This in from Ryde Trades Union Council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight Trades Councils (County Association Representatives) recently met with leader of the Isle of Wight council, Cllr Ian Stephens.
They discussed Wightlink, Assisted Area Status, GKN and the budget amongst other things.
Assisted Area Status
The Trades Council explained the reasons behind its campaign for European funding streams to the Isle of Wight in the period of Government inspired austerity and cuts. The perceived views, previously and today, that there is an immediate need for investment funding in aid of the Isle of Wight economy and jobs. Based on our view that ‘More should be put into the local economy than is taken out’. The logic behind our switch in emphasis to the strategic emphasis of pointing the finger at the government.
From the re-iteration of the necessities of strategic funding and Assisted Area Status the outline of strategy and tactics deployed in the negotiations to date, the experience of outside forces and the EU in particular and the potential low value of the recompense it was stated that the main aspect of interest for the present is the presentation and elaboration of PROJECTS. These are the requirements of the time and the Leader of the Council reciprocated stating that there were indeed projects.
Macquarie/Wightlink
The Trades Council discussed Macquarie/Wightlink with the Council Leader and explained the Trades Councils’ role since the big Public Meeting at Newport Football ground and elaborated its campaign. It stated that its position vis a vis the scrutiny and impending talks with the Ferry Company.
The Trades Council suggested its position should be adopted that the engagement with Wightlink should be a negotiation and not simply listening to the bleating and lamentation of a company in “distress”. The stated long term position of the Trades Council for a public Ferry Service was reiterated but also a short term negotiating position aimed at concessions, which are not final solutions.
Reduced ferry costs for Islanders
The short term stance being based on viewing of the ferry as a service and extension of our road connection. Therefore a negotiating platform based on reinstating services would mean in the first place two hour extensions at weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights). Also the most costly piece of water in the world should be reduced for islanders also various emergency off island visits for free.
Hence the negotiating position should be a REDUCTION FOR ISLANDERS & TWO HOURS EXTRA SAILING AT WEEKENDS.
It was acknowledged the point about restrictions on freight raised as an issue by Ian Stephens and the restrictions on the economy caused by the Ferry Companies because of their high cost poor services. Since the latest fare increases announced the suggested negotiated settlement should be £25 return for islanders in line with standards in other areas.
Budget issues
The Trades Council discussed the budget with the Leader of the Council. In its view the Trade Council wants to work with the Isle of Wight Council and its Leader because of the dire situation. It does not want the blame to be pointed at the new council by the Conservatives and also the public.
The real blame is the political programme of the government to cut grants The Trades Council honestly thinks that the initial £11m may be successful next year by using reserves to cushion the blow and also raising council tax. After that, 2015 and beyond, the £28m or so projection in our view will not work, appreciating that the Council has to believe, in its view, that it can.
The Trades Council has an opposite view regarding outsourcing and moving services to Hampshire as it believes it undermines our labour force and local Democracy. It doesn’t like education going off island, Privatisation and Academies but supports the LEA. Other outsourcing such as island roads PFI is a problem with us.
‘What is the point of the council?’
The question arises about, ‘What is the point of the council?’ if the direction is moving services to Hampshire, moving services down to local parishes through localism, selling services off to the private sector. Discretionary services or statutory services are in an unstable state and face the possibility of being outsourced too.
It is the view of the Council that a point comes where it states categorically that ‘enough is enough’ and the grounds should be prepared for that situation now and not wait for some other council to do it for political expediency. This is why we think THE FINGER SHOULD BE POINTED AT THE GOVERNMENT NOW and not just through national agencies and networks but out in public. This is why the Trades Council unanimously passed its resolution:
“Due to Reduced funding there is no doubt that cuts in services and jobs will occur. The finger of blame must rest with central government. Grants are being lost. The T.U.C. will work with community groups and councillors to restore funding”.
(IOW County Trades Council minutes 29th May, 2013)
The issue of pointing the finger at the government is not just a rhetorical statement it is a political standpoint of intent and shift in emphasis. It requires a programme of action that puts weight on the notion that political problems need political solutions and moves away from economic tinkering and showing that one administration can tinker and organise cuts better than another.
GKN
The Trades Council discussed GKN in context of the situation facing the island. How can we discuss the situation when there is an impending major strike on the island? We do not want another Grangemouth where a big Monopoly could jeopardise an already difficult situation.
THE COUNCIL SHOULD MEET WITH THE COMPANY AND DEMAND TRANSPARENCY OVER ITS CURRENT SITUATION AND HOW IT AFFECTS THE ISLAND . This situation should not remain behind closed doors as it affects us all. What are the market difficulties? Are they after funding? Are they going to close?
Cllr Stephens said they would not. He said they are already talking and one issue is a new factory.
