Investor briefing on Private Credit and ‘fire and rehire’ - The Oscar Mayer dispute and Pemberton Asset Management (Thursday 16 Jan)

 

Tomorrow (Thursday 16 Jan) I will be moderating an online investor briefing on Private Credit and ‘fire and rehire’ - The Oscar Mayer dispute and Pemberton Asset Management. 

"Oscar Mayer is a food production business that makes ready meals sold in supermarkets across Britain. It is majority owned and controlled by Pemberton Asset Management, a private credit manager which took over the company in 2023.

550 Unite members working in Oscar Mayer’s Wrexham factory are taking strike action against a fire and rehire scheme imposed by management. Oscar Mayer management have already sacked 30 Unite members to force through savage cuts to terms and conditions.
  
Management is forcing through new contracts that reduce workers’ time off the production line to just two short breaks a day. Under the new contacts, workers won’t be paid for this time.  Overtime for working on bank holidays is also being taken away. All told, the changes will cost workers up to £3,000 a year each. 

Given its ownership, it is clear Pemberton has the capacity to intervene. Unite is calling on pension funds and other asset owners to make no further allocations to Pemberton until the dispute is resolved. Already Clwyd Pension Fund has confirmed it will be making no further allocations.

Unite has additionally submitted a complaint against Pemberton under the PRI’s Serious Violations Policy asking that it be removed as a signatory.

Please join us to hear more about the dispute this Thursday at 4pm UK. The meeting will be moderated by John Gray, trade union representative on London CIV, and include a contribution from Councillor Anthony Wedlake from Wrexham who is a member of the Clwyd pension committee".

Topic: Oscar Mayer dispute and Pemberton Asset Management
Time: Jan 16, 2025 04:00 PM London

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"FTSE 100 bosses make more money in less than three days than the average worker does in a year"

The High Pay Centre estimates that FTSE 100 CEOs’ earnings for 2025 will surpass the median UK worker’s full time annual salary today, just before midday on Monday 6 January

FTSE 100 bosses’ will have to work two hours more to overtake UK median worker than they did in 2024

Calculations based on most recent available figures for CEOs and other top professions, plus Government data on UK workers’ pay.

The median FTSE 100 CEO’s earnings for 2025 will surpass the median annual salary for a full-time worker in the UK by around midday on Monday 6 January, according to HPC calculations.

The calculations are based on HPC’s  analysis of the most recent CEO pay disclosures published in companies’ annual reports, combined with government statistics showing pay levels across the UK economy.

As with last year, the executive pay data suggests that CEOs will have to work less than three days of 2025 to surpass the annual pay of the median worker.

Median FTSE 100 CEO pay (excluding pension) currently stands at £4.22 million, 113 times the median full time worker’s pay of £37,430. This represents a 2.5% increase on median CEO pay levels in the past year, while the median worker’s pay has increased by 7%.

In October, the new Government introduced an Employment Rights Bill, including measures promising to give trade unions reasonable access to workplaces to speak to workers and requiring employers to inform new employees of their right to join a union. The decline in trade union membership is widely recognised to have been a key factor in rising CEO to worker pay gaps and widening inequality that has occurred in the UK and across other Western countries since the 1980s.

HPC’s Charter for Fair Pay, published last Autumn called for effective implementation of the Employment Rights Bill as well as further measures giving workers more of a voice in the running of companies.

FTSE 100 bosses make more money in less than three days than the average worker does in a year • High Pay Centre

Tory Wipe out Poll (don't believe it)

 

While I want to believe that this poll is accurate I do not believe it "until it happens". We are are still very, very vulnerable to Tory division and lies. The Tories are the most ruthless and successful election machine in Western Europe. Never forget this.

I also had a rather depressing experience today at a trade union meeting, where the ultra left spent all their time slagging off Labour and not the Tories. They obviously want another 5 years (and longer) of Tory rule, since they believe it will bring about "the revolution". Yeah. 

Labour is not perfect and I have never personally agreed with every one of their policies or statements. But the choice (in the main UK elections) is really about either the Tories or Labour. Full Stop.

The Ultra left would rather have the Tories in power than Labour to keep themselves "ideologically pure". They do not give a damn about working class people. 

I am off with "West Hammers on Tour" tomorrow to support the Labour Candidate for Wellingborough, Gen Kitchen. Fingers crossed. 

"Despised...Why the Modern Left Loathes the Working Class"

 

I met up last week with a UNISON member and former work colleague. We meet 3-4 times a year for a meal and chat about politics and trade unions. He sent me this book by Paul Embery and we are planning to discuss it next time we meet. I will post further when I have finished reading it. 

I cannot resist linking this review from The Guardian.  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/08/labour-conservative-values-liberal-left-working-class-voters

Hatfield Heath, Essex Walk (& The Great British Bake Off )

For various reasons I haven't posted any walks lately. I know some say they enjoy my posts on walking more than the ones on politics or trade unions! To me, my walking or running (very slowly) in the countryside is my "hinterland". 

This walk last month was a delight. A bit overcast but quiet and peaceful. Started off with a coffee in local village cafe and a pint in a local pub at end.

I found this 5.9 mile circular walk in the Ordinance Survey website (subscription) and it was provided by Country Walking magazine (which also a subscription but is free for certain walks if you subscribe to OS but you only get very limited details - see below).

Description

Gently sloping fields, streamside paths and small woods make up the quintessentially English landscapes around Down Hall, the hotel where this year's The Great British Bake Off was filmed. The cross-country Stort Valley Way and Forest Way meet to form a circuit that passes Down Hall (where you could have a fancy tea on the terrace) and runs through the pretty village of Hatfield Heath with its bakery, pubs and cafés. By Phoebe Taplin ROUTE Start/parking: Holy Trinity church, Hatfield Heath/roadside parking, grid ref TL523150, CM22 7EU Is it for me? Easy country paths and tracks, but mud all year. Seriously muddy in winter. Steps can be slippy. Some road walking Stiles: 3 PLANNING Nearest town: Sawbridgeworth Refreshments: Two pubs, several cafés, takeaways, good bakery and shops in Hatfield Heath, including Tea on the Heath. Down Hall serves afternoon tea (01279 731441) Public toilets: In Marriage Feast Hall, Matching Public transport: Buses 5 from Bishops Stortford to Stansted Airport and 59 Harlow-Chelmsford stop hourly near start/end Maps: OS Explorer 183; Landranger 167

Workers Memorial Day: This Friday 28 April - UNISON wreath laying at 1pm at "Clasping hands" statute, Bow, E3

 

This year UNISON Housing Association Branch will be remembering those who have died at work due to accidents at work or from work related ill health & diseases. It is also a campaigning day to fight for the living at work and their health and safety.

We will holding a wreath laying event at the "Clasping Hands" statute in Three Mills Green, Stratford, London E3 3DU at 1pm on Friday 28 April 2023. We have held this event now for many years but hope to get a good turn out post Covid. 

This beautiful statue is near the site of a ventilation shaft where 4 workers died in 1900. 3 of them perished while heroically trying to rescue a fellow worker.

Local MP, Lyn Brown is attending and all trade unionists will be welcome as well as safety advisors and anyone else, genuinely interested in health and safety at work. 

Please bring your trade union and Labour movement banners.

UNISON members from the nearby L&Q Housing headquarters will be walking to the site beforehand. The wreath laying and talk about what happened here and why it is important should last no more than 30 minutes or so.

If you are unable to attend this event then check out the TUC website for events local to you or arrange with your employer to carry out a general walkabout safety inspection of your workplace looking for obvious hazards. It is also Stress Awareness month so check on stress risk assessment arrangements and occupational health support for workers.

Newham Affiliated Trade Union Focused Feedback on #LABCON22

I am looking forward to this trade union Labour Party focused debate on 29 October (in personal capacity only). It was an amazing conference and while we should not be at all complacent, the Tories were (and still are) seemingly trying to do everything possible (despite the maths) to bring about a future Labour Government. 

No to Trade Union Victimisation: Support the Kirklees 14 - A safe place for woman

 

No one should should ignore women reporting male aggression and harassment against them. Full Stop.  https://www.facebook.com/Kirklees-14-A-Safe-Space-to-Put-our-Case-105607508706986

Committee on Workers’ Capital - Mid Year Virtual Roundtable

CWC Mid-Year Virtual Roundtable

Between June 8-10th, 2021 the CWC will host two 90 minute virtual brainstorming events to engage with its global network.

We will review how leading asset owners are integrating labour rights at a time when regulatory contexts around sustainable finance are rapidly shifting.

Furthermore, we will report back on the CWC's engagement with BlackRock, upcoming meetings with SSGA and Macquarie and create a space for discussion around the CWC Asset Manager Accountability Initiative.

Finally, we will curate a discussion with the network around recent cases of engagements on worker rights in a) public equities, b) private markets and c) regulation.

Click here to register and to see the agenda

Session 1 will be organized for a North American/ European audience on June 8th at 7am PT| 10am ET| 3pm BST| 4pm CEST. 

Session 2 will be organized for a North American/Australian audience on June 9th at 4pm PT| 7pm ET | June 10th at 9am AEST. 

*Please note that the agenda for both sessions will be the same, participants are encouraged to register to one session that best suits their time zone. 

G

 

Three Labour Movement AGM's in one Week

Last week I attended 3 different Annual General Meetings. 

On Tuesday and Thursday evening, it was the Newham Labour Group AGM (Councillors) where I was elected unopposed as Group Chair.

Then on Wednesday UNISON Greater London Regional Council AGM, where (coincidently) I was re-elected unopposed as Regional Finance Convenor (as were all the Regional Council officers). 

On Saturday I took part as a UNISON delegate in the TUC London, East & South East Regional Council AGM. 

In the UK the Labour movement traditionally has two wings, the Trade Unions and its political wing, the Labour Party.  I am a firm believer and supporter of the Labour Movement family. 

Like any family, from time to time, there are some major rows and disagreements. But we remain a family. 

Shrewsbury Pickets, Political Policing and the State

Fantastic news last week when the "Shrewsbury 24" (including Royle family actor Ricky Tomlinson) was cleared at the Court of Appeal. I have a clash on Wednesday but hope to join this event. 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shrewsbury-pickets-political-policing-and-the-state-tickets-147119766181

"Online meeting to celebrate and learn from the significant victory of the 'Shrewsbury 24' in quashing their almost 50-year-old convictions.

About this Event

On Tuesday 23rd March 2021 the Court of Appeal made the following judgement in the case of our clients Ricky Tomlinson, Arthur Murray and the ‘Shrewsbury 24.’

“It follows that under Ground 1, the convictions of all the appellants are unsafe.

Their appeals are allowed and all the verdicts in relation to them are quashed.” (pt.99)

The convictions of the ‘Shrewsbury 24’ have been quashed. They are unsafe, and they walk from this court – as they have always been - innocent men.

We say they are victims of police corruption, of a political trial, and of a Conservative Government – who at the time were looking to take revenge against the trade union movement.

Join us online on Wednesday 31 March at 6.30pm to analyse and discuss the historical lessons to learn from this courageous struggle.

Speakers:

Ricky Tomlinson (Shrewsbury Picket and jailed Trade Unionist)

John McDonnell (Labour MP)

Dave Smith (Blacklist Support Group)

Piers Marquis and Annabel Timan (Doughty Street Chambers barristers)

A Short History of Trade Unions

If you ever wondered about the history of trade unions then I recommend this 5 minute 46 second introduction on YouTube. 

Part of my TUC Employment law course work. 

Update: Check out a very good analysis of the more recent history and possible way forward for the movement by James Moher

http://www.historyandpolicy.org/policy-papers/papers/trade-unions-and-the-law-history-and-a-way-forward

What does "Just Transition" mean in practice? We cannot deliver on climate change unless we have justice and fairness...?

 

Last Wednesday I attended the launch and first evidence session of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Local Government Pension Funds and its inquiry into ‘Responsible Investment for a Just Transition’. The meeting was chaired by Clive Betts MP. 

From the invite:-

"As you know, climate change is a threat to lives and livelihoods, and presents systemic risks to the economy and financial markets and to our future prosperity. Shifting to a net zero economy has the potential to create new jobs and drive economic growth. However, the benefits may not be felt evenly with some employees and communities bearing the brunt of industrial change. This not only risks creating economic hardship for some but also undermining support for the shift to net zero (my empathises).

Ahead of the UN climate change conference in Glasgow in 2021, the APPG inquiry will take evidence - and then compile a final report - setting out recommendations to UN agencies, national, devolved and local government, policymakers, business and investors, about how the risks that climate change poses can be avoided in a just way. Over the first half of 2021 the APPG will hear a wide range of perspectives on the issue and, in particular, answers to the following questions:

· What is a just transition is and why does it matter?

· What initiatives would help ensure a just transition

· What action you would like to see investors and government take on this agenda?

The APPG for LAPF believes that it has the opportunity to shape the national agenda on the just transition to a net zero future, and wishes to hear from as many voices as possible".

In response to a question what Local Government Pension funds can practically do to support "Just Transition" I suggested that they should support actively engage with companies they own to ensure that they follow the International Labour Organisation (UN) principles on Trade Union recognition and collective bargaining. No justice No Transition.  

The danger of a single story | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Tomorrow and Tuesday I am taking part in a UNISON ERA (Employment Rights Act) refresher training via zoom. 

As part of the preparation for the courses the Tutor from (conel.ac.uk) has asked us to watch beforehand this marvellous video of the writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Well worth a watch. 

These are the questions we will have to answer tomorrow. 

1.What questions or thoughts did it evoke in you? 

2.What’s our role as trade unionists in the workplace and in society? 

3.How can we ensure that the “whole story” is considered? 

Join UNISON

Join UNISON today -

Recent TV advert. Public service workers have been joining UNISON in droves

"We’re proud to be the UK’s largest union, giving support to over one million members. Wherever you work, your decision to join UNISON means everything to us. Thank you to each and every one of you – our public service champions."

Stay safe - Join a Union

If you don't know which trade union to join then check out the TUC website (Trades Union Congress - the collective body of more than 5.5 million working people in the UK and 48 member unions) and click https://www.tuc.org.uk/find-union-you.
If you work for any organisation that provides a public service then of course, consider UNISON, the largest union in the UK! https://join.unison.org.uk/

Hat tip Miriam Mirwitch

Lewis in the morning on ReviveFM 94.0

Hat tip Tony Lewis Facebook who is also the joint chair of the Newham Homeless Action Group.

"This Morning on "Lewis in the morning" Breakfast Show on Revive FM 94.0,  Cllr and Deputy Mayor for Housing, John Gray attended the Revive FM Studios to answer questions asked by residents of Newham about the housing situation, the Labour party and his humble beginnings as a trade unionist son in Wales to his current role as Deputy Mayor for Newham.

He spoke about the past, the present and the future of Newham and how Newham can be a beacon to the country on how a Labour government in power would look like, and how co-production and community wealth building is taking firm roots within Newham with some positive outcomes already.

Check out ReviveFM website thus weekend for more information and audio of this ground-breaking interview. www.revivefm.co.uk.

(Many thanks to Tony for the interview and his kind words)

UNISON NEC Elections 2019: Nominate Denise and John for Community Seats

"Dear Branch Secretary

We did send a request on 7 January 2019 and we apologise for sending another request if your branch has already decided nominations but we believe that some branches did not receive our previous request. We understand from UNISON that your branch is entitled to nominate for Community NEC seats. Please see attached our joint nomination request (see also below). We hope your branch will consider nominating us. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

NEC Elections 2019: Community General Seat & Female Seat Nomination Request
John Gray Denise Thomas

RMS 3083288 RMS 8688788

31 January 2019

Your branch is entitled to nominate candidates to the two Community seats for this year’s National Executive Council elections. We request that your branch considers nominating John Gray for the General Seat and Denise Thomas for the Female seat.

Denise is currently the Major Charities representative on the Community Service Group Executive (SGE). She is also a grassroots UNISON activist holding positions as Branch Black Members Officer and Welfare officer for Ymlaen/Forward Cymru Wales. Ymlaen/Forward Branch has over 4500 Community members in over 400 organisations. Denise is the secretary of the UNISON Black Workers Self Organised Group and sits on her regional committee and women’s committee.

John is currently the Community NEC General seat representative and has been an activist in UNISON for many years and held a number of branch and regional positions including Treasurer, Health & Safety, Welfare, Labour Link, International officer and Assistant Secretary. He is employed by a large Housing Association and is the Branch Secretary of the Greater London Housing Associations Branch which has over 3000 Community members. Recently he led a successful campaign that resulted in UNISON winning a ballot by a massive majority in favour of trade union recognition.

Denise has a background working in the Voluntary and Community sector for the past 26yrs supporting Adults with learning disabilities. As a branch activist Denise has focused on organising, recruitment and representing members to get a fair pay deal within her organisation. As a regional activist and SGE member she has fought to promote equality and inclusive work places.

John has served the union as a NEC member on the Policy and Development Committee, Trustee on the UNISON staff pension fund, National Labour link and is a trustee of UNISON “there for you” (Welfare) fund Committee & Vice-Chair Industrial action committee.

We deserve a Pay Rise!

Care and support staff wages in particular are under threat as unscrupulous employers deliberately underbid to win contracts then try and do their upmost to destroy TUPE protections.

Many Housing management organisations are cash rich after years of rent rises yet still refuse to give their staff decent pay rises. In the voluntary sector employers are funding the National Living wage by attacking terms and conditions and increasing workloads. 2

Both of us as NEC and SGE members have been working and campaigning with branches and regions to oppose these measures. We believe that Community members must play our part in opposing Austerity and arguing for an alternative economic policy. We need to pull together and get rid of the current UK government

We also support the Community specific campaigns below such as:-

· Better funding & resources for branches that support Community members. Community workers often work for small employers and in isolated workplaces.

· Campaign for Inclusive Workplace policies by employers

· No public money for “union busters”. Any employer that does not have a trade union recognition agreement should be barred from grants or contracts from local or national governments.

· Sector Wage Councils. Set up to decide the pay and conditions of all staff by collective bargaining including a living wage minimum for all Community workers and agency/sub-contractors.

· UNISON Ethical Care Charter. All employers must be called upon to support and sign up.

· Better governance and democracy. Increasingly many of our employer management boards are run by highly paid unelected and unrepresentative “elites”. There should be union employee representation on all Community Trust or management boards, especially remuneration committees (if applicable)

· Defend Pensions. Protect the Social Housing Pension fund and the Pension Trust from further cuts. Access to a decent defined benefit pension scheme for all.

· Better health & safety at work in particular protecting members by supporting the “End Violence at Work” charter.

· Recruit & train more activists to support members

We believe that we would both work together well as your Community NEC team. While Denise’s employer is a charity, John’s is a housing association, so we represent and complement both of the major sectors in the Community Service Group.

If you would like either of us to come and attend a branch meeting or hustings (under UNISON election rules) then please let us know and if we can, we will be delighted to come and speak.

Denise Thomas & John Gray

UNISON endorsement for Emma Whysall as Labour Candidate for Chipping Barnet: "Let's get the job done"

"I’m at least the fourth generation of my family to be a Trade Unionist - back to the blacklisted docker and the miner on strike for the minimum wage in 1912.

Trade Unions are the core of the Labour Movement. I am so humbled by @unisontweets endorsement for @ChippingLabour"

Hustings are tomorrow. Eligible Labour Party members are being sent ballot papers. While Chipping Barnet members has 3 good candidates to choose from, Greater London UNISON elected lay leadership endorse Emma to be the candidate as its next Labour MP.

"Let's get the job done".

Check out

https://www.facebook.com/EmmaWhysallChippingBarnet/

https://twitter.com/EmmaWhysall

Weakening of trade unions behind pay stagnation, says Bank of England’s Chief Economist

Andrew Haldane, Chief Economist at the Bank of England, has pointed to the decline in trade union power as a key factor in the last ten years of real wage stagnation, alongside the rise of insecure work, low productivity and automation.

Speaking to trade unions and business earlier this week, he said: "Sectors of the UK economy with higher levels of unionisation have seen smaller falls in their labour shares. Over the past few decades, a sector like administration and support activities with under 10% unionisation rates has seen its labour share decline, while a sector like education with a unionisation rate close to 50% has seen its labour share rise."

The last ten years have been historically unusual, he added, in that employment has risen but pay has not followed.

Indeed, workers are feeling the pinch across the UK and some of those in the most insecure types of jobs are taking a stand.


Hat tip IER