Norfolk spurns UNISON alternative to cuts‏

Despite UNISON urging Norfolk County Council to rethink plans to cut £2.8m from its Connexions careers service, council leaders look set to press ahead with the plans. http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/eveningnews24/norwich-news/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=xNews&itemid=NOED31%20Aug%202010%2008%3A13%3A32%3A703

Workers rights under attack in New Zealand‏

The National Party led Government this month introduced two new Bills to Parliament to drastically change employment law in New Zealand.  If passed the changes will take away workers' rights, remove protections, cut pay, reduce holidays and diminish access to sick leave.

Quick Wins for the Con Dem Pensions Commission = Big losses for LGPS members‏

The FT reports on proposals from the influential London Pension Fund Authority (LPFA) for ‘sweeping changes to local government workers’ pension arrangements’.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1534025a-b465-11df-8208-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss

Breakthrough in South African public services strike?‏

After 13 days on strike, over one million striking South African public servants will vote today on a revised Government offer. Reuters reports that the government ‘increased its offer to 7.5 percent from 7 percent - compared to the union demand for 8.6 percent’. As well as the proposed wage increase, the government raised its offer for a monthly housing allowance to 800 rand. Unions have been demanding 1,000 rand. http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE67U05Y20100831

4 Independents hold balance of power in Australia‏

Report from a UNISONActive reader in Sydney, Australia:
The makeup of the next Australian Government remains uncertain following the recent Australian elections. With both major parties requiring the support of key independents in order to form a minority Government, both parties continue to negotiate to garner support. The situation has gone very quiet on the ground with both major parties locked in negotiations to form the next Government.

Ed Miliband backs UNISON campaign for fair pay in Sodexo‏

Ed Miliband yesterday backed the campaign by Richmond school meals workers to win sick pay and improved hourly rates. Speaking at the Richmond Labour Party meeting he pledged his support for their campaign against the global company Sodexo who have denied them sick pay and many other entitlements under the 'Workforce Code' - which the coalition government is looking to end. http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/94595

Malaysian workers' pension fund launches £1bn spending spree‏

A $112bn pension fund that invests the savings of 12.3 million Malaysian workers has launched a £1bn property spending spree as Far East pension money comes into the UK. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/malaysian-workers-savings-fund-launches-1631bn-spending-spree-2064627.html

Gesture politics, platitudes & a leadership election‏

Rarely has there been a more self indulgent internal political process than the extended leadership election taking place within the Labour Party. The PLP nomination process started on 24 May and the result will not be announced until 25 September.

Bradford stands together against EDL hatred & racism‏

Nick Lowles of Hope not Hate reports on yesterday’s events in Bradford where over 800 far right EDL supporters congregated. Nick praises the local community and anti racist campaigners: ‘ I saw at first hand how horrible, racist and violent the EDL were today.

Poem about My Rights by June Jordan‏

Even tonight and I need to take a walk and clear
my head about this poem about why I can’t
go out without changing my clothes my shoes
my body posture my gender identity my age
my status as a woman alone in the evening/