A bloggers life in the UK Part 3 – a week of searching for support

“Subject is a shop steward and member of the TGWU. Is a troublemaker. If she is not a member of the CP [Communist Party] her husband certainly is.”

 

MPs said that while the blacklist was not initially illegal, it was always “morally indefensible” and companies involved continued to use it after it had become illegal

arclight2011

Many thanks to all those who have given me supportive messages and comments.
I contacted NETPOL http://netpol.org/ (solicitors who help activists normally) but got no reply..
i give you some more details here on how it is possible for PRISM to be used not just for surveillance but to attack.

I also point out that once you are on the PRISM blacklist that there is no going back.
Also PRISM can be used to threaten your friends and family even if they are not activists, they can be blacklisted at the push of a button.
Why are people not shouting about this?

”   First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out–
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out–
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out–
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me–and there was no one left to speak for me. “

Martin Niemöller (1892-1984)

Building firms could face bans over blacklisting of workers

……The blacklist was drawn up by the Consulting Association (TCA), which was closed down in 2009 following a raid by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The raid revealed a database with the names of construction workers and environmental activists used by 44 major companies. MPs and unions say the list was used to ruin the job prospects and reputations of those on it.

The ICO fined the former chief officer of TCA, Ian Kerr, £5,000 in 2009 for operating the list. Mr Kerr later told MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee (SAC) that Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd paid the £5,000 fine, as well as providing finance to wind up the association. Mr Kerr told MPs that firms involved in high-profile public projects such as the Olympic Park, Portcullis House in Westminster and Wembley stadium had used the blacklist.

The list operated for at least 16 years and contained the names of 3,213 construction workers active in trade unions or those who had expressed legitimate health and safety concerns.

MPs said that while the blacklist was not initially illegal, it was always “morally indefensible” and companies involved continued to use it after it had become illegal. Evidence disclosed to Parliament included notes on blacklisted individuals that said: “Subject is a shop steward and member of the TGWU. Is a troublemaker. If she is not a member of the CP [Communist Party] her husband certainly is.”……

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/building-firms-could-face-bans-over-blacklisting-of-workers-8650774.html

June 22, 2013 - Posted by arclight2011part2 | Uncategorized