December 2005

Secretary’s Report December ’05 info@wolvestuc org.uk Wolverhampton, Bilston & District TUC www.wolvestuc.org.uk

Next delegate meeting is Thursday 15th December seasonal refreshments!!
WB&D TUC’s 141st AGM Thurs 19th Jan 2006

2006 BRANCH AFFILIATION FORMS & OFFICER NOMINATION papers have been sent out PLEASE FOLLOW UP YOUR OWN BRANCH asap
NB wolves.tuc@unisonfree.net no longer works please use info@wolvestuc.org.uk or wolvestuc@blueyonder.co.uk

WB&DTUC – STOP THE WAR . We fear that soon the 100th British soldier will die in Iraq. To date 98 have been killed. It is important that this moment does not pass unnoticed or unprotested. The next day after the 100th soldier’s death is reported there will be 100 similar protests in 100 towns across the country organised by Military Families Against the War http://www.mfaw.org.uk and on that day, we call on supporters to assemble at 5pm Queens Square, Wolverhampton.  07932 797139
The Fire Brigades Union has cancelled further strikes following discussions with employers. Both sides agreed a revised form of words for the offer. No further strike action is planned whilst the Fire Brigades Union ballot their members. The FBU will agree to immediately undertake a joint review with the Authority on the current duty system and shift pattern for operational staff with a view to completion by 31st March 2006 and implementation on that date or as soon as is legally and practicably possible thereafter. The offer made in 12-11-05 will have the status of an interim agreement. This offer included compensatory additional annual leave, re-imbursement of additional travelling costs, and an enhancement of 12.5% on firefighters hourly rate when working a late split shift pattern.
Rahimi Family Must Stay Campaign – We made a donation of £100 to the campaign and wrote to local MPs, Beverley Hughes the Minister for Children & Families seeking her help, and to the Minister of State for Immigration, Tony McNulty MP asking him to grant full refugee status to the family. Our letters have been placed on their case file.
Ali spoke at our delegate meeting about the horrendous difficulties that he and others had trying to organise workers over basic day-to-day disputes. Zohrieh spoke at a previous public meeting we organised about the plight of the family and even little Navid spoke at a demonstration in Manchester recently.
Ken Purchase, their MP has been very supportive as has Roger Lawrence. A number of local trade union branches have already given their support. Please write if you haven’t already.

After Gaza What Next for The Palestinians? – The PSC group held a public meeting 26th November with a Palestine speaker, Christian Aid & Rob Marris, MP. Over 40 people turned up on a Saturday night to hear excellent visual presentations on the current situation and how the ordinary way of life for Palestinians is being disrupted by the Israeli state. “It can be described as like being in Big Brother, but without the fun” said Dr Hawwash.

Members of NATFHE and the AUT have voted overwhelmingly for their unions to merge and create the world’s largest union for post-school academic and academic-related staff, the University and College Union (UCU), with 116,000 members. Amalgamation June 2006, then a transitional year. Full unity June 2007.

TUC Education courses (no Wolverhampton venues):
Venue: WEA Study Room. Manor Farm Community. King George Crescent, Rushall, Walsall WS4 1EG
M132 Shop stewards Stage 1 10 Tuesdays from 24 January
M133 Stepping Up (Stewards Stage 2) 10 Thursdays from 26 January
M134 Health and Safety Stage 1 10 Wednesdays from 25 January
M135 Health and Safety Stage 2 10 Mondays from 23 January
Venue: AMICUS. Terry Duffy House. Thomas Street West Bromwich B70 6NT
M136 Union Representatives Stage 1 10 Tuesdays from 24 January
M137 Health and Safety Stage 1 10 Wednesdays from 25 January

all Applications to: WEA Office. 78-80 Sher!ock Street Birmingham B5 6LT Tel: 0121 660 6101

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