As 2017 opens, the crisis in the NHS continues. The Health Campaigns Together grassroots campaign has called a national demonstration in London on Saturday March 4th https://www.facebook.com/events/1771664639725061/
Unions such as Unite and PCS have responded positively to an appeal from Health Campaigns Together to health unions, local and national campaigns seeking support for the march. Other unions are due to discuss it.
The letter, signed by Mike Forster of Hands off HRI campaign in Huddersfield and Dr Louise Irvine of the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign states:
“The NHS crisis will intensify this winter and there will be no let-up in the following months as drastic cost cutting Sustainability and Transformation Plans are rolled out across the country, leading to more cuts and closures. We believe this could be a massive demonstration, bringing together the growing number of community campaigns with the trade union movement.”
The NSSN calls on all our supporters and affiliates to build for the demonstration and defeat the Tory cuts.
RMT / ASLEF / TSSA
Southern Rail strikes
Members of RMT and ASLEF are in dispute on Southern Rail over the imposition of Driver Only Operations (DOO). The NSSN sends solidarity and support to both unions and we call on our members to support the following days of strikes:-
00:01 Monday 9 January to 23:59: Saturday 14 January (ASLEF & RMT drivers)
Send donations and messages of support to RMT and ASLEF via [email protected] and [email protected] or through twitter @ASLEFunion and @RMTunion
RMT and TSSA 24 hour strike between 1800 on Sunday 8th Jan and 1759 on Monday 9th in Tube station staffing dispute RMT confirms strike dates in Tube station staffing dispute TSSA members in tube stations are striking for safety
RMT cleaners strike rock solid on Great Western Railway
Adelphi workers to strike over poverty pay
Support Action for Rail DAY OF ACTION TODAY 3RD JANUARY – HELP US END #RAILRIPOFF local protest details RMT cleaners strike rock solid on Great Western Railway
Trade Union Act to come into force on March 1st – TUC call a special conference
Tories confirm that the their anti-union laws, incorporated in the Trade Union Act, including new undemocratic industrial action ballot thresholds will come into force on March 1st. The NSSN calls on the TUC to implement the policy passed at this year’s TUC Congress which, moved by the RMT which includes:
“Congress believes the General Council needs to convene an urgent conference of affiliates to provide a practical forum, including workshops, as to how to best coordinate our legal and industrial response to the Act in line with policy already set by Congress.”
and an amendment from the FBU:
“Congress should discuss all options for challenging the new legislation. This should include stepping up the campaign to scrap the Act and other anti-union legislation as well as the practical steps to be taken to support any unions and groups of workers threatened by this anti-worker legislation.”
Watch NSSN chair Rob Williams being interviewed on SKY News on the Christmas strikes and opposing Tory attacks on the unions here:-
NSSN news
Early notice – the 11th annual NSSN Conference will be on Saturday July 1st 2017 from 11am in Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. It is open to all trade union and anti-cuts campaigners
This is a video of the NSSN TUC Congress Rally on 11 September – Tories Out! Keep Corbyn!
Get your trade union branch or trades council to affiliate to the NSSN – it only costs £50. Already affiliated? Please think about renewing it. Also, many of our supporters pay a few pounds a month. You can set up a similar standing order to ‘National Shop Stewards Network’, HSBC – sort code 40-06-41, account number 90143790. Our address is NSSN, PO Box 54498, London E10 9DE. Affiliation letter is below
Download the ‘Join the NSSN’ leaflet here
And if you can, come to one of our regional Conferences. If there is not one in your area, get in touch to either assist in organising or have a speaker at one of your meetings or events. Contact Rob or Linda on [email protected]
Union News
Unison
Derby teaching assistants are taking a further two days of strike action over their dispute with the Labour led city council. The strike dates are 19 and 20 January
Donate to Derby hardship fund here
Derby Unison branch Facebook page here
Support the Durham Teaching Assistants from Unison and ATL who have also been taking strike action to stop wage cuts of 23% –
Donate to the Durham TAs’ fund here
Durham TAs Facebook page here
Support Glasgow Unison janitors & ICT staff action disputes –
Unison Glasgow City Branch Facebook group and website
Sign petition to support the Kinsley School cleaners in Wakefield on indefinite strike since September 6th here. Facebook Group. Donate to strike fund – send to Wakefield Unison, 18 Gills Yard, Wakefield WF1 3BZ
Unite
Strike by Stagecoach bus drivers will now start early in the new year – Change of date timed to coincide with the start of the Wirral loop line closure read more Merseyside Stagecoach bus drivers set for fortnight’s strike in pay dispute
Support Manchester Fujitsu in dispute over pay, pensions and job security dispute – Supporters can find the “appeal for support” leaflet and details of how to send messages of support and donate to the Manchester strike fund here: https://ouruniontest.wordpress.com/manchester-dispute/ Facebook Group
CWU
Accrington delivery office dispute resolved – Royal Mail have in effect confirmed that the remaining issue from the Flashpoint Report of 24th August concerning the management of the office will be resolved in the New Year read more
Sign the petition to stop the closure of Royal Mail Delivery Office, Ashton-under-Lyne here
GMB
‘Bullying’ on Woolwich Ferry (Dec 22) – Key part of London’s travel infrastructure could face choppy waters unless steps are taken to protect members, says union. Allegations of bullying and harassment could lead to strike action among Woolwich Ferry workers. GMB, the union for Woolwich Ferry workers, is to ballot its members for industrial action after serious concerns were raised about the management culture by operator Briggs Marine Contractors Ltd read more Unite: Choppy waters ahead for Woolwich Ferry, as workers ballot for strike action over bullying culture
OCA Strike Looms (Dec 21) – Union to ballot for industrial action as long-running negotiations break down. Hundreds of North Sea oil workers could be set to strike in the New Year after GMB members formally registered a ‘failure to agree’ read more
POA
POA members reject prison reform agreement (22 Dec) – The POA membership in England and Wales have overwhelmingly rejected the best and final offer from Government and the Employer on the Prison Reform Agreement 2016, which consisted of Pension Age Reduction, an Industrial Relation Procedural Agreement and a 3 year pay deal. The POA now urge Government to come back to the negotiating table, so that issues of concern to the membership can be addressed read more
BFAWU
Reinstate Kumaran Bose – sacked by Samworths! The NSSN is supporting the BFAWU’s campaign in support of Kumaran Bose who was dismissed for speaking out and for organising a union in his workplace read more Facebook group BFAWU Statement On Samworth Brothers’ Sacking Of Kumaran Bose
NUT
School funding cuts worse than predicted. JAMs hit hardest as school budgets plummet (3 Jan) – The cuts to funding for schools in England will be worse than expected and hit hardest the children in families that are ‘just about managing’, according to the NUT and ATL. In November 2016, the NUT and ATL predicted, when they launched the Schools Cuts website, that the Government’s long-awaited new national funding formula (NFF) would be a disaster for schools, given the real terms cuts currently being imposed read more
Reinstate sacked Waltham Forest NUT rep Tobias Hayden – A decision has been made by the Governing Body of Davies Lane Primary School to dismiss NUT representative, Tobias Hayden on charges of gross misconduct. Tobias was summarily dismissed without pay from his job at Davies Lane on 21st November at a disciplinary hearing held in his absence. We are shocked at this decision and believe that Tobias is being victimised for trade union activities, namely:
In the Summer term, Tobias invited junior doctors to speak to the school’s NUT group. Meetings such as this were encouraged by the NUT to show solidarity for our joint campaign.
Tobias was also vocal in his opposition to his school becoming an academy, in line with NUT policy. As part of his opposition he approached parents at the school to discuss the academy conversion.
We urge the governors to overturn the decision to dismiss Tobias at his impending appeal and ask that he be reinstated with immediate effect sign here
Support Simon O’Hara — victimised teacher at Small Heath School in Birmingham
UCU
Support the reinstatement of London Met union reps: Mark Campbell and David Hardman https://uculondonmet.wordpress.com/
Nationalise Tata – support the Steelworkers
For latest developments, follow Facebook group
BECTU
Support Brixton Ritzy and Hackney Picturehouse Cinema workers – They have been striking for the London Living wage and have been taking action over the holidays. BECTU are also going to re-ballot for industrial action with also Picturehouse Central workers, where the claim for a living wage has been rejected by management Brixton Facebook Page Hackney Facebook Page Support the Picturehouse Strike Fund – donate now Fundraiser for Picturehouse Strikers – Hosted by Haringey Labour Momentum on January 13
Hackney Picturehouse Strike Fundraiser – January 18
IWGB
VICTORY!!!! #Deliveroo have dropped the investigation against IWGB union organiser, Ben G, and have invited him back to work! This happened just hours after the IWGB made knowledge of his victimisation public! IWGB Couriers And Logistics Branch Facebook page
United Voices of the World
Harrods: stop stealing your waiters’ tips protest – 2pm this Saturday January 7th https://www.facebook.com/events/1133047913458998/
The LSE cleaners have declared an official dispute with Noonan/LSE following their refusal to concede the cleaners’ demands for dignity and equality or even talk to or negotiate with them or their chosen union UVW. This marks the first dispute by non-academic staff in the 126 year history of the LSE! The cleaners will soon be balloted and are expected to vote strongly, if not unanimously, in favour of strike action. Read more on United Voices of the World Facebook Group
Trade union victimisation: Topshop cleaners have been sacked! Support UVW’s legal proceedings – Two cleaners at billionaire BHS buster Philip Green’s flagship brand Topshop have been sacked for campaigning for a living wage. Their union UVW have started legal proceedings on their behalf for trade union victimisation. However, legal fees can cost several thousand pounds for two big claims like this and UVW runs on a shoe string budget. Therefore, if you would like to contribute towards the legal fees of the Topshop Two’s Tribunal claims then please do so via paypal by following this link http://www.uvwunion.org.uk/emergency-appeal (you’ll see the button at the bottom of the page) or just by transferring directly to UVW’s bank account: The Co-operative Bank Account title: United Voices of the World Sort code: 08-92-99 Account: 65755617
Other News
SERTUC Public Services Committee Health Conference – Saturday 25 February 2017 read more
Blacklisting & Victimisation
Buy the book ‘Blacklisted: The Secret War between Big Business and Union Activists’ Author: Dave Smith and Phil Chamberlain. Blacklisted tells the controversial story of the illegal strategies that transnational construction companies used to keep union activists away from work. See the official trailer from ReelNews who are having their Xmas party tonight December 13th – 7.30pm onwards Brixton Pound Café 77, Atlantic Rd SW9 8PU
Blacklist Support Group financial appeal: the Blacklist support group is desperately short of funds, to continue the incredible work we need more finance, would you please consider making a donation, raise it at your branches and trade councils. Please make cheques payable to Joint sites committee and send to 70 Darnay Rise Chelmsford Essex CM1 4XA. Please forward onto your contacts many thanks Steve Kelly (JSC Treasurer)
Book http://newint.org/books/politics/blacklisted-secret-war/
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlCa8yQmZ70
Blog: www.hazards.org/blacklistblog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/blacklistSG/
Donate to ReelNews – http://reelnews.co.uk/donationssubscriptions/
International
Pakistan: arrested Quetta Serena Hotel unionists back at work – When sixty-three members and officers of the IUF-affiliated Quetta Serena Hotel Union were arrested on November 30 for peacefully gathering in front of the hotel after union members were denied entry, thousands of you responded quickly to our appeal to send messages. We are happy to report that all 63 are back at work with no disciplinary charges and no loss of pay and that management has not pressed charges. The provincial High Court has overturned an earlier labour court decision instigated by the hotel management banning union activity at the hotel and the union is pressing ahead with its demand for negotiations on a collective agreement which it has been requesting since July 2015. Through the IUF, the union has warmly thanked all supported the ongoing fight for their rights
Brazil: Stop attacks on union at University of São Paulo read more
Diary (see & use false economy)
2017
March
4 ‘It’s Our NHS’ – National Demonstration to defend the NHS in London on March 4th 2017 – called by ‘Health Campaigns Together’ an umbrella organisation of different local campaigns against NHS cuts https://www.facebook.com/events/1771664639725061/ http://www.healthcampaignstogether.com/index.php
With Banners Held High – all day workshops, debates, exhibition gig in Wakefield in support of causes such as Justice for Mineworkers and Orgreave Truth & Justice Campaign https://webmail.123-reg.co.uk/appsuite/#!!&app=io.ox/mail&folder=default0//NNIS%5B
18 National Demo: Refugees and Migrants Welcome – Stand Up To Racism, Islamophobia & Anti-Semitism read more
July
1 11th annual NSSN Conference 11am in Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL
CONTACT US
PHONE 07952 283 558
EMAIL mailto:[email protected]
TWITTER – https://twitter.com/NSSN_AntiCuts
FACEBOOK NSSN GROUP or STOP The CUTS Likes page
ADDRESS NSSN, PO Box 54498, London E10 9DE
