ONE problem with any job is that workers often feel they have little control over their wages and conditions.
That was the reason why trade unions were formed more than 100 years ago, and the reason they were resisted by employers with ferocity. The more control workers have, the less the employer is able to avoid paying decent wages and providing proper negotiating rights to workers’ representatives.
In Bolton there has been some rejoicing about industry being attracted to Bolton at the Logistics site.
Bolton TUC also welcomes the opportunities provided here for workers to gain meaningful and rewarding employment. At the same time we have warned against the very poor record on pay and conditions at Amazon, and we continue to urge all employees to join a recognised trade union to secure improvements.
The other firm at Logistics with which we have issues is the MBDA weapons manufacturers.
We have grave concerns about Saudi Arabia’s bombing campaign in Yemen, which is causing the greatest humanitarian crisis since WW2; civilian targets are regularly bombed, and the UN condemns war crimes but cannot so far influence events.
We call upon MBDA to cease all sales to Saudi Arabia while this tragic illegal war continues. We urge MBDA workers to use all their influence with management to bring this about.
Bolton TUC calls on Chris Green to use his influence with the Tory govt to ban arms sales to Saudi Arabia. He will find support from Labour MPs.
Finally, it is ironic that while the UK continues to manufacture arms, it imports most of the wind turbines so desperately needed for sustainable energy. A future Labour government will be looking at this.
Tom Hanley
Bolton TUC
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