To The Hackney Gazette

Last month, I wrote to the Gazette opposing the planned privatisation of the East London Line and challenging Ken Livingstone and TfL to give one good reason why the new 'London Overground' should be run by a private operator. As far as I can see, they have not replied. Perhaps Gazette readers will draw their own conclusions.

Dear Editor

Hackney TUC met on Tuesday 6th September and formed a support group for the 670 workers who were sacked by British Airway's catering company, Gate Gourmet. We heard from workers how Gate Gourmet had planned for over a year to dismiss the workers in order to employ agency workers on lower pay and worse terms and conditions. Gate Gourmet workers earn on average £12,000 producing in-flight meals. This is hardly a living wage in London but the company want to drive down pay even further to increase their profits. Yet, David Bonderman, an American tycoon whose business owns Gate Gourmet is reported to have spent £5.5 million on his 60th birthday party!

Last week, the government announced its proposed changes to civil service pensions. The retirement age will rise from 60 to 65, and the 'final salary' pension will be replaced by a new 'whole career average' pension.

In other words, civil service staff will have to work longer to get less. They are left with uncertainty about how they will get by in retirement, after a longer and more exhausting working life.

PRESS RELEASE: 31 October 2004



On Wednesday 10 November, Hackney TUC is launching a 'union organising drive' across the borough to take the union message into the borough's unorganised workplaces. The aim is to ensure that everyone who lives or works in Hackney, whatever their job, is offered the opportunity to join a trade union that can support them at work.

Dear Hackney Gazette



I would like to thank the two readers in 'Your Opinion' in last week's Gazette who expressed their support for RMT's strike action on London Underground. Their support is very welcome: Tube workers are striking for better pay and shorter hours, and against up to 800 potential job losses.

Dear Hackney Gazette

This Saturday, 1 May, is Workers' Day. This year, many trade unionists are turning our thoughts to the miners' strike, which took place twenty years ago.

Dear Hackney Gazette

Peter Boxall of the East London Line Project wants to reassure us about the privatisation of the line and it extension (Letters, 22 January). But I am not reassured at all.