GREEN PARTY TRADES UNION GROUP. MINUTES 30/1/2008

1. Minutes GPTU 12/12/2007: Accuracy & Matters Arising
   1. Accuracy: N.Walsh was present.
   2. No further action taken re DWP strikers.
   3. R.Phoenix had been at recent RMT demo at City Hall, Darren Johnson had expressed a wish to meet the demo but had been unable to do so, it was hoped that he, (and/or other Green AM's) could meet future such demos.
   4. Police pay protest had been allowed in central London but not P´mt Sq.
   5. Had Jean Lambert issued any further statement re Viking Ferries? P.Murry to ask DB
   6. Institute of Employment Rights conference on Lisbon Treaty further info on IER website, (now linked to GPTU site).
   7. Were Manchester Greens involved in K. Reissman protests?

 

2. Reading GP conference 14-7 Feb.:
   1. Stall booked and paid for (£35) will mainly carry GPTU leaflet. Turned down offer to stock Martin Bell book, as this would mean constantly manning stall. Other items for display and sale (profit to GPTU fu
   nds) in accord with GPTU aims/ethos welcomed. Volunteers to assist with staffing stall needed.
   2. Fringe booked for 16/2/08 at 14.20. P.Murry to introduce, J.Lambert to chair, speakers being arranged by P.Torabi and D.Bates to be confirmed.
   3. AGM to be arranged for evening of 16/1/08

      Committee posts becoming vacant: Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, TU liaison, 4 spokespersons, (currently London, Oxford, Brighton & the north).

   4. Proposer/s & Seconder needed for minimum wage motion, liaison with Sean Thompson. Amendment from Darren Johnson & others proposes high tax rate on high earnings not a maximum wage
   5. Briefing needed from A. Wheatley on Disabled Workers motion in case in came up on Saturday the meeting agreed to pay Alan´s fare and admission to conference on Sunday.
   6. EMERGENCY MOTION

      "The Green Party is extremely concerned to learn that, (as reported in the Evening Standard: 28/1/2008), a private American health firm (United Health Europe) has won control of three GP surgeries in London. We fear that this is the first step in an attempt to corporatise primary health care in the UK. We believe that this is being done without any proper consultation with the citizens of the UK, who as stakeholders are the true owners of the National Health Service. We also fear that this paves the way to monopolistic malpractice and profiteering if it allows pharmaceutical and retail conglomerates such as Boots and Tesco to have any control over the salaries, judgements and activities of GP´s and other primary health providers. We pledge our full support to opposition this disgraceful step and any others like it by GP´s, patient and pensioner groups, and trade unions in the health sector. We call on Green Party spokespersons nationally, locally and regionally to promptly issue public statements condemning this privatisation and call open the Green Party press office to give such statement maximum promotion. "

      Signed: J.Carver (Hounslow GP), P.Murry (Brent GP), A.Hewett (Greenwich GP),J. Healy (Southwark GP), Cllr R.Phoenix (Lewisham GP), A.Wheatley (Camden GP)

3. Meeting with M.Rix of GMB 7/2/08

   P.Murry would be accompanied by D.Welsh, suggested that although we cannot ignore GMB stance on airports we mention issues where GP has supported GMB (Brighton waste dispute, Heathrow incinerator, Remploy) and ask if there are likely to be any similar issues coming up.Also press reports that air traffic growth maybe slowing noted.

4. National GPTU conference/ meeting Possibly in Brighton early summer, approach Phelim re suggestions & costings for suitable venue.
5. J. Healy would attend as Unite delegate. Thanks from organizers for GPTU donation, Brent GP had also donated.
6. Heathrow Rally 25/3/2008 Westminster Central Hall 7pm. J. Healy to ask R. Mallender to contact organizers re GP stall, otherwise leaflet from 6pm.
7. Aldermaston, Easter Monday (24/4/08) AW & RP to investigate transport arrangements.
8. Noted that Leeds GP councillors were alleged to have withdrawn support for funding for Menwith Hill campaign. Reported to GPEX.
9. Morning star Conference 18/4/08 more details needed.
10. London Draft manifesto. Comments had been made on behalf of GPTU calling for more emphasis on TU´s and anti-privatisation policies throughout, also the content of proposed emergency motion needs to be incorporated.
11. London GP business dinner took place on 28/1/2008 GPTU to make formal request to London federation for info on: Who attended it, who was invited, how were invitees selected, what were its purposes and outcomes and were any attempts to influence GP policy made?
12. Tolpuddle festival (16-20 July) difficult to get to.
13. Agreed to proceed with ordering banner.
14. Agreed to increase bid for funds from GPEX in 2008.
15. Agreed to Draft statement of regret re closure of Remploy factory in Brixton. It was noted that disabled and disadvantaged people were being increasingly pushed into the cheapest end of the labour market. Investigate with GMB to discover if there was any follow up to trace what happens to workers made redundant from Remploy.
16. GPRC to be requested to invite GPTU speakers to their meeting on 10/11 May.
17. Birmingham council privatisation: more info needed. Similar situation may be arising with some sections of Lewisham council, little response from Unions or GP councilors (?)
18. More participation in Discussion Fora such as that run by Community care magazine encouraged.
19. Date and time of March meeting to be set at AGM. Change of venue to The Harp (Charing Cross) agreed in principle.