The Unite delegations
Please find below some groups and delegations who came
over to Brussels to meet some EU officials (MEPs, Commissioners,
etc.) to present their queries and hopefully get some answers
directly from them.
FINANCE SECTOR: EU 2020: Exit from the crisis?" - June
2010
On the 9th and 10th June 2010, 2 UNITE delegates both working in
the Finance sector, came over to Brussels to attend the "EU
2020: Exit from the crisis?" conference.
It was organised by the European Social Forum (ESF), in
cooperation with the GUE/NGL Group (Confederal Group of the
European United Left - Nordic Green Left).
Posing outside of the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT (10th June 10) From
left to right Sonila Elahi (RBS) and Steve Cullen (Royal and Sun
Insurance)
Posing inside the Unite office in Brussels From left to right
Sonila Elahi (RBS) & Ghislaine Sanchez-Martin (Unite) –
Ghislaine Sanchez-Martin (Unite) & Steve Cullen (Royal and Sun
Insurance)
The ESF is a think tank, where civil society groups and
movements opposed to neo-liberalism, gather to democratically
exchange views and debate ideas, to formulate proposals, to share
experiences and to network for effective action.
In the former term, the GUE Group used to have 41 MEPs. It now
has 38 MEPs, including 1 Irish MEP Bairbre de Brun.
As shown in Steve Cullen’s report a certain number of points were
put forward by the various trade unionists, MEPs, think tanks and
NGOs who attended the event.
Amongst the points evoked on Day 1 the speakers discussed:
- Failure of the Lisbon strategy, saving employment and combating
poverty (Hans Jürgen Urban - IG Metall)
- Doubts over the 20/20 target for the economy (Ronal Janssen -
ETUC)
- Need for a social agenda (PWD, WTD, etc.) (Connie Reuter –
Solidar)
- Inclusion of women in the 20/20 strategy, etc. (Eva Britt
Svensson – Chair of FEMM – Women’s rights and Gender Equality
committee in EP)
Some background information on the EU2020 strategy is accessible on
our EU website
On Day 2, most of the speakers, trade unionist fellows,
presented the situation in their own respective countries: Spain,
Italy, Germany, Portugal, Ireland, UK, etc.
Also, various dates of EU events were announced, such as:
- 25th June: general strike in Italy (private and public
sector)
- 26-27th June: G20 in Toronto
- Oct 2010: Commission to put forward more detailed proposals on
its broader plans for the development of a new crisis
management
- 7th Oct : World day for decent work
- 16th Oct: day of action to fight against poverty – “Stand with
the World to end poverty”
- 17-18th Nov: Democratisation of the economy in Brussels
Finally, it was said that improvements of the situation in Europe
must come from the participation of Trade Unions, NGOs, etc.
and should not be left solely in the hands of political groups
***********
Please
read Steve Cullen’s report
Please find hereafter the ESF
report produced after the meeting
….and also the call of the Assembly of
the Social Movements at the 6th European Social Forum issued after
the ESF meeting in Turkey on 4th July 2010
Graphical Paper and Media delegation: Tour in Brussels
(Unite office, MEPs, trade Unionists and EU Parliament) on 23 &
24 March 2010
On March 23rd, the Brussels office hosted a group of 10 UNITE
delegates coming from the Graphical Paper and Media sector.
The visit lasted two days and was concluded by a tour in
Parliament.
Meeting with John Monks (in the Unite office - 24th March
10, John Stuttle, Ian Johnson, Robert Lynch, Marcus Dearden, Dave
Robinson, Tony Randerson, John Monks (ETUC Gal Secretary), Tim
Elliott (Unite officer), Darryl Walker, Gary Searger and Clive
Eggleton.
The group’s programme not only was fairly dense but quite varied
too
On the
first day, upon arrival in the Unite office a presentation of Unite
in Europe was given
Then, 4 speakers took the floor till the end of day 1. It was a
blend of Trade Unionists and Parliamentarians.
The panel of speakers presented various topics such as:
1. the printing sector in Europe, some information about the
functioning of the European Work Councils, etc.
Nikola Konstantinou (Uni-Europa expert) and the UNITE
delegation
2. the importance of the ECJ cases and the fight
against racism in the UK specifically, not to mention the impact of
Internet piracy on jobs,
Discussions with Glyn Ford (Former South West MEP) and the
Unite delegation on March 23rd . On the right hand side:
Daryl, Tim, Glyn, Ghislaine, Robert, Marcus and Ian
3. some insights on Solvency II and the insurance sector
and, finally
4. a fairly detailed report on the EU financial mechanisms
and the legislations currently top on the EU agenda.
On the second day of their visit, three consecutive meetings
took place:
1. one with MEP Richard Howitt who gave a summary of the
situation in Colombia and explained what the Free Trade Agreement
is all about .
• For more information on Colombia,
please visit justice For Colombia’s website: http://www.justiceforcolombia.org/?link=0
2. another one with John Monks (ETUC General
Secretary) who spoke about the crisis and,
Men at work: Tim Elliott (Unite regional
officer), John Monks (ETUC Gal Secretary), Tony Randerson (Regional
officer) Robert Lynch, Marcus Dearden and John Stuttle
Happy gents after work: Tony Randerson
(Unite regional Officer), John Monks (ETUC Gal Secretary) and Tim
Elliott (Unite Regional Officer)
3. the last one came from our colleague, Tony
Murphy who works jointly with the European Metalworkers
Federation in Brussels. Tony presented the EMF and gave some
examples of cooperation in the field of the European car industry.
Please find his presentation
After the first two morning meetings, the whole delegation
headed towards the European Parliament where a lunch meeting with
some Labour MEPs was organised.
Unfortunately, due to the busy Committee week, only David Martin,
MEP for Scotland, could make it.
Thank you David!
Lunch meeting in Parliament with MEPs - (24th March 2010)
Ian Johnson, MEP David Martin (Scotland, INTA Committee) Marcus
Dearden and John Stuttle
Right after the lunch meeting, a tour in the Parliament's
building was organised prior to attend a mini-plenary where the
worrying situation of Greece was at the heart of the debates
see
mini-plenary agenda
To conclude, this visit was an opportunity for those who have
never seen the work in Parliament, to get an insight into the
mechanisms inside it, and for those who know already, a means to
understand the current implications and direct impacts of what EU
decisions are having on the UK citizen.
The objectives of both days were achieved: some general
information regarding the functioning of the EU was given,
regulatory matters and issues were discussed, internal process
explained, in addition, specific issues such as; an overview of the
printing sector in Europe, human rights, racism and social justice
insights were provided. Finally, we also facilitated various
meetings with local influential European dignitaries.
Further to the visit, some documents and contacts have already
been circulated to the delegates. There are still some questions to
be answered by MEPS which the Brussels office is following up
on.
In the meantime, should you wish to get some more details on the
content of this two-day trip to Brussels, please be so kind as to
read
Marcus Dearden’s very complete two-page
report
Last but not least, a big thank you to all the
delegates for their kindness and genuine interest in EU
matters.
A very special thank you to John Stuttle and
Tony Randerson for the excellent pictures and
Marcus Dearden for his detailed report!
Thank you also to Denise Sheriffs for her full
support in organising this venue!
DEREK SIMPSON’S IN BRUSSELS: Visit to Unite MEPs and
Press Conference about Colombia – 9 December 2009
On December 9th, the Unite Brussels office was glad to host our
Joint General Secretary, Derek Simpson and Charlie Whelan, our
Political Director.
They met former MEP Glyn Ford and discussed the current issues
in the car industry and exchanged some political perspectives on
the growing influence of the Extreme right in Glyn’s region
(South-West).
On the second day of their visit, two meetings were
organised:
1. one with the UNITE MEPs and
2. another with a delegation from Colombia.
When Derek visits Brussels he always uses the opportunity to
touch base with our MEPs and keep them up to date on the really
important issues for UNITE members.
Meeting with UNITE MEPS in
Parliament (9th Dec 09)
MEP David Martin (Scotland, INTA Committee), MEP Peter Skinner
(South-East, ECON Committee) and Derek Simpson (Unite Joint Gal
Secretary)
During his last visit to Parliament, Derek posed
questions on the state-aid investigation at Northern Rock
and emphasized the importance of the ECJ cases
On the Financial sector, some MEPS like P. Skinner, D. Martin
and C. Stihler provided an overview of the various EU Financial
directives (AIFM, OCT and Capital Requirements) whilst D.
Vaughan spoke about fund raising.
Derek Simpson also took the opportunity to present to the MEPs
the work done by UNITE ahead of the General Elections. For example,
the success of the Glenrothes bi-election and the implementation of
the principle "Trade Unionist should talk to Trade Unionist rather
than Trade Unionists to politicians".
At the same time, a Colombian delegation with MEP R. Howitt and
Justice for Colombia was in Brussels to lobby Parliament
together.
So, Derek used this opportunity to speak at the press
conference that had been previously organised by the International
Department and JFC.
Press conference in
Parliament” Human rights in Colombia (9 Dec 09)
MEP Richard Howitt (DROI Committee), Senator Jorge Robledo, Yessika
Hoyos (Lawyer and daughter of a murdered Trade Union Leader), and
Derek Simpson (Unite Joint Gal Secretary)
The panel of speakers presented the up to date situation in
Colombia regarding the murder of hundreds of
Columbian Trade Unionists.
The objective was to raise awareness around the EU-Colombia Free
Trade Agreement and raise questions as to the validity of such an
agreement on the grounds that Colombia has been
clearly violating
all Human and Trade Union Rights for many years.
In 20 years, over 2000 people have been
murdered, without the appropriate justice for such crimes
being handed out.
JFC facts sheet will provide you with all
necessary details:
For more information about the outcome of this
supportive action, please contact:
FINANCE – WOMEN’s AT WORK : Visit to Unite MEP Catherine
Stihler – 7 December 2009
On December 7th, we had the pleasure to Welcome 4 incredible
women to the Unite Brussels office!
The visit started off with a cup of hot Scottish tea in the
Brussels meeting room and carried on with a general but informative
discussion regarding the ins and outs of the EU Parliament.
A round the table discussion about how the Parliament has been
handling the crisis with its related legislations was probably at
the heart of the debate, in addition some insights about the
functioning of the EU institutions were given.
Finally, the parental leave directive was also presented. The
legislation which plans to extend maternity leave from 14 to 20
weeks is of major importance to women. However, it will also be a
great step forward for fathers who are now included in the text as
well!
Later on in the afternoon, our happy visitors had the
opportunity to visit the Parliament and eventually met with their
local MEP, Catherine Stihler.
Meeting with smiling Scottish MEP in Parliament ” (7th Dec
09); Lorna Kettles1, Isabelle Lannon, MEP Catherine
Stihler (INTA and ECONCommittee),; Mary Ferris-Kerr and Agnes
Tolmie (RBS Rep and UNITE Executive member)
Catherine has been working in parliament since 1999. She is a
great supporter of UNITE and has often offered her help in
organising visits and conferences.
As she stands on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection
Committee and is a substitute on the Economic and Monetary Affairs
Committee, she was able to provide our delegates with an update on
the current state of play in the financial area.
1Lorna, Isabelle, Mary and Agnes are part of the
Scottish Women’s Convention and also active members of Unite the
Union
FINANCE SECTOR : Northern Rock, RBS, etc. - September
2009
On September 8th, the Unite Brussels office was glad to host the
second UNITE delegation from the Finance sector.
Two meetings were set up for our colleagues: one with the DG
EMPL and the other with the DG COMP commissioners.
The purpose of these two meetings was to follow up on last
year’s successful meeting with the same commissioners.
One item, was to look at the state-aid investigation at Northern
Rock, whilst the other, was to understand what the feelings were
like at Commission level, regarding the UK banking situation.
During the first meeting we met Commissioner Vladimir Spidla
himself.
4 colleagues in front of the
Berlaymont Building in Brussels (8 Sept 09)
Rob Mc
Gregor (Unite National Officer for the Finance and Legal Sector –
spot the cufflinks!), Russell Grieg, Glenn Miller, and Wendy
Gilligan (Unite Senior Workplace Representatives)
During the discussion, Commissioner Spidla presented some of the
measures the EU has put in place to respond to the economic
crisis:
- ESF (European Social Fund)
- EGF (European Globalisation Adjustment Fund)
- EURES network, which publishes job vacancies throughout
Europe
- Coordination of EU policies related to the exchange of best
practice, etc.
All these initiatives are clearly important. However, Rob asked
"what does the Commission receive from the UK government on these
points?"
Commissioner Spidla replied that for instance they had made the
ESF funds more user-friendly, that some flexibility was added in
the process and the related cash-flow was improved.
Regarding the overall economic situation, Mr Spidla’s personal
view was that the crisis should stabilise by May 2010 whereas the
employment growth should come later….
He advised he has launched a study to compare the measures taken
by each of the EU member states. Hopefully, this information will
be readily available to the public. Experiences should be shared
and used wherever applicable.
Commissioner Spidla also asked "what measures should be/are
being taken, to ease the employee situation in the UK?"
More transparency and better supervision were of course
suggested.
Also, amongst the points mentioned by Unite were the Working
Time Directive and the Posted of workers directive. On these items,
the Commission actually expects the social partners to deliver the
results of their studies soon.
“Politicians are not judged on their intentions but on their
results”, said Spidla quoting Bismark!!
Later on, another meeting was organised with Commissioner Neelie
Kroes (in red below)
Gh. Sanchez-Martin, R.
MacGregor, Russell Greig, Commissioner Neelie Kroes, Wendy Gilligan
and Glenn Miller in Mrs Kroes’s office (8 Sept 09)
The main message from the Commission was that the restructuring
of the financial system is absolutely "key" to all parties, for a
sustainable future in Europe.
However, as one would expect, the Commission was evasive with
respect to any meetings they may have had with Lloyds or any of the
other UK financial institutions probably due to their confidential
nature.
We enquired as to what issues were potentially blocking the
situation in resolving the financial sector's problems.
Their response "Quite hard to say as long as the total package
of the 3 banks, has not been finally defined". We shall just have
to wait and see.
Once again, these meetings were felt not only informative but
also somewhat reassuring, since many of the points evoked were
shared.
They are also an important part of our strategy to be visible
and present within the EU environment.
ETUC DEMONSTRATION IN BRUSSELS: "Put people first!" - May
2009
On the 15th May 2009, a group of 8 Unite Executive
members[1] , Andrew Dodgshon from the Political Dept
together with our Joint General Secretary, Derek Simpson, paid a
visit to the Brussels office.
A round the table discussion took place about Europe and how to
make Unite's role in Brussels more effective. Thanks to everyone's
interest and contribution, this exercise proved to be useful and
hopefully fruitful.
However, our delegation's objective was to participate and
support the big march organised by the ETUC (European Trade Union
Confederation) in the streets of Brussels.
This demonstration was one of the 4 organised in Europe: Madrid,
Brussels, Prague and Berlin.
It aimed at raising awareness about the danger of the current
economic crisis and its consequences on every worker’s life in
Europe.
A “new social deal” for EU workers was at the heart of the march
with the following 5 main points:
- An expanded recovery programme to provide more and better
jobs,
- Better pay and pensions, stronger welfare states, higher
benefits to protect people’s purchasing powers
- An end to the recent decisions of the ECJ favouring market
freedoms over fundamental rights & collective agreement
- Effective regulation of the financial markets and fair
distribution of wealth
- A European Central Bank committed to growth and full
employment, not just price stability
It was a massive demonstration that gathered over 41,000 people
with Trade Unions from all over Europe. Unite was there, showing
again that British workers do care and do count!
Please take a look at our delegation!
Steve Davison, John Fitzpatrick, Mike Gibbons, Stuart McGhie,
Mark Plumb, Tom Cashman, Mick Murphy and Dave Mathieson
FINANCE SECTOR: How to tackle the financial crisis? - March
2009
On the 19th March 2009, a group of 5 UNITE delegates[1] involved
in the Finance sector, came over to Brussels to attend the "How to
tackle the financial and economic crisis?" conference.
It was organised by the European Social Forum (ESF), in
cooperation with the GUE/NGL Group (Confederal Group of the
European United Left - Nordic Green Left)[2].
Front panel at the beginning
of the conference (19th March
09)
From left to right Klaus Drager
(GUE/NGL) - Horst Schmitthenner (ESF -IG METALL - Francis Wurtz
(President of the GUE/NGL group in EP) – Giancarlo Saccoman
(CGIL, FSE), Pr Jörg Huffschmid (Euromemo Group/Alternative
Economists)
The ESF is a think tank, where civil society groups and
movements opposed to neo-liberalism, gather to democratically
exchange views and debate ideas, to formulate proposals, to share
experiences and to network for effective action.
The GUE Group has 41 MEPs, 1 of whom is British (Mrs Bairbre de
Brun). It is mainly composed of various Communist Parties through
Europe.
Unite as well as other European Trade Unionists were given an
opportunity to express their views.
Three of our delegates put the following points forward:
- Overview of the Finance sector in the UK and how the UK
government responded to the crisis
- Presentation of the Unite campaign and what UK workers real
needs/expectations are
- Appeal to the demo in London on the 28th March
The debate gave rise to the conclusion that the financial crisis is
a systemic one due to the greediness of the capitalistic
society.
The consensus on how the crisis should be tackled was: that wealth
should be more fairly and properly distributed (increase of
salaries, etc.). In addition that all initiatives around the idea
of a fair "redistribution", should lead to provide for example,
higher unemployment benefits and a reduction of working time.
Finally, improvements must come from Trade Union, NGOs, etc.
participation, and should not be left solely in the hands of
political groups.
Please find hereafter some links to the presentations that were
then made and also some pictures to view. An opportunity to spot
our delegates!
Some more pictures taken by Mrs Julia Garlito Y Romo during the
conference
<>
<>
Anne Abbott, Mary Alexander, Bernadette Fisher, Linda Somerville
and Sulinder Singh All travel/hotel expenses incurred were
reimbursed by the organisers
CAR INDUSTRY SECTOR : Jaguar, Delphi, Ford, General
Motors, IBC, etc. - December 2008
December 3-4, the Unite Brussels office had once again the
pleasure to welcome another Unite delegation but from the Car
Industry sector this time.
This venue was organised by Tony Murphy, our Unite
representative seconded to the EMF (European Metalworkers
Federation) in Brussels.
Tony drafted a fairly busy programme for our ten Senior Reps .
All them are main convenors and all stand on the sector committee
for either Motor Vehicle or Motor Components. Three of them are
even on the Executive of our Union!! (Peter, Paul and Rob - See
picture below).
During their stay in Brussels, they were introduced to the EMF
and had several discussions with their experts. They also met two
MEPs, Richard Howitt (Eastern) and Eluned Morgan (Wales).
Moreover, they had the opportunity to visit the European
Parliament and were lucky enough to attend part of a mini plenary
session with the help of Richard Howitt.
A visit of the UK Permanent representation to the EU also took
place and Mrs Catherine Bradley, responsible for Industrial policy
provided our group with useful information on the car industry. [A
summary of their meeting is in the attached report below from
Laurie Evans].
Another meeting was actually planned with DG (Direction
Générale) Industry at Commission level but unfortunately the member
of the cabinet had to cancel it at the last minute.
Then again, unfortunately, they missed the Dalai-Lama who could
not make himself available for them!!
"Om Mani Peme Om!" they said. Not quite, actually but
well, something like that...
 |
|
11 happy gents inside the hemicycle of the European
Parliament in Brussels (3rd Dec 08)
"Whos' who?" Front row from Left to right: Mr Colin
Williams (Continental Teves), Laurie Evans (IBC vehicles and Chair
of Unite National Motor Forum), Peter Russell (Dana), Les McDonald
(Ford), Richard Howitt (MEP), Tony Murphy (National Officer Unite
and Company Policy Director EMF), Ian Scott (Jaguar), Richard
Clifton (IBC vehicles), Rob Benjamin (TRW), Paul Brewster (Delphi),
Denis Newcombe (BMW)
|
On a more serious note, It has to be underlined that the purpose
of this serie of meetings, was to show our senior reps how
decisions are made in the European Capital, in order for them to
provide some accurate feedback to our members in the workplace.
Hopefully, the EU mechanisms are now clearer and the contacts
made, should be useful for the future
Please also find herewith a report written by Mr Laurie
Evans, Chair of Unite National Motor Forum
more >
Tony’s conclusion: "These meetings help our reps understand how
the European institutions operate and how we as a union try to
influence their policies. On this occasion we were able to discuss
with various people the state of the industry and how we feel they
can give assistance.
This included CO2 regulations, Energy problems and the current
crisis and measures that the EU may take to stimulate car sales and
the economy in general.
It was agreed that the "Auto parliamentary group" (a joint
sub-committee formed by the Motor Vehicle and Motor Components
groups) , that was set up for the industry in Amicus would need to
put more effort into the European side of its campaigning as that's
where both the decisions are taken and the answers lie. The only
way to combat the current problems the industry face is through
European or Global solutions!".
More technical and EU info on the "Climate and Energy
package" which includes the car industry deal on CO² emissions is also
available through this link
FINANCE SECTOR : Northern Rock - September
2008
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4 NORTHERN “ROCKs” in front of the European Parliament in
Brussels (15 Sept 08)
"Whos' who?" from left to right: Helen Mc Ewan (Unite Senior
Workplace Representative), Rob Mc Gregor (Unite National Officer
for the Finance and Legal Sector) Tony Sloan, and Lynne Obrien
(Unite Senior Workplace Representatives)
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In September 10th and 15th, the Unite Brussels office had the
pleasure to welcome a small UNITE delegation from the Finance
sector.
Two meetings were actually set up with two different DG
(Direction Générale) at Commission level. The first meeting was
organised with DG Employment and Social affairs headed by
Commissioner Spidla. Two members of this cabinet welcomed our
delegation. As for the second meeting, it was with DG Competition
and Commissioner Neelie Kroes.
The purpose of this series of meetings was to make
representations regarding the on-going investigation into state aid
at Northern Rock.
Both meetings were felt not only fruitful but informative.
Later on, in Sept. 22, another meeting was organised in Dublin
with, amongst others, our Senior Rep at Northern
Rock, Mr. Russell Grieg. There, our delegation met
Charlie McCreevy, Commissioner for International Market and
Services.
Please also find herewith attached a series of some quite recent
articles on the subject (one being written by Russell
himself!!).
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