May Day

This blog is dedicated to those of you who may have wondered why we have a May Day bank holiday. In short, it signifies Labour Day and is a celebration of what workers give to the world - International Workers Memorial Day. It was introduced by the Labour government in the late 1970s. However, first of all, I came across an article in the Guardian yesterday on blogs and how they are not just for geeks; they can actually 'open up previously closed processes in politics, the media and the wider business world'. Of course, I would add the world of work to this list

THE NEXT BIG THING - THE GUARDIAN

In the second article the T&G union are quite rightly using the bank holiday to draw attention to the fact that many people needlessly lose their lives at work - in 2003 235 people died at work and this is up on the previous year by 4 per cent.

UNIONS MARK WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY WITH CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY - PERSONNEL TODAY

A second and more discursive approach to marking labour day is provided by another BBC forum. It takes a much wider view of labour and its role in global capitalism. As usual the comments are very interesting and extremely rich and varied.

HAVE YOUR SAY: ARE WORKERS RIGHTS BEING IGNORED? - BBC NEWS

Having said all of that about labour and labour rights we have the CBI calling for less employment regulation. Suggesting that we regulate employment for the fun of it. However, to suggest we further de-regulate so that our businesses can compete with Indian and Chinese businesses shows how narrow minded this employer federation can be.

CBI CALLS FOR LESS EMPLOYMENT REGULATION - PERSONNEL TODAY

The penultimate article looks at a pilot scheme for teachers. It involves the use of two-way mirrors for 'training purposes'. I've heard that one so many times before from call centre staff. I sense that this can aid training, but a system of this kind is wide open to abuse as its main role is that of a disciplinary mechanism.

TEACHERS' TWO-WAY MIRROR THREAT - BBC NEWS

The final article looks at hospital consultants in north Wales. Apparently, there is talk of industrial action over overtime pay. For anyone out there who thought that trade unions are just for manual workers you couldn't be further from the truth. Even well respected, well paid and powerful occupational groups need a forum for their collective and individual concerns.

DOCTORS TO HOLD BALLOT IN PAY ROW - BBC NEWS