Welcome to the second edition of the UNISON migrant workers newsletter. The newsletter is produced by the migrant workers unit and is part of the Migrant Workers Participation Project.

Our aim is to keep migrant workers in UNISON informed about the latest developments and to encourage them to become active in their union. You can read more about what we are doing on the migrant workers website: www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

We believe communication is a two-way process and you can contact us on migrants@unison.co.uk

Please feel free to write in your own first language even if that is not English. We want to hear from you. If you know someone who might be interested in receiving our newsletter please send us their email address or the mail address (if they don't have an email).

They can also subscribe online: http://www.unison.org.uk/news/mailinglist.asp

If you missed the last issue don't worry you can easily download it from our website www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers.

The next Migrant Workers Newsletter will be issued at the beginning of May.

Migrant Workers Agenda for March and April

March

'Poles Vote' beginning of the campaign in Polish media more info www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

9 March: start day of Immigration Advice for UNISON members from outside the EU more info: www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

21- 22 March: Pathways into UNISON in Scotland more info: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers/pages_view.asp?did=8212

23- 25 March: Migrant Workers in Public Sector Exhibition on tour in West Middland more info: www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

26 March- 9 April: Migrant Workers in Public Sector Exhibition on tour in Northern Region more info: www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

May

5 May: Meeting in the House of Commons with MPs, MEPs and leaders of Polish communities

9- 10 May: Pathways into UNISON in West and East Midlands more info: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers/pages_view.asp?did=8212

Battle for Citizenship Bill in the House of Lords

You will see on the UNISON Migrant Workers website that Dave Prentis, our General Secretary, says -"I'm very proud that UNISON welcomes migrant workers to the UK and values their contribution to our economy, our society, and our culture."

UNISON has sought to turn these words into action through the lobbying it is doing on the Citizenship Bill.

In the first reading of the bill in the House of Lords, Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer, praised the work of the trade unions on these issues and specifically mentioned UNISON.

"...in its briefing UNISON said:

"We and our members know and value the significant contribution that migrant workers ... make to the UK's public services. However, we have strong concerns that the measures proposed in this Bill ... will make the lives of these migrants even harder"."

UNISON has specifically highlighted the vulnerable position migrants are in until they get citizenship or permanent leave to remain, because their residence is wholly dependent on their job and consequently their employer's goodwill.

Making the citizenship process longer only increases their vulnerability. We will continue to lobby and put down relevant amendments as the Bill progresses.

Remember to lobby your MP to get the system made fairer.

UNISON submission to Migration Advisory Committee

UNISON made representations to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on the need for migrant workers in the Care sector and partly as a result of those representations MAC have been asked to look at this again. In the most recent letter UNISON said:

UNISON is the UK's largest public sector trade union and we represent 300,000 workers in the social care sector, more than any other trade union. The evidence available to UNISON from our members supports the MAC conclusion that there is a shortage of skilled workers in the care sector which can only reasonably be expected to be filled in the immediate future by allowing immigrants from outside the EEA to fill posts.

MAC have taken the view that the criteria applied to immigrants wishing to come and work in the care sector under the Points Based System (PBS) need to be robust in order to avoid abuses. UNISON believes that the best way to avoid abuse is to ensure that the criteria are simple, transparent and fair.

In their first report the MAC estimated that about one third of Senior Care Workers (SCW) needed to have skills equivalent to level 3 NVQ to do their job. UNISON believes that the sector as a whole is undervalued in large part due to gender bias in assessing care skills, which are seen as 'women's work. Consequently we believe that MAC may be underestimating the proportion of SCW who are required at level 3.  It is also important to note that staff working in this role are caring for the most vulnerable in society, often with complex medical or mental health needs.  The regulation of care workers is growing in scope including proposals for professional regulation, in addition to requirements under the Independent Safeguarding scheme. This demonstrates the high standards  of conduct and competence required of care workers and points to the developed skills care workers require to fulfil these.

MAC have expressed concern about the level of pay in the care sector and suggested using pay as a proxy for skill by restricting the filling of vacancies through the PBS to posts paid at or in excess of the top third of ASHE earnings distribution for the care assistants and homecarers SOC code. UNISON welcomes MAC's concern about low pay in the care sector. However, we do not believe that using pay as a proxy for skill is sensible.

There are two reasons for this. Firstly Skills for Care data shows that there is very little return in pay terms on gaining an NVQ3 qualification. Rather the normal correlation between pay and skill is distorted by public funding, sector (public, private, voluntary) and regional pay variation. There is a chronic shortage of public funding available for the care sector as a whole with ever increasing demand. Different levels of public funding for different types of provision mean that the amount of money available for care of different groups varies. For instance significantly more money is available to care for the young and disabled than the elderly, despite an ageing population and greater than ever demands being placed on organisations. This distorts the pay picture and can produce misleading conclusions about pay levels in specific parts of the sector – for example care for the elderly – if pay data for the sector as a whole is used. As it happens most migrants are employed in providing care for the elderly and it is here that access to the PBS is most needed.

All this means that there is little correlation between those workers in the top third of the ASHE earnings distribution and those workers who have the highest skill levels.

Secondly, there are clear regional variations in pay in the care sector. By applying one pay figure as a proxy across the whole of England you end up with different effects according to regional pay variations. So for example pay levels in the south east of England tend to be higher potentially making it easier to fill posts using the PBS in the south east, irrespective of skills need, because it is easier to meet the pay criteria.  Most of the care is provided by independent sector organisations which are not accountable to the national pay negotiations which cover their local authority and NHS counter-parts.

While it may be possible to control for some of these other factors by for instance applying regional pay criteria, UNISON does not believe that pay as a proxy will be simple, transparent or perceived as fair.

UNISON has a further objection to using pay as a proxy for skill; specifically the unintended consequences for workplace cohesion. The Home Office already has in place transition arrangements for SCW whose work permits need renewing. Because of concerns about abuse of the system by employers migrant workers needing to renew their work permits have had to show that they earn at least #7.02 per hour. There have been instances where other indigenous workers have found that they end up earning less or that their pay differentials are eroded because the employer needs to pay the migrant more to retain them under this system.

Not surprisingly there have been instances reported where this has led to resentment. For existing staff pay generally increases with length of service and the gaining of experience. Under the PBS employers will potentially bring in new workers at a pay rate of #8.80 an hour which in many cases will exceed the rates paid to long-standing experienced staff. This causes the unintended consequence of distorting pay systems and creating hostility to migrants. UNISON is strongly of the view that the danger of dissension in the workplace means that pay as a proxy for skill is not a sensible criteria to apply under the PBS.

UNISON takes the view that MAC should apply the 30% ratio without attempting to use pay as the cut off. On this basis  in any one establishment no more than one third of posts could be filled using the PBS at any one time. Alternatively the MAC should work with stakeholders to draw up criteria based on the duties and responsibilities of the post such as mentoring and training other care staff, complexity of care work undertaken etc.

We recognise that there will be concerns about enforcement of a model that uses job descriptions but there are equally concerns about enforcement of the pay minimum – we have evidence of collusion between workers and employers to show paper compliance with the minimum hourly rate while there are additional unpaid hours worked which are not recorded. Issues about enforcement will arise whichever system MAC comes up with.

For more information visit our website: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

Further Victory for Senior Care Workers!

Eight senior care worker members of UNISON have succeeded in getting their work permits and visas extended despite having been forced to overstay in the UK for more than 6 months.

Some of these workers had their visa applications rejected several times but UNISON supported them, arguing that the cause of their visa having lapsed was the difficulty of finding employers who would pay the required #7.02 per hour minimum wage within the 6 months concessionary period that the Home Office imposed.

Jean Junio, a senior care worker said, "UNISON has supported me all the way despite my getting several rejections in response to my work permit and visa applications. I would have given up if UNISON had not been there to support me. Now I can work again and provide for my family's needs. I am so grateful for UNISON's support"

Another senior care worker, Ms. Zhou, shifted to a student visa, when her employer refused to extend her work permit and pay #7.02. She succeeded in getting back her work permit visa after UNISON lodged a judicial review action on her behalf. As a result the Home Office finally granted her a visa extension

In 2007, the Home Office changed the requirements for extending work permits for senior care workers. As a result of this many workers lost their work permits and visas. A concession was won in January 2008 which allowed many senior care workers to extend their work permits under the old requirements. However, by then, many had already lost their work permit and visa for over 6 months and the Home Office was rejecting applications for visa extensions.

UNISON has been supporting many of these senior care workers. If you are in this situation or know anybody in this situation, please contact us immediately!

UNISON Free Immigration Advice

If you are a migrant worker from a country outside the European Union and you need advice on immigration issues related to your work situation and your right to work in the UK, then you may be able to benefit from a new advice scheme offered by UNISON to its members.

The union is offering a new service which provides free immigration telephone advice to UNISON members who have come to work in the UK from countries outside of the European Union.

UNISON now works with the Joint Council for the Welfare for Immigrants (JCWI) to provide expert immigration advice to our members. This is a pilot project initially available only for this year and will start on the 9 March 2009.

If you have been a member of UNISON for more than 4 weeks and need immigration advice and information, please call UNISON Direct at 0845 355 0845. Your contact details will be passed on to a JCWI Adviser who will call you on Tuesday,

10-12am.

When calling UNISON Direct, please be ready to give your full name, contact phone numbers and your UNISON membership number.

Since this is a pilot project, we would appreciate if you could write/email us your feedback on the quality of service.

Leaflets in Spanish, English and Filipion you could find on our website: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

Pathways into UNISON – pilot course in December

'Pathways into UNISON' is a special course dedicated for migrant workers and run by Learning and Organizing Service in cooperation with Migrant Workers Unit.

The pilot course took place on the 6 and 7 December last year at the University of Birmingham's conference centre in Birmingham.

Because it was a national course participants came to Birmingham from across the country. One of them was Arthur who is 26 years old and works as a street cleaner. He comes from Eastern Europe and has lived in the UK for almost three years.

He told us: 'I joined UNISON very recently. I knew very little about the union and my role in it. I didn't know what is a difference between shop steward or health and safety rep. I even didn't know where my branch is. I only know that UNISON offers free ESOL classes for their members which I am now taking. In the beginning I was very worried because it was my first course however after couple of minutes when I met friendly people and helpful tutors I felt like being in a course in my country.

Thanks to this course I know what I want to do in UNISON and who to speak to. I contacted my branch and said I want to go on a training course for health and safety rep because this is a very important issue in my workplace. I have my own mentor who is a colleague from the course and who could help me at any time. I would recommend this course for any person who wants to learn more about UNISON and wants to become an active member just like me now!'

Below some of the participants:

If you are interested in taking part in this course why not contact us. You could do it on phone or via email in Polish, Filipino and foremost English. Susan Cueva

s.cueva@unison.co.uk telephone: 0207 5511 676

Adam Rogalewski a.rogalewski@unison.co.uk telephone: 0207 5511 480

You will find more information about the dates and places of the course on our website: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers/pages_view.asp?did=8212

International Migrant Workers' Day

On the 18 December UNISON's members celebrated International Migrant Workers Day with a reception at the Church house conference centre. One of the guests was the director of the Royal Geographical Society Dr Rita Gardner. The party also included the lunch of the UNISON's photography exhibition Migrant Workers and public services- give them right and respect. The pictures, made by Simon Rawles, shows migrants workers contribution to care of the most vulnerable members of our society. The exhibition is now on tour to find where you could visit see Migrant Workers agenda in this newsletter.

A selection of the photos and stories are online: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers/photogallery.asp

Better Deal for Polish Workers with UNISON

On the 7 February the Migrant Workers Unit participated in the seminar organised by the TUC's Vulnerable Workers Project which took place at the Polish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith. This was an excellent opportunity to talk with Polish colleagues not only for the Migrant Workers Unit but also for UNISON member Arthur who put into practice the knowledge he learnt on a Pathways into UNISON course.

This was a very busy time for him. A lot of Poles approached the UNISON stand asking about various issues such us who could join UNISON or how to exercise their employment rights. Some of the Polish visitors who contacted us afterwards said how pleased they were to find relevant information on the UNISON stall. It wouldn't have been possible without the co-operation of London region. So, we would like to thank you our colleagues from London region, particularly Maggie Jones, for preparing a stall.

UNISON's stall at the Better deal for Polish Workers Seminar

Polish Yes for Europe No for BNP on the 4 June

From the beginning of March UNISON starts a campaign for Polish migrant workers encouraging them to register and vote in the European Election.

According to government figures there are approximately 700,000 Poles in the UK and as European Citizens they have right to take part both in local and European election.

Given these numbers Polish voters will have an evident impact on the future election results and therefore they could stop the BNP taking seats in the European Parliament.

UNISON's main concern is to make Poles aware how important this election is for their future in the UK. Part of the BNP's racist policy is to take the UK out of the European Union.

If this happened Polish workers wouldn't be allowed to stay and work in Britain and consequently contribute to British economy and society. Only a small number of people taking part in the European election Polish and other Eastern Europeans votes are in need to stop extremists form represent the UK in European Parliament.

UNISON is organising a meeting in the House of Commons on the 5th May with MPs, MEPs and leaders of Polish communities. But you don't need to wait for us. As an individual you could do a lot just by yourself. First of all check with your local council if you are registered to vote.

Remember you don't have to have a proper contract of tenancy or to display your passport or ID. It is a completely free process and all you need to do is to visit your council or its website find the form fill in and sign it and send it back to the council.

You can also choose how to vote: in person, by proxy, or by post. Finally, If you know how to do it why not tell your friends and colleagues from work. If you need some materials or have problems registering, email us migrants@unison.co.uk and we will be happy to help you.

Remember the 4 June is your day! Say Yes for Europe and No for BNP.

Poster in Polish 'Make sure you vote'

Witamy w drugiej edycji Newslettera Pracownikow Migrujących, ktory jest tworzony przez Departament ds. Pracownikow Migrujących w UNISON jako część projektu dotyczącego aktywnego uczestnictwa w działaniach naszego związku osob przybywających do pracy w Wielkiej Brytanii.

Naszym celem jest informowanie pracownikow migrujących będących członkami UNISON o najnowszych wydarzeniach i przez to wspieranie ich na ich drodze do zostania aktywnymi działaczami związku. Więcej o tym co robi nasz department można przeczytać na naszej stronie internetowej: www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers.

Sądzimy rownież, że komunikacja jest procesem, ktory działa w dwie strony, a więc ty rownież możesz się z nami skontakować pisząc do nas meila na następujący adres: migrants@unison.co.uk  Nie boj sie pisać w twoim ojczystym języku nawet jeśli to nie jest język angielski. Zależy nam na usłyszeniu o twoich sprawach i problemach. Jeśli znasz kogoś, kto byłby zainteresowany w otrzymywaniu naszego newslettera możesz wysłać do nas jej/jego adres meilowy, lub zwykły jeśli osoba ta nie ma meila, a my wyślemy jej następne wydanie newslettera. Twoj znajomy/znajoma może rownież zapisać się online klikając na ten link:

http://www.unison.org.uk/news/mailinglist.asp

Jeśli przeoczyłeś poprzedni numer nie przejmuj się- możesz go łatwo pobrać z naszej strony:

www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers.

Następny numer Newslettera Pracownikow Migrujących ukaże się na początku maja.

Program departamentu ds. Pracownikow Migrujących na marzec i kwiecień

Marzec/ "Polacy Głosują" rozpoczęcie kampanii w polskich mediach; więcej informacji na www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

9 Marca/ rozpoczęcie porad emigracyjnych dla członkow UNISON spoza EU; więcej informacji na: www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

21- 22 Marca/ "Pathways into UNISON" [ang: Ścieżki do UNISON] w Szkocji; więcej informacji na: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers/pages_view.asp?did=8212

23- 25 Marca/ wystawa "Pracownicy Migracyjny w Sektorze Publicznym" odwiedza West Middlands; więcej informacji na: www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

26 Marca- 9 Kwietnia/ wystawa "Pracownicy Migracyjny w Sektorze Publicznym" odwiedza Northern Region więcej informacji na: www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

5 Maja/ Spotkanie polskich liderow z brytyjskimi politykami w House of Commons w ramach kampanii ,Polacy głosują"; więcej informacji na: www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

9- 10 Maj/ [ang: Ścieżki do UNISON] w West and East Middland; więcej informacji na: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers/pages_view.asp?did=8212

Petycja UNISON do Doradczej Komisji ds. Emigracji

UNISON zgłosił petycję do Doradczej Komisji ds. Emigracji [Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)] dotyczącą potrzeb pracownikow migracyjnych w sektorze opieki. Częściowo dzięki tej petycji MAC został poproszony o powtorne rozpatrzenie sprawy tych pracownikow.  Poniżej ostatnie pismo UNISON w wersji angielskiej:

UNISON is the UK's largest public sector trade union and we represent 300,000 workers in the social care sector, more than any other trade union. The evidence available to UNISON from our members supports the MAC conclusion that there is a shortage of skilled workers in the care sector which can only reasonably be expected to be filled in the immediate future by allowing immigrants from outside the EEA to fill posts.

MAC have taken the view that the criteria applied to immigrants wishing to come and work in the care sector under the Points Based System (PBS) need to be robust in order to avoid abuses. UNISON believes that the best way to avoid abuse is to ensure that the criteria are simple, transparent and fair.

In their first report the MAC estimated that about one third of Senior Care Workers (SCW) needed to have skills equivalent to level 3 NVQ to do their job. UNISON believes that the sector as a whole is undervalued in large part due to gender bias in assessing care skills, which are seen as 'women's work. Consequently we believe that MAC may be underestimating the proportion of SCW who are required at level 3.  It is also important to note that staff working in this role are caring for the most vulnerable in society, often with complex medical or mental health needs.  The regulation of care workers is growing in scope including proposals for professional regulation, in addition to requirements under the Independent Safeguarding scheme. This demonstrates the high standards  of conduct and competence required of care workers and points to the developed skills care workers require to fulfil these.

MAC have expressed concern about the level of pay in the care sector and suggested using pay as a proxy for skill by restricting the filling of vacancies through the PBS to posts paid at or in excess of the top third of ASHE earnings distribution for the care assistants and homecarers SOC code. UNISON welcomes MAC's concern about low pay in the care sector. However, we do not believe that using pay as a proxy for skill is sensible.

There are two reasons for this. Firstly Skills for Care data shows that there is very little return in pay terms on gaining an NVQ3 qualification. Rather the normal correlation between pay and skill is distorted by public funding, sector (public, private, voluntary) and regional pay variation. There is a chronic shortage of public funding available for the care sector as a whole with ever increasing demand. Different levels of public funding for different types of provision mean that the amount of money available for care of different groups varies. For instance significantly more money is available to care for the young and disabled than the elderly, despite an ageing population and greater than ever demands being placed on organisations. This distorts the pay picture and can produce misleading conclusions about pay levels in specific parts of the sector – for example care for the elderly – if pay data for the sector as a whole is used. As it happens most migrants are employed in providing care for the elderly and it is here that access to the PBS is most needed.

All this means that there is little correlation between those workers in the top third of the ASHE earnings distribution and those workers who have the highest skill levels.

Secondly, there are clear regional variations in pay in the care sector. By applying one pay figure as a proxy across the whole of England you end up with different effects according to regional pay variations. So for example pay levels in the south east of England tend to be higher potentially making it easier to fill posts using the PBS in the south east, irrespective of skills need, because it is easier to meet the pay criteria.  Most of the care is provided by independent sector organisations which are not accountable to the national pay negotiations which cover their local authority and NHS counter-parts.

While it may be possible to control for some of these other factors by for instance applying regional pay criteria, UNISON does not believe that pay as a proxy will be simple, transparent or perceived as fair.

UNISON has a further objection to using pay as a proxy for skill; specifically the unintended consequences for workplace cohesion. The Home Office already has in place transition arrangements for SCW whose work permits need renewing. Because of concerns about abuse of the system by employers migrant workers needing to renew their work permits have had to show that they earn at least #7.02 per hour. There have been instances where other indigenous workers have found that they end up earning less or that their pay differentials are eroded because the employer needs to pay the migrant more to retain them under this system.

Not surprisingly there have been instances reported where this has led to resentment. For existing staff pay generally increases with length of service and the gaining of experience. Under the PBS employers will potentially bring in new workers at a pay rate of #8.80 an hour which in many cases will exceed the rates paid to long-standing experienced staff. This causes the unintended consequence of distorting pay systems and creating hostility to migrants. UNISON is strongly of the view that the danger of dissension in the workplace means that pay as a proxy for skill is not a sensible criteria to apply under the PBS.

UNISON takes the view that MAC should apply the 30% ratio without attempting to use pay as the cut off. On this basis  in any one establishment no more than one third of posts could be filled using the PBS at any one time. Alternatively the MAC should work with stakeholders to draw up criteria based on the duties and responsibilities of the post such as mentoring and training other care staff, complexity of care work undertaken etc.

We recognise that there will be concerns about enforcement of a model that uses job descriptions but there are equally concerns about enforcement of the pay minimum – we have evidence of collusion between workers and employers to show paper compliance with the minimum hourly rate while there are additional unpaid hours worked which are not recorded. Issues about enforcement will arise whichever system MAC comes up with.

Więcej informacji dotyczących tej kwestii możesz znaleźć na naszej stronie: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

Kolejne zwycięstwo ,Senior Care Workers"*!

Osiem ,senior care worker" będących członkami UNISON uzyskało przedłużenie wizy i pozwolenia o pracę mimo tego, że pozostawały w Wielkiej Brytanii przez wiecej niż 6 miesięcy. Niektorym z tych pracownikow podanie o wizę zostało odrzucone kilka razy. Dzięki pomocy UNISON, ktory podkreślał, że ich podanie o wizę zostało odrzucone tylko z tego względu, że osoby te napotykały trudności w znalezieniu pracodawcym, ktory zapłaciłbym im wymagane wynagrodzenie minimalne dla tego typu zawodu a więc Ł7,02 dlatego tez ich pozostawanie bez pracy w Wielkiej Brytanii było dłuższe niż wymagany przez Home Office okres 6 miesięcy po ktorego upływie, każde podanie o wizę jest odrzucane.

Jean Junio, ,senior care worker" powiedziała: "UNISON pomogał mi przez cały czas bez względu na to że moje podanie o pozwolenie o pracę i wizę było odrzucane.  Poddałabym się gdyby nie wsparcie ze strony UNISON. Obecnie mogę znowu pracować i zaopotrywać wszystkie swoje potrzeby życiowe. Jestem wdzięczna UNISON za wsparcie.

Kolejny ,senior care worker" Pani Zhou, przeszła na wizę studencką, gdy jej pracodawca odmowił jej przedłużenia jej pozwolenia o pracę i płacenia Ł 7.02.  Udało jej się uzyskać z powrotem pozwolenie o pracę potym jak UNISON wniosł o ponowne rozpatrzenie sprawy w jej imieniu. W rezultacie Home Offcie przedłużyło jej wizę.

W 2007 roku Home Office zmienił wymagania dotyczącę przedłużania pozwolenia o pracę dla ,senior care workers:. W rezultacie wielu z nich utraciło pozwolenia o pracę i wizy. W styczniu 2008 roku została wynegocjowana koncesja, ktora pozwoliła wielu ,senior care workers" przedłużyć ich pozowolenie o pracę stosując stare wymagania. Niestety wielu z nich do tego czasu nie posiadało już pozwolenia o pracę oraz wizy i przebywało w Wielkiej Brytanii więcej niż 6 miesięcy co powodowało, że ich podania były automatycznie odrzucane przez Home Office. Wielu z nich otrzymało pomoc od UNISON. Jeśli więc jesteś w podobnej sytacji, albo znasz kogoś takiego, skontaktuj się z nami niezwłoczenie!

*Senior Care Workers (ang. starsi stażem pracownicy domow opieki dla osob starszych).

Bezpłatne doradztwo emigracyjne w UNISON

Jeśli jesteś pracownikiem migrującym spoza Unii Europejskiej i potrzebujesz porady w kwestiach emigracyjnych dotyczących twojej pracy oraz prawa do pracy w Wielkiej Brytanii możesz korzystać z nowego poradnictwa oferowanego przez UNISON. UNISON oferuje dla swoich członkow, ktorzy przybyli do pracy w Wielkiej Brytanii spoza EU nowy serwis dotyczący bezpłatnego poradnictwa emigracyjnego przez telefon. UNISON wspołpracuje obecnie z Joint Council for the Welfare for Immigrants (JCWI) [ang: Wspolna Rada ds. Bezpieczeństwa Socjalnego Emigrantow] w celu zapewnienia swoim członkom bezpłatnej porady w sprawach emigracyjnych. Jest to program pilotażowy i będzię dostępny tylko przez ten rok. Termin rozpoczęcia 9-tego Marca 2009 roku.

Jeśli jesteś członkiem UNISON przez więcej niż 4 tygodnie i potrzebujesz porady w sprawach prawa emigracyjnego zadzwoń na UNISON Direct 0845 355 0845. Podane przez ciebie dane kontakowe będą przekazane do konsultanta z JCWI, ktory zadzwoni do ciebie we wtorek pomiędzy 10:00 a 12:00.

Dzwoniąc na UNISON Direct przygotuj się na podanie swojego pełengo imienia Ii nazwiska, numeru telefonu oraz numeru członkowskiego.

Biorąc pod uwagę, że jest to projekt pilotażowy będziemy wdzięczni za każdą opinę dotyczącą serwisu za pośrednictwem meila lub listu do nas.

Ulotki w jezyku angielskim, hiszpańskim i filipinskim można znaleźć na naszej stronie: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

Pathways into UNISON [ang: Ścieżki do UNISON] –kurs pilotażowy

'Pathways into UNISON' to darmowy pilotażowy kurs dla emigrantow przygotowany przez Departament ds. Edukacji i Rozwoju oraz Departament ds. Pracownikow Migrujących związku zawodowego UNISON.

Pilotażowa edycja odbyła się w dniach 6- 7 grudnia zeszłego rok w Centrum Konferencyjnym Uniwersytetu Birmingham. Ponieważ była to ogolnokrajowa edycja uczestnicy przyjechali z całego kraju. Jednym z nich byl Arthur (26 lat) pracujący jako sprzątacz ulic. Pochodzi on z Europy Wschodniej i mieszka w Wielkiej Brytanii już 3 lata. To jak podobał mu się ten kurs można znaleśc w jego opinii:

,Wstąpiłem do UNISON bardzo niedawno i wiedziałem bardzo niewiele o tym związku oraz co mogę w nim robić. Niewiedziałem rownież jaka jest rożnica pomiędzy ,shop stward" a ,helth and safety rep" (ANG przedstawiciel ds. BHP). Niewiedziałem nawet gdzie jest moja 'branch'. Jedyne co było mi wiadome to to, że UNISON oferuje darmowe kursy języka angielskiego (tzw. ESOL, angielski jako drugi język), na ktore uczęszczam. Na początku byłem bardzo zdenerowowany, ponieważ był to moj pierwszy kurs, ale po kilku minutach przebywania z przyjacielsko nastawionymi uczestnikami, oraz pomocnymi nauczycielami poczułem się jak na kursie w swoim ojczystym kraju.

Dzięki temu kursowi dowiedziałem się co właściwie chce robić w UNISON i a kim muszę się kontakować jeśli potrzebuję wsparcia. Skontakowałem się z moją ,branch", a teraz chce zrobić kurs przedstawieciela ds. BHP, ponieważ BHP jest ważne w moim miejsu pracy. Mam własnego mentora- kolegę z kursu na ktorego pomoc mogę liczyć w każdym czasie. Poleciłbym ten kurs każdemy, kto chce się dowiedzieć więcej o UNISON i chce zostać aktywnym członkiem związku, takim jakim ja jestem teraz!."

Poniżej zdjęcie niektorych uczestnikow

Jeśli jesteś zainteresowany szkoleniem skontakuj się z nami. Można to zrobić przez telefon lub meilem po polsku, filipińsku a przede wszystkim angielsku:

Susan Cueva

s.cueva@unison.co.uk telefon: 0207 5511 676

Adam Rogalewski a.rogalewski@unison.co.uk telefon: 0207 5511 480

Więcej inforamcji na temat terminow oraz miejsc odbywania się kursow znajdziesz na naszej stronie: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers/pages_view.asp?did=8212

Międzynarodowy Dzień Emigranta

W dniu 18 grudnia członkowie UNSION świętowali w centrum konferencyjnym ,Church House" międzynarodowy dzień pracownika migracyjnego. Jednym z gości była dr Rita Gardner dyrektor Krolewskiego Towarzystwa Konferencyjnego. Podczas przyjęcia można było zobaczyć wystawę fotografii: ,Pracownicy migrujący w sekotorze publicznym- zasługują na prawo i szacunek". Zdjęcia zrobione przez Simona Rawlesa, ukazują emigrantow opiekujących się najbardziej wrażliwymi członkami naszego społeczeństwa. Wystawa jest obecnie w objeżdzie i w celu sprawdzenia gdzie obecnie się znajduje zobacz program w naszym newsleterze.

Lepsze warunki pracy dla Polskich pracownikow z UNISON

7 lutego tego roku Departament ds. Pracownikow Migrujących w UNISON uczestniczył w seminarium organizowanym przez TUC Vulnerable Workers Project, ktore odbyło się w Polskim Centrum Kulturalnym w Hammersmith. To była wspaniała okazja do porozmowiania z polskimi kolegami nie tylko dla Departamentu ds. Pracownikow Migrujących w UNISON, ale także dla członka UNISON Arthura, ktory mogł w praktyce wykorzystać wiedzę zdobytą podczas ostatniego kursu Pathways into UNISON. Był to bardzo pracowity czas dla niego ponieważ wielu Polakow podchodziło do stoiska UNISON i pytało o rożnego rodzaju kwestie w szczegolności dotyczące tego jak wstąpić do UNISON czy jak wykonywać swoje prawa. Niektorzy z odwiedzających, konktując się z nami po spotkaniu wyrazili swoje zadowolenie z faktu uzyskania satysfakcjonujących informacji na stoisku UNISON. Nie byłoby to możliwe bez wspołpracy z regionem londynskim. Dlatego też chcielibyśmy podziękować naszym kolego z okręgu londyńskiego a w szczegolności Maggie Jones za przygotowanie stoiska.

Stoisko UNISON na seminarium lepsze warunki pracy dla polskich pracownikowr

Polskie Tak dla Europy Nie dla BNP 4 czerwca 

Od początku marca UNISON rozpoczyna kampanię adresowaną do Polakow mającą na celu zachęcenie polskich pracownikow migrujących do rejestrowania się i głosowania w wyborach europejskich. Według danych rządowych w Wielkiej Brytanii przebywa około 700,000 Polakow. Jako obywatele Unii Europejskiej mają oni prawo do brania udziału w samorządowych i europejskich wyborach. Biorąc pod uwagę tę liczbę polscy wyborcy bedą więc mieli ewidenty wpływ na przyszłe wybory i mogą powstrzymać BNP przed uzyskaniem miejsc w Parlamencie Europejskim. Głownym celem UNISON jest uświadomienie Polakow jak ważne są te wybory dla przyszłośći Wielkiej Brytanii. Pomijąją fakt rasistowskiej polityki BNP jednym z jej celow jest rownież wystąpienie Wielkiej Brytanii z Unii Europejskiej. Jeśli to nastąpi polscy pracownicy nie będą mogli legalnie pracować oraz przebywać w Wielkiej Brytanii a co jest z tym związane pozytwnie wpływać na brytyjską ekonomię i społeczeństwo. Z tego powody, że w ostatnich latach mało osob brało udział w wyborach do Parlamentu Europejskiego głosy Polakow i innych obywateli krajow Europy Wschodniej będą konieczne do powstrzymania extremistow przed reprezentowaniem Wielkiej Brytanii w Parlamencie Europejskim. Jako część tej kampani UNISON organizuje 5 maja spotkanie w Izbie Gmin z krajowymi i europejskimi posłami oraz liderami polskich organizacji. Nie musisz jednak na nas czekać i rownież sam możesz wiele zrobić. Po pierwsze sprawdż w swoim ,council" czy jestes zarejestrowany. Pamiętaj że nie musisz mieć umowy o wynajęcie mieszkania ani pokazywać paszportu. Ten proces jest całkowicie darmowy i jedyne co musisz zrobić to odwiedzić twoj ,council" albo jego stronę, pobrać formularz podpisać i wysłać spowrotem do ,council". Możesz rownież wybrać jak chcesz głosować: osobiście, przez pełnomocnika lub za pośrednictwem poczty. Jeśli już wiesz jak to robić powiedz o tym kolegom z pracy. Jeśli potrzebujesz materiałow lub masz problemy możesz do nas napisać na migrants@unison.co.uk, a z przyjemnością ci pomożemy. Pamiętej 4 czerwca jest twoim dniem. Powiedz Tak dla Europy Nie dla BPN.

Polski Plakat Pamiętaj Głosuj

Pagbati

Malugod na pagpupugay mula sa ikalawang edisyon ng UNISON newsletter para sa mga migranteng manggagawa. Ang newsletter ay ginawa ng yunit para sa mga migranteng manggagawa na parte ng Proyekto para sa Partisipasyon ng mga Manggagawang Migrante.

Kagustuhan namin na mabigyan ng inpormasyon ang mga migranteng manggagawa na kasapi sa UNISON ng mga kasalukuyang pagbabago at mahikayat silang maging aktibo sa unyon. Mababasa ninyo ang iba pang gawain namin sa website ng migranteng manggagawa sa:  www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

Naniniwala kaming ang komunikasyon ay dalawang direksiyon kaya maaari ninyo kaming makontak sa migrants@unison.co.uk

Maaari din kayong sumulat sa inyong lengguwahe maliban sa Ingles. Gusto naming marinig ang inyong sasabihin. Kung may kilala kayo na interesadong makatanggap ng newsletter, maari lang na ipadala ninyo sa amin ang kanilang email adres o postal adres (kung walang email) upang mapadalhan namin sila ng mga susunod na kopya. Maaari rin silang lumagda online at buksan ang koneksiyon http://www.unison.org.uk/news/mailinglist.asp

Kung hindi ninyo natanggap ang nakaraang isyu, huwag mabahala dahil makikita ninyo ito sa aming website www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

Ang susunod na newsletter para sa migranteng mangaggawa ay ilalabas simula ng buwan ng Mayo.

Ahenda ng mga Migranteng Manggagawa sa Marso at Abril

Marso/ Pagboto ng mga Poles, simula ng kampanya sa Polish media, dagdag na inpormasyon www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

9 Marso/ simula ng pag bibigay ng payo sa imigrasyon para sa mga migranteng kasapi ng UNISON na nagmula sa labas ng EU, dagdag na inpormasyon:

www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

21-22 Marso/ Pathways into UNISON sa Scotland, dagdag na inpormasyon; http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers/pages_view.asp?did=8212

23-25 Marso/ Eksibisyon tungkol sa mga manggagawang migrante sa sektor pampubliko na iikot sa West Midlands, dagdag na inpormasyon: www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

26 Marso – 9 Abril/ Eksibisyon tungkol sa mga manggagawang migrante sa sektor pampubliko, iikot sa Northern Region, dagdag na inpormasyon: www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

5 Mayo/ Pulong sa House of Commons kasama ang mga MPs, MEPs at mga lider ng komunidad ng Polish

9-10 May/ Pathways into UNISON, sa East at West Midlands, dagdag na inpormasyon http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers/pages_view.asp?did=8212

Labanan sa Usapin ng Citizenship Bill sa House of Lords

Makikita ninyo sa website para sa Migranteng Manggagawa ng UNISON, sinabi ni Dave Prentis, Pangkalahatang Kalihim – " Ipinagmamalaki ko ang malugod naming pagtanggap sa mga migranteng manggagawa sa UK at pinahahalagahan namin ang kontribusyon nila sa ating ekonomiya, sa sosyedad at sa ating kultura."

Binigyang buhay namin ang mga salitang ito sa aksiyong ginagawa namin sa usapin ng Citizenship Bill.

Halimbawa, sa unang pagbasa ng bill sa House of Lords, binati ni Baroness Miller ng Chilthorne Domer, ang gawain ng mga unyon sa usaping ito at binanggit na ang UNISON "...sa isang pagsusuma sinabi ng UNISON:

" Kasama namin ang aming buong kasapian sa pagkilala sa kontribusyon ng mga manggagawang migrante...sa pampublikong serbisyo sa UK. Dahil dito, matindi ang aming pagkabahala na ang mga pagbabago sa Bill...ay mangangahulugan ng mas matinding pagpapahirap sa buhay ng mga mairagnte".

Pinatitingkad ng UNISON ang bulnerableng kalagayan ng mga migranteng hindi pa mamamayan ng bansa o wala pang permanenteng karapatang manatili sa bansa, dahil ang karapatan nilang manatili dito ay nakadepende sa kanilang trabaho at pagtulong ng kanilang tagapag-empleyo. Lalong titindi ang kanilang kahinaan kapag pinahaba pa ang proseso sa pagkuha ng pagiging mamamayan.  Patuloy kaming mangangampanya at magbibigay suhestiyon sa pagbabago habang umaandar ang proseso ng bagong Bill.

Hinihikayat namin kayong mangampanya sa inyong MP para gawing mas makatarungan ang sistema.

Pakikipagharap ng UNISON sa Migration Advisory Committee

Nagpadala ng representasyon ang UNISON sa Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) tungkol sa pangangailangan ng Care sector ng mga manggagawang migrante at bahagi ng resulta ng representasyon ay inatasan ang MAC na tingnan ulit ang isyu na ito. Ayon sa sulat na ipinadala ng UNISON sa MAC:

UNISON is the UK's largest public sector trade union and we represent 300,000 workers in the social care sector, more than any other trade union. The evidence available to UNISON from our members supports the MAC conclusion that there is a shortage of skilled workers in the care sector which can only reasonably be expected to be filled in the immediate future by allowing immigrants from outside the EEA to fill posts.

MAC have taken the view that the criteria applied to immigrants wishing to come and work in the care sector under the Points Based System (PBS) need to be robust in order to avoid abuses. UNISON believes that the best way to avoid abuse is to ensure that the criteria are simple, transparent and fair.

In their first report the MAC estimated that about one third of Senior Care Workers (SCW) needed to have skills equivalent to level 3 NVQ to do their job. UNISON believes that the sector as a whole is undervalued in large part due to gender bias in assessing care skills, which are seen as 'women's work. Consequently we believe that MAC may be underestimating the proportion of SCW who are required at level 3.  It is also important to note that staff working in this role are caring for the most vulnerable in society, often with complex medical or mental health needs.  The regulation of care workers is growing in scope including proposals for professional regulation, in addition to requirements under the Independent Safeguarding scheme. This demonstrates the high standards  of conduct and competence required of care workers and points to the developed skills care workers require to fulfil these.

MAC have expressed concern about the level of pay in the care sector and suggested using pay as a proxy for skill by restricting the filling of vacancies through the PBS to posts paid at or in excess of the top third of ASHE earnings distribution for the care assistants and homecarers SOC code. UNISON welcomes MAC's concern about low pay in the care sector. However, we do not believe that using pay as a proxy for skill is sensible.

There are two reasons for this. Firstly Skills for Care data shows that there is very little return in pay terms on gaining an NVQ3 qualification. Rather the normal correlation between pay and skill is distorted by public funding, sector (public, private, voluntary) and regional pay variation. There is a chronic shortage of public funding available for the care sector as a whole with ever increasing demand. Different levels of public funding for different types of provision mean that the amount of money available for care of different groups varies. For instance significantly more money is available to care for the young and disabled than the elderly, despite an ageing population and greater than ever demands being placed on organisations. This distorts the pay picture and can produce misleading conclusions about pay levels in specific parts of the sector – for example care for the elderly – if pay data for the sector as a whole is used. As it happens most migrants are employed in providing care for the elderly and it is here that access to the PBS is most needed.

All this means that there is little correlation between those workers in the top third of the ASHE earnings distribution and those workers who have the highest skill levels.

Secondly, there are clear regional variations in pay in the care sector. By applying one pay figure as a proxy across the whole of England you end up with different effects according to regional pay variations. So for example pay levels in the south east of England tend to be higher potentially making it easier to fill posts using the PBS in the south east, irrespective of skills need, because it is easier to meet the pay criteria.  Most of the care is provided by independent sector organisations which are not accountable to the national pay negotiations which cover their local authority and NHS counter-parts.

While it may be possible to control for some of these other factors by for instance applying regional pay criteria, UNISON does not believe that pay as a proxy will be simple, transparent or perceived as fair.

UNISON has a further objection to using pay as a proxy for skill; specifically the unintended consequences for workplace cohesion. The Home Office already has in place transition arrangements for SCW whose work permits need renewing. Because of concerns about abuse of the system by employers migrant workers needing to renew their work permits have had to show that they earn at least #7.02 per hour. There have been instances where other indigenous workers have found that they end up earning less or that their pay differentials are eroded because the employer needs to pay the migrant more to retain them under this system.

Not surprisingly there have been instances reported where this has led to resentment. For existing staff pay generally increases with length of service and the gaining of experience. Under the PBS employers will potentially bring in new workers at a pay rate of #8.80 an hour which in many cases will exceed the rates paid to long-standing experienced staff. This causes the unintended consequence of distorting pay systems and creating hostility to migrants. UNISON is strongly of the view that the danger of dissension in the workplace means that pay as a proxy for skill is not a sensible criteria to apply under the PBS.

UNISON takes the view that MAC should apply the 30% ratio without attempting to use pay as the cut off. On this basis  in any one establishment no more than one third of posts could be filled using the PBS at any one time. Alternatively the MAC should work with stakeholders to draw up criteria based on the duties and responsibilities of the post such as mentoring and training other care staff, complexity of care work undertaken etc.

We recognise that there will be concerns about enforcement of a model that uses job descriptions but there are equally concerns about enforcement of the pay minimum – we have evidence of collusion between workers and employers to show paper compliance with the minimum hourly rate while there are additional unpaid hours worked which are not recorded. Issues about enforcement will arise whichever system MAC comes up with.

Para sa dagdag pang inpormasyon tingnan ang website: http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers

Karagdagang Tagumpay para sa mga Senior Care Worker

Walong manggagawang senior carer na miyembro ng UNISON ay nagtagumpay na mapahaba pa ang kanilang permiso sa trabaho at karapatang manatili sa UK kahit may ilang panahon ding puwersado silang manatili dito ng walang permiso. Karamihan sa kanila ay ilang beses na rin nasawi sa kanilang aplikasyon sa visa subalit tuloy pa rin ang suporta ng UNISON. Ayon sa UNISON nahirapan ang mga manggagawang makakuha ng trabaho na handang nagbayad ng #7.02 na minimum na sahod na kailangan para maayos muli ang kanilang visa at permiso sa trabaho, na batayan ng 6 na buwang konsesyong ibinigay ng Home Office.

Sabi ni Jean Junio, isang manggagawang senior carer, "Walang hupa ang pagtulong sa akin ng UNISON kahit ilang beses na akong nasawi sa aking aplikasyon sa visa at permiso sa trabaho. Kung hindi dahil sa tulong ng UNISON ay sumuko na sana ako. Ngayon ay nakakapagtrabaho na ulit ako at natutugunan ko na ang pangangailangan ng pamilya ko. Nagpapasalamat ako sa suporta ng UNISON".

Isa pang manggagawang senior carer, si Ms. Zhou, na lumipat sa visa ng istudyante, pagkatapos na hindi pumayag ang amo niya na bayaran siya ng #7.02 kada oras na siyang kailangan para mapahaba pa ang kanyang visa. Nakuha niyang muli ang kanyang permiso na magtrabaho pagkatapos na ipaglaban ng UNISON sa isang Judicial Review ang kanyang karapatan na makapanatili dito bilang manggagawa.

Nuong 2007, pinalitan ng Home Office ang mga bagay na kailangan ibigay ng mga establisamento para mapahaba ang permiso sa trabaho ng mga senior carer. Dahil sa paghihigpit na ito, maraming senior carer ang nawalan ng trabaho. Pagkatapos ng kampanya ng UNISON laban dito, may konsesyong naipanalo na nangahulugan na maraming senior carer ang muling makakabalik sa kanilang trabaho. Subalit sa panahon ng konsesyon, marami na ring manggagawa ang nawalan na ng permiso at visa ng mahigit nang 6 na buwan. Dahil dito, hindi na rin sila binigyan ng permiso at visa ng Home Office. Patuloy ang UNISON sa pagsuporta sa mga manggagawang ganito ang kalagayan. Kung ganito ang inyong kalagayan o may kilala kayo na ganito ang sitwasyon, tumawag lang sa amin sa lalong madaling panahon.

Walang bayad na payo sa Imigrasyon mula sa UNISON

Kung kayo ay migranteng manggagawa mula sa bansa sa labas ng Europa at kailangan ninyo ng payo sa imigrasyon na makakaapekto sa inyong trabaho at karapatang manatili sa UK, kung gayon ay maaari kayong makabenepisyo sa bagong serbisyong ibinibigay ng UNISON sa kanyang mga miyembro. Ang unyon ay magbibigay ng walang bayad na serbisyo sa mga manggagawang migrante mula sa mga bansa sa labas ng Europa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapayo sa telepono sa usapin ng imigrasyon. Ang UNISON kasama ang Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) ay  magbibigay ng ekspertong tulong sa mga kasapi ng UNISON. Ito ay bagong proyekto na ngayon lamang taong ito ibibigay at magsisimula sa ika-9 ng Marso 2009.

Kung miyembro kayo ng UNISON ng mahigit sa 4 na linggo at kailangan ninyo ng inpormasyon at payo sa imigrasyon, tumawag lamang sa UNISON Direct sa 0845 355 0845. Ang mga detalye ninyo ay ipapasa namin sa Tagapayo ng JCWI na siyang tatawag sa inyo sa araw lang ng Martes 10-12 ng umaga. Pag tawag ninyo sa UNISON Direct, ibigay ang inyong pangalan, numero ng telepono at ipaliwanag na kailangan ninyo ng payo sa imigrasyon.

Dahil sa ito ay bagong proyekto, gusto sana namin humingi ng inyong komentaryo para mapahusay pa namin ang serbisyo sa inyo.

Pathways into UNISON – edisyon para Disyembre

Ang "Pathways into UNISON" ay isang kursong nakapatungkol para sa mga migranteng manggagawa na binuo ng Learning and Organising Service (LAOS) at ng Migrant Workers' Unit. Ang unang sesyon ng kurso ay ginawa nuong 6-7 Disyembre nuong nakaraang taon sa sentro ng komperensiya sa Unibersidad ng Birmingham. Ito ay may pambansang saklaw kaya mga miyembro mula sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa ang dumalo dito. Isa sa mga dumalo ay si Arthur, 26 na taong gulang at nagtatrabaho bilang tagapaglinis ng kalsada sa London. Nagmula siya sa Silangang Europa at tatlong taon nang nakatira dito sa UK. "Ako ay bagong miyembro ng UNISON. Wala akong masyadong alam sa uyon at kung ano ang aking papel bilang miyembro. Hindi ko alam ang pagkakaiba ng shop steward o representatibo bilang health and safety. Ni hindi ko alam kung nasaan ang aking branch. Ang alam ko lang ay nagbibigay ang UNISON ng libreng kurso sa pag-aaral ng English kung saan ngayon ay kabilang ako. Sa simula ay medyo takot ako dahil unang kurso ko ito pero paglipas ng dalawang minuto, nakita ko na lahat ng mga dumalong migrante ay mabait at ang mga tutor ay matulungin kaya para na rin akong nag-aaral sa aking bansa. Dahil sa kursong ito, alam ko na kung sino ang dapat kong kausapin sa UNISON. Tumawag ako sa aking branch para sabihin na gusto kong mag-aral ng kurso para sa mga representatibo ng health and safety dahil mahalaga ito sa aking gawain. Mayroon din akong mentor na kasama ko sa aking gawain at nakakatulong sa akin ano mang oras. Irerekomenda ko ang kursong ito sa mga taong gusto matuto at maging aktibo sa unyon.

Sa ibaba, ilan sa mga nagsidalo:

Kung interesado kang dumalo sa kurso, kumontak lang sa amin. Maari kayong tumawag o mag-email sa lengguwaheng Polish, Pilipino at Ingles.

Susan Cueva

s.cueva@unison.co.uk telepono: 0207 5511 676

Adam Rogalewski a.rogalewski@unison.co.uk telepono: 0207 5511 480

May dagdag pang inpormasyon tungkol sa lugar at araw ng pagdadaos ng kurso sa aming website:

http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers/pages_view.asp?did=8212

Mas mahusay na pagtrato sa mga manggagawang Polish

Dumalo ang migrant workers' unit sa isang seminar nuong ika-7 ng Pebrero na inorganisa ng Trade Union Congress na ginawa sa Polish Cultural centre sa Hammersmith. Mahusay na oportunidad ito para sa miyembro ng UNISON na si Arthur, na maintindihan kung paano niya maisasapraktika ang kanyang napag-aralan sa kanyang kursong Pathways into UNISON. Maraming mga Polish na manggagawa ang lumapit at nakipag-usap sa kanya at nagtanong kung paano sumali sa UNISON at paano nila maipaglalaban ang kanilang karapatan bilang manggagawa. Nagpapasalamat kami sa tulong ng London Region, partikular kay Maggie Jones na naghanda ng mga polyeto at inpormasyon sa puwesto ng UNISON.

Puwesto ng UNISON sa seminar para sa, Mas mahusay na pagtrato sa mga manggagawang Polish

Polish: Sumang-ayon para sa Europa, Itakwil ang BNP sa eleksiyon ika-4 ng Hunyo

Sa simula ng Marso, magkakampanya ang UNISON sa mga pahayagan para mag-rehistro at bumoto ang mga migranteng manggagawang Polish. Ayon sa datos ng gobyerno, mayroon na halos 700,000 Polish ang nakatira sa UK. Dahil sila ay mamamayan ng Europa, may karapatan silang bumoto sa eleksiyon sa lokal at sa Europa.  Dahil sa posibleng laki ng bilang ng bobotong Polish, may malaking epekto sila sa resulta ng eleksiyon at maaari silang makapigil sa pag-upo ng mga kandidato ng BNP (British Nationalist Party) sa Parliamentong Europa.  Mahalaga sa UNISON na maintindihan ng mga Polish ang kahalagahan ng eleksiyon sa kanilang kinabukasan. Isa sa mga rasistang patakaran ng BNP ay alisin ang UK sa EU. Kung mangyari ito, hindi na maaaring magtrabaho at tumira ang mga Polish dito sa Britain at makapag-kontribusyon sa ekonomiya at lipunan nito. Sa mga nakaraang taon, napakaliit ng bilang ng mga mamamayan sa Europa na bumoboto sa eleksiyon kaya kailangan natin ng mas maraming boboto para mapigilan ang mga extremist na irepresenta ang UK sa Parliamento sa Europa. Bilang parte ng kampanya, mag-oorganisa ang UNISON ng pulong sa House of Commons kasama ang mga MP, MEP at mga lider ng kumunidad ng Polish. Bilang indibidual mayroon kayong magagawa, una tingnan kung kayo ay nakarehistro sa Council. Maari rin kayong mamili ng pamamaraan ng pagboto; ikaw mismo, sa proxy mo o sa balotang postal. Kung alam ninyo ang mga pamamaraan, ipaliwanag sa inyong mga kaibigan at katrabaho. Kung kailangan ninyo ng mga inpormasyon o may mga suliranin sa usapinng pagboto, sumulat sa migrants@unison.co.uk at malugod namin kayong tutulungan. Tandaan, ang ika-4 ng Hunyo ay araw ninyo! Sumang-ayon sa Europa, Itakwil ang BNP.

Poster sa Polish 'Tiyakin kayo'y boboto'