UK

London Underground union rep suspended for union activities

Alan — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:42:17 +0000

Andy Littlechild, a track worker at Metronet has been a rep for over 12 years. He is known for his complete dedication to the health, safety and welfare of all workers; Metronet employees and agency staff alike.

Inflation, rising prices and the 2% pay ceiling

Joseph K. — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 09:43:10 +0000

If the government were to announce that it was cutting the wages of all workers - public and private sector - there would presumably be uproar. And yet this is exactly what they have done by calling for ‘pay restraint’ and insisting all wage rises are capped at 2%. Make no mistake, a sub-inflation pay ‘rise’ is a pay cut. No amount of statistical trickery changes this simple fact.

London: thousands of bus drivers strike

Steven. — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:35:53 +0000

The drivers will be out on a 24 hour strike to protest at the huge pay disparity between the 18 London bus companies.

Several sources report solid support for the action, with very few drivers crossing picket lines, many routes completely cancelled and others running only minimal services.

Foundation trusts: a guide for NHS workers

Jason Cortez — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:04:19 +0000

We all know that the NHS is undergoing a period of 'reform', but what is actually happening? And what does this mean for those of us who work within the NHS?

NHS Notional Health Service - The great health and social care swindle

Jason Cortez — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:56:16 +0000

Most of us at some point in our lives will use Health and Social care services, be they NHS, Local Authority, or private sector. Many of us also will be only too aware of the major funding crisis that exists, threatening many of the basic services we have taken for granted in the past.

Derailed: how the trains are in deep crisis

Jason Cortez — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:43:44 +0000

Anybody who has tried to organise a strike knows just how draconian Britain's anti-union laws are. First there is the nonsense of the compulsory postal ballot, conducted to a strict set of procedures to avoid a legal challenge.

The London Coalition Against Poverty

Jason Cortez — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:26:48 +0000

One of the most exciting developments in London over the last year is the formation of the London Coalition Against Poverty. LCAP is inspired by the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty in Canada, who have created a successful and empowering model of grassroots community organising over the last two decades.

Ladbrokes staff strike against pay offer

Ed — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:42:59 +0000

The union Usdaw said hundreds of workers at the site in Aintree were set to strike from 0500 BST on Sunday. It said staff were unhappy after being offered what it said was a below-inflation pay rise of 3%.

TV Times - 4 - 10 October 2008

Lone Wolf — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:34:17 +0000

Other highlights are an examination of Russia's renewed impact on the world political stage and an investigation into the expansion of, and services provided, by lap dancing clubs. Also the extreme tactics used in American political circles to bring about wanted election results are examined by profiling one such influential individual.

Eleven London bus garages join strike action

Ed — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 18:47:56 +0000

The 2,500 Unite members who work for Metroline voted 88.5 per cent in favour of strike action in a recent ballot by the union. Unite submitted a London wide claim to all bus operators in March of this year to challenge the current system whereby drivers (and other grades) performing identical jobs within the TfL regulated industry, receive hugely varying pay and conditions.