The first day of May is a day that is ingrained in my heart as a socialist. It is a day that is significant to the working class. It is a day that is significant to industry. It is a day that is significant to trade unionism. It is a day that was removed as a holiday by the GSD. And it is a day that the GSLP/Liberal Government has given back to the people of Gibraltar since our election in 2011.
Generations to come must always be reminded that the terms and conditions of employment that they enjoy today were not gifted to working people. Those who today enjoy statutory holiday and sick leave entitlement cannot be allowed to forget that every one of the benefits they enjoy has been hard fought.
We must always remember - and teach future generations - that the fight for the eight hour working day was one of the first victories won by workers after the arrival of mass industrialisation.
In the context of Gibraltar, the industrial struggle has been no less hard than elsewhere and, in great measure, was mixed in with the battle against colonialism.
The "General Strike" and the "Battle for Parity" were all signs of the movements that working people have led and that we now reap the benefits of.
Imagine if Joe Bossano had not won the economic case for parity. How would we have developed as an economy? What would that mean for your job today if you are in employment or your rate of pension if you have already retired? Perhaps even more importantly, what would it mean for you children's pay or your grandchildren's pay?
At the time when the battle for the eight hour working day was fought, the employers no doubt argued it was unaffordable and would make production unaffordable. Sounds exactly like the arguments we in the GSLP always face as a party when we present an initiative to help working people. Remember when introducing mandatory scholarships for further education was going to "bankrupt Gibraltar"?
Finally, if you are not convinced by my arguments about the importance of May Day and the reason for celebrating the commemoration of it as a holiday , let me give you one final and overwhelmingly convincing reason for your support. In Spain, when Franco won the Spanish Civil War, he banned celebration of May Day as Workers Day. It wasn't re-established until after his death in 1975. Who would you side with, Franco or the millions of workers and trade unionists who have fought for workers' rights?
Think of it that way and the answer is really a "no-brainer"!
30-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
New surgical microscope at hospital
April 30, 2015
The GHA has taken delivery of a Luxor LX3, the latest model of surgical microscopes. This model is so new that there are only three of them in the whole of Iberia. In St Bernard's Hospital, the LX3 will replace a Zeiss microscope which is still functional but there may soon be problems in obtaining replacement parts for the Zeiss as the model is no longer in production.
Typically, microscopes such as these are used to perform microsurgery, particularly surgery on eyes.
The new Luxor LX3 is equipped with a 3D 'stereo assistant scope' which allows a nurse or junior doctor to view the procedure at the same level of detail as the surgeon. It is also equipped with a video camera that transmits the surgeon's view to a TV screen where it can be recorded or watched by students. It will allow the GHA to increase the range of eye operations that can be undertaken in Gibraltar without the need to refer patients to UK.
Minister for Health, Dr John Cortes said, 'I am delighted to see more state-of-the-art equipment arriving in the hospital. The GHA continues to invest in both its equipment and its staff so as to improve the health of our community.'
30-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
New surgical microscope at hospital
The GHA has taken delivery of a Luxor LX3, the latest model of surgical microscopes. This model is so new that there are only three of them in the whole of Iberia. In St Bernard's Hospital, the LX3 will replace a Zeiss microscope which is still functional but there may soon be problems in obtaining replacement parts for the Zeiss as the model is no longer in production.
Typically, microscopes such as these are used to perform microsurgery, particularly surgery on eyes.
The new Luxor LX3 is equipped with a 3D 'stereo assistant scope' which allows a nurse or junior doctor to view the procedure at the same level of detail as the surgeon. It is also equipped with a video camera that transmits the surgeon's view to a TV screen where it can be recorded or watched by students. It will allow the GHA to increase the range of eye operations that can be undertaken in Gibraltar without the need to refer patients to UK.
Minister for Health, Dr John Cortes said, 'I am delighted to see more state-of-the-art equipment arriving in the hospital. The GHA continues to invest in both its equipment and its staff so as to improve the health of our community.'
30-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Pitiful Security, say public: Senior Spanish officials conduct a 2-hour illegal, uninterrupted close-up survey of Eastside and BGTW
April 30, 2015
Yesterday there was a large group of special Spanish visitors who illegally entered BGTW with total impunity (as our exclusive photos illustrate) as Spanish state vessels do on most days to conduct what was a 2 hour investigation/survey, it seems, mainly round the Eastside but also the Western area of the Rock.
No Ordinary Incursion
Because Panorama was contacted by a Spanish source who informed this newspaper, that a state vessel with a Spanish Minister on board was on its way to BGTW to primarily inspect the Eastside works. This information enabled us to prepare and monitor proceedings as a blue fast patrol launch belonging to la Agencia Tributaria (or the State Tax Administration Agency) arrived at the Eastside area from the direction of Algeciras.
But this was no ordinary incursion, which once again passed right under the nose of the Rock's elite seaborne security agencies, who at the time were all back in home base whilst top Spanish officials were taking photographs, filming, measuring, taking samples and taking all manner of notes during the 2 hour illegal and unauthorised evidence (one suspects) gathering survey of Gibraltar by the Spanish Government!
We are informed on board the vessel was at least one Spanish Minister (although no name was given) who had travelled from Madrid. Also on board were senior officials from the Environment agency, other similar experts and personnel from the Tributaria including other Interior agencies, including the Guardia Civil.
Planned Survey Operation at the Highest Level on a Vulnerable Gibraltar
From our position we observed the vessel packed with a collection of high-ranking Spanish officials even a minister, was clearly on a mission, as it slowly came close to the area of Both Worlds and then preceded to stop opposite the Eastside project.
The group was then seen in discussions, some of the occupants were holding files, others pointing in the direction of the works currently being carried out on the East side. Others were filming and taking photographs of the Rock and at one point one of the men dropped what looked like a small type receptacle into the sea and appeared to gather water as part of the planned operation. Conducted it seems at the highest level, to survey, a very vulnerable looking Gibraltar in terms of Security!
The Spanish state vessel remained in the area for nearly an hour, were it stopped several times, the occupants on board conducting similar activities already described.
At no time did any of the local Enforcement Agencies or the Royal Navy make an appearance in the area to investigate or even put a stop to this very serious incursion. In fact, it looked as if the Spanish state launch with all on board had previously obtained permission from the local authorities to carry out this detailed survey it was casually undertaking. Hence, the possible reason none of the local agencies made an effort to turn up from a local security perspective!
The vessel then left the Eastside area and was seen conducting similar operations on the Western side again with little or minimum response from the local authorities.
30-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Sam Bailey arrives on the Rock
April 30, 2015
X Factor winner Sam Bailey arrived in Gibraltar this morning ready to perform at the May Day Celebrations to be held at Casemates tomorrow.
Sam Bailey is known for winning the tenth series of the X Factor 2013 edition. As the winner of the X Factor, she received a £1 million recording contract with Syco Music and her debut single 'Skyscraper' was released after the show. The single achieved the Christmas number one position on the 22nd December 2013 and she was the first X Factor winner since 2010 to have achieved this.
During 2014, Bailey supported Beyonce in one of her UK Tours as well as performing on the X Factor Live Tour. Her debut album 'The Power of Love' was released in March and debuted at number one in the UK album charts. In support of her album, Sam has been very busy with her first ever headline tour in January and February 2015.
The May Day Celebrations will begin at 11am from the Square with a Family Fun Day to include live music and live performances by Art In Movement, Urban Dance, Kristian Celecia, Another Day, Headwires, Super Wookie, Heritage, Jet Stream and the Santos Productions Choir.
30-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
Service presentations at naval base
April 30, 2015
Commander British Forces, Commodore Ian McGhie presented two Valedictory Certificates and one Long Service and Good Conduct Medal at the Tower yesterday.
Chief Petty Officer Bernie Gainford received his Valedictory Certificate after 36 years of service to the Crown. Bernie joined the Royal Navy in May 1979 and went on to work for the Department for Trade and Industry in 1993. In 2005 he was offered the opportunity to re-join the Royal Navy, which he happily accepted. Bernie fondly recounts one of his first visits to Gibraltar as a young serviceman, he said: "I remember sitting at the top of the Rock in 1982, looking at all the ships in the harbour, I was so impressed. I always had such a love for Gibraltar." Bernie will now settle in the area with his family, and he will continue to work as a partner in a local LED lighting business.
Chief Petty Officer Nick Clark was also presented with his Valedictory Certificate following 24 years in the Royal Navy. He initially joined as a Steward in 1991 but in 2003 his career took a different path when he successfully completed Medical Assistant Training. Nick is currently the PRMC Practice Manager and has been an active member of the community during his time in Gibraltar. Nick is a volunteer for St John Ambulance, a charity that he is very passionate about, he said: "I have really enjoyed working with the St John Ambulance, they do such a lot of hard work out here and it's been a privilege being part of it." Nick will now go on to do a Nursing degree at Plymouth University.
Following 16 years reckonable service in the Royal Navy, Petty Officer Chris Levy was presented his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Chris had just left school, and was only 16, when he joined the Royal Navy as a Junior Operator Mechanic, he has subsequently served on four warships. When asked about the highlight of his career to date, Chris said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time with HMS Northumberland, I was in charge of my department and was given a lot of autonomy. But being in Gibraltar has been fantastic; I've discovered the art of building theatre props. I get so much enjoyment out of it, it is definitely something I will take away with me and do for the rest of my life."
30-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
The most significant date in the trade union calendar, says Unite the Union
April 30, 2015
May Day also known as Workers Day is the most significant date in our Trade Union calendar. On May Day we commemorate the struggle of the many workers that have taken part in hard fought battles in pursuance of worker's rights, says Unite the Union.
Rights, that many take for granted. The right to a pension, the 40 hr week, injury at work benefits, maternity and paternity leave, health and safety legislation, anti bullying legislation, minimum wage and many other achievements.
Trade Unions, Political Parties, NGO's, and individuals with progressive ideals will understand and support the importance of this special occasion.
They add: We all share these ideals, to protect these fundamental principles by maintaining ourselves vigilant that these hard won rights are not easily eroded.
It also serves for Trade Unions throughout the world, to reflect on what has been achieved to the benefit of its members and workers in general, whilst at the same time highlight their objectives in pursuing further improvements.
Training
Training is one of the most important areas where Trade Unions should be focusing on improving; Unite strongly advocates this position with a view of enriching our future generation with adequate training facilities that offers valid credentials and job security for our youngsters.
Unite says: We strongly sympathise with the view that there is a Democratic Deficit in respect to the way that our younger generations are being treated today. Unfortunately Gibraltar is no different in this respect to other European countries.
It would not be reflective of reality if no mention was made that Unite has already presented Government with some firm proposals on how this important subject can be addressed with Unite's full endorsement. This has been positively considered by Government. Unite will very shortly present Government with a Final Draft of these proposals entirely for their perusal.
Living Wage:
The minimum wage was initially a success in ensuring that workers were no longer paid sub-standard wages in an exploitative manner, however, as time went by and the world became increasingly conscientious that living well was not only implicit of being able to pay for ones' family's food, it was apparent that a new measure was needed in order to cater to the needs of the average modern family. It was with this in mind that the concept of a 'living wage' was born given that a minimum wage was no longer an automatic guarantee of a basic quality of life.
In Gibraltar, there are currently no provisions for the implementation of a Living Wage either within the public or private sector, nor are there currently any independent organisations assisting in its calculation. In respects to the latter, Unite seeks to become the leading organisation alongside other stakeholders that will advise on both the level and the manner in which the Living Wage could be applied. As to the former, Unite will lobby employers within the private sector as to the benefits of paying a Living Wage to its employees in the interim, and thus securing an award similar to that gifted to employers by the Living Wage Foundation in the UK in recognition of their solidarity, whilst lobbying Government in order to extend the Living Wage to the public sector in the first place, and to seek legislative changes so that the Living Wage becomes a statutory right in Gibraltar and thus become one of the first nations to enact these meaningful and positive changes to the working class in this century.
Illegal Labour:
Just because we do not have updated information on the statistics of illegal labour we must not assume that it does not happen here in Gibraltar and that it is not a victimless affair in the general sense of the word. Individuals paid under the table are not able to enjoy the safety nets put in place by Government in the way of physical or social protection. These individuals are often paid below the minimum wage which Unite already believes falls short of what is necessary to lead a basic quality of life, but illegal labour also robs these individuals of the provisions set by the state such as the payment of stamp duty in order to enjoy the benefits of a state pension come retirement age. Furthermore, the illegality of this employment relationship robs the state of its ability to tax the individual and therefore the income we all require for our public services to run efficiently and improve.
However, Unite not only considers illegal labour as a problem in the literal sense of the word. There are other employment practices in the private sector that today skirt the letter of the law and whilst not being strictly illegal, are certainly abusive.
Equality
Remember the struggle for Parity of Wages? Well, an employer must not negate the right of fair employment and this we say not just exclusively of GDC employees, but across the whole spectrum of employment. A selection process must have no bearing and should be based on non discriminatory measures such as those in relation to nationality, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, gender, disability and age.
A union strives towards ensuring the execution of equal rights, to afford fair opportunities and above all, to eliminate any possible discriminatory measures.
It is true to say that not all GDC posts are linked to administrative roles; however, those that do are performing side by side to Civil Servants to the exact requirements of the role.
It is our view that this anomaly should be corrected as soon as possible to ensure equal treatment of public employees
Achievements
These are some of the achievements that Unite has successfully secured for its members in negotiations with this Government Administration. It proves how Unite can have a healthy working relationship with the incumbent Government and at the same time pursue its strategy in improving the lives of ordinary working people.
1 ABOLISHMENT OF TOIL FOR THE PRISON SERVICE.
2 AQUAGIB DISTILLER CLAIM.
3 AQUAGIB ON-CALL CLAIM.
4 BARCLAYS BANK DOWNSIZING.
5 BOARDERS AND COAST GUARD UPGRADE OF BSO's.
6 BULLYING AT WORK LEGISLATION.
7 CARE AGENCY AGENDA FOR CHANGE.
8 CFB ABOLISHMENT OF ABATEMENT AND PAY INCREASE.
9 GoG GARAGE Collective agreement
10 G.A.T.L. Conditions of Service
11 G.E.A. ADMIN & FINANCE Historical Claim
12 GIBAIR Collective Agreement
13 HOUSING MINISTRY TRANSFER TO H.W.A.
14 I.S.G.S. Terms and Conditions and Contracts Issues
15 NATWEST DOWNSIZING.
16 O.S.G. PORT CONTRACT.
17 PERMANENT CONTRACTS FOR G.H.A. F.T.A.'S.
18 PERMANENT CONTRACTS FOR Highway Enforcement Officers.
19 POST OFFICE 2009 PAY DEAL.
20 PUBLIC SECTOR WORKING HOURS.
21 REFUSE COLLECTOR'S EARLY EXIT PACKAGE and Manning Levels
22 CREATION of SEWERS INSPECTORATE AND EARLY EXIT PACKAGE.
23 T.M.L. - REDEPLOYMENT OF STAFF.
24 TRANSFER OF G.D.C .TO RING-FENCED CIVIL SERVICE.
Unite reminds Government, that although it recognises the amount of such positive work produced by both Government and Unite in respect of Trade Union Recognition within the Private Sector, this has not yet arrived to a successful finality. Therefore, Unites trusts that this will be legislated and brought to fruition.
Finally, Unite takes this opportunity to wish all its members and Gibraltar at large an enjoyable Workers Day in the unity of your colleagues, friends and loved ones. Happy May Day.
30-04-15 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR