winter 2019 the magazine for unite construction sector ... · 5 trades and technicians winter 2019...

INSIDE: Debt advice • Electrical skills • Organising campaigns update

buildingWORKERWinter 2019 The magazine for Unite construction sector members

Construction, AlliedTrades and Technicians

www.unitetheunion.org

Carillion’s collapse – who is to blame?

Get organised and protect your rights

WHEN BAD WEATHER STRIKES

www.unitetheunion.orgwww.unitelegalservices.org

Call 0800 709 007

Had an accident? FREE specialist legal

support is just a call away

If you have been

involved in an

accident at or

away from work,

our expert

solicitors are

here to help.

With Unite you canBENEFIT from:• Recovering 100% of your personal injury compensation• Union funded legal representation for personal injury and employment cases

• Personal Injury claims for youand your family

ES/7143/12-15

Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians3 Winter 2019

Contents

Construction, AlliedTrades and Technicianswww.unitetheunion.org

Dear Colleagues, Firstly I would like to wish all members a happy new year. With dark clouds hanging over construction, caused by the ongoing political uncertainty and the fallout from last year’s collapse of Carillion, it is now more

important than ever to be a member of Unite and receive the protections that come with working on an organised site. In this issue (page 14-15) we highlight the measures needing to be taken to allow workers to operate safely and with the minimum amount of discomfort in extreme weather. Frankly, this is not rocket science and any decent employer would instantly ensure that these measures were in place. It says a great deal about our industry that so many employers think they can ignore these regulations; resulting in workers operating in shocking conditions. There is a similar problem with welfare facilities, again far too many employers think it is acceptable to not even provide the bare minimum. Following a recent survey, Unite’s women construction members have highlighted that the lack of toilets is a particular problem for them. As a result Unite has launched a campaign (page 17) to achieve period dignity in construction. I hope that all members will support our campaign, “an injury to one is an injury to all”. Also in buildingWORKER we have a feature on debt advice (page 10-11). Debt is a major problem in construction, as a result of decades of attacks on union rights, allowing the undercutters and exploiters to flourish. With workers constantly moving sites and rates and hours variable, budgeting become a challenge. Our industry should not be like this, direct employment should be the norm, where employers value and retain their workforce, rather than dumping them at the completion of each project. Root and branch reform of our industry to end this constant uncertainty remains a key target of Unite. Gail Cartmail, assistant general secretary

buildingWORKERWinter 2019 The magazine for Unite

construction sector members

3 Gail Cartmail, assistant general secretary, editorial

4 National news

5 Regional news

8 Pay and bargaining update

9 International news

10 Dealing with debt

12 Debt advice poster

14 Safe working in cold and wet weather

16 Women’s survey findings/period dignity campaign

18 Spotlight on electricians

19 Unite construction campaign update

20 Rift: Tax deadline approaching

21 Legal page: Justice for Carillion workers

22 Unite recommends

23 Membership form

Back cover

buildingWORKER opt in

DON’T LET DRAG YOU DOWN

JOIN TODAYwww.unitetheunion.org

@unitetheunion

unitetheunion1

Contact: Citizens Advice on their advice line

03444 111444 or go to

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/


Construction workers, with variable earnings are vulnerable to money problems. If struggling to make ends meet don’t ignore it.

If in doubt, concerned or threatened with bailiffs get immediate assistance Speak to your Unite shop steward or call the Unite debt helpline on 0800 389 3431 or contact Citizens Advice


Closure of apprentice levy scam Unite has called for the closure of a growing scam being suffered by workers forced to operate via umbrella companies in construction and other sectors. Increasingly the workers are having the apprentice levy which is 0.5 per cent of a company’s wages’ bill deducted from their pay. This is a particularly dubious practice as the apprentice levy is payable by companies and not by workers. In a double whammy the umbrella companies appear to be actually profiting from this practice as, under the apprentice levy rules, companies don’t pay apprentice levy on the first £3 million of payroll expenditure. This doesn’t appear to be taken into account when deducting money from workers’ pay.

NATIONAL

NEWS

A Freedom of Information (FoI) request by Unite revealed that the taxpayer is expected to pay £65 million in redundancy payments to workers who were made redundant following Carillion’s collapse. Due to Carillion being forced into compulsory liquidation, the usual Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) regulations did not apply. Therefore almost all of the entire (19,000) workforce had to be made redundant even if their job was transferred to another employer. The payments were made by the Redundancy Payments Office which is part of the Insolvency Service. The FoI response said: “the total amount we may pay out is approximately £65 million of

which £50 million has been paid so far based on actual claims received.” The actual figure of redundancy payments will be higher as it does not included payments to workers who were employed in Carillion’s supply chain, where companies were forced into administration due to Carillion’s collapse. Following the continuing revelations about Carillion and the failure of anyone to take action against those responsible Unite has called for an immediate criminal investigation and if it is found that no laws were broken “we need, better, stronger laws.”

The legal challenges created by Carillion page 21

Carillion redundancy payments costs millions

Unite is demanding that employers take decisive action to stop the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) being undermined by the use of fraudulent cards. The union made its call after a spate of recent stories about the conviction of criminals who were selling forged cards. Unite believes that fake cards are in existence because employers are failing to take suitable measures to detect them. For many years all new CSCS cards have contained a microchip and if checked

electronically fake cards are immediately spotted. However many employers are failing to make the necessary checks, which is allowing fake card makers to continue to thrive. Unite national construction officer Bernard McAulay said: “The number of fake cards in the system is tainting CSCS’ brand and diminishes the confidence of workers in the scheme. “To ensure the CSCS card remains the gold standard

employers need to up their game and ensure that all cards are checked electronically.”

Employers must up their game on CSCS card fraud

Employers must not allow the CSCS scheme to be degraded by failing to check for fake cards


Mar

k Th

omas

Unite has reacted angrily to the decision of the government not to introduce a maximum working temperature in the workplace. The Environmental Audit committee had made the call for a maximum working temperature following the extended heatwave this summer but the government rejected the proposals. Some construction employers made provision for flexible working, allowing additional breaks and provided free water during the heatwave. However many employers did nothing.

Unite national officer for construction Jerry Swain said: “This shows the arrogance of the government and just how out of touch the Tories are with the lives of ordinary workers, many of whom suffered extreme heat distress while working this summer. The government’s inaction is giving a green light to the cowboys who ignore workers’ welfare.”

For advice on action to take in cold and wet weather go to page 14-15

Government failing workers on working temperature

Without extra breaks workers will suffer heat stress during hot weather

Unite marked World Toilet Day (Monday 19 November) by highlighting the fact that tens of thousands of UK workers are denied the use of decent toilets while at work or have unnecessary conditions placed on using the facilities provided. The problem with a lack of decent toilet facilities remains a major issue for construction workers, with a particular problem existing on smaller sites. A recent survey by Unite also found that

women construction members have additional problems accessing decent toilets while at work. The failure to provide adequate toilets is a direct flouting of existing regulations and in theory the Health and Safety Executive could prosecute but it rarely does. Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said: “It is simply disgraceful that in 2018 tens of thousands of UK

workers are denied toilet dignity at work.” In the week following National Toilet Day, Unite named and shamed the Parc Adfer site in north Wales, after a whistleblower revealed the disgusting state of their toilet facilities.

For further information on Unite’s survey of women members and its Period Dignity in Construction campaign go to page 16-17

Toilet dignity still a major issue

Unite has launched a telephone advice line for migrant members who are concerned about their immigration status. The advice line is being particularly aimed at eastern European workers are concerned about their right to continue to work in the UK, once the country leaves the European Union, which is scheduled to occur on 29 March 2019.

The Brexit Immigration Law Helpline has been established by Unite’s Legal Services. The number is 0333 323 1291 (calls will be charged at local rates). Once it has been confirmed that the caller is a paid up member of Unite then the member will be put through to an immigration expert, who will be able to answer questions on applying for a

residence card or to gain permanent residence in the UK and other queries.

Migrant advice line launched

Experts will be on hand to assist members with immigration concerns


Unite has challenged the Scottish government to ensure that it is enforcing its ‘Fair Work First’ policy on public sector construction sites. The move followed first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s pledge at the SNP conference in October that the fair work policy would be extended and that contractors delivering these contracts should adhere to relevant industrial agreements.

The issue is particularly important in construction as Unite officers have been repeatedly rebuffed when trying to establish whether the £150 million energy from waste plant in Aberdeen (being built by Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray councils) is abiding by industrial agreements. Unite regional organiser George Ramsay has discovered that the £100 million energy from the waste plant being built

for Dundee city council at Baldovie is flouting the relevant industrial agreements. The relevant clauses were not included in the tendering process and workers are just being paid the living wage rate (recently increased to £9 an hour) which is far below the rates in all construction agreements. Unite Scottish Secretary Pat Rafferty said: “This race to the bottom is a serious problem that must be tackled.”

Scottish Government must clarify fair work first

REGIONAL

NEWS

Unite has stepped up the campaign to ensure the Royal Liverpool hospital is built by a directly employed workforce, employed on industrial agreements and where unions have fair access to the workforce. The hospital was 85 per cent complete when Carillion collapsed in January 2018. It has since emerged that due to cracks in the beams, unsafe cladding fitted to the building, problems with the ventilation and lightings, at least an additional £100 million needs to be spent on remedial work. In September a local community campaign led by Unite, forced the NHS Trust and the government to scrap the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement and instead directly fund the hospital.

It was then announced in late October that the NHS Trust had appointed Laing O’Rourke, who are infamous for their anti-union attitude, as the new main contractor. Unite are now putting pressure on Laing O’Rourke and the Trust to ensure that unions are given fair access to the workforce, workers are directly employed and umbrella companies are outlawed. In November the North West regional Labour Party unanimously backed a Unite motion calling for fair access and no exploitation on the project. The campaign has won the support of Liverpool’s two mayors,

the city mayor Joe Anderson and metro mayor Steve Rotheram. Unite regional officer Colin Carr said: “Given all the problems associated with this project and how the community has joined together to ensure the project is completed, it would be intolerable if the project was completed by workers who were not treated properly.” Unite held a meeting with the hospital trust in November and they were sympathetic to Unite’s concerns and agreed to organise tripartite meetings to attempt to broker an agreement.

Unite has led the campaign to ensure fair practices on the Royal Liverpool Hospital

Campaign hots up over Royal Liverpool


Unite’s stewards at Hinkley Point power station, the largest construction project in the UK, have been taking action to ensure that workers safety is paramount and that if they have mental health issues they receive advice and support. Unite now has eight qualified mental health first aiders on the project. All of whom attended and completed a two day bespoke first aid course run by Unite’s South West region. Since the Unite reps have received their training they have identified many workers who have mental health issues and ensured that they receive the necessary advice and support. At the end of October as part of Zero Harm Week, which coincided with European Health and Safety week,

Unite reps staffed the sites turnstiles from 06:00 giving out in case of emergency (ICE) stickers and poster and leaflets on mental health issues. Throughout the week the reps were involved in different health initiatives which took place in the site’s canteens. The subjects included: different types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), mental health, plant simulators, self-defence, sexual health and occupational health. The Unite reps have also been playing an active role in the region by undertaking presentations to regional safety reps, detailing the work they undertake at Hinkley Point and how Unite makes a difference and improves safety.

Unite has warned that the much delayed Midland Metropolitan hospital must not be built on the backs of exploited construction workers. The project which was due to be completed in November 2018 has been stalled since Carillion, the original main contractor, collapsed in January 2018. The delay has resulted in the unfinished building substantially deteriorating. Unite has written to the chief executive of the local NHS trust seeking guarantees that any contractor appointed will: adhere to industrial agreements, use local labour and suppliers, ensure workers are directly employed and not bogusly self-employed, umbrella companies are outlawed and unions are fully recognised. Unite regional officer Su Lowe, said: “Local residents desperately need a new hospital which must become operational as early as possible but this must not be at the expense of the construction workers who will undertake this vitally needed work.”

Gary Stiff is one of Unite’s mental health champions at Hinkley Point

No exploitation at Midland Metropolitan hospital

As part of Unite’s construction organising campaign all the apprentice slaters and roofers studying at West College in Paisley, Scotland have joined Unite. Following a talk from Unite organiser Iain MacDonald.

Hinkley workers tackle safety and mental health


PAY AND BARGAINING

Workers covered by the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) have accepted a new two year pay deal by a margin of three to one. After long torturous negotiations led by Unite national officer Bernard McAulay, where employers for a long time refused to make a pay offer, a two year pay deal was agreed. From 7 January 2019 there will be a 2.53 per cent pay increase in hourly rates. The radius and accommodation allowances will increase by 2.53 per cent from that date.

The industry conditional death benefit and the industry death benefit will both increase by £5,000 (16.66 per cent). The permanent and total disablement benefit will double from £25,000 to £50,000 and the qualifying period will decrease from 52 weeks to just 27 weeks. From 6 January 2020 basic pay and allowances will increase by a minimum of two per cent, however if Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation in July, August and September is on average higher, that figure will be used. However any increase will be capped at 3.5 per cent.

Workers covered by the NAECI agreement have agreed a two year pay deal

Mar

k Th

omas

Trafford workers receive pay increase Unite regional co-ordinating officer Andy Fisher has recently brokered a pay increase for workers employed at Trafford Housing Trust, a housing association in Greater Manchester. Trafford is a real living wage employer but there was a desire to ensure that as part of the negotiations the lowest paid workers received a pay increase through collective bargaining and not simply based on the living wage foundations calculations. The increase for 2018 was for a pay increase of £425 for all workers and an additional 1.25 per cent increase on rates of pay. This gave workers at the bottom of the pay scales a four per cent increase which is above the Retail Price Index (RPI) and all workers earning £28,000 or less (the vast majority of the Unite membership) received a pay increase above the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Mechanical engineering workers accept two year pay deal

Refractory workers agree two year dealWorkers covered by the Refractory Workers Agreement, which covers workers undertaking work on steel, foundries, kilns and ovens have agreed a two year pay deal. The workers will receive a 2.4 per cent increase from 7 January 2019 and then in 2020 they will receive two per cent

or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate as at August 2019 (capped at three per cent) whatever the greater. The agreement also saw the overnight accommodation rate increase by 2.7 per cent from January 2019, with the rate further increasing by CPI in January 2020.

Industry sick pay which is paid in addition to statutory sick pay will also increase to £115 per week from January 2019 and then to £120 a week in 2020. The negotiations were conducted by Unite regional organiser John McIntyre.

Refractory workers who repair and maintain steel foundries have agreed a new pay deal

Jean

-Pol

Gra

ndm

ort


INTERNATIONAL

NEWS

Unite has joined with construction unions across the world in condemning the illegal imprisonment of construction workers in Turkey. On 15 September members of the Turkish trade union DISK/Dev yapi staged a protest about dangerous working conditions at the new Istanbul airport. The protest on 15 September involved between 2,000 and 10,000 workers and occurred as a result of 37 construction

workers losing their lives in the building of the airport, with many times that number suffering serious injuries. Workers were also demonstrating about overdue wages, the arbitrary docking of pay and paying wages in cash to avoid social security contributions. The protest was broken up by police who used teargas and water cannon on the protesters. The appalling working conditions on the airport, which the authorities were

rushing to finish, was made worse as 80 per cent of the workforce was subcontracted and employed by 250 different companies. In response to the protest and despite the fact that unions are entirely legal in Turkey, the Turkish government arrested 31 of the trade unionists, including the President of the union Ozgur Karabulut, all workers are being held on pre-trial detention. Many involved in the protest were dismissed from the project.

Outrage as construction trade unionists jailed in Turkey

This autumn Unite hosted a delegation of South Korean trade unionists, who wanted to discuss how Unite organises in construction sites. They visited the major Battersea Power Station development where they met the Unite convenors Declan Murphy, Phil Moran and Andy Rudd.

by Allen Hicks divisional secretary Electrical Trades Union of Australia (ETU) For 500 days the workers at the UGL Longford offshore plant in Victoria have been locked in a battle with one of the world’s largest companies. They are workers who have been locked out of their jobs and denied their wages all because of a greedy corporation and Australia’s weak industrial laws. It is called Exxon Mobil – the eighth largest company on the planet and

worth more than $500 billion. It had secured a five year contract to undertake both on and offshore maintenance work at Longford Despite its size, in Australia this company pays no tax, and claims poverty. Exxon undermined collective bargaining by using five workers in Western Australia – 3,500 kilometres away – to sign a new workplace agreement that the Longford workers never accepted. The new contract cut pay by more than

40 per cent, ripped out hard-fought for conditions and put the workers on rosters that were anything but family friendly. Exxon was able to do this because of Australia’s broken industrial system that puts too much power in the bosses’ hands and allows massive multinationals to treat workers like they don’t matter. The workers are standing up and fighting back. And we are standing united and proud with our comrades in Longford.

Disgrace of Exxon Mobil in 500 day lockout


A rise in zero hours, short term contracts and agency work has pushed thousands of people into hardship and caused an increasing demand for debt advice. Citizens Advice research shows that 21 per cent of people on variable incomes (which will include many construction workers) went without food and essentials last year. The current period after Christmas, is often the time of year when people experience the greatest financial hardship and find themselves in debt. In 2017, the charity helped 690,000 people with debts such as rent arrears and other essential bills. At Citizens Advice, we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice. If you do feel able to go it alone though, there are a number of steps you can take

to improve your situation. Here’s what we’d recommend:

How to deal with your debts Write a budget Write down what you have coming in and what you’ve got going out. Be realistic; if you’re a family of four, you’re likely to spend more than £50 per week on your shopping. Add in what you pay for your bills but for now, leave out any arrears payments and any credit card payments. Be careful how you average your variable income. Ignore high wages where you did lots of extra hours. If you receive high pay again then you can always use the extra income for essentials. Likewise, if you’re about to enter a period of fewer hours, don’t use an average based on

recent higher wages. Things can always be reviewed later. If your budget shows more going out than coming in, get advice. Advisers will always explore ways you could increase income and be able to help reduce your outgoings. Turn2us is a great website to do some of this on your own. Deal with priority debts first We call some debts priority debts as not paying them can lead to you losing your home, essential items or services. In rare cases, you can even be sent to prison. Examples are rent, mortgage, council tax, gas, electricity, TV licence, child maintenance and court fines. Priority debts should be paid first with your available income, and these payments should be included in your budget. We’d usually suggest getting

DON’T GET DOWN BY

If bills are mounting up don’t ignore them – TAKE ACTION

advice on priority debts – especially if you’ve no money to pay them. Now deal with your non-priority debts Non-priority debts are typically credit that’s not secured on anything, like credit cards and catalogue debts. Water, gas and electricity debts from a previous home, or debts to old service providers would also count as non-priority debts. These creditors might record missed payments on your credit file and this can make credit difficult to get in future. They could also take you to the county court to get money back, but they are not as urgent as those priority debts mentioned above as they can’t cause you to lose your home. After you’ve budgeted for priority debt payments, look at what’s left for non-priority debts. You could make offers by dividing up what income you’ve got left between them. Don’t feel pressured into agreeing unaffordable payments. However, there are lots of options available and advisers can help you decide which are suitable. Deal with emergencies If you’re about to be evicted, have your electricity cut off, or you have a bailiff at the door, get immediate advice. An adviser can help make contact with creditors to figure out an affordable repayment plan. A bailiff at the door is an emergency, but they might not be collecting the most urgent debt so paying them under pressure - especially with a credit card - might not be in your best interests. In most cases, refusing entry to the bailiff

will not lead to more fees being added on that same visit. Always get advice on your rights with bailiffs. Getting advice Our network of charities offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. Before you contact Citizens Advice here are some tips which will help you to get the best from our advice: 1 Gather paperwork together so you

can show what income you get, what you spend your money on and how much you owe. If you feel able to do so, tell creditors you’re getting advice.

2 Think about what you want to

achieve and what has caused the debt problem. Advisers will always ask this; it’s an essential part of working out the best option for you.

3 If you feel able, read our online debt advice pages to get an idea of the options that will be discussed.

4 If you have an overdraft or a loan with

the same bank as your account, an adviser might suggest opening an account elsewhere to protect income from charges and loan payments. If you can, look for a basic account before seeking advice.

5 Take a deep breath. Advisers ask lots of

questions but they’re not there to judge. 6 Advisers will want to know how you

feel so they can support you. Remember, they have probably helped someone in similar circumstances; it’s their job.

BY GRAHAM O’MALLEY DEBT EXPERT AT CITIZENS ADVICE AND TRACY MOSS EMPLOYMENT EX


Details of how to contact Citizens Advice can be found at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/ Citizens Advice operates an advice line which is available between 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday, call 03444 111444.

Variable work can lead to falling pay rates and construction workers finding themselves in debt

DRAGGED DEBT

DON’T L DRAG YOU D

JOIN TODAYwww.unitetheunion.org

@unitetheunion

unitetheunion1

Construction workers, with variable earnings are vulneIf struggling to make ends meet don’t ignore it.

If in doubt, concerned or threatened with bai Speak to your Unite shop steward or call theon 0800 389 3431 or contact Citizens Advice

ET

OWN

Contact: Citizens Advice on their advice line

03444 111444 or go to

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/


www.unitetheunion.org

rable to money problems.

iliffs get immediate assistance

Unite debt helpline e


BY ROB MIGUEL NATIONAL HELATH AND SAFETY ADVISOR

Construction workers are often at the mercy of the elements and the effects of the weather can potentially have a serious impact on health. Questions around employer’s duties to provide a safe working environment, adequate protection or when to stop work are often asked. There may be a need to challenge employers where they fall short of providing safe working conditions in adverse weather conditions. Workers are often expected to carry on when they feel conditions are unsafe. It is vitally important that procedures are agreed in advance, so there is no doubt what protection is required and at what point work ceases.

Health and Safety risk Cold and wet environments Very cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, or dangerous overcooling of the body, which can be fatal in the absence of medical attention. Frostbite, or freezing of the extremities, is also possible, along with trench foot and chilblains. Cold-related illnesses can be caused by cold temperatures, strong/cold winds, damp-ness and cold water. Long term exposure to the cold has been linked with respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular diseases and skin problems.

Workers are particularly at risk from cold when the temperature is below 10 °C. This can be exasperated by airflow, so if the air temperature is 10 °C and the wind speed is 20 miles per hour, the effective temperature is 0 °C. In the UK between November and April temperatures of 0 °C will be commonplace. What needs to be done? Review work sites everyday - Supervisors should review the area for common hazards such as snow and ice accumulation or downed power lines and trees. Remove snow and ice - Employers should ensure snow and ice is removed with salt or sand. Adequate facilities with more frequent rest breaks, to accommodate warming up and be able to make hot drinks and food. Consider delaying work if weather is extreme - It is important that agreements are in place that covers stoppages in extreme weather conditions. This should cover pay during the stoppage period. Require proper gear - Workers need to have the right clothing for severe

weather, including boots, heavy coats, gloves and hats. Employers should require all workers to wear clothing that will keep them warm and dry to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Shoes should have nonslip soles to prevent falls. Educate workers on the signs of frostbite and hypothermia - Supervisors and workers need to know the symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite so if anyone shows these signs, they can receive immediate medical attention.

Windy conditions High winds can pose many potential unsafe situations for workers, pre-planning is critical to reduce risk. Severe wind storms are highly dangerous and gusts can be very unpredictable, taking workers off guard. Storms can blow constantly between 10 and 40 mph with sudden blasts of 50 mph. The following health safety risks are associated with windy conditions

Objects being blown and falling from elevated surfaces

Struck by objects being blown around

Eye injuries caused by flying dust and debris

it’s that time of year again!

Cold, wet and windy weather


Equipment damage due to being tipped over

Dropped loads while performing a lift

Failure of scaffold hoarding and site fencing

Unplanned movement of overhead power lines.

What needs to be done? Evaluating the tasks - Weather is an important factor when it comes to dictating what can or can't be done, regular weather reports are essential. Jobs involving aerial lifts and cranes must be properly evaluated. Consider stopping the work in high winds - it is important that pre-agreements are in place that determines at what wind speed work should be stopped. To avoid disputes, determination of pay and at what time operatives can leave site when stoppages occur, must be agreed. Secure all objects and equipment - Ensure that every single object and piece of equipment, from cladding to scaffolding, has been properly secured. Thoroughly check them even if they look as though they're fixed. Sites should be kept in such a way that loose debris should be safely cleared away and stored in covered containers and dust kept to a minimum Require proper gear - Wind means dust and debris can fly around, which can easily cause injury, always wear the necessary outdoor safety items such as

eye protection and hats etc. Different or additional PPE may be required for example goggles vs. safety glasses against flying dust and debris. Strong winds can blow people working at height to the side or even off the equipment. Some jobs require wearing safety harnesses that are securely fastened at all times, this is especially relevant in windy conditions. Wet conditions The principal health and safety risk factors that affect construction work are:

Electrical hazards – wet electrical cords, cables, sockets, power points and power equipment

Welding hazards – e.g. wet steelwork or the welding hand piece becoming live

Slippery work at heights

Slippery, wet floor surfaces, steps and footholds

Excavations collapsing

Slippery tools, handles

Reduced manual dexterity

Lightning strikes during thunderstorms

Contamination from flooded sewerage systems.

What needs to be done? All electrical appliances must be safe - Electrical cables need to be a safe height above the ground. Working with electric power tools in the wet needs to be prevented and other power sources considered.

Work at heights needs to be minimal in wet weather. All fall protection measures need to be provided and used. Allocate work in dry sheltered areas and ensure good drainage so the site dries quickly, plan for pumps to disperse flooding. Erect temporary shelters, for example, tents or tarpaulins. Provide dry shelter facilities where spare dry clothing can be stored and wet clothing can be dried and changed. Work should be stopped in dangerous circumstances, pre-arranged agreements are essential to avoid disputes. Require Proper Gear preferred wet weather clothing for construction work is waterproof trousers, and jacket with hood compatible with safety helmet. Safety shoes or boots should have slip resistant soles. What if the employer doesn’t comply Union organised sites are healthier and safer environments to work; the only solution to bad employers is union support. Even where employers are reasonable pre-agreed arrangements with Unite will ensure good working conditions, excellent facilities, free protective gear, and decent stoppage agreements during inclement weather. Contact your union rep or regional officer if you are worried about not being properly protected this winter.

Working in wet, cold and windy conditions requires strict safety measures

Last autumn Unite conducted an online survey of all women members in the construction sector where we possess an email address. The survey generated an excellent response and gave a lot of insights to the working lives of women in construction. As a positive result of the survey a large number of women confirmed that they wish to be part of a Unite women’s construction network in their region and other women said they were keen to become an activist in their workplace.

The survey revealed that women construction workers were mostly aged between 25 and 54 with the highest number of women in the 35-44 age group (29.7 per cent). Almost half of respondents (49.3 per cent) work in a workplace where there are three or more female construc tion workers, although just over a quarter of respondents (25.9 per cent) work where they are the only female construction worker. Over two thirds (67.6 per cent) of respondents operate in the private sector. The survey underlined the problem that women still experience in our industry. The majority of respondents (65.3 per cent) said that their employer had failed to make adjustments at the workplace to make it easier for them to carry out their role. One respondent summed up some of the issues being faced: “In a perceived male dominated workforce, you have your skills and abilities regularly

doubted mainly because you’re a woman and some men almost feel threatened if and when you complete a job better than other male colleagues. Some if not all men at first can be extremely patronising

towards you, questioning your job role or presume you work in an

office.”

Such attitudes are a likely reason why a

small majority (51.4 per cent)

of respondents believe that

their skills are not

appreciated or recognised at their workplace. Fair pay also remains an issue, with several respondents reporting that they are paid less than male colleagues while undertaking the same roles. One woman said: “The gender pay gap is still prevalent – I am the only woman in my team and I am paid the least.” However, one issue came across throughout the survey and that is regarding the lack of welfare facilities. This includes the need for clean toilets, the supply of feminine hygiene bins and sanitary and shower facilities. One respondent to the survey gave a graphic account of her frustrations, on trying to use a women’s toilet on a construction site. “Toilets for females are a basic requirement but are usually locked, you have to seek the key from someone so by the time you find the person usually male with the key and after asking several people also usually male, half the site now know you want to use a loo and when you open the door guess what it is usually being used as a storage facility.” Period Dignity Campaign Since last September Unite has been running a period dignity campaign across all sectors.

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION


#perioddignity

Breaking dowfor women in

Fair pay remains an issue for many women construction members


BY BARCKLEY SUMNER

Thin

ksto

ck

The campaign is about period poverty and the fact that some workers struggle to pay for sanitary products. However, from the replies to our survey it was clear that for period dignity to be achieved for female construction workers the campaign needed to go further. Unite is now asking construction companies to sign up to four simple policies to achieve period dignity.

The four policies are:

1. Designated female toilet, always accessible, regularly cleaned and lockable

2. Handwashing facilities with running water and soap provided

3. A sanitary bin provided which is clean and regularly emptied

4. Sanitary products provided in a dispenser in a discreet location and ideally free.

The first site to sign up to Unite’s campaign is the Glasgow University Campus site which is being built by Multiplex. Unite has written to all construction activists, supplying them with a

campaign pack and asking them to work through health and safety committees and lobby management to get the policies adopted. By getting these straightforward policies implemented it would make a small but significant improvement to the lives of women construction workers, judging by the comments that women made when responding to the survey. “A woman’s toilet and mixed sex shower is technically available but I would be reprimanded for driving to the depot to use the toilet. I’ve often been in trouble for driving to the depot to use the facilities even though it’s the only toilet I have access to with a sanitary disposal bin.” “There are female toilets available but generally the ones on site where I’m actually working are unisex portaloos. These are usually disgusting apart from a few that are looked after.”

“One portaloo. No separate changing facilities. No sanitary product bins or dispensers.” “Sanitary products, I have to keep them in my toolbox because there are no machines in the toilets which I've raised with health and safety. Been told to keep them in a drawer in the office but I don't work in a office?” “Asked for sanitary ware bins, got ignored. If a female says anything they don't like, they put it down to PMT.” When a company implements our campaign Unite is committed to promoting their good work and will report on these in future issues of the buildingWORKER.

If you are a woman construction worker, experiencing mistreatment at work contact your shop steward or speak to your regional officer.

wn barriers construction

Multiplex at the Glasgow University Campus has become the first organisation to sign up to Unite construction period dignity campaign


SPOTLIGHT ON ELECTRICIAN SKILLS

BY RICHARD CLARKE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIPS AND SKILLS OFFICER CONSTRUCTION

Sparks need to check their cards There are important changes for electricians applying for skills cards that Unite members needs to be aware of.

New JIB ECS Gold Card Applications WHAT’S HAPPENING? From 1 January 2019 anyone applying for an installation or maintenance electrician gold card for the first time will be required to sign up to registered electrician status. Applicants must be qualified to the 18th edition of BS7671 and sign up to a code of professional practice, in addition to holding the qualifications required for the card.

Existing registered electricians WHAT’S HAPPENING? By 1 July 2019 all current registered electricians with 17th edition BS7671 need to have achieved a qualification in the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS7671:2018). If they do not achieve the 18th edition by that date, their ECS card reverts to the normal ECS gold card status they held before they applied for registered electrician status. Once 18th Edition is achieved they can simply have the endorsement of registered electrician added back to their card.

JIB ECS Gold Card holders with lapsed cards WHAT’S HAPPENING? From 1 July 2019 any existing installation or maintenance electrician gold card holders whose cards have lapsed for more than a year will be required to renew as a registered electrician with the 18th edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS7671:2018). This brings the ECS under the JIB in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in line with the ECS scheme administered by the SJIB in Scotland, where holding the current

edition of BS7671 is a requirement for cards that have lapsed for over 12 months.

Existing JIB ECS Gold Card holders with valid current cards WHAT’S HAPPENING? Installation or maintenance electricians who hold a current and valid gold card issued prior to January 1 2019, but who do not hold the 18th edition can continue to renew their card, the only change being they should renew within 12 months of card expiry. Current card holders who gain the 18th edition but who don’t require registered electrician status can have BS7671:2018 endorsed on the rear of their card.

Completing apprentices WHAT’S HAPPENING? Completing apprentices with the 17th edition could become a registered electrician until 31 December 2018. They now have until 1 July 2019 to gain the 18th edition qualification if they wish to maintain their registered electrician status. JTL (the training provider) are endeavouring to give their affected apprentices the opportunity to upgrade to 18th edition. From 1 January 2019, completing apprentices with the 17th will receive an installation or maintenance electrician gold card and can upgrade to registered electrician when they gain the 18th.

What does adding registered electrician status to my card cost? There is no fee to become a registered electrician. Once you sign up you’ll be able to download a virtual card (via MyECS virtual card app for smartphones) showing your registered status – for free. If you are an existing cardholder, a printed card is available at a discounted price of £10 plus VAT if you would like one, if you wait until normal renewal time, it can be added to your printed card for no additional fee. If your ECS card needs to be renewed, or you are applying for the first time, the registered electrician can be added to your application for free providing you meet the eligibility requirements. The standard fees for ECS card renewal or initial application still apply.

There are important changes for electricians holding the ECS card It is vital that electricians keep their qualifications up-to-date

Gre

ndel

khan

For details about how to book ECS courses through Unite go to https://www.learnwithunite.org/home/ecs-book-online/


The Sector Organising campaign in construction continues to grow. Almost 8,000 new members have joined as a result of the campaign, with more reps being trained as shop stewards. From securing severe weather payments for construction workers in Scotland to delivering settlements for underpayment in the South East, local issue based fights are securing meaningful industrial wins for workers. As the campaign builds we are seeing an increasing number of local authorities sign-up to the Unite Construction Charter. The total number now stands at 47. This is the first time Unite has systematically targeted public bodies to secure union standards for construction workers. Critically, we are now creating the space for ‘safe projects’ where we can build Unite. More generally, the organising and leverage department continues to develop the Union’s Work, Voice & Pay industrial strategy. Our latest initiative is an inquiry into the cost of living. As you know prices keep going up whilst earnings struggle to keep pace. The recent demonstrations in France show the impact of price rises. The aim of the inquiry is threefold:

To promote and defend the Retail Price Index (RPI) as the best inflation figure currently available for bargaining purposes.

To investigate whether or not developing a Unite Workers Index for bargaining is either feasible or desirable.

To ask our activists what a good standard of living should really look like and establish how we achieve it.

Admittedly the battle of the inflation indices (RPI v CPI) does not exactly set the heart racing. But it is very important. Put plainly inflation and how it is calculated matters to trade unionists because it helps determine many aspects of our standard of living, including:

Setting the context for wage negotiations

Uprating pensions

Tracking increases in the cost of goods and services.

Both employers and the government now routinely promote the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to replace the RPI during pay negotiations. Why does this matter? Because the CPI consistently delivers a smaller inflation figure than RPI. CPI is not appropriate for bargaining purposes. Put simply, CPI does not include housing costs and contains the spending of groups not at all relevant to pay negotiations, including; the super-rich, pensioners, students and tourists. That is

why Unite robustly defends the RPI as the best method available to calculate inflation for wage bargaining and pensions. However, having said that RPI is still not a true index for bargaining. We are going to investigate options as part of our inquiry and take a look at we actually want. What does our piece of the pie look like? The living wage is fine but nobody wants to live on it forever, so what does a good life look like? And how does this translate into collective bargaining demands? To achieve this we will be speaking to shop stewards – asking them to set expectations, whilst also looking at current settlements and investigating where employers have the profits to pay. This promises to be an important time, both as the construction campaign grows and as our inquiry establishes a practical industrial strategy with the aim of increasing the living standards of our members. The stats show that the latest editions to the industrial toolkit developed by the organising department as part of Work, Voice & Pay, have gone down well with activists. Launched in March, the Pay Claim Generator has already been used over 30,000 times by shop stewards. Using this tool, activists have been able to produce a professional pay claim in minutes with over 1,500 already delivered. The Employer Profile Generator, used by activists to get a printable snapshot of their employers company structure and finances, has been used nearly 8,000 times since its launch in July. Both tools are just one part of our ongoing commitment to provide the best information and products possible for our frontline activists.

Growing the construction organising campaign

BY SHARON GRAHAM EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Unite is launching an inquiry to improve construction workers’ cost of living M

ark

Thom

as


31 JANUARY 2019

TAX DEADLINE

Construction workers should not be left in the dark about tax returns

CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) tax returns are a fact of life for a lot of people in the building trade. A mistake when filing a CIS tax return online can mean paying far too much tax on your pay. That's why RIFT has a specialist team of experts to offer CIS tax return help to Unite members. Do I pay tax if I'm CIS? Yes, you will pay tax “at source” (your tax is taken off your wages before you get them), most likely at the rate of 20 per cent of your income. However, this doesn’t mean you are “employed”. You could still be officially self-employed under CIS. The big difference is that this means you'll still have to do a self-assessment tax return each year. Not filing in those tax returns each year brings three very serious problems your way:

You're not getting your tax-free Personal Allowance

You're not getting any of the tax relief you're entitled to for your work expenses

HMRC's going to come after you for failure to file your tax return.

If you're getting CIS statements and don't understand why, get in touch with RIFT straight away. We can explain the system, make sure you aren't paying too much tax and keep you out of trouble with HMRC.

Do I have to pay my tax when I file my self-assessment return? No. As long as you get both done by the 31 January, you’re in the clear. You’re almost always better off getting your self-assessment paperwork in early though. A lot of people wait until the last minute before filing their returns. That puts massive stress on HMRC, causing delays and overloaded helplines. What happens if I miss the 31 January deadline? Leaving the taxman waiting is a very bad idea. The trouble starts with a flat £100 fine for filing up to three months late. Missing the payment deadline by 30 days costs you 5 per cent of the tax you owe. After three months without filing a return, you’ll be looking at £10 daily penalties totalling up to £900 – and that’s not even the end of it. The penalties keep stacking up, and your situation keeps getting worse. What do I do if I’ve already got fines? If you’ve got a genuine reason for missing a deadline, the taxman might be prepared to lower or cancel your penalties. Talk it through with RIFT. We’ve got a good relationship with HMRC, and can often limit the damage even if you’re already in trouble. Let us know if you’re going to have problems paying your tax too. We can often work out payment plans to keep you out of danger. RIFT are the UK’s leading tax experts for self-assessment and tax refunds. Call 01233 653974 or visit RIFTrefunds.co.uk/Unite for expert guidance, advice and practical help. Quote your Unite membership number to get your discounted CIS tax return fee.

RIFT By ROBERT PARKER RIFT NATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGER


unite Legal By ALYS CUNNINGHAM UNITE SOLICITOR

Last January Carillion collapsed. Since then Unite Legal Services has been assisting members who were employed by Carillion and where possible taking legal cases on their behalf. Various Carillion companies were placed in compulsory liquidation and thousands of employees were made redundant with little or no notice. This was often the case even where the work they were doing was being taken over by another contractor or being bought back in-house, as the normal right to transfer with employment protected (TUPE) does not apply where a company is in compulsory liquidation. The extent of Carillion’s complicated group structure, with hordes of separate companies including many not even featuring the Carillion name, meant many employees did not even know the true identity of their employer. This and the lack of information from the employers made the task of applying for redundancy payments unduly complicated, with many needing assistance. As Carillion had no money, redundancy costs were met by the redundancy payments office, funded by the taxpayer. In September 2018 Unite learned the government had already paid £50 million in redundancy payments for ex-Carillion staff and that figure was expected to rise to £65 million. Most of the legal claims we are running for members arose because of Carillion’s failure to collectively consult with the

union or workers prior to making 20 or more redundancies at a single workplace. There is a legal obligation for employers to do this, with the aim of avoiding or reducing the number of redundancies and mitigating the impact for employees. Given the writing was on the wall for Carillion long before its ultimate demise, there is no excuse for their failure. We found many workplaces where Carillion was operating and employing staff under two separate companies based on historic differences. This meant in many cases, the number of redundancies by each employer fell below the 20 person minimum that would give raise to the duty to collectively consult. All legal claims against the Carillion group have been delayed by the draconian insolvency law requirements, which mean we needed to obtain high court permission to proceed with members’ cases. We currently wait with baited breath to see whether the liquidators will seek to defend the indefensible and, in doing so, further increase the costs to the taxpayer of Carillion’s collapse. It is frustrating that claims for failures to consult against insolvent companies

cannot be handled in the same way as redundancy payments and paid to former employees without the need for a tribunal judgment. This should be an area for government review. Changing the requirement for a legal judgment would limit both legal costs and delay. This would reduce the ultimate costs to creditors and/or the taxpayer and speed up payment to those that have lost their job and need it most. The Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) Regulations, which protect employees when the work they are doing transfers to another company, should also be reformed and applied to companies in compulsory liquidation. This would protect employment and reduce the cost to taxpayers, who end up footing the bill for these redundancy payments.

JUSTICE for workers following Carillion’s collapse

Unite has battled for Carillion workers who lost their jobs following the company’s collapse

Mar

k Th

omas

unite Recommends


Films

22 July

In Norway on 22 July 2011 right wing terrorist Andres Behring Bretivic murdered 77 young people at a Labour party youth camp on Utoya Island outside of Oslo. The film focuses on the brave young survivors of the horrendous attack, the political leadership of Norway and the lawyers involved in the case A truly heartbreakingly emotive film - more evidence of the menace of Nazism in Europe and a must see movie. Jimmy Woods

Good Night and Good Luck Since Donald Trump became President of the United States, fake news has become a buzzword. But it is not the first time that lies and distortions have stalked Capitol Hill and the corridors of power in the United States. In the 1950s the United States was gripped by a ‘red scare’ driven cynically by Senator Joe McCarthy, who was able to use his position to allege communists had infiltrated senior positions within the government, in order to raise his personal profile. In a chilling development, critics of McCarthy were then accused of being secret ‘pinkos’ and faced having their careers destroyed by his smears. Good Night and Good Luck tells the story of Ed Murrow a television news anchor and his colleagues who risks their careers in order to challenge McCarthy and expose his lies. David Stratharin is outstanding as Murrow, while George Clooney who produced and directed the film plays Murrow’s producer Fred Friendly. The fact the film is shot in black and white adds to the atmosphere. Barckley Sumner

Books

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck The government’s obsession with austerity is ruining thousands of people lives and those in charge in the UK have learnt nothing from history.

The depression of the 1930s also followed a stock market crash and shows what happens to ordinary people if governments don’t intervene to assist them at times of financial crisis. Steinbeck’s classic novel tells the story of the Joad family, who lose their home and their livelihoods in Oklahoma and like thousands of other Okies migrate to California in search of a better life. The novel details their travails and especially how the migrant workers are brutally exploited by the rich fruit farmers in California, who use their desperate situation, to cut wages, knowing that the workers have no option but to accept the pittance being offered. If after reading this you don’t feel angry there is something wrong. Stephen James

This page is a counterpoint to the mainstream media and reviews important pieces of work for Unite members.

Your Recommendations Unite members are encouraged to send ideas for future recommendations. We will cover film, television, DVDs and books. The only stipulation is a recommendation needs to be easily available. If you would like to write your own reviews please do but keep your contributions to 250 words. Send recommendations and reviews to [email protected]

Nazi Andres Bretivic murdered 77 Labour Party youth members

Goodnight and good luck is the story of news anchor taking on McCarthyism

The Oklahoma dust bowl is the backdrop to the Grapes of Wrath. Arthur Rothstein

Ple

ase

send

co

mp

lete

d f

orm

s to

: Fre

epo

st P

lus

RT

ZC

-HK

GG

-RZ

BY,

Uni

te t

he u

nio

n, 2

nd F

loo

r, 16

0 Fa

lco

n R

oad

, Lo

ndo

n S

W11

2LN

MEM

BER

SHIP

FO

RM

GB

Plea

se u

se c

apita

ls

Abou

t You

r Job

Unite

figh

ts fo

r our

mem

bers

’ int

eres

ts th

roug

h po

litic

al a

nd in

dust

rial c

ampa

igni

ng o

n iss

ues

affe

ctin

g yo

u –

from

pay

, pen

sions

, and

bro

ader

wor

kpla

ce ri

ghts

to h

ousin

g, e

qual

ity is

sues

and

our

NHS

.If

you

wou

ld li

ke to

be

part

of t

his,

opt-

in to

our

pol

itica

l fun

d fo

r jus

t 10p

per

wee

k.

(tick

her

e)

Thos

e w

ho c

hoos

e no

t to

opt-i

n w

ill n

ot b

e di

sadv

anta

ged

in a

ny w

ay c

ompa

red

with

mem

bers

who

do

opt-i

n,ex

cept

in re

latio

n to

con

trol o

f the

pol

itica

l fun

d.

Inst

ruct

ion

to y

our B

ank

or B

uild

ing

Soci

ety

Plea

se p

ay U

nite

the

unio

n Di

rect

Deb

it m

onth

ly fro

m th

e ac

coun

t det

aile

d in

this

inst

ruct

ion

subj

ect t

o th

e sa

fegu

ards

ass

ured

by

the

Dire

ct D

ebit

Gua

rant

ee. I

und

erst

and

that

this

inst

ruct

ion

may

rem

ain

with

Uni

te th

eun

ion

and,

if s

o, d

etai

ls w

ill b

e pa

ssed

ele

ctro

nica

lly to

my

Bank

Bui

ldin

g So

ciety

.

Sort

Cod

e

Nam

e of

ban

k/bu

ildin

g so

ciet

y

–

–

–

–

//

Acco

unt N

umbe

r

On

the

sele

cted

day

of t

he m

onth

:

Serv

ice

Use

r Num

ber

97

14

67

14th

21st

Nam

e(s)

of

Acco

unt H

olde

r(s)

7th

28th

Surn

ame

Title

Gen

der

Fore

nam

e

NI N

o.

Hous

e N

o./N

ame

Stre

et

City

/Tow

n

Hom

e Te

l

Empl

oyer

/Com

pany

Nam

e

Job

Title

Wor

k Ad

dres

s

Post

code

Wor

k Te

l.

Emai

l

Date

of B

irth

Post

code

Mob

ile

Appr

entic

eshi

pYe

ar 1

Year

2Ye

ar 3

Year

4

Whi

ch

mem

bers

hip

do y

ou r

equi

re?

Oth

er (e

g U

nem

ploy

ed m

embe

r of t

he c

omm

unity

, und

er 1

8, fu

ll tim

e st

uden

t,re

tired

mem

bers

or p

erm

anen

tly d

isabl

ed m

embe

rs w

ho a

re n

ot in

pai

d em

ploy

men

t)

Auth

oris

atio

n of

ded

ucti

on o

f you

r tra

de u

nion

cont

ribu

tion

from

you

r pay

(che

ck-o

ff)

Not

e: N

ot a

ll em

ploy

ers

oper

ate

chec

k-of

f.I h

ereb

y au

thor

ise th

e de

duct

ion

of U

nite

the

Unio

n su

bscr

iptio

ns fr

om m

y pa

y of

suc

h am

ount

s as

sha

ll be

not

ified

to m

y em

ploy

er o

n m

y be

half

from

tim

e to

tim

eby

Uni

te. I

aut

horis

e m

y em

ploy

er a

nd U

nite

to s

hare

per

sona

l dat

a ne

cess

ary

to o

pera

te c

heck

off

and

for m

yem

ploy

er to

info

rm U

nite

of a

ny c

hang

es o

f add

ress

.

Payr

oll N

o.Ar

e yo

u pa

id?

Mon

thly

Wee

kly

Polit

ical

Cam

paig

ning

Tow

n of

the

Bank

2-w

eekl

y4-

wee

kly

//

Sign

atur

eDa

teDa

te

Recr

uitm

ent

Code

Job

Code

Bran

ch N

o.Em

ploy

erCo

deW

orkp

lace

Code

For O

ffic

e us

e on

ly

Dir

ect D

ebit

Det

ails

–In

stru

ctio

ns to

you

r Ban

k or

Bui

ldin

g So

ciet

y to

pay

by

Dire

ct D

ebit

Basi

c fu

ll tim

e (m

ore

than

21

hour

s pe

r wee

k)En

hanc

ed fu

ll tim

e (m

ore

than

21

hour

s pe

r wee

k)

Basi

c pa

rt ti

me

(up

to21

hou

rs p

er w

eek)

Basi

c lo

w p

ayEn

hanc

ed p

art t

ime

(up

to 2

1 ho

urs p

er w

eek)

Enha

nced

low

pay

Mem

. N

o.

Driv

er C

are

(a s

epar

ate

Driv

er C

are

appl

icat

ion

form

will

be

sent

to y

ou.)

I sup

port

Uni

te c

ampa

igni

ng o

n m

embe

rs’ p

riorit

ies

in th

e La

bour

Par

ty a

nd w

ould

like

to b

e a

Labo

urPa

rty

Affil

iate

Sup

port

er*

(free

for p

oliti

cal f

und

paye

rs).

I aut

horis

e Un

ite to

sha

re m

y pe

rson

al d

ata

with

the

Labo

ur P

arty

for t

his

purp

ose.

*I a

gree

to th

e te

rms l

isted

at h

ttps:/

/supp

ort.l

abou

r.org

.uk

(tick

her

e)

Sign

atur

e

I aut

horis

e th

e pa

ymen

t abo

ve. I

agr

ee to

abi

de b

y th

e un

ion’

s rul

es, (

avai

labl

e on

line)

. Whe

n yo

u jo

in U

nite

, you

are

also

aut

horis

ing

the

Unio

n to

ded

uct a

n ad

ditio

nal a

mou

nt fo

r you

r sub

scrip

tion

to y

our l

ocal

bra

nch

fund

.I a

gree

to a

bide

by

the

unio

n’s

rule

s. (R

ule

Book

is a

vaila

ble

onlin

e)

Date

app

rent

ices

hip

star

ted

Date

app

rent

ices

hip

due

to e

nd

Equa

l Opp

ortu

niti

es T

he p

rovi

sion

of t

his i

nfor

mat

ion

is to

ens

ure

equa

lity

for a

ll an

d is

not

a re

quire

men

t

Dir

ect D

ebit

Det

ails

–In

stru

ctio

ns to

you

r Ban

k or

Bui

ldin

g So

ciet

y to

pay

by

Dire

ct D

ebit

Whi

te

Blac

k/As

ian

Plea

se ti

ck if

you

are

a d

isab

led

pers

on:

Plea

se ti

ck if

you

con

side

r you

rsel

f to

be a

mig

rant

wor

ker

Plea

se ti

ck if

you

are

LG

BT+

Plea

se ti

ck y

our e

thni

c or

igin

:

Uni

te c

ampa

igns

for e

qual

ity fo

r all

and

to e

nsur

e th

at w

omen

, bla

ck A

sian

eth

nic

min

oriti

es, d

isab

led

mem

bers

, le

sbia

n ga

y bi

sexu

al tr

ans

- LG

BT+

and

mig

rant

wor

kers

are

fully

repr

esen

ted

with

in th

e un

ion.

To fi

nd o

ut m

ore

goto

ww

w.u

nite

theu

nion

.org

/equ

aliti

es. C

onfid

entia

lity

is p

rote

cted

. Ple

ase

com

plet

e:

Priv

acy

Not

ice:

For

det

ails

as to

how

Uni

te w

ill pr

oces

s you

r dat

a pl

ease

see

Unite

’s up

to d

ate

priva

cy n

otice

at

ww

w.u

nite

theu

nion

.org

/priv

acyp

olicy

or c

onta

ct y

our r

egio

nal o

ffice

for a

cop

y.

Cont

acti

ng y

ou: W

e w

ill co

ntac

t you

rega

rdin

g ite

ms s

pecif

ic to

bei

ng a

Uni

te m

embe

r. You

can

cha

nge

how

we

com

mun

icate

with

you

on

the

MyU

nite

web

site:

ww

w.u

nite

theu

nion

.org

/logi

n/ o

r by

cont

actin

g yo

ur re

gion

al o

ffice

.

Don’t miss out! Get Your buildingWORKER every quarter buildingWORKER is the magazine for all Unite construction workers. In order to keep up to date with what is happening in your industry and your union you need to opt in to receive future editions.

Opting into recieve the buildingWORKER is quick and simple. To recieve buildingWORKER for free, four times a year. You just need to contact your regional office by email, phone or in writing.

Also by contacting the regional office you can update your address, notify a change of employer and request receiving free copies of uniteWORKS (Unite’s award winning magazine) and Landworker (the magazine for rural workers).

East Midlands Tel: 01332 548400 [email protected] Unite 2, Pride Point Drive, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8BX

London and Eastern Tel: 020 8800 4281 [email protected] 33-37 Moreland Street, London EC1V 8BB

North East, Yorkshire and Humberside Tel: 0113 236 4830 [email protected] 55 Call Lane, Leeds LS1 7BW

North West Tel: 0151 559 2004 [email protected] Jack Jones House, 2 Churchill Way, Liverpool L3 8EF

Scotland Tel: 0141 404 5424 [email protected] John Smith House, 145-165 West Regent Street, Glasgow G2 4RZ

South East Tel: 01753 313 820 [email protected] Unite House, Chalvey Road East, Slough, Berks SL1 2LS

South West Tel: 0117 923 0555 [email protected] Tony Benn House, Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6AY

Wales Tel: 02920 394 521 [email protected] 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9SD

West Midlands Tel; 0121 553 6051 [email protected] Unite House, 9-17 Victoria Street, West Bromwich B70 8HX

IRELAND Dublin Tel: 00 353 1 873 4577 [email protected] Unite House, 55/56 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin D01 200X Republic of Ireland Belfast Tel: 02890 232381 [email protected] 26-34 Antrim Road, Belfast BT15 2AA

GIBRALTAR Tel: +350 200 74 185 Unite House, 43 Town Range, Gibraltar

winter 2019 the magazine for unite construction sector ... · 5 trades and technicians winter 2019...

Documents