There was a very good London regional fringe on the Wednesday evening on Civil Liberties. It was chaired by London Deputy Convenor, Conroy Lawrence. We had Tony Bunion (left) from “Statewatch” talking about CCTV cameras, passenger name records, finger printing for passports (from age 6?) and the EU aim of having one ID card for all purposes – access to the library, doctor, hospital and social security.The second speaker was Ellie Reeves (right) from Thompson Solicitors. Ellie is an employment law expert. She criticised David Davis’ recent stance on civil liberties when he was totally silent on the surveillance and restrictions of striking minor in the 1980’s. Ellie was also involved in the Gate Gourmet dispute, were many members were low paid women, who often had English as a second language. During that dispute they were sacked with a megaphone for attending a union meeting. Ellie pointed out how weak the law is on with regard to convert surveillance of workers in dispute with their employer or insurance companies.
I asked her a question about employers who try to stop back office staff having an alcoholic drink in their lunchtime. Which she said would depend on the nature of the work and the contract of employment. Another person asked whether compulsory staff uniforms were legal? Ellie said it could well be deemed a “reasonable instruction” by an employer.
By co-incidence, Ellie is also a Labour Party NEC member and when I came home there was an email from a member in Tower Hamlets who have nominated her to stand again for the NEC. Ballot papers out next week. I must try and post on these important elections.
The London region social took place that night in the same hotel. A good time was had by all.
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