Ragged Trousered Commemoration

Colleagues,

Apologies for the relatively short notice on this. As part of the Liverpool's City of Culture festivities the city is also playing host to events that celebrate the publication of the socialist classsic The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.

Follow this link to the PCS site to get more details:

http://www.pcs.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=917362

And apologies to PCS activists Paul and Mike in the North West who alerted me to this weeks ago. If anyone gets to attend an event please let me know how you got on.

Cheers

Ian

Union Busting - US Style

Colleagues,

A useful article in today's Observer gives us an update on the activities of the notorious US-based Burke Group (TBG). Already well know to the GMB and TGWU for example through high profile intimidatory tactics at Kettle Crisps, their potential growth in the UK should be a real worry to all trade unionists.

Have a look at the article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/apr/06/tradeunions

Then see how they promote themselves to employers:

http://www.tbglabor.com/

Although their list of 'beliefs' are laughable, the central concern for us has to be the way in which recognition law currently allows employers to challenge recognition agreements in a variety of ways not least low density.

Can you foresee your employer challenging your agreement and employing the services of an outfit like Burke?

Thanks

Ian