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Resolution 1
Protecting State Pension for Women
(1)
Conference notes that recent changes to state pension regulations have increased
the number of years' NI contributions required to ensure entitlement to a full pension
to 35 years. This has been done at the same time as reducing the number of years'
credit which can be claimed in respect of time away from work due to child care. This
is likely to have a significant impact on pension rights for many women in particular.
Conference therefore calls on the GFTU to campaign to reverse both these changes
to ensure that women's pension rights are not adversely affected in the future.
Resolution 2
Abolition of Zero Hour Contracts and Other
Detrimental Ways of Undermining Rates of Pay
(1)
That this BGCM calls on government to end the practice of zero hour contracts unless
expressly requested by the employee, an end to the Con-Dem workfare schemes
that are no better than legalized slavery and an end to juvenile rates of pay where
they are used as a means to reduce employment costs.
Resolution 3
Minimum Living Wage
(1)
That this BCTGM supports the BFAWU and TUC campaign to have a minimum wage
of £10 per hour throughout all work places in the UK and that we pursue this policy
through our individual unions with the government of the day. The impact of such a
move will be to stimulate the economy, lift 5 million people out of working poverty
and will reduce dependence on benefits which at present subsidise employers who
pay low wages. We recognize that there will be employers who cannot pay £10,
but that should be a matter for investigation, dependent on profits, dividends
paid to shareholders and director salaries. We furthermore send our support and
congratulations to the successful $15NOW campaign being waged across the USA
which has seen a dramatic rise in both rates of pay and living standards amongst the
working poor.
Resolution 4
Pay for Apprentices
(1)
This Conference considers that investing in young people through apprenticeships is
fundamentally important to any long-term strategy for economic growth.Conference
further considers that all apprenticeships should offer high quality raining as
well as good prospects and a fair wage. Conference acknowledges that 2 million
apprenticeships have been started over this Par1iament but recognises that this
figure masks a picture of poverty pay and abuse of the system with many employers
taking advantage of government support to recruit cheap labour. Conference
recognises that the minimum wage for apprentices, which currently starts at
just £2.73 an hour, remains shockingly low, but that a significant proportion of
employers fail to pay even the miserly legal minimum. Conference notes the findings
of the 014 Apprenticeship Pay Survey which found that 14% of all apprentices were
paid less than the minimum wage in 014, 24% of 16 to 18 year old apprentices
received less than the minimum wage, and 32% of 19 and 20 year old apprentices
received less than the minimum wage after their first year. Conference is also
profoundly concerned at the continuing gender imbalance in apprenticeship pay with
professions where women are traditionally overrepresented such as hairdressing
and care the worst culprits for breaking minimum wage law, leading to high drop-
out rates and wastage of public money. Conference believes that employers should
pay apprentices a living wage wherever possible, and calls on the GFTU Executive to
campaign for fair pay for apprentices and tough action against cheating employers.
Implementation
GFTU representation has been made
on this question.
Support has been given to unions
taking up this issue and particular
disputes where zero hours contracts
have been opposed. The GFTU’s own
employment practice of course
forbids such things and no age
discriminatory rates of pay are paid.
Support and publicity has been given
to this campaign throughout the
period.
A special day conference on
apprenticeships has been called
within the new education
programme.