Castro Resigns: What next for Cuba?

Colleagues,

49 years after having overthrown the corrupt Batista regime Fidel Castro today resigned. Although he had handed leadership (temporarily) to Raul Castro in July 2006a letter in the official state paper, Granma, stated:

"I communicate to you that I will not aspire to or accept ... the position of president of council of state and commander in chief."

So, although not wholly unexpected, it is still a surprise.

I would be very interested in views as to what you think this means for Cuba in the short-term and, in the case of his eventual death, what the future holds for Cuba.

Many thanks

Ian

Could a new commission offer agency workers equal treatment?

Colleagues,

Please have a look at an article in today's Guardian (link below) that outlines the work of a proposed commission that would establish the way in which temporary and agency workers might accrue the same rights as other employees.

The article argues (I'd welcome your comments on this) that the commission is a method of undermining the second reading of Andrew Miller's Bill on temporary and agency workers (link also below).

A key issue for all trade unionists is to demand that your MP supports the vote for the Bill after the second reading. You can e-mail your MP via a joint TUC-TULO site (link below) and then challenge them if in any way they prevaricate.

Please respond to this post with your view on the likelihood of a commission effectively offering the 90,000+ agency workers currently in the UK equal treatment with others.

Please also keep up the pressure on your MP and your union.

Thanks

Ian

Links
Guardian Article: 14th February 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/feb/14/gordonbrown.pay

Andrew Miller's Temporary and Agency Workers (Equal Treatment) Bill
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmbills/027/2008027.pdf

Unions Together: TULO Campaign
http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/takeaction/

What have unions ever done for us?

Celebrating Union Learning Achievements

Colleagues,

You are invited to attend an event that celebrates the completion of a 3-year Union Learning Fund (ULF) project managed by the GFTU.

The event is on 28th February in Stratford-upon-Avon. Members and activists of GFTU-affiliated unions can claim overnight accommodation and travel costs.

If you are interested please contact me on 07900 325 379.

Thanks

Ian