learning project Howard and the rest of the team entered the Microsoft Britain Works Challenge Competition, hoping to secure additional learning resources. As a direct result of the work Howard has led on, the union-led Council Learning project has been successful, winning that competition outright and securing a massive ÂŁ10 million to be spent on learning opportunities in and around the city - a massive boost for learners across the area and a massive achievement for union learning.

As always, the Annual Dinner (which bridges day one and two of the conference) was a roaring success, with over 300 in attendance – one of whom was former Foreign Secretary and current contender for next Leader of the Labour Party, David Miliband. Mr Miliband made an after-dinner speech and as well as thanking trade unions for their fantastic work in supporting workers, employers and the economy, he echoed many of the other speakers who addressed conference over the weekend by speaking of the challenges that lie ahead for public services and their trade unions, his own Party and indeed individuals.

One of the highlights of this year's conference was when Tom Brennan launched the Asbestos Campaign and Support Group under the auspices of the TUC. Asbestos remains the number one cause of work-related deaths in the UK, with one in ten of those affected coming from the Northern Region.

There are currently around 400 asbestos caused illnesses diagnosed each year, including 200 cases of mesothelioma, and this number is set to rise year on year for the next five to ten years. It is a proud achievement that trade unions in the Northern Region are

ensuring that victims of asbestos illnesses receive the professional support they need.

The overall message of the conference was that there is much to be proud of and confident about for trade unions in the Northern Region.

The challenge is to raise our campaigning voices to secure improvements in the quality of life for working people, and to shout about the strength of our argument. We also need to focus on building trade union workplace organisation, so that we can underpin the value of our contributions with the case of our collective strength.

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Northern TUC Annual Conference Awards

Terry Rodgers Workplace Representative of the Year

Health and Safety Representative of the Year

Recognising the dedication and effort, above and beyond, of our Reps

The Union Learning Representative of the Year

Wendy Scott : Unison, Barrow in Furness Presented by Paul Nowak, TUC Head of Organisation and Service

Ian Hill: Community Presented by Dame Carol Black National Director for Health and Work

Howard Fawcett : Unison Presented by Iain Wright MP for Hartlepool

Paul Nowak presented the Terry Rodgers Workplace Rep Award 2010 to Wendy Scott of Unison.

Dame Carol Black presented the Health and Safety Rep Award 2010 to Ian Hill of Community. Ian has carried out his health and safety role in the most difficult circumstances.

Iain Wright presented the Union Learning Rep Award 2010 to Howard Fawcett of Unison.

Wendy is from Barrow-in-Furness, a Unison representative working in the health service, employed by Cumbria Foundation Health Trust.

She has a tremendous record in recruiting and organising workers in her own trust, other trusts and privatised provision in the health sector, she has championed women's rights and equalities, promoting equal pay and family friendly policies.

Corus, or more precisely, Teesside Cast Products, has not been far from the headlines or from the thoughts of trade unionists and politicians in the region throughout the last year. As the winner of this year's health and safety award, Ian has kept workers in Corus focused on safety despite the obvious challenges and situation they have been experiencing, even introducing new safety measures in the workplace.

Howard has led the Learning Styles project in his workplace, City of Sunderland local Council, developing real access to learning, working with GMB, Unite and UCATT and persuading his employer to develop learning centres in the workplace and to equip them with lap-tops and computers.

This has enabled many additional workers to access learning and Howard and the team of ULRs have been paying particular attention to equality of access to learning.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

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Issue 24 unionsnorth

Seven North East PCS union-led projects achieve the matrix award

Magnificent seven quality awards for North East union-led learning projects Seven union-led learning projects in the North East have achieved a national quality award thanks to the joint efforts of the Public and Commercial Services Union and TUC/unionlearn.

Achieving the matrix award is recognition of the dedication and quality service that ULRs give to their members on behalf of their trade union Beth Farhat

All seven undertook the matrix Standard assessment on the same day, recognising their efforts for delivering information, advice and guidance for learning at work.

Each of these centres are part of a union learning project at civil service sites in the region in partnership with the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and TUC/unionlearn. Extra recognition is also due as they are still the only PCS matrix accredited centres in the whole of the country.

Jan Gifford, Regional Learning Services Organiser, PCS

Over 90 Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) attended a PCS ULR conference on Wednesday 26 May where Beth Farhat, unionlearn Development Co-ordinator presented the matrix awards and reaccreditation certificates to all seven centres.

HMRC Sunderland, Washington and Benton Park View were awarded their first matrix quality standard while HMRC Quorum and Peterlee, the Department for Work and Pensions at Tyneview Park and the Identity and Passport Service in Durham were all reaccredited for a further four years.

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unionsnorth Issue 24 Jan Gifford, Regional Learning Services Organiser, PCS, said, “All of our learning projects are facilitated by union learning representatives: 150 in total across the region who have volunteered for the role and who are committed to improving skills and widening the offer of learning opportunities to staff across the Civil Service.

“These awards are therefore testament to the hard work and dedication of the 45 union learning representatives in the seven centres.

“They have worked tirelessly for the last twelve months improving the service to achieve the matrix Standard.”

HMRC Benton Park View

HMRC Sunderland Contact Centre

HMRC Waterview Park

DWP Tyneview Park

HMRC Peterlee

HMRC Quorum

Beth Farhat, unionlearn Development Coordinator, said: “Achieving the matrix award is recognition of the dedication and quality service that ULRs give to their members on behalf of their trade union.”

Angie Peacock, The assessor from the company who carried out the matrix assessment, said, “I was really impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of the Union Learning Representatives across all the sites we assessed.”

The PCS is now keen to apply for a matrix Excellence Award on the back of their magnificent achievement of seven matrix awards. They hope that the other ULRs in the region will also strive for the matrix Standard, to recognise their support and commitment to lifelong learning.

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They have worked tirelessly for the last twelve months improving the service to achieve the matrix Standard Identity and Passport Service

Jan Gifford

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Issue 24 unionsnorth

School children five times more at risk of asbestos related illness There are unexpected victims of the government’s current, voracious feast of spending cuts often hidden from the obvious consequences of the attack on public services.

Cuts and money grabbers, the latest threats to asbestos victims greatly increasing the risk of further victims

that children who are in schools containing

of fatal asbestos related illnesses in this region; a region that already bears a disproportionate share of asbestos victims.

asbestos are five times as likely as teachers to contract asbestos related illnesses, due to the extra period of latency from being exposed to asbestos earlier in life.

By stopping the Building Schools for the Future programme ninety-nine schools in the North East and Cumbria have had their building or refurbishment plans halted immediately.

A further, dramatic and key concern is the health risks that persist in these unrefurbished schools. Almost all the schools concerned were built before 1975, when the use of asbestos was at its height. It is estimated that 86 per cent of the older schools in the region contain asbestos.

As the schools get older and fall further into disrepair, the likelihood of exposure grows,

Pleural Plaques compensation scheme brings parasites out of the woodwork After a great deal of deliberation the government has finally published the eligibility guidelines for asbestos victims with pleural plaques to pursue compensation claims. Pleural plaques, a scarring of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos exposure, is the most common asbestos related illness.

Just before the General Election the Labour Government announced a scheme to make a payment of £5000 to sufferers of pleural plaques who had “brought but not resolved” a legal claim before the House of Lords ended

Asbestos remains the number one killer of workers in the UK. In the last 30 years the number of school staff diagnosed with mesothelioma, a fatal disease caused only by asbestos exposure, has trebled; clear evidence that this is a growing epidemic.

There is also really worrying evidence to show

the right to compensation in October 2007.

As a result some claims farmers and firms of solicitors are offering to process claims for pleural plaques under the Government's scheme, but are intending to take a slice of the £5000 payment for their own gain.

This is sheer exploitation. The Government have made a commitment to pay a modest lump sum to some workers suffering pleural plaques with details of who is eligible to make such a claim finally being issued. Any claims firms or solicitors preying on these claims by taking a cut are just ripping off victims in the most despicable and vile way.

The Northern TUC Asbestos Support & Campaign Group is calling for all pleural plaques sufferers not to be tempted by these profiteering companies.

Refurbishing or rebuilding all of the pre-1975 school buildings isn’t just about providing a better educational environment. It is also about making sure our children can learn in a school that doesn’t put their lives at risk.

The government must find a way to rid all of

plaques should, in the first instance, contact their trade union, which will facilitate legal services at no charge to the individual. People can also contact the Northern TUC Asbestos Support & Campaign Group, who will provide the right kind of advice and guidance, that won't end up costing any money at all.

The Northern TUC Asbestos Support and Campaign Group provides advice and guidance for victims of asbestos poisoning and their families, and has a base at Wallsend Peoples Centre.

Maggie and Pat can be contacted at Wallsend People's Centre, Frank Street, Wallsend NE28 6RN but are also able to visit people in their own homes or at another convenient venue.

To contact them call: 0191 2007198 or email: asbestos@wallsendpc.org

Workers who are suffering from pleural

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Learning at Work Day

Learning at Work Day building on workplace learning Northern region goes all out on Learning at Work Day, with 52 workplaces participating across the North East and Cumbria The aim of the day is to draw attention to the importance of workplace learning and skills. Each year, thousands of organisations take part in Learning at Work day and hold fun and business-

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related learning activities to help their staff learn new skills.

Getting involved in the biggest celebration of workplace learning

allows people to discover new skills, build new partnerships and help reach business goals, all at the same time.

Learning at Work Day has been run by the Campaign for Learning since 1999 as part of Adult Learners’ Week. The Campaign for Learning, and all of its

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Workplaces in the Northern Region were...

Barrow Fire Station: FBU

Gentoo: Unite

Pirelli Tyres: Unite

Barrow Railway Station

Go North East Stanley: Unite

QE Hospital Gateshead: Unison

Big Lottery Fund: Unite

Go North East Sunderland: Unite

Regional PCS bid: Six workplaces

BT Call Centre Newcastle: CWU

HMP Acklington & Castington: POA

Sealy UK: GMB

BT Call Centre Sunderland: CWU

Housing Hartlepool: Unison

South Lakeland District Council:

Carlisle City Council: Unison

Imperial Tankers: Unite

Unison

Innovia Film: GMB

South Tyneside College: UCU

City of Sunderland Council: CWU Copeland Borough Council: GMB DHL/ARGOS: Usdaw Durham County Council: GMB/Unison

Peterlee Job Centre: PCS KP Foods: GMB Mears: Unite

South Tyneside Homes: GMB South Tynneside MBC: GMB Tetley: GMB

East Coast Trains Newcastle: Aslef

Millom School and Network Centre: NASUWT

TEWV NHS Trust: Unison

EDF Sunderland: Unison

Newcastle City Council: Unison

Tristar Homes: Unison

Electrolux Distriparts: Unite

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals: Unison

Warburtons Newburn: BFAWU

Fabrick Housing Group: Unison

Parcelforce Team Valley: CWU

Warburtons Stockton: BFAWU

partners – including unionlearn believe it is more important than ever that workplaces and individuals maintain and develop their skills levels in order to adapt and thrive in the economic downturn.

This year’s theme was Creating Connections, which was about highlighting the links between different types of learning, such as informal and formal learning, the benefits of bringing people together to learn from each other, the strength of partnerships and the role of learning in organisational success.

existing projects and specific LAWD union-led activity for new workplaces.

As usual, the range of workplaces and activities were as diverse as they come, from bike maintenance and orienteering with the Barrow FBU, Salsa dancing, healthy eating and digital photography at KP in Billingham, watercolour painting and crafts at Newcastle Hospitals to joinery and plastering at South Tyneside Homes – to name but a very few!

Once again, to demonstrate our support for Learning at Work Day and workplace learning in general, unionlearn helped to support events throughout the country.

The Northern Region managed to support a whopping 52 projects/events across the region resourced with £30,000; both additional activity for unionsnorth issue 24

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Lifelong Learning Learning Agreement - South Tyneside Homes

Lifelong learning comes home Staff

at South Tyneside Homes are set to benefit from the signing of a new Learning Agreement.

On Thursday 4th March, Chief Executive, Isobel Riley signed the agreement that will see lifelong learning opportunities being promoted to every member of staff in the organisation.

The agreement was signed in conjunction with representatives from four recognised Trade Unions: GMB, Unite, UCATT and Unison.

Recognised Union Learning Representatives will help develop awareness of learning opportunities and work with managers to identify the learning needs of staff. They will also create mutually beneficial partnerships with training providers and colleges to deliver the learning programmes.

Also under the agreement a joint Union/Employer Learning Partnership Committee will be established.

They will meet every 3 months and be responsible for introducing, implementing and monitoring learning initiatives.

“The GMB union is a progressive organisation that seeks to work with employers for the common good and mutual benefit. Nothing can be more satisfying therefore than signing a partnership learning agreement with South Tyneside Homes - which provides an opportunity for employees to access training that can enhance their career prospects and provide the employer with a more highly motivated, skilled workforce.”

Tom Brennan: Regional Secretary, GMB

“As an organisation we are committed to helping our staff to develop and grow. By signing this learning agreement we will be able to provide them with the best opportunity to do this.”

Isobel Riley: Chief Executive, South Tyneside Homes

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“Being part of and actually leading this project gives me a great sense of pride and satisfaction as I have been able to offer a truly worthwhile contribution to the GMB members that I represent.

“It also allows me the opportunity to promote the positive benefits of becoming a GMB member to anyone who believes that unions are only there when things go wrong.”

Andrew McIntosh: GMB Senior Steward TU Learning Project Lead ULR STH

"Working with the Trade Unions on this project has allowed key learning and development opportunities to be promoted on a much wider basis than ever before. Ensuring that all opportunities for staff to develop have been effectively communicated by the ULRs allows our staff greater access to the skills and knowledge needed to enrich their role and improve the services to our tenants."

Anthony O’Hara: OD Advisor STH

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“This learning agreement seeks to formalise the partnership working on the learning agenda with the employer. It also promotes the role of the ULR, encouraging and supporting those employees who wish to engage in learning.”

Tina Roche: Assistant Branch Secretary Unison

“The training agenda is in place to encourage employees to gain greater experience and indeed greater confidence and having listened to those who have embarked on such training, through the excellent

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“The success of this project clearly demonstrates the value of employers working together with trade unions to support learners in the workplace.

agreements that have been put in place, that has certainly been achieved.

“UCATT are delighted to be party to the South Tyneside Homes agreement and I know those people driving that agreement have the commitment to develop and enhance the skills of our members. UCATT is increasingly playing a key role in promoting and expanding training and skills in the workplace and alongside South Tyneside homes I am confident that will continue.”

“The signing of this Learning Agreement represents a clear statement of intent by all parties to continue working together to invest in skills which are beneficial both at work and at home.

“On behalf of Unite the Union, I am happy to make that commitment.”

Martin Wright:

John Scott: Regional Secretary UCATT

Senior Learning Organiser Unite the union

UCATT - Housing Hartlepool

Setting a course for learning?

Bernie Kelly is 51 years of age, works for Housing Hartlepool and is a member of UCATT. Five years ago Bernie heard about the Learning for All Fund “Together” project which was a partnership between Hartlepool Council, Housing Hartlepool and the joint Trade Unions.

He embarked on Skills for Life courses to “ brush up on my literacy and numeracy” and then went on to obtain an IT qualification. These were the first and only academic qualifications he had ever obtained.

Bernie says that he was ‘bitten by the learning bug’ and had been so inspired by the team of ULRs working on the learning project that he wanted to become a ULR.

Soon after his initial ULR training Bernie began signposting other colleagues into learning and during one browsing session looking for courses for colleagues, he came across a Glass Staining course which interested him.

Housing Hartlepool agreed to fund the

course and Bernie passed with flying colours; his first piece of work shows an old sailing ship on a background of beautifully stained glass. The work, very appropriately, has been finished in time for the Tall Ships race which comes to Hartlepool later this year. unionsnorth issue 24

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Playfair for the 2012 Olympics

TUC and Playfair team up to help make 2012 Olympics a fairness medal winner

a climate of fear. She pointed out that behind the glamour of sports events such as the Olympics, lay the blood and sweat of workers denied fundamental human rights and decency in their working lives.

There is understandable excitement and great anticipation at the prospect of the Olympics coming to these shores in 2012.

Unfortunately, for the hundreds of thousands of workers employed in the global supply chains that produce kits for the Olympic teams or Olympics branded souvenirs, the picture may not be quite so rosy.

In the lead up to the Beijing Olympics, Playfair 2008 research revealed child labour, excessive working hours, routine underpayment of wages and blatant disregard for Chinese labour laws. We know that in sweatshops across Asia, it is not uncommon for workers to start their working day at 6.45am and end at 10.30pm. In Bangladesh, the minimum wage is 1,622 Taka - a sixth of what a worker needs to be able to feed, clothe and house his or her family. Shockingly, for each garment produced, only 0.5-3% of the selling price goes to the worker that actually produced it.

Many of these supply chain companies are vehemently anti-union, using ‘union busting’ tactics to discriminate against workers who choose to form or join a union. These workers are more often than not seen as disposable, companies laying them off at will when work is completed and taking them back on during peak periods.

This is the hidden underbelly of the glitz and glamour that goes with great sporting events like the Olympic Games and it is the reason why the TUC have joined with ‘Labour Behind the Label’ and a raft of trade unions and nongovernmental organisations to launch the Playfair 2012 Campaign. Playfair 2012 is

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calling on the organisers of the London games, the sportswear industry and the International Olympic Committee to raise the bar on workers’ rights - ensuring that the rights of workers making sportswear and Olympicbranded goods are respected and in line with standards set out in International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions and in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Specifically, the campaign is asking for: A Living Wage The freedom to join a union No forced overtime Job security In Newcastle, a range of organisations, including PCS, Unison and Labour Behind the Label, were determined to give the campaign some local impetus and, on the 10th of June, they organised a meeting at the TUC Offices to mark the launch of the campaign in the region. Chair Kenny Bell, opened the meeting by introducing Ashling Seely, from the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Federation (ITGLWF), who spoke about the discrepancies between the Olympic Charter and the real conditions that workers are forced to endure, as well as the example of the Clean Clothes Campaign in challenging some of these injustices.

The meeting was then privileged to hear from Lilas Mahmudah, NEC member from Serikat Pekerja Nasional (Textile and Garment Trade Union, Indonesia) who explained how the criminalisation of trade union activities had grown in Indonesian supply chains, creating

The speeches were rounded off by Sharon Sukhram, Playfair 2012 co-ordinator from the TUC, who drew the links between decent work and the freedom to organise, as well as setting out the demands the campaign was making of the London 2012 organisers.

The meeting ended with a resolve from the activists gathered to take the campaign forward in the region and a further meeting was arranged to explore how we would do that practically. The meeting also discussed briefly some of the actions and tactics that might be used to raise the profile of the campaign in the North East and Cumbria. It was agreed that we would try to organise campaigning around the Days of Action planned by the national campaign as well as to keep in touch with negotiations in Indonesia through Lilas. In the meantime, there are a number of ways that you personally can support the Playfair campaign: Visit: www.playfair2012.com and sign up for e-alerts to get the latest news, actions and events.

Post information about the campaign on social networking sites such as Facebook, UnionBook and Twitter.

Promote Playfair 2012 in your union magazines, blogs or publications.

Show the campaign film (available on the website) at your branch meeting and encourage members to take action.

Get your union to pass a motion to support Playfair 2012.

We would welcome the support and involvement of trade unionists and other activists in the Playfair 2012 campaign regionally.

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Issue 24 unionsnorth

The Northern TUC would like to offer a very warm welcome to our new Policy and Campaigns Officer, Neil Foster

The role of trade unions in shaping and defending the quality of life of workers

Policy and Campaigns

If the trade union movement didn’t exist in 2010, we would have to invent it. Now more than ever trade unions are playing an important role in shaping quality of life and defending the interests of working people.

In workplaces across the North East, union reps are ensuring legislation is being honoured, skills and learning opportunities improved, carbon emissions reduced and the health and wellbeing of workforces enhanced on a daily basis.

By working closely with our affiliate unions, the Northern TUC is also able to feed the insight of tens of thousands of working people into different decision-making bodies at a regional, national and European level. That is why I am delighted to be joining the Northern TUC. Having been a trade unionist throughout my working life I know the important difference unions make.

For several years I worked in the voluntary and community sector in regenerating areas of Tyneside scarred by the loss of shipbuilding and coalmining. I’ve also promoted community projects providing innovative new social solutions and helped community-based organisations have their say. More recently in the private sector I’ve designed campaigns that have changed attitudes, improved life chances and created jobs. All these experiences should contribute to this new role at this important time.

In recent years there has been a substantial growth of opportunities for organisations with a stake in society to influence decision-making in sustainable economic development. We deserve to be at the table.

achieving both social and economic progress.

The Northern TUC will be building the broadest possible coalitions to demonstrate that there is an alternative to taking public sector wages out of the economy and leaving us all to pay a high social price for the loss of important services.

We are in a strong position to make our voice heard. Latest studies show that trade union membership has increased in the Northern region by nearly 5,000 over the last twelve months taking the overall number up to 362,000.

My role will be to ensure that the trade union perspectives are represented in working groups as diverse as leisure and tourism in the North East, tackling child poverty across Europe and in raising awareness of new health initiatives such as union-led support for victims of asbestos.

The threat of catastrophic public spending cuts is the dominating issue facing many trade unionists in the North East. 1 in 3 jobs in our region are in the public sector. Defending public services and investment is central to

This is a considerable achievement from affiliate unions working in difficult economic circumstances. It reflects the confidence and trust workers are investing in the union movement in our region.

We will all work tirelessly together to repay them. With our partners we have a positive vision for the North East’s future and plenty to defend. I look forward to working closely with you in the months ahead as we present our experiences and arguments in new and imaginative ways.

Neil Foster: Policy and Campaigns Officer Telephone: 0191 227 5554 or Email nfoster@tuc.org.uk

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Carlisle seminar seeks to develop strategies to tackle workplace discrimination

Equalities in mind in Cumbria Looking at the labour market picture in Cumbria shows a significant challenge in achieving equality in the County, especially for women, BME workers and people with disabilities.

The evidence shows that work is highly gender stereotyped, disabled workers are significantly more likely to be long-term unemployed, or employed in a limited range of jobs, some ethnic minority groups are more likely to be unemployed or in low wage jobs and men have disproportionate access to full time jobs, which is mirrored by the proportion of womenin part-time jobs, many of which are low paid.

A trade union seminar in Carlisle sought to develop trade union strategies for tackling discrimination at work, with a particular focus around enabling trade union representatives to support workers with mental health problems.

John Halligan and Tom Ross led a discussion on ‘Mindful Employer’, an initiative that encourages employers to

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provide the right kind of support to workers who develop mental health problems. One in five workers will develop mental health problems and almost half of all incapacity benefit claimants have mental health problems.

The key principles behind Mindful Employer are that it is by employers for employers and encourages good practices not “great promises”.

Mindful Employer provides easily accessible information and resources and links to supporting agencies such as “SHIFT” the line manager’s toolkit, Mental Health First Aid training, access to job retention services, local employer networks and last but not least, practical, hands-on support.

The estimated cost of mental ill health to UK employers is in the region of £8.4billion in just absence alone.

This figure is shadowed in terms of the cost of presenteeism, employees being at work who are unfit, which is estimated to be around £15.1 billion. In addition to this, the cost of replacing staff that leave their job due to mental health problems is around £2.4billion.

So by signing up to Mindful Employer, businesses show employees that they care; that they recognise understanding mental ill health issues helps retain talented and valued staff (the

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cost of retaining staff <£2500, the cost of recruiting staff > £5000); helps towards complying with legislation and enhances business delivery and service to customers.

Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to mental health, informed by a lack of understanding and awareness about mental health issues and leading to a significant lack of support in this area.

There is a challenge for trade unions to increase awareness among trade union reps about mental health and its impact, create an environment where it’s okay to talk about mental health problems and to develop good practice in supporting workers with employers and other partners.

For more about Mindful Employer go to: www.mindfulemployer.net Developing good practice among employers was the theme of the discussion led by John Raine of Equality North East. Despite more than a generation of legislation there had been insufficient progress in tackling inequality. It was essential that employers bought into improvements in tackling inequality and promoting diversity.

The ‘Equality Standard’ has been developed

by Equality NE as a way of enabling employers to improve in this area and also to be able to demonstrate their performance in supporting equality and promoting diversity.

For more related information please see the links at the end of this article.

Finally, Peter Purton from the TUC, spoke about the particular position of workers with disabilities and the role of trade unions in supporting fair treatment at work. There are currently around 10m disabled people in the UK, 5.8m of those are in the workplace. The government have committed to ending discrimination of disabled workers by 2025, measured by equalising the employment rate with everyone else. There has been some improvement, but they are a considerable

The new Equality Bill (currently going through Parliament) will encourage employers in the private sector to demonstrate how they contribute to equality through public sector procurement requirements. The public sector spends £220bn in the private sector and there is a role for public sector unions in influencing procurement policy and practice so that it induces better practice by employers.

distance short of achieving their target, plus the ongoing job cuts from the recession will impact on disabled workers more, especially public sector cuts.

A key factor in this unequal position is clearly discrimination by employers. One of the key benefits of the Equality Bill will be the outlawing of pre-employment questions regarding disability.

Trade unions have a key role in sharing good practice regarding the duty to promote equality and diversity, including promoting creative usage of the right for reasonable adjustments to be made and for ‘Access to Work’ funding being used to both enable workers to gain employment and to stay in work, including securing better employment as a means to staying in work.

Useful links to related information The Equality Bill 2009 - Easy read notes. www.equalities.gov.uk/PDF/EasyReadEqualityBillnotes%20Low%20Res%20Web%20Acc.pdf The Equality Bill: Making it work - GEO Policy Statement www.equalities.gov.uk/PDFpdf/psdrespGEOMakingitWorkacc.pdf Make Equality Count - OGC procurement paper www.ogc.gov.uk/documents/EqualityBrochure.pdf Accelerating the SME economic engine (relevant to all) www.ogc.gov.uk/documents/Acceleratingthe SMEEconomicEngine.pdf Other useful resources are available from the Equality and Human Rights Commission www.equalityhumanrights.com and from Equalities North East www.equality-ne.co.uk The trade union guide, Disability and Work, is available free from the TUC via TUC publications or downloaded at: www.tuc.org.uk

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Go North East’s dedicated Learning Centre opens in Stanley

North East Bus Staff take the learning route Staff working for Go North East’s Stanley depot will have even more opportunities to develop their skills with the opening of a dedicated learning centre right in the heart of their workplace on Thursday May 20.

The event, to coincide with Learning at Work Day, was also celebrated by the signing of a Learning Agreement by Davey Hall, Regional Secretary of Unite the Union and Peter Huntley, the company Managing Director.

The classroom offers space for colleagues to meet in their own time to share skills and hobbies with others as well as providing a centre for more formal studies for staff taking NVQs, numeracy, literacy and IT qualifications.

Formerly used as a storage facility and office, the space has been totally refurbished and fitted with computers and teaching facilities to accommodate up to six employees at once.

Funding for the project has been provided jointly by unionlearn (through the highly successful Learning for All Fund), Go North East and Unite.

As well as providing a convenient base for learning, staff taking advantage of the new facilities will also have the opportunity to be supported by a depot-based, Union Learning Representative who can help them make the most of both formal and informal learning opportunities.

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Go North East employs over 2000 staff throughout the region and the learning centre at the Stanley depot is hoped to be the first of a number of similar centres around the region enabling a network of Union Learning Representatives to provide support to learners.

Managing Director of Go North East, Peter Huntley said, “As one of the region’s biggest employers, we have always supported and encouraged our staff to take full advantage of any educational opportunities on offer, including providing paid study time for those taking NVQs. However, working with Unite we are now able to provide an even greater

asset to staff development where learning opportunities are literally on the doorstep.”

Beth Farhat, unionlearn Union Development Coordinator said, “The opening of the learning centre is a real demonstration of the partnership approach that has evolved between Unite the Union and Go North East.

It was apparent at the centre opening just how important learning is for staff, the employer and the union. I wish them every success in this joint venture.”

Jim Mowatt, Director of Education with Unite added, “The cooperative approach between Unite the Union and Go North East is to engage employees in lifelong and work based learning opportunities that will help meet the demands and challenges of our changing environment.

“We hope everyone will take advantage of the excellent opportunities that are being made available to the staff at Go North East and work with our Union Learning Representatives to support everyone in taking up these opportunities. We all have a role to play in our personal and professional development where nobody misses the bus.”

Although the Learning Centre is based in Stanley depot, where around 170 staff will have direct access to the facilities, it will be open to all staff across the company.

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Contacts: Kevin Rowan Northern TUC Regional Secretary krowan@tuc.org.uk Ian West Regional Education Officer iwest@tuc.org.uk Beth Farhat Union Development Co-ordinator bfarhat@tuc.org.uk Dave Storrie Regional Development Worker dstorrie@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 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 Ben Sellers Vulnerable Workers Project Worker bsellers@tuc.org.uk Anne Aitkenhead Unionlearn Project Assistant aaitkenhead@tuc.org.uk David Nicholson Project Worker dnicholson@tuc.org.uk

Wendy in pole position Wendy Calder was honoured at the North East learndirect Achievement Awards for her success in developing her maths and English skills.

Wendy, who suffers from a hearing impairment, is proficient in IT as a computer design operator, but accessed the learndirect courses through her involvement with the FBU learning project at their HQ in Morpeth.

Now with Level 2 maths and English qualifications, Wendy feels more confident, especially if she were to see an opportunity for promotion. She was presented with the unionlearn Award, which recognises learners who have come through the trade union route to improving their skills via learndirect.

events

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

Ms Calder said, “I have studied hard and never given up. My maths and English qualifications have helped me a lot and I am now progressing onto a photography course.

This award is the icing on the cake. I’m so surprised to have won.”

Wendy will also go on to represent the North East in the national judging stage later this year.

For more information about how your project or workplace could benefit from learndirect please contact Julia Watson: jwatson@tuc.org.uk

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 2010 Calendar

01

Education Learning & Skills Forum Sunderland Civic Centre

16

Regional Council

Pat Winter Project Worker pwinter@tuc.org.uk

02

Fit Note Seminar Assembly Rooms

18

Festival of Learning 18-31 October

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

07

Executive Committee

20

Comprehensive Spending Review Team Away Day

11

Women’s Group

25

European Health and Safety Week 25-29 October

13

TUC Congress Manchester. 13-16 September

29

European TUC Day of Action on Public Services

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

November 2010 Calendar 23

Executive Committee

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

Susanne Nichol Marketing and Communications snichol@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.

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