…in brief

This week’s news in brief

Rights for workers

The House of Lords has urged the Government to give more rights to
disgruntled employees. The Dignity at Work Bill has received an unopposed
second reading at the Lords and could extend the rights of staff who suffer
bullying at work. The bill calls for better access to employment tribunals and
a shake-up of the current discrimination and H&S laws.  www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk

Managers lose jobs

Sainsbury’s has dispensed with the services of 55 store managers following a
company-wide performance review. Around 100 store managers were targeted in the
review, which forms part of the company’s bid to challenge Tesco’s position in
the grocery sector. Other managers have been moved to smaller stores or given
extra training.  www.sainsbury.co.uk

Monks eyes ETUC post

TUC general secretary John Monks said he is considering standing for the
post of general secretary of the European Trades Union Confederation when
Emilio Gabaglio retires in 2003. He said. "By 2003, I will have been general
secretary of the TUC for 10 years and it would be a great honour to move to the
ETUC."  www.tuc.org.uk

Passengers at risk

Train drivers’ working hours should be limited by law as tired drivers are
putting passengers at risk, says Aslef. The union said drivers should work no
more than 44 hours in any seven-day period, 10 hours in any one day or eight
hours overnight. The annual average working week should be less than 35 hours,
giving train drivers the same legal protection as bus and lorry drivers.  www.aslef.org.uk

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Consignia strike threat

The Communication Workers’ Union has told troubled Consignia that it will
call a strike if staff are forced to take redundancy. Consignia has cut 15,000
jobs as part of a three-year programme to save £1.2bn, and admits up to 45,000
jobs could go. Consignia chairman Alan Leighton said severe action is needed to
stop the group losing £1.5m a day.  www.cwu.org