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UCATT Preparing Legal Action in Defence of Former Quadron Workers

Construction union UCATT are preparing to take a series of employment tribunal cases in support of hundreds of workers in Wales and South West England who formerly worked for Quadron Property Services Ltd.

Trouble started when the company based in Somerset, which undertook housing maintenance services for a large number of councils, housing associations and other organisations went into administration in November 2009. The company employed nearly 400 staff.

Most of Quadron’s contracts have been given to other companies or taken back in-house. However in many cases the new companies have ignored TUPE rules and forced the existing workers onto poorer terms and conditions.

In other cases the new contractor has refused to take on all the former Quadron staff previously working on a contract. Those staff that have not been taken on have been left in a legal limbo, with administrators Deloitte stating that they should have been TUPE transferred to the relevant new contractor.

Many workers are also owed money in unpaid wages from Quadron Property Services.

The affected workers undertook housing maintenance projects at the following organisations: Bournemouth Council, Charter Housing Association (Newport), English Heritage, Monmouthshire Council, North Somerset Housing, Salisbury Council, Solon Housing Association (Bristol), Stroud District Council, and on several smaller contracts.

Nick Blundell, Regional Secretary for UCATT Wales and South West Region, said: “These workers have been treated with contempt. The rules are clear companies which take on contracts should be obliged to employ the same number of workers on the same terms. Yet many of the new contractors have simply ignored the legislation. If the companies will not co-operate we will not hesitate in taking legal action in support of our members.”

UCATT are also angry at the treatment of many of the workers after the administrators were called in. Some of the workers were locked in depots while the company organised for mobile phones and vehicles to be returned.

For Further information contact Nick Blundell on 029 2049 8664 

UCATT represents 125,000 members employed in the construction industry throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland

Notes to Editors: The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) are designed to ensure that the terms and conditions of a worker’s employment are protected when they are transferred from one employer to another.

UCATT Statement on Election of Carwyn James

UCATT Wales & South West Region, welcomes the election of Carwyn Jones as leader of the Wales Labour Party and First Minister of the Wales Assembly Government

Carwyn Jones will replace Rhodri Morgan, who has served as First Minister for the last ten years.

Nick Blundell regional secretary for UCATT Wales and South West Region, said; "UCATT is one of five unions who supported Carwyn and was at the forefront of his campaign, UCATT recommended support for Carwyn Jones because, we believe he has the experience at ministerial level across numerous portfolios, and would stand the people of Wales in good stead for what will be some difficult times ahead. His continued support for:

• A commitment to help the Construction Industry.
• Public services providing work based Apprenticeship training.
• Support for investment in insulation and renewable energy solutions.
• Continually improve healthcare provision by better access to GP’s and Consultant.
• Willingness to work with UCATT to develop strategy for the Construction Industry in Wales.

Make him the right person to lead Welsh Labour in the National Assembly".

Construction Deaths in South West England Remain Far Too High

Research by construction union UCATT has revealed that eight construction workers were killed in South West England in 2008/9.

The total of eight deaths is the same number as were killed in the region in the previous year, 2007/8.

The number of construction deaths in the United Kingdom fell from 72 in 2007/8 to 53 in 2008/9, a decrease of 26 per cent. The decline was principally due to the recession, which has led to a steep drop in construction output and resulted in a large number of construction workers being laid off.

Construction remains the most dangerous industry in Britain. The industry is highly casualised. Many workers do not have contracts of employment, regularly move between employers and/or are bogusly self-employed. In recent years there has been a substantial increase in the number of workers being supplied to construction companies through employment agencies and gangmasters.

Nick Blundell, Regional Secretary for UCATT Wales and South West Region, said: “It is important to remember that each of these deaths is an individual tragedy. Families have lost a loved one, who one day never returned from work. Far more needs to be done to prevent deaths from occurring in the future.”

Further analysis of the national data on fatalities shows that the most likely cause of death remains falls. In 2008/9 there were 21 deaths caused by falls, 40% of all deaths. The second highest number of deaths were caused by people being hit by a moving or falling object, this accounted for 5 deaths, 9% of the overall total.

UCATT Wales Supports Anti-Fascist Rally In Llanelli

Construction union UCATT have pledged their support for a major anti-fascist day of action being organised by Llanelli Trades Council, in the town on Saturday 30^th May.

The activity is taking place ahead of the European Elections on Thursday 4^th June where the British National Party are trying to make an electoral breakthrough

Nick Blundell, Regional Secretary of UCATT’s Wales and South West region, said: “The BNP have no place in democratic politics. Their policies of hatred must never be tolerated. It is imperative that all voters in Wales send a clear message to fascists that they have no place in our society.”

The Trades Council are beginning the day of action by undertaking an anti-BNP leafleting exercise beginning at 9.30am. This will be followed by a march and rally beginning at 11am in Upper Park Street, Llanelli.

For Further information contact Barckley Sumner on 0780 2329235