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Annual General Meeting 2023

The 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be held on Tuesday 21st March, at the Tesco Community Space within the Tesco Extra, Lottbridge Drove, BN21 3PA. The meeting will commence at 7.30pm

All local trade unionists are encouraged to attend and take part in the meeting.  Only delegates from affiliated unions may be nominated for officer posts, or vote on these. 

THE AGENDA SHALL BE:

1. Introductions and apologies for absence

2. Minutes of the last AGM from 2022

3. Adoption of Rules and Subscription Levels  for 2023 (proposal is to remain unchanged) and new affiliates.

4. Officers' Reports and Accounts.

5. Election of Officers for 2022-3 (following a resolution of the 2018 AGM, nominations for officer positions must be received before the meeting, and will be circulated on Monday 20th March)

a) Chair

b) Vice Chair

c) Secretary

d) Assistant Secretary

e) Treasurer

f) Additional non-officer members of the Executive Committee, if required

6. External Affiliations for 2023  (Last year:  East Sussex CATC, National Pensioners' Convention, Cuba Solidarity Campaign,  Stand up To Racism)

7.. Dates and venues of meetings for 2022-3

8. Any other urgent non-AGM Business

(a) Campaign Updates from unions

(b) Workers' Memorial Day 2023

(c) May Day 

9. Presentation of the Len Caine Award 

Next Trades Council Meeting, Tuesday 12th July

The next meeting of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be on Tuesday 12th July at 7.30pm, at The Railway Club, Hampden Park. All local trade unionists are invited. 

 A G E N D A 

1. Introductions and apologies for absence and approval of any new affiliations. 

2. Minutes of previous meeting (January 2022)  and matters arising. 

 3. Treasurer's Report 

 4. Campaigning reports from affiliated Unions 

 (a) Wealden Bin Strikes and ongoing legal action 

 (b) UCU dispute 

 (c) Equity Jekyll's issue in Hastings 

 (d) CWU action in BT 

 (e) Any other campaign reports from affiliates 

 5. Other Campaigning Reports 

 (a) Climate Campaign including motion from Carol Mills 

 (b) "Join the Union" Stall proposal 

 (c) Paul Robeson commemoration update 

 6. Any other business

Trades Council AGM: Tuesday 29th March 2022

The 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be held on Tuesday 29^th March, at 7.30pm at The Eastbourne Railway Club,  by Hampden Park Station, Station Approach, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, BN22 9ND.  

THE AGENDA SHALL BE:

1. Introductions and apologies for absence

2. Minutes of the last AGM from 2021

3. Adoption of Rules and Subscription Levels  for 2022 (proposal is to remain unchanged) and new affiliates.

4. Officers' Reports and Accounts.

5. Election of Officers for 2021-2 (following a resolution of the 2018 AGM, nominations for officer positions must be received before the meeting, and will be circulated on Monday 13^th May)

a) Chair
b) Vice Chair
c) Secretary
d) Assistant Secretary
e) Treasurer
f) Additional non-officer members of the Executive Committee, if required

6. External Affiliations for 2022  (Last year:  East Sussex CATC, National Pensioners' Convention, Cuba Solidarity Campaign,  Stand up To Racism)

7.. Dates of meetings for 2021-2

8. Any other urgent non-AGM Business

(a) May Day March and Rally

(b) Stop the War in Ukraine

(c) Any Urgent Campaign Reports from affiliated unions

9. Presentation of the Len Caine Award to Pat from GMB

Victory for GMB in Eastbourne Bin Dispute

The Eastbourne bin strike has ended today in a ‘massive win for GMB members’. Refuse collectors in the town had already taken six days of strike action including today and were set for eight more walk outs in the coming weeks. But GMB members this morning formally accepted an improved, above inflation pay offer of almost 19 per cent from the council. 

The offer includes a minimum rise this year of 11 per cent and a guarantee their hourly rate will reach a minimum of £13.50 per hour in April 2023 – a 19 per cent rise in total.   In October, GMB refuse collectors in nearby Brighton won an above inflation pay rise after long-running strike action. 

In addition, there will be steps to replace to improve the old and outdated welfare facilities at the depot, including new shower and rest facilities. 

Gary Palmer, GMB Organiser, said: “GMB members have flexed their industrial muscle and got the above inflation pay rise they deserve. "The people of Eastbourne have backed them all the way – despite the inconvenience they've had to face. "Other employers should take note, GMB members know their own worth and are not scared to take bosses on."

The GMB members were joined on the picket line this morning by Lloyd Russell-Moyle the Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown (pictured) 

Next Trades Council Meeting: 18th January- SOLIDARITY with the Eastbourne Bin Strikers

The next meeting of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be at 7.00pm, on Tuesday 18th January 2022, via Zoom.  All Eastbourne trade unionists are welcome to attend. 

Please register in advance by clicking here

The main item of business for the meeting will be hearing from the GMB about progress in the bin strike.  It is really important that we get the workers' case across, and other local union reps are in a great position to spread the truth in their workplaces and communities.  Please come along at least for this part of the meeting, even if you can't stay for later items. 

A G E N D A 

1. Introductions and apologies for absence and approval of any new affiliations.

2. EASTBOURNE BIN STRIKE:  Update from GMB Union representatives, how do we build solidarity, and what are the next steps for challenging low pay, poor conditions and bullying management in Eastbourne? 

3. Minutes of previous meeting (September 2021) and matters arising.

5. Treasurer's Report

6. Campaigning reports from affiliated Unions and other campaigning organisations.

7. Len Caine Award 2022

8. Any Other Business

Solidarity with Eastbourne Bin Staff

Trades Unionists in Eastbourne are standing firm in solidarity with GMB members employed by Eastbourne Borough Council (through an "arms length company owned by the council)  who are striking against poverty pay and appalling work conditions.

HGV drivers are on wages well below the industry standard, whilst other collection staff are on poverty pay, and pounds an hour below staff doing the same job in Lewes- employed by the same managers in the same council-owned "arms length" company.

After three days of strike action, the Lib Dem controlled Eastbourne Borough Council has resorted to issuing misleading statements and using their councillors to push anti-union lines to try and belittle the strikers' case, demonise the union, and turn the people of Eastbourne against their low paid workers.

Disgracefully, we have seen so-called "progressive" local councillors like former People's Assembly supporter Lib Dem Helen Burton now issuing Thatcher-like anti union statements, whilst Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Josh Babarinde issues weasel words about having met with "the workers" whilst then attacking the union officials.  Oldest union-bashing trick in the book! 

The elected councillors can't shift the blame to the "officers" or the "negotiators".  They need to show some leadership and direct the council managers-  managers directly accountable to the elected officials to negotiate seriously and in good faith. 

Today, the GMB announced that they would press on with 11 days of further strike action. 

"Ending walk-outs and stopping rubbish pile up was within the grasp of the council if they showed real willingness to meet," says GMB Union 

"Eastbourne refuse collectors will go ahead with a further 11 days of industrial action after the council refused to meet with GMB Union. The union says a face-to-face negotiation is vital to talks as the lead representative, Mark Turner, is visually impaired and struggles to use Zoom and similar online platforms."

Eastbourne Borough Council has so far ignored requests for a meeting on 12 January and a request for a meeting on 13 January has also thus far been left unanswered. Mark Turner, GMB B50 Branch Secretary said:

'The council’s only focus appears at this time is to try to break the strike and blames GMB for the inconvenience to the residents of Eastbourne. We hoped they might take responsibility for this mess - given they’ve moved the service back towards being in-house through an arms-length company. Since then they have done nothing to improve the poverty pay rates or welfare, health and safety of their workers. 

My visual impairment means that online meetings can be difficult for me and in person conferences allow me to be properly involved in the discussions - especially when they are so important.  Unfortunately this simple request appears to be beyond the council, so we have to waste our time chasing them to meet rather than resolving the dispute and bringing the strike to a conclusion. 

Ending walk-outs and avoiding rubbish piling up in the city’s streets was within the grasp of the council if they only showed a real willingness to get back around the negotiating table.'"

Next Trades Council Meeting: 28th September on Zoom

The next meeting of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be at 7.30pm, on Tuesday 28th September 2021, via Zoom.  All Eastbourne trade unionists are welcome to attend. 

Please register in advance by clicking here

A G E N D A 

1. Introductions and apologies for absence

2. Approval of any new affiliations.

3. Minutes of previous meeting (July 2021) and matters arising.

4. Treasurer's Report

5. NHS CAMPAIGNING:  To update on affiliated unions' campaign for a decent pay rise for NHS workers, and against privatisation.  Speakers to include Lib Whitfield from GMB. 

6. Other Campaigning reports from affiliated Unions and other campaigning organisations.

7. Any other business

STOP "FIRE AND REHIRE"- support Barry Gardiner's Private Members' Bill

Thousands of British workers are threatened with being fired and rehired on worse pay and conditions to do the same job. It’s not dodgy backstreet companies doing this, it’s the biggest names on our high street. Will you and your colleagues be next?

Tesco and Sainsbury’s are both at it. From your morning Weetabix and coffee to your holiday snack at the airport, fire and rehire is everywhere.  Many household names have made billions during lockdown, but greedy bosses want even more and it’s the workers who have to pay. British Gas, Clarks Shoes and Heathrow Airport are just some of businesses forcing families into poverty with no regard for loyalty or years of service.

Over the years cost cutting employers have copied money-grabbing bosses in other industries. Many unions across Britain are asking will their members be next. Even teachers are being fired and rehired in schools, no one seems safe.

Labour MP Barry Gardiner has introduced a Private Member’s Bill to outlaw this practice. It’s wrong that workers who have given their lives to companies now can’t pay their rent, go on holiday or sleep because of worry. This is the human cost of telling a worker, your pay is cut by 25%, you’ll work longer hours and your pension is under threat. Fire and rehire is everywhere.

Workers are being bullied, sacked and told they will only be re-employed to do the same basic job if they accept less money and poorer conditions. It’s an issue that affects every constituency, every industry – a social evil that is afflicting hundreds of thousands of families. As if the pandemic was not bad enough, companies are now threatening people with the sack so they can pay them less or take their pensions.

At food giant Jacob Douwe Egberts in Banbury, coffee consumption was up 40 per cent during the lockdown and JDE made record profits, but that didn’t stop them threatening their workforce with the sack unless they accepted a cut in wages of up to £12,000.

No family should have to put up with that. How do you pay your rent or your mortgage with a cut like that? How can you support your family? Every pound cut is a pound less to pay your rent, to pay your mortgage and the fear of eviction or repossession is very real.

It’s just plain wrong and the Government SAYS it agree
s. Leading Tory Jacob Rees-Mogg told MP’s fire and rehire was “bad practise” and no respectable employer would do it. Even the Prime Minister says it’s unacceptable. But it remains to be seen whether Boris will support our campaign to outlaw this evil practise.

Tory Business Minister, Paul Scully, promises he will “issue guidelines” but many unions believe those guidelines won’t protect anyone.

Right wingers may say bosses should be left to do as they please in a free market, but the proposed Bill will not stop struggling firms restructuring or changing outdated practises. Instead, it will stop bad bosses sacking workers to avoid redundancy rules and other workers’ rights.

So come on let’s support the Bill and visit the campaign website at www.StopFireAndRehire.org follow it on Instagram and Facebook and tell your friends about fire and rehire.  

NHS "Data Grab": We hear from the National Pensioners' Convention

The Trades Council meeting this month heard from a National Pensioners Convention member about their concerns regarding the NHS "Data Grab".  The article below comes from the NPC.  You can read more about how you can get involved in the campaign at their website here. 

What’s this NHS Data Grab I’ve heard about? 

Photo 117291219 © One Photo | Dreamstime.com

The government wants to collect the confidential health records of every GP patient in England and put them into one huge new data pool. It says “third parties” will be able to access this pool, including commercial companies, but won’t say who or how. 

•  The scheme’s official name is GPDPR or ‘General Practice Data for Planning and Research.’
•  It will take 55 million people’s cradle-to-grave health records and put them in a central database – to be used by many different parties, for many different purposes. 
•  This is new. Under today’s system, requests for GP data are made on a one-off basis. GPDPR is far bigger and broader. It puts 55m health records in a single place that updates in real time. In the government’s words, it will ‘collect [your data] once, [but] use [it] many times’. 
•  A similar scheme, ‘care.data’, was tried in 2013, only to collapse over widespread concerns over privacy and corporate access. We don’t want to repeat the same mistakes today.

What’s wrong with that – surely the NHS using data better is a good thing? 

It isn’t just the NHS who will access data. You can’t pool the cradle-to-grave health records of all 55 million people in England without telling people and giving them a meaningful say in how the new system works. It’s undemocratic and could damage trust in the NHS. 

•  This huge change wasn’t explained to patients. Matt Hancock told Radio 4 that his aim was for patients to control their own data and “consent should be at the heart of it”. He also said he was “not against” writing to everyone in the country, or sending everyone a text message, like with the COVID vaccination programme, to inform them of the change. 
•  But this is the opposite of what’s happened so far. Instead, the change was posted on one NHS Digital website. How does that reach the millions over-65s who aren’t online, for example? 
•  The government needs to tell us why it wants to build this new data pool - and what it plans to do with the data. It should urgently explain who the “third parties” are who will have access to our data, and what standards they will need to meet. 
•  Matt Hancock needs to explain what alternative models he has considered for managing NHS data research. For example, openSafely, the data platform developed by Ben Goldacre during the pandemic takes research queries to the data itself - instead of grabbing the entire GP record. This might solve some of the problems with maintaining public trust.  

But NHS Digital says that “Data saves lives?” 

No-one is opposed to using health data for research that saves lives. But the data can also be used for profit. The plan must benefit the NHS and, crucially, maintain the faith and trust of patients. 

• Of course, data can save lives. But it can also make people a lot of money – and those goals don’t always support one another. 
• The government should be honest about this. Research shows that, compared to the NHS, people are less comfortable with private companies using their confidential health records to make a profit. 
•  Matt Hancock must set out in plain English on what terms companies could access this massive new pool of our GP data – and give people a choice. 

Isn’t this data anonymous? 

This data is not anonymous. It is pseudonymous. This is a really important distinction and is practically and legally different to anonymous. 

•  Government spokespeople have repeatedly mixed these up. It is pretty easy to identify people from pseudonymised data - often with only a few bits of information about you. 
•  The government says they may re-identify your data in certain circumstances - without fully explaining when they might do this. 
•  As for companies, to identify someone from pseudonymised data is illegal in most cases. But the body who handle those offences, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), is understaffed, underfunded, and unable to enforce against major breaches. 

There must be safeguards in place already to protect this data? 

The safeguards aren’t strong enough yet – there’s one expert body that doesn’t explain its decisions clearly, and the ICO hasn’t got the resources to police the law. And the government may be about to dilute the laws that protect your health data. 

•  A body called IGARD considers requests for data access. The minutes of their meetings are online, as is a record of requests for data. But the records of their meetings aren’t easily understood by the average person – nor are the standards they judge private companies on.
• Watchdog group medConfidential has published a list showing lots of third parties have broken the rules when they used medical data. And the ICO, as we said, just hasn’t got the resources to follow up every time the law is broken. 
•  The government’s also considering weakening legal protections for your health data. 

Is it biased to refer to GPDPR as a “data grab”? 

What would you call taking the personal information of 55 million people – without asking for permission, presenting an informed choice, or, until our case, giving fair warning at all? It doesn’t seem an exaggeration to call that a data grab. 

•  Millions of people still haven’t heard about this system. Originally, NHS Digital set a deadline to opt-out of June 23. We think the new deadline is August 25. If you haven’t opted-out by then your GP data will be gone forever and you can only prevent future data being shared. Does that seem like a reasonable and fair system to you? 
•  Again – where is the public information campaign? Matt Hancock admitted that a “proper national debate” is needed but has done little to create one. We know the government can text the nation, can address the nation daily at teatime on BBC One. Why haven’t they? 
•  It’s not too late. The government could repair damage by slowing down and making a much bigger effort to consult people. Our data is there for the asking, not the taking. 

If giving private companies access to my data helps the NHS, what’s the problem? 

The question we always need to be asking is: who benefits? The collected data of the NHS is the most valuable resource of its kind in the world – but only because it has been created and paid for over decades by taxpayers and ordinary British people. 

•  Companies requesting access to health data tend to promise “innovation”. But there is evidence that using data in this way can make unfairness in healthcare worse, not better. 
•  “Innovative” medicines are often priced too high for the NHS to buy them, so how does that benefit the NHS? What if instead, access to our data meant the NHS got the final product for free or a share of any financial gain? Or the product could be made open source, so everyone can benefit. 
•  Most of all – we need to make sure that introducing a major profit motive in our health service doesn’t undermine the core value of the NHS: a universal service free at the point of delivery, with care of patients at its heart.

Find out more about how you can support the NPC's campaign on this, and other issues, by visiting their website here.