Unite is just over six months old but even in this short time has made a big impact as the UK’s biggest, newest and foremost campaigning union.Since May, over 75,000 workers have joined our union. Our campaigns to stop the exploitation of agency workers, to demand an end to the privatisation of the NHS and our demand that government support our manufacturing base are striking a chord with working people. Read the rest of this entry »

Subject: Child Exploitation & Trafficking of Women

Dear Colleague

The STUC Women’s Committee will be holding a Conference on Child Exploitation and Trafficking of Women on 5 October 2007 in the STUC Offices, Glasgow (333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6NG). We are hoping to raise greater awareness of the exploitation of children and trafficking of women occurring in Scotland and globally, amongst trade unionists in Scotland. I would like to invite your organisation to nominate delegates to attend this Conference.

The Conference will hear presentations from experts in this field, including speakers from Amnesty International, Barnardos, Zero Tolerance, and the Poppy Project. A detailed programme will be available in due course. A buffet lunch will be provided for delegates.

The Conference is aimed at all trade unionists, whether full time officials, lay reps, shop stewards and ordinary union members, both men and women.

Anyone interested in attending this event should contact Gillian McKay, Regional Equality Officer, 17 South Tay Street, Dundee, DD1 1NR.

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Subject: Factory Closure – Birmingham

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Welcome from Regional Secretary, John Quigley

When Gordon Brown addressed Unite’s conference in June he promised he would start listening. More than a month into the job the new Prime Minister has already made some welcome noises including a much needed review of the NHS, maintenance grants for students from low and middle income families and the appointment of the first ever Cabinet Minister with responsibility for housing. There has also been progress for the thousands of workers who have lost their pensions due to their company going bust.

So with the new PM in listening mood we believe its time for Unite to start lobbying for what we want. That’s why thousands of our members will demonstrate at the Labour Party Conference to highlight the union’s campaigning issues: an end to the privatisation of our public services; better management of the NHS; equal rights for temporary and agency workers; more affordable housing; better pensions and stronger employment rights.

The demonstration will take place on the first day of the Labour Party Conference, Sunday 23rd September. As well as delivering a powerful message to Labour, Unite wants to celebrate the union’s link with the Party and the demonstration has been designed to have a carnival like atmosphere and with music, colourful flags, bouncy castles and entertainment for children.

It is really important that members from Scotland support the demonstration. Unite is providing free transport on the day. For more information on the march and for publicity materials to use in your workplace, please contact Elizabeth Stevenson or click on Read the rest of this entry »

STUC – Education “Unions in Schools”

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Scottish Women’s Convention Roadshow

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STUC – The Public Sector Equality Duties

Dear Colleague
The STUC are holding a conference on The Public Sector Equality Duties with the Commission for Equality and Human Rights. The Conference is taking place on Wednesday 29 August 2007, from 9.30am to 3.30pm, with lunch provided. The venue is the STUC Centre, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow.

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WOMEN AND PENSIONS CONFERENCE: THURSDAY 31ST MAY 2007

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Subject: Scottish Women’s FootballDear Colleague

The Scottish Women’s Cup Final will take place on Sunday 20th May 2007 at McDiarmid Park, Perth. – Kick off 3.00 pm. Entrance to the match is free for Amicus members. This should be a good day out and I would urge you to attend and support this event.

Yours fraternally
Gillian McKay
Regional Equalities Officer