Monday 25 June 2012

Blacklisting Wretch

Gerry Harvey - Director - Balfour Beatty Engineering Services Ltd - Blacklist Wretch

Friday 22 June 2012

Fawley Oil Refinery

NAECI to be smashed at Fawley Oil Refinery?

A callout to the Rank and File



We need Rank and File trade union members and activists to attend the protest and leafleting of Fawley Oil Refinery, Hampshire, gate No.2, at 6.00am Weds 27th June.

The NAECI is under threat and is being attacked. In the 3rd quarter of 2012...

GMB Take On Carillion

British Gas GMB Stewards On Carillion

Thursday 21st June 2012

GMB SHOP STEWARDS CALL ON BRITISH GAS TO END CARILLION’S FACILITIES MANAGEMENT CONTRACT AT UK SITES OVER FAILURE TO DEAL WITH BLACKLISTING OF UNION ACTIVISTS


Thursday 21 June 2012

Rank & File Updates From Both Sides Of The Border

Rank & File Updates From Both Sides Of Hadrians Wall

 Who's 'Playing by the Rules'?

More violations of Rule 17 and other news


FIRMS will try it on if they think they can get away with it. BBES have won a refurb job of Sea Containers House in London, we've heard agencies are lined up already so a protest and leafleting will be arranged soon. Crown House at Heathrow are up to no good so they are another legitimate target for the Rank and File. Countrywide these firms are breaking Rule 17 constantly. If you haven't got the 'Play by the Rules' leaflets and stickers contact your regional offices - phone numbers are on the Unite website. We will be getting some soon and can post you some...

Blacklist Update

June Blacklist Update

The Blacklist In Parliament - Blacklist Investigation

Last week the Scottish Affairs Committee heard evidence from Dave Smith over the Construction Blacklist. This week Francis Graham and Stewart Merchant (blacklisted electricians from Dundee) gave their experiences, views and evidence to the committee. The investigation is expected to continue for the next few months. Chaired by Ian Davidson, MP.

Scottish Affairs Committee - Blacklist Investigation - 12th June - Dave Smith

The House of Commons Scottish Affairs Select Committee has heard a two hour evidence session from ...

Monday 11 June 2012

Latest Rank & File Update

Another victory for the Rank and File

Ratcliffe safety rep reinstated after walkout


Following a protest and walkout at Ratcliffe power station last Tuesday the safety rep on site was reinstated on Monday. This shows the power of the Rank and File and solidarity shown by the lads on site - as it happens over 600 walked out. We salute you all at Ratcliffe! It shows direct action is essential.

We can't stand back and wait for disciplinary hearings and Unite meetings...

Friday 8 June 2012

Blacklisting Update

The Blacklist Arrives At Parliament


Bosses of major construction firms who blacklisted trade union members are set to be named and shamed in a parliamentary investigation into blacklisting next week. Directors and senior managers are expected to be outed by Dave Smith (Blacklist Support Group) when he gives evidence at the Scottish Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

The Select Committee, chaired by Ian Davidson MP (Glasgow West) is holding its second session investigating blacklisting in construction and the North Sea oil industry. Other blacklisted workers will be invited to give evidence as the investigation progresses over the coming months.

2pm Tues 12th June 2012
Committee Room 8
Houses of Parliament

 
This is an open session of the Select Committee and any blacklisted workers, supporters or press are invited to attend (please allow time to get through security).
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday 6 June 2012

New Unite Construction Campaign

"Play By The Rules"


Last week Unite launched a campaign to ensure that companies who are part of the National Agreements are playing by the rules.

The companies are quick enough to raise points and keep us to the book, its time that we keep them to the book too. I have been on many jobs where things that are in black and white are blatantly ignored.

Although Unites campaign is aimed more at the people who are lucky enough to be directly employed (overtime, travel) by one of the companies, there is something that the rest of us can do.

The biggest rule that these companies always fall short on is the use of AGENCY LABOUR on site.

Monday 4 June 2012

Ratcliffe Safety Rep Update


The Ratcliffe Safety Rep has been Reinstated

On Saturday 26th May, there was a National Rank & File meeting held in Liverpool. This meeting was attended by RnF groups from across the UK. One of the main points discussed at this meeting was the ongoing suspension of a Unite Safety Rep for SPIE at Ratcliffe Power Station.

Sunday 3 June 2012

Rank & File Report from the Combine Meeting

Report of the combine meeting in London
by a 'Progressive Pipey'

*Please note - 1200 from all trades downed tools at Ratcliffe in defence of our suspended steward last Tuesday - more news to follow as and when*

Unite Combine construction meeting – Holborn, London, 23/05/12:

"Present were the Unite Assistant Gen Sec, Unite National Officer for construction, Unite EC members for construction plus also Unite shop stewards and Unite Rank and File lay activists from all regions.

Friday 1 June 2012

View From The Site by A. S. Park

View From The Site - The Old Breed

I received an email this week asking if I can post this article up on here. A view from the site.
Written by London based electrician, A. S. Park

If you would like to write a piece for the blog or have any ideas then please get in touch



Father time. Old codgers. Ageing git. OAP's. Old boy's. Old timer's. Grandad. They all and each go by many names. I prefer one above all. I honour, The Old Breed.

They're the same on every firm. Each has had at least one......