Southend Trades Union Council

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON WEDS. 3 DECEMBER 1997

1.1Present:

1.2 Apologies for absence: Derry Thorpe MSF

1.3 The meeting opened at 7.35 pm and was Chaired by Dave Rossi.

1.4 The minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 1997 were agreed as an accurate record. There were no matters arising.

2.0 STOP THE FEES CAMPAIGN (STFC)

2.1 Apologies were given to the meeting as the planned speaker from STFC was unable to attend.

2.2 Clare Wormald reported on the demonstration held the previous Wednesday which attracted 10,000 people in support of students. A number of Trade Union banners had been on display.

2.3 STFC is seeking affiliations from Trade Union organisations. They have organised letters and petitions calling for the reversal of the Government's decision in conjunction with the NUS.

3.0 BRANCH REPORTS

3.1 BIFU

Ann Joss advised that the last day of industrial action by Barclays staff had received strong support. There will be strikes on Christmas Eve by BIFU members in Royal Bank of Scotland, Midland and Barclays, as the Banks have withdrawn the traditional privilege day from staff.

3.2 MSF

Dave Rossi gave details of the NACE pay talks, at present the Union is awaiting an offer from the employers. There have been rumours that a package of a 3% pay increase, 6 months guaranteed work and a profit sharing scheme may be put on the table.

The MSF will shortly be holding an election for Craft President.

3.3 Essex UNISON

Clare Wormald commented upon the uncertainty faced by UNISON members who are due to be transferred from Essex County Council to Southend Borough Unitary Council. There have been reports of a threat to facilities time for Union Reps and of potential redundancies.

4.0 SERTUC Conference on European Monetary Union (EMU)

4.1 Ann Joss and Ian Pope had attended the Conference on 29/11/97. The Conference had been arranged as part of the TUC's initiative to promote wider discussion of the issues of EMU and the single currency.

4.2 The keynote speakers were John Edmonds - General Secretary of the GMB and Pauline Green MEP - Leader of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament.

4.3 Dave Rossi mentioned that he had attended the Labour Party's European Conference.

5.0 CORRESPONDENCE

5.1 From UNISON Eastern - an open meeting will be held on 4/12/97 to discuss the cuts in services planned by Southend Healthcare Trust.

5.2 TUC - Trades Union Councils programme 97-98.

It was agreed that a discussion on these proposals will be held at our next meeting.

6.0 OTHER BUSINESS

6.1 It was suggested that the Trades Council convene a special meeting to discuss European Structural Funds and invite Richard Howitt MEP.

6.2 A speaker from UNISON will be invited to the next meeting to speak on the issue of local Health Service cuts.

6.3 Next meeting: Wednesday 14 January 1998