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Issue 8
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Time for a New Deal for working people
Today is May Day, the day when around the world we celebrate working people and how they contribute to our societies. Unite general secretary Len McCluskey has recorded this message of solidarity, and calls for a ‘New Deal’ for workers – decent pay and secure, safe work.
Safety
Government supports Unite’s call and confirms construction workers eligible for testing
Matt Hancock has confirmed that workers who have to leave home to go to work, including construction workers, are now eligible for COVID-19 testing, along with their immediate family. The move came after Unite wrote to the health secretary calling for the move.
Carlsberg can delivery drivers secure social distancing and PPE agreement
Drivers employed by logistics company Bibby, which supplies cans for drinks manufacturers including Carlsberg, have won an agreement on health and safety after threatening to walk out.
Jobs
Victory as Marriot hotel workers go on job retention scheme
Marriott International finally agreed to furlough its 1,500 casual workers after a campaign by Unite’s hospitality sector.
Workers can’t pay the price again
After the financial crisis working people paid the price through cuts to jobs, pay and public services. Once stabilised, the big question of the pandemic will once again be, who pays for the crash, writes Unite executive officer Sharon Graham.
British Airways mass sackings are “unlawful and immoral”
Len McCluskey warns the national carrier’s unilateral decision to abandon the principles and intent of the job retention scheme and instead make workers redundant undermines the work that Unite and the industry have been doing with government to secure a financial package and strategy for the entire sector.
Wages
500 workers at EDF Energy will be furloughed on 100 per cent pay
Unite has negotiated for nearly 500 EDF Energy workers to be furloughed on 100 per cent pay during the coronavirus pandemic.
Manchester transport workers furloughed on full pay
Over 100 transport workers employed by Transport for Greater Manchester have been furloughed on full pay thanks to the collective strength of the trade unions there.
Southend Stobart Air staff furloughed after Unite intervention
Unite has ensured that over 30 of its members employed as cabin crew by Stobart Air will now be furloughed.
Wales taxi rank permit payments suspended after Unite campaign
Unite Wales secured an important victory when Transport for Wales Rail agreed to defer taxi rank permit charges, to the considerable relief of taxi drivers whose wages have fallen off a cliff since the lockdown.
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Unite in West Lothian Council 