BECTU in May Day march

BECTU is taking part in this year's TUC May Day march which has the theme of a Trade Union Freedom Bill.

The proposed Bill is important to BECTU because it includes:

• Greater protection for members involved in lawful industrial action
• A fairer and simplified industrial action ballot and notice process
• Making it harder for employers to get injunctions against industrial action
• Trade disputes to cover transfers
• Supportive action by members in associated employers to be possible
• Striking workers not to be replaced by agency staff

Unions have often been in dispute with one company when the real power lies with another. The Trade Union Freedom Bill would allow workers from associated employers to take action together to win fairness at work.

This Bill might make it possible to stop the outsourcings and sell-offs that BECTU members - from BBC People to ITV security - have been opposed to. They wanted to fight through collective union action - but the current law won't let them.

BECTU members should meet Gerry Morrissey, Kate Elliott and Anna Murray with the BECTU banner at 1200 on Monday 1 May 2006 on Turnmill Street - nearest station is Chancery Lane.

To find the BECTU group meet half way up Turnmill Street (near Farringdon Station which is closed for maintenance), across the road from Layden House (which houses the local government employers organisation I&DeA) and look for the BECTU banner.

All BECTU members are encouraged to join the March and bring the family along on May Bank Holiday.