Egypt and a new Union

The TUC has received a press release from the independent trade union organisation CTUWS, whose website has been blocked by the Egyptian government as part of the repression of dissent in Egypt, annopuncing the formation of a new, independent trade union movement.

http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-19067-f0.cfm

Increase to limits on awards

An interesting change in the world of Employment Law and practice for 2011 will come from The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2010 (SI 2010/2926) This will increase the limits for some employment tribunal awards payable under employment legislation. The current maximum for unfair dismissal compensatory award is £65,300 this will rise to £68,400. The maximum amount of a week's pay for working out a statutory redundancy payment for unfair dismissal goes up from £380 to £400. These changes will only apply to cases that arise after the 1 February 2011. More specific information about this can be viewed under any of the government links.

TUC joint response to cuts

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis chaired a special meeting of the TUC where the affiliated unions agreed to step up their united response to the government's cuts agenda.Mr Prentis declared: "I am proud to report that we agreed a join strategy to bring all unions together to fight cuts to jobs, pensions and public services."The unions agreed to defend their members against the series of attacks they are facing - including pay freezes, job cuts, privatisation and attacks on pensions - including if necessary to look at taking national and co-ordinated industrial action. And in the run up to the TUC demonstration in London on 26 March, Mr Prentis vowed that: "All unions will work with campaigning and community organisations to push our alternative agenda."Mr Prentis also spoke on public sector pensions, noting that workers would have "no choice" but to take action if their pensions were threatened. However, he explained that the government had agreed to talks on this issue and will not impose changes in March's budget. "This is an important step forward," he said.He called on members of the public, trade unions, and all those who use public services to make sure that "the 26 March demo is a huge show of strength which will show the government that we do not accept the cuts agenda."

http://www.blogknox.com/blogs/UK%20Labour%20Party/old/201012.html

Egypt a country in transition

One would imagine that any dictator following the removal of Chaushesku in Romania some 20 years ago would have learnt that the people will rise and rebel when pushed too far. So one would think that Hosni Mubarak would get the message and do everyone a favor by volunteering to leave instead he chose to dismiss 'his government' and replace them with another version of 'his government'.

Now despite the fact that I am no expert on Egyptian affairs one thing I know for sure is that the will of the people is supreme and when the people take up arms on their own streets then the message is loud and clear.

It is estimated that more than 60% of Egypt's population is under the age of 25 these young people are coming into a world where there are no prospects, vast unemployment and poverty. The Mubarak regime has been in place for 30 years and has done very little to deal with these endemic problems so the people want a change and the dictator should do the right thing and leave.

Lambeth Unison diaries

Joan Twelves became the Leader following the fall of Dick Serbji who succeeded Linda Bellos. Linda, as I said before, brought in some swift changes during her time in power but she was quickly challenged and replaced, something that happens to even the most capable of Leaders, so I suppose the hassle comes with the job.

Dick Serabjis reign was short and I did not get to know him that well as I had just become Convenor for the centre and too busy dealing with the dismantling of DMS.

Joan Twelves was perhaps the most socialist of all the Leaders of Lambeth Council (not mentioning Ted Knight who was there before my time) Gregg Tucker was appointed Chair of central services so most of my dealings had to do with him. Joan Twelves decided to bring in a consultant (an ex Labour MP) Reg Race to 'rationalise' the centre, we therefore had the famous 'Reg Race' report the affect of which was the reduction of some 200 jobs in the centre so we started the battle to save jobs and services and managed to get an agreement which ensured that every displaced person had the right to alternative job offers plus 3 appeals. I thought this was a major concession, it meant that no one who wanted to stay in employment was thrown out. I think this marked my style for years to come which was based on fighting to win a battle but also being realistic with what outcome we could deliver.

international Development Matters - Issue 94 December/January 2011

IDM - Monthly newsletter reporting international development matters and issues affecting trade unionists around the world. Articles for inclusion in International Development Matters should be sent to twarlock@tuc.org.uk

http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-19066-f0.cfm

http://www.blogknox.com/blogs/UK%20Labour%20Party/old/201012.html

Fighting for the Safety of African Journalists

Journalists and other media workers in Africa are frequently attacked and killed simply for doing their jobs of seeking the truth. Thanks to trade unions' efforts, on the eve of the AU Summit taking place in Addis Adaba, Ethiopia on 30 – 31 January 2011, the African Union is close to introducing policies to protect these workers. Success will ultimately benefit both journalists and African citizens in general, as only a truly independent media can hold governments to account.

http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-19062-f0.cfm