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Implementing 2015 Resolutions
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GFTU representation has been made on this
question.
Implementation
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.
Implementation
Implementation
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.
Support and publicity has been given to this
campaign throughout the period.
The GFTU’s ability to take meaningful action on issues of wider social and economic
and political policy is constrained by the context in which we operate and also
determined by the emergence of new central priorities which we cannot predict at
the BGCM. In essence over the last two years we have faced a government intent
on pursuing the suicidal austerity course and on restraining legitimate trade union
activity beyond all reason through the Trade Union Act.
The scale and intensity of difficulties faced by areas of life we strongly support
whether it be the Health Service or Probation has been such that we could have been
stretched to breaking point. Our focus of activity has of necessity been internal in the
sense of reviewing our education and services and facilities to become a stronger
support mechanism for our affiliates in their normal course of activities and in their
hour of need.
RESOLUTIONS 2015/2017
POLICIES & IMPLEMENTATION