Congress 2002 Agenda

nominations and motions for the 134th annual Trades Union Congress. 9-12 September 2002, Blackpool

Contents

• Special Notices
• Section 1 rights at work
• Section 2 equal rights
• Section 3 economic and industrial affairs
• Section 4 pensions and welfare
• Section 5 Europe
• Section 6 international
• Section 7 learning and skills
• Section 8 protecting people at work
• Section 9 promoting trade unionism
• Section 10 campaigns and communications
• Section 11 TUC organisation
• nominations

special notices

1 Grouping committees

Where the Congress General Purposes Committee consider it necessary, unions with motions and amendments that can be grouped together will be asked to meet as a Grouping committee to see whether composite motion(s) can be agreed. Details of the time and place of the meeting will be sent to general secretaries of the unions concerned. Unions must ensure that they are represented at such meetings by an official with authority to make decisions on behalf of the union.

2 Composite motions

As a result of the work of Grouping committees and of suggestions made to the union concerned by the Congress General Purposes Committee, some of the motions and amendments printed in this agenda may be merged into composite motions and others may be withdrawn.

The first report of the Congress General Purposes Committee is printed and circulated to delegates with the composite motions. It is presented to Congress by the Committee Chair on Monday morning. The Chair of the GPC will announce any further alterations in, or deletion from, this agenda during the proceedings of Congress. Any further composite or emergency motions will be printed and circulated to delegates as soon as possible after they have been approved by the GPC.

3 Speakers

It is the responsibility of the union concerned to see that a delegate is present to move any motion or amendment standing in its name. Delegates are asked to give their own name and the name of their union at the start of the speech.

4 Timing of speeches

Subject to the terms of any alternative or suspension by Congress of the Standing Orders, the mover of a motion will be allowed five minutes, the seconder three, and each succeeding speaker three minutes. A delegate shall not speak more than once on a question, except the mover of the original proposition, who shall have the right of reply. A green light will appear on the rostrum at the start of each speaker’s time. One minute before the end of the time allowed a yellow light will appear and at the end of the permitted time a red light will appear.

5 Telling

The arrangements for Telling are made in the light of the number and the position of the seats allotted to each delegation. Delegates in charge of voting cards can therefore help in the taking of card votes by remaining during the vote in the places originally allotted them in the seating plan (Congress Guide).

6 Rules

The Rules and Standing Orders of the TUC are printed in the General Council Report.

7 Order of business

A programme of business indicating the order in which motions and paragraphs of the General Council Report are to be taken will be printed in the Congress Guide which is circulated to delegates by the beginning of Congress. The programme is only provisional but will be adhered to as closely as the circumstances of Congress permit.

Section 1 rights at work

1 EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS AND INFORMATION/CONSULTATION

Congress welcomes the Directive on Information/Consultation which will encourage high performance workplaces by creating a framework for transforming employment relations and which has the potential to provide new organising opportunities for unions if the transposition is robust. Campaigning for a transposition which enhances union recognition arrangements must be central to the TUC’s Employment Rights Campaign. Congress calls on the Government to establish:

i) permanent arrangements for information and consultation through the representatives of independent trade unions recognised by employers or, in non-unionised situations, through representatives independently elected by workers;

ii) a statutory procedure enabling recognised unions or employees to initiate negotiations with management about establishing information and consultation arrangements, with reference to the Central Arbitration Committee if management fails to respond;

iii) statutory default arrangements providing a basic constitution for information and consultation;

iv) clear requirements on timing and subject matter for consultation; and

v) speedy and effective sanctions with strong enforcement mechanisms.

Congress instructs the General Council to:

a) lobby MPs on these issues as a major part of the Employment Rights Campaign;

b) organise a conference to brief unions about the issues involved; and

c) prepare materials for use on union education courses.

Congress welcomes the Government’s review of the Employment Relations Act and reaffirms its policy adopted in Composite 1, carried at the 2001 Congress, which is included in the TUC’s submission. Congress calls on the General Council to initiate a broad-based campaign to achieve these aims while the review is undertaken.

Graphical, Paper and Media Union

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 3, line 4, after '2001 Congress', delete to end of sentence and insert:

'Congress welcomes the historic ECHR decision in the Wilson/Palmer case, and recognition that UK laws regulating trade union rights to representation and bargaining are too restrictive. Congress calls on the Government to ensure its ERA review is broad enough to ensure UK laws are brought in line with international standards.'

National Union of Journalists

AMENDMENT

In the final paragraph, line 5, insert a new sentence after 'submission':

'Congress urges the Government to fulfil requirements of ILO Convention 87 by repealing legislation preventing the TUC from recovering authority to regulate effectively relations between affiliates and by guaranteeing the right of employees to have a union of their choice recognised in a workplace, not that of their employer.'

ISTC - The Community Union

2 EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS AND INFORMATION/CONSULTATION

Congress welcomes the Directive on Information/Consultation which will encourage productivity by creating a framework for transforming employment relations and which, if the transposition is effective, has potential to provide new organising opportunities for unions. Campaigning for a new rights which enhance existing union recognition arrangements should be a key part of the TUC’s Employment Rights Campaign. Congress calls on the Government to establish:

i) permanent arrangements for information and consultation through the representatives of independent trade unions recognised by employers, otherwise through representatives independently elected by workers;

ii) a statutory procedure enabling recognised unions or employees to initiate negotiations with management about establishing information and consultation arrangements, with reference to the Central Arbitration Committee if management fails to respond;

iii) statutory default arrangements providing a basic constitution for information and consultation;

iv) clear requirements on timing and subject matter for consultation; and

v) speedy and effective sanctions with tough enforcement mechanisms.

Congress instructs the General Council to:

a) lobby MPs on these issues as part of the Employment Rights Campaign;

b) organise a briefing conference for unions about the issues involved; and

c) prepare materials for use on union education courses.

Congress welcomes the Government’s review of the Employment Relations Act and calls on the General Council to submit a response which reflects existing Congress policy on employment rights. Congress calls on the General Council to lobby MPs while the review is undertaken.

UBAC

3 EMPLOYMENT LAW

Congress calls for the repeal of all the anti-trade union laws and in particular those introduced by the previous Tory governments. But also repeal is required of the anti-union laws introduced by the present Labour Government, specifically the obligation on unions engaged in a legitimate trade dispute to assist the employer by providing information to enable the employer to make strike breaking plans. Amongst the anti-union laws needing to be removed is the ancient common law rule which holds that any worker taking any form of industrial action is in breach of his or her contract of employment.

These anti-union laws mean that since May 1997 (as before) the UK remains in breach of international obligations which include:

i) International Labour Organisation, Conventions 87 and 98;

ii) The Social Charter of the Council of Europe, Articles 5 and 6; and

iii) The United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Article 8.

Congress also criticises the changes to employment tribunal law brought about by the Employment Act 2002 which were designed specifically to deny access to the tribunals to one third of the 130,000 workers who otherwise seek to enforce their rights each year.

Congress resolves to work closely with the United Campaign to Repeal the Anti-Union Laws, in particular by giving support to the demonstration and rally to be held in London on 29th March 2003.

National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 1, lines 1 to 5, delete all from 'Congress' through to 'specifically' and substitute 'Congress welcomes the Government’s review of the Employment Relations Act and calls for the repeal of anti-trade union laws. Congress calls on the

Government to remove'

In paragraph 4, line 1, delete all after 'the' through to the end and substitute 'other organisations who support policies determined by Congress to promote a positive framework of law.'

Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

AMENDMENT

Insert new paragraphs 3 and 4:

'Congress condemns employers who penalise employees by making excessive deductions from wages after industrial action or docking pay for ‘partial performance’ or failure to sign an undertaking to provide ‘faithful service’.

Congress calls upon the Government to ban these practices and to permit employees to complain to tribunals about them.'

NATFHE — The University & College Lecturers’ Union

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 1, lines 1-2, delete all from 'Congress' through to 'laws' and replace with:

'Congress calls for the early implementation of the TUC’s policy for the repeal of all the anti-trade union laws'

Delete final paragraph and replace with:

'Congress resolves to support demonstrations and rallies on this issue as part of an active campaign to achieve these aims.'

National Union of Journalists

AMENDMENT

Insert new paragraph 4:

'Congress welcomes the TUC employment rights campaign and leaflets - Modern Rights for Modern Workplaces. Congress anticipates that the TUC will build on that campaign and calls for a series of public meetings around the UK, organised in co-operation with other labour movement-based organisations working for improvements in employment law.'

Fire Brigades’ Union

AMENDMENT

Insert new paragraph 3:

'Furthermore, the legislation, ostensibly aimed at protecting the rights of the individual, provides opportunities for self-interested minorities to destabilise, by vexatious behaviour, the constitutional objectives and operation of their trade unions. The absence of a fast-tract procedure to appeal against Certification Office decisions also serves to fuel internal conflict.'

Musicians’ Union

4 SUB-CONTRACTING AND FALSE SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN CONSTRUCTION

Congress notes recommendation 7 of the Cullen Inquiry into the Ladbroke Grove train crash, which calls for a reduction in the number of sub-contractors operating on Britain’s rail network. Congress calls on the Government to apply similar recommendations to other industries with a sub-contracting culture. The construction industry’s appalling safety record reinforces the need for government action. A reliance on sub-contracting and atypical working relationships in construction has created one of the most dangerous working environments of any industry. The construction industry, which employs 7% of the total labour force, accounts for a third of all work-related fatalities.

Congress also notes the report, Undermining Construction, which estimates that there are 361,000 false self-employed operatives in the construction industry.

Congress calls on the Government to take action to reduce the number of sub-contractors operating in the construction industry. In particular Congress strongly urges the Government to take measures to deal with the problem of false self-employment.

Congress notes the Government’s commitment to a review of Section 23 of the Employment Relations Act and that the proposed review will focus on employment rights for workers. Congress supports a broader review which will aim to harmonise employment status classification across all government departments.

Congress also calls on the Treasury to review the construction industry’s tax scheme so that there is a single category of self-employed for tax purposes, and that they qualify for this category by passing a business test.

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

5 CASUALISATION

Congress notes with concern the continuing use of fixed-term contracts (FTCs) across UK industry, and particularly in higher education which employs 11% of all FTC workers, the largest such sector in the economy.

Congress notes that 42% of academic staff and 73% of all new appointments are on FTCs. In higher education, as elsewhere, the use of FTCs has a disproportionate impact on women and minority ethnic groups.

Congress believes the inappropriate use of FTCs increases stress for those workers employed on them and makes it increasingly difficult for them to enjoy the quality of life they should expect such as access to the housing market and financial security.

Congress believes this is also damaging to employers. There is no reason beyond outdated management dogma for their continued use. They reduce productivity and loyalty to the employer, increase personnel costs and engender instability in the employment market and the wider economy.

Congress welcomes the Fixed-Term Employees Regulations as a first step in limiting the use and abuse of FTCs. However Congress condemns the Government’s decisions to further delay implementation and to make employees wait until 2006 before their contract becomes permanent.

Congress calls on the General Council to continue campaigning for a reduction in the use and abuse of FTCs. It should press the Government to improve statutory protection of fixed-term workers, including agency workers, and should produce guidance for employers setting out the negative impact FTCs have on their business or service and on the economy generally.

Association of University Teachers

6 CASUALISATION

Congress condemns the widespread over-reliance on casual contracts and notes with particular concern the extent of casualisation within the higher and further education sectors. Almost 50% of all academic staff and 75% of new starters are placed on short-term contracts. Over 50,000 HE and FE lecturing staff work part- time, the majority on short-term hourly paid or agency contracts.

Independent research has shown that the quality of teaching offered to students, and the quality of research, are threatened by this over-reliance on casual staff. Fixed-term and hourly paid part-time staff are treated as second-class citizens. They receive worse sick pay, holidays or other benefits and have much less chance of career progression.

Congress notes that Government has implemented the EU Directives on part-time and fixed-term work in a grudging and minimalist way and calls on the Government to:

i) extend the scope of the Regulations, and the forthcoming agency workers legislation, to ensure protection for all workers, not just employees;

ii) prevent any employers from continuing to use fixed-term contracts for longer than two years; and

iii) allow casual workers to use hypothetical comparators in discrimination claims.

Congress welcomes the collective agreements recently negotiated in HE and FE but notes that adequate protection should have been provided by a stronger legal framework. Congress calls on the General Council to continue campaigning against casualisation in order to highlight the scale of the problem and show employers that casual contracts are a false economy, which jeopardise productivity and quality.

NATFHE - The University and College Lecturers’ Union

AMENDMENT

Insert new paragraph 3:

'Congress welcomes proposals for the EU directive on temporary agency work, which will provide protection for agency workers and organising opportunities for unions.'

In existing paragraph 3, insert new sub-paragraph ii):

'ii) provide agency workers, from day one of an assignment, with equal treatment with comparable staff in the user enterprise on all employment conditions, including training and pay.'

Re-number existing sub-paragraphs ii) and iii) as iii) and iv).

Graphical, Paper and Media Union

AMENDMENT

Add at end of paragraph 2:

'Moreover, the use of fixed-term contracts has a negative impact on the ability of universities to recruit and retain core staff. Only by offering flexible, permanent employment relationships will the needs of both employers and employees be met.'

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

7 EXTENDING EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS TO ATYPICAL WORKERS

Congress supports the right of all atypical workers (including freelances, casuals and self-employed individual workers) to have access to the provisions of employment legislation in the UK. Congress notes that many such individuals maybe atypical workers not by choice but because of the lack of permanent jobs in the sectors in which they work.

Congress regrets the present confused state of UK employment law, in which some entitlements apply to 'employees'; some apply to 'workers'; and where the definition of 'worker' - despite the ruling of the European Court in BECTU’s case on the Working Time Regulations - is still being interpreted in a restrictive way by Employment Tribunals.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council to campaign for a broad, inclusive and consistent definition of 'employment relationship' - drawing on the inclusive approach already taken in health and safety legislation, discrimination legislation and under the Acquired Rights Directive - to be applied to all instruments of UK employment law.

Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union

8 TRADE UNION RIGHTS FOR PRISON OFFICERS n EUROPEAN SOCIAL CHARTER PROTOCOLS

Congress recognises that the UK Government has failed in its obligation to sign, ratify and implement all protocols related to the European Social Charter, particularly Article 6 on the rights to collective bargaining.

Congress calls upon the UK Government fully to commit itself to full implementation of protocols related to the Social Charter.

Congress calls upon the UK Government to allow all of its social decisions to be the subject of full scrutiny by the European Committee for Social Rights.

Congress recognises that, in particular, the UK Government’s decision to remove full trade union rights from prison officers is a matter of social justice and should be capable of being challenged through the European Committee for Social Rights.

Congress urges the UK Government fully to commit itself to its obligations under European and national law to ensure that all working people in the United Kingdom are afforded the same rights and social obligations as any other worker in Europe and indeed throughout the world where the ILO conventions are enforced.

Prison Officers’ Association

9 EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS FOR THE BRITISH-BASED AVIATION WORKER

Congress recognises that aviation workers based in Great Britain are vulnerable to exclusion from the protection of British employment rights. For example, many female cabin crew do not enjoy British maternity rights since the law makes no specific provision for aviation workers based in Great Britain working international routes on overseas registered aircraft under foreign contracts of employment - a loophole which is eagerly exploited by the management of foreign airlines.

Congress recognises that British law does not adequately protect aviation workers based in Great Britain and will not permit 'Flags of Convenience' to become the norm in the aviation sector.

Congress also regards it as unacceptable that British-based aviation workers currently face great hurdles when bringing claims before the Employment Tribunals to defend their rights. The complexity of the provisions governing entitlement to the protection of British employment rights can be seen from the bewildering number of rules and conventions which currently determine jurisdiction.

Congress recognises that the process of facilitating access for all British-based aviation workers to the protection of British employment legislation will require language to be included in all the relevant legislation which specifically extends protection to the British-based aviation worker.

Congress therefore resolves actively to pursue and support the introduction of consistent, simple and uniform provisions in all applicable British employment legislation which enables protection to be available to all aviation workers based in Great Britain, irrespective of the law governing their contract of employment, the registration of their aircraft and the duration of their stay.

Association of Flight Attendants

Section 2 equal rights

10 SINGLE EQUALITY COMMISSION

Congress supports the need for the extension and strengthening of UK legislation to provide real and meaningful protection against discrimination and inequality and therefore welcomes the Government’s consultation document on implementing the Employment and Race Directives.

Congress recognises that the introduction of protection from discrimination on new grounds raises the need for new support arrangements but notes with concern that the Government is supportive of moving in the longer term towards a single equality commission.

Congress notes that the existing equality bodies have never been adequately funded and is concerned that the introduction of a single body could, without adequate safeguards and sufficient funding, lead to a serious dilution of current powers and responsibilities.

Congress affirms that minimum requirements for the introduction of a single equality body should include:

i) the introduction of a single equality act;

ii) the introduction of measures to ensure a protected and sufficient budget;

iii) a clear identity and status as an independent body involving all stakeholders, including trade unions, in membership at Board level;

iv) a mandate which is clearly separate from a human rights commission;

v) a structure that allows for a clear and equal voice on each equality strand; and

vi) arrangements that cover the whole range of functions carried out by the existing commissions, including equity in relation to both protection and enforcement across all areas of discrimination.

Napo - The Trade Union and Professional Association for Family Court and Probation Staff

AMENDMENT

Add at beginning of paragraph 3:

'Although the creation of one single body could facilitate the spread of best practice across the equality agenda on, for example, equal pay audits,'

Connect

AMENDMENT

Add new final paragraph:

'Congress further calls for robust support arrangements to be put in place, pending the creation of the single equality commission, for the ‘new’ areas of sexual orientation, religion and age that will be covered by anti-discrimination legislation.'

FDA

11 PROTOCOL 12

Congress accepts that the principle of equality is a fundamental and essential right.

It believes that the fact that Article 14 (i.e. the non-discrimination clause) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is not free-standing obscures this principle. Whilst recognizing that the UK Government has implemented most of the ECHR through the Human Rights Act 1998, domestic law is still flawed because of the Government’s refusal to sign up to Protocol 12 of the ECHR, which would make Article 14 free-standing.

Without Protocol 12, the Human Rights Act has proved useless in terms of combating discrimination or improving equality.

A free-standing right to equality is an important, necessary and effective tool in the fight against discrimination.

Congress calls upon the UK Government to sign, ratify and implement Protocol 12 forthwith. Furthermore, Congress resolves to join the campaign to achieve this objective.

NATFHE - The University and College Lecturers’ Union

12 ENDING WOMEN’S POVERTY

Congress recognises that women, particularly as low paid and part-time workers, lone mothers and in retirement, are the majority of those living in poverty. The impact of poverty on women and their families, on their health, work and life opportunities is too often overlooked.

Whilst welcoming the introduction of new measures including the national minimum wage, Congress notes that a range of co-ordinated measures are needed to end women’s poverty.

Congress calls on the TUC Women’s Committee, the TUC and affiliates to campaign for a national target date for ending women’s poverty and action, including:

i) targeting low paying sectors where mainly women work, including domestic work;

ii) tackling the gender pay gap faced by part-time workers and under-valuing work mainly done by women;

iii) greater financial support for lone mothers, carers and those fleeing domestic violence;

iv) tackling women’s poverty over a lifetime into retirement, including the impact of the lower earnings limit for National Insurance credits;

v) continuing to campaign to end pensioner poverty including restoring the link to earnings;

vi) ensuring payment for all maternity and family leave; and

vii) full official statistics including lowest paid women.

And, to mount a long-term strategic media campaign targeting working women to ensure awareness of the advantages of trade union membership. Highlighting the multiple ways in which trade union action reduces poverty amongst women, their children, families and communities, including better pay, equal pay, improved health and safety, equal opportunity and family-friendly work policies.

Transport and General Workers’ Union

(Motion selected by the 2002 Women’s Conference for submission to Congress)

AMENDMENT

Add new paragraph 5:

'Congress condemns the CBI’s opposition to mandatory equal pay reviews. Without a duty on employers, the 18% gender pay gap will take around 40 years to close. Congress urges all unions to encourage their members to join the women’s 'We won’t wait a Life-time!' demonstration at the 2002 CBI Conference.'

Amicus

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 3, sub-paragraph ii), line 2, delete 'part-time' and insert 'women'

In sub-paragraph vi), line 2, delete 'and'

In sub-paragraph vii), line 2, delete full stop and insert '; and'

Add new sub-paragraph viii):

'vii) campaign for the provision of more affordable childcare.'

Unifi

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 3, add new sub-paragraph viii):

'viii) campaigning to increase job security by ending the inappropriate use of fixed-term contracts, which have a disproportionate and discriminatory impact on women.'

Association of University Teachers

13 WORK/LIFE BALANCE

Congress notes the studies launched by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in May 2002 which found that, in the private sector, employers operating policies which helped employees to balance work and family responsibilities experience improved commercial performance.

Against this backcloth, Congress is concerned at the long working hours culture, regular unpaid overtime and a lack of flexibility coupled with intense pressure to achieve sales targets in parts of the financial services industry.

Congress notes that The Work Foundation has set up an inquiry to examine ways of improving productivity and the quality of working life. Congress instructs the General Council to participate in the inquiry as a social partner and campaign for the new Employment Act to ensure that employers pay more than lip-service to the needs of their employees.

Accord

AMENDMENT

Insert new paragraph 3:

'Congress is also concerned at the long hours working culture and regular unpaid overtime amongst senior public servants.'

In final paragraph, line 4, insert ': (i)' after 'to', and after 'their employees' in line 8 delete the full stop and insert a semi-colon. Then add:

'(ii) seek legislative change to include ‘voluntary’ unpaid overtime within the definition of working hours; and

(iii) work in partnership with employers and Government to develop strategies to tackle long hours working cultures.'

FDA

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 2, line 5, delete 'industry' and substitute 'and travel trade industries.'

Insert new 3rd paragraph:

'Congress recognised that well-rooted cultural barriers continue to hamper the development of flexible working and therefore calls on the General Council to continue to press for changes which better reflect the relationship between work and family life for parents.'

Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association

14 OPPOSING RACISM AND FASCISM

Congress is appalled at the election of 3 BNP councillors in Burnley in the 2002 local elections and the high levels of support for BNP candidates in other northern towns, including Oldham where the BNP came second in 4 wards.

Congress notes that 2 BNP councillors elected in Burnley will have to stand for re-election in May 2003. Congress also notes that boundary changes will mean all-out elections in Oldham in 2004, as happened in Burnley this year.

Congress is determined to ensure that the BNP’s result in Burnley is reversed and not repeated elsewhere.

Congress congratulates the General Council in supporting the formation of the Oldham Coalition Against Racism, a tripartite coalition involving trade unions, Asian community organisations and the National Assembly Against Racism. Congress also commends the work affiliates did in Burnley and Oldham in the run-up to local elections.

Congress believes campaigning against the racist policies of the BNP must be a priority over the next two years. To that end, Congress believes the principles underpinning the Oldham Coalition Against Racism should be applied to a national alliance aimed at:

i) working with, and bringing solidarity to, those areas under particular threat from the BNP; and

ii) continuing the strategic approach and alliances which proved so successful in defeating the BNP in Oldham and previously in Millwall.

Congress, therefore, urges the General Council to initiate a national 'Defeat the BNP' campaign along these lines and to encourage affiliates to give the campaign their full support.

Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

15 RACISM

Congress records its abhorrence at the continuing stain of racism in Britain.

The increased frequency of racial attacks against a background of hostile government policies and judicial action against asylum seekers, immigrants or refugees reflects the need for all democratic bodies to take urgent steps to tackle the root causes of the problems that exist in disadvantaged communities and to eliminate racism in all its forms and manifestations.

Congress salutes the TUC initiated ‘Coalition Against Racism - Unite to Stop the BNP Campaign’ which clearly ensured that a broad based range of activists and financial contributors helped to ensure the BNP were unsuccessful in Oldham.

Congress pledges to step up the campaign against racism and fascism and calls on the General Council to:

i) significantly raise the profile of the work of the TUC and its affiliates, community groups and anti-racist organisations to develop locally instigated broad-based, anti-racist campaigns targeted at next year’s council elections;

ii) organise, and maximise support from affiliates, a demonstration in the Greater Manchester area which will demonstrate that it is the fascists who are weak and isolated;

iii) support the North West TUC-organised Respect Festival as a way of bringing diverse communities together to demonstrate their opposition to the BNP; and

iv) urgently raise with appropriate government ministers the provision of immediate measures to eradicate the causes of division within society, namely poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing, segregation in education and disrespect to individuals.

Unison

AMENDMENT

At end, add new sub-paragraphs v) and vi):

'v) call for an urgent increase in trained teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages so that all migrants (including asylum seekers) who would benefit from them have access to ESOL courses;

vi) oppose the view that citizenship should be contingent on passing compulsory English tests.'

NATFHE — The University & College Lecturers’ Union

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 4, sub-paragraph ii), lines 3-5, delete all from 'which' to 'isolated' and insert 'to be followed by demonstrations throughout Britain, wherever ethnic and refugee communities are under attack or people are persecuted because of their faith, as part of the action needed to increasingly isolate all fascists and racists.'

In sub-paragraph iii), line 4, after 'BNP' insert: 'and all racist and fascist organisations.'

National Union of Mineworkers

AMENDMENT

Add new paragraphs 4 and 5:

'Congress deplores the politics of the BNP and similar fascist organisations which are incompatible with the principles of the trade union movement.

Congress commits to support affiliates who deny membership to, or expel from membership, members of the BNP or other fascist organisations.'

Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen

16 DISABILITY BILL

Congress welcomes the Government’s commitment to strengthening disabled people’s rights by taking forward some of the proposals of the Disability Rights Taskforce.

However, Congress recognises that the DDA will continue to be fundamentally flawed without other key reforms as recommended by the Disability Rights Taskforce.

In particular, the Government needs to address the continuing discrimination against disabled people who apply for jobs. Congress calls on the TUC to campaign for the Disability Bill to be introduced in 2002 which should cover all forms of transport and include the following rights for all employees:

i) a ban on employers from asking about job applicants’ disabilities; or general health except for equal opportunity monitoring or to plan an adjustment;

ii) a broadening of the definition of disability;

iii) a tightening of the justifications for less favourable treatment;

iv) protection against indirect discrimination;

v) a positive duty on public authorities to promote equal opportunities for disabled people;

vi) a requirement to make reasonable adjustments wherever needed to provide equal access as per Part III of the DDA; and

vii) a requirement to provide an integrated service where preferred as per Part III of the DDA.

Congress is concerned that proposals agreed by the Disability Rights Task Force to correct the sections of the DDA permitting employers to discriminate on access to occupational pension schemes have not been endorsed by Government. Congress urges the TUC to press the Government to include these recommended changes in any such Disability Bill.

Amicus

(Motion selected by the 2001 Disability Conference for submission to Congress)

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 1, add after 'Taskforce' in line 4: 'and the success of the Disability Rights Commission in promoting equal treatment.'

In paragraph 3, line 5, after 'which' insert: 'would give effect to recommendations of the Taskforce so far not implemented and in particular'

In the final paragraph add at end after 'Disability Bill': 'and not to permit any early merging of the equality commissions to delay its publication.'

ISTC - The Community Union

Section 3 economic and industrial affairs

17 UK MANUFACTURING

Congress notes with pleasure recent government initiatives to stimulate the manufacturing sector of British industry:

i) the £400 million R&D assistance in this year’s budget;

ii) the April 2002 manufacturing strategy policy document;

iii) the impetus provided by the Manufacturing Summit; and

iv) the unprecedented skills development support across manufacturing.

However, Congress re-affirms the vital importance of manufacturing far beyond the lives of the 4 million people who work in it and the 1 million people who service its products. Congress recognises that manufacturing is the engine room for original scientific research, technical innovation, export-led earnings and access to the global economy that influences all our lives.

Congress therefore calls upon the Government to:

a) increase its political, financial and educational commitment to high skill, high wage, high quality manufacturing;

b) stimulate employers to invest, take advantage of greater skills training availability and jointly re-create the reputation of manufacturing, especially with young people;

c) encourage higher productivity through greater practical partnership working between employers, government and unions; and

d) given the recent departure from Britain of significant manufacturing capacity, end the uncertainty created by manufacturing’s currency difficulties by settling the question of Britain’s entry into the euro at the earliest possible date.

Amicus

18 MANUFACTURING

Congress is deeply concerned at the continuing decline of the UK’s manufacturing base and the many tens of thousands of skilled jobs lost each year.

Congress believes that a successful industrial economy must have a prosperous and productive manufacturing sector built on high skills, high productivity and high pay. An economy based primarily upon service sector employment is not the solution.

Congress notes with dismay the lack of international competitiveness in many parts of UK manufacturing. Congress acknowledges that much of the problem arises from decades of under-investment in both productive capacity and people. Congress believes that this competitiveness gap must be tackled by addressing the underlying shortfall in investment, training and innovation.

Congress also draws attention to the weaker employment protection and rights to information and consultation afforded to UK workers in comparison to those of our European competitors. Consequently, it is easier, quicker and cheaper for companies to close UK factories and make British workers redundant.

Congress therefore urges the UK Government to implement a comprehensive manufacturing strategy which:

i) ensures that British workers are provided with no less favourable terms in respect to company information, consultation and job protection than their EU counterparts;

ii) promotes union membership and collective bargaining as best practice in improving productivity;

iii) provides greater R&D support and increased investment in skills and vocational training; and

iv) delivers enhanced powers for RDAs with the aim of securing job creation, job security, proper consultation and the conditions for long-term investment in every region.

Transport and General Workers’ Union

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 5, sub-paragraph iii), after 'support', insert:

'(including increased investment in university basic and applied research)'

Association of University Teachers

19 MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Congress is concerned that despite media reports of economic recovery UK manufacturing production is still down and job losses are continuing to speed up. Reports of brighter business prospects have yet to translate into higher manufacturing investment. In these circumstances any moves by the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee to increase UK interest rates would amount to a pre-emptive strike against any manufacturing upturn.

Congress notes the acknowledgement in the Government’s May 2002 Statement of Manufacturing Strategy that much of the productivity gap between UK industry and our leading rivals is due to under-investment in training and outdated ways of organising work by British business.

Congress further notes the evidence that the best performing firms adopt people management practices which couple a company learning culture with deliberate empowerment of employees to take decisions.

Whilst welcoming the Government’s budget measures to encourage industry to invest in innovation, in training and in partnership at work, Congress calls on the Government to strengthen industrial policy by taking the following measures:

i) introducing a statutory system of obligations on companies to train their workforce, backed up by financial incentives to do so;

ii) encouraging both sides of industry to co-operate in placing at the core of company competitive strategy people management practices that include skill building and employee involvement in decision making; and

iii) bringing UK state aid to industry closer to the EU average by boosting industrial and regional policy measures, notably by increasing support for Regional Development Agencies.

GMB

20 BRITISH MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Congress welcomes the recent appreciation of the euro against Sterling but notes that overvaluation of Sterling remains the major obstacle to increasing investment, raising productivity, and maintaining employment in manufacturing industry in Britain. In welcoming the commitment of the Government to the development of a manufacturing strategy and confirming the readiness of the trade union movement to work with Government and industry to raise rates of productivity improvement,

Congress calls on ministers to address the currency overvaluation through all practical measures, including reminding the Monetary Policy Committee of the need to end the consistent undershooting of the inflation target.

Congress notes that British equivocation over membership of the euro system is harmful to attracting foreign investment and narrows opportunities to influence the future operation of the system. Failure to put into full effect EU provisions and proposals for informing and consulting employees and organising working time also prevents industry from taking full advantage of technological development. Congress calls on the Government to act in the long-term interests of manufacturing by encouraging the full commitment of employees to the success of their companies through applying the same provisions in force in most other European Union countries for several years.

ISTC - The Community Union

21 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Congress notes with concern the scope for profit maximisation and increase in corporate power brought about by globalisation. The power of global companies creates impositions on governments keen to attract inward investment and poses a threat to the influence of governments’ democratic accountability.

Congress welcomes the Department of Trade and Industry publication Business and society: corporate social responsibility report 2002 and agrees that CSR needs to become more widespread and to be an integral part of the way organisations work.

Business needs to consider its social responsibility to local and global communities. The chief concern is the lack of accountability business has to the community at large. For their part, British companies should re-consider their wider stakeholder responsibilities.

Congress calls for companies to be responsible citizens of the general community and to recognise that they have a social role, here in the UK and worldwide.

Congress believes that British business can sustain stable economic growth with the highest standards of dignity, integrity and social inclusion and calls on the Government to expect sustainable growth and ethical practice to be embraced by the business community.

Congress believes that regulation is one way to move CSR forward and calls on the Government to consider the necessary changes to legislation, most probably in company law, and in particular to endorse the inclusion of a social audit in company annual reports.

Unifi

22 NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE

Congress welcomes the continued establishment of the National Minimum Wage and the benefit it is providing to the poorest in our society. However, there is no case for complacency as it is estimated that still something in the region of 170,000 workers do not receive the National Minimum Wage and there has been no progress made on the vexed subject of the age rate for young people.

Congress is pleased to note that the Enforcement Agency has recovered over £9 million from companies who have failed to comply. In order that non-compliance is completely eradicated and pressure is kept up to ensure that the age at which the full rate is paid becomes lower, Congress calls on the General Council to:

i) campaign for more Inspectorate on the ground;

ii) strengthen the powers of the Enforcement Agency;

iii) encourage affiliated unions to get involved in community-based projects, working with the many local and community groups who are also campaigning on this subject; and

iv) develop initiatives with young people’s organisations, such as the NUS, to campaign for a structured reduction in the age at which the full rate is paid.

KFAT

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 1, line 1, delete 'establishment' and replace with 'existence'.

In paragraph 1, lines 8 and 9, delete all after 'vexed' through to 'people' and replace with 'subjects of the adult age rate and the provision of a National Minimum Wage for young workers under 18.'

In paragraph 2, add new sub-paragraph v) as follows:

'v) campaign for the establishment of a National Minimum Wage based on a set proportion of the adult Minimum Wage for 16 and 17-year-olds.'

Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

23 WORKING TIME REGULATIONS

Congress recognises that the Working Time Regulations are an important first step in addressing the long hours culture in UK industry.

However, at a time when other countries are moving towards a 35-hour week, and when there is growing concern about the need for workers to balance work and family responsibilities, Congress believes that the Regulations should be strengthened.

In industry sectors such as construction thousands of workers have been denied their entitlement to holiday pay, and in a number of cases companies have devised contracts which are designed to relieve themselves of their statutory obligations.

Congress calls on the TUC General Council to pursue the following amendments to the Working Time Regulations:

i) the removal of the power of individuals and employers to opt out of the prescribed 48 hours maximum;

ii) public holidays to become a statutory employment right and therefore excluded from the four weeks’ holiday;

iii) an extra 3 days public holidays a year to bring the UK in line with the rest of Europe;

iv) any revisions of the Regulations should place a duty on the employers to ensure that leave is actually taken;

v) in tribunal cases if the employer is found to be in breach of their statutory obligations the companies are heavily fined and issued with a warning that stays live for 3 years which must be produced when tendering for new work; and

v) introduce a government enforcement team, to tackle unscrupulous employers ignoring this piece of legislation.

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

24 PUBLIC SERVICES

Congress notes the Government’s stated commitment to improve our public services with extra money available in the Spending Review. The reform of public services will not be achieved through an increased role for the private sector. Congress remains committed to the public service ethos and believes improvements can only be made in partnership with service users and with the involvement of staff.

Congress believes that the privatisation programme has led to the demise of quality public services. Despite recent commitments the two-tier workforce will still continue with differences in terms and conditions between public sector staff, transferees and new starters.

Congress calls upon the General Council to:

i) oppose PFI and privatisation of public services and promote alternative ways of financing public investment, particularly the removal of Treasury restrictions;

ii) investigate the ‘big four’ accountancy firms and their conflicting role through advising both public authorities and private companies;

iii) expose the failures of those private healthcare companies currently in discussion with the Government with a view to providing NHS clinical services;

iv) mount a united campaign to increase pay, tackling recruitment and retention problems;

v) organise a Public Services Conference before the 2003 Budget;

vi) continue discussions with Government on improving public services through developing in-house provision, utilising the commitment and skills of the workforce; and

vi) hold the Government to their commitment to genuinely end the unjust two-tier workforce by demanding the strengthening of new employee protection agreements and to campaign for a fair wages clause in all public contracting.

Unison

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 3, insert new sub-paragraph vi):

'vi) hold the Government to its commitment to legislate for a stronger set of TUPE regulations'

Re-number existing sub-paragraphs vi) and vii) as vii) and viii), and add three new sub-paragraphs:

'ix) conduct political lobbying, media campaigns;

x) support trade unionists taking action against privatisation or its effects; and

xi) organise a national demonstration in support of properly funded accountable public services and against all forms of privatisation'

Public and Commercial Services Union

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 3, sub-paragraph i), after 'PFI' insert:

', including its inclusion within future education sector capital funding plans,'

Insert new sub-paragraph iv):

' iv) oppose moves by Government, Local Education Authorities and Learning and Skills Councils to encourage outsourcing of education services to private companies and the use of private sponsors for new schools and colleges;'

Re-number existing sub-paragraphs iv) to vii) as v) to viii)

National Union of Teachers

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 3 insert new sub-paragraph iv):

'iv) investigate and highlight the costs and impact of privatisation in the education service;'

Re-number existing sub-paragraphs iv) to vii) as v) to viii).

National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers

25 PUBLIC SERVICES

Congress regrets that the Government has yet to deliver on its promise to prevent the growth of a two-tier workforce in Britain’s public services. Congress notes Tony Blair’s 2001 statement that to cut the terms and conditions of workers 'is not the way to provide a better service'. Congress calls on ministers to strengthen the code of practice proposed by Stephen Byers and to legislate to provide comprehensive protection for the pay, pension rights and other conditions of employment of all workers delivering public services.

Congress notes that a wave of new ministerial initiatives and fresh targets is threatening to overload local government. It is adding to the stress borne by local government workers due to the tolerance by successive administrations of staff shortages and unfair and unequal pay for public service workers. The Government’s commitment to expand Britain’s public services is welcome. But it can only be achieved if public service pay is improved too, to attract, motivate and retain the staff required to deliver the results that the Government wants.

Congress insists that privatisation is an ineffective way to reform or expand Britain’s public services. Congress notes the June 2002 National Audit Office statement that PFI proposals are riddled with 'pseudo scientific mumbo jumbo' designed to ensure that projects always appear to offer value for money, despite independent evidence that they rarely do so. Congress calls on the Government to impose a moratorium on further PFI/PPP projects whilst a detailed independent inquiry takes place.

GMB

26 PUBLIC ACCESS FOR ALL

Congress is growing increasingly concerned about access to public services.

The Government’s centralising of services is resulting in vital public services being closed down in both rural communities and increasingly within city centres. Often members of the public wishing to access public services are being told to either phone call centres, use the internet, use under-resourced local non-government agencies or travel many miles to the nearest open office if they want help, advice, information or support. Similarly staff working in these areas are being transferred from skilled, quality local jobs into frontline processing in huge call centres and business centres.

Recent examples within the civil service include the threat of closure of rural civil courts, pensioner caller facilities, Inland Revenue and benefit offices and Jobcentres.

Congress believes such policies discriminate against the socially excluded, those who live in rural areas and those who are not able to use or are uncomfortable with telephones and the Internet to make what can be sensitive enquiries.

Congress calls on the TUC to:

i) lobby the Government to rethink their approach to public services reform, putting the user at the centre of any public service changes;

ii) get guarantees from the Government that users of public services will always have an option of local face-to-face contact, in addition to access to services via the internet and telephone; and

iii) obtain assurances from the Government that the relevant union will always be consulted prior to the closure of public sector local caller offices.

Public and Commercial Services Union

27 PUBLIC SERVICES

Congress agrees with the Chancellor that high quality public services represent the best ideals of Britain. Congress therefore welcomes the commitment to improve public services as the priority for the Government’s second term. Achievement of real and sustainable improvements in all public services will require long-term commitment on funding.

Every effort should be made to improve efficiency in the way services are run. However, Congress is concerned at the Government’s confused and inconsistent approach to the provision of public services by the private sector. This is detrimental to the interests of the public as consumer and taxpayer, as well as to the staff directly affected. It is essential that public services continue to be provided by bodies that are publicly accountable.

Congress believes that in line with the 'partnership at work' approach, ministers, employers and unions must work together in developing and delivering strategies and programmes for world-class public services. Congress calls upon the Government urgently to establish joint task forces to achieve these objectives in each of the main public services.

Congress calls on the General Council to work with affiliates to protect and promote public services and the interests of public servants.

Prospect

28 PRIVATISATION

Congress notes with deep concern the findings of the Justice Forum research report, Privatising Justice, which identifies the British justice system as the most privatised in Europe. Congress further notes that the use of PFI/PPP is not restricted to specific areas of the system but is widespread and in all areas n courts probation, prisons and police services. PFI/PPP is being used to provide basic infrastructure and particularly buildings and IT projects at substantial additional cost to the taxpayer and to the detriment of service users and providers alike. Congress believes that the interests of justice should always come before the interests of shareholders and company profits and that the use of private finance compromises the integrity of our justice system. Congress rejects the use of PFI/PPP and calls upon the Government to return to traditional public sector funding for the infrastructure and running of our criminal justice system.

Association of Magisterial Officers

29 PUBLIC SECTOR PAY

Congress welcomes the continued commitment by the Labour Government to promote world class public services. Congress acknowledges the increase in public expenditure to achieve this. Congress believes that dedicated, highly skilled and motivated workforces are key to achieving this aim.

Congress supports the modernisation of our public sector - however within this programme pay and conditions of service for our public sector workers are fundamental in achieving these aspirations.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council to use its influence to ensure that public sector pay reflects the high standards of service provided by public sector workers.

Fire Brigades’ Union

AMENDMENT

At the end of paragraph 2, add:

'Pay levels for workers delivering public services vital to local communities have resulted in widespread recruitment and retention problems. With overwhelming public support for this year’s local government pay campaign — particularly on July 17th — the Government must now fund any recommendations from the commission proposed as part of the settlement.'

Unison

30 The Public Service Ethos

Congress notes the Government’s determination to increase the extent of private sector delivery of public services. Congress expresses grave concern at the recent exposure of widespread failures of corporate governance in the private sector, a lack of ethical standards, potentially fraudulent accounting practices and the spread of ‘crony capitalism’. Greed is not good, nor an appropriate motivator in delivering public services.

The public service ethos including impartiality, accountability, trust, equity, probity and service has helped ensure that the UK’s public services are amongst the least corrupt in the world. Congress therefore welcomes the House of Commons Public Administration Committee’s proposed Public Service Code, to be approved by Parliament and be included as a clause in all public service contracts, including employment contracts. Such a Code would bind all private providers and include commitments to:

i) observe at all times the ethical standards expected of public servants and public service bodies, including the Seven Principles of Public Life; and

ii) make themselves accountable through elected politicians and other means for their policies and performance, with the highest standards of openness and transparency.

In addition, all public service contracts awarded to private sector providers should be public documents.

Congress calls on the Government to work with the Select Committee, TUC and other interested bodies to agree the terms of a Code as a matter of urgency.

FDA

31 NHS

Congress notes the recent Wanless Report on the future funding of the NHS and its commitment to the continuation of an NHS funded through general taxation and free at the point of use. Congress also warmly welcomes the large increases in funding for the health service announced in this year’s budget.

Congress expresses concern, however, at some of the recent suggestions about the future method of paying for healthcare.

Congress calls on the General Council to promote a public debate on the merits of having a dedicated, ring-fenced NHS tax that applies only to healthcare funding.

The debate should include:

i) how any ring-fenced tax could be fairly applied, in a way that distributes the tax burden according to ability-to-pay and is not a disproportionate charge on the poorest in society; and

ii) the need for the UK-wide Government, the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland and Welsh Assemblies, together with local health boards or trusts, to publish annual information that is transparent and accounts for the amount and use of any such funds.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

32 NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE

Congress fully supports the concept of a publicly funded National Health Service and notes that the involvement of the private sector in the health service has not provided the value added sought through the private finance initiative. Congress therefore calls for future NHS projects to be funded from the public purse.

BACM-TEAM

33 FREE SCHOOL MILK

Congress believes that the ending of universal free milk for school children remains one of the worst examples of ministerial penny pinching ever visited on the British public.

As a positive contribution to improving the health of the British public, Congress calls upon the Government to re-introduce free school milk as soon as possible.

British Dietetic Association

34 HEALTH SERVICES FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE

Congress is concerned that the health needs of homeless people are frequently neglected. By virtue of their lifestyle, most homeless people are not registered with a GP or a dentist and therefore do not have access to primary health services.

Congress believes that every town should have a homeless team, run by a Primary Care Trust, which would offer essential services such as podiatry, dentistry and dietary advice. Health professionals in the team would also be able to identify serious conditions prevalent amongst the homeless such as diabetes and tuberculosis.

The Department of Health in England has recognised the need to provide such services as part of their 'Tackling Health Inequalities' programme. Congress calls upon the Health Departments across the four UK countries.

Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

35 House Prices

Congress recognises the dramatic increase in house prices is governed by free-market conditions, in particular, low interest rates.

Whilst some steps have been taken to tackle this problem in the south-east of England, by way of London weighting and more general pay supplements, this has failed to address the difficulties experienced by those not employed initially in the south-east who then move to house price ‘hot spots’ in other parts of the country.

Congress believes that this problem is now so acute that government action is essential to prevent the disintegration of public services. Some of these interventions will necessarily not have an impact for some years, therefore, in the short term, Congress calls for sufficient funding to be made available to public sector employers to target these areas outside the south-east which suffer from astronomical house prices to avoid a collapse of services in some areas due to staff shortages.

British Dietetic Association

36 COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION

Congress asserts that a comprehensive system of education is the basis for a successful and cohesive society. Congress deplores the Government’s failure to address the problem of inequality and elitism within the education system.

The 2002 OECD PISA Study has demonstrated that a comprehensive system of education which is non-selective and where students of all social and economic backgrounds are educated together is the right basis for ensuring equality of opportunity for all young people. Congress urges the Government to address itself to the OECD’s findings in its programme of reform of the comprehensive system.

Congress believes that the Government’s plans to increase the number of schools, such as specialist schools and city academies, in support of its strategy of raising educational standards could lead to a greater level of selection in the education system.

Accordingly, Congress calls upon the Government to take the necessary steps to eradicate the inequalities that exist between institutional provision by abandoning its commitment to the increase of such schools which will recreate the elitism characterised by the grammar school system.

National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers

37 EDUCATION OF ASYLUM SEEKERS

Congress condemns the proposed Section 31 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill which states that an asylum seeker who is a resident of an accommodation centre shall not be treated as part of the population of a local education authority’s area.

Congress believes that this provision is at odds with the social inclusion policies promoted by the Labour Government and contrary also to the purpose of current education legislation which is to provide a right to education for all children of statutory age in a particular area.

Congress condemns also the proposed Section 34 of the Bill which states that the Home Secretary may by order apply any of these new powers in Scotland. This is contrary to the terms of the Scotland Act 1999, which recognises education to be a fully devolved matter, and contrary also to the terms of the Scottish Parliament Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc Act 2000, which states that ‘It shall be the right of every child of school age to be provided with school education by, or by virtue of arrangements made, or entered into, by, an education authority.’

Congress calls on the General Council to work with affiliates to oppose these unacceptable proposals and reassert the right of every child of school age to be provided with school education by, or by virtue of arrangements made, or entered into, by an education authority.

The Educational Institute of Scotland

AMENDMENT

Insert new third paragraph:

'Congress believes that schools must be provided with sufficient resources to meet the needs of asylum-seeking children. Congress urges the Government to adopt its Education Funding Group’s proposal that a central fund is maintained for LEAs which have high levels of pupil turnover, including children of asylum-seekers.'

National Union of Teachers

38 FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

Congress welcomes the debate begun by the Government’s Green Paper, 14-19: Extending Opportunities, Raising Standards.

Congress welcomes the concept of coherence in the Green Paper but believes that it does not match the Government’s principle of developing diversity between schools.

Congress believes that the debate about how to secure an entitlement for all young people to high quality education is far more relevant than Government attempts to construct a ladder of different types of secondary schools with some benefiting from preferential funding.

Congress notes with concern OECD findings, which highlight the relative failure of stratified education systems to deliver the full educational potential of all young people.

Congress believes that all 14-19 year-old young people should be entitled to a balanced and broadly based curriculum and to work-based opportunities, and that the current artificial barriers between academic and vocational education should be removed.

Congress welcomes the work carried out by the TUC so far on 14-19 issues and instructs the General Council to:

i) seek a consensus amongst all relevant affiliates on Government proposals arising from the Green Paper and for Learning and Skills Councils arising from the Education Act 2002;

ii) co-ordinate and agree a policy response, involving all relevant affiliates on issues concerning the relationship between industry and education and training; and

iii) establish an ad-hoc working group to draft, for consideration by the General Council, such a policy statement.

National Union of Teachers

AMENDMENT

Insert new paragraph 4:

'Furthermore, Congress believes that there is a danger that the Government’s policy for tackling social inequality will be undermined by its continued commitment to promoting competition between schools and colleges and the deregulation of education service provisions.'

National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers

39 TEACHERS’ EXCESSIVE WORKLOAD

Congress welcomes the publication of the School Teachers’ Review Body report on teacher workload, in particular, the recognition that there must be improvements to teachers’ contracts if the problem of excessive workload is to be resolved.

Congress regrets the refusal of the Secretary of State to agree to meet jointly representatives of the employers and teacher unions, believing that the terms and conditions of service of teachers should be determined by agreement.

Congress welcomes the co-ordination provided by the TUC in supporting teaching and support unions in their submissions to the Government’s Remodelling Working Group and to the Government to resolve the excessive workload of teachers.

Congress urges the Government to provide all schools with the resources necessary to remove the excessive workload of teachers and provide additional support through clerical, administrative, technical, classroom and teaching assistants.

Congress, therefore, instructs the General Council to:

i) press the Government to negotiate a joint agreement with teacher organisations and employers on changes necessary to remove excessive workload;

ii) continue to give full support and co-ordination to the teaching and support staff unions to secure maximum effectiveness in discussions with Government on school workforce remodelling; and

iv) support the teaching unions in any action should the issue of excessive workload not be resolved.

National Union of Teachers

40 TEACHER SUPPLY

Congress welcomes the recognition by the Government of the problems of teacher supply, as expressed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills in her major policy statement in November 2001 on the future of teachers and teaching. These problems include the fact that:

i) 45% of teachers are aged 45 and over;

ii) too many teachers are teaching subjects for which they are not trained;

iii) the rising incidence of poor pupil behaviour is resulting in a teacher exodus; and

iv) there are huge pressures being exerted on teachers by an ever-increasing workload.

Congress demands that the Government follow up its recognition of the problem by ensuring that adequate funding is made available in order to implement necessary changes to the teacher’s contract and to provide the appropriate administrative support for teachers.

Congress fully supports the joint campaign of ATL, NASUWT, NUT and UCAC for the reduction of teachers’ workload and recognises that without significant improvement, the problems of teacher supply will be exacerbated. This will have a consequent deleterious effect on the state education service and could prevent the achievement of the Government’s standards agenda.

National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers

41 TEACHERS’ WORKLOAD

Congress believes it to be the right of every child to have a full and adequately resourced education.

Congress welcomes the School Teachers’ Review Body report on teacher workload and its demand for urgent action to rectify the workload situation.

Congress welcomes the STRB’s acceptance of the relationship between excessive workload and teacher retention difficulties now being experienced.

Congress instructs the General Council to continue to give its full support to the relevant unions, co-ordinating their actions wherever possible, as they continue to seek effective Government action to ensure:

i) contractual protection against excessive workload demands being made on teachers;

ii) adequate numbers of teachers to deliver the further improvements in education which are expected by the public; and

iii) properly trained and remunerated support staff in all educational establishments.

Association of Teachers and Lecturers

42 SOCIAL INCLUSION AND ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Congress believes the labour movement should be at the forefront of the struggle to end social exclusion, both in the UK and abroad, not least through the provision of quality educational opportunities for all. Congress believes education has a vital role in allowing people to climb out of poverty and gain their rightful place in society.

Congress welcomes the Government’s commitment to widen access to higher education. However, this can only be achieved with sustained investment in the staff and infrastructure of our universities and colleges. Without additional funding, the quality of higher education that students receive will decline further, severely damaging the efforts of Government and universities to increase access.

Congress recognises that university is not a preferred life-choice for some young people and that those who choose not to attend higher education should not be perceived as failures in the employment market or amongst their social peers. However, Congress believes it is important that everybody should have the opportunity to make such a choice.

Congress calls on the General Council to work closely with Government and other interested parties to ensure the finance and political will exist to increase access and to promote the benefits of higher education to all who would benefit from it.

Congress calls on the General Council to campaign specifically for widening higher education participation amongst low-income and other socially excluded groups and to increase the take-up of post-18 education.

Association of University Teachers

43 PAY FOR STAFF WORKING IN FURTHER EDUCATION

Congress notes the important contribution made by Further Education (FE) to the development of learning and skills in the UK. However, Congress further notes that in recent years, many managers, lecturers and support staff have left the sector for employment elsewhere.

Congress believes that unless FE is properly funded, and its staff well rewarded, then we will see a gradual decline in post-16 education.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council to:

i) support the current campaign by FE unions to raise pay in the sector to levels comparable with the schools sector;

ii) lobby government ministers for long-term funding in order to raise pay levels for all groups of FE staff; and

iii) co-ordinate activities between affiliates to raise public awareness on funding and pay issues in FE and other sections of education.

Association for College Management

AMENDMENT

Add to end of sub-paragraph iii):

', and to publicise amongst affiliates any action that FE unions choose to take in encouraging affiliates to offer whatever levels of support they can.'

Association of Teachers and Lecturers

44 STUDENT DEBT

Congress expresses its concern that the current levels of student debt are putting off thousands of potential students from applying to university and those who do are increasingly resorting to supporting themselves through part-time work, leaving less time to study and exacerbating stress levels.

While supporting the Government’s aim of raising the aspirations of young people, Congress believes that it is the spectre of debt rather than lack of aspiration that is deterring talented students from progressing to higher education.

Debt and financial hardship are significant factors in deterring mature students, single parents and those from disadvantaged backgrounds from undertaking professional education.

Additionally, debt is a major factor in attrition, with increasing numbers of students forced to abandon their career aspirations because they cannot afford to continue with their studies. At a time when increasing numbers of students in healthcare are required to meet the demands of the NHS Plan this is a waste of valuable and much needed talent.

Congress therefore calls upon the General Council and affiliates to lobby the Government to:

i) end the current system of charging tuition fees to students in England, replacing it with a more equitable system;

ii) abolish loans as the primary source of support;

iii) simplify student finance by restoring a system of grants, so that the issue of funding does not act as a barrier to any student; and

iv) increase core funds for higher education to ensure the delivery of high quality education.

The Society of Radiographers

45 STUDENT LOANS/DEBT

Congress welcomes the government initiatives to increase the number of AHPs and university places, but recent publicity highlighting student debt on graduation and the poor starting salary of AHPs is alarming.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to attract graduates into the AHP when they can expect significantly higher remuneration in the private sector.

Congress urges the Government to introduce effective measures to reduce the debt students have on leaving university.

British Orthoptic Society

46 ASSESSMENT IN COMPULSORY EDUCATION

Congress believes that assessment must be used as a diagnostic tool to ensure that children’s needs are properly met and reassure parents and others that educational standards continue to be met.

Congress is concerned that pupils are over-assessed at all stages of compulsory education, and that this produces undue pressure for pupils, teachers and parents.

Congress believes that excessive time spent on assessment means less time spent on teaching, which leads to overall attainment by pupils being overlooked because of concentration on achievement in exams and tests.

Congress believes that the main purpose of assessment should be to improve learning and teaching, ensuring that young people are provided with the best education for their needs and that an over-emphasis on targets and attainment can present a barrier to this and lead to children being branded as failures at a very young age.

Congress instructs the General Council and affiliates to promote this approach to assessment with the appropriate government departments and agencies.

The Educational Institute of Scotland

47 LEARNING MENTORING

Congress welcomes the Government’s investment in the Excellence in Cities scheme and the development of Learning Mentoring as an education-based profession in schools.

Congress further believes that Learning Mentors make a substantial improvement in academic attainment levels and social behaviour and that their intervention should be recognised as making a professional commitment to the quality of education.

Congress is concerned at the lack of a coherent training and qualifications structure for this area of work and the lack of consistent national terms and conditions.

Congress therefore calls on the Government and local government employers to adopt a system of national collective bargaining for this important area of work and a recognised qualifications system.

The Community and Youth Workers’ Union

48 PRISON OVERCROWDING

Congress notes, with concern, that the prisoner population in England and Wales has reached record levels and that the level of overcrowding in the prison estate is also reaching a critical level.

Congress recognises that the Prison Service, having no control over the numbers committed to them, will not achieve their objectives if the prisoner population increases beyond the level that the Prison Service can realistically handle. The current levels of overcrowding are totally unacceptable and may well lead to prison disturbances as in 1990 when, at Strangeways Prison, overcrowding was cited as a major factor leading to the riot.

Congress calls upon the Government to:

i) consider the benefits of introducing a Ministry of Justice that would administer the criminal justice system;

ii) provide the necessary funding to the Prison and Probation Service in order to tackle crime and its consequences in a modern way;

iii) return all prisons to the public sector;

iv) fully engage the criminal justice trades unions and to ensure funding is provided prior to seeking the implementation of the recommendations in both the Halliday and Auld Reports;

v) ensure that the judiciary examine the use of non-custodial forms of sentencing and consider the benefits of introducing Attendance Centres administered jointly by the Prison and Probation Service; and

v) provide the necessary resource to enable the Prison and Probation Service to expand offending behaviour and educational programmes currently taking place.

Prison Officers’ Association

49 SOCIAL INCLUSION AND CRIME PREVENTION

Congress welcomes the European Strategy to combat social exclusion and supports the Preparatory Measures to Combat Social Exclusion Programme. Congress is, however, concerned that at a time when all member states are committed to addressing the problem of social exclusion, the prison population is rising and ex-offenders form an increasing proportion of the number of unemployed people. It is therefore important that all organisations with an interest in this area work together to ensure the success of the strategy.

The European Offender Employment Forum (EOEF) was established in 1992, to initiate, monitor and support initiatives that focus on the employment of offenders and ex-offenders. Its aim is to have joined-up policies, strategies and funding, focused on the employment and re-integration of offenders and ex-offenders. This will help significant numbers of long-term unemployed people back into the labour market, help to reduce crime and contribute towards the aim of combating social exclusion.

Congress calls on the TUC’s General Council to support the work of the EOEF by working with them to negotiate with the European Union to encourage the Ministries of Justice, Employment and Education in every member state, to work collaboratively together to:

i) assess the scale and dimension of the problem;

ii) agree clear targets and objectives for the re-integration of prisoners, offenders and ex-offenders into the labour market; and

iii) ensure that the funding structure is transparent, simple to access and rewards participation by statutory organisations.

Napo - The Trade Union and Professional Association for Family Court and Probation Staff

50 MODERNISATION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Congress acknowledges the need for reform and modernisation of the criminal justice system. However Congress is concerned that the current rhetoric appears to be grounded in attacks on the rights of defendants, undermining of civil liberties and reducing access to justice. Congress believes that the major problems affecting the Criminal Justice System are based on fragmentation, privatisation and long-term underfunding and consequent deterioration of services.

Congress notes with alarm that such is the extent of underfunding that even a basic service such as adequate security in court buildings is not provided in many areas and courthouses in major population centres have been or are under threat of closure. These problems undermine the Government’s overarching objective to build public confidence in the criminal justice system and cannot be rectified by costly gimmicks such as night courts and the street crime initiative.

Congress welcomes the consultation and debate generated by the Criminal Courts Review but believes that a more radical examination of courts administration and justice policy in other jurisdictions would be useful in identifying positive practical solutions to the problems currently identified within our legal system. Congress calls on the General Council to ensure that the TUC works with the relevant unions in undertaking this research and in lobbying Government to provide adequate funds to maintain and modernise our justice system.

Association of Magisterial Officers

51 TRANSPORT

Congress is aware that present trends of road traffic growth in Britain are physically unsustainable, undermine our ability to meet emission targets agreed at Kyoto, cause significant health problems and carry many other social costs. Congress calls on the Government to revise the 10-year transport plan to set significant national and local targets for road traffic reduction. This should be achieved by a combination of measures including:

i) integration of land use planning and transport policy;

ii) promotion of public transport; and

iii) economic measures that redress the imbalance between the perceived costs of private car use and public transport, and reflect the external costs of private car use.

Congress notes one of the principal findings of the Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT) Report on 'European Best Practice in Delivering Integrated Transport' is that the UK’s 'transport network (has been) starved of investment for half a century'.

Congress welcomes the Government’s commitment to improving the nation’s transport system but believes that emulating European standards of integrated transport provision will require two fundamental developments:

a) significant central government funding for infrastructure enhancement and service provision; and

b) structural reform of the railway industry.

Congress supports the railway trade unions in their efforts to develop a strategy for achieving public ownership of the railway industry.

Congress also supports the publicly owned not-for-profit successor to Railtrack, as a step towards the objective of a publicly owned, publicly accountable railway industry and considers that Network Rail should be directly responsible for inspecting the network and for directly employing maintenance and renewal workers.

Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 1, lines 8 and 9, delete 'road traffic reduction' and insert:

' reducing the UK’s environmentally, socially and economically damaging levels of congestion'

Delete sub-paragraph iii) and replace with:

'fiscal and economic incentives that fully utilise the social inclusion potential of an integrated public transport system by rewarding public transport providers for the number of passengers carried rather than fuel consumed.'

Transport and General Workers’ Union

AMENDMENT

Add new paragraph at end:

'It is worth noting that Congress 2001 endorsed a decision to establish a Rail Transport Task Group to carry forward policy and campaigning on railway issues and to present the case for public ownership. On that basis Congress commits to ensuring that the Group meet at regular intervals.'

Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen

52 TRANSPORT

Congress calls for the complete re-nationalisation of the former British Railways and opposes the public private partnership for London Underground.

The appalling tragedies at Ladbroke Grove, Southall, Hatfield and Potters Bar are all incidents which are the consequences of the privatised rail industry’s policy to de-staff and cut back on vital safety work. Congress also notes that the infrastructure companies responsible for the maintenance of our railway network have been awarded contracts on London Underground and believes that the prospect of this privatisation will place the lives of workers and the travelling public at risk.

Congress notes with deep regret the continued demise of the UK ratings jobs and the failure of government policies to remedy a situation that allows owners to pay as little as 70 pence an hour. Congress also calls for the repeal of Section 9 of the 1976 Race Relations Act which allows shipowners to drive down wages of all seafarers.

Further, Congress also calls upon the General Council to organize a working group of unions affected by these issues to produce an in-depth policy and to campaign throughout the length and breadth of Britain and with international bodies who we are affiliated with.

Finally, Congress deplores the de-regulated bus industry and the culture of long hours and low pay fostered by unscrupulous employers. Congress, therefore calls on the General Council to campaign for public ownership of the bus industry.

National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

53 CONGESTION CHARGES

Congress welcomes the initiatives undertaken so far by both central government and local authorities in order to alleviate the transport problems of our major cities.

While cautiously welcoming the introduction of so-called congestion charges, Congress is disappointed that there will be no exemptions for workers in the entertainment industry who have to travel into and out of our major cities, often transporting heavy and valuable equipment, in order to fulfil the requirements of their employment contracts and to entertain the public.

In London this charge is expected to be in operation on all weekdays from 7am to 7pm. The cost will be £5 per day and evaders will be fined £100. Certain exemptions have been agreed: these include the emergency services and some, not all, NHS workers.

Until a truly integrated, cheap, safe, public transport system becomes a reality, musicians - not forgetting the all important audiences - as well as other workers in the entertainment and leisure industries will be at a distinct disadvantage.

Congress calls upon the Secretary of State for Transport, the Greater London Authority and other local government bodies who are considering the introduction of congestion charges to extend exemptions to workers in the entertainment and leisure industries who keep our cities such lively and vibrant places.

Musicians’ Union

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 5, line 5, after 'exemptions to' insert:

'all workers who need to use their car for work purposes, including'

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

54 TRANSPORT

Congress asserts that CDNA members are subsidising the NHS while delivering their community nursing services. The situation across the UK is variable, with different members of staff being paid on different rates, often being forced to provide a car in order to carry out their NHS work of visiting patients at home.

Congress calls on the TUC and affiliates to join the CDNA in calls for equity and fairness for community health workers who have to travel by car to carry out their duties.

Community and District Nursing Association

55 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, INFRASTRUCTURE

Whilst welcoming the Government’s willingness to consider the future infrastructure of air transport, Congress calls on the Government to pay similar attention to future provision of air traffic control infrastructure. Continuing financial problems at the partly privatised NATS threaten the future of our world-renowned ATC system.

As the 'sharp end' users of NATS, BALPA members are concerned at the continued delays and breakdowns due to reduced capacity. This increases workload, occasioned by increased stacking, delayed slot departure and en-route delays.

Congress is also concerned that professional controllers are being put under increased strain as they seek to deliver the service in such an environment compounded by staff shortages.

Congress believes the projected doubling in air transport growth by 2030 demands a first class investment programme. In addition we need to be able to take the lead in accelerating the development of a single European Air Traffic Control Network. This will provide the basis for a safe, efficient and well-resourced air transport system. Failure to address these problems or a decision to leave it to the vagaries of the private sector will repeat the mistakes made in provision of our railway safety infrastructure.

British Air Line Pilots’ Association

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 3, line 2, after 'controllers' insert 'engineers and other NATS staff'.

Insert new paragraph 4:

'Congress calls on the Government to take urgent action to address the immediate question of NATS funding. Specifically, a major part of the £430 million received from the sale of NATS should be reinvested to provide financial stability for the organisation.'

Prospect

56 MARITIME SECURITY

In the aftermath of the 11 September terrorist attacks, Congress notes with concern the many shortcomings in the international maritime security regime, in particular:

i) flags of convenience that are used for a range of illegal activities and allow the owners of ships to conceal their identities;

ii) the widespread use of transient, poorly paid and poorly trained seafarers;

iii) the record number of armed and pirate attacks on merchant ships and seafarers; and

iv) the ease with which many merchant ships can be illicitly boarded and attacked.

However, Congress also expresses disquiet at the steps taken in the US and elsewhere following 11 September which have threatened the personal freedom of merchant seafarers, curtailed their opportunities to take shore leave, and threaten national data protection legislation.

Congress urges the UK Government to do more to oppose the flag of convenience system and to introduce greater transparency over ship ownership. Congress also urges the shipping industry to do more to protect its ships and seafarers from the threat of attack, by improving the provision of shipboard security equipment and training, and increasing diplomatic pressure on the countries where armed attacks on merchant shipping proliferate. Congress also supports the maritime unions in their efforts to prevent seafarers from having basic rights and freedoms curtailed as a result of increased security initiatives.

National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers

57 MARITIME LABOUR STANDARDS

Congress notes with concern the fact that an increasing number of foreign seafarers are being employed on British-owned and registered ships under totally unacceptable conditions, with pay rates as low as 70p an hour and with contracts that expressly forbid contact with maritime unions and regulatory authorities. Congress calls on the UK Government to demonstrate its support for the proposed ILO ‘Bill of Rights’ for seafarers and to take action to demonstrate compliance with the consensual statement agreed at the ILO in May 2002, in particular to:

i) have the ability to monitor and enforce decent living and working conditions on UK flagged ships and on foreign ships visiting UK ports; and

ii) ensure that seafarers have easy access to simple and inexpensive procedures for lodging complaints about working conditions or breaches of contract.

National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers

58 REGULATION

Congress notes that, since their creation in the 1980s, regulatory bodies have remained unchanged in form.

Congress therefore agrees that there is an urgent need to review the systems of regulation, particularly those covering the public utilities, and the postal and telecomms sectors.

The focus of such a review should include:

i) the regulator’s remit;

ii) the need to integrate social and employment issues in the regulatory framework;

iii) the composition of regulatory authorities, and the basis of appointment of these bodies; and

iv) the accountability of these bodies to Parliament.

Congress agrees the TUC should undertake such a review, and publish its findings and recommendations by March 2003.

Communication Workers’ Union

59 ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

Congress supports urgent international action to stop dangerous climate change, and believes that priority must be given to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Congress agrees with the Performance and Innovation Unit’s Energy Review that climate change objectives must be largely achieved through the energy system and that the policy framework must address sustainable development objectives as well as energy security.

This will require:

i) increased support for research, development and demonstration of carbon-free and carbon sequestration technologies;

ii) action to strengthen the science, engineering and technology skills base;

iii) further work on the potential of local generation;

iv) early action to keep the nuclear option open; and

v) effective use of economic instruments.

Congress agrees that the forthcoming energy White Paper must include a programme of action to ensure timely delivery of each of these objectives. The General Council is instructed to lobby Government to this end and also to ensure a joined-up approach to energy and environmental policy-making.

Prospect

AMENDMENT

At the end of the second paragraph insert:

'Congress believes the UK must have a balanced energy policy both to ensure security of supply and to promote the long-term viability of our manufacturing activities. It is vital that we work in partnership with all key stakeholders to ensure that the UK meets all of its environmental targets.'

Amicus

60 ENERGY

Congress notes that the current mix of energy in electricity generation meets the Government’s stated policy of diversity. Within that mix coal provides for approximately one third of total generation divided broadly between indigenous and imported coal. Congress welcomes the decision of the Government to provide further assistance to the coal industry in light of the cessation of the 1998 coal operating aid regime. However it remains concerned that a number of potentially viable collieries have closed or are scheduled to close n such developments can only weaken the Government’s target of fuel diversity.

Congress notes that the recent PIU and clean coal technology reviews do not put sufficient weight on the role of coal (both indigenous and imported) into the future and that, in the absence of any clean coal technology power station build, the country’s dependence upon gas will increase significantly. In particular, the Government needs to address the new technologies such as carbon capture that will allow coal to be used on a much more environmentally friendly basis. Congress therefore calls on the Government to ensure that these issues are properly addressed.

BACM-TEAM

61 BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY

Congress supports the CWU ‘Demand Broadband’ campaign and is committed to promoting universal access. Congress recognises that provision of nationwide broadband infrastructure and stimulation of broadband take-up are issues of national interest. Furthermore, some level of political intervention is the only realistic way of achieving universal broadband access.

Congress therefore instructs the General Council to impress on Government the need to:

i) expose the public to the wide range of benefits delivered by broadband through a high profile publicity campaign;

ii) continue to work with suppliers of hardware and services to demonstrate to potential users the practical benefits of broadband;

iii) publicise the benefits of broadband through major innovative awareness programmes;

iv) build on the current level of partnership projects to roll out broadband to rural and remote communities and targeted urban areas;

v) promote research and development into possible new technologies to deliver broadband to areas of social exclusion, otherwise we will have a serious digital divide;

vi) ensure that the actions of the Communications regulator promote broadband by stipulating in the Communications Bill that one of Ofcom’s strategic objectives is the widespread provision of affordable access to broadband services;

vii) utilise the substantial purchasing power of central and local government.

There would be great benefit to all if Government agreed to provide broadband connections to every school, college, library, job centre and hospital in the country; and

viii) ensure sufficient regulatory and commercial incentives are in place to speed up broadband provision by all providers.

Communication Workers’ Union

AMENDMENT

Add new paragraph at end:

'Congress rejects the view that broadband delivery can be speeded up through the break-up of BT. The General Council should also impress on the Government the need to ensure that Ofcom recognises that it has the power to generate a competitive broadband market without resorting to such a step.'

Connect

62 COMMUNICATIONS BILL

Congress believes that the forthcoming Communications Bill will give the green light to further mergers and encourage greater concentration of ownership, including the possibility of large sections of the UK media being owned by US-based global media groups.

A new single super regulator, OFCOM, will have the conflicting mandate to promote competition and protect consumers and quality of broadcasting content.

Congress believes that the TUC should play an active role in promoting the principles of diversity, accountability, plurality and public service in the media.

It therefore calls on the General Council to:

i) make representations on these matters to the UK Government throughout the Bill’s Parliamentary progress; and

ii) work with other media and communications unions and seek to involve other TUC affiliated unions to build this campaign and develop positive policies to extend public service obligations within the media.

National Union of Journalists

63 COMMUNICATIONS BILL

Congress welcomes the opportunity presented by the Draft Communications Bill for a radical rationalisation of current broadcasting regulatory arrangements. The Bill also presents an opportunity, perhaps overdue, for long-term assessment of the role of Public Service Broadcasters in an ever more rapidly changing environment.

Nevertheless Congress is of the view that the Bill, as currently drafted, could ultimately undermine the current quality and range of programmes being produced, both to the detriment of audiences, and to those who work in the broadcasting industry.

Congress therefore calls upon the Government to:

i) reject any dilution of the current regulation on content in favour of, as yet to be defined, 'lighter touch' regulation;

ii) oppose the proposed relaxation of ownership controls, especially those which would enable non-European ownership of any Public Service Broadcaster. No relaxation should be contemplated until reciprocal rights of ownership have been established and sufficient safeguards are introduced to prevent any reduction of domestic production;

iii) acknowledge and make sufficient provision in the Bill for high quality, original drama, as distinct from the ‘entertainment’ definition currently given in clause (181(5)(a));

iv) ensure that regional production is protected and encouraged, particularly with regard to diversity of production, including high quality drama; and

ix) take measures to protect, strengthen and ensure the diversity of the production base in the United Kingdom.

Equity

AMENDMENT

Add new sub-paragraphs vi) to viii):

'vi) address the need to promote broadband and explicitly charge OFCOM with this responsibility;

vii) ensure that regulation is accountable by publishing an annual government policy framework within which OFCOM must operate; and

guarantee sufficient resources to ensure that the UK communications industry retains a highly trained and motivated workforce.'

Communication Workers’ Union

64 COPYRIGHT

Congress condemns the increasing practice to make any commission dependent upon the freelance assigning his/her copyright. The British 1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act allows for copyright ownership to be transferred in this way. While the intention of the Act was not to allow creators to be bullied out of their rights, this is what is happening. Creators’ rights form an important part of the conditions of work of a growing number of people.

Congress affirms that creators should have inalienable ownership of their intellectual property and a right to make a living from their creativity. Congress resolves that these rights should be established in British law.

Congress therefore calls on the TUC to lead the campaign to establish a Charter of Creators’ Rights, covering copyright, moral rights and related issues.

This Charter should include at least the following rights:

i) the abolition of copyright, to be replaced by inalienable ownership of intellectual property by its creators - i.e. authors’ rights (whether self- employed or employed);

ii) the right of every creator to be identified as the author of his/her work;

iii) the right of every creator to insist that his/her work will not be distorted; and

iii) the right of every creator to be rewarded adequately for the licensed use of his/her work. Such reward should reflect the scope of the licence.

National Union of Journalists

65 CREATORS’ RIGHTS

Congress believes writers, musicians, actors, artists and other creative workers face growing pressure to give up rights in their work. They are often required to waive their moral rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: 'Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is author.' It is necessary to reaffirm these principles and apply them to the digital, multimedia environment.

Congress acknowledges and applauds the work of the Creators’ Rights Alliance, which has brought together several trades unions and other creators’ organisations to campaign on a shared programme.

Congress endorses the following aims:

i) reform of moral rights, to include: removal of the requirement of assertion; prohibition of the general waiver; removal of exclusions relating to current events, newspapers, encyclopaedias, etc;

ii) reform of law of authors’ contracts, to include the following points: exploitation of copyright by licence only; contracts to be specific and in writing; right to remuneration from all uses including a 'bestseller' provision; and

iii) reform of legal procedures and sanctions relating to enforcement so that creators are able to protect themselves easily and cheaply, and to introduce penalties for infringements that will deter unfair business practices.

Congress calls on the Government to accept these principles and seek to establish them in international, EU and UK law.

Congress calls on the General Council to support campaigns to promote these principles.

Writers’ Guild of Great Britain

66 FINANCE BILL 2002 - FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION

Congress notes with concern the changes announced in the April 2002 Budget which now disqualifies all television production from being eligible to receive tax breaks under the 'sale and leaseback' scheme introduced in 1997. Whilst Congress recognises that this scheme was conceived originally to provide incentives only for British feature film production, Congress nonetheless believes that the continued production of high quality British drama is essential to the good health of the British film and television industry which provides hundreds of thousands of jobs and millions of pounds worth of income to the UK.

The withdrawal of this benefit when the financing of such productions is in jeopardy, due to the significant decline in the advertising industry, can only damage an industry which has been so successful in recent years despite the global dominance of US production and distribution.

Congress believes that this industry is not only important to the British economy but is vital to the cultural wealth of the nation, and calls upon the Government to either re-establish the ability for television drama production to take advantage of the 'sale and leaseback' scheme or provide new legislation which provides similar benefits to support this vital part of the industry

Equity

67 THEATRE IN EDUCATION

Congress calls on the Government to actively support the rebuilding of the Theatre in Education (TiE) programme. This once thriving resource has been allowed to erode dangerously, with subsidies and core funding declining steeply and many companies forced to close.

Congress believes that the most positive way to introduce children to theatre is by involving them directly in TiE programmes. By encouraging the development of their imaginations and channelling their energy creatively, TiE makes children a part of the process. This early commitment will allow them to become the next generation of a healthy theatre audience.

Congress deplores the fact that drama is not a part of the core curriculum. Lack of funding means that the quantity of work going into schools is sparse. Lack of funding also means that the work that does reach schools often fails to inspire children or their teachers to explore theatre further. Given these factors, the Government’s stated goal - building significant new theatre audiences among children and young people - cannot be achieved.

Congress calls on the Government to focus attention and funding to achieve its stated goal. Congress calls on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Education and Skills to rebuild the TiE programme to a high level of effectiveness and excellence.

Writers’ Guild of Great Britain

68 FUNDING OF MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Whilst Congress welcomes the Government’s recent enabling of a return to free admission to those national museums and galleries which had introduced charges, it is vital that adequate funding be provided through grant-in-aid to finance core costs, in particular, staff. In December 2000, the then Secretary of State, Chris Smith, wrote to Chairs of Museum Trustee Boards reminding them of '……the immense dedication, professionalism and commitment of museum staff which are your most precious assets…'. Congress is concerned that recent financial stringencies, for example, at the British Museum, have led to urgent cost-cutting strategies, including the likelihood of compulsory staff redundancies.

Free public admission to museums and galleries has been a fine tradition in the UK, but without the dedicated and knowledgeable guidance provided by specialist curators, no visitor can fully appreciate, understand and interpret the collections on display. It is crucial that the high standards of excellence embodied in trained and dedicated museum staff are retained, and their indispensable contribution to a visitors’ experience of an institution be acknowledged.

The Government should recognise the enormous contribution made by museums and galleries to the UK’s economy through tourists’ visits, and their priceless contribution to cultural life.

Congress calls upon the Government to allow museums to access its Capital Modernisation Fund, to significantly raise grant-in-aid which has dropped by 30% over 10 years in real terms, and to protect the pay of museum staff which continues to fall in comparison to other public sector workers.

FDA

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 2, line 4, delete 'specialist curators' and insert 'curators, conservators and other specialist staff'

In paragraph 3, line 2, after 'to' insert 'education, life-long learning, science and'.

In paragraph 4, line 4, before '30%' insert 'up to'.

In line 5, delete 'protect' and insert 'improve'.

Prospect

Section 4 pensions and welfare

69 OCCUPATIONAL PENSIONS

Congress notes with alarm the mounting crisis in occupational pension provision brought about by employers limiting and reducing their pension contributions and abandoning final salary schemes.

The Pickering Report’s solutions to the crisis such as ending indexation of benefits and cutting survivor benefits, only transfer the cost of the crisis from the perpetrators to the victims and therefore are not tenable. Congress calls on the General Council and all affiliated unions to campaign for:

i) ‘pension pay’, to be given the same protection in law as current pay i.e. it should be covered by the contract of employment, protected in TUPE transfers and negotiated with recognised trade unions;

ii) all employers should be compelled to pay an increased contribution towards their employees’ pensions. The combined contribution to employees second pensions should be raised to 10% of pay with two thirds paid by the employer;

iii) the Government should promote final salary schemes by being prepared to establish and underwrite a ‘Central Discontinuance Fund’ and take action to lead to the withdrawal or modification of FRS1;

iv) increased tax incentives for pension schemes as compared to other forms of savings with particular consideration for increased tax incentives for those on low incomes; and

iv) increased awareness amongst union members of the value of company pension provision and the need to organise to safeguard members pension rights.

Amicus

AMENDMENT

Add final paragraph:

'Congress also notes that half the working population has no access to an occupational pension and means-tested benefits are failing to tackle pensioner poverty. Congress calls on the General Council and affiliates to continue to campaign for restoration of the link between the basic state pension and earnings.'

GMB

AMENDMENT

Add new sub-paragraph vi):

'vi) the Government to ensure that former public servants transferred to the private sector can continue to expect the same level of pension as they would have received in the public sector, by improving government policy set out in 'staff transfers in the public sector' which currently provides limited protection.'

Public and Commercial Services Union

AMENDMENT

Paragraph 1, add at end:

'Congress notes that good final salary schemes are the minimum standard for low to average paid workers, and that to achieve an adequate pension, an average level of combined contributions of not less than 15% is required.'

In paragraph 2, sub-paragraph ii), line 5, delete '10%' and replace with 'not less than 10% and preferably at least 15%'

Unison

70 PENSIONS

Congress deplores the retreat by employers from providing quality final salary pensions for employees and replacing them with often inferior money purchase schemes. Congress calls upon the Government to introduce compulsory employer contributions to occupational pension schemes. The principal objective being to ensure a higher level of pension provision among working people, enabling the Government to achieve its objective of 60% of pension incomes being provided by private pensions and 40% provided by the state.

Congress therefore recommends the introduction of a compulsory employer contribution starting at at least 3% per annum rising to 10% over a ten-year period. This reflects the approach adopted in Australia where the move from a voluntary system to a 9% compulsory employer contribution took 10 years.

Congress believes that it would be clearly wrong if earners were compelled to make contributions to pension arrangements that were poorly run, insecure or expensive.

Congress calls on the Government to ensure that such schemes are run jointly by employers and employees using the trust structure that applies to final salary schemes. The membership of the trust board should be divided equally between the employer and representatives of scheme members.

Unifi

71 PENSIONS

Congress notes with concern the growing tendency for companies to move from defined benefit pension schemes toward defined contribution schemes.

Congress notes that defined contribution schemes are, in the main, governed by legislation requiring prospective pensioners to purchase annuities and is concerned that these are likely to provide inferior benefits as a result of the volatility of investment returns and the long-term downward trend in annuity rates.

Congress rejects proposals in the Pickering report which could jeopardise inflation-proofing of pension benefits and payment of benefits to surviving spouses/partners.

Congress instructs the General Council to:

i) promote defined benefit pension schemes in preference to defined contribution schemes;

ii) seek Government support to maintain the state pension at the highest level possible;

iii) seek legislation for fiscal measures that establish and retain 'Defined Benefit' (or hybrid) schemes in preference to 'Defined Contribution' schemes;

iv) seek legislation, supported by necessary fiscal incentives, to make membership of an approved occupational pension scheme compulsory;

v) seek legislation to make contributions to pension funds by employers compulsory for those schemes presently covered; and

v) seek that some or all of any ‘bonus’ payment made by an employer be treated as pensionable pay.

Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association

72 PENSIONS

In the light of the recent examples of employers ending or reducing the benefits of company pension schemes; of the spate of negative publicity about the future of occupational pensions; and of the consequent concerns on pensions felt by workers in all sectors, Congress calls on the General Council to reinforce its campaigning on pension issues, encompassing the following elements:

i) the aim that all workers should have access to a secure income in retirement that enables them at least to maintain a standard of living comparable to their final years of employment;

ii) the need to protect and modernise good final salary schemes; to promote good defined contribution schemes; and to work to make a success of stakeholder pensions;

iii) the principle that employers have a shared long-term responsibility for decent pension provision;

iv) that employers should be able to require workers to become members of any final salary scheme operated by that employer;

v) the need to examine the continuing impact of the new minimum funding requirement (MFR) and the new accounting standard FRS17 but also to counter exaggerated claims about the supposed drawbacks of final salary schemes.

vi) opposition to contribution holidays or reductions by employers;

vii) the need for minimum compulsory employer contributions to all forms of occupational pension, including stakeholder schemes; and with the specific inclusion of freelance and casual workers; and

x) the need to highlight and oppose any negative implications for occupational pensions arising from any proposed introduction of a flexible retirement age.

Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union

AMENDMENT

Add new final paragraph:

'Congress is also concerned that the means testing of state pensions and the breaking of the earnings link exacerbates pensioner poverty. Congress believes that fundamental pensions reform is required and calls for the establishment of a Royal Commission into all aspects of state, private and occupational pensions provision.'

Transport and General Workers’ Union

73 OCCUPATIONAL PENSION SCHEMES

Congress welcomes the TUC discussion document, Prospects for Pensions, and notes with dismay that there is a continuing drift away from final salary to defined contribution occupational pension schemes. Congress believes that this shift of risk from employers to employees is caused overwhelmingly by employers wishing to save money and to avoid their responsibilities as social partners.

Congress also notes that there is a massive savings gap, the difference between what is required to provide a reasonable income in retirement and the amount that is actually being saved, and therefore calls on the Government to legislate for the introduction of compulsory employer contributions to occupational pension schemes and to allow pension schemes membership to be a condition of employment.

Connect

74 STATE PENSIONS

Congress wishes to express its unease at the utterings of raising the age limit to qualify for a pension from the state.

Congress notes that currently the basic state pension provides 60% of the income of most pensioners, with other sources providing the rest.

State pensions should be the foundation stone of the system that prevents pensioners slipping into poverty in retirement, through a new guarantee that will be upgraded in line with wages.

To that end Congress commits to continue to campaign in line with current TUC policy for state pensions to be paid at realistic levels and at the current age of retirement.

The obvious conclusion is that the new guarantee referred to must be the principle of relating state pensions to minimum standards and the minimum wage, or linking the state pension to earnings.

Congress also commits the General Council to work with the NPC on the issue of state pensions and to include as part of campaigning activities additional benefits for pensioners such as free transport.

Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen

75 NON-DISCRIMINATORY PENSION SCHEMES

Congress believes that people in same-sex relationships must be treated equally by society and that consequently there is an urgent need for non-discriminatory pension schemes.

In the National Association of Pension Funds Annual Survey (2001), it shows that 50 per cent of private schemes and 77 per cent of public sector schemes do not pay benefits to those in same sex relationships. The argument often used for continuing with this grossly unfair practice is on the basis of cost and Congress firmly considers this to be clear discrimination, particularly as people in same-sex relationships are expected to pay into such schemes.

Congress notes that same-sex couples have no recognized means to record their partnership. Couples, both same-sex and heterosexual, may not wish to marry or record a partnership declaration.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council to seek the following:

i) an amendment to all public authority pension schemes to ensure that financially interdependent or officially registered heterosexual and same-sex partnerships are treated on parity with heterosexual married couples; and

ii) an amendment to the Pensions Act 1995 to require private sector occupational pension schemes to introduce non-discriminatory pension schemes, whereby trustees treat financially interdependent or officially registered heterosexual and same-sex partnerships on a parity with heterosexual married couples: this will be in line with EC Employment and Race Directives.

Transport and General Workers’ Union

(Motion selected by the 2002 Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender Conference for submission to Congress)

76 NEW TAX CREDITS

Congress welcomes the Working Tax Credit and the Children’s Tax Credits to be introduced in April 2003 as a further step towards encouraging work by making work pay.

Congress calls on the General Council and individual unions to campaign to raise awareness of the new credits and to ensure a high take-up amongst members.

However, Congress also calls on the Government to improve the system to ensure that those moving into work can claim their entitlement as easily and simply as possible and that they are not disadvantaged. Congress calls on the General Council to campaign for the following:

i) the extension of the Working Tax Credit to under-25s to avoid further discrimination against young workers;

ii) to ensure that those claiming the Working Tax Credit are also entitled to benefits available to those who are out of work:

- NHS benefits, including free prescriptions and dental treatment,

- free school meals and school uniform vouchers;

iii) to reduce the effect on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit to ensure that what is gained through tax credits is not lost through other benefits;

iv) for Childcare Tax Credit to be payable to parents in work-related education or training;

v) for the credits to be payable by giro or order book as well as directly into bank accounts; and

vi) for an increase in the minimum wage to ensure that low-paying employers are not subsidised by the taxpayer.

Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

Section 5 Europe

77 BLAIR-BERLUSCONI ALLIANCE

Congress condemns the pact between Tony Blair and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to water down labour laws within the European Union. Congress notes that Blair and Berlusconi, along with their conservative allies in Spain, did not succeed at the Barcelona summit in blocking the European Commission’s proposals to give new employment rights to temporary workers.

Congress congratulates John Monks and the General Council for taking a firm stand on this issue, and calls on the TUC and ETUC to continue to resist any attempts to limit essential protection for workers in Europe.

Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

78 EUROPEAN SINGLE CURRENCY

Congress does not believe that the interests of manufacturing industry, public services and the trade union movement will be best served by a referendum on the European Single Currency prior to the next General Election.

Congress calls on the General Council to place before each Congress prior to any such referendum factual information concerning prices, unemployment, growth, public expenditure and industrial relations in each of the eurozone countries.

The Community and Youth Workers’ Union

AMENDMENT

Delete full stop at end of first paragraph, and insert:

'unless a sustainable exchange rate between the pound and the euro is achieved; greater government support for the consolidation and expansion of the European social model is demonstrated; and assurances regarding any repercussions of entry on public expenditure are received.'

Graphical, Paper and Media Union

AMENDMENT

Add at beginning of motion:

'Congress supports the policy of the Government that the five tests set by the Chancellor of the Exchequer will define whether a clear and unambiguous case for joining the euro can be made. Until such time'

In line 5, delete 'prior to the next General Election.'

Unifi

AMENDMENT

Add at beginning of first paragraph:

'Congress calls on the Government to give priority attention to bolstering British manufacturing, and to ensuring that our public service provision and workers’ rights are enhanced to the level of our EU partners.'

Add after 'General Election' at the end of the first paragraph:

'if those priorities are not ensured and acted upon.'

KFAT

AMENDMENT

At end of first paragraph, add:

'if the pound maintains its current high exchange rate.'

Insert new second paragraph:

'The high pound is damaging British industry and Congress therefore calls on Government to bring forward its assessment of the five economic tests in preparation for a referendum.'

GMB

AMENDMENT

Insert additional paragraph, after 1st paragraph:

'Further, Congress notes with concern that the Stability and Growth Pact is forcing countries inside the eurozone to impose huge spending cuts.'

National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

Section 6 international

79 COLOMBIA

Congress applauds the efforts of the General Council for supporting the trade union members in Colombia who occupied the Municipal Central Administration protesting at the Colombian Government’s attempt to force the privatisation of EMCALI, which is a state-owned corporation providing electricity, water and telecommunications services in Cali, Colombia.

Congress expresses its deep concern and anger at the continued assassinations of trade unionists in Colombia. According to official figures, in 2001 170 trade unionists were assassinated. The vast majority of those targeted by the paramilitaries are from the public sector.

Congress warmly welcomes the initiative by the TUC, working in conjunction with Justice for Colombia member affiliates, that will set up a scheme to provide respite that would give vital support for trade union colleagues that are in immediate danger, as outlined in the report to the TUC General Council 27 February 2002.

Congress and its affiliates therefore commit to help provide the necessary resources that will ensure that this humanitarian trade union scheme is successful.

Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen

80 COLOMBIA

Congress is appalled at the continued and escalating violence, including intimidation and assassination of trades union officials and members, human right workers, and many other social activists in Colombia.

Congress applauds the General Council’s ‘Respite Scheme’ initiative which will greatly assist those trade union officials most at risk from assassination, and urges the General Council to seek specific funding and practical assistance from affiliates to assist with this vital initiative.

Congress welcomes the ILO special technical co-operation programme for Colombia to promote social dialogue and the protection of trade unions and employers organisations and calls on the Government to support it.

Congress is however of course disappointed that the ILO Governing Body did not agree to the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry on Colombia, and instructs the General Council to seek to place this on the agenda for reconsideration by the ILO at the most opportune moment.

Fire Brigades’ Union

81 PEACE AND NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT

Congress salutes the memory of the trade unionists and citizens of many countries who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on the USA during the 2001 Congress.

Congress notes the rise in international tensions, the spreading of conflicts and the global increase in armament programmes since these outrages. Congress is also deeply dismayed by the decision of the United States to withdraw from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and by its plans to develop a National Missile Defence system (NMD). Congress fears that this could spark a new nuclear arms race and severely undermine international security.

Congress also regards US plans to deploy NMD as an inappropriate response to the growing problem of nuclear proliferation. Congress believes that, rather than reducing potential nuclear threats, NMD will significantly increase the spread of weapons of mass destruction in the most volatile regions of the world.

Congress recognises both the critical importance of British-based military facilities to NMD and the negative implications for UK security associated with the use of these facilities by the United States. Congress therefore calls upon the Government to announce its intention to withhold all UK support from the NMD programme.

Congress also urges the UK Government to address the wider issues of global peace and security by using Britain’s influential position as a major nuclear power, leading member of NATO and permanent member of the UN Security Council to take a decisive lead in negotiations to secure the eventual elimination of all weapons of mass destruction.

Transport and General Workers’ Union

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 2, line 3, insert after 'outrages.' a new paragraph:

'To reduce international tensions and promote peace, Congress opposes the proposed military attack by the USA on Iraq. The situation is urgent and Congress urges the UK Government to withhold support for such an attack which it considers is contrary to international law and would inevitably destabilise the Middle East.'

Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association

82 ETHICAL FOREIGN POLICY

Congress notes with regret the Government’s apparent decision to drop its commitment to an ethical foreign policy. It considers the sale of weapons to repressive regimes to be abhorrent and the continued use of some types of weapons to be morally wrong.

A foreign policy based simply on commercial returns, underpinned by force, regardless of the impact upon people living in the countries we trade weapons with, is not what the Musicians’ Union seeks to be associated with. Congress therefore calls upon the General Council of the TUC to impress upon the Labour Party the need to reinstate a commitment to an ethical foreign policy and the need to have that policy carried out.

Musicians’ Union

83 INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Congress recognises that international trade has the potential to lift millions of people out of poverty but that potential is being lost because trade rules are undermining human rights. The current world trade regime favours narrow commercial interests at the expense of poor people and the environment. Substantial changes are essential to ensure that trade rules promote poverty reduction, respect for human rights, including labour rights, and environmental sustainability. Congress supports the efforts of like-minded organisations such as Oxfam, ETI and War on Want to campaign and win change on this issue.

Trade that does not take account of social consequences hurts poor and working people. In particular, trade liberalisation should be accompanied by support measures and appropriate investment to ensure that workers, like those in the textile industry, do not lose their livelihoods as a result.

Congress supports the promotion of fairer trade and human rights by:

i) raising awareness of the impact of globalisation and international trade on livelihoods and on poor people;

ii) raising the issue within the international labour movement to promote a fairer world trade regime; and

iii) urging the UK Government and the EU to use their influence at the WTO and otherwise to secure fairer world trade.

KFAT

AMENDMENT

Add at end of paragraph 2:

'Currency trading most especially can seriously damage successful economies causing poverty on a wide scale.'

In paragraph 3, add new sub-paragraph iv):

'iv) urging the UK Government and the EU to adopt a tax on currency transactions to regulate the foreign exchange market with proceeds ring-fenced for sustainable

international development projects.'

Communication Workers’ Union

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 3, sub-paragraph ii), line 3, after 'regime', insert:

',which means challenging International Monetary Fund and World Bank policies that prevent so many societies from meeting their people’s education, health care and housing needs.'

National Union of Mineworkers

84 FAIR TRADE

Congress deplores the flagrant violation of World Trade Organisation rules perpetrated by the United States Administration when it imposed swingeing tariffs on steel imports, and applauds the swift action of the Government and the European Commission in responding swiftly to US protectionism to limit the damage to the steel industry in the European Union. Congress expresses its deep sympathy and support for workers and their families in the US who are in danger of losing their hard-won entitlements to heathcare insurance and retirement pensions as a result of the failure of the US system to make proper provision for meeting the social costs of industry.

Congress calls on the Government to press in international trade negotiations for agreements to enable countries to subsidise social costs associated with the elimination of uneconomic capacity in steel, agriculture and other sectors where there is a substantial global surplus, and to enable developing countries which respect basic human rights in employment to gain access to world markets and take advantage of the opportunity to meet the basic human needs of their citizens.

ISTC - The Community Union

85 GATS

Congress calls upon the General Council to oppose GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services).

Congress believes that GATS represents an erosion of working conditions for public sector employees as well as a challenge to democratic polity.

Congress urges the General Council to challenge the British Government on this question and to seek the ending of British support for GATS.

Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Section 7 learning and skills

86 TRAINING

Congress recognises the step change in union activity over learning and skills in recent years. It welcomes the Government’s support for this activity through the Union Learning Fund projects and the statutory recognition of Union Learning Representatives.

Congress believes that unions could do even more to stimulate the demand for skills. It therefore calls on the Government in its review of employment law to introduce the right of unions in all recognised workplaces to negotiation and consultation over workforce development.

Congress welcomes the Government’s admission that the voluntary system cannot deliver the skill needs of all the workforce and that:

i) 8 million adults have not even got a level 2 qualification;

ii) one in three of the workforce has never been offered training by their employer; and

iii) there are chronic skill shortages which are limiting productivity in key sectors of the economy.

Congress welcomes the Government’s intention to intervene where there is market failure. Congress supports the employer training pilots and calls on the Government to introduce a statutory right to paid training leave.

It calls upon the Government to take forward its commitment to introduce statutory underpinning for levies where the social partners agree, or where it can be demonstrated that sectors are not meeting sector targets or training obligations.

Congress welcomes the work of the General Council’s Task Group on Learning and Skills and calls on it to prepare a statutory framework with a view to influencing the next Manifesto.

Graphical, Paper and Media Union

AMENDMENT

Add new sentence at the end of penultimate paragraph:

'In industries such as construction where a training levy already exists, all operatives employed on government procurements should be registered under the recognized certification scheme (Construction Safety Certificate Scheme), and there should be mandatory CSCS registration on all construction projects no later than 2010.'

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

87 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND BASIC SKILLS

Congress fully supports the priority this Government accords to workforce development and basic skills: both are essential to promoting both social justice and economic prosperity.

In order to advance these priorities and goals, Congress calls upon this Government to adopt a policy of publicly funded education for all adults up to level 2.

Association for College Management

AMENDMENT

At end of first paragraph add:

'IT training, for example, is considered vital by many employees as part of their development in work, particularly in enabling them to move from traditional industries in decline to new employment opportunities and careers. Therefore, IT training should be accepted as part of the basic skills programme.'

KFAT

88 FUNDED CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Congress welcomes the government initiatives on funding for continuing professional development for allied health professionals.

As CPD will be mandatory in 2003, it is essential that all AHPs and helper grades have funded study time to maintain competency to practice and state registration, thus ensuring the highest quality of patient care.

Congress urges Government to continue to apply pressure to trust managers to ensure there is adequate fully funded study leave available.

British Orthoptic Society

AMENDMENT

In paragraph 2, line 1, after '2003,' insert 'but likely not to be fully operational until 2005,'

In paragraph 3, line 2, after 'managers' insert 'and Department of Health'

In paragraph 3, line 3, after 'leave' insert 'and protective study time'

The Society of Radiographers

Section 8 protecting people at work

89 SAFETY

Congress wishes to draw attention to the potential dangers for Community and District Nursing staff when making lone visits to patients in their homes.

There is a focus on safety in high profile areas such as Accident and Emergency Departments, but we must not allow that to detract from very real safety concerns for our members.

Community and District Nurses provide nursing care 365 days of the year and often 24 hours a day. They are travelling and visiting alone in inner city, urban and rural areas. Very few have systems that ensure that their safety is monitored and that their location is known. Many have not even been issued with a mobile telephone to enable them to raise the alarm if necessary.

Congress asks that the TUC and fellow affiliates support the CDNA in urging NHS Trusts to address the safety of our members before a tragedy happens.

Community and District Nursing Association

Add new final paragraph:

'The British Crime Survey revealed transport workers face the highest risk of violent assaults. For example, 2000/01 saw a 22% increase in assaults on railway staff. Congress urges the General Council to campaign on this issue, including reviewing the effectiveness of the British Transport Police in protecting transport workers.'

National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

90 NATIONAL ALCOHOL STRATEGY

Congress recognises that alcohol, though part of the UK’s cultural and recreational tradition, is an addictive drug and major cause of ill-health and social distress. Its misuse places families under stress, causes unemployment and homelessness and affects the wider community in terms of violence, disorder and accidents.

While there are economic benefits associated with the alcohol industry, the financial costs of misuse are substantial. They involve health, welfare and criminal justice services’ costs, and the financial implications of unemployment and lost productivity. One person in 13 is dependent on alcohol, twice as many as addicted to other forms of drugs. In 2000 over 18,000 people killed or injured on the road were involved in drink/drive accidents. Around half of domestic violence against women is linked to alcohol, more than 5,000 people die directly as a result of alcohol each year and it is implicated in up to 33,000 deaths in England and Wales.

Congress welcomes the Government’s intention to introduce a national alcohol strategy. This must be a cohesive, overall strategy that looks at prevention, education and support for problem drinkers and their family members.

Congress calls upon the Government to:

i) set up an Alcohol Co-ordination Unit to oversee the strategy’s implementation, with a high profile ministerial lead and sufficient funding to provide the resources needed for implementation by no later than 2004; and

ii) create an Alcohol Advisory Forum to inform the development of the strategy, drawn from those involved in the implementation of alcohol policy nationally and locally.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

91 MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY

Congress is concerned at the large numbers of workers still experiencing musculoskeletal injury caused by work. Research shows that injuries of this type are not being prevented in the workplace and employers undertake risk assessments which are either unsuitable, insufficient or not carried out at all until an injury presents itself. Where risk assessments are carried out, the findings are not always acted upon, in many cases because of the lack of resources. Often members are made to feel guilty for raising concerns or are encouraged not to do so which masks the true extent of the problem.

Amongst radiographers there are large numbers, particularly in the breast screening service and in ultrasound units, who are working under such pressure that they are encouraged not to take adequate breaks because of the demands of the service.

Congress therefore calls upon the General Council and affiliates to:

i) continue to lobby employers to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments and to act upon the findings with sensitivity and equity;

ii) campaign to ensure employers are fully aware of their responsibilities under health and safety legislation, including the provision of training for staff in techniques in exercise and work breaks; and

iii) lobby the Government and employers to provide adequate resources and support for injured workers to be rehabilitated into the workplace in suitable employment of a similar responsibility level and on the same terms and conditions.

Society of Radiographers

92 CABIN CREW LICENSING

Congress recognises that safety and security in aviation requires all workers in this sector to be highly trained and qualified. To ensure the highest standards are met, pilots, mechanics, flight dispatchers, and air traffic controllers, are all licensed by governmental regulatory agencies - however, cabin crew are not.

Congress believes that a nationally recognised cabin crew licence will provide assurances that cabin crew will be fully trained, competent, and capable, and that without standard licensing, the competency of the crew will depend only upon the employer.

Congress further notes that Italy, Denmark, Greece, Spain, and France already have a nationally recognised licence for cabin crew, and that an EU Directive on licensing has been under consideration since 1997, but that the UK and Germany have repeatedly obstructed moves to introduce a Europe wide system.

Congress, therefore, calls upon the Government to introduce a nationally recognised cabin crew license that will better recognise the cabin crew role as safety professional, and which will help raise airline safety standards and improve the pool of qualified and experienced cabin crew.

Congress will additionally call upon the Government to support the EU transport ministers’ plans for a new European Aviation Safety Agency to govern safety standards in civil aviation across the region, and to promote common standards worldwide.

Association of Flight Attendants

93 REHABILITATION

Congress congratulates the TUC on its endeavours to increase awareness of the possible advantages associated with proactive rehabilitation. In particular the discussion paper produced jointly with the Association of British Insurers, Getting Back to Work, provided an excellent platform of information to enable unions to progress their own policy deliberations in this important area.

Congress urges the Health and Safety Executive to ‘keep the door open’ to the possibility that, in order to promote rehabilitation, a mandatory policy may be needed.

Congress further urges the TUC maintain the pressure for provision of rehabilitation measures when the injury, disease or illness is work-related, by ensuring supportive measures whilst the employee is still at work.

Finally, Congress believes that employer organisations should stop giving companies awards for policies and instead recognise good practice not fine words.

Accord

AMENDMENT

Insert new paragraph 4:

'To further the aims of this policy, Congress calls on the TUC to maintain pressure on the Government for the introduction of a Safety Bill at the earliest opportunity, and to ensure that the legislation includes regulations that place a legal duty on employers to adopt a rehabilitation policy.'

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

Section 9 promoting trade unionism

94 ON-LINE ACTIVISM

Congress recognises how the working families e-activists network set up by the AFL-CIO has been an effective and innovative way of exposing abuses of workers’ rights and campaigning to improve rights at work. It illustrates how the internet can be used to mobilise support for trade union issues and how on-line activism can complement more traditional forms of trade union activity by extending campaigns beyond an individual workplace. Congress instructs the General Council to investigate how the TUC could set up a similar campaigning network in the UK.

Connect

Section 10 campaigns and communications

POLITICAL DIALOGUE

Motion P95, submitted by the Public and Commercial Services Union, has been withdrawn.

Section 11 TUC organisation

95 MOTIONS TO TUC CONGRESS

Congress notes that the Black Workers’ Conference motion was not discussed at 2001 Congress due to lack of time.

Congress reaffirms the policy in that motion stressing that the motion is the property of the Black Workers’ Conference and that therefore the TUC Race Relations Committee should select from amongst its members the mover and seconder of the agreed motion for and on behalf of the TUC Black Workers’ Conference.

Congress instructs the TUC Race Relations Committee to continue to pursue this policy and calls upon affiliates to support this policy.

Communication Workers’ Union

(Motion selected by the 2002 Black Workers’ Conference for submission to Congress)

nominations

General Council and General Purposes Committee

General Council Section A

Unison (six members)

• Dave Anderson
• Veronica Dunn
• Dave Prentis
• Alison Shepherd
• Liz Snape
• Keith Sonnet

Amicus (five members)

• Roger Lyons
• Dougie Rooney
• Maureen Rooney
• Derek Simpson
• Paul Talbot

GMB (four members)

• Sheila Bearcroft
• John Edmonds
• Jean Foster
• Paul Kenny

Transport and General Workers’ Union (four members)

• Barry Camfield
• Peter Landles
• Bill Morris
• Jane McKay

Communication Workers’ Union (two members)

• Jeannie Drake
• Billy Hayes

Graphical, Paper and Media Union (two members)

• Tony Burke
• Tony Dubbins

National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (two members)

• Nigel De Gruchy
• Sue Rogers

National Union of Teachers (two members)

• Pat Hawkes
• Doug McAvoy

Public and Commercial Services Union (two members)

• Nominations to follow

Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (two members)

• Marge Carey
• Bill Connor

General Council Section B

Association of Teachers and Lecturers (one member)

• Peter Smith

Prospect (one member)

• Paul Noon

Unifi (one member)

• Ed Sweeney

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (one member)

• George Brumwell

General Council Section C VOTES

(eleven to be elected)

• Jonathan Baume, FDA
• Brain Caton, Prison Officers’ Association
• Bob Crow, National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers
• Jeremy Dear, National Union of Journalists
• Paul Gates, KFAT
• Andy Gilchrist, Fire Brigades’ Union
• Michael Leahy, ISTC — The Community Union
• Paul Mackney, NATFHE — The University and College Lecturers’ Union
• Joe Marino, Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union
• Judy McKnight, Napo — The Trade Union and Professional Association for Family
• Court and Probation Staff
• Doug Nicholls, The Community and Youth Workers’ Union
• Ged Nichols, Accord
• Brian Orrell, National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers
• Mick Rix, Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen
• Richard Rosser, Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association

General Council Section D

(four to be elected)

• Clare Clark, Alliance and Leicester Group Union of Staff
• Julie Grant, Association of Teachers and Lecturers
• Anita Halpin, National Union of Journalists
• Sally Hunt, Association of University Teachers
• Lesley Mercer, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Jenny Thurston, Prospect

General Council Section E

(one to be elected) No Contest

• Mohammad Taj, Transport and General Workers’ Union

General Council Section F

(one to be elected) No Contest

• Leslie Manasseh, Connect
• David Uduehi, Prison Officers’ Association Withdrawn

General Council Section G

(one to be elected)

• Sharon Liburd, Association of Teachers and Lecturers
• Gloria Mills, Unison

General Council Section H

Member representing trade unionists with disabilities

(one to be elected)

• Sally Bridge, Communication Workers’ Union
• Mark Fysh, Unison

General Council Section I

Member representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender trade unionists

(one to be elected)

• Peter Allen, Prison Officers’ Association Withdrawn
• Maria Exall, Communication Workers’ Union
• David Lascelles, GMB
• Tim Lucas, National Union of Teachers

General Council Section J

Member under 27 years of age

(one to be elected)

• Phil Pinder, Transport and General Workers’ Union
• Simon Scott, Communication Workers’ Union

General Purposes Committee

(five to be elected) No Contest

• Danny Carrigan, Amicus
• John Cogger, National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers
• Stan Cooke, Transport and General Workers’ Union
• Andy Reed, Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen Withdrawn
• Pauline Thorne, Unison
• Gerry Veart, GMB