I was in two minds whether to comment on this. Well here goes.
Loosing a family member in a war you dont believe in is bad enough. But loosing a relative due to 'friendly fire' is doubly tragic.
You would have thought that nations allied in common struggle would support each other to investigate any tragedy. Not so as seen in this link.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6967982.stm
I come from a family with strong links to the military, both UK and US.I understand the sadness this creates. I have to say that it is not good enough to accept in this day and age such mistakes happening when the big western military industries boast of their new technology when selling their weaponry.
Accountability has to rest with the people behind the trigger. My anger tells me this. At the very least there should be much more transparency and redress for the victims families.
It goes without saying that they shouldnt be there in the first place.
Just a quick addition from todays BBC news . While not related to the friendly fire incident this link shows that all is not well in our 'special relationship'.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6973618.stm
Friday, August 31, 2007
Trade Union Freedom
UK Trade Unions are not free. They are controlled.
They are bound by employment legislation introduced by the Tories, campaigned against by Labour and then once elected into power, kept in place by Labour. That is a clear situation recognised by most thinking trade unionists.
Trade Union freedom is the ability of workers to combine , organise and demand on behalf of all workers as a whole without any interference from the state or the employer. Trade Union freedom is the freedom for trade unions to organise on a factory to industrial sector level. An important freedom as well is for Unions to pursue their agenda politically through a 'Workers' Party.
The right to take industrial action is central to Trade Union freedom and should not be 'bargained off' under any circumstances whether it be in the private or public sector. Industrial action is a last resort when negotiation procedures have been exhausted.
Strikes affect the public. Employees are the public. Employers actions affect the public as well. Redundancies, Contract changes, Unfair dismissals, Wage cuts, Long Hours, Lock Outs , to name but a few, are methods employers use which are unpopular with the public.
The Trade Union Freedom Bill
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmbills/032/2007032.pdf
http://www.ier.org.uk/system/files/ier+briefing+with+liverpool+address.pdf
http://www.personneltoday.com/Articles/2007/03/20/39774/the-trade-union-freedom-bill-will-bring-union-law-into-the-21st.html
This Bill will go some way to addressing the unfair imbalance in favour of employers that we have seen in the last 25 or so years.
My view is that this bill doesn't go far enough.But its a start.
Politics needs the input of Trade Unions. It is not living in the past to request that. The 70s were the 70s and scare stories saying that this bill will return the UK to that are quite frankly infantile and therefore out of touch with the modern workplace.
http://www.unitedcampaign.org.uk/
They are bound by employment legislation introduced by the Tories, campaigned against by Labour and then once elected into power, kept in place by Labour. That is a clear situation recognised by most thinking trade unionists.
Trade Union freedom is the ability of workers to combine , organise and demand on behalf of all workers as a whole without any interference from the state or the employer. Trade Union freedom is the freedom for trade unions to organise on a factory to industrial sector level. An important freedom as well is for Unions to pursue their agenda politically through a 'Workers' Party.
The right to take industrial action is central to Trade Union freedom and should not be 'bargained off' under any circumstances whether it be in the private or public sector. Industrial action is a last resort when negotiation procedures have been exhausted.
Strikes affect the public. Employees are the public. Employers actions affect the public as well. Redundancies, Contract changes, Unfair dismissals, Wage cuts, Long Hours, Lock Outs , to name but a few, are methods employers use which are unpopular with the public.
The Trade Union Freedom Bill
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmbills/032/2007032.pdf
http://www.ier.org.uk/system/files/ier+briefing+with+liverpool+address.pdf
http://www.personneltoday.com/Articles/2007/03/20/39774/the-trade-union-freedom-bill-will-bring-union-law-into-the-21st.html
This Bill will go some way to addressing the unfair imbalance in favour of employers that we have seen in the last 25 or so years.
My view is that this bill doesn't go far enough.But its a start.
Politics needs the input of Trade Unions. It is not living in the past to request that. The 70s were the 70s and scare stories saying that this bill will return the UK to that are quite frankly infantile and therefore out of touch with the modern workplace.
http://www.unitedcampaign.org.uk/
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Miserable Workers in Southampton. Where is the Labour Party?
While a lot of New Labour politicians boast about how well things are on planet Brown the reality is always something a bit different.
Back in the late 90s , during Blair's honeymoon period, I remember a lot of talk about the 'feel good factor' . Well after 18 1/2 years of Tory degeneration anything would have been better than another term of Conservative Government. It probably explains why in 1997 the majority of voters, voted against the Tories rather than for Labour, but that is another discussion.
Anyway, I picked this snippet from todays local paper which gives an impression on how people, working people, really feel.
http://www.thisishampshire.net/display.var.1653405.0.a_third_of_employees_are_unhappy_at_work_according_to_a_survey.php
As a member of a so called workers party, I take news like this very seriously. On top of the debt crisis, pension crisis and long hours/low pay crisis in the workplace, Labour Party activists have to accept that a mood is developing in our core voter base that will slap us in the face if we dont address it.
New Labour cynics will probably snigger at my attempts to explain that Socialist policies could readdress the balance away from the rich, but I wont attempt to.
All I just want to know is, apart from saying 'keep wage rises below inflation', which is really wearing thin, what you are going to do about it?
Back in the late 90s , during Blair's honeymoon period, I remember a lot of talk about the 'feel good factor' . Well after 18 1/2 years of Tory degeneration anything would have been better than another term of Conservative Government. It probably explains why in 1997 the majority of voters, voted against the Tories rather than for Labour, but that is another discussion.
Anyway, I picked this snippet from todays local paper which gives an impression on how people, working people, really feel.
http://www.thisishampshire.net/display.var.1653405.0.a_third_of_employees_are_unhappy_at_work_according_to_a_survey.php
As a member of a so called workers party, I take news like this very seriously. On top of the debt crisis, pension crisis and long hours/low pay crisis in the workplace, Labour Party activists have to accept that a mood is developing in our core voter base that will slap us in the face if we dont address it.
New Labour cynics will probably snigger at my attempts to explain that Socialist policies could readdress the balance away from the rich, but I wont attempt to.
All I just want to know is, apart from saying 'keep wage rises below inflation', which is really wearing thin, what you are going to do about it?
Why should we believe Gordon Brown?
The aftermath of the POA action should cause plenty of debate
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6970021.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6968051.stm
Two articles on the BBC site today show the widening gulf between New Labour and the Trade Union movement (for that read all employees in the UK, union and non union)
It is hardly surprising that a normally ‘conservative’ bunch of workers such as prison officer took such action yesterday when you see how bosses rub workers faces in the dirt with their own obscene pay deals. The saying ’conditions determine consciousness’ comes to mind here.
The excuse that Brown uses, against public and private sector workers, that pay rises will upset the economy by causing a rise in inflation , falls on deaf ears.
What Brown has to realise is that a huge amount of workers see a contradiction between his arguments for a sound economy and the way employers stick two fingers up to sensible pay rises. Coupled with increases in profits that companies make , workers will always believe in the potential to get a better pay rise.
What will register amongst workers the most, public or private is the figue 37%. It cant even be justified when you see the golden handshakes that have been given out to directors of failing companies. EMI springs to mind. VirginMedia/Cable and Wireless is another if my memory serves me correct.
And conservatives say to me today that there is no class society?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6970021.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6968051.stm
Two articles on the BBC site today show the widening gulf between New Labour and the Trade Union movement (for that read all employees in the UK, union and non union)
It is hardly surprising that a normally ‘conservative’ bunch of workers such as prison officer took such action yesterday when you see how bosses rub workers faces in the dirt with their own obscene pay deals. The saying ’conditions determine consciousness’ comes to mind here.
The excuse that Brown uses, against public and private sector workers, that pay rises will upset the economy by causing a rise in inflation , falls on deaf ears.
What Brown has to realise is that a huge amount of workers see a contradiction between his arguments for a sound economy and the way employers stick two fingers up to sensible pay rises. Coupled with increases in profits that companies make , workers will always believe in the potential to get a better pay rise.
What will register amongst workers the most, public or private is the figue 37%. It cant even be justified when you see the golden handshakes that have been given out to directors of failing companies. EMI springs to mind. VirginMedia/Cable and Wireless is another if my memory serves me correct.
And conservatives say to me today that there is no class society?
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Dis-Investors in People
Found this bit of news today. It seems yesterdays Morning Star beat me to it as well.
http://www.investorsinpeople.co.uk/Media/PressReleases/Pages/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=34
and
http://www.investorsinpeople.co.uk/Media/PressReleases/Pages/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=33
(there are other reports on the site)
Just another survey confirming the bad morale in today's workplace.I have referred to the pressures workers face elsewhere.
What makes me laugh is the prestige some employers think they will get by having a silver plaque on their wall somewhere saying 'Investor in People'.
What cock!!
Sticking up the odd plaque is not going to improve workplace morale.
Giving your workforce decent above inflation pay and cutting back their hours will.
Any Labour MPs out there listening?
http://www.investorsinpeople.co.uk/Media/PressReleases/Pages/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=34
and
http://www.investorsinpeople.co.uk/Media/PressReleases/Pages/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=33
(there are other reports on the site)
Just another survey confirming the bad morale in today's workplace.I have referred to the pressures workers face elsewhere.
What makes me laugh is the prestige some employers think they will get by having a silver plaque on their wall somewhere saying 'Investor in People'.
What cock!!
Sticking up the odd plaque is not going to improve workplace morale.
Giving your workforce decent above inflation pay and cutting back their hours will.
Any Labour MPs out there listening?
Solidarity with the POA/ Repeal the Anti Trade Union laws
A very interesting and exciting day. I am still on holiday , by the way , so I could waste my time lounging on my sofa cheering on the brave Prison Officers.
I followed both BBC and Sky News coverage. I found the BBC coverage decidedly anti ,until loads of emails were sent in criticising . Excuses were rustled up when criticism was levelled at the way prison reps and in particular Steve Gough of the POA were being interviewed.
Why don't you give Jack Straw, Justice Minister, the same treatment was asked. Apparently he had a prior appointment. Likewise Brown was busy.
What contempt these Labour Leaders who receive Trade Union money at election time show.
The POA were very well organised and deserve credit for the way they handled the dispute. Special mention should go to Steve Baines, the rep at Liverpool who really represented his members well, as reported by the BBC.
By the way ,to the BBC reporter I say, the word is 'Arse'.
No one will be offended.
As the crisis in our workplaces mounts up , and by that I mean long hours, low pay, low morale, bullying bosses, unreasonable requests, household debt, crap pensions, etc,etc,etc, I can see more brave challenges like this to the government and the employers they represent.
It is fair and democratic for all workers to ask for a complete repeal of the Tory Anti Trade Union Laws.
http://www.politics.co.uk/news/opinion-former-index/business-and-industry/govt-condemns-illegal-prison-officer-strike-$477732.htm
I followed both BBC and Sky News coverage. I found the BBC coverage decidedly anti ,until loads of emails were sent in criticising . Excuses were rustled up when criticism was levelled at the way prison reps and in particular Steve Gough of the POA were being interviewed.
Why don't you give Jack Straw, Justice Minister, the same treatment was asked. Apparently he had a prior appointment. Likewise Brown was busy.
What contempt these Labour Leaders who receive Trade Union money at election time show.
The POA were very well organised and deserve credit for the way they handled the dispute. Special mention should go to Steve Baines, the rep at Liverpool who really represented his members well, as reported by the BBC.
By the way ,to the BBC reporter I say, the word is 'Arse'.
No one will be offended.
As the crisis in our workplaces mounts up , and by that I mean long hours, low pay, low morale, bullying bosses, unreasonable requests, household debt, crap pensions, etc,etc,etc, I can see more brave challenges like this to the government and the employers they represent.
It is fair and democratic for all workers to ask for a complete repeal of the Tory Anti Trade Union Laws.
http://www.politics.co.uk/news/opinion-former-index/business-and-industry/govt-condemns-illegal-prison-officer-strike-$477732.htm
Victory to the Prison Officers
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6968105.stm
Every Daily Mail readers nightmare!!
Seriously, this dispute has been brewing for a while. Huge support for the strike from the Prison Officers. Picket lines have appeared all over the country.
Government sources have anounced that the strike is' illegal' and BBC news says that there will be court action next Tuesday.
To sequestrate or not to sequestrate? The mood of the Officers suggest that they couldnt care less.The conditions and pay of these workers need to improve and no amount of discussions and negotiations have been able to settle their grievances.
They have no choice.
It is obvious that the measily 2.5% offered to public sector workers is an insult to all. The Prison Officers are just doing what hopefully will be seen throughout the Public Sector.
Every Daily Mail readers nightmare!!
Seriously, this dispute has been brewing for a while. Huge support for the strike from the Prison Officers. Picket lines have appeared all over the country.
Government sources have anounced that the strike is' illegal' and BBC news says that there will be court action next Tuesday.
To sequestrate or not to sequestrate? The mood of the Officers suggest that they couldnt care less.The conditions and pay of these workers need to improve and no amount of discussions and negotiations have been able to settle their grievances.
They have no choice.
It is obvious that the measily 2.5% offered to public sector workers is an insult to all. The Prison Officers are just doing what hopefully will be seen throughout the Public Sector.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Is a crisis looming with the UKs personal debt?
Got these two links that raises important questions especially in view of what is happening in the US at the moment.
Its official, personnal debt in the UK is higher than its GDP!!
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/article/733184/britain-red/
http://www.esrc.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/PO/releases/2005/June/index8.aspx?ComponentId=11054&SourcePageId=11059
Most working families I know survive on debt. It is easier to get a loan than ask for a pay rise. I have even heard one worker use the point to me that he wouldn't get involved with the union because all he has to do is take out a loan instead of joining in with any collective request/action for more pay!
What is clear to me is that the low paid in local government will not be able to rely on the pathetic offers they have been getting to take them out of the debt trap.Every time the government asks workers to save, for example for their pension, I know it falls on many deaf ears. How can you save with massive loans around your neck?
It is undoubtably very easy to get a loan.The celebro-society we live in encourages a lot of the 18-25/30 age group to live outside their means to be al 'blingy'. Golf GTI or flashy Subaru? Car Loan. Rolex watch or something covered in jewells? Loan. Top of the range Nike trainers? In store loan.Credit on your new mobile phone? The list is endless. Whats more this age group seems to go for the loans with the high APR. This is because these are the easiest loans to get and where you could see individuals paying almost twice what they have been loaned.
For many of the young if your job doesnt pay enough, leave for something else. There might be better pay ie something that pays with commission. How many of this age group go from job to job. I know some people who have had 30 odd jobs before they reach the age of 25! I would love to see the stats! Is this really the sign of a successful economy?
The government, in my view has relied heavily on the past credit boom in many ways. Its kept the UK retail industry head above the water for a start. Also the credit card companies and banks have done extremely well. It made the economy look 'good' and 'successful'. The question now asked is how well this bodes for the future?
The government putting any controls on the credit industry would not work. Asking workers to not take credit and be frugal and save wont work either. We are seeing ingredients being chucked into the cooking pot that will be unsustainable for what is called the 'future prosperity of the economy'. If the so called credit boom, and I think we should call it a credit problem now, boils over we could be looking at a major crisis.
It will be hard working families knocking at the door of the government when the 'credit boom' implodes. Meanwhile all unions should raise this issue in their pay negotiatons. The gap between the rich and poor is increasing and employers are making bigger profits then ever before. They are drowning in profit and the city are gorging themseves with this ocean of money. Instead of getting loans we should be organising around reducing the wealth gap between employers and employees. The employer needs to be challenged in the workplace and politically until loans are not relied upon as a main source of income.
(thought I would add a link to IDOM with their latest take
http://www.marxist.com/uk-interest-rates270807.htm)
Its official, personnal debt in the UK is higher than its GDP!!
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/article/733184/britain-red/
http://www.esrc.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/PO/releases/2005/June/index8.aspx?ComponentId=11054&SourcePageId=11059
Most working families I know survive on debt. It is easier to get a loan than ask for a pay rise. I have even heard one worker use the point to me that he wouldn't get involved with the union because all he has to do is take out a loan instead of joining in with any collective request/action for more pay!
What is clear to me is that the low paid in local government will not be able to rely on the pathetic offers they have been getting to take them out of the debt trap.Every time the government asks workers to save, for example for their pension, I know it falls on many deaf ears. How can you save with massive loans around your neck?
It is undoubtably very easy to get a loan.The celebro-society we live in encourages a lot of the 18-25/30 age group to live outside their means to be al 'blingy'. Golf GTI or flashy Subaru? Car Loan. Rolex watch or something covered in jewells? Loan. Top of the range Nike trainers? In store loan.Credit on your new mobile phone? The list is endless. Whats more this age group seems to go for the loans with the high APR. This is because these are the easiest loans to get and where you could see individuals paying almost twice what they have been loaned.
For many of the young if your job doesnt pay enough, leave for something else. There might be better pay ie something that pays with commission. How many of this age group go from job to job. I know some people who have had 30 odd jobs before they reach the age of 25! I would love to see the stats! Is this really the sign of a successful economy?
The government, in my view has relied heavily on the past credit boom in many ways. Its kept the UK retail industry head above the water for a start. Also the credit card companies and banks have done extremely well. It made the economy look 'good' and 'successful'. The question now asked is how well this bodes for the future?
The government putting any controls on the credit industry would not work. Asking workers to not take credit and be frugal and save wont work either. We are seeing ingredients being chucked into the cooking pot that will be unsustainable for what is called the 'future prosperity of the economy'. If the so called credit boom, and I think we should call it a credit problem now, boils over we could be looking at a major crisis.
It will be hard working families knocking at the door of the government when the 'credit boom' implodes. Meanwhile all unions should raise this issue in their pay negotiatons. The gap between the rich and poor is increasing and employers are making bigger profits then ever before. They are drowning in profit and the city are gorging themseves with this ocean of money. Instead of getting loans we should be organising around reducing the wealth gap between employers and employees. The employer needs to be challenged in the workplace and politically until loans are not relied upon as a main source of income.
(thought I would add a link to IDOM with their latest take
http://www.marxist.com/uk-interest-rates270807.htm)
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Southampton's Tory council to introduce Private wheel clamping firm
http://www.thisishampshire.net/display.var.1643909.0.plans_to_bring_in_wheel_clamping_across_city.php
Bit of a turn up but no surprise really.
Desperate to raise funds to fill council coffers, Thatchers disciples at Southampton City Hall are recruiting a private firm to enforce a car clamping policy. Targets and commission for the clampers will mean all kinds of abuses being committed against innocent drivers while the minority who regularly abuse parking, usually rich Tories themselves, remain hardly unscathed.
I wonder if the money raised will be invested into a subsidised public transport system to get people out of their cars?
Somehow I doubt it.
Just out of interest I think it sensible to mention that the Councillor responsible for introducing this scheme is Tory Cllr Dick.
Bit of a turn up but no surprise really.
Desperate to raise funds to fill council coffers, Thatchers disciples at Southampton City Hall are recruiting a private firm to enforce a car clamping policy. Targets and commission for the clampers will mean all kinds of abuses being committed against innocent drivers while the minority who regularly abuse parking, usually rich Tories themselves, remain hardly unscathed.
I wonder if the money raised will be invested into a subsidised public transport system to get people out of their cars?
Somehow I doubt it.
Just out of interest I think it sensible to mention that the Councillor responsible for introducing this scheme is Tory Cllr Dick.
Why support a referendum?
I am for a Socialist United Europe.
I am against a Capitalist United Europe , as we have now and what is beginning to turn into a flexi- economy for the rich employer.
There I said it.
I have watched the debate with interest. Bob Crow was on Newsnight the other day and came over convincingly. Bobs a decent socialist and internationalist. His position is a million miles from the Capitalist Tory party and their mates in the UKIP.
It is important that the left build an independent socialist position on the referendum issue in order to steer well clear of the cowboys, spivs and hillbillies of the Tory right such as Nigel Farage. ( UKIP, Tory party , no difference in my view)
The Trade Union and Tory...sorry New Labour position is here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6962092.stm
The GMB and RMT position is commendable. I would like to see some other Unions throw their weight behind it. At the moment Brown seems to feel the TUC will back the government position against a referendum.
Workers in this country need a say on stronger workers rights. Brown is a million miles from this position.
I am against a Capitalist United Europe , as we have now and what is beginning to turn into a flexi- economy for the rich employer.
There I said it.
I have watched the debate with interest. Bob Crow was on Newsnight the other day and came over convincingly. Bobs a decent socialist and internationalist. His position is a million miles from the Capitalist Tory party and their mates in the UKIP.
It is important that the left build an independent socialist position on the referendum issue in order to steer well clear of the cowboys, spivs and hillbillies of the Tory right such as Nigel Farage. ( UKIP, Tory party , no difference in my view)
The Trade Union and Tory...sorry New Labour position is here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6962092.stm
The GMB and RMT position is commendable. I would like to see some other Unions throw their weight behind it. At the moment Brown seems to feel the TUC will back the government position against a referendum.
Workers in this country need a say on stronger workers rights. Brown is a million miles from this position.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Scottish & Newcastle Dispute
http://www.iuf.org/cgi-bin/dbman/db.cgi?db=default&uid=default&ID=4517&view_records=1&ww=1&en=1
Important victory for members at this Reading Brewery. The Unite (TGWU Section) faced quite a battle initially but I am glad the determination of the workforce brought about a pretty decent deal. Congratulations to the members and to Organiser Mick Polleck.
It shows that a determined united workforce can bring about improvements in terms and conditions. It is also one in the eye for those lame cowards in New Labour who have written off the working class and argue that they are not prepared to struggle.
Mick is a good comrade of mine and so deserves congratulations with the members in their resolute stance.
The TGWU take on the dispute is here
http://www.tgwu.org.uk/Templates/System/Other.asp?NodeID=93632
An earlier press release is here giving useful background.
http://www.tgwu.org.uk/Templates/News.asp?NodeID=93615&int1stParentNodeID=89396&int2ndParentNodeID=89396&Action=Display
The votes in favour of strike action should be noted.
Please note the links to the dispute in Brisbane, Australia. Well worth a read.
Important victory for members at this Reading Brewery. The Unite (TGWU Section) faced quite a battle initially but I am glad the determination of the workforce brought about a pretty decent deal. Congratulations to the members and to Organiser Mick Polleck.
It shows that a determined united workforce can bring about improvements in terms and conditions. It is also one in the eye for those lame cowards in New Labour who have written off the working class and argue that they are not prepared to struggle.
Mick is a good comrade of mine and so deserves congratulations with the members in their resolute stance.
The TGWU take on the dispute is here
http://www.tgwu.org.uk/Templates/System/Other.asp?NodeID=93632
An earlier press release is here giving useful background.
http://www.tgwu.org.uk/Templates/News.asp?NodeID=93615&int1stParentNodeID=89396&int2ndParentNodeID=89396&Action=Display
The votes in favour of strike action should be noted.
Please note the links to the dispute in Brisbane, Australia. Well worth a read.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Few days holiday in London
Just come back from a short break in London. Four nights at the Grosvenor in Harrington Road , Kensington. How posh. 3 nights board only for £33 a night!! One of those Internet offers. Brilliant!
As I come up with the family every year to see the sights I am completely overwhelmed by the efficiency of the public transport system . The Tube is bloody brilliant. Even waiting for 15 minutes during Thursdays delays was more tolerable than the ridiculous bus service in Southampton or Portsmouth (one every half hour if you are lucky)
The buses were good too. At one point waiting for a bus, 5 turned up , all different competing companies. The wonders of privatisation, 5 different half full buses.
Sight of the week , which made me ponder the effectiveness of Parking regulations happened Monday night into Thursday morning. Opposite the Hotel some young bourgeois in a Lamborghini parked outside the posh flats. Following morning they were ticketed and clamped and photographed. All well and good. It then took another couple of visits by different traffic wardens and then one of those vehicle removal trucks , which stopped and went three times before getting to grips with the perp.
After the removal the road side remained clear until later in the evening when the Lamborghini returned for the nights parking.
Fine paid, small change for the perp and two fingers to London and its traffic enforcement.
When are we going to see means testing for fines? That will stop the rich bastards taking the piss.
On another note I enjoyed the lack of litter. Again compared to Southampton or Portsmouth we were hugely impressed with how litter free the city was. Except for those bloody stupid freebie papers that are almost forced upon you practically everywhere you go.Most are taken but some inevitably end up being chucked. Doesnt Murdoch own one of the freebie papers?
Charge him for the clear up
As I come up with the family every year to see the sights I am completely overwhelmed by the efficiency of the public transport system . The Tube is bloody brilliant. Even waiting for 15 minutes during Thursdays delays was more tolerable than the ridiculous bus service in Southampton or Portsmouth (one every half hour if you are lucky)
The buses were good too. At one point waiting for a bus, 5 turned up , all different competing companies. The wonders of privatisation, 5 different half full buses.
Sight of the week , which made me ponder the effectiveness of Parking regulations happened Monday night into Thursday morning. Opposite the Hotel some young bourgeois in a Lamborghini parked outside the posh flats. Following morning they were ticketed and clamped and photographed. All well and good. It then took another couple of visits by different traffic wardens and then one of those vehicle removal trucks , which stopped and went three times before getting to grips with the perp.
After the removal the road side remained clear until later in the evening when the Lamborghini returned for the nights parking.
Fine paid, small change for the perp and two fingers to London and its traffic enforcement.
When are we going to see means testing for fines? That will stop the rich bastards taking the piss.
On another note I enjoyed the lack of litter. Again compared to Southampton or Portsmouth we were hugely impressed with how litter free the city was. Except for those bloody stupid freebie papers that are almost forced upon you practically everywhere you go.Most are taken but some inevitably end up being chucked. Doesnt Murdoch own one of the freebie papers?
Charge him for the clear up
Sunday, August 19, 2007
What impartiality?
I noticed this report today on the BBC website.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6947857.stm
Come on you Tory half wits. The ex red Ken and his views are so middle of the road there is no way physically or psychologically, that they can be lumped into the traditional lefty bucket.
What dimwits such as Brian Coleman (a Tory London Assembly member) struggle to comprehend is that the current New Labour philosophy, by Tony Blair's own admittance , a few years back, owes quite a bit to their ex leader Thatcher ( I think the quote, one of many, was 'I believe Mrs Thatcher's view on enterprise was right')
Anyway, because of this there will be nothing new coming from the Tory party while we have Thatchers legacy being ably carried on by the tiny rump of New Labour leaders. Even Redwood, with his recent contribution to the neo-con cooking pot is not going to present any serious challenge. Oddly, I begin to wonder if there are one or two Labour MPs who agree with what he has been saying.
I hope I am not being too cynical. Am I?
Tories have never had it so good.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6947857.stm
Come on you Tory half wits. The ex red Ken and his views are so middle of the road there is no way physically or psychologically, that they can be lumped into the traditional lefty bucket.
What dimwits such as Brian Coleman (a Tory London Assembly member) struggle to comprehend is that the current New Labour philosophy, by Tony Blair's own admittance , a few years back, owes quite a bit to their ex leader Thatcher ( I think the quote, one of many, was 'I believe Mrs Thatcher's view on enterprise was right')
Anyway, because of this there will be nothing new coming from the Tory party while we have Thatchers legacy being ably carried on by the tiny rump of New Labour leaders. Even Redwood, with his recent contribution to the neo-con cooking pot is not going to present any serious challenge. Oddly, I begin to wonder if there are one or two Labour MPs who agree with what he has been saying.
I hope I am not being too cynical. Am I?
Tories have never had it so good.
Where is the Market going? The working class doesnt care, at the moment!!
Like everyone on the left, I have been following the current worldwide market crisis with interest. The typical lefty reaction is normally to predict imminent collapse and world revolution.
Well I am not going to rule that out quite yet.
But my laid back approach is more to gloat at the apologists of Capitalism, triumphant after the collapse of the old Soviet Union and the planned economy it represented, however deformed, and how they shit wall-bricks over the problems this current market crisis, and all past ones, inevitably cause.
So much for the new world order.If the world economy was a car I would be checking the free ads for a more reliable model.
How many times has this type of event happen in the last 15 years or so? Luckily, at this current stage, our unelected capitalist class dig themselves out of the mess and are unfortunately not held to account. Their time will come.
Long may the credit boom continue.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6953649.stm
Well I am not going to rule that out quite yet.
But my laid back approach is more to gloat at the apologists of Capitalism, triumphant after the collapse of the old Soviet Union and the planned economy it represented, however deformed, and how they shit wall-bricks over the problems this current market crisis, and all past ones, inevitably cause.
So much for the new world order.If the world economy was a car I would be checking the free ads for a more reliable model.
How many times has this type of event happen in the last 15 years or so? Luckily, at this current stage, our unelected capitalist class dig themselves out of the mess and are unfortunately not held to account. Their time will come.
Long may the credit boom continue.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6953649.stm
Friday, August 17, 2007
Ex UKIP MEP shows true colours
Nutty would be Nazi ex UKIP MEP has finally got his comuppance. Kicked out of the UKIP by Nigel Farage for fibbing about being done for benefit fraud on his application form.As an independent he joined a far right coalition in the Euro Parliament.
And there was me thinking that these guys were whiter than white 'patriots'.
A pathetic loser bites the dust.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6251561.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6951841.stm
And there was me thinking that these guys were whiter than white 'patriots'.
A pathetic loser bites the dust.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6251561.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6951841.stm
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Mexican Teens work for nothing
Hot on the tail of yesterdays blog about Tesco's I thought I would bring WalMart into the equation.Not short of a bob or two, WalMart are the largest retailer in the US if not the world. Their staff are called 'associates'!!
I am amazed by this report of Mexican teenagers 'volunteering ' to pack bags for customers. Again a modern high-tech retail company taking advantage of the poor in a most cynical way.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20056614/site/newsweek/from/RS.5/
I am amazed by this report of Mexican teenagers 'volunteering ' to pack bags for customers. Again a modern high-tech retail company taking advantage of the poor in a most cynical way.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20056614/site/newsweek/from/RS.5/
Iraq. Out with the old boss , In with the new
Spare a thought for the Oil workers Union of Iraq.
There may be some illusions that the post Saddam Iraq has the green shoots of a fledgling European style democracy. But when it comes to oil , which by the way we are told the US/UK invasion of Iraq was not about, the old state repression is as good as any to stop the Oil Unions exercising their freedoms.
Concerns have been raised in the Business pages of today's Observer (link below). Isn't it interesting, as the article points out, that many of the other middle eastern oil producing countries control their own oil. State control doesn't seem the option in Iraq though.
Will our Labour government with its new leadership lead the way and condemn the measures of the Iraq government in suppressing genuine Trade Union organising efforts?
Somehow I don't think so. This is maybe a 'right' too far.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,2141671,00.html
There may be some illusions that the post Saddam Iraq has the green shoots of a fledgling European style democracy. But when it comes to oil , which by the way we are told the US/UK invasion of Iraq was not about, the old state repression is as good as any to stop the Oil Unions exercising their freedoms.
Concerns have been raised in the Business pages of today's Observer (link below). Isn't it interesting, as the article points out, that many of the other middle eastern oil producing countries control their own oil. State control doesn't seem the option in Iraq though.
Will our Labour government with its new leadership lead the way and condemn the measures of the Iraq government in suppressing genuine Trade Union organising efforts?
Somehow I don't think so. This is maybe a 'right' too far.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,,2141671,00.html
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Tesco. A wonderful place to work?
I am sure I am not the only one who finds the growth of Tescos into every pore of UK society like a plague. Personally I find our choice of retailer, especially locally here in Southampton, being restricted more and more often to the detriment of local smaller community shops by this company. Unless you hide under a stone you will know that Tesco's is the most successful/profitable retailer in the UK. Blimey dont they want to rub your faces in it!
A have met quite a few people , including the odd trade unionist and the odd Labour Party member, demonstrating to me what a wonderful company Tesco is to work for.
Well , in the UK this company has a partnership approach to the Trade Union USDAW and many workers I have spoken to have protested that USDAW is in 'cahoots with the management'!! These same workers (who wrongly resigned from the union) cited the reason as the Unions support for Tesco's draconian sickness and absence policy amongst other things.
Ok, the jury might be out on that one, but a number of initiatives especially in Union learning have to be applauded. Usdaw are also in the forefront of campaigns organising around protection for workers against violence from customers, an ever increasing problem. All well and good.
An USDAW activist (a good militant lefty no less) at a local distribution centre told me that over a third of Tesco employees are in Usdaw nationally. My reckoning makes that roughly about 100'000 out of a total 300'000 staff. If those figures are true then workers are in a far weaker position than the 'partnership' demonstrates.
Personally I dislike 'cosy' relationships with employers. I have to speak as I find.
Rarely do you hear of industrial problems or disputes between Tesco staff and the company.The recent one in Scotland with the TGWU drivers at a distribution centre, is the only one that stands out but I certainly cant remember a dispute with the main recognised Union. This is not meant to be a rant against USDAW as I know quite a few of their stewards and they are a credit to the movement. USDAWs history is worth further study to demonstrate that they have always been in the forefront of the struggle against injustice in the retail trade.(see http://tribunehistory.blogspot.com/ a good site for Union History)
Ultimately I have to ask does Tesco deserve to be this 'worker friendly' giant that demonstrates how capitalism works?
Well todays Guardian showed the international side of the retail monster.
http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,2141068,00.html
The main supermarkets and Tesco in particular have a stranglehold on the food supply in this country. The race to the bottom in food prices are often accompanied by a race to the bottom in terms and conditions for the workers from the check out tills to those in the supplier companies. Farmers and agricultural workers take the full brunt of this offensive and a stage has to soon come where these same workers say enough is enough. Often , as pointed out in the Guardian article, Tesco's can be tainted with the murkier side of exploitation of migrant labour in agriculture.
Allegedly!!
Union organisation can lead this protest, and the fight to defend and improve terms and conditions needs to be taken to Tesco's.
Maybe a coordinated approach by all the Unions involved down the supply chain would be a huge step forward in helping workers get a bigger slice of the massive profits Tesco makes.
After all , every little helps!
A have met quite a few people , including the odd trade unionist and the odd Labour Party member, demonstrating to me what a wonderful company Tesco is to work for.
Well , in the UK this company has a partnership approach to the Trade Union USDAW and many workers I have spoken to have protested that USDAW is in 'cahoots with the management'!! These same workers (who wrongly resigned from the union) cited the reason as the Unions support for Tesco's draconian sickness and absence policy amongst other things.
Ok, the jury might be out on that one, but a number of initiatives especially in Union learning have to be applauded. Usdaw are also in the forefront of campaigns organising around protection for workers against violence from customers, an ever increasing problem. All well and good.
An USDAW activist (a good militant lefty no less) at a local distribution centre told me that over a third of Tesco employees are in Usdaw nationally. My reckoning makes that roughly about 100'000 out of a total 300'000 staff. If those figures are true then workers are in a far weaker position than the 'partnership' demonstrates.
Personally I dislike 'cosy' relationships with employers. I have to speak as I find.
Rarely do you hear of industrial problems or disputes between Tesco staff and the company.The recent one in Scotland with the TGWU drivers at a distribution centre, is the only one that stands out but I certainly cant remember a dispute with the main recognised Union. This is not meant to be a rant against USDAW as I know quite a few of their stewards and they are a credit to the movement. USDAWs history is worth further study to demonstrate that they have always been in the forefront of the struggle against injustice in the retail trade.(see http://tribunehistory.blogspot.com/ a good site for Union History)
Ultimately I have to ask does Tesco deserve to be this 'worker friendly' giant that demonstrates how capitalism works?
Well todays Guardian showed the international side of the retail monster.
http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,2141068,00.html
The main supermarkets and Tesco in particular have a stranglehold on the food supply in this country. The race to the bottom in food prices are often accompanied by a race to the bottom in terms and conditions for the workers from the check out tills to those in the supplier companies. Farmers and agricultural workers take the full brunt of this offensive and a stage has to soon come where these same workers say enough is enough. Often , as pointed out in the Guardian article, Tesco's can be tainted with the murkier side of exploitation of migrant labour in agriculture.
Allegedly!!
Union organisation can lead this protest, and the fight to defend and improve terms and conditions needs to be taken to Tesco's.
Maybe a coordinated approach by all the Unions involved down the supply chain would be a huge step forward in helping workers get a bigger slice of the massive profits Tesco makes.
After all , every little helps!
Deaths in the Workplace
Disturbing figures courtesy of the HSE. A little bit worrying in this day and age. The cuts in the HSE are sure not to assist matters and while we see increased casualisation in the workforce in the name 'of flexibility' theses figures could be worse next year.
The following is from a HSE email forwarded to me. (Sorry for the cut n paste)
CO11:07 26 July 2007
241 lives LOST is UNACCEPTABLE
Launching the latest work related fatal injury statistics today Health and Safety Commission (HSC) Chair Sir Bill Callaghan said the loss of 241 lives is unacceptable and issued a fresh challenge to industry to place safety at the top of its priorities and do more to protect the work force.
Sir Bill said, "It is disappointing to see that the overall number of deaths has risen. We have worked hard with industry and trade unions over the past few years to bring the number down. Behind every one of these numbers was a man or a woman, with a life, friends and family. Despite all the negative stories written and told about over-bureaucracy and banning ‘fun’, in reality trying to stop the tragedies we are talking about today is what health and safety is all about."
The latest statistics presented today suggest that the provisional figure for the number of workers fatally injured in 2006/07 is 241, and corresponds to a rate of fatal injury of 0.80 per 100 000 workers. In 2005/06, the finalised figures were 217 and 0.72 respectively; these were the lowest annual figures on record. This indicates an overall increase of 11 per cent since the last year. Although a long-term downward trend is still clear, the rate of decrease has slowed over the last 15 years and there has been very little change in the overall rate over the last five years.
Of the main industrial sectors, construction has the highest total of fatal injuries and accounts for 31% of all fatal injuries to workers. Other industries such as agriculture, waste and recycling and issues such as protection of vulnerable workers, particularly migrant workers also pose significant challenges.
HSE’s internal monitoring systems had signaled an increase in fatalities in construction and so the unvalidated statistics collected through the year has led to plans to address the areas of concern. To tackle the level of fatalities in the construction sector HSE today confirmed continuing focus on its inspection programme targeting the refurbishment and repair sectors as these sectors in particular have seen an increase in fatal injuries. HSE will also be working very closely with stakeholders to address the problem to rising fatalities.
HSE Chief Executive Geoffrey Podger added to this message saying, "Those who are putting the lives of their workforce at risk should know that HSE takes this very seriously. In the past year we have approved 25% more prosecutions than the year before and our inspectors have served 1000 more enforcement notices. No one should believe that they can get away with serious breaches of health and safety."
At the end of a briefing event today Sir Bill reiterated his message, "I have to remind you that safety is ultimately the responsibility of those who manage and direct companies and those who work for them. Today’s statistics are disappointing and distressing but improvements can still be made. They must be made. HSC/E is taking action. The ball now lies firmly in the industry’s court."
In many areas there have been some real improvements compared with statistics from last year, and despite the figures announced today, the long term fatal-injury trends are still downward. However, the real challenge for HSE and the industry now is to move on from the plateau of the last five years, and to renew our efforts and revive the major gains made in previous years.
- Ends –
Headline statistics:
Industry Sector
Workers
Rate per 100,000 workers
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
34
8.1
Manufacturing
35
1.1
Construction
77
3.7
Service Industries
85
0.35
Extractive and utility supply
10
6.0
Overall
241
0.80
Notes to Editors
1. The reporting of health and safety incidents at work is a statutory requirement, set out under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). A reportable incident includes: a death or major injury; any accident which does not result in major injury, but the injured person still has to take four or more days off their normal work to recover; a work related disease; a member of the public being injured as a result of work related activity and taken to hospital for treatment; or a dangerous occurrence (which does not result in a serious injury, but could have done).
2. European comparisons are compiled independently by Eurostat and relate to figures published in 2004.
3. More information about HSE can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk
4. HSE publishes a full range of workplace health and safety statistics, these can be viewed at: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/index.htm
Press enquiries
Newsdesk 020 7717 6700
Out of hours 020 7928 8382
Public enquiries
HSE's InfoLine 0845 3450055
Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG
HSE information and news releases can be accessed on the Internet www.hse.gov.uk/
The following is from a HSE email forwarded to me. (Sorry for the cut n paste)
CO11:07 26 July 2007
241 lives LOST is UNACCEPTABLE
Launching the latest work related fatal injury statistics today Health and Safety Commission (HSC) Chair Sir Bill Callaghan said the loss of 241 lives is unacceptable and issued a fresh challenge to industry to place safety at the top of its priorities and do more to protect the work force.
Sir Bill said, "It is disappointing to see that the overall number of deaths has risen. We have worked hard with industry and trade unions over the past few years to bring the number down. Behind every one of these numbers was a man or a woman, with a life, friends and family. Despite all the negative stories written and told about over-bureaucracy and banning ‘fun’, in reality trying to stop the tragedies we are talking about today is what health and safety is all about."
The latest statistics presented today suggest that the provisional figure for the number of workers fatally injured in 2006/07 is 241, and corresponds to a rate of fatal injury of 0.80 per 100 000 workers. In 2005/06, the finalised figures were 217 and 0.72 respectively; these were the lowest annual figures on record. This indicates an overall increase of 11 per cent since the last year. Although a long-term downward trend is still clear, the rate of decrease has slowed over the last 15 years and there has been very little change in the overall rate over the last five years.
Of the main industrial sectors, construction has the highest total of fatal injuries and accounts for 31% of all fatal injuries to workers. Other industries such as agriculture, waste and recycling and issues such as protection of vulnerable workers, particularly migrant workers also pose significant challenges.
HSE’s internal monitoring systems had signaled an increase in fatalities in construction and so the unvalidated statistics collected through the year has led to plans to address the areas of concern. To tackle the level of fatalities in the construction sector HSE today confirmed continuing focus on its inspection programme targeting the refurbishment and repair sectors as these sectors in particular have seen an increase in fatal injuries. HSE will also be working very closely with stakeholders to address the problem to rising fatalities.
HSE Chief Executive Geoffrey Podger added to this message saying, "Those who are putting the lives of their workforce at risk should know that HSE takes this very seriously. In the past year we have approved 25% more prosecutions than the year before and our inspectors have served 1000 more enforcement notices. No one should believe that they can get away with serious breaches of health and safety."
At the end of a briefing event today Sir Bill reiterated his message, "I have to remind you that safety is ultimately the responsibility of those who manage and direct companies and those who work for them. Today’s statistics are disappointing and distressing but improvements can still be made. They must be made. HSC/E is taking action. The ball now lies firmly in the industry’s court."
In many areas there have been some real improvements compared with statistics from last year, and despite the figures announced today, the long term fatal-injury trends are still downward. However, the real challenge for HSE and the industry now is to move on from the plateau of the last five years, and to renew our efforts and revive the major gains made in previous years.
- Ends –
Headline statistics:
Industry Sector
Workers
Rate per 100,000 workers
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
34
8.1
Manufacturing
35
1.1
Construction
77
3.7
Service Industries
85
0.35
Extractive and utility supply
10
6.0
Overall
241
0.80
Notes to Editors
1. The reporting of health and safety incidents at work is a statutory requirement, set out under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). A reportable incident includes: a death or major injury; any accident which does not result in major injury, but the injured person still has to take four or more days off their normal work to recover; a work related disease; a member of the public being injured as a result of work related activity and taken to hospital for treatment; or a dangerous occurrence (which does not result in a serious injury, but could have done).
2. European comparisons are compiled independently by Eurostat and relate to figures published in 2004.
3. More information about HSE can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk
4. HSE publishes a full range of workplace health and safety statistics, these can be viewed at: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/index.htm
Press enquiries
Newsdesk 020 7717 6700
Out of hours 020 7928 8382
Public enquiries
HSE's InfoLine 0845 3450055
Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG
HSE information and news releases can be accessed on the Internet www.hse.gov.uk/
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