Executive Council Statement to the 2005 ADM
Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Foreword
Labour in Government has delivered for Usdaw members and all working people. We need a historic third term of Labour in Government to ensure that we keep the new rights and benefits that we have gained. We also need Labour to win a third term so that we can continue to successfully campaign for improvements for Usdaw members. Make no mistake, only Labour will deliver for Usdaw members and working people. The Tories would not deliver on this agenda and would not deliver for working people. The Tories are pledged to £35 billion of cuts in public expenditure, cutting the budgets of hospitals and schools. The Tories’ agenda is to ‘cut red tape’ for businesses. When they say ‘red tape’ what they mean is cut the hard won workers’ rights gained by unions with a Labour Government. This election is a simple choice between a Labour Government that introduces new rights for working people and the Tories who will remove those rights. Supporting fringe parties like the Lib Dems, or the Nationalists in Scotland or Wales, will only help the Tories win. Please read this document, which sets out in detail what Labour has achieved, what Labour will do if they win the next election and what you can do to help Labour win. Having a Labour Government is an essential part of the representation that Usdaw offers its members. With Labour, we can campaign for rights that we cannot gain from employers. Don’t let the Tories take away everything we’ve gained. Vote Labour.
John Hannett General Secretary
1 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Contents
Page Introduction 3 Section 1: Why we are in Politics 4
An overview. 4 Political campaigns. 5 Future campaigning priorities. 5
Section 2: What has Labour done for Usdaw? 15
New rights and benefits at work. 15 56 Promises in the Warwick Agreement. 18
Section 3: Why do we need a third 21 Labour Government?
Policy dividing lines. 21
Section 4: Helping to achieve a 24 third Labour Government
Arranging for a Labour MP or candidate to visit your workplace. 24 Organising postal votes for members. 26 Informing members and encouraging them to vote. 27 Helping the Labour Party. 28
Conclusion 30 Appendices 31
General Election Volunteer Form. 32 Postal Vote Form. 33 Usdaw Divisional Political Co-ordinators. 35 Labour Party Regional Offices. 36 Labour Party Membership Form. 37 Election Materials Order Form. 38 Form to affiliate a branch to a Constituency Labour Party. 39 List of Usdaw’s Target Seats. 40
2 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Introduction
his EC statement sets out to show that Usdaw Tneeds an historic third term of Labour in Government. We say historic because the Labour Party has never achieved three consecutive terms of office. Too many times in the past Labour Government’s have delivered for working people only for it to all to be undone by the Tories winning office. Since 1997 we have made tremendous gains, which are outlined in this document, and we must ensure that we do not throw them away. Usdaw needs to build a firm foundation for This statement is a toolkit for all activists who Labour’s third term as well – a foundation of want to get politically involved and help Labour win experienced campaigners who can help us fight for the election. action and improvements for our members. But we also aim to show that we don’t just need to That way we not only help Labour win – we help help Labour MPs win their seats again, our election our members and that’s winning for us. work is about promoting Usdaw’s policies and delivering new rights and benefits for our members by: Letting our members know the issues so that they can make informed choices and exercise their power by voting. Helping them meet Labour MPs and candidates so they can let them know our issues and concerns. Giving our members experience and confidence – hopefully some will want to stand as Labour representatives themselves.
3 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Section 1 Why we are in Politics
An overview
Why is Usdaw involved in politics?
ur role as a trade union is to make things better Ofor our members and mostly we do that through negotiating with employers, but sometimes we need politics: To get a level playing-field for negotiating with So what issues are we taking up with employers. the Government? To introduce fair minimum standards, eg the Usdaw’s policies are decided at our Annual Delegate minimum wage, 20 days paid holiday (will be 28 if Meeting (ADM) and the resolutions passed there form Labour win) and up to 52 weeks maternity leave the basis of our political campaign work. (26 of which are paid). Some examples of issues we are currently To improve our members’ lives in other ways – campaigning on are: through better pensions, benefits, improving schools and health services. Upgrading the minimum wage for young workers. A rise in the rate of the minimum wage. Why are we linked to Protection for shopworkers against violence and the Labour Party? abuse at work. More support for parents and carers. Trade unions created the Labour Party to campaign Protection of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day in and act for all working people. We have many links Scotland. with the Labour Party at every level – we can campaign for the things our members want with Labour’s elected representatives. Most members of the Labour Party and MPs are trade unionists – they What does our political work involve? understand what’s important to us and are willing to Picking up issues from our activists and members help where they can. that we need to run political campaigns on. Running those campaigns and raising awareness of How does Usdaw influence the issues that affect our members. Labour Party? Informing our members about what’s happening politically – because the media isn’t very good at We can best influence the Labour Party by developing doing this! constructive relationships at every level based on Helping to keep the Labour Party in Government – mutual trust and respect. because without a Labour Government, we can’t Although Usdaw’s communications at national level get action on issues that matter to us. with Ministers is important, it is much more effective if it is backed up by Usdaw members raising issues in Labour Party meetings and policy forums all round the country. Because our most important resource is our members and their votes, the Government know they have to address the issues that matter to our members.
4 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour How can you get involved? A new minimum wage of £3.00 per hour for all 16 and 17 year old workers came into force on By joining the Labour Party and raising issues 1 October 2004. there: – MPs listen to their local Labour Party members and representatives from trade unions. Future campaigning – Labour Party members have a vote in selecting priorities candidates for Parliament, Councils, the European Parliament etc. Our campaigns are about making our voice heard not just with politicians but with our activists, members – Labour Party members have the opportunity to and the public – our potential members. get more involved if you want to discuss policy, go to conferences or represent Labour on a They can be run at any level – local, regional or council, regional body or even stand for national. Sometimes they are just about one branch Parliament! submitting a resolution to their local Labour Party or an activist ringing their MP on behalf of members. By working with other Usdaw members: If members contact the Political Office at Central – Usdaw for Labour organise campaigns and Office and let them know their concerns, campaigns events in each division of the Union. There can be organised nationally through the National is a political committee in each division, Political Committee, particularly if there’s an issue that co-ordinated by the divisional political is raised by a lot of members. co-ordinators – contact them by ringing your local office. A week in politics may be a long time but the political process doesn’t actually run quickly and it By telling Usdaw’s Political Officer when our usually takes time for our campaigns to bear fruit. members need political help: Back in the 1980s Usdaw was one of the very few – If our members are affected by an issue that unions campaigning for a national minimum wage. can only be dealt with by Government That campaign took a long time but we achieved it in legislation or if current legislation isn’t working the end. in practice, we need practical examples to help Having a Labour Government means that we are us point out to Government why it’s important. far more successful at achieving our aims than we ever Usdaw’s Political Officer, Ruth Stoney, is gathering were under the Tories! evidence for our political campaigning work and can Members are vital to our campaigning work. be contacted on 0161-249 2452. Members bring our campaigns to life and can make Politics affects all of us. Usdaw can have a great politicians understand that we are not just banging a influence politically and we need your help. drum but talking about issues that affect our members’ lives. We need our members not just to help us Political campaigns campaign but also to show us where they have benefited from Labour and where we need to be Past successes campaigning for more. The Political Office always welcomes input from Having a Labour Government means that we have the members that is based on their own experience. opportunity to run political campaigns that can and do succeed! Our future campaigning agenda is: The Executive Council Statement ‘Winning Together’ published at ADM 2001 said that we needed Supporting parents and carers to win a second term for Labour so that we could run the following campaigns: Why are we campaigning on this issue? Protect Christmas Day. Most Usdaw members are forced to juggle their jobs Recognition and paid time off for learning reps. and their family life. And most Usdaw members need a A minimum wage for 16 and 17 year old workers. bit more help from their employer to do this. Well, Usdaw’s political campaigning coupled with When the children are ill, when a relative needs Labour in Government has delivered on all three of taking to the hospital, when an elderly parent has a fall those priorities: – these are the times when our members most need support from their employer. The Christmas Day (Trading) Act came into force on 9 December 2004, which bans all large stores from This campaign is about encouraging employers opening on Christmas Day. and the Government to do more to support working parents and carers. Learning reps now enjoy the same rights as health and safety reps after the implementation of the Employment Act 2002. 5 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour What will the campaign achieve?
The campaign will make a real difference to members with caring commitments. Our negotiators will be seeking better rights for parents and carers in the following areas: Increased maternity and paternity pay. Paid time off for family emergencies and hospital appointments. More say for members in the hours they work. More flexible ways of working such as term time contracts. Employers to help more with childcare. The campaign will also seek a better deal for working parents and carers from the Government including: Paid parental leave. Statutory rights to leave for carers. Strengthening of the right to request flexible working. We also want to make sure that Usdaw members know about the rights they already have and how we want to build on them. More details on these rights can be found in Usdaw leaflets or at www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/ supportingparentsandcarers/
Is it realistic to ask employers to give parents and carers better rights?
Yes! Better rights for parents and carers makes good business sense as well as being essential for our members. More and more employers are asking Usdaw to work with them on these issues. Employers know that to recruit, and more importantly retain valued staff, they have to do more to support people with caring commitments. The vast majority of workers are parents or carers and the number is growing. In the UK there are now more than 12 million parents and 7 million carers. That’s approximately three quarters of the workforce. So employers need to be able to attract staff with caring commitments by doing more to help them. Employers who support parents and carers reap the benefits in terms of higher staff motivation, reduced sickness absence and low staff turnover. A recent survey of family friendly employers by Labour Research Department found that sickness absence had been cut by 41% as a result of introducing more support for parents and carers. Usdaw’s negotiators have a strong case and we are already working with a number of employers to improve support for staff with caring commitments.
6 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Supporting Parents and Carers Reps Campaign Pack – Action Checklist
7 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Supporting Parents and Carers Reps Campaign Pack – Campaign Material Order Form
8 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Supporting Parents and Carers Reps Campaign Pack – Model Letter to Your MP
9 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Supporting Parents and Carers Reps Campaign Pack – Petition
10 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Applying the adult rate of minimum anti-crime strategies and Local Authority initiatives are wage at 18 the key to success. Local Authorities are responsible for working with Usdaw successfully led a campaign that brought in a the Police and local stakeholders to develop minimum wage for 16 and 17 year old workers. The Community Safety Policies. As part of that process, new minimum wage level for 16 and 17 year olds is they can help to initiate and promote crime reduction £3.00 per hour and came into force on 1 October partnerships and encourage local retailers to sign up to 2004. them. Next step – Adult Rate at 18. Our next campaign is Safer shopping partnerships have been successful to get the adult rate applied at 18. At the moment you in cutting violent retail crime in many shopping centres. have to be 22 years old to get the adult rate. Usdaw is Under these schemes local retailers are encouraged to very concerned that this is leading to employers work with the Police and Local Authority to share introducing age related pay up to 21 years old. information about known troublemakers and ensure Companies who have started to pay lower rates to decent standards of crime prevention. 18 – 21 year olds include: Anti-Social Behaviour Orders have proved to be a Dixons very useful tool in controlling persistent offenders and breaking up gangs of youths who terrorise local McDonalds shopping centres. Burger King Retail violence is a health and safety issue. Local KFC Authorities are charged with the enforcement of health You can help: let us know if you, or anyone you and safety in shops. Usdaw recognises that Local know, is paid less than older workers, when you do the Authorities are faced with a barrage of competing same job. Call Ruth or David on 0161 249 2452. claims on resources. Usdaw believes that it is time to re-focus and that retail violence should be given a much higher profile. It affects not only the workers but Freedom From Fear the businesses, the consumers and the community.
Usdaw is campaigning for policies to help Action checklist shopworkers on the frontline. At Labour’s National Policy Forum in July 2004 Use the petition opposite to get your MP or Labour Hazel Blears, the Minister for Police and Crime candidate involved in focusing your Local Authority on Reduction, indicated support for our campaign and tackling violence against shopworkers. Please feel free agreed to take the following action: to photocopy it, ask friends, colleagues and family to sign and send it to your MP. Create a specific offence of committing an assault on a person who is ‘serving the public’ as part of their job. This should help to make the justice process swifter and bring harsher sentences for those who assault shopworkers. The Government will help to ‘actively promote’ the use of proof of age cards for young people to purchase age-restricted products. This will help to change the culture, so that young people expect to be asked to prove their age, and make shop staff less liable to attempts to force a sale by intimidation.
Working with Local Government
At the core of Usdaw’s campaign is a partnership approach. By working with Local Authorities, the Police, the retail companies and the public, Usdaw aims to build a retail environment which is welcoming, safe and successful for everyone. Usdaw is keen to build links with all Local Authorities to work together to achieve those shared goals. Retail is one of the most important employment sectors and in many areas the biggest employer. Local shopping centres can be made safer and more welcoming places to shop and work. Tackling retail violence needs to form a central part of wider
11 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Freedom From Fear Reps Campaign Pack – Petition
12 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Protect Christmas Day and New stores from opening. Whilst employers may start by asking for volunteers, the truth is that they will not get Year’s Day in Scotland enough and that is when they will start compelling people to work in order to open the stores. Karen Whitefield MSP (Labour, Airdrie and Shotts) is consulting on a proposal to prohibit large stores (over A mixed view from retailers 280 square metres) in Scotland from opening on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. A proposal has There is a mix of views from retail employers. Some been laid down in the Scottish Parliament to introduce wholeheartedly back this proposal. The majority don’t legislation. want to open on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day but The proposal originates from the Protect Christmas would seriously consider doing so if their competitors Day & New Year’s Day in Scotland Campaign run by did. Many favour legislation in order to create a level the Union. It seeks to address a growing tendency playing field where nobody is allowed to open. A amongst some retailers to open on these days. minority are seriously considering Christmas Day and New Year’s Day trading, with Debenhams already Summary breaking rank and opening two stores on 1 January 2004 and five stores on 1 January 2005. Shop opening hours in Scotland are currently not The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), which regulated. represents many retail employers, has already The proposal is that there should be new regulation indicated that they support the proposal for Christmas to prohibit large stores from opening on Christmas Day Day, but are very much opposed to the proposal for and New Year’s Day. New Year’s Day. The SRC cite tourist shoppers on Large shops are defined as those with a sales area January 1st as the main reason for their opposition. over 280 square metres (3,000 square feet). Overwhelming support from customers The purpose of new regulation would be to maintain the special nature of Christmas Day and New Experience suggests that the overwhelming majority of Year’s Day. The opening of large stores on those days Scotland’s shopping public support this proposal. would seriously undermine that special nature as well When campaigning in shopping centres MSPs and as having an adverse effect on shopworkers and their Usdaw activists have found the vast majority of families. shoppers are keen to sign a petition calling for legislation to protect Christmas Day and New Year’s This proposal is a direct response to a trend Day. towards trading on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Retail ancillary workers are affected Background By this we mean workers whose jobs are dependent The possibility of widespread opening by large stores on or affected by the retail industry, ie street cleaners, on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day is a source of parking attendants, public transport workers, etc. All of concern. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day remain these workers normally have Christmas Day and New special days for all Scottish people, and should remain Year’s Day off work, but if shops opened on those so. Opening by large stores would have a detrimental days, they would then be required to go into work. impact on the quality of national life as well as on the employees concerned. Emergency service and hospital workers normally operate with skeleton staffing on Christmas Day and Scottish shopworkers have no protection from New Year’s Day. However if shops were to open then being forced to work on Christmas Day and New staffing levels would have to be increased in these Year’s Day, unless they fall on a Sunday. The Sunday sectors. Not because shopping is dangerous; the Working (Scotland) Act 2003 entitles all shopworkers increased volume in traffic necessitates higher (except Sunday only workers) to refuse to work on emergency service cover. Sundays. National consultation The shopworkers’ view Karen Whitefield MSP has completed a national Scottish shopworkers are very concerned about the consultation to ask Scottish retailers, shopworkers and possibility of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day shoppers what they think about her proposal. At the trading. Not least because in recent years a number of time of writing this document responses were still retail companies have experimented with Christmas being analysed, but Karen’s Bill will soon start its Day trading. Also, this year, for the first time one formal passage through the Scottish Parliament. company opened two of its large stores on New Year’s Day. Action checklist Scottish shopworkers believe that these recent developments make the need for legislation to protect You can help the campaign by collecting signatures on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day absolutely the petition on page 14. Please feel free to photocopy necessary. Many shopworkers believe that, at it and ask colleagues, friends and family to sign it. sometime in the future, they will be forced to work on these two days if legislation is not passed to stop large 13 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Protect Christmas Day and New Year’s Day in Scotland Campaign Pack – Petition
14 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Section 2 What Has Labour Done For Usdaw?
New rights and benefits at work
his section outlines the top 50 gains made under TLabour for those in work. They are very important gains in their own right, but have collectively contributed to a change in attitude amongst employers and a new confidence amongst workers. This section only highlights the gains most relevant to Usdaw members and their working lives. To find out Labour has tackled the Tory legacy of mass more about Labour’s achievements, you can order the unemployment, with numbers claiming excellent booklet by Nigel Griffiths MP, ‘300 Gains from unemployment benefit back to levels last seen in a Labour Government’, from Central Office. the mid-1970s. Unemployment has fallen by over half a million. Long term unemployment has fallen by three- Economic stability quarters. Labour’s economic record is one of success. The UK 444,000 young people have found jobs through the now has the lowest interest rates, inflation and New Deal. Long-term youth unemployment unemployment levels for a generation. has been virtually eradicated. The New Deal also helps: long-term unemployed; workers over 50; disabled people; lone parents; Key Labour achievements: self-employed and musicians. Lowest sustained inflation for 40 years and one of The new tax credits provide a major boost to the lowest rates in the EU. people on low pay without children as well as The lowest unemployment since 1975. families with children, helping with childcare costs for those moving into work and ensuring that work The fastest growth of the UK’s major EU pays. competitors. The lowest interest rates since 1955. Average incomes are rising. Further information One million children have been lifted out of poverty. New Deal advice line: 0845 606 2626 or visit www.newdeal.gov.uk Tax Credit advice line: 0845 300 3900 or visit Employment www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk or www.treasury.gov.uk
Unemployment is now at a record low, and Labour is aiming to achieve full employment by the end of the Rights at work decade. For the first time in around half a century, the UK Labour in Government has introduced a range of new has the lowest unemployment rate of the major rights and benefits for people in work. Their aim is to industrialised countries. make work pay. Employment has risen by over 1.5 million since 1997 across the UK and unemployment has fallen in every region of the country.
15 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour A National Minimum Wage Help at work –
For the first time ever, the UK has a national minimum trade union rights wage, benefiting more than two million workers. From The right to accompaniment by a trade union October 2003, the rate for workers aged over 21 is representative in a disciplinary or grievance case. £4.50 per hour. For workers aged 18-21 the minimum wage is £3.80 an hour. The right to have your trade union recognised by your employer if there are more than 20 employees and the majority vote for recognition. The right to four weeks paid holiday a Discrimination on the grounds of trade union year membership has been made illegal.
For the first time ever, British workers have the legal right to paid holidays. Further information
Minimum Wage advice line: 0845 845 0360 The right to proper breaks and rests TUC ‘Know Your Rights’ line: 0870 600 4882 or at work visit www.tuc.org.uk Information on local Sure Start programmes for The Working Time Regulations give workers the right pre-school children at www.surestart.gov.uk to: A maximum 48 hour working week. A minimum break of 20 minutes when the working Help for parents day is more than six hours. Labour’s ambition is to end child poverty in the UK by A minimum rest period of 11 hours between making it easier for parents to come off benefits and working days. go back into work. A rest period of one full day off per week or two in a fortnight. Child Benefit Under-18’s are entitled to more breaks and longer rest periods. Child benefit for the first child has been increased from £11.05 in 1997 to £16.05 this year – a rise of £5 a week. Better protection at work Protection against unfair dismissal has reduced Working Tax Credit and from two years to 12 months. Child Tax Credit Limit on compensation for unfair dismissal increased from £12,000 to £53,000 (index-linked). Tax credits are central to Labour’s ambition of ending Employers can no longer ask staff on fixed term child poverty. Every family with at least one parent in contracts of one year or more to waive their rights full-time work will now take home a minimum of £237 a to unfair dismissal if the contract is not renewed. week. The Child Tax Credit is paid direct to the main carer. It is currently worth: Protection from dismissal or victimisation for whistle blowing. £10.45 a week for families with income less than £50,000 a year (or £20.90 a week for a child under a year old). Equal pay and conditions £27.75 a week for each child in families with for part-time workers income less than £13,000 a year.
All part-time workers now have the right to equal treatment with full-time workers, including equal pay, Maternity leave and pay pension rights, pro-rata holidays and sick pay. Ordinary maternity leave increased to 26 weeks. Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance New legislation to outlaw race, have been increased to £102.80 a week. religious and sexual orientation The majority of women now have the right to take a discrimination in the workplace further six months unpaid leave.
This new legislation helps close gaps in existing equal opportunities law. New protection against age discrimination is due in 2006.
16 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Paternity leave and pay Pensions and pensioners
New dads have the right to two weeks paid paternity A key challenge for Labour was to tackle pensioner leave. poverty and ensure dignity and security in retirement for both today’s and tomorrow’s pensioners. Labour’s reforms have already made a real difference. Adoptive leave and pay
Adoptive parents gained the right to six months’ paid Pension Credit leave and a further six months’ unpaid leave. The new Pension Credit gives extra help to those with savings and small occupational pensions, benefiting Parental leave around five million pensioners. The Government has guaranteed a minimum income for single pensioners of Parents with children under five have the right to 13 £102.10 a week, while couples are guaranteed £155.80 weeks leave (unpaid at present) to be taken between – an increase of more than a third on the Tories. This birth and the child’s fifth birthday. ‘minimum income guarantee’ will rise in line with earnings until the general election. Right to request to work flexibly
Parents of children under six are entitled to ask if they Free TV licences for over-75s can work ‘flexibly’ and the employer has to take their Over three million pensioner households with someone request seriously. aged 75 or over now benefit from free TV licences.
Time-off for dependants Winter fuel payments Workers now have the right to take reasonable (unpaid £200 for every household with someone aged 60 or at present) time off work to help family members or over and from 2003, an extra £100 for households with close friends, in an emergency. someone aged 80 or over.
More childcare places Free eye tests By 2006, at least an additional 250,000 childcare Free eye tests for all pensioners restored. places will have been created.
A better standard of living A better deal for single parents Labour’s reforms – including a higher state pension, The New Deal for Lone Parents has helped 150,000 winter fuel allowance and the new Pensions Credit – lone parents find work. For the first time ever, more have benefited all pensioners, but those in need gain than half of lone parents are able to work. the most. The average gain for a pensioner household from all Labour reforms is £1,250 per year (£22.50 per week). The poorest third gain £1,600 a year. Further information Tax Credit advice line: 0845 300 3900 or visit www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk For tomorrow’s pensioners TUC ‘Know Your Rights’ line: 0870 600 4882 or Pension schemes visit www.tuc.org.uk Childcare Link: 08000 960296 or visit All employers with five or more staff must now offer www.childcarelink.org.uk access to a pension scheme open to all employees within a year of their starting. Stakeholder pensions New Deal advice line: 0845 606 2626 or visit provide a safe, flexible, low cost way for people to www.newdeal.gov.uk save for their retirement. Information on local Sure Start programmes for pre-school children at: www.surestart.gov.uk Pension protection fund
Plans for a pensions protection fund will guarantee a level of pension to workers even if their company becomes insolvent.
17 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour State Second Pension New measures on insolvency to ensure that management consult and do not take precipitative The State Second Pension enables 18 million people – action such as removing plant. two million carers, two and a half million long term Uprating of redundancy pay. disabled people and 15 million low earners, the chance to build up better pension entitlements. Review of changes in employment tribunal regulations, including the issue of re-instatement. Low Pay Commission to examine differential pay Further information rates for 18-21 year olds. Pension Credit Helpline: 0800 99 1234 Protection from dismissal for strikers raised from Over-75 TV Licence Helpline: 0845 603 6999 (local 8 weeks to 12 weeks. rates apply) Keep the Agricultural Wages Board and consider Winter Fuel Payments Helpline: 0845 9 15 15 15 extending its remit. (local rates apply) Bank holidays cannot be counted in four weeks TUC Stakeholder Pension Scheme: 0870 8 500 500 statutory holiday. Support for pilot in union recruitment in small firms. 56 promises in the Assurance that Posting of Workers Directive will not lead to under-cutting. Warwick Agreement Family friendly rights including review of the right to request flexible hours for parents and carers, Labour’s manifesto for the coming general election is maternity, paternity, adoptive and parental leave written through a process of extensive consultations (including paid); extending respite care. with all sections of the Party. Because Usdaw is an affiliate of the Labour Party we are a major player in Major roll-out of childcare schemes; including the process. Sure Start and Extended Childcare Scheme for lone parents. The consultations concluded with a conference of the Policy Forum members at Warwick University in New Women at Work Commission reporting in July 2004 where Usdaw led for all the trade unions in 12 months including on mandatory equal pay discussions on rights for parents & carers at work, for audits and equality reps. young people and for the low paid. Recognition of the value of facility time for workplace union reps and the need for a discussion between Government and unions Fairness at work on this. Commitment to full employment. Rights for migrant workers, including stopping New ‘compact’, with contractors and unions to employers holding passports of migrant workers. ensure that, when Government contracts for Using ASBOs, eg on buses and in pubs; tackling services, employees have access to trade unions, violence and anti-social behaviour in and around advice, basic training and skills. front-line workplaces. Steps towards a national policy of occupational health and safety. Pensions Will legislate on corporate manslaughter; compensation for victims. TUPE-style protection to include pensions affected by a company transfer or merge. UK government to support the EU Agency Workers Directive, and to engage with the Commission with Steps to make Pension Credit payment more a view to reaching an early agreement on the automatic and steps to move beyond old-style proposed Directive. means testing. A commitment to work in partnership with strong, Moving to make pensions a bargaining issue for modern trade unions and to help such unions grow. recognition proposes. New sectoral forums bringing social partners Measures on women and pensions – report back in together in low paid sectors to discuss strategies 2005. for productivity, health and safety, pay, skills and Commitment on pensions for same sex partners. pensions. Assistance for those who have already lost out on Working with unions and employers to develop a occupational pensions, seeking contributions from comprehensive, voluntary, ‘good employment the private sector. standard’. Training for pension trustees and move to 50% Radically improved enforcement; advice, guidance member trustees. and support for workers.
18 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Agreement to engage in effective dialogue over Reform of Local Authority PFI credits to ensure future of public sector pensions. equality of funding between PFI and conventional procurement. Legislation if necessary following the Turner Commission to move beyond the current voluntary Confirmation that PFI does not require transfer of occupational pensions system. staff. NHS Choice and Capacity - the vast bulk of NHS Manufacturing services will remain directly provided. Review of NHS cleaning contracts on test of Review and enhance investment funds for support cleanliness. for manufacturing with a view to having the best business support possible. Network Rail to oversee all rail engineering work; national rail card. Increase R&D investment to 2.5% of national income. New rules for Quality Bus Contracts – giving greater public accountability. Crossrail Bill. £1 billion extra spending on Science. Agreement to tackle unequal pay in local £178 million funding for the Technology Strategy government including gender segregation. by 2007/8. Public Services Forum will engage with unions on Additional funding of £6 million a year for the workforce development. Manufacturing Advisory Service. Commitment on no extension of school selection Improve export credit facilities. by ability. Promote a procurement strategy which safeguards Commitment to address term time workers issue. UK jobs and skills as permitted within EU rules to ensure that British industry can compete fairly with Measures to promote healthy eating in schools. the rest of Europe. Steps to develop staff e.g. health care assistants Encourage public procurement contracts to be with paid training and possibly Registration. given to UK firms and benefit UK workers within Full implementation of the mental health national EU law. service framework. Support an EU review of procurement policy. Strategy to promote independent living for elderly A strong skills agenda: people where possible. – Expansion of apprenticeships. – Rolling out Employer Training Pilots, supporting Additional commitments training up to NVQ2. Domestic violence – further action to tackle – Action in sectors under-performing on skills, domestic violence and support those at risk. including possibly training levies. Royal Mail to stay in public hands; telecom – Target to treble the number of Union Learning regulation to focus on service choice and reliability, Reps to 22,000. as well as network competition. – Removing barriers to TULRs, including through Agreement on steps to take forward the disability workplace committees. rights agenda. – Supporting trade union academy. Immediate review of National Insurance Lower Earnings Limit to help low-paid workers get Ensure RDAs produce manufacturing strategies benefits. and work with employers and trade unions. Action to tackle unethical labour agencies in health Encourage RDAs to assist manufacturers to find sector. new markets. Extend training for police staff in widening their Bank of England to take note of regional and roles. employment data and to engage with all stakeholders including trade unions. Consider certification of air cabin crew. Improve productivity through a culture of long term Take account of both UK industry and less investment, skills and high quality production. developed countries in radical reform of EU sugar regime. Actively promote accredited proof of age card for Public services age-restricted sales. Extending two-tier workforce protection in Local Will address long professional driver hours Government across the public services, in including self employed asap. consultation with the social partners. Commitments on world debt relief, increasing Consult with key stakeholders to monitor PFI, overseas aid and funds to tackle HIV/AIDS. including future financial implications. 19 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Migrant workers from all EU member states should enjoy equal freedom of movement. Agreed to monitor asylum seekers who file late applications to assess any undue hardship. Labour will meet full obligations to asylum seekers and refugees under international conventions. Asylum seekers to retain right of appeal to the High Court. More support for developing countries and their civil society organisations to participate in World Trade Organisation. Military intervention only as a last resort where all non-violent methods have failed, operating within international law and the framework of the UN. Call on Israel and Palestine to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1515. Strengthen EU Code of conduct on arms control and press for International Arms Trade Treaty. Review arrangements for compensation for time off for community activities and political restriction rules and better support for time off for public duties. No donation caps on political parties, and nothing to undermine trade union link. Backing for European charter of fundamental rights in EU constitution. Safeguards on any move towards electoral reform and reform of House of Lords. New Commission for Equality and Human Rights to work with unions. Review of current legislation, and draft a Single Equality Act.
20 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Section 3 Why do we Need a Third Labour Government?
Policy dividing lines
he new rights at work, listed in the previous Tsection, show clearly just how much has been achieved in the workplace to level the playing-field and bring fairness back. The promises for the manifesto, agreed at Warwick, show how in a third term Labour will continue to look after the welfare of people in work. Our members are obviously not just affected by This section sets out: what happens in the workplace, but by far more wide- ranging policies. To assess whether this Government Achievements: What Labour in power has achieved really has been good for our members, and what they for Usdaw and our members. could hope to achieve from a third term of Labour Policies: Labour’s policies for a third term of Government, it is important to look at a wide range of Government that will build on and improve what issues. has already been done. It is also important to be able to look clearly and The alternative: What are the Tories’ policies for carefully at the alternatives. Realistically, the only working people and trade unions? alternative to a Labour Government is a Tory Government. For that reason we have only provided an The policies speak for themselves and show overview of what the Liberal Democrats stand for. exactly why we need another Labour Government and the damage that the Tories would do to people at work and the unions that represent them. The seven areas that directly affect our members the most are shown in the following comparison:
Who said they were all the same?
Don’t be fooled into thinking that all political parties are the same. This is where they stand on key trade union issues.
What Labour have done Labour in a third term Tories Liberal Democrats
Minimum Wage Introduced Minimum Wage. Will increase to £5.05 in Opposed introduction of Opposed increases. Increased it by over 30% October 2005 and £5.30 in the Minimum Wage. Called last year’s rise since last election. October 2006 based on the Oppose above-inflation. ‘dangerous’. Low Pay Commission increases. recommendations. Paid Holidays Introduced right to 20 days’ Will introduce 8 more days Will abolish the Social paid holiday a year and to paid holiday to include Chapter – including all breaks at work. bank and public holidays. rights to paid holidays and breaks.
21 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour What Labour have done Labour in a third term Tories Liberal Democrats
Pensions Introduced a pensioners’ Pension Protection Fund Would let Pension Credit Would scrap Pension Minimum Income will ensure that pensioners ‘die a natural death’. Credit. Guarantee – now £109 pw. don’t lose out when a firm Would scrap the State Opposed free TV licenses Pension Credit helps 3.2 goes bust. Second Pension. for over-75s. million pensioners by an Giving £400m to help Opposed the Winter average £40 pw. those who have lost out Fuel Allowance. Winter Fuel Allowance of on pensions to date when £200. their firm goes bust. Free TV licenses for Pension credit to rise by over-75s. 13% by 2008. State Second Pension protects pensions of full-time parents & carers. £200 help with council tax bills for 2005/6. Free local bus travel.
Paid time off for Increased paid maternity Will extend paid Maternity Voted against increasing Promised to increase new parents leave from 14 weeks to Leave to 9 months by maternity leave and the maternity pay, but the 26 weeks. April 2007 towards the introduction of paid sums don’t add up. Increased Statutory goal of a year’s paid paternity leave. Maternity Pay from £52 leave by end of next Would not extend to £102.80 pw and Parliament. maternity leave or pay. introduced: Will give fathers the – 2 weeks paid Paternity option to take part of Leave the paid leave. – 26 weeks paid adoption leave – 13 weeks Parental Leave Family-friendly working Parents of children up to 5 Will look to extending this Would not extend the right given the right to request right to parents of older to any others. to work flexibly. children and carers.
Support for working Raised child benefit by £7 Child element of the Child When the Tories were in Would abolish the Child families for the first child. Tax Credit will increase by Government, Child Trust Fund. Introduced tax credits for £65 a year. Benefit was frozen for working families. 20m 3 years. people, including 10m children benefit. Introduced the Child Trust Fund to give children a better start in life.
Childcare Over 8,000 out-of-school To offer out-of-school Would cut Children’s clubs. childcare from 8am to Centres. The right to free nursery 6pm on weekdays to all Would cut Sure Start. places for all 3 and 4 year 3 to 14 year olds. When the Tories left office, olds. Create 2,500 Children’s 1 in 3 children were Established Children’s Centres by 2008 and growing up in poverty. Centres to give care from 3,500 by 2010. 8am to 6pm. Extend free nursery places Introduced Childcare Tax for 3 and 4 year olds to Credit to help with up to 15 hours per week, for 70% of care costs. 38 weeks per year. Introduced the Sure Start Increase Childcare Tax programme – tackling Credit to weekly maximum disadvantage in the of £122 for one child and poorest 20% of £210 for 2 children. communities.
Opportunities to work Unemployment is at its Committed to achieving Would scrap the New Would scrap the New Deal lowest since 1975. full employment in every Deal and privatise and risk a return to mass Employment is up by region by tackling areas Jobcentre Plus, sacking unemployment. 2 million. of disadvantage. half the workforce and The New Deal has helped closing 600 offices. over 1 million people into jobs.
Lifelong Learning Introduced Union Learning Will extend Employer Would abolish the Union Fund and rights for Union Training Pilots nationwide Learning Fund. Learning Reps. to give everyone with low Employer Training Pilots skills the opportunity for currently give paid time paid time off for training off to train up to Level 2 up to Level 2. across a third of the UK.
22 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour What Labour have done Labour in a third term Tories Liberal Democrats
Crime and Disorder Introduced ASBOs, Power 25,000 Community As Home Secretary, Opposed ASBOs and of Dispersal and wide Support Officers Michael Howard cut ASB measures. range of Anti-Social and wardens by 2008. police numbers by 1,100. Still oppose Power of Behaviour measures. Every community will £35 billion Tory cuts Dispersal. Increased police numbers benefit from a dedicated would mean massive and brought in Community neighbourhood policing cuts in tackling crime. Support Officers. team by the end of the next Parliament.
Schools and Hospitals Increased investment in By 2009, no patient will Committed to cutting NHS from £35 billion in wait longer than 18 weeks £35 billion from 1997 to £92 billion in 2007: for treatment. Government spending, 19,000 more doctors Patients to have more plus a further £1.2 billion 67,000 more nurses choice over when and cuts to the NHS and Increased education where they are treated. £1 billion to schools. spending from £37 billion in 100,000 extra 6th-form Taxpayers’ money to be 1997 to £77 billion in 2007: places by 2008. used to subsidise 28,000 more teachers 45,000 extra private schools. 105,000 more support apprenticeships. staff.
The analysis shows very clearly what a disaster the The Liberal Democrats Tories would be for us all with their pledges to: A general overview is that the Lib-Dems are seeking to Cut £35 billion of public spending, including on create Utopia. Indeed Utopia might just be created if hospitals, schools and police. they could fund what they say they want to do. Abolish the Social Chapter, including any right to It’s easy to make worthy statements and to list paid holidays and breaks. good intentions when deep down you know that you’ll Oppose above-inflation increases to the National never have to put them into practice. Minimum Wage. In terms of specific issues that Usdaw campaigns Cut the Sure Start programme, which provides a lot on the Liberal Democrats are: of help for new families. In favour of the complete deregulation of shop Scrap the New Deal, which has helped over one trading hours, which means that if they were million workers off benefits and back into work. elected shops would be open 24 hours per day 7 days per week, including Christmas Day and Easter Abolish the Union Learning Fund, which provides Sunday. lifelong learning opportunities for thousands of Usdaw members. Opposed to the National Minimum Wage. They voted against its establishment and have opposed Taxpayers’ money to be used to subsidise private increases in the rate. schools and private health services Opposed to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), So we must do all in our power to prevent the which are key to the Government’s strategy for return of a single extra Tory MP – no constituency in tackling crime. Usdaw has campaigned for ASBOs the country deserves an MP with those policies. to be used in shopping centres to help tackle The Labour Party is committed to building on the repeat offenders who are violent and abusive work they have done so far and putting major towards shopworkers. investment in to public services – health, education and transport, to pensions, to training and skills. They have also promised 56 different measures, in the Conclusion Warwick Agreement, which were specifically negotiated by the trade unions collectively. It is difficult to appreciate just how much the Labour Government has achieved in the last eight years. So we, as individuals and as a union must get involved – not just to deliver a third term for the Labour However, not only have we seen legislation to help Government, but to make sure that Labour stays on us achieve genuine fairness at work, the groups that track – that they continue to deliver for our members. the Government set out to help in 1997 have seen big improvements: The next section sets out how we can do this. The unemployed. The poorest pensioners. Working families with children. Low paid workers. 23 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Section 4 Helping to Achieve a Third Labour Government
e have seen that Usdaw and our members need Wa third term of a Labour Government: To deliver more for our members. To prevent the Tories winning and undoing all the good work that Labour has done. Ideally, we should be building a solid foundation for a fourth term of Labour Government, so we do need to make sure that Labour win as many seats as possible. However, it is important not to be complacent and not to take a single vote for granted. Organising postal votes for members. Labour could still lose the election. Informing members and encouraging them to vote. If just 20% of Labour supporters don’t vote, the Party will lose 60 seats (120 off the majority of 161). Arranging for a Labour MP Add to these the many Tory voters who stayed at home in 2001 and even without a swing from Labour or candidate to visit your to the Tories there are grounds for concern. So the most important factor in the election will be workplace for Labour supporters to vote. Why are workplace visits useful?
Workplace visits give our members the chance to get Usdaw’s role to know their local MP or Labour candidate. This is important because: Helping the Labour Party If members feel they know the MP, they’re more Usdaw has long played a major part in General likely to vote for them or help the campaign. Elections – assisting in key seats with teams of The MP can tell members about new initiatives that members. This is vital work and in this election we are they might benefit from such as Tax Credits, Sure supporting Labour candidates in 31 key seats and Start, Educational Maintenance Allowance, etc. details of the seats and how to get involved are in the It means our members can put across their views second part of this section. Just as important is: to their MP about issues that affect them - the earlier a visit takes place, the more chance the MP Campaigning in workplaces or candidate has to act on any cases where they may be able to help. With the emphasis on encouraging Labour supporters to vote, there is a big role for Usdaw members to play After the election it’s easier to contact the MP or in the workplace – wherever you live, wherever you Labour Party when we need something doing. work, however much (or little) time you can give. The first part of this section concentrates on Who is the MP for the constituency where valuable campaigning that can be done by any of our your workplace is? activists. It doesn’t even need to be overtly political – MPs will only usually visit workplaces within their own we’re just giving members information and constituency. encouraging them to vote. There are three parts: If you don’t know who the local MP is for your Arranging for Labour MPs or candidates to visit workplace, ring the House of Commons on your workplace. 0207-219 3000 and say you need to know your constituency. If you give the postcode of your store or site you will be told: 24 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour The local MP. Setting up the visit – checklist Which Party they are in. Once you do get agreement to a visit, you just need to If you have a Labour MP, you will also need to ask make sure it will run smoothly. for their contact details – preferably the Constituency Arrange the date, schedule and time and place to Office number. If there isn’t one, just ask the meet. Make sure everyone knows – the MP, switchboard to transfer you to the MP’s House of manager, reps, Central Office and members. Put up Commons Office. a poster a week before advertising the visit and ask if there are any issues members want to raise with What if I don’t work in a constituency with a the MP. Labour MP? Offer for the MP to meet the manager to see if In this case you can invite the local Labour candidate there are any issues they could help with, but to visit. You can get their contact details by ringing emphasise that the MP will want to meet members your Labour Party Regional Office (for their number see and reps – preferably in the canteen or on a shift the appendix on page 36). change. Ring Central Office to ask for a briefing for the MP How do I convince my boss this is a about the company, site and any issues there. The good idea? manager will probably have a company/store/site profile to which you can add details of Usdaw reps Firstly, remember that companies are much happier and local issues. with Labour now they’re in Government and most Ask your Divisional Office for Usdaw and Labour bosses are quite happy to build contact with the local Party membership forms, Tax Credit leaflets etc. MP – they never know when they may be useful to them! Some companies actively encourage visits: Do you want a press photo? Local papers may well turn out. Arrange a photo-call either at the start or Check with your Divisional Political Co-ordinator end of the visit. (list on page 35) if your company is likely to welcome a visit, or if other sites have had a visit to The day before the visit, ring the MP, manager and set a precedent. reps to confirm arrangements. Talk through the visit and any issues that may come up with the MP. If you think your boss is likely to agree, either you or your Area Organiser should write a formal letter. If you’re worried that an approach from Usdaw may The visit itself be turned down, ask the MP to write and ask if they can visit the site to meet the manager and Meet the MP and accompany them throughout the staff. visit. Always offer for the MP to meet the manager first Make sure you don’t spend longer than scheduled but emphasise that the main purpose of the visit is with management and as long as possible with to meet Usdaw members and staff. staff. Introduce the MP to the reps and members you What if my employer says no? know, and they’ll introduce them to other staff. Always check if members have any issues the MP If your boss isn’t happy with a formal visit, they may could help them with – make sure the MP takes agree to: notes so the issue can be solved. An informal, drop-in visit to the canteen or rest Make a note of any members who’ve benefited room. from Labour’s policies and see if they are prepared A visit on a specific issue – eg to discuss local to do a bit in Arena, the local paper or a Labour childcare provision and explain Tax Credits, or to leaflet. This makes a really good local story and discuss the need for better public transport to and helps others find out so they can claim too. from the workplace. These issues would be in the Use the visit as an opportunity to ask staff if they’re company’s interest to improve anyway. in Usdaw – and recruit them if they’re not! If your boss still won’t agree, you could always: Arrange a meeting nearby during a break period or before and after a shift change – for instance at a Looking ahead local pub or café already used by members. Use the visit as a basis for building a constructive Arrange a meeting to invite the MP or candidate to, relationship: or invite them to your next branch meeting. Lay on Look ahead to future visits – the MP may want to refreshments if possible and publicise the meeting, return about a particular issue, or do an hour of an put up posters etc. Usdaw job – on the check-out, packing bags etc.
25 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour This makes a great photo opportunity and also Why do members need postal votes? gives them a really good understanding of what it’s like for our members. Good MPs may even want to It’s very easy not to vote. We’ve all done it and just run come recruiting with you – particularly at a street out of time on Election Day. stall or at a shopping centre. Every vote counts, especially in a General Election. Speak to the MP and encourage them to ask for Postal votes just make it easier to vote. Twice as volunteers to help in the election. many people vote who have them than those who just rely on getting to the polling station themselves. Suggested schedule Having a postal vote doesn’t mean you can’t go along and vote in person if you decide you can – it just 9.30am Meet the MP outside the site. gives you the option of posting your vote if that’s easier. 9.35am Meet the manager. Usdaw is very keen that as many members sign up 9.50am Tour of the site. Chat to members on for a postal vote as possible – the more of our the way round. members vote, the more notice politicians will take of 10.10am Meet members in the canteen our views! during their break for tea and a chat. Arrange for the reps to introduce the MP to members. Who can apply? Recruit any staff who aren’t already members! Any voter can apply for a postal vote, recent changes to the rules mean that you do not have to give a 10.50am Press photo-call with members and reason for voting by post. the manager. 11.00am End of visit. Campaigning for Usdaw members to After the visit sign up for postal votes The following Usdaw members should apply for a Get feedback from members and pass it on. postal vote because they are at risk of not being able Make sure any casework or issues are followed up to vote because of their job: and dealt with. Anyone who can be asked to work longer hours at Arrange a further visit if possible. short notice. Anyone on changing shift patterns. Contacts Anyone with caring responsibilities – for children or for others – which may mean they are unable to go Always keep Central Office informed of visits and how out to vote on Election Day. they went. Contact Ruth Stoney or David Williams, Drivers – because they cannot guarantee a Political Office on 0161-249 2452. finishing time to their working day, ie breakdowns, traffic delays etc. Organising postal votes Anyone who does not have a single working base or can be asked to work away from the normal for members workplace. Any worker who has to, no matter how infrequently, Postal votes make it much easier to vote. Following work away from home. changes to the rules, anyone can get a postal vote – you don’t have to give a reason. When talking to members about postal voting ensure that they understand the following points: Encouraging and organising members to apply for postal votes is therefore one of the most valuable ways Having a postal vote is FREE, it doesn’t cost a of helping Labour win. It is a job that can be done at penny. The ballot paper even comes with a any time before the last week of the election by stamped addressed envelope for the voter to return members in the workplace. it in. You can cancel your postal vote at any time. You can still cast your vote by going to a polling station, as long as you take the ballot paper that was posted to you with you. Postal voting is the easiest way to vote. You can do it in the comfort of your own home up to a week before polling day.
26 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour When to apply registered nurse or Christian Science practitioner who is treating the voter. As soon as possible – preferably today using the form An application can also be countersigned by a in the back of this document! warden, matron or registered carer based in the Most postal votes are permanent – you only need accommodation in which the applicant lives. to apply once and your absent vote will apply at all Encouraging our members to apply for postal or elections unless you choose to end it. proxy votes is not party political. Deadline: Six working days before polling day. Usdaw wants to ensure that our members’ voices If the General Election is on Thursday, 5 May 2005, are heard by the politicians and political parties and applications must be received by 5.00 pm on the best way to do that is by voting. Wednesday, 27 April. Informing members and How to apply encouraging them to vote Use the form on page 33, please feel free to photocopy it for friends, family and work colleagues to use. Alternatively you can get a form by ringing your Getting the message across local Council or MP. The Labour Party have always found it difficult to get All you have to fill in is: their message across in the media. In this election it is Your name and address. harder than ever - the more Labour seats are lost, the bigger the headlines will be. The press aren’t interested Whether you want a postal or proxy vote. in telling people Labour’s achievements so there is a Whether you want your postal or proxy vote for big job for unions: every election or just the next one. Remember if To remind members of Labour’s achievements. you ask for a permanent postal or proxy vote you can still cancel it at any time. To help members and their families benefit by informing them about their new rights. Send the completed form to the Electoral Registration Officer at your local Council or to: To encourage them to vote. Postal Votes Centre Section 2 of this statement set out Labour’s Freepost NAT 14962 achievements and how they have benefited our Newcastle upon Tyne members and Section 3 compared Labour’s policies to NE3 3BP the Tories. These are things all our members need to know before they cast their vote. Postal vote or proxy vote? There is a job to do in workplaces to inform our Postal votes are much easier to apply for. members what a difference their vote could make. Methods for letting people know the issues are: However if you will be abroad one week before polling day or cannot give a UK address where you Putting up posters where permitted. We will be can receive mail one week before polling day you producing both ‘political’ posters (with messages should apply for a proxy vote. about Labour) and ‘non-political’ (to encourage people to vote). Postal votes: Postal votes are sent to the voter one week before polling day. When it arrives the Distributing leaflets – either inside or outside the voter simply puts a cross on the ballot paper, asks workplace. Leaflets are available from both the a friend or relative to witness their signature and Labour Party and Usdaw – contact the Political return it in a stamped addressed envelope. Office to find out what’s available and to place an order (yes - they are free!). Proxy votes: This is where a voter appoints someone to go to the polling station on their behalf Articles in branch newsletters. Use part of this and cast their vote. statement as the basis for an article, or find someone who’s gained from the Labour The application must state the name and address Government, tell their story and encourage others of the voter and the person who is the proxy, also to claim. the reason for the proxy vote (ie working abroad etc) and a declaration by the proxy voter that they Talking to people - is there anyone in your are capable and willing to be appointed. workplace who has gained from one of Labour’s initiatives? Do they realise it’s due to the Labour If the proxy vote is for employment reasons the Government? Do others know how to claim? The application must be countersigned by the voter’s Know your Rights leaflet sent to all members employer. should help. If the proxy vote is for incapacity reasons the If you would like to receive regular political application must be countersigned by a doctor, briefings, contact the Political Office. 27 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Postal voters In ‘Usdaw for Labour’ key marginal
If members have applied for a postal vote, their ballot seats paper will arrive about five to ten days before polling Usdaw has a proud tradition of helping the Labour day giving you plenty of time to remind them to Party in key marginal seats where we have built strong complete it and send it back. The signature of a links with the local Labour Party and the MP. witness is required and you could offer to witness signatures for members with postal votes. A list of the 31 constituencies where we are helping in this election is contained in the appendix (page 40). Many of the MPs are those we have helped in the past. On election day All understand ‘our’ issues and will keep contact with Usdaw and our members if they are returned to We need to make a special effort to encourage Labour Parliament. Eleven are members of the union. supporters to vote on polling day. At least if they vote early they won’t be called on by Labour activists, reminding them to vote! Usdaw teams
Methods which should all be used include: Work has been going on in each of these seats by a Distributing a last-minute leaflet and putting up a team of members assisting the Labour Party. They poster the day before polling day – even if a poster usually work as a group so everyone can get to know is taken down, you’ll have got the message across. each other and enjoy campaigning. Speak to all supporters the day before to The work done varies according to what members encourage them to vote before they come to work, want to do and where help is needed, but will generally or on the day to remind them to vote on their way include: home. You may want to recruit others to help you Delivering leaflets. do this, so that between you, you can speak to members in different areas and on all shifts. Telephoning voters – sometimes just ringing all the Usdaw members in the constituency. You may like to order some ‘Just Vote’ stickers for your workplace. Helping on street stalls – with Usdaw balloons, stickers, carrier bags (and membership forms, of Ask supporters to make sure their family vote when course!). they get home - as long as it’ll be for Labour! ‘Blitzing’ – knocking on doors to introduce the Labour MP. Celebrate! Sometimes Usdaw is allocated one ward to concentrate on so that everyone can get to know the Contact your local Labour Party to find out where the area and even the individual voters! Even if there is no Party is on election night, or organise your own with specific Usdaw ward, our members will always work other Usdaw members to watch the results come in. together to help and support each other - and to have Celebrate in the knowledge that you’ve deserved it! a good time! To join the Usdaw team in your nearest constituency, ring your Divisional Office or complete a Helping the Labour Party ‘Volunteer Form’ (at the back of this statement) and send it to Central Office. There’s always loads of work for the local Labour Party to do in the run-up to an election and any helpers will be welcome, even if you can only spare a couple of Helping in other constituencies hours. Anyone can help out – you don’t need to be a If you can’t travel to an Usdaw key seat, the Labour member of the Labour Party or know a lot about Party will welcome your help wherever it’s easiest for politics. Election work is friendly and fun and there’s you. great team spirit. There’s always more going on in marginal seats – Many people who have turned up to campaigns and with 100 marginals in this election, there’s ‘just to watch’ or to go along with a friend have ended probably one not far from you! But if you can’t travel to up totally involved and caught up in the excitement! a marginal seat you will be appreciated wherever you can help. To find out your local campaign organiser, just ring the Labour Party’s national number on 08705 900 200.
28 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour You can then ring up to find out what’s going on that you can help with. If you let the local organiser know if you haven’t helped out before, they can make sure that an experienced campaigner can show you the ropes. Enjoy it! Labour Party campaigning is all about getting in touch with voters, encouraging them to vote, finding out their concerns and making sure that someone helps them out – be it an MP’s office, the local councillor or the local Party. It’s not about spending hours arguing on doorsteps but about making sure that Labour really is the Party of the people. That’s something worthwhile, it’s fun, elections are exciting – and it’s something you’ll always remember. Oh yes – and the parties afterwards tend to be pretty good as well!
29 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Conclusion
This statement has set out: Why we’re in politics. How we campaign. What the Labour Government has done for our members. Why we need another Labour Government. How to help Labour win again. Our aim has been to set out the issues for our members, to show how important they are and to show how important it is for Usdaw members to get involved. Because only by our members getting involved can we highlight to every MP, every local councillor and every local Labour Party, the issues that matter to our members, how they affect them and what Labour needs to do about them. By helping out in elections we can create a constructive relationship with Labour MPs, they can get to know our members, our workplaces and our issues. We certainly need another Labour Government, but we need more than that – a Labour Government that knows and appreciates Usdaw and our members. So the real message of this statement is: Just get involved to be a part of two winning teams – Usdaw and Labour.
30 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Appendices
General Election Volunteer Form. Postal Vote Form. Usdaw Divisional Political Co-ordinators. Labour Party Regional Offices. Labour Party Membership Form. Election Materials Order Form. Form to affiliate a branch to a Constituency Labour Party. List of Usdaw’s Target Seats.
31 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour General Election Volunteer Form
32 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Postal Vote Form (Front)
33 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Postal Vote Form (Back)
34 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Usdaw Divisional Political Co-ordinators
South Wales and Western Division Divisional Officer: Nick Ireland, Cardiff Tel: 029 2049 0797 Political Contact: Alun Williams, Cardiff Tel: 029 2049 0797 Political Contact: John Crick, Plymouth Tel: 01752 665951
Eastern Division Divisional Officer: Norrie Slater, Waltham Cross Tel: 01992 709280 Political Contact: Sheila Thomas, London Tel: 020 7323 5550
Midlands Division Divisional Officer: Gary Holz, Redditch Tel: 01527 406290 Political Contact: Mark Jarvis, Redditch Tel: 01527 406290
North Eastern Division Divisional Officer: Mike Brewer, Leeds Tel: 0113 202 6000 Political Contact: Jane Shotton, Newcastle Tel: 0191 232 0531
Scottish Division Divisional Officer: Bruce Fraser, Glasgow Tel: 0141 427 6561 Political Contact: Stewart Forrest, Edinburgh Tel: 0131 556 5242
Southern Division Divisional Officer: Dennis Beddoe, Morden Tel: 020 8687 5950 Political Contact: Paul Reynolds, Faversham Tel: 01795 532637
North West Division Divisional Officer: John McGarry, Warrington Tel: 01925 578050 Political Contact: Alf Storey, Warrington Tel: 01925 578050 or contact Usdaw’s Political Office: Ruth Stoney/David Williams/Melissa Ibbotson, Central Office Tel: 0161 249 2465
35 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Labour Party Regional Offices
Eastern North 97 Fore Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1JZ 131 Bedford Street, North Shields Tel: 01473 228700 Fax: 01473 228709 Tyne and Wear NE29 6LA e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0191 296 6012 Fax: 0191 257 0011 web site: www.labour-eastern.org.uk e-mail: [email protected] Regional Director: Graham Manuel web site: www.labour-north.org.uk Regional Director: Chris Lennie Greater London 16 Charles Square, London N1 6HP Scotland Tel: 020 7490 4904 Fax: 020 7490 2143 John Smith House, 145 West Regent Street e-mail: [email protected] Glasgow G2 4RE web site: www.london-labour.org.uk Tel: 0141 572 6900 Fax: 0141 572 2566 Regional Director: David Wilkinson e-mail: [email protected] web site: www.scottishlabour.org.uk West Midlands General Secretary: Lesley Quinn 67 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich West Midlands B70 6PY South East Tel: 0121 553 6601 Fax: 0121 553 6602 St Giles House, 10 Church Street e-mail: [email protected] Reading RG1 2SD Regional Director: Fiona Gordon Tel: 0118 959 5326 Fax: 0118 959 5962 e-mail: [email protected] East Midlands web site: www.labour-southeast.org.uk Harold Wilson House, 23 Barratt Lane Regional Director: Kamlesh Karia Attenborough, Nottingham NG9 6AD Tel: 0115 943 1777 Fax: 0115 943 1888 South West e-mail: [email protected] 1 Newfoundland Court, Newfoundland Street Regional Director: Roy Kennedy Bristol BS2 9AP Tel: 0117 942 1900 Fax: 0117 924 6799 Yorkshire and the Humber e-mail: [email protected] 20-22 Cheapside, Wakefield Regional Director: Matt Carter West Yorkshire WF1 2TF Tel: 01924 291221 Fax: 01924 290098 Wales e-mail: [email protected] Transport House, 1 Cathedral Road Regional Director: Nan Sloane Cardiff CF1 9HA Tel: 02920 877700 Fax: 02920 221153 North West e-mail: [email protected] St. James’ Court, Wilderspool Causeway web site: www.welshlabour.org.uk Warrington WA4 6PS General Secretary: Jessica Morden Tel: 01925 574913 Fax: 01925 234655 e-mail: [email protected] web site: www.northwest-labour.org.uk Regional Director: Kevin Lee
36 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Labour Party Membership Form
37 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Election Materials Order Form
Usdaw provides election materials free of charge to CLPs and Usdaw activists. There is a limit per order of one box (approximately 1,000) of each leaflet or carrier bags and two bags of balloons.
Your rights at work (Leaflet 347) 1 box
Rights and Cash for 16 & 17 Year Olds (Leaflet 339) 1 box
Working Parents – a helping hand from Usdaw (Leaflet 344) 1 box
Working Tax Credit (for people without children) (Leaflet 334) 1 box
Labour Supporting Muslim Communities (Leaflet 336) 1 box
Protecting Shopworkers from Anti-Social Behaviour (Leaflet 338) 1 box
Carrier bags – ‘I’m voting Labour’ 1 box
Balloons (red) – ‘I’m voting Labour’ 1 bag
Name
CLP/position
Home tel no. Mobile tel no.
Delivery address
Postcode
On completion please post to: Political Office, Usdaw, 188 Wilmslow Road Manchester M14 6LJ
PPERA – Declaration of Election Expenses Usdaw makes no charge for our election materials, but the cost of materials used for election campaigns during an election period must be included in election expense returns. The relevant cost is: £20 per 1,000 leaflets £24 per 500 bags £5 per 100 balloons Note – you only need to declare the cost of materials used, not the numbers ordered.
38 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Form to affiliate a branch to a Constituency Labour Party
39 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour List of Usdaw’s Target Seats
Constituency MP/Labour Usdaw Majority Target Usdaw Office Contact Candidate Member 2001 List No. Co-ordinator Number
South Wales and Western Division Bristol West Val Davey Yes 4,426 59 Tracy Macgregor Bristol 0117 961 6061 Gloucester Parmjit Dhanda Yes 3,880 48 David Johnson Bristol 0117 961 6061 Plymouth Sutton Linda Gilroy 7,517 John Crick Plymouth 01752 665951 Exeter Ben Bradshaw Yes 11,759 Linda Riggs Plymouth 01752 665951 Falmouth Candy Atherton 4,527 63 Nigel Barber Plymouth 01752 665951 & Cambourne Cardiff Central Jon Owen Jones 659 Alun Williams Cardiff 029 2049 0797 Llanelli Nia Griffiths Yes 6,403 Nigel Davies Swansea 01792 655121
Eastern Division Ilford North Linda Perham 2,115 20 Sheila Thomas Dilke House 0207 323 5550 Harlow Bill Rammell 5,228 84 Paul Curry Waltham Cross 01992 709280 Brent East Yasmin Qu’reshi Yes 1,118 Pat Lynch Dilke House 0207 323 5550 LibDem (Lay Member) Peterborough Helen Clark Yes 2,854 31 Mark Duckworth Bury St 01603 624380 (Lay member) Edmunds
Midlands Division Redditch Jacqui Smith Yes 2,484 25 Mark Jarvis Redditch 01527 406290 Tamworth Brian Jenkins Yes 4,598 66 Darren Matthews Redditch 01527 406290 Halesowen Sylvia Heal 7,359 Mark Jarvis Redditch 01527 406290 & Rowley Regis
North Eastern Division Cleethorpes Shona McIsaac Yes 5,620 91 Tony Aylward Hull 01482 329031 Elmet Colin Burgon 4,171 54 Mike Brewer Leeds 0113 202 6000 Tynemouth Alan Campbell 8,678 George Cain/ Newcastle 0191 232 0531 Jayne Shotton
Scottish Division Edinburgh South Nigel Griffiths Yes Stewart Forrest Edinburgh 0131 556 5242
Eastwood Jim MurphyNew boundaries TBA Glasgow 0114 427 6561 Kirkcaldy Gordon Brownin Scotland John Allan Edinburgh 0131 556 5242 & Glenrothes
Southern Division South Thanet Stephen Ladyman Yes 1,792 16 Paul Reynolds Faversham 01795 532637 Hastings & Rye Michael Foster 4,308 56 Dave McCrossen Faversham 01795 532637 Mitcham & Morden Siobhan McDonagh 13,785 Sam Odusina Morden 020 687 5950 Portsmouth North Sarah McCarthy-Fry 5,134 81 TBA Andover 01264 321460 Oxford East Andrew Smith Yes 10,344 Val Churchill Oxford 01865 772893 (Lay member)
North West Division Oldham East Phil Woolas 2,726 29 Alf Storey Warrington 01925 578050 & Saddleworth Crosby Claire Curtis-Thomas 8,353 Mike Aylward Warrington 01925 578050 Blackpool N Joan Humble 5,721 94 Barbara Lee Preston 01772 653536 & Fleetwood Warrington South Helen Southworth 7,397 Gary Lord Warrington 01925 578050 Bolton West Ruth Kelly 5,518 86 Don McKinlay Preston 01772 653536 Clwyd West Gareth Thomas 1,115 10 Wendy Mallin Warrington 01244 545482 (Lay member)
40 Towards an Historic Third Term – Usdaw and Labour Usdaw 188 Wilmslow Road Manchester M14 6LJ www.usdaw.org.uk
Printed on environmentally responsible paper. Published by Usdaw, 188 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M14 6LJ.