SOUTHEND TRADES UNION COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 1st OCTOBER 1997

1.1 Present:

1.2 apologies for absence - none received

1.3 The meeting opened at 7.40 pm and was chaired by Ian Pope.

2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 3rd September 1997 were agreed as an accurate record.

2.2 Matters arisinq

2.3 The Secretary hopes to invite the TUC Youth Officer, Mark Holding, to be the guest speaker at either the November or December meeting.

2.4 Clare Wormald gave a report of the lobby of the Labour Party Conference, which had been attended by 8000 people, with 179 Trade Union banners on display. There was a mood for change in the direction of the Labour Government on a number oft issues.

3.0 BRANCH REPORTS

3.1 BIFU

Ann Joss gave details of the de-recognition of BIFU by Midland Bank to represent 9000 junior and middle managers. Despite this action 70% of this group have retained Union membership. BIFU is looking to the Government's proposed legislation on Trade Union recognition to overturn this decision by the Bank.

3.2 BIFU faces difficulties with recognition and pay negotiations with Pakistani Banks. The Union has been recognised by the United Bank of Pakistan for 17 years - however the top rate of pay for staff is £9000 and the Bank is reluctant to enter pay negotiations. BIFU is contesting the summary dismissal of a junior staff member following a case of fraud.

3.3 Following the merger of Lloyds and TSB, their credit card business will be divided between Brighton and Southend with no job losses.

3.4 It was agreed to send messages of support to BIFU members in the United bank of Pakistan and Midland Bank. In addition, a letter expressing the Council's concern will be sent to the Chief Executive of Midland Bank.

3.5 MSF

Dave Rossi reported on the current pay negotiations with the Heating and Ventilation Contractors Association (HVCA), which have continued for 4 weeks after the stated anniversary date. On offer is a 2 year deal - 4% for this year and 5% in 1998. The employers are proposing a change to calculating overtime on a weekly basis and the introduction of a new grading system. A national conference has been called to debate the proposals, but there is concern that the Union Side's campaign has been weak.

3.6 MSF Southend Craft they have agreed to affiliate to the Council - they have over 100 members and are therefore entitled to 2 delegates.

3.7 PTC

IP gave a brief report on the proposed merger between PTC and the CPSA - a ballot of the membership of both Unions is currently in progress.

4.0 FINANCE

5.0 CORRESPONDENCE

SERTUC Conferences:-

5.1 Appeal from the Trustees of Burston Strike School.

5.2 Bargaining for Skills East - it was agreed to invite Graham Steel the Project Worker for Essex to address a future meeting.

5.3 Kent UNISON - campaign against the sell-off of care homes for the elderly.

6.0 OTHER BUSINESS

6.1 It was agreed to make a donation to the Bookmarks Moving Ideas appeal.

6.2 The meeting agreed to support the UNISON campaign against privatisation at UCLH.

6.3 A financial appeal for the Socialist Worker newspaper was noted.

6.4 It was mentioned that the Trades Council had once owned shares in the Morning Star and the Peoples Press. The Secretary will make enquiries on this matter.

6.5 The meeting closed at 8.30 pm