Updated 6:06am 17 May 2012

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Kevin Rowan

Kevin Rowan

Kevin Rowan column

The decision to establish the Women and Work Commission was very much welcomed by the TUC and other groups and organisations interested in equality, for gender inequality remains a hugely stubborn and embarrassing problem in the UK despite existing legislation and much effort to try to address it.Read

Kevin Rowan column

As the Government concludes what is probably the last couple of weeks of Labour's second term, there will be much recounting (and repackaging) of the achievements so far, encouraging us all to go "forward, not back."Read

Kevin Rowan column

On the Monday before one of the most widespread days of industrial action in modern history is due to take place, it is impossible for me to write about anything other than this Wednesday's strike over public sector pensions.Read

Kevin Rowan column

It seems like it's never long between the grim headlines of major job losses in the region, almost always in manufacturing.Read

Kevin Rowan column

When you're right, you're right, and when you're wrong it's important to acknowledge that you are wrong and move on.Read

Kevin Rowan

"Time is the new money", a colleague of mine in the trade union movement told me recently.Read

Kevin Rowan column

It was a pleasure to enjoy this weekend, the North-East having been the focus of international attention as the Labour Party chose Gateshead to formally launch the informal start of the General Election campaign.Read

Kevin Rowan column

There are many situations in workplaces where workers have been subjected to disciplinary actions by their employers, or who have pursued grievances against their employer because they have felt unfairly treated.Read

Kevin Rowan column

Like most people concerned with the economic and social well-being of the North I was somewhat deflated by the findings of English Regions Network, headlining this newspaper on Saturday, to be formally unveiled tomorrow. Yet, many of the report's findings are no real surprise.Read

Kevin Rowan column

The old adage that there are lies, damned lies and statistics, has been proven to be relevant once again in the way in which the North-East was represented last week.Read

Kevin Rowan column

The Labour Party doesn't ask my advice when it comes to election strategies. But it does seem incredible that months before a general election the government decides it must make significant changes to the pensions of public sector workers.Read

Kevin Rowan column

Last week many people did not return to work after the Christmas and New Year break because of the `flu-like' epidemic in which Newcastle appeared to suffer the most, many will have returned to work despite suffering associated coughs and colds.Read

Kevin Rowan column

More and more workers, it seems, are facing the same fate as Scrooge's clerk, Bob Cratchit, who had to work late nights up until Christmas Eve, in a freezing office, with no pretence of a work-life balance, enduring low pay and complete disregard from his employer for his aspirations.Read

Kevin Rowan column

At a breakfast meeting with the Prime Minister on Friday, it was clear, to me at least, that Tony Blair has a strong personal commitment to meeting the enormous challenge of global poverty.Read

Kevin Rowan

It's that time in the electoral cycle when statements from senior politicians like the Chancellor become less about what they and their departments are doing now and more about what they'll do if they enjoy electoral success in the months ahead.Read

Kevin Rowan column

It is ironic that the week the Government debates the merits of introducing a smoking ban in all workplaces, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announces an increase in fatal accidents and injuries at work.Read

Kevin Rowan column

For many, including me, the scale of the No campaign's success in the elected regional assembly was, to say the least, a bit of a shock.Read

Kevin Rowan column

It is always regrettable when unions are forced to resort to industrial action. More disappointing when the union concerned has a track record of being a partner in good industrial relations.Read

Kevin Rowan column

In a couple of weeks we will find out the result of the referendum on an elected regional assembly for the North-East.Read

We stand united in our fight for equality

The North-East of England is the smallest region in Britain. It is also one of the poorest regions economically, languishing near the foot of most socio-economic league tables.Read

Author Profile

Kevin Rowan is regional secretary of Northern TUC and also writes a weekly column for The Journal covering all major business issues affecting the North East. Kevin was formerly the regional organiser of the GMB where he was been involved in a series of campaigning issues. He was brought up in Cumbria and studied government and public policy at Northumbria University.

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