What has a Labour Government ever done for us? Oh Yes, Redundancy payments

Hat tip Labour history website & twitter feed "On this Day" OTD in 1965. Redundancy Payments Act. "Gives workers the right to receive financial sum should they lose a job".

Great picture of Labour Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, with his famous pipe overlooking (I am pretty sure) the Durham Miners Gala parade. 

So many people take it for granted that if they are made redundant that they will get money to tide them over until they get get another job or are able to retire. This act also made sure that workers would receive redundancy money even if their employer went bust. 

Redundancy not only softens the blow of losing your job it is also a safety blanket since due to Tory anti worker laws you have little or no employment protection for the first 2 years of your new job and you will probably only have limited company sick pay for the first few years as well (or longer). 

It is important to remember these anniversaries. Many workers think that redundancy is some sort of God given right. It's not. 

This didn't just "happen" - it was the result of a Labour government being elected and trade union campaigning for justice at work.

Never forget this

Lab12: North & WSPA Fringes

Still catching up from Labour Party Conference. The North Fringe on Monday evening reminded me of a proper traditional Labour Party event. Before Ed came to speak there was an auction and raffle. I didn't win anything, not even the GMB branded Whiskey!

It was also the only event I went to during conference that served bottles of Brown Ale. 

Harriet Harman firstly thanked the region for its massive support for the Labour Party. When Ed came he told us that this was his 10th fringe of the night.
He also said how much he enjoyed the Durham Miners Gala and would return next year. 21 years was too long (since last Labour leader attended). He pledged to build new houses and get young people into work when the next Labour Government is elected.

Next was the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) Fringe. They had the World's only Parliamentary band MP4 playing. I must admit that I thought they were very good and didn't realise that they were amaters. Hope they are members of the MU!  There was a number of MP's boogying on down including John Healey, Mike Gapes and Caroline Flint. There were others who declined the spotlight.

Top picture is of my fellow Gog (north walian) John Prescott with UNISON Local organiser Joel Bodmer and UNISON SGE member Mike Davy. Afterwards we went to the Midland Hotel bar to yet again put the world to rights.

Durham Miners Gala

Great picture from today's Durham Miners Gala. Portrait on banner is of course the first ever Labour MP (for West Ham!) Keir Hardie. 

On left is trade union official and Labour NEC member Johanna Baxter. 

It is a shame that there is this clash with the UNISON Labour link Forum. 

Hopefully I will go to the Gala next year.

Hat tip Mike W.