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Published on: 14/09/2018 02:46 PMReported by: roving-eye
Modern working conditions are returning to a form of "serfdom" for some local employees according to Labour campaigners.
The claim comes after the Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, laid out plans at this year's Trades Union Congress for a future Labour government to give “gig economy” workers similar rights to people in permanent work, including eligibility for sick pay; maternity pay and similar benefits.
Government figures reveal that there are 77,000 people in the North West on a zero-hours contract, which the TUC believes may well be an underestimate. Across the country, over 900,000 are officially recognised; a figure that's more than tripled since 2012.
Strong condemnation of their working conditions also came from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who told those assembled:
" We still do today, many of the things that were done in the past in different forms. Things that diminish human dignity and treat labour as a mere resource, like capital... Today there are some who view that kind of oppression of the employed as a virtue. The gig economy zero hours contract is nothing new, it is simply the reincarnation of an ancient evil."
Labour's candidate for Southport, Liz Savage, says workers in the town on such contracts will readily recognise this picture of job insecurity and exploitation:
“ It may work out for a few without major commitments but for many, being on a zero-hours contract means never knowing how much cash you’ll have coming in next week. It means constant worries about paying bills and supporting your family – even though you’re working whenever you can. Living with that kind of stress can have an awful impact on your health and your relationships.
The Archbishop referenced the conditions of 1930's dockers but made clear it goes back further, to me it's little more than a modern form of serfdom. Zero-hours contracts are cruel, unjust and exploit employees.
The workplace pendulum has swung far too far away from common decency. The next Labour government will ban these appalling contracts, we’ll up the minimum wage to £10 an hour and we’ll stop the anti-trade union laws that prevent workers getting together to demand better pay and conditions. ”
Labour says its programme of reform will restore the balance between employer and worker; modernise structures and extend the opportunity for employees to share collectively in the benefits of ownership.
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell told the TUC’s 150th Congress:
“The massive growth in zero hours contracts and the gig economy have produced a workplace environment of insecurity not seen since the 1930s.
Labour’s common sense approach will forge a new workplace environment best suited to meeting the challenges of Britain’s ongoing low productivity and the emerging fourth industrial revolution."
Photo caption JMC1: Labour candidate Liz Savage and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell discussing local business issues with Southport BID. (Credit - Samantha Fulstow)
Photo Caption Justin Welby: Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, speaking at the TUC conference
The workplace pendulum has swung far too far away from common decency. The next Labour government will ban these appalling contracts, we’ll up the minimum wage to £10 an hour and we’ll stop the anti-trade union laws that prevent workers getting together to demand better pay and conditions. ”
I surmise what will happen if Labour ever get in, the people on zero hours will end up unemployed and others will be laid off as the small shops/businesses won't be able to afford the £10 min wage, so unemployment will rise.
Nice work Labour, I mean, even the latest poll puts them 4 points down and even though TM is doing such a cr*p job, people still believe she's the better option for Prime Minister. Wow, says a lot about JC and Labour. (Awaits the usual suspect to arrive and tell us it's all lies)
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Little Londoner says:14/09/2018 06:52 PM
Originally Posted by Tentill4
I surmise what will happen if Labour ever get in, the people on zero hours will end up unemployed and others will be laid off as the small shops/businesses won't be able to afford the £10 min wage, so unemployment will rise.
Nice work Labour, I mean, even the latest poll puts them 4 points down and even though TM is doing such a cr*p job, people still believe she's the better option for Prime Minister. Wow, says a lot about JC and Labour. (Awaits the usual suspect to arrive and tell us it's all lies)
If you think Tories are the answer you keep voting for them they rely on people like you clueless. People who vote Labour don't vote for Corbyn they vote for a Party that cares about everyone not just the RICH the sooner you supercilious half wits get that through your cranium the Country may improve.
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said says:14/09/2018 08:01 PM
Originally Posted by Little Londoner
If you think Tories are the answer you keep voting for them they rely on people like you clueless. People who vote Labour don't vote for Corbyn they vote for a Party that cares about everyone not just the RICH the sooner you supercilious half wits get that through your cranium the Country may improve.
Oh Yeah? Bet McDonnell's unions would not represent zero hour workers for free if he cares so much about them. The union members are almost entirely government workers - people who work full time on the highest rates - not the average general worker. It is you who needs to wake up to the fact that Labour care for no-one but themselves.
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Gwhizz says:15/09/2018 02:21 PM
Originally Posted by said
Oh Yeah? Bet McDonnell's unions would not represent zero hour workers for free if he cares so much about them. The union members are almost entirely government workers - people who work full time on the highest rates - not the average general worker. It is you who needs to wake up to the fact that Labour care for no-one but themselves.
Marvin, really?!!! There are unions representing workers right across the spectrum of occupations... from bus drivers to bakers... doctors to dockers... your claim is simply nonsensical... which tbh honest is pretty usual for you.
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nosobored says:16/09/2018 03:31 PM
What a loser
Originally Posted by Little Londoner
If you think Tories are the answer you keep voting for them they rely on people like you clueless. People who vote Labour don't vote for Corbyn they vote for a Party that cares about everyone not just the RICH the sooner you supercilious half wits get that through your cranium the Country may improve.
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nosobored says:16/09/2018 03:32 PM
Your in ga ga land
Originally Posted by Gwhizz
Marvin, really?!!! There are unions representing workers right across the spectrum of occupations... from bus drivers to bakers... doctors to dockers... your claim is simply nonsensical... which tbh honest is pretty usual for you.
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Gwhizz says:16/09/2018 11:38 PM
Originally Posted by Tentill4
I surmise what will happen if Labour ever get in, the people on zero hours will end up unemployed and others will be laid off as the small shops/businesses won't be able to afford the £10 min wage, so unemployment will rise.
...
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Tentill4 says:19/09/2018 06:50 PM
Originally Posted by Gwhizz
Exactly the type of ill-informed scare comment that was used when the living wage was brought in... but didn't happen.
It can't be ill-informed, as it what I think may happen, can you prove otherwise???
While we're on with scare comments, where does the Labour party stand on Brexit? Has an official stance been made, or are you still sitting on the fence?
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