Union Ideas Network (UIN)
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GMB News Roundup - 05/12/2006 22:43
If you have any GMB news to include please email details to press.office@gmb.org.uk fax: 020 8944 6139. Thanks to those who have already contributed. Further information on many of the subjects covered can be found on at www.gmb.org.uk
MINISTER PETER HAIN SUPPORTS GMB BURBERRY ANTI-CLOSURE CAMPAIGN:
The Secretary of State for Waleshas written to Burberry management calling on them reconsider their decision to close the south Walesfactory. Contact: Mervyn Burnett, GMB Organiser on 07980 753114.
PARLIAMENT GMB WARNS PARLIAMENT DELAY IN PLACING TRIDENT SUBMARINE ORDERS WILL LEAD TO LOSS OF UK CAPACITY AND THE SKILLS NEEDED TO BUILD SUBMARINES: Following the publication of today’s White Paper on the options and the government’s decision regarding the Trident nuclear deterrent Keith Hazlewood GMB National Secretary for engineering and shipbuilding said, “GMB has not yet taken a position on whether to go or not to go ahead with new submarines to maintain a nuclear deterrent. However, there are some practical matters that must be entered into the debate. Firstly, as I told the House of Commons Defence Select Committee recently, unless new orders are placed soon the skills and technical expertise needed to do this submarine building will be lost to the UK. If this happens the UKwould struggle to build these vessels if they were to be needed in the future. Second if Parliament decides not to go ahead it must pay heed to the impact on jobs and on communities that will be affected and as well as the impact on UKmanufacturing as whole." Contact Keith Hazlewood, GMB National Secretary on 07730 434768.
GMB DEFENDS VICITMISED HEARTS PLAYER
Scottish Professional Footballers Association (SPFA) Secretary Fraser Wishart has vowed to give Steven Pressley legal support in his dispute with Hearts after the Scotlanddefender was left out of the squad for 2-2 draw at St Mirren. Pressley revealed "significant unrest" in the dressing room under the regime of majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov in October. Fraser Wishart, GMB Organiser said: "The SPFA condemns in the strongest of terms what it regards as the wholly unjustified treatment of Heart of Midlothian FC towards our member, Steven Pressley.” The SPFA and its parent body GMB union, have long been concerned about the unorthodox managerial and employment practices of the club and the effects this has had on the personal and professional welfare of GMB members at the club. Steven Pressley has had and will continue to enjoy the full support and backing of the SPFA. We, along with our legal team, will offer Steven every assistance to enable him to seek redress via internal football procedures or othermeans." Contact: Fraser Wishart, GMB Organiser on 07932 797440.
GMB CONDEMNS MPS 66% PAY RISE CLAIM
Paul Kenny, GMB General Secretary said, “Is it any wonder that people have lost response for politicians? This demand in grotesque. It is unacceptable that MPS should get 10 times the national minimum wage especially after supporting the imposition of a 3% cap on public sector workers pay rise. These very same people enjoy large allowances and expenses. This year they also protected their own pension scheme but set about cutting those of the lowest-paid workers. Joust how out of touch can they get? Contact: GMB Communications Department on 020 8947 3131 or press.office@gmb.org.uk
GMB SLAMS RCN'S PROPOSAL TO CLOSE FINAL PENSION SCHEME:GMB members who work for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have been told that their final salary pension scheme is to close. RCN management have told staff that despite securing a final salary scheme for nurses in the NHS they will have to accept a defined contribution scheme which means paying more and working longer for the same pension. The proposed new scheme changes mean that they will work longer and pay more for reduced pensions than under the present final salary scheme. The RCN Council have proposed an inferior replacement scheme which immediately sees the RCN paying 4.6% less pension contributions and puts all the investment risk on to the shoulders of RCN staff. Contact: Kevin McNerney (GMB Shop Steward at RCN) on 07785 398519.
GMB EXPRESSES OUTRAGE OVER THE CLEARING OF EX HEAD TEACHER AFTER ASBESTOS EXPOSURE: GMB Branch Secretary Richard Morgan slammed the acquittal of Former Head Teacher Phil Robinson former head teacher of Silverhill Primary School, Mickleover, Derby who was last week cleared of endangering pupils, staff and contractors by exposing them to asbestos during a window replacement programme over two years ago. Mr Robinsons’ defence was that he was ignorant of both the presence of asbestos and the effects the deadly fibres could have on health despite evidence to the contrary. Derby City Council, and the contractor, Horizon Windows and Glass both pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in the New Year. Contact: Richard Morgan, GMB Branch Secretary, Derbyshire Community Branch on 07929 731 704 or John McClean, GMB National Health and Safety Officer on 07710 631329.
2007 REMPLOY PAY NEGOTIATIONS SCUPPERED BY ‘INTERFERRING’ GOVERNMENT MINISTER: The Remploy Consortium of Trade Unions today accused Anne McGuire MP, Minister for Disabled People in the Department of Work and Pensions of betraying workers at Remploy by halting talks on their 2007 pay claim. The workers are employed at Remploy’s 83 factories around the country that remain under threat of closure by the Government. GMB has been told that Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Officials halted this year’s pay negotiations on behalf Anne McGuire Minister for Disabled People. Contact: Phil Davies, GMB National Secretary on 07850 966465.
LIB DEMS, DON’T CARE, ABOUT ISLINGTON HOME CARE:Local Islington councillor and GMB Branch Secretary Gary Doolan has accused the Islington Council controlling Liberal Democrats of bungling their planned Home Care service sell-off. Contact: Gary Doolan GMB Branch Secretary on 07973 126642.
HOPE NOT HATE TOUR REACHES GLASGOW
Tonight the five captains of the Glasgow football teams who are members of GMB will appear on stage with Billy Bragg. This follows a press conference at 3pmtoday with Kick Racism out of football. Contact: Fraser Wishart, GMB Organiser on 07932 797440.
‘HOPE NOT HATE’ GET YOU GMB ANTI FASCIST T–SHIRT: Order your special GMB Hope Not Hate shirt, at a special GMB price of £11.99 Shirts are top quality 100% cotton sourced by Ethical Threads. This Christmas treat yourself to wearing principles guaranteed never to fade in the wash, or the struggle. The GMB Hope Not Hate shirt, produced in association with Philosophy Football, burns brightly even in the darkest of hours. For guaranteed pre-Christmas delivery order before 18 December. Available in adult sizes S-XXL. Contact: www.philosophyfootball.com or call 020 8802 3499 or http://www.philosophyfootball.com/view-single.php?pid=297
NEW MATERIAL ON GMB WEBSITE: For all the latest on the website visit: www.gmb.org.uk/latest. Did you know you can ask to be put on the email list for all new press releases? Click on the link http://www.gmb.org.uk/Templates/PressItems.asp?NodeID=89680 and press ‘Join Mailing List’.
Post edited by: uin, at: 05/12/2006 22:44
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