Congress Decisions 2000

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Congress Decisions 2000

Listed below are the decisions taken by the 2000 Trades Union Congress on the motions and amendments submitted by unions. The numbers given to resolutions and motions refer to their number in the Final Agenda, or to that of the Composite or Emergency Motion.

Resolutions Carried

Agenda 7 Trade Union Representation

Congress reaffirms its commitment to an expanding trades union movement and in doing so recognises the need for the relevant trade union to represent and be responsible for the member.

Further, Congress is committed to the best representation of all trade union members, be that by a general or specialist union, and regardless of the size of the affiliated body.

Prison Officers Association

The following amendment was ACCEPTED

Add new final paragraph:

'Congress calls upon affiliates to concentrate their efforts on recruitment and organisation of members in those areas not already covered by sister unions.'

National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

Agenda 14 Organising Academy

Congress congratulates the TUC for setting up the Organising Academy as a practical way of helping affiliates to strengthen union organisation in the workplace. Congress notes the success of new options for Academy participation introduced this year, including the seconding of existing union staff onto the programme, the provision of training to current union staff on a bespoke basis and the development of refresher training to Academy graduates.

Congress believes that there are a number of options for the future development of the Academy which should be considered in order to build on achievements so far. These could include:

• i) running short programmes for potential organisers which do not require union sponsorship;

ii) enabling unions to share trainees;

• iii) inter-union exchange programmes for Academy graduates; and

iv) specific training on combating union busting techniques based, where possible, on UK case studies.

Congress believes that the value of the Organising Academy depends in part on the level of participation from affiliates. Accordingly Congress encourages all affiliates actively to consider participating in the future.

Connect

Agenda 15 Membership portability

Congress notes the advances in information technology and increased use of agency and short-term contract workers in the finance sector.

Congress recognises that the increasing mobility of workers presents a barrier to membership recruitment, leaving some of the most vulnerable workers in today’s labour market without trade union protection.

Congress calls on the General Council to:

UNIFI

Agenda 16 Call centres

Congress recognises the continuing growth in the number of call centres, the huge number of workers now employed within them, and the fact that many are not union members. Congress notes that 70% of call centre workers are women, that many are part-time, temporary or agency staff, and that they often endure poor pay and conditions of employment.

Congress further notes that call centre workers are often subjected to overbearing and oppressive monitoring of performance, with bullying being commonplace. Employees are often expected to be flexible without that flexibility being reciprocated. Congress believes that unions have a vital role to play in challenging the practices of poor employers.

Congress recognises that some employers have adopted employment practices that facilitate part-time and flexible working which have particularly benefited primary carers. Congress believes that call centres have the potential to meet the needs of workers who would otherwise be excluded from work (predominately women).

Congress also welcomes the fact that the HSE has recognises that call centres have specific issues of health and safety associated with them, and welcomes the HSE's investigation into call centre health and safety. Congress particularly recognises the need to have meaningful dialogue with employers on performance targets, which have been clearly identified as the root cause of many health and safety problems, especially stress.

Congress calls upon call centre employers to recognise the fact that e-commerce will have an impact on current call centre activity, and train their employees to enable them to take advantage of opportunities that the growth of e-commerce will present in the future.

Congress calls upon the General Council and affiliated unions to share information and experience regarding call centre practices, to co-operate and avoid damaging competition between unions, and ensure that trade unions can effectively defend and represent the many call centre workers who desperately need the protection of a trade union.

Congress instructs the General Council to:

effectively co-ordinate the unionisation of Call Centres, putting in place measures which will seek to avoid inter-union competition;

engage employers and their organisations such as the Call Centres Association in developing core industry standards, and

publicise the outcome of the HSE's investigation into call centre health and safety.

Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association

The following amendment was ACCEPTED

Insert new paragraph 5:

'Congress believes that the current emphasis on time limits for the handling of calls by individuals should be replaced by the treatment of call handling as a team based performance measure, the use of call handling time as part of a wider basket of performance measures, and much greater emphasis on the quality of call handling rather than the time taken for it.'

Insert new paragraph 7:

'Congress calls on the General Council to campaign for a national minimum set of standards for call centres to ensure that employees throughout the UK benefit from quality employment in this fast growing sector.'

Communication Workers Union

Agenda 23 Play services to children

Congress recognises the central importance of play in the development of children and notes the consistent research findings that demonstrate that educational achievement is enhanced when children have been able to explore and grow through the free association of play.

Congress appreciates the skills of play workers who staff a wide variety of community-based facilities which enhance learning and enjoyment in childhood through play.

Congress believes that the public provision of open access play work provides an essential right and stepping stone for all children in their early years and that such facilities should be universally available.

Congress welcomes the comprehensive national childcare strategy and its positive impact on family-friendly policies and returning more adults with families to the world of work. Congress believes that this strategy also opens new opportunities for learning and development for children through constructive play and educational activities.

Congress notes with concern the increasingly threadbare patchwork of provision for play and calls on the General Council to work with those national organisations currently seeking to establish a more secure infrastructure for this element of local authority provision organised in conjunction with the voluntary sector.

The Community and Youth Workers’ Union

Agenda 29 Ethnic minority employment in film and television

Congress welcomes the DCMS census of employment in the film and broadcasting industry.

Congress supports BECTU’s view that institutional racism exists in the film and broadcasting industry as evidenced by the generally low level of ethnic minority permanent and freelance employment.

Congress calls upon the General Council to campaign that the DCMS:

ii. ensure that the statistical information published from the annual census and other relevant sources is as detailed as possible in order to monitor performance on ethnic minority employment.

Congress believes that collection and publication of data on ethnic minority employment should be a mandatory requirement of bodies in receipt of public money and broadcasters under licence.

Congress and the General Council will give full support to affiliated unions pursuing the objectives of this motion and the General Council will report back to Congress on progress.

Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union

The following amendment was ACCEPTED

In paragraph 3, sub-paragraph ii), at end after 'employment' add ',and to provide funding from government sources to ensure effective monitoring of employment practices.'

British Actors’ Equity Association

Agenda 41 All employee share plans

Congress, in supporting wider share ownership and partnership, welcomes the introduction of the new All Employee Share Plan from April 2000. The Inland Revenue describes this scheme as '…the most tax-advantaged all employee share plan ever introduced in the UK.'

Congress, however, notes that the introduction of this scheme is not for the benefit of all employees, as this scheme can only be operated by those companies that issue shares. This scheme, therefore, creates a substantial gap in

the reward package offered to workers within mutuals in the finance sector. This will inevitably harm the ability of mutuals to recruit and retain talented workers in the coming years, as these workers are clearly disadvantaged as a result of working for a mutual.

As Congress has previously re-affirmed its support of mutual organisations and called upon the Government publicly to support the concept of mutuality, Congress now believes that the Government should act immediately to correct a situation where share issuing companies have an unfair advantage over mutual organisations.

Congress, therefore, calls upon the General Council to make representations to the Government in order that an equivalent scheme is introduced, at the earliest opportunity, for employees within mutual organisations who cannot participate in this ‘all employee’ scheme.

Nationwide Group Staff Union

Agenda 42 Joint ventures

Congress notes the increased use of ‘joint ventures’ between companies as a new means of growing and increasing their profits.

Congress is concerned that this new corporate strategy can threaten existing union recognition rights.

Congress therefore instructs the General Council to draw up best practice guidelines for use by unions involved in joint ventures.

WISA - The Union for Woolwich Staff

Agenda 45 Future of the Post Office

Congress recognises that electronic technologies, more liberalisation and global challenges will have a profound impact on the future of the Post Office. Congress’ concern is that, without a strong base at home and the ability to compete effectively abroad, revenues will be lost and jobs will be threatened.

Congress welcomes the Postal Services Bill and the Government’s statements, which clearly provide for the Post Office to remain in public ownership and for this policy to be carried into the next general election manifesto.

Congress also welcomes the fact that the Government has altered the financial burden on the Post Office and converted this to an equitable return comparable with business generally. Significantly, the Government has now introduced the ability for the Post Office to raise borrowing for investment in its future and provided the Post Office with the commercial freedom it needs to expand and prosper in the future.

In order to be successful and compete profitably for new markets and to secure employment protection and expansion, the Post Office needs to become a global player. Congress therefore calls upon the Post Office and the Government to pursue policies which will create expansion, acquisitions, partnerships and joint ventures to establish the Post Office as a global company which will be capable of providing a complete distribution service operating in the postal, parcels, logistics and e-commerce areas.

To produce a globally successful company, it is imperative that meaningful discussions and consultation occurs with all interested parties and particularly the trade unions. However, a successful global company needs a firm and successful domestic base. The Post Office, the Government and the trade unions must therefore ensure that domestically the Post Office expands as widely as possible to create a Post Office which provides service excellence, customer satisfaction, fair rewards and conditions for Post

Office workers and expanded job opportunities for the future.

Communication Workers Union

Agenda 48 Bogus self-employment and the Construction Industry Scheme

Congress notes the continued problems relating to the employment status of workers in the construction industry. These problems have been exacerbated by the introduction of the Construction Industry Scheme in August 1999. Since the introduction of the scheme almost 800,000 CIS4 cards had been issued by April 2000. A report by the DETR in October 1999 noted: 'The latest employment statistics ... show a slight reversal in the shift to employee status. This is possibly the result of the new Construction Industry Tax Scheme (CIS), which has pushed up the cost of hiring employees, and seems to have encouraged a move back into self-employment.'

Congress believes that there are clear connections between bogus self-employment and the rules surrounding the tax system. The announcement by the Government of a reduction of the deduction for CIS4 holders from 23% to 18% and the ease of obtaining a registration card has encouraged sub-contractors incorrectly to categorise hundreds of thousands of building workers. This acts as a subsidy for the building industry by the tax and benefits system.

The long-term damage caused by casualisation in the industry is highlighted by the large number of accidents in construction and the skills shortage in a number of trades.

Congress calls upon the Government to end the special arrangements in the tax system that have encouraged the growth of bogus self-employment. This would be assisted by the introduction of a clear legal definition of a ‘worker’, rigorously enforced.

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

The following amendment was WITHDRAWN

Add at end of final paragraph:

'Such a definition should include genuinely self-employed individual workers (as opposed to small businesses) such as Schedule D freelances working in casualised sectors like film and television, where workers’ rights remain an essential protection.'

Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union

Agenda 49 Improvements in performers’ intellectual property rights

Congress recognises that musicians (together with other cultural workers) are an important part of both the cultural and economic resources of the country. Their work is at the heart of the present and prospective media developments in the information technology society, which is widely regarded as the basis of this country’s future development.

Congress recalls its previous support for improvements in intellectual property rights of performers and notes that the increasing concentration of the large media industries confronts musicians and other creative workers with ever more economically and politically powerful employers. Congress further notes that the ability of musicians to take advantage of the global networks in developing new methods of exploiting their work is, like their ability to secure equitable results in negotiation, dependent on effective performers’ intellectual property rights.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council to maintain pressure on the Government to secure a better balance between the production industries, the public and the creators in the field of intellectual property rights.

Congress asserts, in particular:

international treaties and European directives.

Musicians’ Union

The following amendment was WITHDRAWN

In paragraph 3, line 1, after 'General Council', insert 'to campaign nationally and internationally to establish the principle that all creators own their own copyright and'.

Insert new paragraph 4:

'Congress is particularly concerned that the BBC is demanding all rights from creators if they wish to work for the Corporation. Congress would expect the BBC public service broadcasting to be committed to the highest legal and moral standards'.

National Union of Journalists

Agenda 50 Support for UK farming industry

Congress notes that two-thirds of the food eaten in Britain is supplied by our own farming industry.

Recent events, reinforced by the strength of sterling, indicate that this ratio is fragile and cannot be guaranteed for the future. Any major increase in food imports would result in job losses in the farming and food industries while depriving consumers of high quality, fresh home- grown products produced to high standards of hygiene, animal welfare and environmental protection.

Whilst Congress notes the Government’s pledge to give continued support for UK agriculture, increased emphasis and awareness on this issue needs to be maintained among the public to encourage them to support our own farmers and growers.

Congress therefore commends the Government’s support for the British Farm Standard.

British Dietetic Association

Agenda 53 Violence in private prisons

Congress condemns the Government’s continued commitment to the market testing and privatisation of prisons in the United Kingdom.

Further, Congress expresses its severe condemnation of private custody companies who continue to provide profit at the expense of serious assaults on staff and prisoners.

Congress calls on the Government to remove the ill-conceived attempt to enforce cost effectiveness at the expense of violence against members of prison communities.

Prison Officers Association

Agenda 54 Defence

Congress notes that in the ten years since the ending of the cold war, UK expenditure on defence has reduced significantly in direct response to the new world order. However, Congress views with concern the continuing decline in expenditure on defence research, which is vital to maintain the UKs technological advantage and is also an important contribution to the economy through scientific advancement and technology transfer between the military and civil research sectors.

Congress believes that Government plans to privatise most of the Defence Evaluation and

Research Agency (DERA) are fundamentally flawed. Privatisation will undermine rather than enhance defence research, and make more difficult effective technological transfer to the civil research sector because of the commercial considerations and intellectual property rights applying to a privatised DERA.

Congress supports genuine efforts to modernise the UKs defence capability through improved procurement and logistics support to the armed forces, and calls on the Government to ensure that the challenge of change is tackled in partnership with the trade unions representing defence workers across the public and private sectors.

Institution of Professionals, Managers and Specialists

The following amendment was ACCEPTED

Add new final paragraph:

'Congress also recommends that this partnership is carried forward into full dialogue with unions when important new defence initiatives are introduced, such as the tendering process for the construction and operation of six strategic ro-ro ferries for the MoD.'

National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers

Agenda 58 Merging of emergency services

Congress recognises the vital contribution to public safety of the emergency service workers. Their effectiveness is a result of their dedication and skill.

Congress therefore opposes proposals in the emergency services to reduce this effectiveness through the merging of fire and ambulance services, also Emergency and Fire Brigade Controls. Such moves would undermine the true concept of ‘Best Value’ and also the safety of the public and emergency service workers.

Fire Brigades Union

Agenda 63 Better access to the prescriptions season ticket

Congress agrees that the Community and District Nursing Association is a caring organisation that works to improve the lives of members and the patients that they care for. In recent years CDNA members have seen that, in some instances, the payment of prescription charges for those with long-term illnesses causes increasing financial hardship and stress.

It is a fact that some long-term illnesses require significant amounts of medication and that this medication, for varying reasons, cannot be purchased ‘in bulk’. Frequent prescription of small amounts is the only practical means of treatment. This obviously means that prescription charges can mount and become a significant drain on those with limited incomes. To combat this the Government runs the prescription ‘season ticket’ scheme, which allows unlimited prescriptions for a £90 annual fee.

Congress notes, however, that many patients who would benefit from the scheme are unaware that it exists. Furthermore, the one-off payment of £90 for many on the lowest incomes is not a viable option - although cheaper in the long run it is simply not possible for them to find that much money.

Congress believes that those on the lowest incomes would find the season ticket much more accessible if they were allowed to pay for the ticket on a monthly basis, throughout the course of a year.

Congress calls on the General Council to support efforts to promote the prescriptions season ticket and call for the cost of the season ticket to be payable on more manageable instalments.

Community and District Nursing Association

Agenda 64 Diet and low income

Congress notes with concern that many people in the United Kingdom are still unable to afford a healthy diet. This, despite the fact that access to a healthy diet was identified as a ‘key factor’ in the Government’s Green Paper ‘Our Healthier Nation’ published in 1998.

Particular groups at risk from food poverty include those surviving on state benefits and low incomes, pensioners and refugees.

Whilst Congress applauds initiatives such as Healthy Living Centres and Health Action Zones it nevertheless remains concerned that, for instance, lone parents still prefer to feed their families before feeding themselves. This leads to serious health risks to the parent and any future children.

Congress calls upon Government to ensure benefits are linked to average income and greater priority is given to the health and well-being of these groups in our society.

British Dietetic Association

Agenda 65 UK-wide parking rights for community health workers

Congress notes that CDNA members must deliver their care in a variety of environments and at all times of the day and night. One of the biggest hindrances that they face in the delivery of this vital care is parking.

A car is an integral part of a community health workers working life - it enables them to see a large number of patients, over a relatively wide area in a relatively short amount of time. Community health workers, not least CDNA members, however, are being forced to make a choice: park illegally or potentially jeopardise the quality of the care they give to patients. It is unacceptable that parking concerns can lead community health workers to view care as a series of tasks that have to be completed in a specific time frame.

Congress notes that the CDNA, with other organisations, won the right for community health workers to have a parking badge in London and believe this should be a right across the UK.

Congress calls on the General Council to support efforts to secure a UK wide parking badge scheme, which will allow relevant community health workers to deliver their care without fear of fine or clamp.

Community and District Nursing Association

The following amendment was ACCEPTED

Delete paragraph 3 and replace with:

'Congress notes that the CDNA, with other organisations, won the right for some community health workers to have a parking badge in London and believes that this should be a right across the UK and for all community health workers who need to use a car in the course of their work for reasons of access and safety.'

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Agenda 66 Training of orthoptists

Congress notes orthoptists have been trained in Scotland since 1948. Following the transfer of these courses from the National Health Service to higher education in the 1980s, the only undergraduate course available in Scotland has been provided by Glasgow Caledonian University. This course has now been closed with the last graduation taking place in June 2000.

Whilst Congress applauds the decision in principle of the Scottish Parliament to continue to fund courses, Congress agrees that a suitable location and sufficient start-up costs must be provided. This will ensure orthoptists continue to be trained by other orthoptists to the highest level.

British Orthoptic Society

Agenda 71 Shipping safety

The appalling environmental effects of last year’s Erika tanker disaster off the French coast are still being felt and clean-up operations continue. Congress expresses its concern at this incident and the statistics showing continuing serious safety shortcomings affecting the shipping industry. Congress notes with alarm the evidence showing how many other ships operating in British and European waters are in a similarly substandard and dangerous condition.

Congress expresses its support for further measures to address the regulatory inadequacies that help to support the continued existence of substandard shipping; and calls for action to combat the flag of convenience system and for new initiatives to improve the social and welfare conditions of seafarers.

National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers

Agenda 72 Open skies

Congress believes that the UK has earned significant benefits from the bi-lateral Air Service Agreements with the US. These have provided a fair exchange of air services under a regime of managed regulation, allowing the entry of new carriers, such as Virgin, and leading to reduced fares and increased choice. Congress believes that further managed growth will continue to benefit consumers and workers in the industry.

Congress therefore views with concern any attempt to reach an "open skies" agreement which, whilst allowing US airlines greater access to the UK and European market, does not remove the unfair competitive practices which currently protect the US aviation market. To do so would place the UK industry at a competitive disadvantage and threaten thousands of skilled UK jobs. In particular, Congress asks the UK Government to secure a legislative commitment from the US to abolish practices such as "Fly America", lessen the restrictions on ownership and allow UK scheduled, charter and cargo airlines to compete in the US.

In a consolidating global airline industry the need for managed regulation has never been more apparent. Congress agrees that air transport should be allowed to retain its own distinctive regulatory and competition framework, in order to guarantee benefits to passengers and employees.

British Air Line Pilots Association

Agenda 74 Creation of the Working Age Agency

Congress gives a cautious welcome to the creation of the proposed Working Age Agency within the public sector. However, Congress and the Government need to recognise that bringing together two of the largest government agencies (the Employment Service and Benefits Agency) will present a number of problems and challenges.

Congress calls on the Government to ensure that they work with the recognised unions in a spirit of genuine partnership in designing and creating the new Agency, and ensuring that the recognised unions concerns over pay, terms and conditions, staffing levels and health and safety are met.

Congress further calls on the General Council to have early talks with the Government about:

Congress further recognises that the public identity of the new Agency - and what issues it can deal with - will be crucial to its success, and calls on the Government to ensure that there is a major publicity campaign to launch the Agency so that the public know:

(a) what the new Agency can deal with;

(b) how it can be contacted; and

(c) where rights of appeal can be exercised.

Congress believes that the new Agency must fully reflect the Government’s policies on social inclusion.

Public and Commercial Services Union

Agenda 86 Transport - railway safety

Congress deplores the sad and unnecessary loss of life which took place in October 1999 at Ladbroke Grove.

It is clear lessons have not been learnt from previous similar tragedies and that if the 'Hidden recommendations' had been implemented in full after the Clapham disaster, Ladbroke Grove would probably have been avoided.

Congress therefore commits to campaign alongside the rail unions, to achieve the following:

Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen

The following amendment was ACCEPTED

In paragraph 2, line 2, insert after 'tragedies':

', as emergency services workers are still repeatedly called upon to assist following these tragedies. They see at first hand the death and injury caused to the public and other public sector workers as a results of the lack of investment in safe working systems on the railway,'.

Fire Brigades Union

Agenda 88 Health and safety - behind the scenes

To many, the world of show business appears to be glamorous and glitzy, but behind the scenes many performers often face intolerable levels of dirt and squalour.

Recent reports received by Equity include: a toilet that overflowed into the dressing room; one shower for a cast of 19; dressing rooms full of broken seats and props from previous shows; infestations of mice both backstage and on-stage; a roof that leaked onto the stage; a women's toilet that leaked into the men's toilet; and rooms too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.

Some of the stories above were about world-famous venues.

Congress agrees that such working conditions are unacceptable for any workers and calls on the General Council to lobby Government to ensure that:

decent working conditions for performers.

British Actors Equity Association

Agenda 90 The quality of UK democracy

Congress notes the continued progress of government proposals to modernise UK public services. However, Congress recognises that modernising public services is closely linked with modernising political processes. Congress welcomes the introduction of the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, and other constitutional developments in recent years. Congress in particular welcomes the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly, and their willingness to experiment and innovate in their procedures and interactions with the people of Scotland and Wales, and the creation of the Northern Ireland Assembly, a vital step towards the achievement of a democratic settlement for all of the people of Northern Ireland. Congress recognises however that these developments must be seen as a start, not the end, to constitutional reform.

Congress is concerned at the failure of Government to make progress in modernising the work of parliament, and at the growing crisis of confidence in, and accountability within, the UK political system. Congress in particular notes the continued growth in the role and numbers of Non-Departmental Public Bodies (quangos), the limited effectiveness of Parliamentary Select Committees, the failure to introduce family-friendly working practices within parliament, the continued withdrawal of influence and powers from local authorities, and the failure to implement freedom of information legislation.

Congress believes that such issues are amongst the factors which have led to deteriorating levels of participation in elections and in the polity more generally.

Congress believes that the health of our democracy and political processes are important questions for all trade unionists and their families, recalling with pride the important role that trade unionists played in the implementation of universal suffrage in the UK and the securing of democratic rights for all of its population.

Congress therefore agrees:

i) to call upon the Government to make the modernising of parliament a priority, including securing improvements in the authority and resources of Select Committees and giving back-benchers a greater role in scrutinising legislation, and that any further modernisation should increase the power of parliament to hold the Executive to account;

ii ) to urge all parties in their forthcoming general election manifestos to include a commitment to reduce the number of NDPBs and return their functions to directly accountable public bodies;

iii) to support the development of a citizens’ constitution which would protect the rights of citizens against the Executive and maximise their ability to participate in governance;

iv) that any further changes to local government should seek to maximise openness and accountability; and

v) to work closely with organisations such as Charter88, the Hansard Society, the Institute of Citizenship and the Citizenship Foundation together with other organisations which have a commitment to improving the quality of democracy in the UK.

Association of First Division Civil Servants

Agenda 91 Scottish Parliament

Congress congratulates the Scottish Parliament on its first year in operation.

Congress commends the structures of the Scottish Parliament, which encourage much greater participation of civic society, including trade unions, in the work of the Parliament and in Executive and legislative scrutiny.

Congress congratulates the STUC and affiliates in Scotland for their efforts in ensuring that a trade union perspective has been prominent in the work of the Scottish Parliament and calls on affiliates to ensure that appropriate resources, administrative and policy devolution are available to affiliates in Scotland to continue and expand this important work.

Congress congratulates the Scottish Parliament in advancing progressive policies in important areas of public life such as the removal of tuition fees, the repeal of Section 28, and the establishment of comprehensive consultative structures in its operation. Congress believes that such progress in the devolved legislatures could serve as models for the work of the UK government at Westminster.

Congress calls on the General Council to work with the STUC and affiliates in Scotland to maximise trade union influence on the work of the Scottish Parliament.

Educational Institute of Scotland

Agenda 92 US blockade - Cuba

Congress notes that Cuba’s independence has been subjected to sustained attack by successive United States governments for a period of nearly 40 years. This includes the imposition by the United States of an economic blockade, which has been described as the most severe and sustained blockade ever imposed on any country in peacetime.

Congress welcomes the fact that the United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly condemned the United States’ policy towards Cuba and called for the lifting of the blockade every year since 1992, most recently by 157 votes (including Britain and all other EU countries) to 2.

Congress applauds the stance of the British Government, the United Nations and the European Union and urges them to continue their opposition to the US blockade.

Fire Brigades Union

Agenda 93 Work permit applications

Congress urges the Department for Education and Employment to restore the previously long-standing consultative arrangements between the Department and relevant trade unions covering the granting of work permits to enable non-EU nationals to work in the United Kingdom.

Successive governments had thought it valuable to seek the expert advice of the relevant trade union when considering the granting of work permits. The trade unions valued their right to have an input into the decision-making process which enabled them to:

Congress calls for the immediate restoration of the right of trade unions to be consulted on these matters.

British Actors Equity Association

The following amendment was ACCEPTED

Add new sub-paragraphs v) and vi):

'v) press the Government to close the loophole in Section 8 of the 1971

Immigration Act, which allows airlines to use non-EU crews on a long-term basis without submitting a work permit application. All such cases should be processed through the work permit system; and

vi) ensure that where employers request specialist staff from overseas they are subjected to a formal labour market assessment, to ensure that available qualified EU nationals have not been disadvantaged either in employment opportunity or in pay and conditions by that application.'

The British Air Line Pilots Association

Agenda 94 Arms controls

Congress welcomes the UK Government’s White Paper on Strategic Export Controls published in July 1998, as part of its commitment to an ethical dimension to UK foreign policy. However, Congress believes that, in order to ensure that UK sales of arms and equipment do not contribute to human rights abuses abroad, the White Paper proposals need to be strengthened in the following areas:

Congress therefore calls upon the UK Government to ensure that such strengthened proposals are incorporated into new legislation on Strategic Export Controls emanating from the White Paper.

Congress calls upon the UK Government to bring forward such legislation in the Queen’s Speech 2000.

Congress also calls upon unions present to work closely with organisations such as Amnesty International UK and Oxfam in pursuit of these objectives.

Independent Union of Halifax Staff

Composite 1 Extending employment rights

Congress welcomes the implementation of the Employment Relations Act which provides unions with a framework to gain statutory recognition, and also contains other rights that will benefit millions of workers, such as family-friendly policies and representation.

Congress welcomes the TUC's involvement in meeting with social partners and also the Government, to assess the development of the Fairness at Work agenda.

Congress believes that the new employment legislation and the TUC's participation in ensuring its successful implementation are the first steps towards, but do not represent the achievement of, the Government's stated policy of establishing 'Fairness at Work'.

The right to be accompanied in disciplinary and grievance hearings even if a union is not recognised will assist many individuals who previously would have had to face these hostile situations alone.

Congress believes that our priority must be to gain recognition wherever possible. Congress is concerned that some of the provisions for applying for statutory recognition are biased against unions, in particular, the requirement to demonstrate that a union would be likely to win a majority in a recognition ballot. Congress calls on the General Council to lobby against this provision.

Congress further calls on the General Council to:

i) continue to help unions to co-ordinate their activities in seeking recognition in non-unionised organisations;

ii) monitor closely the response from employers, including any use of imported 'union busters' from countries such as the USA; and

iii) consult affiliates on appropriate responses to such tactics.

Congress calls on the General Council to discuss with the Government other UK and European developments in employment rights and equal opportunities legislation currently enacted in Northern Ireland and the proposal for a full review of time-specified employment rights with a view to amending the legal framework so that secure, properly remunerated and pensionable jobs are not denied to employees for arbitrary reasons. Congress believes that a government committed to a decent framework of equal opportunities and genuine proportionate rights for staff on fixed-term or part-time contracts will accept that much current employer behaviour reflects not flexibility but abuse, and will wish to legislate accordingly.

Congress is concerned at the relative ease with which companies can close or scale down their UK operations.

Congress calls on the UK Government to seek the improvement of redundancy consultation procedures across the EU, with a view to securing:

a) a procedure that places a duty on employers to discuss, through normal collective bargaining channels, future corporate strategies on employment levels;

b) a duty to enter into genuine and meaningful consultation when redundancies are being considered, and well in advance of any announcements being made; and

Congress believes that the Government has demonstrated a commitment to employees having workplace information and being properly consulted through the creation of the Partnership Fund.

Congress calls on the General Council to campaign for more resources for the Fund to develop greater partnership, and through this increased information and consultation at the workplace.

Congress reasserts current TUC policies outlined below, and commits the TUC to campaign for further improvements in employment law including:

1) the removal of the 21 employee statutory recognition threshold which denies five million workers the right to claim statutory recognition;

2) the removal of the requirement for a 40% yes vote in recognition ballots;

3) automatic recognition awarded where union membership is at 50 per cent plus one within a bargaining unit, without the existing qualifications;

4) legislation that ensures all employment rights apply to all employees regardless of length of service, hours worked or contractual status;

5) the right to automatic reinstatement for all employees unlawfully dismissed for taking part in industrial disputes, and the removal of the eight week limitation beyond which a dispute may be deemed unlawful; and

6) ratification and compliance with all ILO conventions, especially the right for workers to take solidarity action where employers transfer work to circumvent lawful disputes;

7) the right to automatic union representation in disciplinary and grievance hearings for individual workers in non-unionised workplaces;

8) a prohibition of zero hour contracts; and

9) a lifting of the ceiling on Employment Tribunal awards for unfair dismissal.

Mover: Graphical, Paper And Media Union

Seconder: Society Of Chiropodists And Podiatrists

Supporters: Association of University Teachers

National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades

Communication Workers Union

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union

Composite 3 Effects of employment law on the operation of trade unions

Congress considers that the effect of employment legislation in respect of the running of trade unions are unnecessarily bureaucratic, restrictive and anti-democratic. The rights of an individual member to take action against their own union completely outside of any democratic structure, and without any mandate from the membership, as in such matters that can be referred to the Certification Officer and other bodies, are in direct contrast to the Government's intentions of removing the burden of regulation and bureaucracy on industry.

Congress welcomes provisions that underpin non-discrimination against trade unionists in the Data Protection Act 1998 by regarding trade union membership information as sensitive personal data. However, the provisions of the 1998 Act place a considerable burden on unions seeking to establish voluntary recognition agreements. The provisions of the Act have the effect of requiring the express permission of union members to allow the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Services (ACAS) to handle union membership data.

Congress calls on the General Council to lobby hard to persuade Government ministers to change the law in order that:

i) unions may permit membership records to be handled by ACAS for the purpose of assisting with agreements for voluntary recognition, both outside and within the scope of the statutory recognition scheme, without having to obtain express permission for that purpose from the members concerned;

ii) for this purpose, it should be deemed a legitimate use of that data to be consistent with the scope of use permitted by the act of registration of the union with the Data Protection Registrar; and

iii) the everyday operation of trade unions is made easier, whilst recognising their responsibilities to society and the members they serve.

Mover: Musicians' Union

Seconder: UNIFI

Composite 4 Human Rights Act and surveillance in the workplace

Congress notes that with the Human Rights Act coming into force in October 2000, for the first time UK citizens will be able to enforce the rights established under the European Convention in the domestic courts.

Congress congratulates the Government on at last giving British workers rights that they have been denied for 50 years.

Congress believes that a number of these new rights and in particular the right to respect for private and family life will have considerable potential to strengthen rights at work and wider social and economic rights to equal treatment for all. These new rights provide the opportunity to:

i) develop the family-friendly agenda by challenging the long hours culture and support parents who choose to spend more time with their children;

ii) combat employers' invasion of personal privacy; and

iii) attack discrimination on the grounds of age or sexual orientation.

Congress believes that trade unions should use this legislation to extend rights at work and calls upon the General Council to begin:

a) investigating the potential for the Act to be used to advance rights at work;

b) investigating the potential for the Act to be used to extend equality under the law for all, including for lesbians and gay men;

c) promoting awareness among unions and union members of the Act and its implications within the workplace; and

d) co-ordinating activity by affiliates in bringing test cases to establish the full extent of the Act's potential. If necessary affiliates should be invited to share the costs of such test cases particularly if the case has to be dealt with at the European Court of Human Rights.

Congress also notes the potential impact of the Act on the way in which businesses and public sector bodies work. Congress encourages employers to ensure that all their staff are properly trained and fully aware of the implications of the Act.

Congress notes the spread of technology in the workplace. It recognises and welcomes the benefits these new technologies can bring in making the workplace more productive and effective. However Congress notes that these technologies are a double-edged sword that, while providing benefits, also increases the opportunity for surveillance and even harassment.

Congress is concerned that the provisions of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Act expand the scope for unwarranted workplace surveillance, including of on-line communication between a union and its members.

Congress recognises that surveillance can act to protect the interests of some employees. However, Congress believes that the use of surveillance techniques requires explicit rules and clear guidance so that organisations can make the most of new technologies while protecting the privacy and individual rights of employees.

Congress calls on employers and unions to agree workplace agreements on the use of new technologies that should:

1) protect employees from e-mail and internet harassment;

2) provide unions with appropriate access to communicate on-line with employees;

3) preserve the confidentiality of on-line communications between a union and its members;

4) take all reasonable steps to ensure such technologies are not used for discriminatory purposes; and

5) inform and educate employees on potential liabilities and set out clear and explicit guidelines for the use of technology.

Furthermore, Congress believes these agreements should encompass clear rules on the surveillance of employees. These should make clear that:

(a) recording and monitoring activities should only be used where they are absolutely necessary;

(b) employees should, so far as possible, be warned if their actions will be recorded;

(c) employers should refrain from the use of video surveillance outside working areas, for example in private areas such as toilets and canteens; and

(d) clear rules should be set as to what film/telephone recordings can be used for and for how long they will be kept.

Mover: Chartered Society Of Physiotherapy

Seconder: Managerial And Professional Officers Union

Supporters: Manufacturing Science Finance

National Association of Probation Officers

Connect

Composite 5 Criminal justice and government policy

Congress calls on the Government to develop a coherent strategic plan on the issues of law and order. Congress notes with concern that many recent announcements from Government have been piecemeal and populist in nature and are likely to increase, rather than prevent, crime. In particular, proposals such as the suspension of benefits for offenders who breach probation orders, three months imprisonment for non-compliance of a Probation Order, the naming and shaming of certain pubs and £100 on-the-spot fines for drunken behaviour are likely to increase, rather than reduce, criminal behaviour.

Congress believes that the causes of violence and other crimes are complex. Congress believes that the Home Office should develop policies which are based on programmes that work and that are efficient in reducing crime.

Congress calls on the General Council to campaign for a coherent criminal justice policy. Congress notes the tendency to develop policy in response to specific events and incidents which directs any additional resources to the police and ignores the other criminal justice agencies.

Congress believes that such policy making is hasty, ill thought-out, reduces access to justice, undermines civil liberties and fails to take account of research-based evidence. Congress urges the General Council to press the Government to develop a criminal justice policy which tackles not only crime but also the underlying causes of crime.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council, in conjunction with all of the trade unions with members in the criminal justice system and Home Office ministers, to develop a humane, adequately resourced, co-ordinated and IT supported, effective and anti-discriminatory criminal justice strategy, which will protect the public, reduce crime and rehabilitate offenders.

Mover: National Association of Probation Officers

Seconder: Association of Magisterial Officers

Supporter: Public and Commercial Services Union

Composite 6 Young People

Congress regrets that despite almost universal representation to the consultation document Bridging the Gap that the Learning and Skills Bill should have sought to introduce a statutory Youth Service. In fact the new legislation diminishes the already weak provisions for young people, and services to youth continue to be severely under resourced.

Congress welcomes the Policy Action Team 12 report on Young People and its attempt to create an integrated approach to youth policy and funding, and the social inclusion and development of young people.

Congress notes that the new Connexions service for young people could potentially play an important part in this integrated approach but will depend for its success upon:

i) the involvement at all stages of the fieldwork professionals involved;

ii) trade union negotiation;

iii) a willingness to build on the existing structures of national collective bargaining, qualifications and training for related groups of practitioners; and

iv) a fully resourced local authority controlled Youth Service.

Congress notes the enormous contribution made to the lives of young people by the many voluntary youth work organisations and recognises that their contribution can be best maintained by the direct investment of £10 million in voluntary sector infrastructure support.

Congress notes the launch of the joint GMB/MPO policy on UK schoolchildren at work and shares their concern that children are being damaged and their educational achievement is being threatened by the combined effect of exploitative employers and failing public authorities.

Congress notes that when paid work is combined with school attendance and homework, many children are putting in working weeks far in excess of the 48 hour maximum which protects the health and safety of adult workers. Congress also notes that research shows that children who work more than five hours a week have lower school attendance and worse academic performance than those who don't work or who work shorter hours.

Congress accepts that some work is good for children, teaching them responsibility and useful skills. However, it is essential that a balance is struck between the child's desire for economic independence and their protection from exploitation. Employee rights must be strengthened and extended to children.

Congress supports the GMB/MPO Charter for Working Children, and encourages its adoption by government and public services.

Congress also welcomes the work of educational psychologists in supporting and promoting inclusion, into all aspects of society, of all children and young people.

Congress calls upon the Government to develop a single system of enforceable national legislation to protect children at work. Such a system could combine the improvement of standards of education and training with the protection of vulnerable children.

Congress calls on employers to behave responsibly, putting safety and children's education before profit. Congress also calls for government publicity to make clear to employees, parents and children their responsibilities, rights and duties.

Congress supports equal rights and inclusive practices within the workplace and urges the Government and employers alike to promote opportunities for the employment of all young people.

Congress, therefore, calls on the General Council in conjunction with the appropriate unions to meet with the relevant ministers prior to the end of January 2001 to press these and previous Congress policies in relation to young people and the youth service.

Mover: The Community and Youth Workers' Union

Seconder: Managerial and Professional Officers Union

Supporter: Association of Educational Psychologists

Composite 7 Parental and maternity pay

Congress welcomes the Government's proposals on parental leave and other family-friendly policies as a first step.

Congress applauds the campaign to remove the arbitrary cut-off date of 15 December 1999 from the parental leave regulations.

Congress notes in particular the Government's own estimates of only a 2% take up of unpaid parental leave amongst fathers, and the impact unpaid leave will have on the financial security of children.

Congress calls upon the General Council to maintain a vigorous campaign until every child has the privilege of having parents able and, indeed, encouraged to take parental leave without financial penalty.

Congress agrees actively to campaign for parental leave to be paid at normal earnings levels and to urge the Government to make this paid parental leave a priority.

Congress therefore welcomes the decision of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to review the statutory provisions for maternity pay and parental leave.

Congress believes that this review should address the following issues:

i) parental and maternity rights should be extended to cover all "workers" and not just "employees";

ii) Statutory Maternity Pay should be universal, including both high earners and the low paid, including those whose earnings fall below the Lower Earnings Limit;

iii) the basic rate of Statutory Maternity Pay should be increased substantially, and the maternity pay period should be extended;

iv) the period of statutory maternity leave should be extended in order to allow mothers to remain off work for up to a year after the birth of their babies;

v) new rights be introduced providing greater flexibility for women returning from maternity leave, including the specific right to return on part-time hours;

vi) statutory paternity leave should be introduced, distinct from parental leave, of at least 10 days with pay;

vii) new provisions for paid statutory parental leave should be introduced, based on individual earnings replacement at a high level, as an incentive to both parents to take up the leave;

viii) flexibility of parental leave, in particular the flexibility to use the leave in segments of less than one week; and

ix) parental leave should be extended to anyone with a genuine parenting role, including for example grandparents, same sex partners and foster parents.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council to continue to lobby the Government to seek these essential improvements to the rights of working parents, and to ensure that the rights are accessible to all, regardless of income.

Mover: Society of Radiographers

Seconder: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union

Supporters: Independent Union of Halifax Staff

National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades

Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

Composite 8 Equal pay for men and women

Congress notes the persistence of the pay gap between men and women. The Government women's unit study 'Women's Income Over a Lifetime' found that even the highest skilled women without children suffer an average lifetime earnings shortfall of 12% or £143,000 compared with their male equivalents purely because they are women. Among the Government's own employees, there is clear evidence in some departments and agencies of unequal pay between men and women, especially in relation to performance pay markings and awards, the causes of which are the subject of further joint research supported by the Cabinet Office and the Council of Civil Service Unions. Congress further notes that this may be a problem across all industries and sectors, especially where there is a lack of transparency or progression in pay systems and where performance pay is in operation.

Congress determines to:

i) continue pressing the Government for improvements to the Equal Pay and related Acts, in conjunction with the EOC and the CRE, including amending legislation to ensure that groups of workers as well as individuals are able to bring such claims, and if in the regrettable event that no progress is made, calls on political parties to include a firm commitment in their election manifestos to implement such legislative improvements;

ii) call on the Government to propose that the House of Commons establishes a new Select Committee responsible for considering over-arching equality issues, with a remit to propose and publish an annual review in which detailed objectives for equality for the UK are set out and the extent to which they have or have not been accomplished are reported, and to require all employers and unions to assist as appropriate;

iii) campaign for the introduction of a statutory duty on employers to review and equality-proof arrangements for access to promotion and career advance and all of their pay systems based on the EOC Code of Practice on Equal Pay, with a right for trade unions to be involved in this process;

iv) call upon the Government to look at new ways of tackling gender assumptions and prejudices in education, training and the labour market generally;

v) campaign for the introduction of an obligation on all public authorities to ensure that organisations to which they award contracts implement equal pay and equality proofing in their pay systems;

vi) examine the role that the Central Arbitration Committee might play in ensuring the collective enforcement of equal pay rights; and

vii) seek a commitment from the Government that it will not introduce performance pay, performance appraisal or other systems within the public sector, unless it can demonstrate that such systems are fair, transparent and will not contribute to pay inequalities.

Mover: Association of First Division Civil Servants

Seconder: Institution of Professionals, Managers and Specialists

Supporters: Association of University Teachers

Connect

Educational Institute of Scotland

Composite 9 Part-time workers’ rights

Congress welcomes the Part-Time Work Directive as a vital development in helping to address the chronic inequalities in earnings, training and other terms and conditions of employment which characterise part-time working in the UK labour market.

Congress believes that measures to promote and maintain equality between full-time and part-time workers go to the heart of the Government's own core values underpinning its fairness at work programme:

i) promoting justice and fairness and ensuring that all workers are properly and equally treated in all respects on a pro rata basis irrespective of their hours of work;

ii) combating inefficiency and promoting competitiveness and productivity, tackling cheap labour employers and removing inefficient divisions amongst full-time and part-time workers; and

iii) relieving the burden on the taxpayer, ensuring that the costs of cheap labour practices are not passed on by employers in the form of complex benefit dependency amongst part-time and casualised workers.

Congress is, therefore, deeply concerned that the Government's Part-Time Workers Regulations, intended to give effective life to the Part-Time Work Directive, are so restrictive, unhelpful and incomplete that they are bound to be highly ineffective in practice. Congress is also concerned that in some important respects the Regulations may be incorrectly transposed and may even be unlawful.

In particular, Congress is concerned that the Regulations:

a) lack any provision for a hypothetical comparator to enable part-time workers, invariably women, to pursue appropriate claims effectively;

b) require a comparator to be 'under the same type of contract' (thus, for example, failing to permit a part-time worker on a fixed term contract to compare themselves with a full-time worker on a permanent contract);

c) require a comparator to be engaged in the same or broadly similar work thus facilitating artificial divisions of work to be used by employers to frustrate the intention of the Directive;

d) lack any Code of Practice to give force to the Regulations and enable workers, their trade unions and their employers to access authoritative guidance on effective implementation of the Regulations; and

e) omit any effective reference to rights of access to part-time work as workers' individual circumstances change and as intended and prescribed by the Part-Time Work Directive.

Congress notes with concern that women on full-time contracts, returning to work from maternity leave, do not have a legal right to return on a part-time basis.

Congress recognises the flexibility that part-time working offers mothers and therefore instructs the General Council to campaign for the introduction of legislation to address this issue.

Congress also deplores the growth of bogus self-employment through agencies with the purpose of depriving part-time workers of employment rights - for example, to claim unfair dismissal or redundancy compensation. To prevent such practices, Congress calls upon the Secretary of State to take urgent steps to use Section 23 of the Employment Relations Act 1999 to enable full employment rights to be conferred on workers currently not covered as employees.

Congress is absolutely committed, therefore, to the reform and development of the Part-Time Workers Regulations to comply with the letter and the spirit of the Part-Time Work Directive. Congress urges the General Council to:

1) work with affiliates to raise awareness of the new rights which the Regulations do confer on part-time workers;

2) campaign and lobby government to amend the Regulations appropriately;

3) and examine all other appropriate means including action at law, to ensure the Regulations fully comply with the provisions of the Part-Time Work Directive.

Mover: Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

Seconder: The Woolwich Independent Staff Association

Supporter: NATFHE - The University & College Lecturers' Union

Composite 10 Race and asylum

Congress condemns the recent distasteful spectacle of refugees and asylum seekers being used as a political football. Congress also recognises that many of the countries that asylum seekers are fleeing from also have an appalling human rights history regarding the treatment of women. In particular, Congress condemns the Conservative Party and William Hague for preying on the fears of refugees seeking asylum in the UK.

Whilst government has the right to implement an immigration policy, it also has clear international obligations:

i) the obligation to offer security to those who are persecuted and oppressed; and

ii) the obligation to lead a moderate debate with moderate language.

Sadly in recent months we have seen precious little in the way of moderation from our politicians. But our politicians must never forget that it is the rights of asylum seekers that should be at the centre of this debate:

a) rights to basic needs;

b) rights to civil and public protection;

c) rights to fairness and justice; and

d) rights to human respect.

In the current climate we are in danger of losing sight of those rights.

Congress believes that this situation will not be helped by the implementation of the 1999 Immigration and Asylum Act, the main provisions of which came into place on Saturday, 1 April, and initiates the following:

1) asylum seekers will be required to live in designated no choice areas;

2) asylum seekers will be made to live in designated no choice accommodation;

3) asylum seekers can be subject to house and area curfew;

4) asylum seekers will not be allowed to leave their designated house or area for more than 7 days; and

5) asylum seekers will be forced to live on vouchers and £10 cash weekly (total of only 70% minimum DSS weekly rates), with shopkeepers forbidden to give change where goods obtained are less than the value of the voucher.

Congress is concerned that such rules can only serve to further alienate, stigmatise and segregate refugees, which could, in turn, lead to an even more negative reaction from the local communities into which they are being integrated.

In addition, Congress believes that the proposal to introduce a system of £10,000 bonds to those wishing to enter the UK from certain countries is morally wrong and inherently racist and should be strongly opposed.

Finally, Congress condemns the scapegoating of British lorry drivers, who are targeted through no fault of their own, and calls for the introduction of pre-UK checks before lorries leave for the UK.

Congress pledges its support and solidarity to all refugees arriving in Britain and urges the TUC General Council to do all within its powers to:

A) campaign against the harassment and intimidation of refugees and asylum seekers engendered either indirectly by the media or directly by organised fascist groups;

B) lobby the Government to relax the stringent conditions placed on asylum seekers and to provide more support to them through a very difficult, harrowing and vulnerable period;

C) work to build a greater understanding among the British people of the plight of refugees and asylum seekers, and the fact that the vast majority are genuine cases deserving our full support; and

D) review the present dispersal arrangements, as well as measures to ensure adequate funding to support local authorities with the integration of asylum seekers into local communities.

Congress is concerned that recent events relating to those seeking asylum are being misreported and this is leading to prejudice and bigotry. Those fleeing countries where they have suffered oppression are being portrayed as 'economic migrants' with no real fear of persecution. This is also having an adverse impact on those members of ethnic minorities who are already settled in this country.

Congress calls upon the Government to respect our international obligations and maintain a humane and decent asylum policy, and to avoid using language and taking attitudes which only give succour to those in our society whose intent is to foster prejudice and bigotry.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council to continue the campaign against racism and in particular to campaign for the abolition of the voucher system and the bond scheme.

Congress believes that racism remains one of the blights on our society. The Macpherson Report revealed not only the extent and effects of institutional racism, specifically in the police force, but also the problems of offensive language in the 'canteen culture'.

The 1999 review of equality and fairness in the fire service identified similar problems and highlighted 'an overriding imperative for the service to move forward to recognise the importance of diversity in every context and welcome the opportunities and benefits that diversity brings'.

Congress emphasises how critical it is for both public sector workers and the public they serve for employers positively to demonstrate their determination to pursue equality of opportunity for all their employees.

Congress welcomes the decision by the General Council to run the special freephone hotline in June, to discover the extent of such behaviour and the effects on those at whom it is directed, and thereafter to continue referrals via the 'Know Your Rights' line.

Congress believes that it is a continuing responsibility of all affiliates to examine our own procedures and those of employers, identify failings in our responses to the needs of our members and to adopt best practices.

Mover: Transport and General Workers' Union

Seconder: National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

Supporters: Transport Salaried Staffs Association

Fire Brigades Union

Composite 11 Disability

Congress congratulates the Labour Government for introducing the Disability Rights Commission and looks forward to the day when cultural changes have advanced in our society to the extent that discrimination against disabled people is eliminated and full equality of opportunity is a reality.

Congress congratulates all the unions involved in Supported Employment Programme on the superb campaign to preserve factory-based jobs for disabled people on the Programme. Congress notes with concern, however, that the shift from factory-based jobs to jobs on schemes has led to a decline in average pay and terms and conditions in the Programme, which is unacceptable to disabled trade unionists.

Conference calls for an expansion of all elements of the Supported Employment Programme from the current 22,000 places up to the 180,000 estimated to be needed, thus giving real job opportunities and real choice to disabled people.

Congress recognises and accepts that disability issues have not, to date, been given sufficient attention and priority within the trades union movement.

Congress agrees that the General Council, in consultation with affiliates and the TUC Disabled Workers' Conference, should develop a TUC Action Plan on Disability which should cover:

i) the provision of appropriate services, access and communications for disabled members; and

ii) the need for disability equality and awareness training for union representatives.

Congress also agrees that the General Council should conduct an audit of action taken to date by affiliates in respect of disability issues, for publication prior to Congress 2001.

Mover: ISTC - The community union

Seconder: National Association of Probation Officers

Composite 12 Working Time Regulations

Congress notes that despite the introduction of the Working Time Regulations:

i) there is continuing and widespread evidence of demands from employers for excessive working hours;

ii) there are inadequate provisions for enforcing compensatory rest;

iii) there is a resulting failure in many sectors to provide for a healthy work/life balance for workers;

iv) there are specific and severe working time problems for atypical workers such as those in the broadcasting, film and entertainment sectors and for workers subject to requirements for continuity of production; and

v) there are workers who have open-ended contracts with no overall limit on working hours, which enables employers to escape their responsibility for establishing sensible priorities, breeds inefficiency and allows workload to spiral out of control.

Congress further deplores the removal of the requirement for individual record keeping in respect of opt-outs from the 48-hour weekly limit, which represents a dangerous and irresponsible approach to workers' health and safety.

Congress also deplores the UK Government's solitary European stance in refusing to remove the 48-hour week opt-out. Congress believes this refusal is incompatible with the Governments policy for a fair and flexible labour market underpinned by minimum standards. This failure to address the long- hours culture is also inconsistent with the Governments commitment to family friendly employment and effective health and safety policies.

Evidence shows that the opt-out is being used by some employers to continue to encourage excessive working hours, undermining the intentions of the Regulations.

Congress reasserts the TUC policy of total opposition to the opt-out.

Congress notes the strongly positive economic and employment impact in France of the introduction of a statutory 35-hour week and the much lower rates of family breakdown and delinquency in all other EU countries where hours of work are shorter than in the United Kingdom. It asks the General Council to continue to support the efforts of unions to negotiate reductions in weekly working time by providing information on successes achieved by sister trade union organisations in securing working time reductions and their socially constructive and family-friendly effects.

Congress therefore calls for the General Council to campaign for:

a) an early review of the Working Time Regulations, taking into account all the above concerns;

b) significantly increased resources for the relevant health and safety enforcing authorities in order to seek fuller and more meaningful compliance by employers; and

c) a commitment from the Government to end the individual opt-out arrangements with immediate effect.

Mover: Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union

Seconder: Graphical, Paper and Media Union

Supporters: National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers

ISTC - The Community Union

Composite 13 Information society and the digital divide

Congress notes the convergence of information technology, telecommunications and broadcasting and the development of the information society. Congress welcomes the new opportunities and jobs created by this information revolution, but expresses concern about the growing gap between those people that have access to the expanding number of new services and those that are excluded. Although the problem of the emergence of a digital divide between the information-rich and the information-poor has been extensively analysed, there has been little action to prevent the emergence of such a digital divide.

Congress welcomes the Government's plans for the promotion of the information society to everybody in Britain, notably as expressed in the 'E-commerce@its.best.uk' report and the forthcoming White Paper on Communications which will address the regulatory issues raised by the information society. Congress recognises particularly the work of the Social Exclusion Unit in developing proposals to close the digital divide.

Congress further recognises that e-Government - the use of such technology to enhance the access to and delivery of government services to benefit citizens, business and employees - will have a potentially profound impact on every aspect of governmental and public service organisation. To underpin its development the Government must draw up a coherent strategy to optimise e-Government and demonstrate an understanding of the benefits it can bring for citizens. Moreover, whilst welcoming the opportunity that e-Government offers to build, rather than erode, confidence in government, Congress believes that the Government must invest the resources required. If not, expectations will be raised but not met, damaging the credibility of public services. Managers of public services must also be given the personal and organisational tools to implement the changes.

Congress appreciates that the promotion of the electronic society and electronic commerce are issues that affect profoundly all affiliates and indeed all sectors of society. The level and location of employment and the number and nature of jobs are all at stake. There are vital issues of social inclusiveness, accountability, freedom of information and individual privacy. For the creators of original material, there is the all-important need to protect copyright.

Congress acknowledges the need to ensure that the benefits of the information society are enjoyed by all, with particular reference to the labour movement.

Congress instructs the General Council to argue for policies which provide the fullest possible access to the information society for all citizens:

i) in the United Kingdom, by direct representations to the UK government;

ii) within Europe, by direct representations to the Commission and by lobbying the UK Government to support these; and

iii) internationally, by direct representations to organisations such as the World Trade Organisation and lobbying the UK government and the Commission to support these.

Accordingly Congress calls on the General Council to:

a) ensure that responding to the challenge of the information society is placed at the centre of TUC work;

b) collaborate with other appropriate organisations in assessing 'futures' and their implications for employment and trade unions;

c) organise a conference on the theme of social inclusiveness and the information society;

d) encourage the Government to promote training and development of IT skills;

e) encourage trade union organisation in the new companies created by the information revolution; and

f) encourage affiliated unions to use the new information technologies to serve existing members and recruit new members through the organisation of relevant courses and the promotion of best practice.

The trade unions' role in avoiding the digital divide should be by developing web-based services and information for their members and seeking to negotiate access to the internet at work for their members. The General Council should support these activities by reminding the CBI of the advantages for employers of a workforce with internet skills.

Mover: Communication Workers Union

Seconder: Connect

Supporter: Association of First Division Civil Servants

Composite 14 The future of public services

Congress reaffirms its commitment to the public sector ethos and well-funded public services.

Congress believes that expansion and improvement in public service provision should be a feature of Government policy.

Congress welcomes the boost to spending and investment in public services in the second Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR 2).

Congress believes that support for properly funded, efficient and effective public services was a significant factor in the general election victory of the present government.

However, Congress believes that CSR 2 is only a starting point in terms of re-building infrastructure, services and promoting opportunity, and that money from successive budget surpluses and the reform of the taxation system must be used for public service investment and recurrent expenditure.

Congress call for an expansion of resources in public service provision, including an end to pay freezes and self-financing pay deals.

Congress calls for the utilisation by government of 'windfall' profits and moneys to finance capital and revenue expenditure in the public sector.

Congress is concerned that the Government is spawning a privatisation culture in Britain through its continuous promotion of externalisation, sell-offs, the Private Finance Initiative and public/private partnerships. Such an agenda is misguided and inefficient, especially when the country is desperate for measures to correct years of under-investment in public services.

Congress also notes the substantial sums of money which have been diverted away from public service delivery and into consultancy fees connected to privatisation.

Congress notes with concern the decision to put lifeline ferry services in Scotland to a tendering process. Congress urges the General Council to support the trade union attempts to maintain the present Caledonian MacBrayne services, routes, jobs and terms and conditions and condemns this misguided back-door attempt to expose essential services to remote communities to negative commercial pressures.

Congress notes that the Government failed to make the economic case for PFI/PPP and calls for a campaign to seek the reinstatement of traditional public sector capital investment methods which will ensure the future infrastructure of public services without damage to jobs and services and which will provide real value for money for public services and the community as a whole.

Congress believes that public services fit for the 21st century shall be based on the following principles:

i) democratic accountability in planning and delivering local services;

ii) effective delivery of services underpinned by a commitment to directly employed staff;

iii) adequate funding and measures to address the historic shortfall in public investment;

iv) the important statutory duty on public authorities to promote equality of opportunity;

v) equality of access with services responsive to the needs of all members of the community;

vi) the end of two-tier workforces through protecting pay and conditions and fair employment practices for the whole workforce, and in particular, through the introduction of "fair wages" regulation in public contracting;

vii) partnership at work and workforce involvement based on recognition, consultation and negotiation; and

viii) best employment practice throughout all public service contracts, including guaranteed access to public service pension schemes for both transferred staff and new employees engaged post-transfer.

Congress resolves to:

a) mount a high profile campaign in support of direct public service provision and increased public investment, promoting the flexibility, value for money, excellence and democratic accountability provided through high quality, properly funded public services, and to raise this policy directly with the Government in the run-up to the next general election; and

b) investigate the large amount of public money being wasted in the Private Finance Initiative and to promote alternative and cheaper ways of financing public investment, including the removal of Treasury restrictions.

Congress notes the prudence shown by the present Government in its public expenditure, and believes that the fruits of this prudence now need to be used in support of public service provision.

Mover: UNISON

Seconder: Educational Institute of Scotland

Supporters: Association of Magisterial Officers

GMB

National Union of Teachers

National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers

Composite 15 Privatisation

Congress notes with concern that the privatisation of the public services has continued since the last election - the privatisation of National Air Traffic Control and Defence Evaluation and Research Agency being the latest examples.

Despite widespread credible opposition to both of these latest proposed privatisations the Government is determined to continue with them. In both cases the recognised trade unions have suggested realistic alternatives, aimed at keeping both organisations in the public sector, which have been dismissed by government.

Congress reaffirms its opposition to the Government's proposals to privatise the National Air Traffic Services (NATS), and calls for consultation on ways to finance the necessary long-term investment for NATS, to ensure safety is not compromised in this area. In particular, Congress opposes moves to introduce the profit motive into a monopoly safety service.

Congress calls on the General Council to seek talks with the Government to urge them to review their approach to privatisation, reconsider its proposals for public private partnership and consider alternative options that keep organisations with worldwide reputations in the public sector, not run for private profit.

Mover: Public and Commercial Services Union

Seconder: Institution of Professionals, Managers and Specialists

Supporter: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union

Composite 16 NHS

Congress notes the gathering pace of the Government's reforms of the NHS, linked with the major injection of extra funding announced in the April budget.

Congress recognises these reforms will have a significant impact on the working lives of all NHS staff, whose commitment and support is vital for achieving long lasting improvements to patient care. Congress also recognises the difficulty of trying to implement major change at the same time as keeping current services going, often in the face of severe staffing shortages.

Congress broadly welcomes the National Action Plan for the NHS as a positive agenda for the rebuilding of the NHS and in particular welcomes the planned increases in numbers of beds and staff. The plan does however need to be accompanied by fair treatment on pay and conditions and give due regard and recognition to all health workers and recognise the importance of the entire health team, not just doctors and nurses. This should be implemented through partnership working with NHS trade unions.

Congress is also concerned that the plan envisages continuing use of the PFI and an extended role for the private sector in delivering NHS care. This Congress reiterates its opposition to the Private Finance Initiative and other forms of privatisation within the Health Service and calls on the Government to publicly fund the NHS with further sustained investment to bring UK health spending in line with the European average to create the accessible, responsive NHS that the public deserves.

Congress agrees with the Secretary of State for Health, in his introduction to the findings of the National Beds Inquiry, that an increase of beds is required in the whole health system.

Those beds should consist not just of acute hospital beds but also a full range of intermediate care services, and those 'virtual beds' which exist in peoples' own homes. In order to relieve the pressure on acute hospital beds, other services must be developed, not least comprehensive 24-hour community nursing services.

Congress believes the National Health Service should be properly resourced and equipped and therefore urges the Government to impose a moratorium on any further acute hospital bed reductions which has been the consequential and damaging result of private finance initiatives in the NHS.

Further, Congress notes that at the same time as the Government announces plans for additional doctors and nurses in its ten year strategic plan for the NHS, there are major closures and reductions in teaching hospital and associated life sciences education. Congress calls on the Government to announce a moratorium on all such closures, and by providing bridging funding, ensure that the training resources needed for the strategic plan are retained.

Congress welcomes the progress in the NHS to strengthen the quality of care and health education for patients and the community. However, Congress notes this can only be achieved if professional staff are able to keep themselves fully up-to-date with all necessary information and procedures.

Congress therefore calls on the Department of Health to ensure such a strategy commands the highest priority at all levels of management and professional staff, in order to ensure the delivery of first class health provision.

Congress agrees that sufficient funding and paid time off must be made available for continuing professional development across all professions, irrespective of size.

Congress congratulates the representatives of the TUC General Council on their work on the National Skills Taskforce and calls on the General Council to continue to promote training for all workers and to:

i) highlight the deficiencies of the voluntary system for worker training;

ii) seek improved statutory rights for paid education leave for all workers; and

iii) continue to make the case for employers' obligations to train their whole workforce to recognised standards.

Congress welcomes the Government's commitment for the NHS to utilise the skills of health professionals such as chiropodists, physiotherapists, dieticians, radiographers and orthoptists taking on extended roles and freeing up the time of doctors.

A range of foot conditions such as foot ulcers, heel spurs, and ingrowing toenails, can be managed by state registered chiropodists as part of the multi-professional team.

Congress is concerned that staff shortages and attempts during the 1990s to improve productivity have led to dangerously low staffing levels within the NHS. In many cases this results in an increased health and safety risk to staff.

Because of inadequate staffing levels, staff face pressure to work more quickly and for longer without a break, exposing them to increased risk from strains and sprains and stress-related illnesses. Many staff are expected to carry out emergency duties alone with the associated risks of violence and abuse from patients who have experienced long waiting times, possibly because of staff shortages.

Congress calls on the General Council to continue to co-ordinate responses of TUC affiliated unions to key government initiatives such as the National Plan for the NHS, and to use every opportunity to make representations, stressing the importance of ensuring that:

a) implementation of the reforms is carried out in genuine partnership with NHS staff and their union representatives at local, regional and national level;

b) all NHS staff have the necessary training and support they need to take on new roles and responsibilities, both in terms of funding and time off from normal duties;

c) sufficient resources are allocated to continuing professional development and lifelong learning for all staff; and

d) employers and managers within the NHS are also given sufficient support to manage successfully the process of change.

Congress calls on the General Council and affiliated unions to:

1) lobby the Government to rectify urgently the situation regarding shortages across all categories of NHS staff;

2) campaign for NHS employers to carry out suitable risk assessments, which take into account the risks associated with inadequate staffing and lone working; and when it is demonstrated that there is a risk, to put into place immediately measures to minimize that risk; and

3) campaign for a charter of staff rights, which includes the right not to be exposed to situations which would lead to the risk from verbal or physical abuse, strains and sprains and stress-related illness and the right to have measures taken which deal with hazards caused by case-load pressure.

Mover: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Seconder: Society of Radiographers

Supporters: UNISON

Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association

Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

British Orthoptic Society

Community and District Nursing Association

UNIFI

Composite 17 Transport

Congress welcomes the ten-year plan for transport as a serious attempt to promote a strategic approach to planning, funding and investment in the sector.

Congress is encouraged by the Government's strategy of setting out a long-term investment programme for transport to 2010 to deliver a transport system that rivals best practice in Europe. Introducing long-term objectives for transport recognises:

i) the contribution which transport makes to quality of life;

ii) the need to increase the use of public transport through the provision of better quality services, and

iii) the need to tackle the problems of congestion and pollution.

Congress also welcomes proposals for local transport plans, and stresses the need for them to be democratically accountable to local communities, involving all stakeholders including passengers and workers.

The Government must be seen in the eyes of the electorate to be delivering on transport. Crucial in meeting this objective is the contribution of transport workers. Congress therefore believes that in the interests of fairness at work and safety, the scope of the Working Time Directive must be extended to cover all workers in the transport sector.

Congress notes with sadness the tragic loss of life in the Ladbroke Grove accident. It affirms its belief that only the introduction of the most modern Automatic Train Protection system, at the earliest possible time, will provide a truly safe railway. Congress believes that the Cullen Inquiry must provide the opportunity of changing, for the better, the entire culture of safety on the railways.

Congress believes that the future needs of this country will be best served by the promotion of public transport for passengers and goods, to meet the challenge of congestion on our roads, to safeguard the environment and the health of the public, and to encourage economic development and social inclusion.

Public transport and the railways will need to play a vital and expanding role if the economic, social and environmental needs of the country are to be met. The public mood is strongly supportive.

Congress reaffirms its commitment to the objective that a publicly owned and publicly accountable, integrated railway system is central to the transport needs of the country.

Congress believes that this can only be achieved by a period of sustained and increased Government funding of the railways. The alternatives of higher fares or continued poor performance - both of which will discourage rail use - are not acceptable. There is a need for more track capacity and new rolling stock. Increased funding should be for the expansion and improvement of services and not for increased profits. Funding should be on the basis that a growing public stake is acquired.

Congress regrets the decision by the Government to enter into re-franchising before existing ones have expired and for periods of twenty years which will tie its hands for years to come whilst at the same time failing to recognise the potential impact on jobs, pensions and other rights.

Congress recognises that it is the responsibility of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority to deliver a blueprint for the railways and is concerned that franchises are being renewed before the SSRA has taken the opportunity to clearly set out its vision for the future. Congress believes that for the rail network to expand to meet projected demand the SSRA and the Office of the Rail Regulator must collaborate together to promote shared objectives. Congress also calls on the SSRA to take into account a company's industrial relations record when determining successful franchise bidders and to declare publicly the criteria against which it will judge the safety record of a franchise bidder.

Congress also continues to have serious doubts about the finances of the Public Private Partnership for London Underground, doubts that are shared by many Londoners and commuters.

Congress notes that the arguments put forward in support of PPP for London Underground have been repudiated by research commissioned by 'Listen to London' and reaffirms its call for full publication and independent audit of the assumptions made in assessing the value for money of the PPP against the public sector comparator before any decisions are made.

Congress calls upon the Government, even at this late stage, to look at the serious alternative funding methods that have been put forward that would allow London Underground the investment it needs while remaining entirely in the public sector.

Congress records its welcome for the tonnage tax and training package of measures introduced by the Government to end the long and drastic decline of the British Merchant Navy. Congress welcomes the partnership between employers and unions that resulted in this initiative and calls on shipping industry employers to build on this success at a local level in their relationships with seafaring staff and their representatives.

Congress also notes with concern the continued reduction in the size of the UK seafaring workforce and the failure to recruit and train sufficient young people into the industry. It urges the Government to redouble its efforts in relation to halting and reversing the dramatic reduction in the number of British seafarers and to implement, in full, the recommendations of the Shipping Task Force, 'British Shipping: Charting a New Course', the Lord Alexander report and the House of Commons transport committee report on the future of British shipping to ensure that British ships and seafarers can compete successfully in international markets.

Congress welcomes the many positive steps taken by the Government on transport policy, and the attempts to promote an integrated transport system which recognises the importance of all modes of transport.

Mover: National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

Seconder: Transport Salaried Staffs' Association

Supporters: National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers

Transport and General Workers' Union

Composite 18 State pensions

Congress recognises that state pensions in this country are among the lowest in Europe, with the pensioners in Germany, Holland and France receiving far higher state pensions. In Germany, a single person's state pension is almost four times higher than it is in Great Britain.

Congress deplores the measly increase of 75 pence that was awarded to pensioners this year and demands that this figure is reviewed and revised in line with the needs of pensioners, bearing in mind that any increase should be compared to the average increase in wage levels of 5.9 per cent.

To link state pensions to inflation is nothing more than an insult to pensioners who have paid a lifetime of National Insurance contributions.

To quote the National Pensioners Convention: "The Labour Government is still ignoring the demand of the pensioners movement for a significant increase in the basic state pension and the restoration of the link". The possibility of an increase of some three pounds a week next year is totally inappropriate and insufficient.

It should also be noted that pensioners don't want concessions or charity. They want the right to a decent income - the same right as employed people demand, and are working towards, via the minimum wage.

The House of Commons Social Security Committee's report on pensioners' poverty supports the Age Concern target of £90 for the minimum income of a single pensioner and recognises the need for the restoration of the link with earnings if the proposed pensioners' credit did not achieve the objective of reducing the number of pensioners in poverty.

Congress considers that the question of means-testing of state pensions is immoral and therefore commits to oppose any attempt to make changes of this nature. Congress believes that while means-tested benefits may have a role for those with insufficient contributions, the full National Insurance pension should be set above the poverty line and paid without means-tests to all contributors.

Therefore, Congress demands that the General Council and all affiliates mount a campaign on the issue of state pensions with, as a number one priority alongside other demands from the pensioners' movement, the object of immediately and substantially increasing the basic state pension for both single and married couples and to restore the link to average earnings.

Congress therefore demands that this Labour Government reviews its current policy towards state pensions on an urgent basis and moves towards a policy that provides people with the financial ability to enjoy themselves in their retirement years. This can be achieved either by restoring the link or alternatively accepting the same principles that apply to those people employed on the minimum wage.

Congress believes that a revitalised Basic State Pension is essential not only for today's pensioners but also to provide a secure foundation for the pensions of today's working people, who will be tomorrow's pensioners.

Congress also calls for a review of contributory conditions for the lowest paid, in order to extend eligibility and ensure all employers contribute, and of the future of the Upper Earnings Limit, in order to extend the resources of the National Insurance Fund and confirm the redistributive principle embodied in the financing of the Basic State Pension.

Congress further calls on the General Council and all affiliates to join the National Pensioners Convention in a national 'Day of Action' next spring to demand the restoration of the earnings link.

Mover: Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen

Seconder: Manufacturing Science Finance

Supporter: GMB

Composite 19 Pensions - TUPE Transfer

Congress calls upon the Government to begin the process of including individual pension rights in legislation covering the transfer of undertakings.

The developing trend of TUPE transfers in the UK, both in the public and private sector, offer no guarantee of continuing pension provisions being supplied by new employers.

Congress fully supports efforts by affiliated unions to speed up the coverage of pensions under TUPE to protect the future pension rights of all staff forcibly transferred.

Congress notes with concern the slippage of the proposed consultation on revised TUPE legislation, which is now almost ten months behind schedule. Such a consultation process is an important opportunity to seek to amend the TUPE legislation so that the deferred pay which pension rights represent can be safeguarded. Congress is asked to encourage the Government to begin this consultation process as early as possible so that a campaign to introduce pension protection can begin.

Moreover, pension fund monies are an easy target for companies pursuing mergers and acquisitions who are looking to deliver short term savings for shareholders. There is thus an urgent need to protect these funds when they are most vulnerable, that is during transfers of undertakings.

Congress is also concerned that protection of pensions in transfer will not protect the future workforce in contracted out areas where many employers offer no pension or only a money purchase pension. New and existing employees should be able to contribute to, and benefit from, good pension schemes.

Congress further calls upon the Government and legislate to protect and guarantee continued membership of pension schemes under the TUPE regulations and that such regulations be extended to new starters.

In an economic climate where we are constantly being reminded that we should make provisions for old age, it cannot be right that long fought for employer contribution pension schemes are not deemed part of basic contractual terms under TUPE.

Allowing the erosion of these rights will simply increase the social security burden for future governments and push more British workers towards the poverty trap in old age.

Congress calls upon the General Council to lobby the Government to ensure the new TUPE Regulations contain a clear duty on transferee employers to provide a comparable pension scheme which provides no less favourable provisions.

Mover: The Union for Bradford and Bingley Staff

Seconder: UNISON

Supporters: UNIFI

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union

Composite 20 Lifelong learning

Congress congratulates the General Council on the work it has undertaken to raise awareness and promote the principles of lifelong learning. Congress welcomes the vital support given to affiliates submitting bids for funding under the Union Learning Fund; the promotion of affiliates' work and achievements around lifelong learning and the delivery of quality training direct to learner representatives to equip them for their increasingly important role in the delivery of lifelong learning.

Congress, however, also notes the persistence of a marked learning divide in the UK labour force and the exclusion of millions of workers from any significant access to training and learning opportunities to date.

Congress believes that trade union organisation and a bargaining agenda around lifelong learning can provide a vital mechanism to help close that divide.

Congress notes the specific problems relating to the dissemination of information, knowledge and awareness-raising for workers of small to medium sized enterprises, micro-companies and agency workers.

Congress believes that trade union organisation and a bargaining agenda around lifelong learning can provide a vital mechanism to help close that divide.

Congress believes that significant progress in workplace learning requires legislation to provide workers with a statutory entitlement to a minimum amount of Paid Study Time including paid educational leave to undertake college courses.

Congress, therefore, calls on the General Council to continue to work with, and lobby Government, to ensure that:

i) funding is maintained and improved for the Union Learning Fund;

ii) a statutory right to paid time off for workplace learner representatives is introduced to enable them to be trained and then fulfil their vital role effectively which includes liaison and co-ordination with employees' representatives on the NTO;

iii) an adequate, stable funding regime is established for the TUC's Bargaining for Skills Units;

iv) legislative proposals are introduced on Paid Study Time for workers; and

v) workplace learning opportunities, safety awareness training and access to national vocational qualifications are available for workers of small to medium sized enterprises, micro-companies and agency workers.

Congress also calls on the General Council to:

a) advise and support all affiliates on the development of lifelong learning campaigns;

b) collate and disseminate best practice around lifelong learning in the workplace and, in particular, around facilities and support for learner representatives; and

c) work with relevant unions and other bodies to campaign for a new entitlement for Paid Study Time.

Congress welcomes the proposed creation of the Learning and Skills Council in April 2001. Congress further welcomes the fact that the Learning and Skills Council Prospectus recognises the "important and pivotal" role of trade union representatives in facilitating and encouraging both the post-16 and the lifelong learning agenda.

Congress, therefore, calls upon the General Council to:

1) provide systematic support for trade union members appointed to 47 local Learning and Skills Councils at both national and regional level;

2) facilitate close collaboration between trade union members of the national and the local Learning and Skills Councils;

3) actively encourage trade union members of local Learning and Skills Councils to consult with other trade unionists over the provision of post-16 education and training in their localities;

4) continue to promote union-led partnerships such as Bargaining for Skills and Union Learning Fund projects which will come under the responsibility of the Learning and Skills Council; and

5) maintain the ad hoc co-ordinating group of unions established by the TUC to monitor the development of the national and local Learning and Skills Councils.

Congress believes that in developing partnerships at work it would be beneficial for British unions to have an understanding of learning and skills initiatives operated in other European countries.

Congress calls on the General Council to facilitate greater knowledge of best practices across Europe on partnership and Lifelong Learning among member unions.

Mover: Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

Seconder: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Supporters: NATFHE - The University and College Lecturers' Union

Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

National Union of Teachers

National Union of Journalists

Composite 21 Universities

Congress notes the high degree of association between the proportion of gross national product invested in higher education and the competitive performance of modern economies, shown in OECD data. It also notes that it is in those nations where the independence of universities and regard for academic freedom achieve the highest standards that success is most pronounced.

Congress calls on each political party to include in its manifesto for the next general election the following commitments:

i) to invest in higher education to bring the UK into the top quartile of OECD nations moving from the current position substantially below the mean;

ii) to accept the full obligations of the 1997 UNESCO declaration on academic freedom by removing the reservations entered by the UK government in 1997 which weakens rights to independence in teaching and research, and which have strengthened crude managerialism;

iii) to invest in research at the highest levels to bring the UK into the top quartile of OECD nations so that the UK remains a leading-edge world economy, able to create and share prosperity, improve health and achieve a decent civil society for all its citizens; and

iv) to ensure that every individual with the ability and wish to enter higher education is included in the HE system and is funded properly to enjoy this right.

Congress notes, and calls on the Government to accept, that these objectives cannot be met while pay for every group of staff is considerably lower than, and continues rapidly to decline relative to, almost every other sector of the UK economy. Congress instructs the General Council to engage in discussion with all political parties to achieve the goals set out.

Congress reaffirms the strongest opposition to top-up fees, that is the proposal that some universities or HE colleges could charge their students more than the national flat rate fee of £1050. The idea should be wholly repugnant to all those who believe in equality of opportunity. It would inevitably lead to even more concentration of students from wealthy backgrounds in the most sought after HE institutions. Equally able students without the financial means to pay higher fees would be shut out.

Congress urges the Government to accept that pressure for top up fees is the inevitable result of the introduction of a fee system and that, in line with the constructive proposals contained in the Cubie Report on Scottish Higher Education, all degree and sub-degree fees should be scrapped.

Congress urges government to recognise that the imposition of fees, together with the removal of student grants, notwithstanding access to student loans, has meant:

a) a dramatic increase in the proportion of full-time and part-time students being forced to combine paid work and study, now well over 60% but even higher amongst the most disadvantaged;

b) rapidly rising numbers, up to 30% in some institutions, being forced to drop out due to poverty and/or inability to pay fees;

c) a major increase in student hardship, particularly for the most disadvantaged; and

d) growing evidence that many would-be students are being deterred from even considering higher education due to fear of debt (which is particularly strong amongst the very poorest).

Congress therefore urges the Government to ensure that higher education is genuinely free at the point of use (the same principle that underpins the NHS) and reintroduces student grants, particularly for the most disadvantaged, as recommended by the 1997 Dearing Report, so as to ensure that all students, whatever their background, have a genuinely equal opportunity to make the best use of their abilities.

Mover: Association of University Teachers

Seconder: NATFHE - The University & College Lecturers' Union

Composite 22 A charter for education

Congress recognises that the future of the education service will be determined at the next general election and that education will therefore become a fiercely contested campaign issue. Congress instructs the General Council to agree a charter for education and to seek its adoption by parliamentary parties in the preparation of their election manifestos.

Congress instructs the General Council to include within the charter:

i) the need for partnership between parents and employers, and all staff within the education service, to achieve the aim of free, high quality education with equality of opportunity for all children and young people;

ii) proposals for the funding of education which are aimed at achieving sustained improvements in staffing and pay levels, and the modernisation of school and college building stock and equipment;

iii) rejection of privatisation as a means of managing and delivering education service;

iv) the development of coherent strategies with the necessary resources, to target educational and social disadvantage;

v) provisions to target and meet the needs of minority ethnic groups;

vi) proposals for a statutory commitment to reduce class and group sizes for children and young people, at Key Stages 2-4, and in college education;

vii) proposals to establish professional development and training as an entitlement for all staff in the education service in order to enhance and sustain the delivery of education which is responsive to research and technological advance;

viii) positive proposals for the management, pay and conditions of staff which will eliminate bullying of, and division amongst, staff at all levels in the education service;

ix) measures which will protect the rights of young people and staff to work in safe and secure environments; and

x) the actions necessary needed to eliminate the excessive workload, long working hours and unreasonable bureaucratic burdens faced by staff.

Congress instructs the General Council, as a matter of urgency, to produce along with relevant affiliates, a charter based upon the above principles aimed at persuading the public, as well as the parliamentary parties, that education must remain a continuing priority with the future government.

Mover: National Union of Teachers

Seconder: National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers

Composite 23 Teachers: A professional salary structure for the future

Congress reiterates its support for teachers' continuing efforts, often in the face of intense difficulties and with insufficient resources and inadequate support, or factors over which they have no control, to ensure free, high quality education for all children and young people.

Congress recognises that the key to this sustained improvement is a well-motivated, properly rewarded and professionally supported teaching force. Congress further recognizes that the essential and crucial role of teaching in the classroom should not be compromised by teachers being required to undertake a multitude of clerical and bureaucratic tasks which detract from teaching and preparing for teaching.

Congress notes and supports some of the measures outlined by the Government in its Green Papers in England and Wales as being helpful in raising the morale of teachers. In particular, the extra resources for teachers' pay, professional development and for teacher support are welcomed.

Congress regrets that, whilst the Government acknowledged some of the teachers' concerns during the Green Paper consultation exercise, it continued to insist that the increase in teachers' salaries should be linked to performance criteria and, in particular, places unjustifiable reliance upon pupil test and examination results as one of the standards for assessing teacher performance.

Congress notes, in this context, that the recent McCrone Report on teachers' salaries and salary structure in Scotland specifically excluded pupil results in any consideration of teachers' performance which is linked to pay.

Congress, therefore, supports its teacher union affiliates in their efforts to achieve an acceptable pay structure for school teachers in England and Wales which is transparent, fair and equitable and subject to clear national criteria. Congress believes that such a structure should ensure that teachers' salaries are competitive with that of other graduate occupations and provide equality of opportunity to continuing career progression.

Congress believes that continuing professional development, identified through performance review, should be an entitlement for all teachers and should be properly resourced to ensure full teacher access and participation.

Congress recognises that such a salary structure should be so constructed as to reward teachers for teaching and that a teacher's continuing professional development should be fully reflected in salary progression through fair, non-bureaucratic and regular reviews designed to ensure the teacher's professional contribution is fully recognised.

Mover: National Association Of Schoolmasters Union Of Women Teachers

Seconder: National Union Of Teachers

Supporter: Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Composite 24 Corporate manslaughter, health and safety and the law

Congress welcomes the Government's consultation document, 'Reforming the Law on Involuntary Manslaughter'. Congress calls for the law to be amended to make British companies liable in British courts for damages to their employees' health in their operations abroad. Congress calls on the Government to implement, as a minimum, UK health, safety and welfare standards when they operate in countries which have lower standards than the UK.

Congress welcomes the Revitalising Health and Safety strategy launched in June by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Health and Safety Commission and endorses the targets for reducing the rates of workplace deaths, illness and injury.

Congress believes that many accidents at work are the result of management failures in the organisation of work. At present there are no penalties for company directors whose negligence leads to a serious accident. This is aggravated by the victimisation of trade union safety representatives. A system of health and safety based on justice would ensure that those responsible for serious accidents face the appropriate penalty and the workforce has a meaningful role in overseeing the safety of their workplace.

Congress believes that better health and safety standards can only be achieved if the Government provides leadership by example. Congress welcomes the proposal to abolish Crown Immunity, the proposals to provide leadership on health and safety management issues within the Civil Service, and to include health and safety standards in the Government's construction contracts. However, Government also needs to provide the resources needed to carry out the challenging work programme (including ten strategic themes and forty-four action points) set out in Revitalising Health & Safety, and in particular to ensure that the Health & Safety Executive has sufficient resources to increase the number of preventative inspections (including blitzes on particular hazards and particularly hazardous industries such as agriculture and construction), the proportion of accidents investigated and complaints followed up. Congress is concerned at the level of funding provided to the Health & Safety Executive and the cuts in the number of local authority inspectors.

Congress calls upon the General Council to work with employers and the CBI, where possible, to press the Government to provide extra resources to the Health & Safety Commission/Executive and local authorities to increase the number of Inspectors and to carry out the challenging work programme set out in Revitalising Health & Safety.

Congress recommends the following measures to improve the safety of workers:

i) government legislation on the provision of roving health and safety representatives where appropriate and in accord with the HSE's 'Good Neighbour Scheme';

ii) the right to stop the job if there are concerns about safety;

iii) full legal and industrial protection from dismissal for trade union health and safety representatives;

iv) the direct enforcement of strengthened safety representatives rights by the relevant enforcement authorities;

v) the effective enforcement of current duties on employers to conduct risk assessments, consult safety representatives and provide health and safety information to safety representatives;

vi) legislation on corporate manslaughter should include the provision for custodial sentences; and

vii) prosecutions and penalties must ensure that employees are considered no less important than members of the public, and the law must be applicable throughout industry and not just the transport sector.

Mover: Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

Seconder: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union

Supporters: Institution of Professionals, Managers and Specialists

Graphical, Paper and Media Union

National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

Composite 25 Well-being at work

Congress notes the huge numbers of working people reported in study after study to be suffering from the effects of workplace stress, as a result of inadequate management, the long hours working culture, lack of resources combined with increased customer expectations especially in the public sector, bullying and violence. People at work are being asked to do too much with too little, and we need to find a more sustainable working culture for the 21st century. This should be based upon fairness and decency for all employees. Achieving this culture requires action on many issues.

These include:

i) the development of equal opportunities and removal of all forms of discrimination;

ii) the recognition that workers have legitimate non-work interests including family responsibilities and need to be able to balance these with their work responsibilities;

iii) a fair and transparent system of remuneration and a positive approach to training and skills development;

iv) a safe and healthy working environment;

v) the promotion of fulfilling and productive working lives;

vi) the establishment of a working environment where positive and proactive measures are in place to assess and tackle the causes of excessive work-related stress;

vii) the refusal to tolerate workplace violence and bullying in any form and the creation of an environment free from the fear of intimidation, violence and abuse; and

viii) care and rehabilitation to encourage and support workers to return to work following long-term sick leave and the review of occupational health provision to establish a pro-active national service which promotes preventative strategies to serve the health needs of employees.

These need to be accompanied by full consultation and involvement of employees and their representatives across the whole range of workplace issues.

Congress welcomes the decision of the Health and Safety Commission that work-related stress is a health and safety issue, and that it can be controlled by health and safety laws. Congress urges the HSE to give a high priority to its work on developing management standards for preventing stress at work, and urge Inspectors to insist that employers carry out risk assessments and develop stress policies in consultation with unions, where workers are developing stress-related illnesses and symptoms.

Congress recognises that the promotion of this well-being at work requires action at many levels and by many parties including a co-ordinated approach at government level. Congress calls upon the General Council to:

a) support public sector trade unions in their attempts to protect members;

b) assert the right of every worker to withdraw from situations where s/he faces a serious and imminent threat;

c) impress on appropriate authorities including Government, employers and the HSC the urgent need to tackle these issues; and

d) help promote a national debate on developing sustainable work and sustainable workplaces.

Mover: Manufacturing Science Finance

Seconder: Association of First Division Civil Servants

Supporters: National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers

Public and Commercial Services Union

Composite 26 The European Union

Congress welcomes Tony Blair’s call at Ghent in February 2000 for an end to the ambivalent attitude and hesitant approach to Europe that the UK has often displayed in the past, in favour of co-operation with our partners in reforming today’s European Union.

Congress recognises that the Labour Government has done much to benefit working people, including the implementation of the minimum wage, working time regulations, and the Employment Relations Act which embraces many individual and collective rights including the right for statutory recognition of trade unions.In particular Congress applauds the Labour Government for signing the Social Chapter. Congress recognises the immense benefits that workers have gained from European social dialogue, such as the framework agreements on part-time workers, parental leave, and fixed-term contracts.

However, Congress is concerned with the Government’s reluctance to build on these achievements and its opposition to European partners who wish to see the ‘European social model’ consolidated and extended.

Congress recognises that at present UK workers do not compete on a level playing field with their European counterparts. Congress further notes with regret that it is easier and cheaper to sack workers in the UK than in the rest of Europe.

Congress believes that a minimum set of employment rights, including rights to genuine information and consultation, are required across the European Union and should be implemented equally in each member state to form a strong social foundation to complement the single market. Congress further believes that the regulation of mergers and take-overs needs to be reviewed at the European level to bring them into line with the current needs of workers and undertakings.

Congress believes the progress towards enshrining a Charter of Fundamental Rights into the EU Treaty is a necessary step towards achieving these objectives.

Congress believes that the long-term economic prospects of the UK will be better served with more positive government action on Europe and that to get the best out of Europe for the UK working population, the UK should join the European SingleCurrencyif theeconomic conditions are right for Britain.

UK entry into the single currency will bring many benefits to industry and working people. More inward investment, more jobs, lower mortgages, lower interest rates and more trade - UK entry will substantially improve the living standards of working people. Congress believes that UK trade unions must actively campaign to ensure their membership understands the many benefits of UK entry into the single currency.

Congress notes that participation in the Euro system appears to have had little impact on public expenditure plans of the governments in the Eurozone but urges that the possible impact on public spending and employment in Britain of accession to the Euro should be assessed together with convergence of the business cycles; ensuring the economy can respond to change; the impact on investment; the impact on financial services; and the impact on jobsbefore a decision is takenduring the lifetime of the next Parliament.

Congress believes we should build support for this policy by encouraging an informed debate on Britain’s membership of the euro, prior to a referendum of the British electorate, which shall determine the final decision.

Congress condemns the Conservative Party policy of ruling out joining the euro in the next Parliament. Congress believes this is an example of ideology triumphing over realistic policies that put working people first. The Conservative Party policy will lead to less inward investment, less trade, massive job losses and the isolation of Britain in Europe.

Congress therefore calls upon the General Council to lead a campaign to ensure that the Government commits itself to full co-operation with its European partners in improving social and employment rights.It is essential that UK trade unions take a lead and play a full part in a campaign to join the euro.Congress urges the General Council to press the case for an EU agenda with three key elements:

i) positive support for UK membership of the single European currency if the five economic tests are met and at an exchange rate that is sustainable;

ii) completion of the single European market to create a level playing field for business, including consistent rules on what counts as public spending and borrowing across the EU, and a review of the rules on monopolies and mergers to take account of the consequences of takeovers for employees; and

iii) adoption of a positive EU social action programme that provides standards of social protection and rights at workwhich stop structural change from turning industrial casualties into social outcasts. In particular, Congress calls upon the Government to:

a) enhance social dialogue and social partnership at national, cross-sectoral and sectoral levels through providing clear political leadership and strong technical and legal backup;

b) end its opposition to the Commission’s Directive on ‘Information and Consultation’;

c) end the UK ‘opt-out’ from the Working Time Directive’s 48-hour maximum working week;

d) support the ETUC proposals for improving the provisions of the European Works Council Directive; and

e) support the adoption of a European Charter of Fundamental Rights - including trade union rights - into the existing Treaties.

Mover: Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union

Seconder: Graphical, Paper and Media Union

Supporters: GMB

National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades

Manufacturing Science Finance

ISTC - The community union

Transport and General Workers’ Union

Composite 27 National Minimum Wage

Congress notes the Government’s decision to increase the basic rate of the minimum wage to £3.70, and the youth rate to £3.20. However, these increases still leave the minimum wage well below the level needed to provide a living wage. Congress is deeply disappointed that the Government has refused to eliminate the discriminatory youth rate, or to introduce an uprating mechanism which would ensure the minimum wage retained and increased in value. Congress notes, however, positive commitments made by government ministers to tackle poverty and low pay and to make the Low Pay Commission permanent.

Congress welcomes the role played by the Low Pay Commission in establishing a broad consensus in support of the minimum wage. Congress believes that it is essential for the Low Pay Commission to continue to hear the views of employers, unions and the low paid, to evaluate the evidence and make recommendations. Maintaining the Low Pay Commission is essential for the minimum wage’s continued success.

Congress recognises that high levels of unionisation and collective bargaining are the most effective remedy against low pay. However, Congress believes that the fight on low pay should embrace both political and industrial strategy if we are to raise wages away from poverty levels for the majority of the low paid.

Congress calls on the General Council and all affiliates to:

i) campaign for a significant increase in the minimum wage in line with existing TUC policy, using the formula of half male median earnings as a starting point, to secure a minimum wage of £4.50-£5.00 an hour;

ii) campaign for the abolition of the discriminatory rates for young people aged over 18 and under 22 and to campaign for the introduction of a minimum wage for 16 and 17 year-olds based on a fixed percentage of the adult rate;

iii) secure the introduction into the minimum wage legislation of an automatic uprating mechanism to avoid further deterioration of the rate, based on an annual reference to the Low Pay Commission;

iv) develop a campaign for the introduction of ‘fair wages’ regulation in public contracting, to ensure that negotiated pay settlements are not undermined;

v) forge an alliance between the labour movement, anti-poverty campaigners and young people;

vi) support appropriate, regional and national level campaigns and events; and

vii) continue to make submissions to the Low Pay Commission to progress our case for a decent living wage.

Mover: UNISON

Seconder: Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

Note: An amendment in the name of the National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades, to the motion tabled by UNISON was WITHDRAWN.

Composite 28 The economy and manufacturing

Congress congratulates the TUC on producing Britain can make it - a strategy for modern manufacturing, which provides a comprehensive analysis on the state of the industry as well as spelling out a positive programme of action.

Congress welcomes the success of the Government in creating an environment in which there are more than one million new jobs and significant progress has been made in tackling long-term unemployment. It notes with deep concern, however, that while overall employment has continued to grow, manufacturing employment is actually in decline and in March 2000 fell below the four million mark for the first time in six years. Congress also notes with deep concern that inequalities at the root of educational, health, and other disadvantages in the north of England and Wales have been aggravated.

Congress recognises that manufacturing in the UK faces a rising tide of cutbacks, closures and job losses. Congress recognises the considerable pressures placed on manufacturing by an unsustainable exchange rate and long-term problems associated with low investment and innovation. These pressures are threatening our manufacturing base and are more acute in some regions and sectors than others, notably clothing and textiles.

Working people in the steel and other manufacturing industries, who have improved productivity at rates unapproached in other sectors and have exercised moderation in pay claims are losing jobs. Congress calls on the Government to use the many monetary and fiscal instruments at its disposal to restore a sustainable exchange rate with the euro to give British manufacturing, and the communities which depend on it, a fair chance of survival.

Congress recognises the importance of high value added sectors such as aerospace, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, steel, electronics and IT manufacturing, all of which have contributed to over half of all manufacturing exports. The competitiveness and high productivity of these industries is based on a strong skill base, partnership in the workplace and high levels of innovation.

The current climate therefore requires immediate measures to respond to the present crisis and medium to long-term measures to put manufacturing on a stable footing and cement its place as a key driver of economic growth.

Crucially these measures must tackle the UK’s historically poor record on investment, training and skills and improve our productivity and international competitiveness.

In particular, Congress is committed to ensuring that British workers are entitled to the same rights and protections as our European colleagues. Congress is concerned that in the global economy British workers should not be regarded as the cheap alternative, easier to cast aside than other European workers.

Congress calls for an enhanced role for the DTI in co-ordinating a long-term strategy which distinguishes between the DTI’s regulatory role and the need for government to promote British industry. Congress calls on the DTI to build on its role in developing industrial policy for Britain to strengthen the long-term viability of all British manufacturing, which is at the heart of a successful economy.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council to campaign for:

i) greater investment in manufacturing, including mechanisms to assist with cheaper borrowing;

ii) incentives to encourage investment in R&D and capital equipment;

iii) substantial investment in vocational skills education and training for post-16 years;

iv) new rights for paid release for training;

v) a nationwide system of training based on both incentives and obligations, in line with the proposals from the TUC representatives on the UK Skills Task Force for a menu of training measures and provision for enforcement notices where firms fail to meet their obligations;

vi) a strategy that includes proper coverage of people management issues in view of the evidence that productivity and profitability in manufacturing depend more on how employees are treated than on any other factor;

vii) changes to make the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee more responsive to the needs of industry;

viii) a more strategic role and greater powers for Regional Development Agencies;

ix) clear, open and transparent rules governing the application of Single Regeneration Budgets;

x) positive revision of the EWCs directive;

xi) support for the draft information and consultation directive;

xii) efforts to strengthen the TUPE regulations on consultation in advance of transfers; and

xiii) immediate action to reduce the cost to manufacturing of electricity and to remove other burdens which put manufacturing in Britain at a serious disadvantage in international competition.

Mover: GMB

Seconder: Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union

Supporters: ISTC - The Community Union

Transport and General Workers Union

Emergency 1 Section 28/lesbian and gay equality

Congress notes the decision of the House of Lords to block the progressive legislation to repeal Section 28 on 24th July 2000.

Congress calls on the Government to:

i) continue to support the principle of lesbian and gay equality; and

ii) legislate for lesbian and gay equality in all areas of employment and civil rights.

Congress calls on all affiliates to:

a) fully support the TUC campaign for Anti Discrimination Legislation; and

b) take up positive strategies to counter homophobia and prejudice within the workplaces and amongst the membership we represent.

Communication Workers Union

Emergency 2 BP Amoco/standby ships

Congress expresses grave concern at the unprecedented action of BP Amoco submitting plans to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 22 August 2000 for the replacement of emergency rescue and response vessels in the North Sea by helicopters, despite assurances of full and complete consultations.

Congress notes that BP Amoco had stated that it intended to consult thoroughly and that all issues raised would be properly addressed before its management made a decision on whether to go forward to the next stage and that the Industrial Society would be employed to provide an ‘independent review’ of the consultation process.

Congress further notes that BP Amoco has over the years, since the Piper Alpha disaster, reduced the level of safety cover by standby vessels as part of an ongoing cost reduction policy at the expense of the health and safety of workers.

Congress calls on the UK government to instruct the HSE to instigate a comprehensive industry-wide review of safety cover in the North Sea to prevent a piecemeal approach undermining the safety of more than 20,000 offshore workers in the North Sea.

Congress further calls on the UK government, in the light of this action by BP Amoco, to amend the 1995 Offshore Installations (Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and Emergency Response) Regulations to ensure that top priority is given to safety rather than cost reduction.

National Union of Marine, Aviation and Shipping Transport Officers

Emergency 3 Coats Viyella

Congress is dismayed by the recent announcement from Coats Viyella to divest the Group’s Contract Clothing, Home Furnishings and Branded Clothing businesses. Whilst recognising that one of the reasons for the decision is the relentless pressure exerted upon the UK textile clothing industry by its largest customer, Marks and Spencer, who remain unaccountable for their actions, Congress regrets that once again a major British company has betrayed the trust of a loyal workforce by declaring redundancies without any consultation with employees or their trade unions.

This decision is socially irresponsible and economically indefensible with a threat not only to the 2000 jobs affected by the plant closures but also a further potential 7000 jobs which are reliant on the company. This is a further blow to an industry whose workforce is feeling particularly under attack after a range of similar announcements, resulting in 50,000 job losses in the last eighteen months, mostly affecting women.

Congress welcomes the announcement by the Trade and Industry Secretary to produce a package of assistance to potential buyers and suppliers who will be affected by the divestment.

Congress also calls for:

i) an assurance that no further action will be taken until the full examination of all options have been considered;

ii) a joint meeting of the company, unions and government to discuss alternative solutions;

iii) re-call of Coats Viyella European Works Council to allow for proper discussion, information and consultation with Works Council representatives; and

iv) Marks and Spencer to accept its responsibilities and re-assess its purchasing policy in favour of the high quality goods produced by British textiles industry.

In addition, Congress calls for the following proactive measures to be put into effect in order to deal with the structural problems of an industry which still employs 300,000 people, very often in areas of high unemployment. UK workers are entitled to the same rights and protections as our European colleagues. Congress notes that in several recent redundancy and merger cases, questions were raised about how well the provisions for European Works Councils and Collective Redundancies actually worked.

Congress calls for:

a) the full and proper implementation of the draft Information and Consultation Directive as proposed by the European Commission;

b) a positive review of the European Works Councils and Collective Redundancies Directives to ensure their effective operation; and

c) the government to reform the law relating to corporate governance, which should ensure that employees as well as shareholders are taken into account in company decision-making.

Mover: National Union of Knitwear, Footwear and Apparel Trades

Seconder: Transport and General Workers’ Union

Supporter: GMB

Emergency 4 Fairness for Scotland’s local government workers

Congress notes that workers in Scottish Local Government were made a ‘first and final’ pay offer of 2.5%, an offer rejected by all of the unions. Congress further notes that in pursuit of their claim for £500 or 5% backed by a £5 per hour minimum wage, UNISON members in Scotland are currently engaged in a campaign of strike action, starting with a day of action on 29 August.

Congress recognises that the campaign is a vital part of the struggle to secure decent levels of pay within the public sector, and offers its full support to UNISON Scotland. Congress notes that a meeting with the employers is due to be held this Tuesday 12 September and calls on the Confederation of Scottish Local Authorities to urgently make a fresh offer which reflects the union’s claim; and, further, for the Scottish Executive to fully fund Local Government pay in future.

UNISON

Motion Remitted

Agenda 95 TUC equality structures

Congress welcomes:

Congress therefore resolves that:

a) the TUC organise a motions-based conference and TUC Joint Committee for disabled workers equivalent to those for women, black, and lesbian and gay workers - not least in order to fulfil its obligations in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act;

b) the TUC Black Workers’, Women’s, Lesbian and Gay, and Disabled Workers’ Conferences shall each be entitled to submit two motions to the TUC Congress commencing with conferences reporting to Congress 2001 ; and

c) the current reserved seats for women and black members shall be maintained and provision made to establish seats for disabled workers and lesbian and gay workers.

NATFHE - The University & College Lecturers’ Union

Motions Lost

Agenda 8 Anti-trade union legislation

Congress calls on the New Labour Government to repeal all anti-union laws introduced since 1979 to date and introduce positive trade union rights in line with ILO Conventions and the United Nations Charter. Congress also declares its full support for all trade unions who adopt a policy of non-compliance with laws which have been designed to render trade union rule books ineffective, thereby denying the democratic rights of trade union members.

National Union of Mineworkers

Agenda 73 Public Ownership

Congress calls on the Government immediately to take back into public ownership all industries and services including electricity, gas, water and coal mining, telecommunications and rail which have been privatised since 1979.

National Union of Mineworkers

Agenda 96 TUC structure

Congress welcomes the structural changes proposed by the General Council but does not believe that they go far enough. Congress therefore asks the General Council to come back with more proposals incorporating a wider Council, drawn from all unions meeting perhaps four times a year, as a genuine parliament of the whole movement, and an elected Executive reporting to that Council tasked with the implementation of TUC policy as determined at Congress. This would ensure that the composition of the Executive and Council were not over-similar and guarantee therefore a proper scrutiny of, and debate on, Executive decisions.

Engineers and Managers Association

The following amendment was accepted:

Insert after the first sentence:

'Congress believes that the present proposals continue to exclude too many unions and their members from the General Council and perpetuates the unrepresentative nature of the current body.'

Insert after the existing second sentence:

'A General Council constituted on these lines would help make the TUC fully aware of the position of all its members throughout the year, making it more representative, more authoritative and more effective.'

Managerial and Professional Officers’ Union

Agenda 97 TUC General Council and its Executive Committee

Congress notes the range of submissions to the review on TUC Structure and Constitution and the number of concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability of the Executive Committee.

Congress further notes that the Executive Committee is unrepresentative of the diversity of affiliates and their members and is greater in number than 50% of the General Council.

Congress therefore resolves to amend the TUC Rules and Standing Orders so that, from 2001:

National Union of Journalists

Composite 2 Trade union/employment rights

Congress notes that the Employment Relations Act has enabled significant steps to be taken in regaining recognition. Congress urges the General Council to work with other organisations as part of the broad campaign to re-establish all trade union rights in line with international obligations. These organisations would include, but not necessarily exclusively, the Institute of Employment Rights, the Press for Union Rights Campaign, United Campaign to Repeal Anti-Trade Union laws and the Liaison Committee for the Defence of Trade Unions.

Congress is committed to repeal of all anti-union laws. As a matter of priority, Congress is committed to campaigning for the following:

i) British employment laws to meet the minimum international standards in ILO and European law;

ii) redefining of a trade union dispute to include secondary action without breach of contract;

iii) the right to take solidarity action in support of fellow trade unionists;

iv) employment rights for all from the first day of employment. Workers should have the right to be reinstated where they win unfair dismissal claims;

v) every worker to have the right to be represented individually and collectively by a relevant trade union on all matters related to his/her employment;

vi) workers to have the right to time off for trade union duties;

vii) the Ullswater amendment and the Miller amendment to the ERA 1999 to be repealed;

viii) parental leave and family-friendly policies should be based on paid time off;

ix) a new statutory right for trade union officials (or their nominees) to have reasonable access to any work place within their union's area of organisation for purposes of recruitment; and

x) restoration of the right of workers to establish, in agreement with employers, post entry closed shops.

Congress calls on the General Council to lead a public campaign on the above issues to ensure that these basic principles are accepted as part of the Labour Party manifesto.

Mover: National Union of Journalists

Seconder: British Actors Equity Association

Supporter: Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union

General Council Statement

Congress adopted the following statement prepared by the General Council

Fuel Crisis

The blockades of Britain's vital fuel supplies are causing enormous disruption to the economy. There are very serious threats to essential services food supplies and to thousands of jobs.

The blockades are not a legitimate form of industrial action but a challenge to democracy and a crude attempt to hold the country to ransom.

While we share concern about high fuel prices, decisions about fuel taxation cannot be taken without regard for the Government's revenues and spending as a whole.

The blockades are an unconstitutional and unlawful attempt to bully the Government into submission. They must not succeed.

Faced with actions of this sort, it is the Government's responsibility to ensure free movement of people, goods and services and, in particular, to safeguard the operation of the essential services. The General Council express full support for the Government in meeting that responsibility and call on union members to work normally.

The General Council are therefore fully backing the Prime Minister's strong call for the immediate and full resumption of oil deliveries before further serious damage is done to the country. The blockades should stop and normal life resume.

Adopted 13 September 2000