Monday 8 April 2013

Workers’ rights champion has Europe in her sights Jane Shotton- Mobile 07528793904

Workers’ rights champion has Europe in her sights
Monday 8th April, 2013
Community campaigner Jayne Shotton is looking to combine her political and trade union principles to good effect following her selection as one of four potential candidates for the Labour Party in the election for MEP to the European Parliament next year.
Jayne, 50, has a wealth of experience having worked for shopworkers’ union Usdaw as an Area Organiser for 14 years where she has campaigned tirelessly for improvements in workers’ terms and conditions across the North East.
She was at the forefront of the campaign when the Twinings factory in North Shields was closed and relocated to Poland. While the factory did eventually shut its doors, Usdaw was instrumental in stopping Twinings claiming a European Regional Development Grant to help the company relocate the site.
Before working for Usdaw Jayne, who left school at sixteen with very few formal qualifications, worked in retail and a call centre. She was an active trade union rep and represented workers for more than six years.
Jayne has been a member of the Labour Party for more than 20 years and served as a Labour Councillor in North Tyneside for six years for the Camperdown ward.
"The way Twinings could just upsticks and relocate, putting hundreds of workers on the dole, was one of the reasons why I have put myself forward so I can represent North Eastern workers in Europe," she said. "Stephen Hughes MEP has done an excellent job and I want to continue that and build upon it. I also want to work with other Labour Party members, and the electorate at large, to emphasise why Europe is important to the people of the North East.
"Since the Coalition was formed in the UK in 2010, workers have faced an onslaught on their terms and conditions at work and their standard of living. Many people don’t realise just how important the European Parliament is in setting minimum standards on workers’ rights – and the Coalition would love to take these away too.
"I’m looking to use all of my experience to promote and protect the citizens of the North East and to encourage future investment in the area."
Ends
Notes for Editors
Jayne Shotton was born in Barnsley and moved to the North East in 1998.
She is married with a daughter and two stepsons, has a grandson, and lives in North Shields. Her work with Usdaw has seen her represent workers from Tyneside to Teesside, across to Durham, Northumberland and Cumbria.
You can follow Jayne on Facebook, and Twitter @jshttn Email:
Jayne.shotton@live.co.uk
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