While still ludicrously claiming to be the party of the ordinary worker, the Labour Government have been putting in its own overtime defending the British opt-out from the Working Time Directive. Refusing to give way to the resolution which was led by Jean and passed by the European Parliament in recent months, our government continues to stand up for the 'right' of big business to exploit ordinary working people.
Meanwhile, you can see just how hard Jean has been working in her latest e-newsletter.
Also, further to the recent article on this blog about the Putting People First march, you may be interested to see the Green Party statement on the massive police overreaction in London over the last few days. Again, it is indicative of the Government we have, and how far it is from the Government we need, that they allow this kind of brutality to occur without a word of criticism or censure. Let's start voting in politicians who'll allow the people to speak, and who'll listen to them when they do!
Showing posts with label trade unions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trade unions. Show all posts
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Saturday, 28 March 2009
Put People First
As you may have seen - perhaps you were even there - the Put People First coalition organised a demonstration today in central London, to 'welcome' the G20 to the city. The march, calling for action on 'Jobs, Justice and Climate', was attended by around 50,000 people and supported by over 150 different organisations - from NGOs, to trade unions, to grassroots community groups. For its part, the Green Party organised its members to attend, and numerous party placards with the inscriptions "Brown Out - Green Power" and "Workers for the World Unite" could be seen throughout the march.
Of course, demonstrations like this are important for many reasons - to bring together a movement that can often feel disparate - to call for change and make plain opposition to the status quo - and to provide a 'hook' to start building longer lasting alternatives for the future.
As you would expect, Greens on the march were pointing out at every opportunity that it makes no sense just to lobby politicians, when we also have the power to elect ones that we agree with in the first place! As the latest in our series of highlighted issue videos from Jean makes plain below, our current Green MEPs have a fantastic record on workers rights, and on standing up for ordinary people. Lets get them re-elected to Strasbourg in the next few months!
As ever, should you want to make a much appreciated donation to Jean's re-election campaign, you can just click on the button on the right. If you have more time to give than money, then please do get in touch via reelectjean@hotmail.co.uk - there is always something to do!
Of course, demonstrations like this are important for many reasons - to bring together a movement that can often feel disparate - to call for change and make plain opposition to the status quo - and to provide a 'hook' to start building longer lasting alternatives for the future.
As you would expect, Greens on the march were pointing out at every opportunity that it makes no sense just to lobby politicians, when we also have the power to elect ones that we agree with in the first place! As the latest in our series of highlighted issue videos from Jean makes plain below, our current Green MEPs have a fantastic record on workers rights, and on standing up for ordinary people. Lets get them re-elected to Strasbourg in the next few months!
As ever, should you want to make a much appreciated donation to Jean's re-election campaign, you can just click on the button on the right. If you have more time to give than money, then please do get in touch via reelectjean@hotmail.co.uk - there is always something to do!
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Videos of Jean at 'Greening Work' meeting
As covered in an earlier post on this blog, Jean recently spoke at a meeting addressing the subject of Work-Life Balance and the Greening of Work, and the particular role of trade unions on these issues. This post at the Green Party Trade Union Group blog has a lot of further details, including a full video record of Jean's speech, and her responses during the Q+A session. The press release from the GPTU follows below.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND THE GREENING OF WORK - THE ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS
London's Green MEP, Jean Lambert, speaks of a hopeful future at Green Party Trade Union Group public meeting.
With the world facing a "triple-crunch" -- climate change, peak oil and the credit-fuelled financial crisis - Jean Lambert, London's Green MEP, told a public meeting organised by the Green Party Trade Union group in Euston on Saturday Feb 21 that the Party was working, in consultation with unions, non-governmental organisations and experts - towards a complete model for a new economy - a complete Green new deal that was "international, intergenerational and inclusive".
Some aspects of what were needed were clear, she said. First, Britain had to make a large investment in green jobs: "There are 22 million homes in the UK that need a comprehensive package of energy efficiency. A complete retrofit of Britain's housing to Green standards would create more than half a million jobs. More jobs could be created by improved public transport."
She continued: "The whole focus of trade policy has to change to focus on production methods and the outcomes for producers, rather than just prices to consumers.
"And there has to be a recognition that we cannot rely on the private sector to delivery core public sector services. Even Peter Mandelson is talking about a post office bank. That's great, if you can still find a post office."
In moving towards a low-carbon, environmentally friendly economy, an effective framework was particularly necessary for vulnerable industries such as coal and vehicle-manufacturing, she said. Those workers needed a structured system of retraining, of subsidies to redirect production. "The rule is to make resources redundant, rather than people."
It was essential to acknowledge that many people were now suffering a deep fear and insecurity about the future, she said. "We have to give them hope that the economy and society can be managed better, that Britons can feel their life belongs to them, rather than their being tied on to a daily treadmill whose speed they can't control. People need to feel that their life is grounded in family and community, rather than a cycle of money chasing non-existent money."
Other speakers at the meeting were: Tony Kearns, CWU senior deputy general Secretary; Sian Jones, a member of the Trade Union Sustainable Development Advisory Committee Working Group; and Ann Elliot-Day, PCS communications officer.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND THE GREENING OF WORK - THE ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS
London's Green MEP, Jean Lambert, speaks of a hopeful future at Green Party Trade Union Group public meeting.
With the world facing a "triple-crunch" -- climate change, peak oil and the credit-fuelled financial crisis - Jean Lambert, London's Green MEP, told a public meeting organised by the Green Party Trade Union group in Euston on Saturday Feb 21 that the Party was working, in consultation with unions, non-governmental organisations and experts - towards a complete model for a new economy - a complete Green new deal that was "international, intergenerational and inclusive".
Some aspects of what were needed were clear, she said. First, Britain had to make a large investment in green jobs: "There are 22 million homes in the UK that need a comprehensive package of energy efficiency. A complete retrofit of Britain's housing to Green standards would create more than half a million jobs. More jobs could be created by improved public transport."
She continued: "The whole focus of trade policy has to change to focus on production methods and the outcomes for producers, rather than just prices to consumers.
"And there has to be a recognition that we cannot rely on the private sector to delivery core public sector services. Even Peter Mandelson is talking about a post office bank. That's great, if you can still find a post office."
In moving towards a low-carbon, environmentally friendly economy, an effective framework was particularly necessary for vulnerable industries such as coal and vehicle-manufacturing, she said. Those workers needed a structured system of retraining, of subsidies to redirect production. "The rule is to make resources redundant, rather than people."
It was essential to acknowledge that many people were now suffering a deep fear and insecurity about the future, she said. "We have to give them hope that the economy and society can be managed better, that Britons can feel their life belongs to them, rather than their being tied on to a daily treadmill whose speed they can't control. People need to feel that their life is grounded in family and community, rather than a cycle of money chasing non-existent money."
Other speakers at the meeting were: Tony Kearns, CWU senior deputy general Secretary; Sian Jones, a member of the Trade Union Sustainable Development Advisory Committee Working Group; and Ann Elliot-Day, PCS communications officer.
Monday, 16 February 2009
Greening Work
Jean will be speaking at a public meeting on Saturday 21st February, being organised by the Green Party Trade Union Group and focusing on the role of trade unions in building a green economy. Well worth a visit, I'd say....
GREEN PARTY TRADE UNION GROUP & London Federation of Green Parties
PUBLIC MEETING: ALL WELCOME
Work-Life Balance, Greening Work and the Role of Trade Unions
The world is plunging headlong into recession, but could these difficult times provide the opportunity for a 'New Green Deal' or a 'Just Transition' from our current economic system, which cause economic & ecological disaster? What will this new economy be like? How can workers' rights be defended as it is built?
Date: Saturday 21 February, 2pm-5pm
Venue: St Pancras Church Hall , Lancing Street, off Eversholt Street, London, NW1 1AN. Next to Euston BR, tube and bus stations.
SPEAKERS:
Jean Lambert MEP, Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London. Jean will be talking about her Green Work report and work-life balance, giving a European context.
Tony Kearns, CWU Senior Deputy General Secretary. Tony will give a national union perspective.
Anne Elliott-Day, PCS, Public and Commercial Services Union. Anne will explain the importance of trade union green representatives.
Sian Jones, TUC/Trade Union Sustainable Development Advisory Committee. Sian will be talking about trade union initiatives to green the workplace.
**ALL WELCOME**
This event is FREE, but you should reserve a place by emailing Pete Murry - yrrumuk@yahoo.co.uk or call 07736 525 187
GREEN PARTY TRADE UNION GROUP & London Federation of Green Parties
PUBLIC MEETING: ALL WELCOME
Work-Life Balance, Greening Work and the Role of Trade Unions
The world is plunging headlong into recession, but could these difficult times provide the opportunity for a 'New Green Deal' or a 'Just Transition' from our current economic system, which cause economic & ecological disaster? What will this new economy be like? How can workers' rights be defended as it is built?
Date: Saturday 21 February, 2pm-5pm
Venue: St Pancras Church Hall , Lancing Street, off Eversholt Street, London, NW1 1AN. Next to Euston BR, tube and bus stations.
SPEAKERS:
Jean Lambert MEP, Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London. Jean will be talking about her Green Work report and work-life balance, giving a European context.
Tony Kearns, CWU Senior Deputy General Secretary. Tony will give a national union perspective.
Anne Elliott-Day, PCS, Public and Commercial Services Union. Anne will explain the importance of trade union green representatives.
Sian Jones, TUC/Trade Union Sustainable Development Advisory Committee. Sian will be talking about trade union initiatives to green the workplace.
**ALL WELCOME**
This event is FREE, but you should reserve a place by emailing Pete Murry - yrrumuk@yahoo.co.uk or call 07736 525 187
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Green union reps
Jean has been working for many years on trade union issues, particularly in the areas of public services, opposition to privatisation, and the environment in the workplace. On the last issue, she was the co-sponsor of a Parliamentary Written Declaration in 2008 (number 88/2008), calling for legally mandated 'green reps' in workplaces. The idea has been championed by trade unions as a way to deliver greener workplaces through collective agreements between employers, employees and unions.
Dedicated green reps would raise environmental awareness as well as negotiate for the introduction of new environmental practices, and would have legal protection (as health and safety reps currently do, for example) and time during work to pursue environmental issues.
Over half of carbon emissions in the UK are work-related, so businesses have a vitally important role to play in tackling climate change.
Jean, who sits on the Employment and Social Affairs Committee in the European Parliament said:
"Dedicated union green reps have the potential to raise awareness of environmental issues and help to change behaviour in the workplace. They would also help deliver significant environmental improvements through engagement between employers and the workforce that will help the UK shift to a low carbon economy.
"There is huge potential for trade union members to play a significant role as green representatives at work, but to perform their role effectively they need legal recognition and the right to undertake relevant training and duties."
The Green Party of England and Wales adopted a motion at their last conference calling for Green Reps to be recognised under the law. This was put forward by Jean, and was passed unanimously. Jean has also recently published her new report on Green Work, which highlights the importance of giving Green Reps legal status.
To give credit where it is due, the Written Declaration was co-signed by Alejandro Cercas of the Socialist Group and Luigi Cocilovo from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.
To dole out some shame where it is deserved, six out of the other eight London MEPs didn't bother to sign the declaration. Another sign of why we need progressive MEPs like Jean in the Parliament.
************************************************************************************
WRITTEN DECLARATION pursuant to Rule 116 of the Rules of Procedure by Jean Lambert, Caroline Lucas, Alejandro Cercas and Luigi Cocilovo on workers’ environmental representatives
0088/2008
Written declaration on workers’ environmental representatives
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas, given the EU Sustainable Development Strategy, the European Council (Presidency Conclusions, 8-9 March 2007) has committed to 2020 EU targets of 20-30 % reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption reductions of 20 %, and 20 % of energy demand from renewables, and the Commission has proposed renewable energy targets for each Member State,
B. whereas industry’s meeting of environmental targets should be undertaken in a just way, requiring the active participation and support of employees and workplace representatives,
C. whereas trade unions are ideally placed to promote, implement, and help develop best environmental workplace practice,
D. whereas some employers and trade unions have developed environmental workplace policies, and workers’ environmental representatives are recognised in some workplaces,
1. Calls on the Council and Commission to acknowledge the importance of trade unions and workers’ environmental representatives in meeting environmental challenges, particularly delivering on the EU’s Sustainable Development Strategy and climate change and environmental objectives;
2. Calls on the Council and Commission to work to secure rights for workers’ environmental representatives, including time for relevant training, the undertaking of workplace environmental audits and other duties;
3. Calls on Member States to afford workers’ environmental representatives these aforementioned rights, and to work with trade unions and employers to achieve environmental objectives in the most just way;
4. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, the Council, the Commission and Member States.
Dedicated green reps would raise environmental awareness as well as negotiate for the introduction of new environmental practices, and would have legal protection (as health and safety reps currently do, for example) and time during work to pursue environmental issues.
Over half of carbon emissions in the UK are work-related, so businesses have a vitally important role to play in tackling climate change.
Jean, who sits on the Employment and Social Affairs Committee in the European Parliament said:
"Dedicated union green reps have the potential to raise awareness of environmental issues and help to change behaviour in the workplace. They would also help deliver significant environmental improvements through engagement between employers and the workforce that will help the UK shift to a low carbon economy.
"There is huge potential for trade union members to play a significant role as green representatives at work, but to perform their role effectively they need legal recognition and the right to undertake relevant training and duties."
The Green Party of England and Wales adopted a motion at their last conference calling for Green Reps to be recognised under the law. This was put forward by Jean, and was passed unanimously. Jean has also recently published her new report on Green Work, which highlights the importance of giving Green Reps legal status.
To give credit where it is due, the Written Declaration was co-signed by Alejandro Cercas of the Socialist Group and Luigi Cocilovo from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.
To dole out some shame where it is deserved, six out of the other eight London MEPs didn't bother to sign the declaration. Another sign of why we need progressive MEPs like Jean in the Parliament.
************************************************************************************
WRITTEN DECLARATION pursuant to Rule 116 of the Rules of Procedure by Jean Lambert, Caroline Lucas, Alejandro Cercas and Luigi Cocilovo on workers’ environmental representatives
0088/2008
Written declaration on workers’ environmental representatives
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas, given the EU Sustainable Development Strategy, the European Council (Presidency Conclusions, 8-9 March 2007) has committed to 2020 EU targets of 20-30 % reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption reductions of 20 %, and 20 % of energy demand from renewables, and the Commission has proposed renewable energy targets for each Member State,
B. whereas industry’s meeting of environmental targets should be undertaken in a just way, requiring the active participation and support of employees and workplace representatives,
C. whereas trade unions are ideally placed to promote, implement, and help develop best environmental workplace practice,
D. whereas some employers and trade unions have developed environmental workplace policies, and workers’ environmental representatives are recognised in some workplaces,
1. Calls on the Council and Commission to acknowledge the importance of trade unions and workers’ environmental representatives in meeting environmental challenges, particularly delivering on the EU’s Sustainable Development Strategy and climate change and environmental objectives;
2. Calls on the Council and Commission to work to secure rights for workers’ environmental representatives, including time for relevant training, the undertaking of workplace environmental audits and other duties;
3. Calls on Member States to afford workers’ environmental representatives these aforementioned rights, and to work with trade unions and employers to achieve environmental objectives in the most just way;
4. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, the Council, the Commission and Member States.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Britain needs green union reps
Jean has been working for a long time on the issue of 'green reps' in Britain's workplaces - and today you can see her opinions at the Guardian's Comment Is Free website. Of course, as is the nature of that particular site, a few of the comments are....interesting....but, importantly, we are continuing to get the word out about the valuable work that our Green MEPs are doing!
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