Crossrail Update week 2

Accident At Westbourne Park & Crossrail protests spread

The Crossrail protests continued this week. Every day at Westbourne Park the picket has been in full operation. All deliveries have been turned away every day from 6am. Causing disruption to the site management (Bam Ferrovial Kier)

Also this week the protest returned to another BFK-Crossrail site. Tottenham Court Road. For well over an hour, Oxford street was blocked off by a 10ft high/ 20ft wide banners.

Site Worker Sept 2012

Blacklisting Update

Blacklisting Update

UNION chiefs are calling on Labour leaders to back them in a £600million case against Britain’s big name construction giants.

The GMB has tabled a motion for this weekend’s Labour Party Conference in the row over alleged illegal “blacklisting” of 3,200 builders.

The workers were shunned by construction firms who used a database to check if they were shop stewards or alleged troublemakers. GMB national officer Justin Bowden said: “We’ll not rest until they get an apology and compensation.”

It comes amid growing speculation that construction firms will be forced to compensate workers they avoided.

In 2009 the Information Commissioner revealed 44 firms had forked out to access the database to vet applicants. Those paying to use the service included BALFOUR BEATTY, CARILLION, MOWLEM. Lawyers at GUNEY, CLARK & RYAN believe compo could hit £600million.

They have served notice on MCALPINE in a High Court test case on behalf of 86 builders. Guney partner Sean Curran said: “We believe we have a very strong case. Workers’ careers and family lives were devastated by being put on this blacklist.”

Human rights campaigners have threatened to sue the ICO for failing to contact those on the blacklist.

The Financial Times is currently preparing a blacklisting story - keep an eye out

Unite urges Crossrail to enter talks

Unite urges Crossrail to enter into talks, as anti-union claims flare up

24 September 2012

Unite, the country’s largest union, is calling for urgent talks with Crossrail to thrash out claims that trade union victimisation has taken place and an anti-union bias exists across the project.
Unite has been seeking a project agreement for over a year from Crossrail - which could benefit the thousands of workers employed on the largest construction project in Europe – but to no avail.
Unite wants an agreement delivering direct employment under the terms of the relevant existing national agreements - this would mean workers engaged on the cross London rail project being directly employed and the full terms of recognised construction agreements applied, where applicable.

There is a concern that 'self employment' practices are prevalent and undermining the safety of the project going forward.

How long till Crossrail have blood on their hands?

How long till Crossrail have blood on their hands?

In a short time, Crossrail has become Europe's biggest construction project. Completion is not due for another 6 years and at its peak will have over 15,000 M&E workers. That is just the M&E side, if you take in to consideration all of the other trades then then this will have at least 30,000 people working on it at any one time. That's 300,000 man hours a day, 2,100,000 man hours a week. With that amount of hours and the ignore it Health and Safety culture on Crossrail, before long, there will be fatalities to construction workers up and down the line.

With such a large project, with such large amount of working hours, attracting skilled trades from all over the UK and Europe. Surely the first thing Crossrail and the Contractors are thinking of is safety of the workforce.

But sadly, it would appear not. Only last week 28 M&E workers were removed from the Westbourne Park Crossrail site and 15 more have been removed from the Crossrail site at Chatham Docks.

M&E Workers Consultative Ballot

Unite sends out Consultative Ballot to M&E Workers over Pay Offers

Unite the Union in the last few weeks have sent out consultative ballot papers to M&E Workers across the country asking members whether they will accept the employers new pay offers.

BESA(HVCA) offered 1.5% pay rise after 3 years of pay freeze with another beforehand.

Today Unite the Union announced that the 90% of Mechanical workers have rejected this offer.

Also today, Electricians across the country working for JIB companies started to receive their Consultative ballot papers over another derisory offer of 1.5% increase after 3 years of pay freeze. The employers are even offering that apprentices should be on a lower hourly rate whilst at college learning.

BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS

CALLING ALL RANK & FILE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AND TRADE UNIONISTS

MASS PICKET

WESTBOURNE PARK CROSSRAIL SITE

MONDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER

6:30AM

Crossrail go hysterical over unionised contractor after safety concerns were raised

Today (Friday 14th) at 3pm every unionised worker for E.I.S. electrical contractor on Crossrail at Westbourne Park tube will be searched and removed from site. 

McGingley union rep was dismissed from site earlier today.

 

This is the opening shots in what appears to be a major battle over unionisation and safety on the Crossrail project. Unofficial picket lines look set to appear very soon and could cause chaos in West London.

 

Bernard McAuley UNITE national Construction Officer has been in negotiations at the Crossrail project all day.

 

More info and contact details below

 

E.I.S. Electrical working on the BFK (BAM FERROVIAL KIER) CROSS RAIL tunnelling contract company have been removed for hi-lighting safety issue 

 

Unite saftey rep Rodney Valentine was removed from site immediately after he was elected he was suspended from site for 6 weeks and eventually transferred to another project where he worked for 1 week before being suspended again he is now approaching his 3rd week

Unite shop steward Frank Morris was banned from the construction site after raising saftey issues on the tunnel boring machine he was removed from site and placed in a site hut for 11 hours per day with absolutley no job to do in solitary confinement.

E.I.S. electrical supervisor was removed from project after taking a picture of 11000V HI VOLTAGE CABLE which was lying under bolders  and  had scaffold clips and boards thrown on it because he took the picture to present to the in house safety team he was removed by main contractors  BFk's MR Horrello working on behalf of Ferrovial.

We have the photos 

BFK have decided to relieve themselves off all responsibility and Terminated  E.I.S. contract mid term even though there is a further 3 years on the contract and other recruitment agencies are actively recruiting positions and even actively poaching E.I.S. employees.

 

Unite the union sees it this a attack on the union organisation. The primary motive for the removal of E.I.S. from the Westboune project  is  to to remove a unionised workforce who's representatives wanted to participate in the safe operation of the BFK Westbourne Park cross rail project. 

Harry Cowap 07812678228 Unite the union regional officer  

"the safety rep has done nothing wrong 

the shop steward has done nothing wrong 

the men employed on site were doing a good job  

E.I.S. the company has done nothing wrong"

 

above the words of E.I.S.  Managing Director 

 

 

Blacklsit Update - Hazards Blacklist Blog

Grim reaper visits Carillion death hearing

By Rory | Published: 6 September, 2012

Photo: Simon Chapman

Workers employed by Carillion who were blacklisted after raising safety concerns have protested outside a court in Swansea where the firm is being prosecuted after a site death.

Rank and File Update

Stewart Hume reinstated.

A great victory and a massive well done to all our Scottish brothers!

There is power in the Union. We know it and so do the employers.

We have just had a great week for the ‘Rank and File’. 1] The threat of walkouts at Grangemouth and protests on all Balfour Beatty Engineering Services [BBES] sites was just too much for the blacklisting wretches! BBES were forced to reinstate the ‘sacked’ Rank and Filer, Stewart Hume.

There is power in the union & the ‘Rank and File’ and when we are on the march we are unstoppable. Put that in your pipe[work] and smoke it Mr Harvey.

2] Last week the National ‘Rank and File’ committee met with Unites Ass Gen Sec Gail Cartmail and National officer Bernard [moving forward] Macauly.

It was a good meeting, though there were no massive gains, but we weren’t expecting any really, Unite like to tread carefully “mustn’t break them anti Trade Union laws now must we”!

A] Crown house was discussed, with still no sign of the ‘sign or be sacked’ letter.  We have got them [CH] on the run so let’s keep at the b******s!.

B] Blacklisting was discussed, and our demands to get our blacklisted brothers in work. Unite seem to be warming to the idea so watch this space.

The Scottish Select Committee met last Tuesday and we hear that Gail Cartmail gave em what for thanks for that better late than never.

C] The ‘crap’ pay deal was mentioned..........It’s a joke/piss take.......... No pay increase until June 2013 a 1.5% increase in first year, well below inflation,

Unite are sending out letters with the full details and strongly recommending that their members DO NOT accept the offer. This is a consultative ballot for possible industrial action up to and including STRIKE ACTION.

Unite ‘Rank and File’ construction workers say NO!... NO!!!..... NO!!!!!!

Make sure you put your cross in the right box REJECT THE OFFER and get ready for strike action. A resounding rejection is essential.

We should also be receiving paperwork on ‘Blacklisting’, please fill that in too.

D] Play by the rules was also on the meeting agenda, we know that the employers are breaking the rules all day every day. Please contact your local office, Unite say they will follow up any complaints, so keep the info coming in.

Finally, a new copy of ‘Siteworker is done, anyone needing copies please let us know by emailing siteworkers@virginmedia.com and we will post them out to you.

For more info please visit..... http ://www . jibelectrician . blogspot . com/

Get in touch with us by Email siteworkers@virginmedia.com

Just another week in the life of the rank and File eh! Solidarity forever.

Rank & File Latest

Rank and File action is the 'Jewel in our Crown' (House)
Rank and File hit back!

There have already been loads of activities against ‘The rogue that is Crown House’.

We have had plenty of site protests, in Wales, Leeds, London and Middlesbrough too. Top marks goes out to one and all.

Special thanks to some FTO’s who are getting involved and you know who you are, cheers boys. We are moving forward as ‘Bernard McAuley’ would say.

Strangely though, we still can’t get to bottom of the ‘Sign or be fired' letter. ‘The rogue that is Crown House’ are denying it vehemently, but we say that on this occasion there is no smoke without fire, so let’s keep up the pressure... No to BESNA Mk 2!

Protests planned this week (Friday 31st) All starting at 7am.

Leeds City Centre Laing O’ Rourke site:

Cardiff Royal Infirmary

London, Lime Burner Lane [a substation 5 minutes from St Pauls, near City Thameslink station]

Please also note: The newly elected Rank and File committee will be meeting with the Unite Ass Gen Sec Gail Cartmail on the 3rd September to discuss ‘The rogue that is ‘Crown house’ and other industry business.

Blacklisting is definitely getting plenty of attention now; Scottish MP Jim Sheridan has been doing the business in parliament, thanks for that big man.

Also on the 24th August the Scottish Rank and File had a good demo at Balfour’s offices although Balfours denied they are Blacklister’s... Have you ever heard such pisssssh!

And a new case set to go to tribunal in November, who would that be against???

You guessed it ‘Balfour Beatty’! Great stuff.

Finally, please contact us if you know of any more demos happening around the country, unity is strength brothers. Get yourself and your workmates in the union and onto a Crown House protest near you. The other BESNA rats are waiting in the wings.

Unite and fight: Your industry needs you!

For more info please visit... Electricians Against The World http ://www . jibelectrician . blogspot . com/

Get in touch with us by Email siteworkers@virginmedia.com

Construction Rank & File Newletter

We buried BESNA once and we must do it again

Crown House need to be de-throned

Last year saw a titanic struggle when we defeated the BESNA 8. But one of the rats Crown House has emerged from underneath their stone. As we write Crown House has issued ‘sign by September 7th or be sacked’ notices.

Crown House have pulled out of the JIB and are trying to bring in BESNA Mk 2.  Though for now they are still paying the same rate as JIB, they are hiding behind a smoke screen.

The fact that they are no longer in JIB means workers lose a number of benefits including:

Proper holiday pay: JIB pension: Agreed overtime rates: Travel & fares: Bupa.

Along with all this it will mean that there will be no rights of unfair dismissal claims under JIB disciplinary rules, so you need to have worked for them for more than 2 years to claim unfair dismissal, when under JIB rules you get that from day one.

Blacklist Support Group

Blacklisted workers launch £600m High Court action

A group of blacklisted workers in the UK has launched a High Court claim against construction giant Sir Robert McAlpine which could potentially be worth £600million. Guney Clark & Ryan solicitors served a claim on behalf of 86 claimants for ‘Tort of unlawful conspiracy’ at the High Court last week.

The claimants are part of the Blacklist Support Group (BSG), a network campaigning on behalf of construction workers illegally blacklisted because of their trade union activities by major building contractors as part of The Consulting Association scandal first exposed in 2009.

The claim targets Sir Robert McAlpine as the company with the worst record of blacklisting. The last invoice issued to the firm by The Consulting Association was in excess of £28,000 for the use of the blacklisting service. However, the conspiracy charge means Sir Robert McAlpine would also be responsible for the actions of the 40 plus contractors such as Carillion, Balfour Beatty, Skanska who systematically blacklisted workers simply for being members of a trade union.

Rank & File Newsletter

Rank and File Update

Stuff going on & stuff the BESNA MK2

Unite Conference: Was held in Brighton the other week, where there were some fine speeches and rabble rousing, but ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS ‘LENNY’!

So let’s see what occurs in the coming months; however we know it’s down to the Rank and File to hold the bureaucrats to account by keeping the pressure on from below, just as the sparks have for nearly a year now.

Rank and File ‘Steve Acheson’ spoke at fringe meetings all week as well as at the conference. 

A motion on blacklisting was accepted unanimously and Steve got a standing ovation. The Rank and File salute you Stevie!

Blacklist Update

Tommy Sheridan MSP: "I was spied on by illegal blacklist"

Tommy Sheridan has revealed that he was kept under surveillance by the Consulting Association blacklisting conspiracy over a period of 14 years while he was first an elected councillor and latterly while he served as an elected Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). Sheridan's blacklist file, recently disclosed by the Information Commissioners Office, covers the period 1995 to 2009 and relates to times when he had supported campaigns connected to the construction industry including his visits to picket lines involving construction workers and his advocacy of improved working conditions across the building industry.

Blacklist Support Group

Blacklisters face professional abuse charges 

**The following article was written by Rory for the Blacklist Blog**

On 1 July 2012 the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – the professional body for Human Resources in the UK –  published a new Code of Conduct for its members. The first complaint made under the new Code is by the Blacklist Support Group, and lays several misconduct charges against five prominent, high-level construction industry managers....

Unite/UCATT CIJC Pay Talks

Union anger over construction bosses' derisory pay offer

27 June 2012

The latest round of pay negotiations which took place yesterday (26 June) ended in a failure to agree.

Construction unions, who represent workers covered by the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) agreement, said the employers’ offer of 17 pence an hour for craft workers and 13 pence an hour for general operatives, was derisory and insulting.

BESA(HVCA) Pay Talks

Update On HVCA Pay Talks

Unite the Union have been involved in negotiations of pay and conditions with BESA (formerly HVCA) over the last few weeks and this week Unite issued a letter to its members.

It states that the the Unite representatives have rejected the offer, which the employers see is their final position and is not up for negotiation.

Unite are currently attempting to get all members affected to update their details and put the derisory offer to them in a consultative ballot.

Another Victory Against Balfour Beatty

Beauly-Denny construction workers win swift victory in unofficial action

The following article was written by Sean Robertson and is reproduced from the The Point website

Protest by electricians against Balfour Beatty in
Newcastle earlier this year.

02 July On the 26th and 27th June , around 40 Balfour Beatty foundation construction workers went on strike with the intention of making the company stick to earlier promises that workers could expect a four day weekend in return for working 17 consecutive 12 hour days.

Protest by electricians against Balfour Beatty in Newcastle earlier this year.

The vast majority of workers on the Northern section of the Beauly –Denny electricity transmission project are staying away from home, many having up to 10 hour commutes to their homes in England, Wales and Ireland and under the current arrangements they are given Friday to travel, but must travel back to work on Sunday, meaning that they only have one quality day in their homes with their family.

Prior to beginning work on the project, workers were assured by management that travelling Friday and Monday on the weekend that they were off would be the norm, but some staff have been on the project for more than a year and the promise has never materialised.

Blacklisting Wretch

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

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 21^st 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

Organisations like British Gas shouldnot do business with companies that fail to deal with worst case ofillegal corporate bullying by Carillion and other companies that wehave ever seen says GMB shop stewards

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 ...

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...

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

Facebook Event Page

 

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).

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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......

Blacklist Update May 2012

Blacklisting Update May 2012

1. Consulting Association blacklist

The Consulting Association blacklist was exposed in 2009 – 3200 building workers personal details were kept of a secret database – it is mainly union members who have dared to raise concerns about safety issues or unpaid wages. The blacklist was used by major contractors to sack stewards and stop them getting jobs on their projects..............

Latest Rank & File Newsletter

News from the national Rank and File meeting

Mass picket called at Ratcliffe this Tuesday

Things are warming up again on the Rank and File front. The combine meeting on May 23rd went well full report soon.

At the Liverpool Rank and File meeting it was decided to have a mass picket at Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station for our steward who is still suspended this Tuesday at 6am. Please try and get along its important we show solidarity and demand his reinstatement...............
 

NATIONAL RANK & FILE PROTEST

NATIONAL RANK & FILE PROTEST

TUESDAY 29TH MAY

RATCLIFFE POWER STATION

6AM

At the National RnF Meeting on Saturday, it was unanimously agreed to hold a National protest at the Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station on Tuesday 29th May 6am.





A Unite M&E Shop Steward has been off work now for several weeks due to being suspended by SPIE for bullying.
This particular "Elected" Shop Steward is being victimised by his employer for being central to the BESNA protests/victory, Trade Union activities and in particular standing up for the health and safety of the workforce




The result of his disciplinary is due Tuesday morning.



Transport is currently being organised from all corners of the country. Get a car full of you along and come and join us.


Directions To Ratcliffe On Soar E:on Power Station 

 FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Latest Unite M&E Press Release

Following today's meeting Unite have released the following Press Release

Unite launches compliance campaign in mechanical and electrical contracting sector

23 May 2012

Unite has launched a national campaign ‘Play by the rules’ today (Wednesday 23 May) to police the key agreements on every site in the UK at its national meeting of key union representatives from the industry................

We are still here, Report of the last few weeks

It may have gone quiet on here but out on the streets the fight is still going on.

This Saturday there is a National Rank & File Meeting in Liverpool.

National RnF Meeting

Saturday 26th May 

12pm-4pm

Liverpool

Casa Club, 29 Hope St. , L1 9BQ

Nearest Station - Liverpool Lime Street

As of May 1st 2012, Clown House Technologies had officialy withdrawn from the JIB/SJIB. More details will become available soon.

The boys up in Scotland have been doing very well. Full Scottish RnF Update below.

Latest Rank & File Newsletter

BESNA is dead but ‘The fight goes on’: 

National Rank and File meeting.

Manchester: Mechanics Institute: 17th March: 12 til 3 pm.

Last Wednesday in London over 150 turned out at the ‘Rank and File’ meeting. We were fortunate to have as the guest speaker Dean Mighel from the Australian Electricians Trade Union [ETU]. Mick Dooley, and Jerry Hicks also said a few words, adding to what was a very buoyant but serious mood.

What An Unbelievable Four Weeks

Firstly, I would like to apologise for the lack of updates for the last four weeks. Normality will now be resumed (much to the annoyance of the missus).

What an unbelievable four weeks. It all started off with Balfour Beatty employees voting 67% in favour of strike action at the beginning of Feb.

Latest Unite Press Release

Workers begin rolling programme of demonstrations at refineries  and power stations across the UK 

  

Construction workers will start a rolling programme of demonstrations  beginning at the Conoco Philips refinery tomorrow (Wednesday,15 February) in protest against moves by seven major construction employers to cut pay by up to 35 per cent and deskill their workforces.

Our Support Is Growing - US Teamsters

Last week the US Teamsters Union sent a letter to Balfour Beatty. The support for our campaign is growing across the country and across the WHOLE WORLD.

Latest Rank & File Newsletter

To join the Rank & File contact list and receive these straight to your inbox. 

Please email siteworkers@virginmedia.com

Question “What happens when the Anti Union Laws aren’t repealed” Answer below.

Unite sparks on BBES voted for strike action [AGAIN] last week, with 66% in favour of
strike [295 votes for / 145 votes against].

And 70% [313 votes for / 131 against] voted in favour of action short of a strike.

So are we on strike then or what....................? Not exactly............................!

Do Balfour Beatty know how many 

of their OWN workers will be affected by BESNA???

Following the many ridiculous claims and contradictions in the press releases from Balfour Beatty this week, one claim stuck in my mind,  3,063 employees.    LINK

3,063 employees. - Where did they come from?

February Unite M&E Newsletter - Issue 3

BBES ballot: two to one vote ‘yes’ to strike 

 

 

Unite the Union - Press Release - Strike

Unite members at Balfour Beatty vote overwhelmingly for strike action

Unite the Union - Press Release

Unite reports construction firms to the OFT in groundbreaking move

NG Baileys Week and The Scottish Assault

This week saw Rank & File action on NG Bailey sites across the whole of the country. In Scotland they took it a step further than the rest with FIVE protests/demos in one week. And the North East also had two at once.

Latest Rank & File Newsletter

To join the Rank & File contact list and receive these straight to your inbox. 

Please email siteworkers@virginmedia.com

 “Extra - Extra” “Read all about it” ‘Balfour Beatty sites taking strike action’

That’s the headline we need!

23/11/2011 - Grattes Brothers Occupation Update

On Wednesday 23rd November a large number of M&E Workers and supporters entered the Grattes Brothers London office to speak to management about the impending introduction of BESNA to the industry.

Latest Rank & File Newsletter

Sparks week of protest at NGBailey sites

NGB / No Go Besna

Ballot papers gone out for BBES a yes vote is imperative for strike action to be able to begin on 9th February.

The Ballot Is Here and NG Bailey Are In Our Sights

The re ballot of Balfour Beatty Engineering Services has finally arrived.

Blacklisting Employment Tribunal Update

Agency workers have no legal protection against blacklisting by multi-national firms according to a shock decision in the Central London Employment Tribunal today (Friday 20th Jan)

Two Weeks Of Action Gets The New Year Rolling

This month seems like it is going on forever. There have already been over 20 protests across the country and several walk outs. Most notably by the Spie lads out of the Thornby Branch who are walking out EVERY Wednesday from now on.

Latest Rank and File Newsletter

Our message to Unite ‘Get the ballot right this time’!

National Rank & File Meeting and This Weeks Protests

The first National M&E Rank & File 

is being held this week in Birmingham.

Saturday 14th January, 1pm-4pm. 

Latest Rank and File Newsletter

We won’t sign away our livelihoods.

No matter what pressure we are put under by the rogue 7 we must not sign the BESNA contracts. BBES workers in Scotland have been returning the new contracts unopened to BB head office as have sparks at Spie Matthew Hall along with many others around the country.

ALL DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY BESNA READ NOW

A letter from the Unite the Union General Secretary Len McCluskey. Including templates of letters to attach to your BESNA contract before returning:

04 January 2012

To all unite members employed by the following companies;
Balfour Beatty (and subsidiaries)

NG Bailey

SPIE Matthew Hall

Crown House Technologies

Shepherd Engineering Services

Gratte Brothers 

Tommy Clarke.

Unite Rank & File Newsletter

Yes it’s a ‘New Year’ but we still have the ‘Same Fight’.

And the ‘Rank and File’ hasn’t gone away!

The methods of the BESNA 7 are outrageous and a disgrace.