Unite construction at Labour

Unite’s construction sector is out in full force at Labour Party Conference this year – they will highlight some crucial issues facing building workers at two key fringe events, both on Monday, September 28. Details below:

Construction – Time for Change

When: Monday, September 28, 6.30pm

Where: The Liverpool Pub, James Street, L2 7PQ

Over the last decade, an astonishing 7,000 construction workers have taken their own lives. Overall, tradespeople are 3 to 4 times more likely to take their own lives than the national average.

This event, organised by Unite construction activists, will take a cold, hard look at exactly why the suicide rate in construction is so scandalously high. If the figures were as high in any other sector, there would be a national outcry.

But for far too long, building workers have been given a raw deal. They are some of the most essential workers in the economy, but this fails to be reflected in their working conditions – the sector is rife with long hours, insecure pay, bogus self-employment and poor health and safety practices. Is it any wonder, then, that so many construction workers on the brink find themselves without hope?

Speaking at the event will be Unite member and scaffolder Graham Campbell, whose son Lee, also a scaffolder, took his own life. Graham, whose story will also be featured in our next edition of BuildingWorker magazine, will tell of the despair he suffered and his eventual path to hope and renewal. This he found in part by becoming a beacon to other building workers going through some of their toughest times.

Also speaking will be Unite regional secretary Ritchie James, who will highlight the conditions facing construction workers that are exacerbating the shockingly poor mental health that’s endemic in the sector.

This unmissable event will send a powerful message to our nation’s leaders – that if we want to build the homes and buildings Britain so desperately needs, then we need a complete overhaul of the construction sector. One thing is certain – it’s time for change.

Refreshments will be provided from 6.30pm.

Reindustrialising the Regions

When: Monday, September 28, 2.30-3.30pm

Where: The Amazon Room, The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie, 31 Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 4TA.

Unite’s construction sector will highlight the vital importance of the UK’s multibillion-pound construction materials and products sector to the country.

Unite is working with the GMB, the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Construction Products Association (CPA) and the Mineral Products Association (MPA) on the “Reindustrialising the Regions” event which will discuss why UK-made construction products must be at the heart of delivering the Government’s ambitions for housebuilding, infrastructure and economic growth.

Following the conference there will be a Parliamentary Reception in October to build on the campaign to ensure that UK made construction materials are central to housebuilding and infrastructure projects.

Adam Oakes, Unite national officer for construction, said, “The events will highlight serious concerns about the future of UK construction products manufacturing, including the impact of cheap imports on jobs, skills and our ability to deliver the Government’s housebuilding and infrastructure ambitions.

“We are campaigning for a stronger, more resilient UK manufacturing sector, with investment in good jobs, apprenticeships, domestic supply chains and cleaner production.”

The campaign is calling for investment in UK manufacturing and supply chains; more skilled jobs and apprenticeships; reduced dependence on imported construction products; greater social value in public procurement; Investment in cleaner technologies, and a just transition for workers and communities.

The construction products sector directly employs around 396,000 people and generates approximately £63bn in annual turnover, but an increasing reliance on imports and could see redundancies and  reduced UK production, damaging local communities and the UK economy.

Speakers at the event will include Unite national officer Adam Oakes and Unite rep Lewis McAulay, who works at British Gypsum in the East Midlands and recently took part in a webinar with Ali Ponica from the TUC about “a Progressive Vision for Re-industrialisation” that highlighted a new TUC report.

By Hajera Blagg and Keith Hatch