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From The Socialist newspaper, 28 May 2014
Workplace news in brief
Construction workers protest
NSSN members and other trade unionists joined construction workers on a day of action on 23 May. This national day of action was against the increasing attempts by large construction companies to refuse to employ workers directly. Workers are being forced to go through 'umbrella' companies and are expected to pay large sums just to get their wages processed.
On the same day a further protest took place in Northampton against blacklisting in the construction industry. The headquarters of the Danish owned employment agency Atlanco Rimec was occupied. This agency has been exposed on Danish TV as operating a blacklist.
Local government ballot
Local government trade unions are currently balloting for strike action after the National Joint Council for Local Government Services' refusal to negotiate over its 1% final pay offer. The unions are fighting for a £1.20 an hour increase on all pay points.
The Unison ballot closes on 23 June, with the Unite and GMB ballots running over a similar timescale. If the ballots are in favour of action the strike is likely to be coordinated for 10 July.
Mark Harding
Transport union RMT branch secretary Mark Harding appeared in court on 23 May on trumped up charges arising from the London Underground dispute over ticket office closures. Outrageously, Mark is facing imprisonment under the anti-trade union laws and is waiting for a verdict on 2 June. Mark was held in custody for 13 hours after his arrest. Draconian bail conditions were only dropped when the union's lawyers intervened.
A group of MPs and trade union leaders have backed the call for a fair trial and for the anti-trade union laws to be abolished.
Heathrow Express
RMT members working on the Heathrow Express are striking on 23 and 24 May and 26 and 27 May. This is in response to multi-million pound cuts which threaten pay, jobs and safety. 201 jobs are under threat as a result of the company attempting to pass Civil Aviation Authority cuts to the Heathrow Airport budget directly onto the workforce.
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In The Socialist 28 May 2014:
Socialist Party election analysis
2014: The 'rejection election'
Euro elections revolt against capitalist establishment
Local elections 2014: A good base for TUSC to build on
Election appeal - don't delay!
International socialist news and analysis
India: resistance will grow after Modi victory
Socialist Party news and analysis
Unemployment kills: Fight for jobs
Privatisation threatens postal service
Socialist Party workplace news
PCS conference: Preparing for more battles
Care UK workers plan more action
NUT supports coordinated action on 10 July
Land Registry strike may just be the beginning
Wales TUC: If it wasn't for the socialists...
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Anti-cuts rally defies council ban and BNP
Nottingham: Fighting the Bedroom Tax
Bradford campaign for £10 an hour
The Socialist readers' comments
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