Shoppers could pay a higher rate of tax than banks next year

The VAT and corporation tax changes in 2011 mean that banks could soon be paying a lower tax rate than consumers, basic rate taxpayers and small businesses, the TUC says today (Monday). People going shopping in the January sales will be the first to feel the pinch of VAT increasing from 17.5 to 20 per cent on Tuesday 4 January 2011. Recent TUC research found that VAT will hit the poorest fifth of households harder than the richest as they spend twice as much of their income on items subject to VAT.
The headline rate of corporation tax is also set to fall from 28 per cent to 27 per cent in April 2011.

However the recent TUC report The Corporate Tax Gap found that the effective corporation tax rate for large multinational companies – the headline corporation tax rate minus the various tax loopholes they are able to exploit to bring down their tax bill – fell to 21 per cent in 2009, and has fallen by 0.5 percentage points every year since 2000. This means that multinational companies including banks could legally pay as little as 19 per cent corporation tax in 2011, the TUC says.
The VAT and corporation tax changes will further skew the UK tax system in favour of high profit industries such as banking over small businesses, who will be hit hard by the VAT rise. With banks still refusing to lend to SMEs, the forthcoming tax changes will deliver a big blow to hopes of a private sector recovery, the TUC believes.
UK banks will be able to offset the forthcoming corporation tax rate cut against the government’s £2.5 billion bank levy and actually cut their tax bill in 2011. Giving UK banks a tax cut makes a mockery of government rhetoric on getting tough on the banks for causing the global financial crash, says the TUC.
The TUC wants the government to confirm that the VAT increase will only be a temporary measure and to take firmer action on the banks to make sure that they start paying their fair share towards clearing up the mess they made.
A Robin Hood tax on financial transactions could raise revenue to invest in growth or cut the deficit, while more transparency on bonus levels in the City could help to limit the kind of reckless bonus-fuelled decision making that helped the cause the financial crash in the first place, says the TUC.
Midlands TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said: “Shoppers looking for bargains in the January sales will soon be paying more to clear the debts racked up by the banks when they plunged the UK into recession and asked for a multi-trillion pound bailout.
“People will not happy to learn that banks have managed to earn themselves a tidy tax cut as a reward for their failure while the rest of us suffer from job losses, tax hikes and the wrecking of public services.
“It’s about time the government stops being in thrall to the banks and implements some serious reform. Otherwise banks will make the same mistakes again and everyone else will be forced to pay the price.
“Consumer spending and business growth are crucial to our economic recovery. The last things we need are mass job losses and VAT hikes that will stifle growth and spread misery throughout the country.”


- The TUC report that examines the effective rate of corporation tax The Corporate Tax Gap is available to download under embargo at www.tuc.org.uk/extras/corporatetaxgap.pdf
- The TUC tax briefing on VAT is available at www.tuc.org.uk/economy/tuc-18033-f0.pdf

End of an era at the Midlands TUC

Veronica with Sir David Perris,
former Midlands TUC Regional Secretary

Today marks the end of an era at the Midlands TUC as our longest serving member of staff takes a well earned retirement. Veronica Davis, who has acted as the office administrator and PA to four Regional Secretaries works her last day today.
Veronica has been at the TUC for 27 years, organised countless Regional Council and Executive meetings and dealt with thousands of trade union officers, stewards and members over the years. Before working at the TUC she provided admin and secretarial support to David, now Sir David, Perris at Birmingham Trades Council.
So much could be said about Veronica's contribution to the work of the TUC but it is not just about work. Veronica has been a friend to all her colleagues at the TUC, kind, generous and great fun to work with. We will miss you Veronica, and we wish you a long healthy and happy retirement.

Barriers and opportunities faced by LGB&T people in public and political life.

On 20 December 2010, Government commissioned research into the opportunities and barriers faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) people in public and political participation was published. The research was conducted by the Office for Public Management and forms part of the Government’s work programme ‘Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality’, which was launched in June 2010. The research and the wider work programme contribute to one of GEO’s key aims - to promote equal participation in civil society. By using the talents of everyone, we can make sure that our communities and institutions benefit from the whole range of experiences and skills of society. This report and its recommendations will enable us to develop targeted actions to improve the opportunities for, and tackle the barriers faced by, LGB&T people who want to participate in public, political and community life.
Below is a link to a copy of the report - please note if you want to print this it is 95 pages long.
http://www.equalities.gov.uk/pdf/Experiences%20of%20LGBT%20people_for%20publishing%20Dec%202010.pdf

No Christmas cheer for the west midlands long-term unemployed, says TUC

Almost a quarter of a million people have now been on the dole for more than a year in the UK – more than twice as many as at the start of the last recession – and lots of them will be spending their second or even third successive Christmas out of work, says the TUC today (Wednesday).


In the west midlands Wolverhampton has the highest percentage increase (39%) with 2,695 people unemployed for more than a year compared to 1165 in the run up to Christmas 2007. Sandwell follows with an increase of 31%, Shropshire with 28% and Walsall with 25%.


The TUC analysis of official unemployment statistics reveals that more than a third of the 232 local authority areas across the UK (88 council areas) now have more than a thousand residents who have been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) for at least 12 months, compared to just 26 council areas in December 2007.
At the beginning of the last recession, at the close of 2007, 18,175 individuals in the west midlands had been claiming JSA for more than 12 months. Now, almost three years on in November 2010, there are 31,240 who have been struggling to find work for more than a year.


The number of unemployed people outnumbering vacancies by more than five to one across the UK – rising to around 20 to one in some employment blackspots – and the jobs crisis could get even worse in the new year, the TUC warns.
Commenting on the figures, Midlands TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said: “Across the west midlands thousands and thousands of people have been struggling to find work – some of them for several years now – and for their families there won’t be much to celebrate this Christmas.


“While many families with working adults may be tightening their belts a little this Christmas, the thousands of long-term unemployed households will be anxiously juggling their family budgets, knowing only too well that their JSA of £65.45 isn’t going to buy much Christmas cheer this year.
“And with many local councils in the process of issuing redundancy notices to thousands of their employees over the coming weeks, the future for those about to lose their jobs and those who’ve been out of work for some time looks especially bleak.
“The government’s huge cuts to public spending will see thousands of public sector workers being made redundant in the new year, and those working in the private sector could be hit just as hard.


“We hope many of the people affected will bring their families to join our demonstration against the cuts on 26 March next year to try to show ministers the damage and widespread misery the cuts are causing, and persuade them that it is not too late to change course.”

No Christmas cheer for the East Midlands long-term unemployed, says TUC

Almost a quarter of a million people have now been on the dole for more than a year in the UK – more than twice as many as at the start of the last recession – and lots of them will be spending their second or even third successive Christmas out of work, says the TUC today (Wednesday).In the east midlands Derby has the highest percentage increase (29%) with 1,175 people unemployed for more than a year compared to 910 in the run up to Christmas 2009. Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire all show high double digit increases at 23%, 22% and 19% respectively.


The TUC analysis of official unemployment statistics reveals that more than a third of the 232 local authority areas across the UK (88 council areas) now have more than a thousand residents who have been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) for at least 12 months, compared to just 26 council areas in December 2007.
At the beginning of the last recession, at the close of 2007, 7,260 individuals in the east midlands had been claiming JSA for more than 12 months. Now, almost three years on in November 2010, there are 17,035 who have been struggling to find work for more than a year.
The number of unemployed people outnumbering vacancies by more than five to one across the UK – rising to around 20 to one in some employment blackspots – and the jobs crisis could get even worse in the new year, the TUC warns.
Commenting on the figures, Midlands TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said: “Across the east midlands thousands and thousands of people have been struggling to find work – some of them for several years now – and for their families there won’t be much to celebrate this Christmas.
“While many families with working adults may be tightening their belts a little this Christmas, the thousands of long-term unemployed households will be anxiously juggling their family budgets, knowing only too well that their JSA of £65.45 isn’t going to buy much Christmas cheer this year.
“And with many local councils in the process of issuing redundancy notices to thousands of their employees over the coming weeks, the future for those about to lose their jobs and those who’ve been out of work for some time looks especially bleak.
“The government’s huge cuts to public spending will see thousands of public sector workers being made redundant in the new year, and those working in the private sector could be hit just as hard.
“We hope many of the people affected will bring their families to join our demonstration against the cuts on 26 March next year to try to show ministers the damage and widespread misery the cuts are causing, and persuade them that it is not too late to change course.”

Birmingham Refuse workers determined to win dispute

Gerard Coyne, Unite Regional Secretary

A mass meeting of Birmingham refuse workers heard messages of support for their cause at a mass meeting held at Villa Park this lunchtime.
Unite Regional Secretary Gerard Coyne said, "I am proud of the action you have taken today, you have stayed disciplined throughout the dispute and stuck it out on the picket lines despite the dreadful weather conditions."
Over 90% of the refuse workers voted to take industrial action in defence of Birmingham City Councils move to grab £4,000 from each worker. "It is not just about the money thought," continued Mr Coyne,"It is about dignity and respect - something the Council denies you through their total inability to listen to the alternative case from the trade union side".
The meeting also heard from UNISON's Graham Horne who explained that the refuse workers dispute was one of a series of attacks on the terms and conditions of City Council employees. Connexions staff were also in dispute with their action due in early January. "The so called Birmingham Contract is going to be imposed on 26,000 non education staff. It means the end of weekend and shift premiums, the end of unsocial hours payments. Some of the lowest paid staff in the council rely on theses payments including up to 1,000 Home Help staff who stand to lose £3,000 a year," said Mr Horne.
The meeting ended with the Chair, Steve Foster, outlining the next steps with a meeting scheduled with the employers for 23rd December.

2,000 hits on the blog!

When we set up this blog in December 2008, we thought it might be a slow start to get people to visit - after all, there are a lot of ways to get information from the TUC and a new blog would take some time to gather impetus. And that is how it started, slowly!
It took 18 months to get the first 1,000 hits, which we recorded in June of this year. Six months later we have had our second thousand hits, so we seem to be getting a head of steam going.

We are really pleased with how the blog is progressing, not least as we have some idea of where visitors come from. As you might expect, the largest number of hits come from the UK. This closely follwed by the USA.
The list of countries from where we have had most viewings is fascinating!

United Kingdom 667
United States 600
Netherlands 157
Russia 132
Germany 57
Ukraine 33
China 23
South Korea 22
Italy 19
Latvia 18

So, who are you all and why do you visit our blog? It would be really interesting to know why you visit, and why you come back. And, is there anything in particular you would like to see us report? Let us know by commenting on this story, below.
And did you know we have other blogs?
http://midtuclgbtnetwork.blogspot.com/
http://midlandssrr.blogspot.com/

Birmingham Centre for the Unemployed launch new blog!

The Birmingham Centre for the Unemployed have launched a new blog to keeep people up to date with welfare rights issues in Birmingham.

The blog has been supported by the Midlands TUC office, with Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon saying, "I am delighted to see the Centre looking for new ways to get the message across about welfare benefits. In these days with more redundancies looming, people who have never been out of work will require all the help they can get to ensure they are not losing out."

You can visit the blog at: http://birminghamuwc.wordpress.com/

150 Post Offices gone this year already

Already 150 Post Offices have closed this year and 900 are up for sale, many more face an uncertain future.

On Wednesday of this week, hundreds gathered at Westminster to protest at the government's plans to privatise Royal Mail. People rallied to protect the universal postal service and the network of Post Offices at the heart of our communities.
Now you can join them in taking action to prevent the privatisation of Royal Mail right from home. Please take 60 seconds to send a letter to your MP.

Our protest seeks to protect the universal service - six deliveries a week and one-price-goes-anywhere - particularly valued at this time of year. This key public service is a vital infrastructure that supports communities and local businesses. A private company may focus on cutting costs without considering the wider community impact.

To protect our local communities and your Christmas post, we must stop the privatisation of the Royal Mail. We need you to write to your local MP.

Speak out now. We've written a sample letter and supplied the contact info, we just need you to take a moment and add some personal touches.

http://www.keepthepostpublic.org.uk/email-your-MP
In a recent national survey, 78 percent of the public believed privatising Royal Mail would be a bad deal for the taxpayer and 82 percent believed prices would go up. So if you agree with the majority of Britains and don't want a more expensive, less regular service, don't let this government lead us to privatisation.

Take action now.

Billy Hayes, General Secretary, CWU
Keep the Post Public Coalition

TUC announces Apprentice prize winners

Chayoung Jeong (seated) talking
to young prople at a
student jobs fair in Birmingham

The TUC is happy to announce the prize winners from the recent Apprentice survey. The winners are: 

First Prize (£50 HMV Voucher)

Curtis Peterson – workplace: Magellan Structures

Second Prize (£30 HMV Voucher)
Kieran Anthony Sherry- workplace: Airbus Operation Ltd – Filton Site


Third Prize (£20 HMV Voucher)
Grant Houldsworth - workplace: Ratcliffe Power Station

"The TUC is happy to support apprentices in work", said Project Worker Chayoung Jeong, "and we shall be publishing the findings from our survey in Januray."

Midlands local authorities to lose three quarters of a billion pounds over two years

Figures announced by the government yesterday (Monday) indicate that local authorities across the midlands will lose slightly over three quarters of a billion pounds over the next two years.
Amongst the hardest hit will be Bolsover and Chesterfield councils with whopping reductions of over 20% and 16% respectively. Next comes Ashfield with over 12% sliced off its' budget.
In the west midlands Birmingham City Council, Stoke on Trent and Wyre Forest all post cuts in budget in excess of 8%.
Midlands TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said, "These cuts will de devastating for communities which rely on local services. It is just not good enough for the government to say services can be better for less or delivered by local people. They already are delivered by local people who dedicate their working lives to do just that. These cuts are an insult to communities and local authority workers. The government should hang its' head in shame at the devastation they are unleashing today"

A future that works: a TUC National Rally for Young People

The TUC's conference "A Future that works" will be held at Manchester Town Hall on Saturday January 29th 2011 from 10.30am to 2.30pm
The aim of the rally will be to highlight the impact of the recession and the coalition cuts on young workers and young people in general.
Speakers will include representatives from unions and the TUC, the NUS and other partner organisations. There will also be at least two speakers from union Young Members sections.
To ensure that as many unions as possible are represented and are able to participate, places will initially be allocated on the following basis;
· Unions with over 500,000 - 45 places
· Unions with over 250,000 - 35 places
· All other unions - 20 places
If you want to attend as a delegate you must get in contact with your union who will have their own proceedures for appointing delegates.
Further allocations may be made nearer to the event depending on uptake and demand.
The TUC will be asking unions to submit the names of attendees from their respective unions and will be directing enquiries to union Young Members Officers and TUC Young Members Forum representatives.

Rowntree report echoes union concerns about in-work poverty, says TUC

Commenting on a new report published today (Monday) by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which shows that the number of children living in poverty in working households has increased to 2.1 million – the highest on record, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “This important report confirms the last government’s success in reducing the number of children in poverty, but it also shows that unions are right to be concerned about in-work poverty. If Britain wants to overcome this problem we will need increases in the minimum wage, tax credits and other in-work benefits, more affordable childcare and strong employment rights to protect vulnerable and exploited workers.”
For more information please visit http://www.jrf.org.uk/media-centre/monitoring-poverty-2010

Keep the Post Public - National Rally, 15th December 2010

Join politicians, trade union leaders and hundreds of postal workers at a national rally to protest against government plans to privatise Royal Mail. All welcome.When: 11am - 2pm on Wednesday, 15th December 2010
Where: Central Hall, Storey's Gate, Westminster, London, SW1H 9NH.

Speakers include shadow Business Secretary John Denham and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas. CWU general secretary Billy Hayes and deputy general secretary Dave Ward will be joined by other politicians and trade union leaders.

The timing is intended to give MPs a very clear message of the dissatisfaction with the Postal Services Bill and the deficiencies within the Bill, prior to the Parliamentary Christmas recess.

The Bill is currently in committee stage and CWU believes there are huge loopholes which put the universal service and post office network at risk. Postal workers will also be lobbying their local MPs in parliament after the rally.
Further Information on the campaign can be found here: http://www.cwu.org/support-the-campaign.html

Keep the Post Public rallies announced by CWU

Billy Hayes speaking in Dudley earlier this year

The Communication Workers Union has announced two dates for their Keep the Post Public campaign in the Midlands.
CWU General Secretary Billy Hayes and Labour MP for Erdington Jack Dromey will speak at the 29th January rally in Victoria Square, Birmingham. The east midlands event will be held in Nottingham on 19th February.
Further information from Lee Baron; email: midlandregion@cwu.org

First coach booked for National demo on 26th March 2011

We have been notified of the first coach to be booked for the TUC National March and Rally against the cuts. Wolverhampton and Bilston Trades Union Council are off the mark!
Have you booked a coach? Let us know via: aweaver@tuc.org.uk and we shall publicise it for you on this blog. Don't forget to give details of departure points and times, together with the contact for booking seats.

UCATT conference calls for campaign against public sector cuts in the building sector.

UCATT, the building and construction workers union, held a packed conference on Friday 17th November, looking at the effects of public sector cuts in their industry. The cancellation of the Building Schools for the Future programme was just one act of a government determined to push through cuts against any opposition.
The conference, held in Derby, heard form keynote speaker and UCATT General Secretary, Alan Ritchie, on the impact of the cuts and what UCATT had been doing to avert the damage that would be delivered to the public sector.
Steve Muphy, UCATT Regional Secretary for the Midlands added that the union would need to win back the workplace, "And start where we are strong - by organising!".
The contribution from Midlands TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon highlighted the social impact cuts would have at a time when house building was in the doldrums, housing benefit was being cut and jobs were few and far between.
Workshop sessions highlighted the need to campaign to get the union's message out wider than just to members; community mapping to see where the union could best get involved locally; further the union's political education; and ensuring that the UCATT message was heard loud and clear within the Labour Party.
In closing, Steve Murphy said, "This conference is just the start, we have to get out there and convince people that these cuts of mass destruction are an attack on all our communities".

TUC calls for end to discrimination against transgender people

Cheryl Pidgeon

The TUC is calling for an end to discrimination against

transgender people on Transgender Day of Remembrance tomorrow

(Saturday).



Around the world more than 200 transgender people have been murdered since January 2008, simply for being different. Transgender Day of Remembrance – the 12th international global day of tribute – will commemorate trans people who have been the victims of violent crimes, and aims to bring their stories to public attention.



In Britain, trans people face violent physical attacks, alongside prejudice and discrimination in communities and at work, yet the subject is largely ignored and there is an absence of concern about such attacks, the TUC believes.



The TUC has worked with transgender union members and the trans community to campaign for protection from discrimination, and welcomes a new service which allows trans people who are victims of crime to report it in confidence at www.tcrime.net



The service will be valuable in assembling data on attacks on transgender people in the UK and will put more pressure on government to take the issue seriously, says the TUC.



TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said: “Discrimination and hatred are part of the daily lives of far too many trans people in Britain, and employers need to make sure all their employees are working in environments free from transphobia, violence and prejudice.
“If Britain is to be a truly equal and inclusive society we need to understand the issues facing trans people, and develop practical steps to end discrimination in our workplaces and beyond.”





Notts Miners secure funding for "Mining Lives" project

Local people’s memories and experiences of working in the mining industry are to be preserved for future generations thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) award of £46,500, it has being announced.

The two-year Mining Lives project has been developed by Nottinghamshire NUM Ex and Retired Miners Association, and will film and record mining memories from men and women who worked or were involved in six pits in the Nottinghamshire Area.

The project will look to capture the experience of working in the coal mining industry from nationalisation in 1947 up to the present day. This will include the strike periods of 1972-74 and 1984-85 and the subsequent rundown of the industry, reflecting on how these events impacted on local communities.

Commenting on the award the Chairman of the Ex Miners Eric Eaton said: "This an amazing opportunity for local miners to recount their history and have it recorded for posterity, we are absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund have afforded the Ex and Retired Miners and West Nottinghamshire College the opportunity to carry out this most important work".

Emma Sayer, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said:

“Over the last century the mining industry has been central to the social and cultural history of communities across Nottinghamshire. By capturing the memories of those who worked in the mining industry, this project will ensure that the stories of local people are part of the wider history of our industrial heritage.”

The project will start in Autumn 2010, and is being carried out by a dedicated team of volunteers, from the Nottinghamshire Ex and Retired Miners Association and West Nottinghamshire College. The project will work with men and women who worked at Ollerton, Rufford, Blidworth, Newstead, Linby and Hucknall Collieries.

For further information please contact

Nottinghamshire NUM Ex & Retired Miners Association:

Eric Eaton (Chairman

01623 416895 / exandretiredminers@hotmail.co.uk

First meeting of Midlands TUC Disability Forum

Delegates to the first
Midlands TUC Disability Forum

Today (Wednesday) sees the first meeting of the Midlands TUC Disability Forum. Delegates will be considering a plan of work for the forthcoming year.
Activity is likely to include:

• Organising and building community alliances
• Industrial workplace startegy
• Political lobbying
• Communications re Disability issues.
• Disability policies within the workplace

TUC Midlands Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said, "Disability issues affect many people in our workplaces and society. But it's not just about having the right equipment or modifying access to buildings, important as those things are. We need to ensure that disability issues are mainstreamed and that people understand that a fair society means using the skills and expertise of all in society. We should see the ability in people - not their disability".

Too early to call a jobs recovery

Cheryl Pidgeon

Commenting on the latest unemployment figures published today (Wednesday), TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said:  “While any fall in unemployment is welcome, it would be dangerously naïve to believe that these figures constitute a jobs recovery. “The overall rise in employment is based on shaky foundations with a notable rise in involuntary part-time work.
“With unemployed people outnumbering job vacancies by five to one it’s time the government focused on helping them back into work, rather than insisting that the labour market is flourishing.”

Job loss announcements

Cheryl Pidgeon at the recent
rally against public sector cuts.

Public sector job losses are now being reported on a regular basis with the most recent announcements from Stoke on Trent and Warwickshire.
The GMB in Stoke on Trent have issued a press release saying they are currently dealing with notice of redundancy for 713 jobs which will be cut before the end of April 2011. They fear that the total job losses in Stoke will total between 2500 and 3000 over the next four years as the council seeks cuts of £100 million.
In Warwickshire, the GMB report that 1855 jobs will be lost as the County Council has to deal with cuts of 26% over the next three years.
TUC Midlands Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said, "We are now seeing the detail of cuts which emanate from the governments Comprehensive Spending Review. If you are elderly, disabled or have a learning disability, you are at the head of the queue to suffer these cuts. You don't escape by being young either, as youth services are slashed or closed completely, or early years services disappear. Libraries are threatened, children's centres, and the Connexions services, all with the axe hanging over them." Ms Pidgeon continued, "and it is not just the staff who lose their jobs that we are concerned with, it is also the recipient's of those services who we are worried about. These cuts will not be fair as some in government claim -particularly as those who will suffer are certainly not the people who have caused our recent economic problems."

NUJ strike at the BBC over pensions

Cheryl Pidgeon, left,
and Chris Morley addressing
striking NUJ members outside
The Mailbox in Birmingham

NUJ members have been out in force today protesting about the attack on their pension scheme by the BBC.
They are being asked to take pension cuts of between £100,000 and £10,000.
These are the kinds of sums every BBC employee faces losing under plans to impose changes on their pensions.
"It’s unfair and unacceptable", said NUJ Northern Organiser Chris Morley, " NUJ members have paid their contributions every month to save for a decent retirement – now the BBC is seeking to unilaterally alter the terms of the pension scheme and devalue the pension entitlement they have already built up. For all BBC staff it means paying more, working longer or getting significantly lower pensions. In some cases, all three!"

The BBC does not yet even know the size of any pension scheme deficit – the valuation is not due until next year.

Cheryl Pidgeon, Midlands TUC Regional Secretary added, "I spoke to a number of NUJ members on the picket line today and it is clear they wouldn’t feel so angry if BBC staff really were all in this together – but senior BBC executives are still enjoying their £1m pay-offs and pensions of up to £230,000 a year."

The NUJ is not asking for higher pensions. It is not even saying it wouldn’t consider paying more or working longer for a fair pension settlement.

"What we don't want" said Chris Morley, "is a pension which will lose a significant part of its value every single year for the rest of our lives – which is what will happen under the BBC’s current proposals. It also means a pension where what has been promised to us - which we have already paid for - is protected."

Begging Bankers on the streets of Chestrefield

Begging Bankers were out in force on Chesterfield Market Place on Saturday 30th October. A group of campaigners from ‘Coalition Against the Cuts’ staged a protest against the Government’s decision to cut public spending by slashing jobs and taking money from the poor. The campaigners, backed by Chesterfield & District TUC, were dressed as fat cat bankers with cigars and bottles of champagne.
‘They were not begging for your spare change’ said James Eaden President of Chesterfield TUC, ‘They have already had that and much, much more. Our fat cat bankers are now asking for your jobs and services’
The Coalition Against the Cuts is linking together local trade unions with community groups and the many who will be affected by service cuts and changes to higher education funding.
‘Our bit of street theatre has a serious message’ James Eaden went on to say, ‘the budget deficit was caused by the bailing out of the banks and now they want me and you to pay for their binge’.

After Chesterfield the begging bankers will be appearing in towns throughout north Derbyshire.







Tearing up employment rights will not create extra jobs, says TUC

Commenting on the announcement today (Monday) that the newly appointed advisor to the government on enterprise Lord Young is to draft a report on small businesses, TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said: 

Cheryl Pidgeon



“There is no evidence that making staff wait for two years before they get protection from unfair dismissal will create any extra jobs.



“David Cameron’s policies seem set on rolling Britain’s workplaces back to the 1980s, and asking one of Mrs Thatcher’s favourites to tear up employment protection will only confirm that impression.
“What we need are quality small and medium sized businesses that can grow into the big employers of tomorrow. Giving them permission to become second-rate employers will hardly help.”







Public service staff are big losers

In further comment on the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) announced by the Chancellor today (Wednesday), TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “Public servants did nothing to cause the recession, but will pay a heavy price today. Their pay has already been frozen, now they face half a million job losses and increased pension contributions that will add up to a reduction in take home pay.
“With spending cuts likely to cause another half million private sector job cuts, the idea that they will all get shiny new private sector jobs is wishful thinking. And if you add all of those meant to be returned to jobs by welfare reform, you end up in the realm of fantasy. Politicians may want to look optimistic, but ministers would have more chance of closing the deficit by buying lottery tickets.
“It is also fantasy to say that these are ‘backroom’ job cuts that will not affect service delivery and quality.
“Public sector job losses are likely to occur in some of the UK’s more depressed regions where private sector job creation is already extremely poor. Job losses will depress local economies even further – and the cycle of decline has a good chance of bringing back the deep north/south divides of the 1980s.
“While we can give half a cheer for the commitment to keep DB pensions, public sector staff who keep their jobs could see big increases in contributions. Today’s £1.8 billion savings target could come on top of increases already in the pipeline in some schemes. On top of this a change in the discount rate could trigger even higher contributions.”

The poorest have become the victims of a political jape, says TUC

Cheryl Pidgeon speaking at the
Midlands TUC event on public sector cuts

Responding to the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) announced by the Chancellor today (Wednesday), TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said: “Right across government the Chancellor has announced eye-watering cuts that will have a desperate impact on communities, business and hard-pressed families. But he has not had the guts to spell out the detail, and instead tried to talk up a few crumbs of good news.
“Worst of all, to score a cheap party political point about Labour spending plans, he has loaded cuts on to benefits and welfare payments. Those who have not had a minister fighting their corner but who are most vulnerable to cuts have lost the most today. The poorest have become the victims of a political jape.
“But the biggest tragedy of all is that the spending review is likely to fail on its own terms. These cuts will depress the economy by causing a million job losses and undermining business and consumer confidence. There will be plenty of pain, but little to gain.”

TUC All Together rally in Central Hall

Trade union members from all over the country attended the Methodist Central Hall in London to re-affirm that there is an alternative to the spending cuts we are expecting in the Comprehensive Spending Review, tomorrow (Wednesday). 

Brendan Barber speaking at today's rally.



Over 2000  members crammed into Central Hall, leaving several hundred outside as we reached capacity on a balmy autumn day. Those fortunate enough to get inside heard a number of contributions from a string of union general secretaries, led by speeches form the TUC's Brendan Barber and UNISON's Dave Prentis.

The rally was followed by a lobby of Parliament where both Conservative and Lib Dem MP's were to be targeted. The Tories, we have been told, were called to a meeting and constituents were left to meet the MP's staff. If true, one wonders how they will react when constituents visit their surgeries to ask for advice and support as a result of the governments policies to cut jobs and services.



Bright future for school students

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a question time session at a local Birmingham school with a year 10 Economics class. The format was as the BBC show, although on the BBC the invited panel guests turn up unlike the local Lib Dem councillor who didn’t show. A shame, as she would have given a different take on a series of excellent questions put to us by a group of very bright students.

Questions covered the government’s response to the current economic situation, the role of equalities in the UK, pay for public servants and the position of women in the workplace.

I came away thinking that our futures will be all the richer if students like these are allowed to grow and develop and are afforded life and work chances that many of my generation have taken for granted. At this point, one can only hope.

Midlands TUC Public Services event

Keith Sonnet addressing the meeting

The Midlands TUC held its Public Services conference last Saturday (16th October) to discuss the regional response to impending cuts in public services. Headline speaker for the event was UNISON Deputy General Secretary Keith Sonnet.

The meeting heard from delegates about individual union approaches to the impending - and indeed already announced - cuts.

Workshop sessions were held on specific themes, Organising and Communities, Communications, the Political and industrial responses that would be necessary. Over 70 delegates attended the half day event held at The Spot Conference Centre, Derby.

Northampton trade unionsts take to the streets to protest against austerity cuts



CWU members campaigning
to keep the post public

 Northampton trades council and union members from public service unions took to the streets to discuss with local people the impending cuts. Members from Unison and the Communication Workers Union organised stalls in the centre of Northampton. Media coverage is available for


Explaining the cuts
to the public



BBC Look East:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tx6kz.
It also contains an interview with Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis.
Thanks to Northampton Trades Council Secretary Sarah Ansell for this report and the photos.

Midlands support for ETUC Day of Action against public sector cuts

Midlands trade unionists are supporting today's ETUC Day of Action against the cuts with a series of events in towns and cities across the region. Trade unionists and service users will have a presence on many high streets across the midlands, asking people to sign petitions and explaining what the cuts will mean. Events taking place include:
Northampton:
12 noon: Street stall in the Market Place – this will be next to NBC Notice board (nr Burger King / water foundation).



12 noon: Street stall in Abington Street stand – this will be in front of H & M

Derby:

12 noon: Derby Area Trade Union Council have organised jointly with the People’s Charter and UNISON a public leafleting session in the City Centre between 12:00 midday and 1:30pm followed by a rally in the Market Place (opposite the Assembly Rooms) beside the memorial between 1:30-2:00pm.

Birmingham:
4.45 pm: UNISON West Midlands media event with a coffin and Grim Reaper touring Birmingham city centre, followed by speeches at 6.00 pm in Victoria Square.

Leicester Together

The English Defence League are planning a march in Leicester on Saturday 9th October. The Hope not hate campaign have organised a petition to stop the march - you can sign up here: http://action.hopenothate.org.uk/page/s/Stop-the-EDL-in-Leicester

Look out for details of the celebration of Leicester's vibrant mult racial comunity, details will appear here soon.

Friday night at the Chainmakers



Stacey Blythe

 Tonight saw the eve of festival launch of the new Black Country Living Museum display depicting the harsh working conditions suffered by the women chainmakers of Cradley Heath. The display, introduced by Museum Director Andrew Lovett and financed by the TUC and affiliated trade unions, is located in the exhibition halls in the main building of the Museum.



The launch was followed by music in the Workers Institute and short speeches by Sylvia Heal, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, and TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon. The evening was rounded off by Stacey Blythe singing the Chainmakers song, which she will reprise at the festival on Saturday 18th September.


Sylvia Heal



TUC General Council Statement on the economy

The TUC General Council statement on the economy, public spending and public services is available on the TUC website at:
http://www.tuc.org.uk/economy/tuc-18456-f0.cfm

Music headliner announced for 2010 Women Chainmakers Festival

The Women Chainmakers festival is delighted to announce that The Unthankswill be headlining the music at the Centenary Women Chainmakersfestival to be held at The Black Country Living Museum on Saturday 18th September.


Not many bands can count Radiohead, Portishead, Elvis Costello, Robert Wyatt, Ben Folds, Ewan McGregor and Nick Hornby amongst their admirers, but The Unthanks occupy a unique place in music. Northumbria sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank are unsentimental young storytellers outside of time, forging links between folk worlds old, new and other. Staunch traditionalism and sonic adventure ought to be polar opposites, yet they are easy bedfellows in the gentle hands of The Unthanks; the British counterpart to the leftfield folk leanings of Sufjan Stevens, Bonnie Prince Billy, Tom Waits and Fleet Foxes, nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and present in The Best Albums of the Decade (worldwide, all genres) in The Guardian and Uncut. Described by Britain's leading music journalist Paul Morley as "absolutely exquisite", new album Here's The Tender Coming employs a kaleidoscope of unlikely instruments and arrangements.

"Haunting, original and magnificent" The Guardian

"an exquisite mixture of light and dark, instinct and artistry" Uncut
"once in a blue moon type of every now and again, you hear music that is so complete, so wonderful, unique and yet familiar that it stops you in your tracks. They have that blue moon magic about them, and they have it in spades" BBC Music
"Music as tough as it is gentle, as ancient as it is modern, and as coldly desolate as it is achingly intimate.. a sensationally graceful sound that can be epic and subdued, dreamy and specific, as well as supernaturally ancient and defiantly modern."
Paul Morley, Observer Music Magazine (Britain's leading music journalist)

RabbleRouser Music and The Unthanks
www.the-unthanks.com
www.myspace.com/rachelunthank
www.twitter.com/TheUnthanks
www.the-unthanks.com
www.myspace.com/rachelunthank


YOUTUBE LINKS


Later With Jools Holland, BBC2: Here's The Tender Coming and Lucky Gilchrist in one video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpFdXhiCPvI

Tony Benn to headline at Women Chainmakers festival

The pioneering work of a formidable group of Black Country women will be honoured at the Women Chainmakers' Festival held at the Black Country Living Museum on Saturday September 18, 2010. The event celebrates the 1910 Women Chainmakers strike –100 years after the women, led by Mary Macarthur, marched for better pay and shaped industrial relations in Britain. The main speaker at the TUC organised event will be former cabinet minister Tony Benn.

Benn, who is the longest-serving Labour MP in the history of the party, retired from the House of Commons in 2001 after 50 years in Parliament to ‘devote more time to politics’.

He said:"The Chainmakers' dispute, 100 years ago this year, was a classic trade union battle led by women who inspired the whole trade union movement. This year we will be remembering that battle and honouring those who fought it."
Cheryl Pigeon, TUC Regional Secretary said: “The Chainmakers struggle for a minimum wage marked a turning point in the campaign for better pay for women workers. The lessons from the Chainmakers are still with us today in campaigns to improve pay and working conditions for all workers.”


In 1910 the Women Chainmakers of Cradley Heath won a fight to establish the right to a fair wage following a bitter 10 week dispute. This landmark victory changed the lives of thousands of workers who were earning starvation wages. The employers and unions agreed to a minimum wage of two-and-a-half pence an hour - an amount which equaled a 150 percent pay increase for the poorest of workers

Andrew Lovett, Director and Chief Executive of the Black Country Living Museum commented: “It has been said that the Cradley Heath Workers’ Institute – now part of the Black Country Living Museum – is the last physical reminder of the Women Chainmakers Strike of 1910. That maybe so – but the more important legacy is the fairer treatment of working people and the development of a more respectful and tolerant society – one that isn’t built on a kind of semi-slavery of others.”

The story of Mary Macarthur and the Women Chainmakers will be brought to life through stirring speeches, historic re-enactments, theatre and music. The highlight of the day will be a re-creation of the strike march when the women walk to victory once more!