July 2024 Round Up
Welcome to the July edition of Unite the Union’s #JobsPayConditions newsletter. Over halfway through the year, a new government has emerged as the Labour Party took victory in the general election. While we are pleased to see the back of the Tories, at the core of our union is the commitment to remain steadfast in the pursuit of securing jobs, fair pay and better conditions. Here’s your monthly roundup of Unite’s latest wins, current industrial actions and campaigns we’re driving.
?MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY
?“As we welcome a Labour Government, I make no apology for keeping their feet to the fire on delivery for workers. Last week we congratulated Keir Starmer and the Labour Party on their victory. Nobody wanted to see the back of the previous Government more than trade unionists and those fighting everyday for workers and our communities. It was time for them to go. Make no mistake it was a historic victory. You play by the rules of the game you’re in and under first past the post a fall in Labour’s vote share counted for little, as they won a huge majority. What’s important now is what they actually do. I will remain consistent in my approach. Calling them out when they act against our members' interests, engaging constructively when needed and not falling into the trap of factional politics. In solidarity, Sharon.
Unite Members are Winning
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The summer has come with more #UniteWins for our members across hospitality, transport and engineering. Across the country, this month members have secured improved pay and better conditions in their workplaces.
Workers securing better pay
Collective bargaining and industrial action are securing our members inflation, busting pay rises and better terms and conditions. With some major wins in the bag, it’s more proof that unionising works.
Soaring pay rise for tram drivers
Strikes by London Trams engineers have ended, after members secured a whopping 20% pay deal following a dispute that arose over significant pay disparities between themselves and colleagues on the London Underground performing the same role.
Following negotiations with Transport for London, an improved offer was put forward that helped to substantially close the pay disparity, with some London Trams engineering grades seeing an uplift of up to 20 per cent.
Unite regional officer Steve Stockwell said: “This deal shows the power of belonging to a union. Those wanting better wages and working lives should join Unite and organise their colleagues to join as well.”
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Stagecoach across the UK are united
Stagecoach bus drivers in Swindon are celebrating a two-year pay deal worth more than 17 per cent. This was achieved after the workers voted to take industrial action, but was resolved before strikes took place. The deal also includes the introduction of an overtime rate and improvements to sick pay.
Then, at Stagecoach in Merseyside an industrial dispute came to a close after an, improved, above-inflation, pay offer was accepted by union members
Workers had been taking part in industrial action over the widening pay disparity between themselves and drivers at other bus companies in the region. After Unite's hard-nosed negotiations with the company, and members' determination to stand firm on the picket line, the company made an improved offer that significantly reduces the pay gap.?
Finally, Over 140 bus drivers in Bedfordshire are celebrating an inflation-busting pay award following their industrial dispute with their employer, Stagecoach Cambus.
Unite members were furious over the initial low pay offer and their poor rates of pay compared to other drivers in the region. Following a successful ballot and the threat of strike action, the employer made a new improved offer that members have now accepted.
Drivers will receive a 15.9 per cent pay rise over the next two years with pay elements of the pay increase backdated to May 2024. An initial 11.4 per cent will be applied within six months with a further rise in June 2025. The increases apply to all rates and allowances including sick pay.
These are fantastic wins for workers and more proof that unionising works. We congratulate our members, reps and officers for securing these deals and delivering on #JobsPayConditions
Workers taking action
Nurses at Guy’s are pushing back?
Guys and St Thomas’ day surgery theatre nurses are stepping up their industrial action over safe staffing.
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The dispute is over an increase in shift times as management have imposed a second shift extension. The nurses have already had unsustainable workloads and staff are warning of burnout and patient safety risks.?
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The leadership of Guys and St Thomas’ cannot keep burying their heads in the sand over unsustainable workloads. Our nurses cannot carry on meeting the excessive demands being placed on them. Staff are on the verge of burnout and patient safety is being put at risk. Our members will not be moved and Unite is supporting them all the way.”
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Stinking summer may loom with bin strikes
Refuse workers across the UK are taking action to stand against poor conditions and secure better pay. Refuse workers in Scotland being ‘grossly undervalued’ in comparison to their counterparts in other regions of the UK. Now workers in the region are considering strike action as they await for COSLA to come to the negotiating table with a fair deal.
?In Northern Ireland, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council's aggressive anti-union tactics have sparked two weeks of strike action by refuse workers standing against the unfair treatment of reps and members.
?And, over 100 workers at Sheffield Veolia are taking industrial action after being refused just union representation.?
?Finally, workers in Redbridge are standing up against terrible conditions and excessive overtime, which is inflicting a toll on mental health among staff.
?We will not allow workers to keep drawing the short straw or stand by in the dismantlement of our public services at the hand of underfunding, Unite is backing tour members all the way. Keep up to date on our channels and show your support!?
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Campaigns
#FairPay and #FairTips for hospitality workers
A new law banning employers from withholding staff tips comes into force on 1 October 2024,
It’s a big win for Unite, as we have been campaigning for Fair tipping legislation since 2007.
The law means workers have more power to challenge unfair tipping practices at work.
Unite Hospitality’s Fair Pay, Fair Tips campaign is bringing workers together and winning better JOBS, PAY CONDITIONS through the power of collective action.
Get involved and support the campaign: https://www.unitetheunion.org/campaigns/fair-pay-fair-tips
The future of energy must include a fair deal for workers.
With the news the government is set to invest in dramatically increasing offshore wind power through a partnership with Crown Estates, Unite the Union reminds The Labour Party that further details are still urgently needed so the future of renewable energy translates into well-paid jobs for UK workers ??
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General secretary Sharon Graham said: "If the government is going to invest £8.3 billion in green energy, and frankly it should be more, then creating real, good quality jobs must be right at the heart of it. We need serious investment in wind manufacturing and it is imperative that a huge increase in offshore wind power goes hand in hand with the creation of well-paid jobs in the renewable sector in the UK. Oil and gas workers are faced with an uncertain future which is not being helped by Labour's policy on North Sea exploration licenses. We must not allow them to become the coal miners of our generation." ??
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Our No Ban without a Plan campaign is still demanding that the newly elected Labour Government not ban the issuing of new licenses for the exploration of oil and gas in the North Sea until a just transition involving sufficient well-paid, skilled jobs in the green energy sector is in place for the 30,000 plus workers currently employed in oil and gas.
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It’s paramount that we preserve and grow jobs in the switch to green energy - not decimate the livelihoods of millions of workers. If you want to support oil and gas members in securing a sustainable future, sign the petition ???
Love the message from GS - consistency is king! ????
Mechanical Engineering seeking employment opportunities to further career in academia, research or industry
3 个月Maybe we need to be wary of this Labour government. They remind me too much of New Labour. They took over the party through witch hunts and mass expulsion. I have doubts on whether they are really socialists. Only time will tell. I hope my doubts are unfounded. The working class need a break.