The recent GMB statement about the dispute at North Lindsey, below, shows excellent reasons why active trade unionists should get to the National Shop Stewards Network Conference on Saturday 27 June at South Camden Community School, Charrington Street, London WC1, 11.30am — 4.30pm

In the last 20 years, the number of active shop stewards in industry has declined from 330,000 to 100,000. This is one of the problems of maintaining effective trade unions in time of recession.

Local GMB officials report success in recruiting foreign and migrant workers in to the union — a major ingredient in securing solidarity in the workforce.

New GMB statement re lock- out at Lindsay Immingham

21 June 2009

Paul Kenny GMB General Secretary issued the following statement today 21 June
regarding the dispute at the Lindsay Oil Refinery Engineering Construction
site. He said “GMB is not walking away from the disgraceful and outrageous
behavior of Total at Lindsay. Total would not even consider treating its French
workers in this way.

GMB will support the locked out and victimized workers and will demonstrate
that support with lawful and peaceful protests.

GMB call on Total to heed the advice of Lord Mandleson, the Secretary of State
for Business and Innovation, for them to get into line and join all the other
parties to use ACAS conciliation to resolve this dispute. Total is the only
party that is refusing to talk”.

A GMB spokesperson added that the unions, including GMB, have organized a
protest demonstration/ rally outside the site at Eastfield Road, Immingham, DN
40 3LW from 6.30am onwards on Tuesday 23 June. Union branches are invited to
bring their banners. Trades union and labour movement speakers are being
invited.