Members urged to vote Labour

BECTU urges all members to vote Labour at the UK General Election.

Whatever individual members' broader political views, there are plenty of reasons that BECTU members concerned about the sectors covered by the union and employment rights to vote Labour rather than for any alternative party.

The list below summaries some of Labour's achievements and commitments which are directly beneficial to trade unionists in BECTU's industries. The list focuses on issues of direct relevance to BECTU rather than broader political issues.

Employment and trade union rights

Some of Labour's achievements, especially through the Employment Relations Act, are as follows (with firm future commitments in brackets):

• Statutory trade union recognition.

• Reduction in the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from 2 years to 1 year.

• The right for trade union representatives to accompany individuals to disciplinary and grievance hearings.

• Outlawing of discrimination against trade union members.

• New 'family friendly' measures, including:
  • improved maternity rights (including paid maternity leave of £100 a week by 2003)
  • a new right to 3 months parental leave
  • a new right to time off to care for dependants
  • (a future right to 2 weeks paid paternity leave by 2003)

• Simplification of the law on industrial action ballots together with extra legal protection against the unfair dismissal of strikers.

• A more inclusive approach to employment rights by the increased use of 'worker' rather than the narrower 'employee' in legislation and regulations.

• The introduction, for the first time in the UK, of a National Minimum Wage (increasing to £4.20 by 2002). Without this framework in place, arguments about the amount of the wage would be irrelevant

• Working Time Regulations

• Part Time Workers Directive implemented in the UK

• Ending of the use of the waiver clause excluding fixed term contract workers from unfair dismissal rights

• Increase in the compensation limit for unfair dismissal awards to £50,000

• (Improved regulations on employment agencies)

• Introduction of Stakeholder Pensions

• Public Interest Disclosure Act to protect whistleblowers

• Abolition of the compulsory check-off list for trade union subscriptions deducted by employers

• (Fixed Term Workers Directive to be implemented in the UK)

Broadcasting, film, arts & entertainment

Some of Labour's measures in these areas which are in line with BECTU's own policies and of benefit to members are:

Broadcasting

1. BBC licence fee settlement lasting up to 2006

2. Retention of self-regulation of the BBC through the Governors

3. Strong commitment to regional ITV programming

4. Guarantee that all public service channels, free at the point of use, will continue to be available after digital switchover

5. Commitment to abolish the unnecessary Broadcasting Standards Commission

6. Continuing positive discussion on a range of issues in the Communications White Paper.

Film

1. Creation of the Film Council as the strategic lead body for the industry.

2. Introduction in 1997 of the tax break on investment in film production, with a further prolongation of the scheme agreed in the recent Budget.

3. Establishment of the Skills Investment Fund to boost training opportunities.

1. Largest ever increase in public arts funding, with an extra £150m (+60%) by 2003-04 compared to 1997.

2. The largest single increase is £25m in new money for regional theatre, to be distributed among 194 organisations.

3. Reintroduction of free entry to national museums and galleries on a phased basis (and free for everyone from December).

The Conservative alternative

Again, focussing on issues of direct relevance to BECTU members, the Conservatives have already specifically committed themselves to:

• Opposition to Labour improvements, and plans for future Conservative reductions, in employment and trade union rights,

• Sweeping cuts in public spending, with a direct impact on arts funding (as well as all key public services)

• Privatisation of Channel Four.

• All media policy and regulation to be subject to a primary aim of 'speeding up the introduction of competition'.

• A promise to 'liberate media companies from outdated ownership rules.'

• A requirement on the BBC 'to rein in any expansion plans which are hostile to competition'.

Conclusion

The choice is clear. Whether on trade union and employment rights or policies for the industries covered by the union, Labour's record and future commitments are clearly in the interests of BECTU members, while the Conservative alternative represents a huge step backwards on all fronts.

For the reasons outlined above the union advises all BECTU members to vote Labour on 7 June 2001.