Solidarity with UCU

Eastbourne Trade Unionists proudly send our solidarity to members of the UCU taking strike action today at the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, in protest at attacks on working conditions, casualisation, and changes to pension rights.

The UCU branch at Sussex told us:

High quality education and fair working conditions depend on contracts that give staff stability and continuity of employment. 68% of research staff in higher education are on fixed term contracts, with many more dependent on short-term funding for continued employment. 

A survey carried out by the University of Sussex in 2018 found that only 40% of casual staff believe that they are valued for the work they do, whilst only 35% feel safe to speak up and challenge the way things are done in the University.

Staff are on short, fixed term contracts despite working in the same departments for over 4 years. This continued lack of stability is affecting people's mental health. 

We stand together to speak up about the University's exploitation of its dedicated, hard-working staff and demand an end to precarious contracts. 

 You can find out more about the UCU action at their national website by clicking here. 

Thank You to our FBU Brothers and Sisters

A big shout out to our FBU brothers and sisters in the Fire and Rescue service, and the many others in the other emergency services and NHS for their swift and brave response to the dreadful fire at the Claremont Hotel on Friday.

The Claremont, viewed from the pier, in happier times.

 © Johanna Cuomo | Dreamstime.com

It is down to their skill and professionalism that the fire was brought under control, and no lives were lost. We extend our solidarity to the workers at the hotel, some of whom also lived in. 

The owners of the Claremont have assured the town that they have "comprehensive" interruption of business insurance. We hope that this means that their dedicated workforce will be looked after properly, and will not be left without pay (or, in some cases, accommodation) over the festive period.

We are disappointed at the sloppy journalism from The Guardian, which suggested that there was a two-hour wait from the fire being discovered to the fire brigade arriving. This was a dreadful and untrue slur- Eastbourne's firefighters were on scene within minutes. The Guardian has printed a correction, but no apology Read the article here.

Next Trades Council Meeting 26th November. Priorities for the Election?

The next meeting of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be at 7.30pm, on Tuesday 26th November 2019, at the View Hotel (formerly T&G/Unite Centre) , Grand Parade, Eastbourne. All local trade unionists (including retired trade unionists) are invited. 

A G E N D A 

1. Introductions and apologies for absence

2. Approval of any new affiliations.

3. Minutes of previous meeting and matters arising.

4. Treasurer's Report

5. TUC PRIORITIES AND THE GENERAL ELECTION 
The Trades Council is not allowed to support or endorse a specific candidate or party in the election (although some of our individual affiliated Unions can and will.)  We are able to highlight which of our specific campaigns can be lobbied for amongst Eastbourne candidates and any responses we have received. You are encouraged to bring any materials from your union that may inform this item.

6. Other Campaigning Updates

7. Any other business

Next Meeting 24th September

The next meeting of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be at 7.30pm, Tuesday 24th September 2019, at the View Hotel (formerly T&G/Unite Centre) , Grand Parade, Eastbourne. All local trade unionists (including retired trade unionists) are invited. 

A G E N D A 

1. Introductions and apologies for absence
2. Approval of any new affiliations.
3. Minutes of previous meeting and matters arising.
4. Treasurer's Report
5. Climate Campaign- update on Eastbourne Campaigns and wider trade union activity
6. Other Campaigns Updates
7. Any other business

NextTrades Council Meeting 9th July

The next meeting of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be at 7.30pm, Tuesday 9th July 2019, at the View Hotel (formerly T&G/Unite Centre) , Grand Parade, Eastbourne. All local trade unionists (including retired trade unionists) are invited. 

A G E N D A 

1. Introductions and apologies for absence
2. Approval of any new affiliations.
3. Minutes of previous meeting and matters arising.
4. Treasurer's Report
5. Campaigns Updates
6. Events-  Report on WMD and May Day; arrangements for Pride
7. Any other business

May meeting POSTPONED

APOLOGIES but tonight's Trades Council Meeting has been postponed.  New date will be set shortly.

MARCH WITH US ON MAY DAY!

Join trade unionists and other campaigners for our annual May Day celebration of trade unionism and working class organisation.

Leave from Hyde Gardens at 11.00am, with your flags and banners, and march to the Wish Tower Slopes for a short rally and a picnic.   Speakers from Unite, NEU, Eastbourne Pride, NHS Campaigns and others.

All welcome!

Len Caine Prize goes to NEU's Jane

The Eastbourne Trades Union Council presented its annual Len Caine Memorial Prize to local music teacher Jane Humberstone at its AGM last night.

The annual prize seeks to recognise outstanding service by a local union representative.  Jane Humberstone was the National Education Union rep for the East Sussex Music Service, and was at the forefront of the campaign against proposals to close down the instrumental teaching service last year.  The campaign  saw over 10,000 people sign a petition against closure, and last year's May Day March was proudly led by the campaign- including a musical delegation of pupils and teachers playing Sussex By The Sea!

Trades Council Secretary, Dave Brinson said:   "When the disgraceful plans to axe instrumental teaching were put forward, Jane, as the NEU rep led from the front in a vigorous and imaginative campaign that saved this important service.   Over many years, thousands of local children have benefited from Jane's inspirational music teaching, and thanks to her leadership of the campaign, many more will continue to enjoy the huge educational and personal benefits of learning music.   Jane is off to pastures new in the summer- we will miss her!"

The prize was inaugurated to remember Len Caine, a leading local trade unionist and Labour activist, who served as a Councillor and later an honorary Alderman on Eastbourne Borough Council.  Len passed away in 2008, aged 81.

Trades Council AGM 2019: Tuesday 19th March

The 2019 AGM of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be at 7.30pm, Tuesday 19th March, at the View Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne. All local trade unionists (including retired trade unionists) are invited, although only delegates from affiliated unions may stand as officers or vote.

A G E N D A 

1. Introductions and apologies for absence

2. Minutes of the AGM from 2018

3. Adoption of Rules for 2019 (proposal is same as for 2018) and new affiliates.

4. Officers' Reports and Accounts

5. Election of Officers for 2018 (following a resolution of the 2018 AGM, nominations for officer positions must be received before the meeting. Deadline will be 12th 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. Affiliations for 2019

7. Guest Speaker: TOMMY ANDERSON, London and South East Representative on the TUC/Trades Council's Joint Committee. 

8.MAY DAY PARADE, WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY and EASTBOURNE PRIDE: to briefly update preparation for these events and agree any arrangements and funding.

9. Dates of meetings for 2018-9

10. Presentation of the Len Caine Award to Jane Humberstone

Workers Memorial Day 2019

Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don't die of mystery ailments, or in tragic "accidents". They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn't that important a priority. 

Workers’ Memorial Day (WMD) commemorates those workers. Workers' Memorial Day is held on 28 April every year, all over the world workers and their representatives conduct events, demonstrations, vigils and a whole host of other activities to mark the day. the day.

Workers' Memorial Day has always been to "remember the dead: fight for the living" and unions are asked to focus on both areas, by considering events or memorial to remember all those killed through work but at the same time ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. That can best be done by building trade union organisation, and campaigning for stricter enforcement with higher penalties for breaches of health & safety laws.

Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.


The theme for 2019 Theme for the day is: “dangerous substances – get them out of the workplace”. The focus will mainly be on carcinogens but you can adapt the theme to whatever is most relevant in your workplace or area, as many substances can also cause illnesses such as asthma or dermatitis.

Two important issues are of course asbestos and diesel exhaust, and the TUC has useful guides on both of them, but other ideas may be cleaning fluids or dust in general - Asbestos - time to get rid of it (pdf), Diesel exhaust in the workplace (pdf), Occupational cancer (pdf)

As always, Eastbourne Trades Council will be leafleting the Town Centre on the day, and also writing to all of the places of worship in Eastbourne, asking them to commemorate the day.

Find out more at the TUC National Website by clicking here.

USDAW responds to speculation about Tesco job cuts

Shopworkers' union USDAW has responded to reports of plans to slash jobs at Tesco, including on bakery, meat and fish counters.

Pauline Foulkes - Usdaw National Officer said:

“Reports and speculation in the media about significant job cuts are distressing for Tesco staff and it is appalling that they should hear about the future of their jobs in this way. Usdaw is seeking an urgent meeting with the company to clarify the situation, to examine the details of what changes they are proposing and what this means for staff. Our priority will be to press Tesco to confirm the details of their proposed changes to stop any further speculation. In the meantime Usdaw’s officials and reps are on hand to support our members and further updates will be provided once we have further information”.

The BBC carried information about the rumoured cuts in an article you can read by clicking here.
The Mail on Sunday carried an article you can read here.

Our solidarity with USDAW and its members at Tesco stores in Eastbourne! 

Next Trades Council Meeting: Tuesday 15th January

The next meeting of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be at 7.30pm, Tuesday 15th January 2019, at the View Hotel (formerly T&G/Unite Centre) , Grand Parade, Eastbourne. All local trade unionists (including retired trade unionists) are invited. 

A G E N D A 

1. Introductions and apologies for absence
2. Approval of any new affiliations.
3. Minutes of previous meeting (November) and matters arising.
4. Treasurer's Report

5. GUEST SPEAKER: SAM GURNEY- TUC Regional Secretary for London, East and South East

6. Other Union Campaigns:
(a) ESCC Core Offer cuts
(b) Education Update
(c) Retail Update
(d) NHS Update
(e) Other campaigns

7. Events- including Trades Councils National Conference
8. Nominations open for Officers for March AGM and Len Caine Prize
9. Any other business