Southend Trades Union Council

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON WEDS. 4 FEBRUARY 1998

1.1 Present:

1.2 Apologies for absence: none received

1.3 The meeting opened at 7.40 pm and was Chaired by Dave Rossi.

1.4 The minutes of the meeting held on 3 December 1997 were agreed as an accurate record.

1.5 Matters arising: Clare Wormald had attended the consultative meeting arranged by the Directors of the Southend Healthcare Trust. The meeting had voted against any cutbacks in services and the Trusts procedure for implementing the cuts.

2.0 BRANCH REPORTS

2.1 Derry Thorpe had attended the December meeting of the Essex Pensioner Association. It had been decided they will be suspending the publication of their magazine Essex Pensioner. They will be holding their AGM on 24 February 1998.

2.2 Derry had attended the last meeting of the Southend Airport Consultative Committee. Planning permission has now been given for a new development at the Airport.

Dave Rossi mentioned that the Labour Group on Rochford Council have opposed this development due to its encroachment into green belt land in the area adjacent to Warners Bridge.

2.3PTC

Ian Pope advised that the formation ofthe new union PCS has been delayed due to a legal challenge to the merger by 6 members. The complaint made to the Certification Officer had been rejected, but the members have appealed against his decision. The appeal will be heard before an Employment Tribunal on 18 - 19 February. In the meantime the PTC and CPSA have to continue as separate Unions, which has caused problems for Branch AGMs and National Executive elections.

2.4 FBU

Graham Noakes reported that the new Combined Fire Authority has announced that it will be making budget cuts of £ 1 & 1/4 million. This will result in 36 job losses and the closure of the Training Centre. This is the fourth year in which cuts have been proposed in the Fire Service. The FBU is considering its response at present.

The Fire Service stands to lose the responsibility for off shore fire fighting in the Thames Estuary, Tilbury Docks and at Clacton. The Chief Fire Officer is seeking sponsorship in order to retain this work. The FBU consider that this amounts to the fIrst steps to privatisation of the Fire Service.

2.5 UNISON

Clare Wormald advised that a shadow Branch meeting has been held between members from Essex County and Southend Borough Councils.

UNISON will be organising a public petition in response to the plans of Southend Council to close several Care Homes within the Borough.

2.6 MSF

Dave Rossi had attended a weekend school on the subject of European Works Councils.

In the recent ballot Roy Harris was elected as MSF Craft President.

3.0 FINANCE

4.0 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

4.1 This year's AGM will be held on Wednesday 4 March 1998 from 7.00 to 7.30 pm.

4.2 The Secretary will send notices to Branches advising them of the date of our AGM and invite nominations for the Officer Posts.

The TUC has requested Trade Union Councils to amend the Model Rules with regard to the relationship with political parties. It was agreed that the proposed Rule change would put forward to the AGM.

4.3 The Secretary's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 1997 was agreed by the meeting. Copies will sent to SERTUC and Essex CATC.

4.4 Members were asked to consider issues for our 1998 Programme of Work.

5.0 CORRESPONDENCE

6.0 OTHER BUSINESS

6.1 It was suggested that the Southend TUC explore the possibilities of arranging an event to commemorate this year's May Day.

6.2 It was agreed to invite Chris Keene to address the next meeting on the subject of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment.

6.3 Next meeting:Following AGM on Wednesday 4 March 1998