WEST COUNTRY WORKERS

THE ISSUE 4 2017 NEWS FROM THE GREAT SOUTH WEST TUC JOBS AGENDA

Unions win Guess who was Policing work big in court at Tolpuddle? Officers on the migrant beat in Cornwall Tribunal fees scrapped We look back at this after UNISON campaign year’s festival Page 12 Page 7 Page 8 2 Welcome to West Country Workers

hope you enjoy our publication Decent work will be the subject of a which includes its usual mix of major conference on 1st November I news stories and opinion pieces in Bristol when the South West TUC, from across the region. Marvin Rees, the Bristol Mayor and the Bristol Chamber of Commerce join The TUC’s main campaign this autumn forces to set out ways to meet a vision is the Great Jobs Agenda, where we for making the city the best place in bring together unions representing all which to work. different types of workers to highlight There are many challenges for unions common demands in the workplace. to face and a big one is the impact All workers – wherever they work, of automation. The government whoever their employer, however recently gave the go-ahead for trials many hours they work – deserve of ‘platooning’ of lorries on our major respect at work, and that includes fair roads. This is a convoy of semi- and decent pay. automated lorries travelling very close to each other, ‘driven’ wirelessly by the South West workers need a pay rise. lead vehicle. The poorest paid county is Cornwall where average wages are nearly £100 The Department for Transport is a week below the UK’s. That’s why to spend £8 million on platoon unions are planning a protest rally in experiments and studying fuel Truro on 21st October. It will be good savings from less wind resistance and to see Frances O’Grady, TUC General reduced congestion. Secretary in Cornwall again. As a lorry driver myself, I have been shouldn’t come at the cost of the It remains to be seen whether wireless warning of the dangers of this idea jobs and wages of highly skilled convoys of lorries are actually a for some time, and not just because lorry drivers. realistic option in the UK but if the I believe the real aim is to cut drivers’ government can invest more than £8 The crowded and cramped roads “If the government can invest more than jobs and pay. million in driverless technology it can of Britain are a far cry from the invest in decent roadside facilities for £8 million in driverless technology it Unions are not against the use of long straight highways of the US Britain’s truckers. can invest in decent roadside facilities technology to save fuel or making and mainland Europe where the driving more efficient but it ‘platooning’ concept emerged. In solidarity, for Britain’s truckers” Kev Terry, Chair, South West TUC

1700s 1747 1768 Early craft unions formed National Society of The word ‘strike’ used when Brushmakers formed felt hatters stopped work “While an employer can ignore the views of a single worker, when workers come together in a union, 3 THE employers have to listen” GREAT J he Great Jobs Agenda gives Frances O’Grady said: “While an “We will be looking at how we OBS employer can ignore the views of a can improve mental health and the trade union movement T a common set of bargaining single worker, when workers come wellbeing at work, develop skills and AGENDA asks in workplaces, including a together in a union, employers progression, make Bristol a living voice at work, fair and decent have to listen. Collective bargaining wage city, and raise the voice of the pay, regular hours, learning and raises pay and improves terms and working people of Bristol. progression, fair treatment and conditions of work too. “We also want to target abusive respect, and healthy workplaces. “If we want an economy that works employers, developing a city-wide for everyone, workers need a voice initiative that tackles exploitation.” TUC general secretary Frances in the boardroom to promote long- Photo: Lorne Campbell / Guzelian O’Grady said: “Everyone at work term thinking.” deserves a great job. A great job is one where the worker is paid and The South West TUC is working treated fairly. And it’s one where with Bristol mayor Marvin Rees and Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: workers get opportunities to Bristol Chamber of Commerce to “A good quality with the Chamber of Commerce, but promote better work in the city. THE GREAT progress, to learn and to have a voice job is one of the more importantly across the city. on what matters.” A key idea is to agree an effective most significant JOBS AGENDA employment charter to raise “From my experience, I want a job Giving every worker the opportunity to progress interventions First on the list is the desire for that doesn’t feel like it’s the end of standards of work. you make in employers to recognise trade unions the road. It offers me hope, I want someone’s life. for collective bargaining on pay South West TUC Regional Secretary to know there is an investment in Decent jobs are and conditions, agree consultation Nigel Costley said: “By working me, and my skills base and there not just a good thing to have, they arrangements and establish the together we want to make sure is progression. I want a sense of can reduce absenteeism, they can The TUC has launched a representation of elected workers everyone in Bristol has access to a security, not insecurity. improve mental health and resilience. national campaign to press on company boards. great job. Providing decent jobs is also an “I want a work environment in for better pay and working The TUC also wants politicians investment in the context that they which there isn’t bullying, it’s not conditions in workplaces to give unions the right to access Bristol Better Work make profits for business much more hierarchical, but there is an initiative workplaces, ensure more employers possible. that allows leadership and seniority. across the UK consult on important changes, let Conference workers speak for themselves on “That’s why Bristol City Council “Also, it needs to pay a decent company boards and get together Wednesday supports the development of wage. People who work should with businesses and unions to 1st November 1-5pm the TUC’s campaign. We want to not be in poverty and dependent discuss pay, training and conditions be a jobs champion and share it because they’re doing all they can - City Hall, Bristol across Bristol they’re working.” in low-paid industries. https://betterjobsbristol.eventbrite.co.uk

1790s 1792 1802 1824 Shoe makers around Bristol organise Kingswood and Bristol colliers demand 2s rise Wiltshire shearmen strike leading, in 1803, to the hanging Combination Acts that banned of Trowbridge apprentice Thomas Helliker unions were repealed THE GREAT JOBS AGENDA 4 ‘‘We’re lucky to have a job’’

South West TUC Policy and Campaigns Support OfficerInes Lage peers into the murky world of ‘bad’ jobs and asks: what are unions doing to help young workers?

s workers continue to guaranteed hours in the South West standards? Eventually, one of the employers took has risen by 11% in the last year alone, me on for six months. And after two feel the squeeze in their It comes down to what young meaning more than 100,000 people consecutive contracts, I was made A pay alongside rising costs workers consider as ‘normal’ in the have no certainty of when they will permanent. I’d say most of my friends of living, increasing reliance on world of work. debt, growing concerns over skills be paid or how much their next pay were in that position.” packet will be. shortages, a fall in job mobility, and The rise in insecure work (such as Many of today’s young workers an uncertain economic outlook – zero hour contracts, temporary work For some time now, researchers, started work during or on the back it’s no wonder that for many young or self-employment) has left many academics and even those not of the financial crash, and continued people, working life feels bleak. young workers grateful for some – any traditionally in favour of unions are through a stalling economic recovery. – form of security. As a result, pay for all workers has Low unemployment figures make in agreement – the continued fall in stagnated, but none more so than for headlines, yet it’s clear fewer good trade union density has been a key “Unless you’re in a traditional young people. The average millennial quality jobs exist. Two in every five factor in the rise of poor quality jobs. profession where your pay goes up every year or you have a set is set to earn less than their parents working people are estimated to have So why is it that young working career path, it’s hard to know what despite having to work longer. a “bad” job (insecure and low pay). people aren’t turning to unions is normal,” says Jenny, 28, a private And recent ONS figures show the for help and support to raise work “It’s frustrating for those of us that number of working people without sector worker in the tech industry. want to progress” says a retail worker, “When I started, all I knew was that who did not wish to be named. my job paid more than the minimum “We already get paid close to the wage and was better than a lot of my minimum wage, and it sometimes friends who were working part-time. feels like that’s all I’ll ever earn.” Honestly, I felt really lucky to have There is a distinct sense of “Two in every five working people found that job.” futility amongst young workers – are estimated to have a ‘bad’ job” Andy graduated in 2010 and expectations that short-term ‘stop- struggled to find work in the field he gap’ employment is only temporary studied. “I ended up doing agency is often dashed as more young work for two years: general admin, people compete for better paid, data entry, anything I could get. secure jobs. And any young person

1830 1831 1834 1836 Swing Rebellion swept across Bristol Riot over failure to reform voting laws Tolpuddle Martyrs are sentenced to Tolpuddle Martyrs are brought home with Southern Britain seven years’ transportation for forming a union free pardons “Management present a career 5 path when you start, but it’s just false promises”

who manages to secure these ‘good’ particularly in non-traditional non- unions to demonstrate that every job jobs, are so keen to impress that they unionised workplaces is difficult. They should be a great job is relevant now accept poor standards. hold different jobs, in different (often more than ever. newer) more fragmented sectors, One young worker in a large and have different priorities and accountancy firm said: “I know aspirations. they’re a great employer. There are a lot of career opportunities. The It is difficult for unions to engage a downside is the working culture. I generation who began work on the started as a graduate and basically back foot whilst being repeatedly did everything they told me to do. told they are fortunate to have a I even signed an opt-out clause to job. The concept of decent work work more than 50 hours a week. I has almost been lost against the felt like I couldn’t say no because backdrop of lowering work and living everyone else had signed. And this standards. Young people, albeit was on top of studying part-time for frustrated with their position, don’t my accountancy exams.” know to ask for more. The need for It’s still the case that more than a third of young graduates remain under- employed, largely in core sectors such as retail, hospitality, health and social work, where training opportunities are increasingly non-existent. “I’ve been talking to management for months about training. They present a career path when you start but it’s just false promises.” says Peter, a hospitality worker. Engaging with young workers

1830 1831 1834 1836 1868 1875 1878 1888 Swing Rebellion swept across Bristol Riot over failure to reform voting laws Tolpuddle Martyrs are sentenced to Tolpuddle Martyrs are brought home with TUC is formed in Manchester Emma Paterson founded the first women’s trade union: TUC Congress in Bristol Match Women’s strike Southern Britain seven years’ transportation for forming a union free pardons the Women’s Protective and Provident Association in 1875 in Bristol

THE GREAT JOBS AGENDA 6 Everyone deserves a great job Kate Bell, the TUC’s Head of Economic and Social Affairs, says the reality of working life is far from good

ver the past year we’ve government. The agenda focuses on been highlighting the rise six areas we think are vital to making O of insecurity at work, with work better; a voice at work, fair pay, more people working on zero regular hours, fair treatment and hours contracts, in low paid self- respect, healthy workplaces, and the employment, and in agency work. chance to learn and progress. It won’t be surprising that for the Now we want to step up our trade union movement, one of the campaign to get government and most important ways we can improve employers to do something about it. work is by making sure everyone can That’s why the TUC have their say. We know that letting has launched workers speak up in a trade union or the Great Jobs in the boardroom isn’t only good for Agenda – setting their pay and conditions, it’s good for Photo: © Ideal Insight | www.idealinsight.co.uk out a common the company’s long term success too. the drop of a hat. It’s time for have been ruled illegal (see opposite bargaining In the middle of the longest living crisis government to ban the regular use page). But there’s more to do to ensure agenda for trade since Napoleonic times, it’s vital that of zero hours contracts – and we’re everyone is treated fairly at work – and unions, and a set workers get a pay rise. We shouldn’t asking employers to agree a minimum make sure all employers have a zero of demands forget pensions either – there’s still a notice period for allocating shifts. tolerance approach to discrimination. for huge challenge to ensure everyone When we launched the agenda in Health and safety has always been a can have a decent retirement. June, we put abolishing employment vital trade union concern. And with Regular hours are important to help tribunal fees top of the list for ensuring 23 million working days lost each people plan their lives – and with that everyone gets fair treatment at year due to injury or illness in the more than 900,000 people now on work. It’s great that the Supreme Court workplace, it’s a national issue. We’re zero hours contracts too many people has now ruled that these fees – which asking government to place a duty on face having their shifts cancelled at were stopping many people from company directors to ensure good taking discrimination cases to court – health and safety – so that it’s on the agenda in every workplace. And finally, we want everyone to have “We’re asking government to place the chance to learn and progress at work. One way to do that would be to a duty on company directors to give everyone the right to a mid-life ensure good health and safety” career review, and high quality face- to-face guidance.

1889 1889 1890 1892 Dock strike led by Bristol gas workers and women cotton workers May Day marked around the Women of Sanders Sweet Factory in Bristol strike, leading Bristol-born Ben Tillett strike world for eight-hour-day to Black Friday when mounted troops attacked a union march Why the Magna Carta still matters 7

This summer UNISON won an important legal case to scrap Employment Tribunal fees. The union’s South West Regional Secretary Joanne Kaye looks at the implications of the ruling

hen I started out as a UNISON’s four year battle to worker or groups of workers was not challenge the government’s an individual benefit to them, but a trade union official, of all It’s been a good year for introduction of Employment Tribunal public benefit which gave rights to so W the laws I thought would trade unions in the court. fees ended with the highest UK many others. How many times will the be useful, I never expected the As UNISON won a second court agreeing with our arguments victories of Pamela Enderby against Magna Carta to feature. case to determine employers that these fees were unlawful, Frenchay Health Authority, Sharon must consult unions on any But in July this year, the ancient prevented access to justice and Coleman against Attridge Law or workplace issues that affect founding principles of our legal were discriminatory. Despite earlier Lisa Grant against South West Trains, their members, Unite won system and constitution – promising defeats in lower courts we felt the to name just a few, be used to make a case forcing employers to swift access to justice – were used in a facts were overwhelmingly on our lives better for other workers in other include voluntary overtime judgment which had a huge impact on side. Following the decision to charge workplaces? Look the cases up, if you in holiday pay calculations the right of workers across the UK to workers to lodge claims, these claims want to know more! and PCS won a case over enforce rights to justice and fairness. fell dramatically, a fall described by As any trade unionist knows, unlawful cuts to civil service the court as “so sharp, so substantial all workplace rights only have redundancy pay. and so sustained” that it could meaning if workers can enforce only have had a deterrent effect on “To no-one will we them and the removal of fees workers, many of whom were on low will make that so much sell, to no-one deny to middle incomes and would have that the proportion of successful more possible. The had valid claims. or delay right or to unsuccessful claims did not Supreme Court judgment said justice.” Overall discrimination claims fell by substantially change, invalidating what we have always known – that The line from 1215’s Magna Carta 50% and pregnancy and maternity the government argument that the enforcement procedures can only quoted in the ET judgement cases by 45%. The court found fees regime would reduce weak work fairly and properly if they are claims. The judges showed a rare and backed up by an accessible system of welcome understanding of the reality adjudication. Otherwise, the party in of life for working people, examining the stronger bargaining position will “As any trade unionist knows, all the hypothetical situations of sample always prevail. workers and the financial impact of In this case, UNISON spoke up for workplace rights only have meaning having to find up to £1,200 to enforce those in the weaker position in any rights – where often the value of those if workers can enforce them and the employment relationship – and after claims would mean there was limited four years, we won. It is a huge victory removal of fees will make that so value in doing so. and one which will have a resounding much more possible” Of the many positive statements impact on our movement’s future of the judgment, however, was the capacity to stand up for workers finding that justice delivered to one everywhere.

1889 1889 1890 1892 1896 1897 1898 1900 1901 Dock strike led by Bristol gas workers and women cotton workers May Day marked around the Women of Sanders Sweet Factory in Bristol strike, leading Bridgwater brick workers’ strike Plymouth builders’ strike TUC Congress in Bristol Labour Party formed Taff Vale Railway wins damages Bristol-born Ben Tillett strike world for eight-hour-day to Black Friday when mounted troops attacked a union despite fire in Colston Hall against union after strike march NUS President The Skimmity Hitchers Shakira Martin 8 Tolpuddle

housands of people attended this “Those six labourers probably didn’t know the year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival to impact of what they were doing at that time,” he T hear Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn pay said. “They lit a spark, a flame that spread across tribute to the Dorset farmworkers credited the whole country and trade unionism grew as with the birth of trade unionism. a result of the oppression. They have given us a legacy we all have to live up to and here, in All pics by Jess Hurd www.jesshurd.com Tolpuddle, we’re living up to that legacy.” People came to the festival from all over the UK to enjoy music, comedy and politics by a wide variety of acts and speakers.

Jeremy Corbyn

Clive Lewis MP

Unite Mixed Fleet Cabin Crew strikers

1906 1908 1912-13 1914 Trade Disputes Act establishes Carter Ernie Bevin leads against Bristol unemployment. Great Unrest with strikes, including First World War system of ‘voluntarism’ He went on to become founder of the TGWU and Minister of Labour. Cornwall china clay strike Laying wreaths at the grave of James Hammett, TUC General Secretary Black Water County the only Martyr buried in the village Frances O’Grady

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Tolpuddle Maddy Carty grabs a pic with Jeremy Corbyn 2018 will be on Robb Johnson Francesca Martinez July 20 - 22

Kay Wilcox, Catherine Rayner, Joanne Kaye and Jo Stevens MP lead a discussion on Women and Brexit

1906 1908 1912-13 1914 1917 1918 1921 1926 Trade Disputes Act establishes Carter Ernie Bevin leads against Bristol unemployment. Great Unrest with strikes, including First World War Russian Revolution TUC is 50 with 5 million members Miners are locked out General Strike system of ‘voluntarism’ He went on to become founder of the TGWU and Minister of Labour. Cornwall china clay strike 10 Educating reps

Tim Lezard discovers what unions are doing to train their members

ineteenth century “Education doesn’t sit away from playwright George Bernard organising. It’s an essential tool for N Shaw is credited with coining organising. We make sure our activists the phrase “educate, agitate, have the skills, knowledge and “ Workplace union reps are the organise”. confidence to go out and organise. lifeblood of trade unionism” We want them to have the confidence A hundred years on, trade union reps to challenge their employer.” across the South West are reaping the UNISON, which last year trained rewards as unions go into workplaces some 1,000 reps and members in the and train them up. recruiting, giving them an overview on region, also runs courses in CV writing employment law and discrimination. “Now we link education much more and interview techniques – they are we can equip them with the skills and “The TUC co-ordinates this work and explicitly to organising,” explains proving to be popular as the cuts force Supplemented with additional knowledge to do the role effectively, its education service has a proud Mark Everden, UNISON’s South West workers to reapply for their own jobs. courses for health and safety reps, whether that’s chairing meetings, record. It is now rolling-out a range of Regional Organiser (Education). equality reps and learning reps, public speaking, communicating or new courses using on-line learning. The most popular course run by Unite also runs a variety of other negotiating for members at work.” This will especially suit reps in the “Education is how we get members Unite – which trained more than 1,300 courses around public speaking, South West who have not been able involved, get them campaigning, reps last year – was the five-day basic The work of unions educating their campaigning, communicating to attend a local course. Already the making their workplaces better. workplace reps course, teaching new members is welcomed and supported political courses as well as how to new courses are attracting a younger reps about organising, negotiating and by the TUC. organise and chair meetings. group of reps and more women.” “Workplace union reps are the “All our union’s courses are founded You may have noticed our new-look logo to mark our 150th anniversary. lifeblood of trade unionism,” says on the three pillars of Unite’s vision: Check out our new website www.tuc.org.uk Marie Hughes, TUC Education Officer organising, global solidarity and for the South West and Southern politics,” says Karen Cole, Unite’s & Eastern regions. “They are the Regional Education and Equalities volunteer champions for members. It Organiser. is their role that makes work safer and “Unite reps are active in all these more productive. areas which is necessary to improve “It is far from an easy job and its our members’ lives both at work and rewards are the satisfaction of in wider society. supporting others. To do it well reps “Once they’re elected to a position need to be trained. Unions all have in the union, we expect them to their own training provision suited to book themselves onto a course so their own needs.

Above: Mark Everden. Right: Karen Cole

1926 1931 1939 1939 1945 General Strike Hunger march to TUC in South Croft mine in Cornwall on strike Second World War shows importance of unions End of Second World War and Bristol leads to rioting Labour election landslide “I went on a course ... Help online and got a new job” 11 he TUC has launched an online Juanita McKenzie believes she has her union to thank for advice service to help trade union reps in the workplace. her new job T TU Education’s new website www. The Unite member was always shy about public speaking but, having attended a tuceducation.org.uk provides reps with learning reps course, she gained new confidence and applied for a promotion at Bristol answers to commonly-experienced City Council to become a Performance and Customer Engagement Officer, talking to problems at work, allowing them instant marginalised groups. access to information without having to first “I would never have applied for the job before I went on the course,” she says. “I join a classroom course. completely avoided speaking to groups of people or giving presentations. If I could “Reps really benefit from our classroom get out of it, I would. courses, but they’re not always easy to get “But that all changed when I went on the course. I was with a supportive group of to,” explains Marie Hughes, Education people and learned everyone was as scared as me! Officer for the South West and Southern & Eastern regions. “My advice is everything you can possibly learn, go ahead and do it. You mustn’t be afraid of learning. Some people have a barrier because it’s a long time since they “The advantage of e-learning is you can do were at school. It’s challenging to do things but you might find, as I did, that you have it at your own pace, in your own time. We undiscovered talents.” wanted to help new reps by giving them basic information if they needed it right Two UNISON health and safety reps from a private care home attended a course and away. They can, of course, build on that told fellow learners about an issue they were experiencing with a hoist they used to basic knowledge when they attend one of lift people in and out of bed. As a result of gaining confidence from the course, they our classroom courses.” returned to their workplace and challenged their employer, who backed down and The new site also contains e-notes – provided new equipment. briefings on topics as diverse as universal A UNISON member in Dorset vowed to finish writing a novel after attending a credit, stress and mental health – as well lunchtime session about identifying your skills. She told the course tutor: “I was halfway as allowing reps to join an online forum to through writing a novel but stopped because I thought people like me didn’t write share experiences and advice with trade novels. I learned today that I do have a skill, and I’m going to use it, so I’m going to go union tutors, and reps from other unions home and finish it.” and workplaces. Weekly webinars hosted by a TUC expert will take place in September to cover a range of topics including public sector pay, “ It’s challenging to do things but occupational cancer, union membership you might find, as I did, that you and how you can support mid-life and older workers. The webinars give learners a have undiscovered talents” chance to ask questions, chat to other reps and learn something new.

1960s 1964 1968 Series of strikes amongst Industrial Tribunals Juanita McKenzie. Fine Tubes strike in Plymouth Devon’s engineering factories established Photo: Paul Box www.framedogs.com starts and lasts 2 years Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Migrant Workers (CIOS Migrant Workers Team)

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or contact us via e-mail at On the frontline im Lezard talks to Cornwall’s “My son-in law is Lithuanian,” Steve [email protected] Migrant Support Officer PC says. “He told me about the problems of the war against Steve Edser about how he he had when he came to the UK, Devon & Cornwall Police T Building safer communities together wins the trust of Cornwall’s migrant people taking advantage of him modern slavery community because he didn’t speak English. I went for the job, got accepted and “The first look we get is rabbit in the we have been lucky enough that the Below: Migrant Support Officers headlights because trust in the police role was made permanent after senior Bev Faull and Steve Edser is quite low due to how some are management recognised the need and treated by their home police force,” value. explains PC Steve Edser. Policing “It’s very rewarding. Every day “But the more they get to know us, is different. We are promoting the more they realise they can trust integration, looking out for crime us. You can see their attitude change concerns, crime trends and and before long they’re laughing with victimisation of migrant workers. us and thinking the British police are One of the biggest parts of the job is work quite nice.” highlighting to people how to spot the signs of modern slavery.” Steve, who is based in Bodmin, started work as a Migrant Support Officer on Cornwall, with its high turnover of an initial twelve-month attachment in seasonal workers and holiday-makers, 2010. He works alongside his colleague is a target for modern-day slavers, Bev Faull. with pop-up brothels appearing in seaside resorts and agricultural

“ We are promoting integration, looking out for crime concerns, crime trends and victimisation of migrant workers”

1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 TUC Centenary In Place of Strife White Paper, which Equal Pay act introduced Kill the Bill protests against Tory Miners’ Strike, mass picket forces restricted union actions, defeated union reforms Satley Gate to be closed “ I go into schools and communities trying to educate How to spot people about the realities of a victim of 13 migration” modern day slavery

workers sometimes found living and country because they are exploited vehicles were going to be stopped, »» Health and wellbeing working in horrendous conditions. by them, so they are understandably yet didn’t even bother to check deteriorating, unexplained slow to trust us,” Steve says. whether they were roadworthy.” “We have dealt with some terrible injuries, malnourished cases,” says Steve. “People who “The most rewarding part of my job The scheme, which was initially paid »» Other parties holding travel or have had their passports withdrawn, is gaining that trust and speaking to for by The Migration Impact Fund, I.D. documents money taken off them. They are people who would never normally has undoubtedly been a success, »» totally controlled. contact the police. Now they contact with six gangmasters having their Not knowing where in the country us via telephone or email or Facebook licences revoked and countless they are “On one occasion an individual or whatever. They know we’re here individuals helped. »» working in a factory was told by Indicating they have been to help them and will deal with them someone from his own country: But there is still plenty of work to do threatened with violence sympathetically.” ‘I got you the job, you give me as, post-Brexit, Steve says he has »» Persons (in charge) speaking money’. They were taken Steve tells of employers failing to witnessed a rise in hate crimes in for others, “victims” being to one side, moved into provide pay slips, holiday pay, the Cornwall. subservient different accommodation, National Minimum Wage, and of “I go into schools and communities their identification and workers forced to live together in »» No money, known to be working trying to educate people about the cash card taken off unpleasant, overcrowded conditions. but looking for handouts/stealing realities of migration,” he says. them, and money food or indicating working but not “One group was placed into caravans taken out of their “I try to put them in the position of being paid. so unsafe we had to move them out account after they migrant workers asking ‘Would you immediately,” Steve says. “They were »» Same address being used for were threatened be prepared to spend money on also being transported to work in numerous people, Houses of with violence.” transportation, leave your family for dangerous vehicles. multiple occupancy e.g. too many a country whose language you don’t Having come people living there for size of “We told one gang-master in speak, have little knowledge of the across a case, property (bedding in unusual advance that we were going to laws and how to obtain services, work the next step places) inspect his vehicles … and still four with people you don’t know, to do a is trying to out of six of them failed. minimum wage job just so you could »» Next of kin details given as gain the put food on your table back home?’ someone other than a relative trust of the “They simply weren’t safe, had bald exploited tyres, oil leaks. They wouldn’t have “I tell them: ‘Don’t have a go at them »» Evidence of alcohol or drug abuse workers. passed an MOT test so we took because they’re brave enough to do (controlling factor) them off the road. It shows how the it. They’re throwing themselves into “A lot of people gangmaster felt about the people he work to better themselves. What’s won’t trust the was transporting because he knew his wrong with that?’” police in their own

1973 1974 1976 1978 Second Miners’ Strike amidst Ted Heath election – Who governs Britain? – Race Relations Act Winter of Discontent leads to national Middle East fuel crisis – three-day week Labour minority government strikes over low pay 14

orkers have joined together to speak with W one voice for as long as “ The Combination Acts failed to stop people went to work to earn a wage. workers forming unions and when they were repealed in 1924 unions But trade unions as we know them can be traced back to the late 1700s. could lawfully exist” They were mainly craft societies with astonishing levels of solidarity, such as the weavers and shearmen of Wiltshire, the felt hatters of South Gloucestershire and brush makers in years Bristol. The Combination Acts failed to stop workers forming unions and when they were repealed in 1924 unions could lawfully exist. A strike wave 150 followed and employers demanded of standing up ways to stop the new unions. When farm workers formed a union in Tolpuddle the local squire used an obscure law against secret oaths to for workers arrest the leaders and have them transported into slavery until a The TUC was founded in 1867. South West TUC massive protest forced their release. Striking miners at Pillowell in the Forest of Dean, 1921 Regional Secretary Nigel Costley looks through the South West archives at some key moments By the mid 1800s the hundreds of Trades. It didn’t survive but on 26th workers in less skilled jobs came different unions needed a national January 1873 a small group of trade together to protect their interests. voice and effective co-ordination. In unionists met in the Cork and Bottle on Bristol witnessed a big growth of 1868 the Trades Union Congress was Castle Green and established Bristol unionism amongst dock, gas and born at a meeting in Manchester. Trades Council. Others soon followed factory workers. Inspired by the around the region. London match workers, women now The same year the first attempt to form joined unions such as those in the Around that time was the start of a Bristol Trades Council was made, cotton mills and chocolate factories. called the Council of Amalgamated what was called ‘new unionism’ when

1979 1983 1983 1984 1984-5 Conservative victory led by People’s March for Jobs NGA Messenger Newspaper dispute GCHQ unions banned from Miners’ Strike Margaret Thatcher sets off from Land’s End Cheltenham base Women fighting for equal pay in the 1960s

15 TUC addresses mental health

including many women learnt they at work had real power if they stuck together. Successful national campaigns People saw that industries such as already exist to remove the stigma of coal mining were more efficient if mental health in the public eye, yet nationally planned for the public evidence shows many workers stills good. But after the war coal prices and the NHS was born. Unions grew in 1979 she set out to destroy the struggle with mental health at work, plummeted and mine owners rapidly and a powerful shop stewards powerful unions, especially the and often face discrimination from demanded pay cuts. In defence of movement developed emphasising printers and the miners. bosses and colleagues. On top of this, the miners the TUC called the 1926 grass-roots organisation. a recent TUC survey found workplace General Strike. In the South West print workers at stress is rising and is now the biggest Arrowsmiths in Bristol were involved The miners’ union insisted not a Devon saw a strike wave in the concern for health and safety reps in in a long dispute. Globalisation, penny off the pay, not a minute on 1960s especially in the engineering the South West. factories. The dispute at Finetubes new technology, changes in society Unions still faced the day and with no prospect of a in Plymouth was to be the longest, and government policies led to a To support reps, officers and repressive laws to limit their actions compromise, the strike was called lasting two years. High inflation forced turbulent period that saw union members on this issue, TUC South but by the early 1900s a system of off. The defeat was devastating for workers to take action to ensure membership decline. West and TUC Education are holding ‘voluntarism’ developed in Britain unions and working people. The wages kept pace and unions were at two events in the autumn that will where unions and employers were depression of the 1930s led to mass In 1984 the Tory government the centre of economic and political introduce the issue of mental health free to bargain with little interference unemployment and poverty. Unions banned workers at the Cheltenham life. White collar workers joined at work. Both events will cover mental from the courts. didn’t recover until the Second communications headquarters – unions in their thousands. health awareness, mental health first World War. GCHQ – from being in a union. Many Just before the First World War a aid, dealing with stress at work, as well But with economic crisis came refused to leave the union and a long period called the ‘great unrest’ saw In 1945 workers turned to Labour for as provide resources for attendees pressure to tackle union power. campaign led by the civil service big union growth and a strike wave. In a more radical way of running the to adapt and use in their workplaces. When Margaret Thatcher was elected unions followed. In 1997 the new 1913 the Cornish Clay Workers struck country. Industries were nationalised Lunch will be provided. To book your Labour government overturned the for a pay rise and union recognition. place, visit: www.tuc.org/uk/south- ban and the sacked union members After a long strike it seemed they west walked triumphantly back into work. were beaten back into work but they • Cornwall “ High inflation forced workers to Unions stemmed the membership refused to give up the fight and within Monday 23 October – 10am – 1pm weeks they won. take action to ensure wages kept losses and concentrated their efforts on new ways to organise workers. • Bristol Military conflict forced the pace and unions were at the centre Today’s fragmented labour market Friday 1 December – 10am – 1pm government to turn industry towards poses fresh challenges for unions the war effort and with thousands of economic and political life” More dates will be announced in 2018. especially how to win over young of men heading off to fight, workers workers.

1979 1983 1983 1984 1984-5 1993 1993 1993 1997 Conservative victory led by People’s March for Jobs NGA Messenger Newspaper dispute GCHQ unions banned from Miners’ Strike UNISON is formed after NUPE, Arrowsmith dispute John Monks turns TUC into a campaign body and New Labour lifts ban Margaret Thatcher sets off from Land’s End Cheltenham base NALGO and COHSE merge in Bristol launches the Organising Academy on GCHQ unions Solidarity with Grenfell Rally for better pay 16 firefighters present were very moved irefighters in the South West, UC general secretary Frances “Labour rightly intends to raise the Trade unions want: by this show of appreciation. along with the TUC, have O’Grady is to speak at a rally minimum wage for everyone over raised more than £1,000 at F “The men and women who attended T for better pay in Cornwall. 18 to £10 per hour, and remove the »» An end to the 1% pay cap for this summer’s Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Grenfell did an incredible job in the public sector 1% pay cap. But even public workers Festival in July for the Grenfell Figures from the Office of National £10 per hour would not be enough. most challenging circumstances »» Firefighters’ Support Fund. Statistics show wages in the county A real Living Wage of £8.45 imaginable, and the horrors they “The gap between wages and living are nearly £100 less a week than the an hour A cheque was presented by FBU experienced will stay with them for the costs in Cornwall has become so vast national average. South West official Tam McFarlane rest of their lives. The presentation of that we need to start thinking radically »» A properly enforced minimum to a group of heroic firefighters from this cheque shows that they not only South West TUC Regional Secretary what we are going to do about it – wage Battersea fire station who responded have the respect and appreciation of Nigel Costley said: “Cornwall’s before homelessness and poverty »» A Living Wage for young to the Grenfell fire. McFarlane was everyone in the fire services across workers have lost some £1,117 a year become endemic.” workers doing the same job joined by Nigel Costley, South West the UK, but of trade unionists and in real terms since 2008, and with TUC regional secretary, and Joanne members of the public countrywide.” inflation running ahead of pay rises, »» An end to exploitative zero Kaye, South West TUC vice-chair. CORNWALL TRADES UNION COUNCIL hours contracts Nigel Costley said: “Tolpuddle the wage squeeze is getting worse. Tam McFarlane said: “The support celebrates the solidarity of farm “In addition, public sector workers Rally for »» Good union agreements to and solidarity shown by everyone workers when they formed an early in vital services, such as health, win better pay at the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival union and of workers across the education and local government, better pay towards our colleagues who country who won their freedom. have faced a pay freeze followed by a Cornwall needs a pay rise responded to Grenfell was very The solidarity being shown here 1% pay cap, leading to the scandal of The rally, organised by Cornwall heart-warming. People were queuing today is to the firefighters who fought nurses using food banks to cope. source: ONS ASHE 2016 Trades Council and the South West up at the FBU stall to donate to the this unprecedented blaze at Grenfell “Cornwall needs an economy that TUC, takes place at 12.30pm at firefighters’ hardship fund. All of the that took so many lives”. Speakers to include Frances O’Grady TUC General Secretary Lemon Quay in Truro, Cornwall on offers young people a decent career 12.30pm Saturday, October 21. Photo: Mark Thomas, www.markthomasphotos.com without having to leave the county to Saturday 21st October get a wage to live on.” Lemon Quay, Truro Falmouth teaching assistant Jayne Kirkham, a UNISON member, wrote “ Cornwall needs an economy that a post on Facebook after spotting an advertisement for a TA that paid the offers young people a decent equivalent of £7.44 per hour. Her post career without having to leave the was seen by more than 52,500 people – highlighting the depth of concern county to get a wage to live on” about the issue. She said: “We have historically had a problem with low wages in Cornwall, and the minimum wage £7.50 rate All TUC publications may be made available for currently only applies to over 25s: if you dyslexic or visually impaired readers, on request, in an agreed electronic format or in accessible formats are between 18 and 20 you can be paid such as Braille, audio tape and large print, at no extra £5.40 per hour, £4.05 if you are 16-18. cost. Contact the South West TUC on 0117 947 0521. West Country Workers was edited by Tim Lezard [email protected] Cover image: TUC Designed by Rumba www.rumbadesign.co.uk 2007 2013 2018 2007 Unite is formed Frances O’Grady elected first Unite is formed woman general secretary of TUC TUC’s 150th anniversary ISBN: 978-1-911288-18-3