AUTUMN 2015
THE 'A' TEAM at TOLPUDDLE 2 FOODWORKER EDITOR’S AUTUMN 2015 NOTES "…we have been left with the most right wing Tory government in history… and we will all pay the price in the long term."
THE 'A' TEAM AT TOLPUDDLE " Ronnie Draper @ronniebfawu
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: It is said that a week is a long time in I helped elect them to pursue our beliefs and politics and that is so true, but I suspect demands in the Palace of Westminster, not Editor’s Notes ...... 2 the next four and a half years will seem to second guess my views or to change National President...... 3 like a lifetime. political direction. Together we can Win! . . . . 5 Since that fateful day in May I have Nominating Jeremy Corbyn heard a multitude of excuses as to why Jeremy for Young People. . . 6 There has been much blood letting against Labour didn’t get across the line in their those who threw their nomination behind A Fox Hunting Man. . . . . 6 quest to become the ruling party: from the Jeremy Corbyn despite having no intention Organising the Unorganised. .7 leader not being able to eat a bacon butty of voting for him at later stages. with panache, to how middle Englanders Annual Conference Gallery. . 8 Credit to MPs like Frank Field (who were scared of the influence of the SNP, aligns more with the Tories than the Tolpuddle Festival Gallery . . 10 from a major move towards the ultra-right thousands of working class people who politics of UKIP, to a lack of depth in The Trades Union Bill – elected him) but who had the courage of his A Response...... 12 Labour's policies. convictions and nominated to broaden the Voter apathy debate and to embrace all views. Health & Safety In truth they all played a role in Labour's Fit to lead? A Hard Day's Night? . . . . 13 demise but the biggest single factor was Since Jeremy Corbyn received the requisite voter apathy, with millions failing to put Bakers Asthma – Next Steps. .14 number of nominations with minutes to their 'X' in the box, preferring instead to sit Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). .15 spare the poison has been laid down to at home rather than have a say in their NVP's Update ...... 16 future, and whether or not it was protest or discredit his candidature. a 'can’t be bothered' attitude, the reality is And not just from the Tory media, but The Call for Stronger Unions. 17 that we have been left with the most right so-called Labour colleagues as well, who 2014 Financial Statement wing Tory government in history and we are supposed to hold the same values of to Members...... 18 will all pay the price in the long term. fairness and equality. Tony Blair says that if Jeremy Congratulate Janet Goodwin. 19 You would think that after such a beating that the Labour Party would quietly skulk becomes leader it could split the Labour Like Polska!...... 19 away to lick their wounds, but none of Party irreparably. Contact Details...... 20 it. After the resignation of Ed Miliband This from a man who led us into war on the back of a lie which has seen hundreds of FOODWORKER is published for BFAWU by: the mad scramble to elect a new leader Ronnie Draper at Stanborough House was joined – bringing about one of the thousands of people needlessly killed and Great North Road finest political debates within the party in condemned millions to a life of poverty, all Stanborough, Welwyn Garden City generations. of this as Blair leads a life of luxury with all Hertfordshire AL8 7TA the trappings of immense wealth. Tel: 01707 260150/259450 Catastrophe averted Archaic internal rules say that 35 Labour Look to the Future FOODWORKER is designed and produced Even fellow leadership candidate, Yvette for BFAWU by: MPs must nominate a candidate before they Inscape Solutions Limited can make the ballot paper. This nearly Cooper, is saying Corbyn is not fit to lead 3 Long Hedge Lane caused its own catastrophe within the party, the party. Worthington with only the agenda of the Blairites being Now, she never said anything about this Ashby de la Zouch when he was the 100/1 outsider, but now Leics LE65 1RL up for debate. What gives MPs the arrogance to think they know better than the rank and that he is holding a massive lead over his Tel: 01530 222657 file of the party? rivals; the bile is beginning to spew out. FOODWORKER 3
An inspiration Instead of being prophets of doom they should look to Corbyn’s lead. What NATIONAL PRESIDENT inspirational magic is he using that has seen tens of thousands of people join or re-join IAN HODSON the Labour party? What has he got that can command every venue he speaks at being Another successful Conference – now packed to the rafters? we have to fight with all our energy against the onslaught of a Government intent on While Yvette Cooper talks to less than causing as much damage to our communities sixty people, Jeremy addresses thousands. with their slash and burn Austerity agenda. The answer has to be the message, not the I truly felt inspired by our amazing personality. Conference delegates – so many first timers But he's left wing… like Leon from GDS, Helen and George I am sick to the back teeth of hearing about from Greggs as well as Lorna and Toni from Jeremy being pigeonholed as 'the left wing Scotland, who made brilliant contributions candidate' without an explanation of what and even led the singing. We had so many is meant by 'left'. new delegates, along with many seasoned To me, Jeremy is taking politics back delegates all playing a full part. Thank you to the people, bringing a message of hope to each and every one who attended – you and offering realistic alternatives to the are amazing, compassionate people. pathway of despair we have followed from I also want to congratulate our members subsequent governments. at Gunstones (part of Two Sisters group) It is not left wing to have policies that who refused to accept changes to their terms give hope to our young people, to demand and conditions, with no pay increase. They affordable housing, to keep our NHS in voted to take strike action to stand up for fairness and the strike was solid. I enjoyed the public domain, a realistic living wage, meeting and standing with our members The question is: how is this going to change or to campaign against tax dodgers or to on the picket line. Their determination to people’s lives for the better? A first pay seek world peace. These are the politics of win was embodied by their courageous increase that actually reduces people’s morality: politics that Labour MPs were all and committed representatives and with income, it makes workers worse off due to elected to pursue, the politics of the people. the solid support of the membership it is the removal of benefits such as working tax yet another example of how solidarity wins. credits and housing benefit. A recent report Since Jeremy Corbyn Tough market conditions and poor says that families with both parents working received the requisite management at Hovis have once again full-time on the minimum wage are £75.75 resulted in workers being made redundant, a week short of affording a minimum number of nominations this time at Wigan. We have seen too many standard of living. with minutes to spare the workers losing their jobs through closures Child Poverty Action Chief Executive and sackings and the use of redundancy. Alison Garnham said: “Something is poison has been laid down to I wish to pay tribute to all those recently wrong when two parents both working full discredit his candidacy made redundant across the country and time can’t give their kids a no-frills living pay special tribute to those at Wigan – and standard.” Jeremy's credentials thank them for all their solidarity and wish The way to deal with low pay is to Jeremy, like John McDonnell MP, has them good fortune. I hope our members introduce a minimum wage of £10 an hour championed the campaigns of our union, who work for these callous businesses one NOW and not to exclude workers from the supporting our Cool It and Bakers Asthma day get management who can actually run a full rate until they're 25 years old. This campaigns, supporting us in bringing the business – to get growth through innovation union has a long held belief in Equality. power of supermarkets to the public domain rather than cuts to terms and conditions, Rates of pay should be determined by skills and has been a major player in our Hungry factory closures and redundancy. – not by age – we will continue to fight this Great workers deserve great bosses injustice. for Justice and Fast Food Rights campaigns. – it’s a shame so many managers are not He is a real working class Member Why we support Jeremy Corbyn worthy of the name. of Parliament who passionately believes Our Conference debated the Labour Party in justice for all and a fair deal for the Cuts to household income leadership campaign and voted to support disadvantaged in our society and so when Tory attacks on working people are nothing Jeremy Corbyn for leader. new. Cameron says one thing while doing The negative campaigning coming the time comes to vote I shall be placing something completely different and in the from the right in the Labour party, scared my 'X' in the box next to Jeremy Corbyn’s sympathetic media often he goes unchallenged. of losing their controlling influence, is name and, for the chance of a fairer future, In the latest budget we are supposed to alarming, spiteful and vindictive. Instead of I strongly urge our members to do the swallow the new living wage (defined by the looking to undermine Corbyn's impact, they same. independent Living Wage Foundation as the should have put forward their solutions. In solidarity minimum income required to live on) which Unfortunately, tired rhetoric and soundbite Ronnie Draper is set 45p less than the current living wage politics is all they know and, hopefully, the General Secretary outside London and £2.25 less in London. members will vote Jeremy in as leader. 4 FOODWORKER
Politics, as a result, will no longer be two Pay is up to 25% higher than in non- Inevitably, this means a cheaper, lower- cheeks of the same backside – but an Unionised workplaces, with better holiday skilled workforce. However, rather than opposition to give people hope that our lives entitlement and superior long service address the skyrocketing pay of company can be improved: with policies aimed at benefits. Tory mentality is pre-programmed bosses, industrial scale corporate tax- fairness and justice. to view this as a bad thing – no matter how avoidance, unscrupulous managers, Hungry for Justice Campaign many facts, figures and statistics prove exploitative employment agencies and the This campaign is not just targeted at fast otherwise. They believe that the balance of crippling effect of supermarket monopoly, food workers but all workers and all those power in any workplace should be in favour the government turns its fire on Trade who live in our communities. of the employer. They label Union leaders Unions and seeks to regulate them out of all In 2015, access to justice is not as ‘barons’ and ‘bullies’ when in fact the existence. dependent on need, but on the size of your barons and bullies are more often to be bank account. Our children’s future isn’t found in big business or banking. The Trade Union bill isn’t really about the qualifications they achieve It's not Trade Union leaders who slash just an attack on Unions: but about what finances you need to give workers’ pay or conditions and it isn’t Trade them the leg up they need. Housing is now Union leaders who throw people on the it’s an attack on all working just a dream for so many. dole. Trade Unions are in the business of people, as it further reduces Hungry for Justice is about our civil ensuring fair pay and fair play for workers rights – it’s about joining campaigns, in a safe working environment, whilst the rights of everyone in the working with others – rebuilding working safeguarding jobs. workplace class structures because unless you come Unions HELP Industry! Without Unions, pay will deteriorate further, from Cameron’s class your life chances If you look at any major milestone and safety conditions will be abysmal and we are minimal. We will be holding public achievement in the world of work and social will be back to the world of Robert Tressell’s meetings around the country calling on justice, you will find the influence of Trade ‘Ragged Trousered Philanthropists’ – with people to mobilise to demand a fairer Unions. Indeed, had it not been for the work of the BFAWU, bakery workers would still workers as 'philanthropists' throwing country a society for all – not just those themselves into back-breaking work for with the wealth. be toiling away in poorly-vented cellars, lined with asbestos. It’s amazing therefore, poverty wages in order to generate profit that Unions, their members and leaders are for their masters. Surely this cannot go Join us on September 16th unopposed. www.facebook.com/ viewed with such negativity, given the role The entire working population of the UK events/788925857886602/ they continue to play in our society. Falling Trade Union membership needs to be aware of what this government’s Tories wage war on Trade Unions has had a negative impact on collective real aims are, and respond accordingly. The Tories’ latest attacks on Trade Unions bargaining that has inevitably led to low pay We must be prepared to fight or suffer the are as vindictive and nasty as they could and exploitation within the labour market,. consequences. The future of our children, possibly get. The Trade Union Bill is As a result of this inequality, we have now and our children’s children depends on how designed to allow the government to drive a rise in the number of billionaires and an we, as a Labour Movement, react to this. people further into a downward spiral of unfair distribution of wealth, not seen since How do we respond? poor wages and job insecurity, whilst the Victorian era. The TUC’s response cannot simply be more removing the employment rights that allow We see wages so low that the taxpayer focus groups, soundbites, more rallies and them to challenge and fight back against has to top up low incomes via tax credits. marches around London. We’ve done more injustice in the workplace. The fact that the taxpayer is subsidising the marches since 2010 than the Grand Old Duke Changing the rules regarding ballot profits of big, often tax-avoiding companies of York – and achieved precisely nothing. turnout, whilst retaining postal-only ballots and the huge pay packets of company It’s time to rekindle the spirit of our will make any strike action virtually CEOs, should be treated as one of the major forefathers and be prepared to cross the line impossible. This originates from a scandals and injustices of our times. if necessary, rather than continue with the government running the country on 24% of I’d prefer to see my taxes being used to spineless lack of direct action. The Trade the general election vote! This is hypocrisy fund our health service, schools, affordable Union Movement may be smaller than it on a monumental scale. housing and public services, and providing was, but it’s still over six-million strong and By offering members the opportunity a financial safety net for those who fall on a virtually unstoppable unit if mobilised. to take part in ballots and elections, Unions hard times. Yet somehow, the general public The government know that, which is can provide a collective response that are distracted by the poverty porn TV shows why they seek to demoralise and hamstring enables workers to improve their wages that vomit into the nation’s living rooms us. It’s time to use the collective strength and conditions at work – to have a share and are brainwashed into demonising the that we possess and turn the tables. Waiting in the wealth their labour creates. They unemployed instead. Since 2010, we’ve around for a Labour government will not elect their own representatives and shape seen a relentless attack on the young, the save us and taking a kicking day in and day their respective Union’s policies via annual sick, the disabled and the unemployed. out should not be an option. conferences. In addition, they also have the Full-time, reasonably-paid jobs have It’s time we started doing some choice of whether their contributions are been replaced by cheap labour and food kicking of our own, and by that I mean used for political or campaigning purposes. manufacturing has become so in thrall to make the call for a General Strike – Unionised workplaces are generally unregulated supermarkets that companies because I’ll guarantee you that we’ll pay safer, more productive, more efficient and have engaged in a race to the bottom in the penalty if we don’t. Solidarity! more profitable with better trained/skilled order to secure or retain even the smallest Ian Hodson workforces and lower staff turnover. of contracts. National President FOODWORKER 5 Together we can win! When we launched our campaign for the Labour leadership I said that Labour must become a social movement again. As trade unionists you know that to win in the workplace you need to organise, and use your collective strength. If we want to win better government, we have to take those lessons from the workplace into our communities. What you have done with the Fast Food Rights campaign is an example to the Labour Party and to the wider labour movement. It is exactly the sort of social movement trade unionism that we need more of; engaging people in campaigning for workers’ rights and a society free from exploitation. Too often our party has lost its way, marginalised our supporters or become cowed by the press and commercial interests. We need to change – be bold in standing up against injustice, and building confidence that by standing together we can win a better society for all. When your members were faced with zero hours contracts at Hovis, you didn’t just lobby politicians, you organised, recruited and took strike action – and you won! That is why I am so delighted that BFAWU was the first union to endorse our campaign. The insecurity of zero hours contracts and workfare is about employers driving down wages to drive up their profits. Millions of workers are living in poverty, so that a few greedy individuals can live in opulence. We need a minimum wage that is a living wage applied to all workers regardless of age, and to establish £10 per hour as the benchmark of decency.
We also need to improve working conditions – robust health and safety standards are essential in your industry, and I back your campaign for a maximum workplace temperature. This Labour leadership election is your chance for change. Even if you are not a Labour Party member, as a BFAWU member you are entitled to vote in this Labour leadership contest if you have registered. This is your campaign, your chance to build a Labour Party that represents you, your work colleagues, friends and family. So ask them to sign up too www.supporters.labour.org.uk/candidates Together we can build a better society, if we organise together. Join in and sign up to the campaign www.jeremyforlabour.com
WE NEED YOU! 6 FOODWORKER JEREMY FOR LEADER, JEREMY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
It’s been two months since Conference and I remember talking to some of you about whether Jeremy would get the required amount of nominations to run for Labour leader. Fortunately he did. As your young person rep, I have unwavering support for a man who makes me think of my political future in a positive way. I’ve heard Jeremy speak on numerous occasions and have been inspired every time. Jeremy unapologetically stands side by side with working class people, students, trade unions and anybody who needs him against a Tory government that wants to cut hard about where we will be as a movement (even when there isn’t a camera shoved in our services, our NHS and our police force if these changes are allowed to take place his face). whilst giving their mates/donors our money. and react accordingly. We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy It is my belief that the Labour Party As always, I want to give solidarity to all five years as a trade union with a Tory doesn’t need to appeal to Tory or UKIP workers taking action and all of our voters but to trade unionists who felt like government but the proposed changes to members who continue to be assets to us. they couldn’t vote for the Labour Party in trade union rights are appalling. With a May. The Labour Party should be a party majority of less than 20, they are trying We may not be the biggest but we are that fights against pushing any child into to diminish the long-fought-for rights of 6 always the best. poverty, against pushing working class kids million trade union members. All unions Apryl Walcott out of applying for university and always must stand side by side, the TUC must think Young Members Representative
Friday 10 July 2015 A LETTER AND A RESPONSE… Dear Desmond Swayne,
As a resident living within your constituency I am writing to Rt Hon Desmond Swayne TD MP express my grave concerns regarding the vote to take place on fox hunting. I am neither an animal liberationist nor a Minister of State member of any animal charity, but I am absolutely against www.desmondswaynemp.com this barbaric so-called sport that ends with an innocent animal Thanks. I disagree. The animal is 'ripped to being ripped to shreds. shreds' as you put it, after having been killed quickly and cleanly I have heard all the rehearsed arguments used about over . population and how other methods of culling are in humane, DS none of which appear to have any credible evidence based DMOS on which they rely. If a vixen that is suckling young is ripped apart how are the Cubs fed or would starvation also be considered a humane method of reducing the fox population? I hope that given the supposedly free vote being offered to MPs on amendments to this horrendous act, that you will have the compassion to vote to maintain the ban in its present form. I look forward to your response. Yours sincerely, Ronnie Draper "My word, what a load of Horses' arses!" FOODWORKER 7 ORGANISING THE UNORGANISED
Lorna McKinnon (BFAWU young member) chaired the He finished speaking by calling for a General Strike and, in his meeting which was held on the Friday of the Marxism round up, £10 per hour for all workers regardless of age and getting conference. The room was packed with people standing around rid of zero hour contracts the edge and every seat was full. We had a Skype link to one of the McDonalds' workers involved Lorna began the meeting by describing her experience of in the US $15 now campaign, who’s been out on strike and extremely working on a zero hour contract, how it made her feel and when and active in the campaign. Like Lorna, he told us of his experience why she joined our union. She gave us an example of a colleague working for the company and what being low paid means to him – who was actually in a worse position than her in the fact she wasn’t choosing to either have something to eat or to get to work to earn even on the books let alone had a zero hour contract! Lorna’s money. When the CEO of the company is earning $10,000 per hour workplace has 100% membership – something she is rightly proud it doesn’t seem very fair that the workers are struggling to survive. of. She chaired the meeting exceptionally well, introducing each Sandy from SOAS – a branch of UNISON which represents speaker and keeping us all on time! migrant cleaners – told of how they have fought and fought to We had speakers from the Glasgow Caseworkers strike who receive the living wage, 7 extra days annual leave, 6 months full sick have been on strike for 16 weeks – they are looking to be treated pay, union recognition and quadruple the employers' contributions to the pensions scheme. the same as people doing the same job, to be on the same grade and Lorna then threw open the meeting to the floor. I think she had without any redundancies to make it happen. Bosses have finally over 30 people on the list wanting to speak and, as much as she conceded that central demand. (You can see how they celebrated kept people brief, we would have been there all night if everyone below!) who wanted to speak had done so! The highlights of this part of We also heard from Sotheby’s workers who were sacked after the meeting were our own young members getting up to speak. striking for one day over their pay (they are asking for the living Toni and Rosalind (two of our new young members from Glasgow) wage with back pay) and their sick pay spoke of their experiences working on zero hour contracts – some I spoke briefly about how we have organised in Greggs – which weeks working 5 hours and the following week working 50, taking has over 1600 shops – and how this means it is possible to organise on 2 zero hour jobs to survive, not being given a contract and the shop workers and that with hard work and consistency this can be pressure they are put under to put up or shut up. They both told the replicated in the likes of McDonalds. room how joining our union the BFAWU had given them hope and Ian followed me and spoke about how to move the Hungry inspiration to stand up and fight back. for Justice campaign forward – by involving and organising in The meeting closed with the Unite, Fight and Sing Choir who communities. He announced the meeting on the 16th September at sang a call and response song from the picket lines in California TUC Congress House in London (10am– 6pm) and invited everyone (those who were at Conference may remember us doing this) and to attend. He told everyone in the room to go back to their union, closed the meeting on a high (our comrade from America even organisation and workplace and shout out that we are not willing joined in over Skype!). to accept the injustice inequality, unfairness and low pay, zero hour We signed up a new member at the end of the meeting along contracts and the unfair sacking of trade unionists and activists. We with a few more that signed up over the course of Marxism 2015. don’t want these things to become the norm and kill off our trade Sara Woolley unions and communities. Reporting on Marxism 2015: Ideas for Revolution 8 FOODWORKER
Brilliant Guest Speaker from last year, Ricky Tomlinson drops by to support the Shrewsbury 24 campaign – here with Our Guest of Honour this year, Arthur Scargill, faces Conference flanked by Ronnie and Ian Jack Lee ANNUAL CONFERENCE SOUTHPORT 2015
Mark Serwotka addresses Conference Pat Rowley of Region 2 delivers his message to Conference FOODWORKER 9
Our Guest of Honour this year, Arthur Scargill, faces Conference flanked by Ronnie and Ian
Julie Blackburn – who has contributed so much to the ANNUAL CONFERENCE Union as a representative of Thompsons Solicitors – enjoys some refreshment as she looks forward to her SOUTHPORT 2015 retirement!
Conference rises in support of Candy Udwin, the PCS Rep who was unfairly dismissed from her position at the National Gallery
Pat Rowley of Region 2 delivers his message to Conference 10 FOODWORKER
Branch 180 was well-represented! Ronnie helps Marc Hayes with the babysitting duties while Ian toasts Paul Young. Marc commented: "The festival was great, really catered for everyone and had a very positive atmosphere. The camping seemed top notch and the showers were posh! My colleague, Paul Young and myself were proud to be representing 180 Branch at such an iconic event and introducing my daughter at a young age! Taking part in the march was a personal highlight. We are hoping to bring more members next year, it is definitely somewhere that all union members should go to at least once."
WHERE DID THE MARTYRS TAKE US? The Ealing Bakers HOW WE REACHED TODAY our members. A great meeting was held in Hyde Park at which a crowd of over 10,000 was reported. The result of the Today’s Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union is one of 1898 A demonstration of bakers and members of other trades ‘to 1914 milestones protest against the conditions used by several of the strike was debatable matter but at the least it showed the the oldest trade unions in continuous existence. Founded in The Amalgamated Union of Operative Bakers of England Ealing master bakers to prevent their men joining the need for drastic changes and proved the spirit of the men Manchester, its roots go back to the middle years of the 19th changed its name to The Amalgamated Union of bakers union’ was held on Saturday evening (29th May 1898) to fight for change. century. Operative Bakers, Confectioners and Allied Workers on Ealing Common. The first fully delegate conference was held in Birmingham Even before that, however, it took a group of Dorsetshire of Great Britain and Ireland. A month previously (April 1898) a branch of the 1910 in 1910 with Mr A.F. Bentley (Manchester) as President. labourers to show the need for organising and activism. Amalgamated 1925 Union of Operative Bakers and Confectioners was General Secretary Jenkins reported that the average life Once again, the Union changed its name – now being The Tolpuddle Martyrs established in Ealing and the operatives were working sixteen expectancy of a baker had risen from 40 to 43 (compared to known as the Amalgamated Union of Operative In 1834, six labourers in the village of Tolpuddle swore an and seventeen hours a day and receiving very small wages. just 37 for a plumber!) as a result of union action on health Bakers, Confectioners and Allied Workers. oath to stand together to protect their jobs and their families For the men to win they had to show a bold front. So long as and safety at work. 1964 against unscrupulous employers looking always to lower their they were outside the union the masters knew they could work The Bristol branch set out a platform for minimum terms wages. Swearing such an oath was illegal – and led to their trial, them as long as they liked and pay them as little as they liked, This name was shortened to simply The Bakers’ Union 1913 and conditions on 18th November 1913 – calling for a conviction and subsequent transportation to Australia and they did it. and finally expanded to the familiarBakers, Food and 54 hour week for day workers (48hrs for night workers). . Their leader was George Loveless, and in addressing the judge The remedy was in their own hands but if they kept out of Allied Workers Union They demanded Foreman’s pay 34s a week, Single Hands and jury, he wrote: the union because they were afraid of being discharged, then 34s, Second Hands 32s: Factory Bakers Foreman 42s a week, their case would have been hopeless. They felt the public were Charge Hands 35s, Dough Makers 34s and Table Hands 32s. acknowledging the past as we “My lord, if we had violated any law it was not done From the humblest of beginnings, the Union was in sympathy with them and as long as that was so they had intentionally. We were uniting together to save ourselves, formed in the small house of Mr Thomas Hollingworth, During the First World War many stalwarts of the nothing to fear. help to shape the future our wives and families from starvation.” Manchester in 1849 (later destroyed in the blitz). This union continued to fight for workers rights and against house was a meeting place for operative bakers during a Nonetheless, after a two day trial, Judge Baron Williams found “If all the men were discharged let them start a co- exploitation , excessive hours and poor safety. The union operative bakers society as had been done elsewhere. If period when it was a risky matter to join and meet as trade them guilty: “The safety of the country was at stake”, he recalls these as ‘Men who will be remembered as long as they did that the public would buy off them and the real unionists. said. there is a baker in our land’. sufferers would be the masters (cheers).” In 1854 the union had enough members to appoint a They were sentenced to the most severe punishment available: It was anticipated that every man in 1854 secretary, Mr Thomas Hodson, but little progress was By December 1918 the union had 2,000 women in seven years in a penal colony in Australia. the district would enrol himself in its made until the formation of the first Amalgamated Union 1918 membership (total 20,000) – paying subscriptions of 3d to ranks, but it’s reported a member had of Operative Bakers of England in 1861. 5d. Women bakers were receiving, on average, two thirds The Amalgamated Union of Operative Bakers of been deterred by a threat of instant of a male wage. 1861 England was formed in 1861. 1871 saw the union run a campaign to demand a 10 hour dismissal should they take such a step. 1871 During World War Two, the union’s 23,000 members Never more than a few thousand strong, it suffered a number day, and a sixty hour week. Mr C. Perry, Secretary of the new worked tirelessly to ensure no-one went short of bread. of problems in organising on behalf of its members, who AUTUMN 2014 branch stated they were men working In 1885 the Union produced the first Our headquarters at 8 Guildford Street, London were worked long hours, in bad conditions and for low pay. there from seventeen to eighteen issue of its journal, ‘The Journeyman lucky to escape undamaged during the Blitz Bakers’ Union in London hours a day for a wage not much more 1885 Bakers’ Magazine and Chronicle’ under In 1941 Miss Marion E Thomas was elected to the position 1888 than a pound a week. the editorship of Mr Watts Austin which In 1888, a series of meeting were held to set up the Baker’s 1941 of National Women’s organiser The first Bakers Union supported the union and in 1888 became Union – inspired by the wife of a journeyman German baker George Summers (past chairman of women executive member was Miss E. G. Edmondson the district board) pointed out that the the full property of the Amalgamated Re-eLeCT THe CON-DeMS? (one of a number in London), Johanna Lahr (see page 6). MY A*%$e! of Manchester.
Foodworker AUTUMN2014.indd 1 union was not merely a fighting one, Operative Bakers Union. 21/08/2014 12:12:38 Shades of Membership in December 1948 stood at 31,259. By 1951 The International Bakers’ Union but was ‘a society which assisted its Foodworker? 1892 In 1889 a strike took place amongst She took an active part in the process of organising an members in times of poverty and the number of workers in the industry was 62,615 of 1889 London bakers and, under the leadership International Bakers’ Union which was founded in the East sickness and ensured them decent which the union had 27,000 in membership. Today it of John Jenkins, the union recruited over 4,000 new End and existed during the years 1892–1901. burial’. stands at some 22,000.
To mark the occasion, we produced a commemorative booklet showing the growth of our Union within the Trade Union Movement, 'From Tolpuddle to TUC' – which was given away free to visitors to our stand FOODWORKER 11
Distinguished guest, Jeremy Corbyn, joins the team to celebrate the fantastic occasion and we even got to lead the parade! Liberty, We will, we will, we will be free! 12 FOODWORKER
The government’s Trade Union Bill is Two of the proposals contained in the Bill Hugh Robertson (Senior Policy Officer for an attack on our civil liberties as well as have received very little attention. Both of Health and Safety at the TUC) recently damaging the already one-sided workplace those relate to 'Facility Time' in the public commented, “Even more dangerous is the balance. This could be the attack that causes sector, (not the private sector which we proposal to allow ministers to restrict the industrial unrest across the UK, leading to work in). This is the amount of time given rights to time off given to Union Health and further weakening of Britain’s fragile to workplace representatives to represent Safety Representatives by amending the recovery. their members and undertake union duties Health and Safety at Work Act. All they have This Bill will demoralise Britain’s or activities. Once introduced, this will be to do is introduce new regulations. This is hard-pressed workers even further and exploited with haste by some of our poorly- a really vindictive proposal, and of course productivity will be the casualty of this managed and badly-run businesses – whose an underhand one – sneaking in the right to vindictive piece of legislation. It proves that only aim is to remove workers’ rights rather make changes by Statutory Instrument into the Government is now firmly in the control than build successful businesses on a much wider Bill." of people with no concern for any working innovation and new business. The current time-off regulations are person, who sees workers as nothing more As we are being made aware, clear and simple and apply to all workplaces than a resource to be tossed aside when no representatives at certain sites are already where there is a recognised union. The longer of any use. This bill will also lead not being denied their right to access training Government now seeks permission to tear only to the end of the right to strike – it will and stopped from carrying out their duties. these up in the public sector. also put our lives at risk at work, In those circumstances, we urge Of course, even if the Bill did become The Trade Union Bill is a disgraceful branches to hold Branch Meetings to get a law they could not do it entirely, as Bill aimed at attacking working people collective response from our members. We European Legislation states clearly that and giving a 'licence to kill' to bad bosses must make it clear that we will not tolerate employers have to allow Health and Safety as the implications of this bill cover our representatives not being trained – and Representatives 'adequate time off work, anyone at work. we will not allow them to be interfered with without loss of pay' to exercise their rights carrying out their duties. This may include and functions. However, they may well try a strike ballot unless the company agrees to reduce some of the current requirements to accept our rights. laid down in the 1977 Regulations (Brown In the case of Health and Safety Book). representatives, there is a legal duty on At no time have the Government the employer to give them as much paid given any justification for this proposal. time off as they need to undertake their As the report 'The Union Effect' shows, activities. That is laid down in regulations. Union Health and Safety Representatives It is absolute. The regulations do not say that save hundreds of lives and prevent tens the employer can decide to restrict this time. of thousands of injuries and illnesses. If a representative needs it, they need it, and Workplaces with union representatives it will vary from week to week. and a joint safety committee have half the The Trade Union Bill currently going serious injury rate of those without. through Parliament does two things. Firstly Any reasonable employer welcomes it says that any public sector employer the presence of health and safety with at least one Union Health and Safety representatives, including most in the Representative will have to record and public sector. That is why this move makes publish all the time taken and any facilities absolutely no sense from a regulatory point provided. This is bureaucratic, pointless of view. It will not save money or remove and will just mean that both employers bureaucracy, nor will it improve safety. It and union representatives will have to is simply an ideologically-led, knee-jerk spend a lot more time on paperwork. reaction. Ian Hodson National President
THE TRADES UNION BILL – A RESPONSE FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT FOODWORKER 13
A HARD DAY'S NIGHT?
A new report published by the TUC, A ●●Shift patterns should be negotiated Hard Day’s Night, shows that night between unions and employers. working has grown since the recession, ●●Workers should have some element of and there are now over three million control over their rota, so that they can employees who are regular night- ensure that the shifts they work are best workers in the UK. A Hard Day's Night suited to their individual circumstances.
balance Growth of night working work/life night shift work on ●●Workers should always have sufficient The effect of In 2014, there were 200,000 more night notice of their shift patterns so they can workers than in 2007 – a total of make arrangements well in advance. 3,168,000 people. This is an increase of Changes at short notice should be 6.9% between 2007 and 2014. The avoided. proportion of employees who are night ●The remuneration paid to those workers is creeping up too. In 2007 it was ● working nights should properly reflect 11.7% of all employees, but by 2014 it had the likely additional costs of childcare risen to 12.3%. and other inconvenience that night Men are still more likely to be night shifts can entail. workers. In 2014, 14.9% of male employees The negative health impacts of night work, TUC Gen. Secretary, Frances O’Grady were night workers, compared to 9.7% of such as heightened risks of cardiovascular said, “We all value night workers, whether female employees. However, the number disease, diabetes and depression are they are cleaning our office, caring for a of women working nights is growing at a already well-documented. Less attention sick relative or driving all night so that there much faster rate. Regular night working has been given to the impacts on home are fresh goods in our local shop. But night by women has increased by 12% since life and relationships. work is hard and it disrupts family life. So 2007 (a 4% increase for men). The top A Hard Day’s Night reviews the available we must show our appreciation for the two sectors for the total number of night research, to show that night working can sacrifices night workers make by ensuring workers are female-dominated – care increase the risk of relationship problems, they have sensible rights and protections. workers and nursing (including midwives). can affect the emotional wellbeing of a It’s not right for employers to require night Plans to increase public transport provision night worker’s children and is associated working without adequate consultation and at night, and proposals for a seven-day with higher childcare costs. The negative negotiation. With night work increasing, NHS, are likely to lead to further increases impacts of night working, however, are employers must play fair and play safe, or in night work. Greater availability of night- lessened when employees have more public safety will be put at risk and the time transport may lead to more retail and influence and control over shift patterns. families of night workers will suffer. leisure services adopting night opening. Fairness and safety for night We are publishing recommendations today The work-life balance impacts of workers to better protect the wellbeing of night night working The TUC recommends that: workers, and help them give a better The TUC does not oppose night working, service to the public. We encourage the ●●Employers and unions should ensure but argues that employers must properly government and employers to positively that night working is only introduced consider and address the implications for engage with trade unions on fair and where necessary. staff. Decisions to extend night working sensible rights for night workers, so that we should always involve consultation and ●●Where night working is introduced into continue to enjoy the social benefits night negotiation with workers’ representatives a workplace, no existing workers workers give us without harm to them or to ensure fair and safe outcomes. should be forced to work nights. the public.” 14 FOODWORKER
PROPORTION OF THE EMPLOYEE WORKFORCE THAT USUALLY WORKS NIGHT SHIFTS BY SECTOR, 2014
Major occupation group (main job) Male Female Total Managers, Directors And Senior Officials 9.9% 7.8% 9.2% Professional Occupations 8.7% 13.2% 11.1% Associate Professional And Technical Occupations 15.6% 7.1% 12.0% Administrative And Secretarial Occupations 7.4% 1.8% 3.1% Skilled Trades Occupations 13.3% 5.9% 12.5% Caring, Leisure And Other Service Occupations 29.6% 18.5% 20.5% Sales And Customer Service Occupations 10.8% 5.9% 7.6% Process, Plant And Machine Operatives 23.9% 13.2% 22.5% Elementary Occupations 23.4% 10.9% 17.8% Total employee workforce 14.9% 9.7% 12.3% Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS)
BAKER’S ASTHMA – THE NEXT STEPS
Bakery workers are among those who are grounds, because continuing to work in at the highest risk of developing an environment that involved exposure to occupational asthma as a result of the significant levels of flour dust would have substances they use at work, according to caused his condition to deteriorate. This the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). affected his employment prospects and Employers must do more to protect his earning capacity. bakers from the dangers they face at With specialist legal help through work. BFAWU’s legal assistance scheme the According to the HSE, flour dust containing member got the advice he needed to additives is the second most common pursue a successful claim for significant cause of occupational asthma. Dermatitis compensation against his employer (dry, inflamed, itchy skin) and Rhinitis giving him the opportunity to re-train (constant mucus discharge from the nose) and pursue an alternative career path. can also be caused by some bakery tasks. As always with personal injury and A person can develop occupational employment advice through the BFAWU’s asthma as a result of being exposed to legal scheme, not only did the member allergens or by becoming sensitised to get help from experts, that advice came substances in the workplace. Substances free. He got 100% of his compensation which could be hazardous to workers’ – something he would not have got from health in the baking industry include flour a non-specialist High Street Solicitor or a dust, spices and cleaning products. Claims Company off the TV. An employer is always responsible for It is important to note that in all personal looking after the wellbeing of their staff. injury claims there are time limits for when This includes protecting them from the risk court proceedings have to be started. In of any work-based diseases. ‘Controls’ disease cases, such as occupational include measures such as risk assessments asthma, the law says that a court case has on the products used and minimising the to be commenced within three years of the exposure to harmful substances. date the disease was contracted or (if it is The HSE maximum exposure limit (MEL) later) three years of the date the worker for flour dust is 10 mg/m³. An employer was told (or should have realised) their has to make sure that workers’ exposure disease was related to their work. is below the MEL limit as far as reasonably If you go outside these time limits the claim possible. In practice this means introducing is likely to be treated as out of time and any technically achievable and cost- cannot be pursued, so if you have any effective precaution that reduces flour questions, don’t delay, get in touch for a dust. chat. In a recent case we acted for a BFAWU You can contact BFAWU’s legal advice member who was diagnosed with helpline on: 0800 587 7518. occupational asthma shortly after completing his apprenticeship. He had to Tim Hayward leave a job he had trained for, on medical Thompsons Solicitors FOODWORKER 15
RSI is caused by an overuse of muscles ●●Try relaxation techniques if you are on a continued repetitive basis, forceful stressed. exertions or strained or awkward REPETITIVE ●●Take small, frequent breaks rather than posture/positions. The term is used just one long break at lunchtime. to describe the pain felt in muscles, STRAIN nerves and tendons. It is known by many ●●Speak to the employer if you feel that different names: Work-related Upper INJURY (RSI) the working environment could be Limb Disorder, Tenosynovitis, Tendinitis, improved. Tennis Elbow and Epicondylitis. ●●Take steps to reduce the time is spent ●●The condition usually affects parts of doing the activity – or change how you the upper body, such as the forearm, do it. elbow, wrist, hands, neck and shoulders. ●●Seek assistance from Occupational Health with regard to the nature of the ●●Early symptoms include pain or work or the workstation environment. tenderness, stiffness and heaviness, tingling or numbness, cramp and swelling. If you believe that you have symptoms, it is important to get treatment quickly. ●●Symptoms usually commence whilst carrying out repetitive work and Training and information improve when you are not at work It is important for the Employer to give information to workers about the risks of ●●Symptoms can occur from Continuous repetitive strain injury repetition, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Long hours, awkward grips or positions, Workers who appreciate the risks are more badly designed equipment and/or a likely to use the precautions available, but poor working environment. also will be able to recognise early signs and symptoms of RSI. They can then report ●●Most RSI conditions develop over a long period of time rather than Sharon Rigby of these and the employer should then take steps to investigate whether the symptoms suddenly. alkers nion W U are due to the workplace and make Some areas of a bakery have a higher risk explores a painful adjustments accordingly of repetitive tasks than others, such as Packing; Machine Operators, Lifting , subject Health Checks Carrying, Scooping dry ingredients; The nature of work may not cause Mixing; Crumpet Lines, Produce In most cases it is not and so the next stage symptoms in everyone so a system of Department and/or Cleaners. is for employers to minimise the risks to regular health surveillance should be employees from the nature of the work. implemented. Employers' Duties Employers should be aware of the risks The Employer should: Health checks should be done on all and take steps to avoid Employees workers who are exposed on a regular ●●Modify your tasks and duties. carrying out tasks over and over again. basis, on an annual or possible 2-year ●●Implement regular breaks. basis. New starters should be screened Employers are required to carry out a Risk for previous symptoms when they start, Assessment before work begins – ●●Introduce job rotation within your and again after a few months to check identifying any types of job which could department. whether they have started to get any involve repetitive tasks, awkward posture symptoms. Some workers might have had or heavy lifting. ●●Provide suitable work equipment to assist with tasks of a heavy nature. RSI already when they start work. Risk assessments should be reviewed when there is any significant change in the work ●●Carry out regular health monitoring. Employee Protection The Equality Act 2010 covers disabled or workplace and in any event renewed at ●●Make sure that they provide adequate persons, including those with recurring least every 5 years. training about the risk of RSI so that and progressive health conditions, as long employees can recognise symptoms Employers are legally obliged to prevent as they have a substantial and long-term incidents of repetitive strain injury (where and seek treatment immediately. adverse effect on the ability to carry out reasonably possible) under the Health & ●●Check that the work area is suitable normal day-to-day activities. Safety Act 1974 and the Safety at Work and comfortable. Regulations, 1999. They must make sure Under the Equality Act, the employer must that workers and others are protected from What can the Employee Do? also consider making reasonable adjustments such as redeployment, job anything that may cause harm, effectively There are also things an Employee can do rotation, changing working hours or controlling any risks to injury or health that to help reduce the risk of RSI, such as: could arise in the workplace. buying and/or adapting equipment for a ●●Maintain a good posture at work. ‘disabled’ person. Exposure to repetitive tasks or prolonged tasks should be prevented entirely if that ●●Take regular breaks from long or Employers must investigate reported H&S is reasonably practicable. repetitive tasks. problems and take steps to prevent them. 16 FOODWORKER RSI: NVP's Update WHAT TO WATCH
FOR A fantastic example of what we can learn The workers then had to pack the bread In summary, the employer should from children took place in the Arndale by hand onto racks or into baskets. With implement the following: Centre, Manchester. These Children the bread coming off so fast, they couldn't taught members of the public about keep up with the amount coming out of ●●Regular risk assessments at least climate change and the controlling of the the cooler. The barcode reader was not every 5 years and sooner if there carbon production that we produce. They reading the codes and this was causing have been changes. drew many shoppers into their backups. The company turned the readers ●●Regular breaks and job rotation demonstration by holding up placards and off and had them done manually. This and other suitable adjustments. picture boards and a banner which read became cost neutral as the cost of an extra 'Clean Clever Carbon – and it's person was covered by the savings in less ●●The provision of suitable work Alliteration'. waste. equipment and suitable workstations. These children are the researchers of the In Preston, Lancashire County Councillors future, through after-school clubs in rejected planning permission to Cuadrilla ●●Health screening for all workers on gardening and ecology. We must thank to drill four wells to extract shale gas on a regular basis, preferably yearly. their teachers because this is not on the the grounds of the Polic y E P11, in the ●●Instructions to workers on the curriculum, but it gives the children more respect that, 'the cumulative effect of the symptoms to look out for: knowledge to take with them when they proposal would lead to the industrialisation – Pain leave school/college. It helps to bring out of the countryside and adversely affect the – Tenderness the activists in them – able to speak up landscape character.' – Heaviness against capitalism and the few that want This is a great victory for the – Swelling to devastate the planet. communities and the activists who are – Tingling and numbness. The children took to the internet and demonstrating to keep fracking out of ●●Employers should keep detailed researched the issues on global warming the area. – they found that the sea is warming up Occupational Health records. Cuadrilla, however, is planning to appeal and this could have a devastating effect ●Employees should report any against this decision and will take it to the ● to some of the creatures in the sea. symptoms and Employers should government to overturn this decision. We deal with the cause of the injury. They discovered that we waste around a must help the communities defend third of the food made for human their position and prevent this drilling Bringing a Claim for consumption and this is usually thrown into for shale gas from taking place. Compensation – Time Limits landfill sites. This creates Methane which The Tory government energy secretary A person has three years from the date is very harmful to the ozone layer above. Amber Rudd has vowed to deliver fracking they knew (or ought to have known) that These children now want to find out how in Britain. This would be a perfect they were suffering from a work-related waste from food production factors into opportunity for her to realise her vow and injury to either agree settlement proposals the huge scale of climate change, and overturn the decision of the councillors in with their opponents or issue court what could be done to reduce this waste. Preston. proceedings to protect their claim. My belief is that the technology we use A British charity that investigates harmful It is important that as soon as you today is the cause – it is simply running chemicals dangerous to wildlife and consider that symptoms are work- too fast and these firms are putting humans, emphasised the weakness in the related that you contact the Union for quantity before quality. regulations, and the effect to our health if legal assistance. the government carries out its I look at when I first started at the bakery It is also important to seek medical implementation of fracking. in Wigan, (Harvey’s it was known as then) assistance and speak to your Employer. working on the 6sk plant making 1500 Last year, New York, (with a large amount The three year time limit to bring your loaves an hour, all put through by hand. of shale gas beneath its feet) banned claim could run from the date that you first Now they use a 30sk or 50sk plant which fracking for health reasons. The health noticed symptoms if you ought to have can run over 7000 loaves an hour – all commissioner there compared it to passive realised that these were work-related. automated. With just a small breakdown smoking, a risk that wasn’t known about For more information or advice please at the exit of the oven, over 10,000 loaves for decades. The chemicals involved in contact Sharon Rigby at Walkers Union, could be wasted. If this is then sent to a fracking have been associated with breast, Part of Slater and Gordon: landfill site it creates more methane. prostate and testicular cancer. mail: [email protected] Hovis, Wigan had a huge problem in I ask you to email or write to your MPs or visit: www.walkersunion.com waste not long ago, but through listening to fight against it and keep fracking to the shop floor workers they cut the waste out of Lancashire and all over the by over 75%. The problem was simple, all United Kingdom. the slicing machines had stopped, through Peter John Fox the finished goods lines backing up. National Vice President FOODWORKER 17 THE CALL FOR STRONGER UNIONS
Using agency temps to replace striking workers will threaten The strike paid off, but taking strike action had been a huge decision the basic right to strike for all. for the Hovis workers. The strike caused a further deterioration of Two years ago this September, workers at Hovis in Wigan took working relationships, which was only rebuilt following the new strike action and won a landmark victory over increasing zero-hours deal. Committing to three weeks without pay was also something work in their factory, safeguarding an important source of secure no worker took lightly. Even the permanent staff were on employment for the town. comparatively low wages and a strike meant a big impact on already stretched family budgets. This commitment to stand together and However, new government plans to allow employers to use use their last-resort right to strike ultimately paid off for them all, agency workers to break strikes mean that by this time next year, permanent and agency workers alike. their action and the important concessions they won could become …and in the future? impossible for other workers. From next year though, this kind of victory for working people Background to the action could become impossible. The Government are seeking to overturn Hovis are a major employer in Wigan, where they’ve been a longstanding ban on employers using agency workers to break established more than 50 years and employ over 350 staff. The strikes, alongside other restrictive measures in their Trade Union factory works constantly to provide fresh bread and bakery goods Bill. The new measures will make the fundamental right to strike to shops and supermarkets all over the country. almost meaningless. In 2013, workers at the factory became concerned that the Employers would need to be given 14 days’ notice of a strike employers were reducing the number of full time employees and (rather than 7 currently), and would be able to use the time to bringing in more agency workers on zero hour contracts and lower recruit and train agency temp workers – potentially on zero- pay rates. Trust between management and the workforce was being hours and minimum wage contracts – to take over the jobs of eroded, and many were fearful for the security of their livelihoods. striking workers. The Hovis strike worked as the employer needed to maintain Members of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union regular production. Using agency temps, they could more easily (BFAWU) voted for strike action, and staged two one-week cope with stoppages, meaning a strike would have much less effect stoppages in August and September. It was difficult, but the workers on their business, and removing the last power workers have when stood together and won support from others across the region. faced with injustices at work – withdrawing their labour. With a third week of strikes planned, the company returned to Employment relations are much improved at Hovis now, but negotiations and a new deal was agreed with the striking workers. had the employer used agency temps to break the strike, this would The result have totally destroyed trust on both sides. The agency workers Hovis promised to restrict the use of agency workers only to themselves would also have faced a stressful situation, being situations where employed staff were unable to cover the shifts, brought in to undermine existing staff. Limited training in operating rather than bringing in more insecure workers by default. They also the machinery, ovens and vehicles at the bakery could have led to agreed to pay any agency worker with more than 12 weeks’ service real safety risks for people covering strikers’ shifts. We’re campaigning against this damaging change and other the same pay as a full-time employee, reducing the risk of equally harmful measures in the Trade Union Bill, and we’re starting undercutting and of dividing the workforce against each other. with a petition to Business Secretary Sajid Javid, who is leading BFAWU regional organiser Geoff Atkinson said: “We believe the move towards overturning the ban on this tactic. we got everything we wanted. It’s a massive victory for us. We are a Please join us and help make this as big as we can, to protect small union and we took on a company. It should encourage other the fundamental right to strike for all UK workers. people. We’ve proved that if you stick together, you can do away Sign the petition now! with these unscrupulous contracts. We won’t stand for our members John Wood being replaced by agency labour.” 18 FOODWORKER 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENT TO MEMBERS
Under Section 8 of the Trade Union We also report to you if, in our opinion, the 6 Members Complaints Reform & Employment Rights Act 1993, Treasurer’s Report is not consistent with the the Union is obliged to give the following financial statements, if the Union has not A member with any concern over, or Statement of Finances to members. kept proper accounting records, if we have complaint about these Accounts or the handling of the Union’s finances, can avail 1 Salaries not received all of the information and themselves of the following procedures: Executive Council Members – In 2014 explanations we require for our audit, or if payments of £669 were made to members information specified by law regarding Under Rule 25.1 members have the right of the Unions’ Executive Council under officials’ remuneration and transactions to inspect the Union’s books. This can be Rule 21.1 (p). with the Union is not disclosed. done by contacting Head Office. We read the Treasurer’s Report and Members can raise any questions on National Officers – In 2014 the salary and consider the implications for our report other benefits paid to the General Secretary the Union’s Accounts or financial affairs if we become aware of any apparent were £61,702, and to the National President by writing to the Executive Council via misstatements within it or inconsistencies were £60,304. Head Office. with the financial statements. A member who is concerned that some 2 Income and Expenditure Our responsibilities do not extend to any irregularity may be occurring, or have Total Income 2014 = £3,266,712 other information. Total Expenditure 2014 = £2,875,601 occurred, in the conduct of the financial Basis of opinion 3 Contributions from Members affairs of the Union may take steps with We conducted our audit in accordance with a view to investigating further, obtaining Contributions from members in 2014 International Standards on Auditing (UK clarification and, if necessary, securing totalled: £2,692,396 and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices regularisation of that conduct. 4 Political Fund Board. An audit includes examination on a Total Income 2014 = £80,360 test basis, of evidence relevant to the The member may raise any such concern Total Expenditure 2014 = £106,098 amounts and disclosures in the financial with such one or more of the following as it seems appropriate to raise it with: the 5 Auditors Report to Members statements. We have audited the financial statements on It also includes an assessment of the Officials of the Union; the Trustees of pages 1 to 15 which have been prepared significant estimates and judgments made the property of the Union; the auditor or under the historical cost convention and the by the Executive Council in the preparation auditors of the Union; the Certification accounting policies set out on page 7 of the financial statements, and of whether Officer (who is an independent officer This report is made solely to the Union’s the accounting policies are appropriate to appointed by the Secretary of State) and members, as a body, in accordance with the Union’s circumstances, consistently the police. the Trade Unions and Labour Relations applied and adequately disclosed. Where a member believes that the (Consolidation) Act 1992 (Amended). We planned and performed our audit financial affairs of the Union have been or Our audit work has been undertaken so as to obtain all the information and are being conducted in breach of the law so that we might state to the Union’s explanations which we considered necessary or in breach of the Rules of the Union, and in order to provide us with sufficient members those matters we are required contemplates bringing civil proceedings evidence to give reasonable assurance to state to them in an auditors’ report and against the Union or responsible Officials that the financial statements are free from for no other purpose. To the fullest extent or Trustees, s/he should consider obtaining permitted by law, we do not accept or material mis-statement, whether caused by independent legal advice. assume responsibility to anyone other than fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the Union and the Union’s members as a Conclusion body, for our audit work, for this report, or the overall adequacy of the presentation of As normal practice, each Conference for the opinions we have formed. information in the financial statements. delegate was supplied with a copy of the Respective responsibilities of Opinion full, detailed Accounts of the Union for Executive Council and Auditors In our opinion the financial statements give 2014. As described on page 16, the Union’s a true and fair view of the state of the Any member wishing to avail themselves Executive Council is responsible for the Union’s affairs as at 31st December 2014 preparation of the financial statements. It is and of its income and expenditure for the of these Accounts should contact their our responsibility to audit the financial period then ended and have been properly Branch Secretary. Alternatively, copies statements in accordance with relevant legal prepared in accordance with the Trade of the Union’s Accounts for 2014 and the and regulatory requirements and Union and Labour Relations Treasurer’s Report are available from Head International Standards on Auditing (UK (Consolidation) Act 1992 (Amended). Office, free of charge, to members. and Ireland). 30th May 2015 We report to you our opinion as to Kreston Reeves & Co. LLP whether the financial statements give a true Chartered Accountants/Statutory Auditors and fair view and are properly prepared in Griffin House accordance with the Trade Unions and 135 High Street Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act Crawley Ronnie Draper 1992 (Amended). West Sussex RH10 1DQ General Secretary FOODWORKER 19 CONGRATULATIONS!
Janet Goodwin, Project Worker for BFAWU more shocked when Munawara from Leicester Learning Services, was presented with an Award College arrived in the middle of our National from Leicester College on 2nd July for the recognition Steering Group meeting to present it to her. of Support given to Leicester College throughout the She had to pose for her picture without year 2015. any prior warning. She needn’t have worried Janet had found out about the award but thought it as she looks lovely and the sun was shining. was an award for the whole of the Learning Services, Well Done Janet! (and, of course, the rest of so she was shocked to find out that it was actually the Learning Services Team) recognition for her hard work and effort, and even Keep up the good work!
LIKE POLSKA Campaign leaflet 2015
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like polska leaflet.indd 1 30/05/2014 09:07:13 20 FOODWORKER BFAWU OFFICERS AND REGIONAL ADDRESSES
Head Office (email: [email protected]) No 2 Region (email: [email protected]) Mr H Rashid – Organising Regional Secretary Mr A Milne – Regional Officer Stanborough House, Great North Road, 19a West Bute Street Mobile: 07726 902807 Mobile: 07739 326014 (Rear) The Courtyard, email: [email protected] Stanborough, Welwyn Garden City, email: [email protected] Hertfordshire AL8 7TA The Docks Mr I Wood – Organising Regional Secretary Cardiff, CF10 5EP Tel: 01707 260150/259450 No 4 Region (email: [email protected]) Mobile: 07739 326016 Mr R Draper – General Secretary Tel: 02920 481518 348 Chester Road email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Mr D Dash – Regional Officer Cornbrook, Mr S Vickers – Organising Regional Secretary Mr I Hodson – National President Mobile: 07739 326003 Manchester Mobile: 07739 326017 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] M16 9EZ email: [email protected] Also Credit Union Mr G Johnston – Organising Regional Secretary Tel: 0161 872 6621 No 6 Region (email: [email protected]) Tel: 01707 259455 Mobile: 07739 326005 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Mr R Streeter – Regional Officer 2 Tower Road Clondalkin Village Mobile: 07739 326011 No 1 Region (email: [email protected]) Mr J James – Organising Regional Secretary Clondalkin email: [email protected] Sinclair House Mobile: 07739 326004 Dublin 22 email: [email protected] Unit 9, 66 Willoughby Lane Mrs P Nazir – Organising Regional Secretary Mr J Martin – Organising Regional Secretary Tottenham No 3 Region (email: [email protected]) Mobile: 07739 326013 email: [email protected] London N17 0SQ c/o Thompson’s Solicitors email: [email protected] No 7 Region (email: [email protected]) Tel: 0208 801 0980 McLaren Building Mr G Atkinson – Organising Regional Secretary Mr S Finn – Regional Officer 35 Dale End, Birmingham B4 7LF Ist and 2nd Floor Mobile: 07834 930002 157 Bloomfield Avenue Mobile: 07739 326001 Tel: 0121 237 3720 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Belfast Mr G Atwall – Regional Officer BT5 5AB Mr F Loveday – Organising Regional Secretary No 5 Region (email: [email protected]) Mobile: 07739 326009 Mobile: 07739 326002 Tel: 02890 454242 email: [email protected] 10 Greenside email: [email protected] Ms L Graham – Auxiliary Organising Regional Pudsey, West Yorkshire Mr D Hunt – Organising Regional Secretary Mr J Higgins – Organising Regional Secretary Secretary LS28 8PU Mobile: 07793 911326 Mobile: 07739 326012 Mobile: 07739 326020 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Tel: 01132 565925 email: [email protected]
JOIN THE BAKERS, FOOD AND ALLIED WORKERS UNION Application forms from any Shop Steward or, to find out more, complete the form below
WANT TO KNOW MORE? BAKERS, FOOD & ALLIED WORKERS UNION FREEPOST RTKG-RJRE-CJAT Stanborough House Great North Road WELWYN GARDEN CITY AL8 7BR I would like to know more about the benefits of belonging to the Union: Name (Block letters) ...... Address ...... Postcode...... Contact Phone...... Email address ...... Where employed at present...... Occupation......
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Please complete details above and hand to your local representative, Branch Official, egionalR Office (for addresses see above) or send to Head Office at the FREEPOST address shown.