Labour rights

Controversy has erupted over the recent Arizona immigration reform bill, Arizona Senate Bill 1070. Latino members of Congress are critical of the bill, alleging it makes racial profiling part of Arizona police policy. Arizona already spends over a billion dollars annually on immigration related expenses, almost sending the state sprinting for emergency cash loans.

Arizona immigration reform SB1070

 Workers at the Brighton Housing Trust went on strike on 19. August, demanding negotiations and rejecting to work longer hours for less pay. About 40 staff and their supporters staged a rally outside BHT headquarters and then marched to Brighton Town Hall.

Supporters of the Vestas workers in Brighton have handed out some 1000 leaflets and raised over £100 in the past few days. On Thursday, one of us took the money to the Isle of Wight, where it was used to buy vital supplies based on a wishlist provided by the occupiers, and included food, drink, and crucially a kettle with tea and coffee .

As many locals might have read, refuse workers for city clean in Brighton and Hove are facing pay cuts of as much as £8000. These workers have previously been amongst the most militant in the City – in 2001 there was a large strike and occupation, which forced the council to take the previously privatised service back in house (more info) and last year saw over 200 workers out on wildcat strike against management bullying (more info). 

Celebrating International Workers' Day and the Trade Union Movement

When - Mon 4. May at 1:00pm. Where - Hollingdean Community Centre, Thompson Road, Brighton. Organised by - Brighton, Hove and District Trades Council and B&H TUC Unemployed Workers' Centre.
Description - FAMILY DAY Stalls, speakers, music, food and drink at the Hollingdean Community Centre Join Brighton trade unionists and campaigners in remembering the heroic struggles of working people with hundreds of thousands of celebrations taking place this May Day weekend across the world. The history and t ... read more.

On Saturday 4th April, we took part in the National Day of Action against Subway. This was called to support the campaign against the sacking of Natalia Szymanska, and initiated in Brighton by the Brighton local of the Solidarity Federation.

On Saturday 4. April, we'll be taking part in the day of action against Subway across the UK and Ireland against their firing of pregnant worker Natalia Szymanska.
Natalia was fired by Subway on manufactured charges a month after informing her manager she was pregnant. In support of the campaign to reinstate her, and to give a message that we will not accept workers being treated this way, Subway branches across the UK and Ireland are being targetted.
Let Subway know they will not be allowed to go about their normal business, until they put this right!

Background:

Support the day of action against Subway across the UK and Ireland

When - Sat 4. Apr at 11:00am. Where - Subway Queens Road 109 Queens Road, Brighton (near Brighton Station) . Organised by - Brighton SolFed.
Description - Support the day of action against Subway across the UK and Ireland against their firing of pregnant worker Natalia Szymanska.Natalia was fired by Subway on manufactured charges a month after informing her manager she was pregnant. In support of the campaign to reinstate her, and to give a message th ... read more.

Brighton launch of Shop Stewards Network

When - Wed 25. Feb at 7:30pm. Where - Brighthelm Centre The Hanover Room. Organised by - NSSN.
Description - Lessons of the Lindsey strike How can we rebuild trade union power? Local launch of the National Shop Stewards Network With Bill Mullins, NSSN National Co-organiser meeting poster ; meeting leaflet Building a network of trade union activists across the country Why a Shop Stewards’ network? ... read more.

When - Sat 5. Jul 12:00pm - 2:00pm. Where - Starbucks, St. James' St., Kemptown. Organised by - Brighton Solidarity Federation.
Description - Starbucks marketing presents them as a trendy, ethical corporation. However, when it comes to their own workers they are ruthless union-busters determined to stop their employees from organising. On Thursday 24th April, Mónica, a barista in the central Seville branch of Starbucks, was fired withou ... read more.