tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40908032579986964582024-03-05T03:31:54.022-08:00The Crutch CollectiveThe Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-43894559810344862562013-05-07T15:19:00.001-07:002013-05-07T15:19:39.682-07:00Photo From The Anti-Workfare Walk Of Shame<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Pw3DGVB5xvcc91BaG4H2ZJUkCGynmEwimPQru0EW3GAPblRa6reE9YBJIzdXd6Jh5LKT-fg4ohvMz0j4XL8y2xlKuQddZZ-LAz6N7BPLW95KlVUL0ZCZ0OXOz9bXBQ1agjB3GvQDP9Yp/s1600/284056_515277808507649_904746907_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Pw3DGVB5xvcc91BaG4H2ZJUkCGynmEwimPQru0EW3GAPblRa6reE9YBJIzdXd6Jh5LKT-fg4ohvMz0j4XL8y2xlKuQddZZ-LAz6N7BPLW95KlVUL0ZCZ0OXOz9bXBQ1agjB3GvQDP9Yp/s320/284056_515277808507649_904746907_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This Charity Uses Forced Unpaid Labour. We also picketed Poundland, Dorothy Perkins, Burtons, Top Man/TopShop and Debenhams. More photos can be found on our Facebook page:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crutch-Collective/132893236781931">https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crutch-Collective/132893236781931</a><br />
<br />The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-81287891538325604862013-05-05T05:13:00.002-07:002013-05-05T05:13:34.709-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojYYwwC8V0jILi8-my5QtgJCzTP6K-xLcqQ4vikRnbcvjc7zJQc2onWaquS62zwvEhhbea_E4vc7eiO3utjh61AR0HHDjatHBxhk607hpw5Jsu8b5LG0us9sgctzd3fAQfLlkU1XmooBh/s1600/WalkOfShamePlacard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojYYwwC8V0jILi8-my5QtgJCzTP6K-xLcqQ4vikRnbcvjc7zJQc2onWaquS62zwvEhhbea_E4vc7eiO3utjh61AR0HHDjatHBxhk607hpw5Jsu8b5LG0us9sgctzd3fAQfLlkU1XmooBh/s320/WalkOfShamePlacard2.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-74228381389865428222013-05-05T04:52:00.000-07:002013-05-05T04:52:54.786-07:00Cover of Anti-Workfare leaflet to be handed out tomorrow:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL7YRKdE4RgGmZX8kqJVpvmrn_H_CkFhPOiT_XtMfOpFY_IuxMfz3WoEJ1uvBWy-7GhzEDVX7fSQUJS8fI4dkgJrco0UpAoWc1t3JxGKr0zYZHxrpnGjI6kWb1RBBegCKCGKScH1nifrM/s1600/WalkOfShamePlacard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL7YRKdE4RgGmZX8kqJVpvmrn_H_CkFhPOiT_XtMfOpFY_IuxMfz3WoEJ1uvBWy-7GhzEDVX7fSQUJS8fI4dkgJrco0UpAoWc1t3JxGKr0zYZHxrpnGjI6kWb1RBBegCKCGKScH1nifrM/s320/WalkOfShamePlacard1.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-38000927184916094402013-04-28T15:21:00.002-07:002013-04-28T15:21:54.110-07:00Anti-Workfare Walk Of Shame Mon. 6th May 12 noon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="userContent">Anti-Workfare leaflets will be given out from a
Clydeside IWW May Day information stall on Wednesday May 1st from 12
noon on Buchanan Street. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9p64ge41bLxh8_FfIqMaUAr8laLjYZbeoXIW4InfF8BQ40iVrf0og6RBnBkuVtamlu_yCcBXyRcqDmM-o5VLO7piCT6DyRNo5_PbtqKtHuCblOqnZ-TZiQCke_yDGnMEvhPaVrZ1DpXP/s1600/WalkOf+ShamePoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9p64ge41bLxh8_FfIqMaUAr8laLjYZbeoXIW4InfF8BQ40iVrf0og6RBnBkuVtamlu_yCcBXyRcqDmM-o5VLO7piCT6DyRNo5_PbtqKtHuCblOqnZ-TZiQCke_yDGnMEvhPaVrZ1DpXP/s320/WalkOf+ShamePoster.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">We will be picketing several Workfare
companies such as Poundland, Burtons, Top Shop and Debenham<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show">s
on Bank Holiday Monday because if previous holidays are anything to go
by Workfare companies will be using forced unpaid labour on a Workfare
scheme rather than pay their regular staff holiday pay.</span></span>The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-47274819068138054142013-03-23T09:38:00.003-07:002013-03-23T10:06:21.111-07:00Boycott Workfare @ the British Heart Foundation, Union Street, Glasgow, 23rd March.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxylxujnf0x86etP6FZ5KeZO6uADbE7BTjtueFBIm9rqbQtBKtrtcE-nnrSjVjW8aD9z4vLce3I8gkaolSJ4Q3Q6tWYHrEZ_AM0v__ocTjEj2rHkCj_BI5pg3XV5TzBgn5TfznHDg67UH9/s1600/388478_236191689860907_703418703_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxylxujnf0x86etP6FZ5KeZO6uADbE7BTjtueFBIm9rqbQtBKtrtcE-nnrSjVjW8aD9z4vLce3I8gkaolSJ4Q3Q6tWYHrEZ_AM0v__ocTjEj2rHkCj_BI5pg3XV5TzBgn5TfznHDg67UH9/s320/388478_236191689860907_703418703_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Britsh Heart Foundation And Workfare Is Heartless. The Britsh Heart Foundation And Forced Unpaid Work Is Heartless.The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-30820380993605841752013-03-23T09:36:00.003-07:002013-03-23T09:52:50.250-07:00Boycott Workfare @ Poundland, Argyle Street, Glasgow, 23rd March. The Union Street Poundland was also picketed later.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2krdKPs9y7PNlRL4hWX5hvMxtM16-AMXT7sBBMtTyr5o37echU0hyphenhyphenUb0XBXGBKPh5qLCaJw4rK41UYbhtvXpF2Zwg3Zoo3jwFsHO3oizrRUloouCd2YvLGmGkfuP4CEMekX2t4Oh-1Db/s1600/578913_236191023194307_232572037_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2krdKPs9y7PNlRL4hWX5hvMxtM16-AMXT7sBBMtTyr5o37echU0hyphenhyphenUb0XBXGBKPh5qLCaJw4rK41UYbhtvXpF2Zwg3Zoo3jwFsHO3oizrRUloouCd2YvLGmGkfuP4CEMekX2t4Oh-1Db/s320/578913_236191023194307_232572037_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Switch Off Poundland.The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-81415512752128522482013-03-22T04:20:00.001-07:002013-03-22T04:20:29.508-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih59f2IIE610LMqKO0JQ07ICENXA1CJidFP_4-tWKyabpBz-oUFTptqL_jFke2ISrBfvZzdrmKKPIxgfyMsFrLj6SuwQZhd4cfHACUJ6Nvciab1RGYJDQ6rkp5S5Z8eZmUabPucN0hyMQ9/s1600/PoundlandWorkfarePlacard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih59f2IIE610LMqKO0JQ07ICENXA1CJidFP_4-tWKyabpBz-oUFTptqL_jFke2ISrBfvZzdrmKKPIxgfyMsFrLj6SuwQZhd4cfHACUJ6Nvciab1RGYJDQ6rkp5S5Z8eZmUabPucN0hyMQ9/s320/PoundlandWorkfarePlacard2.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-73871832523673016972013-03-22T04:13:00.003-07:002013-03-22T04:13:57.271-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiaLydL5WKAHFPLd8fcT6jFrEyFU4shKwggLytftnvij8wUXpreM5zUDXwYgiYU05q9vBKRROz1N41K-DrIDNyoAlr9Ay3hlKluz_I4DqQDnJzE6tSuEBFDt6bplS4H8c0hhbuLlk9qHn/s1600/leaflet-colour-front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiaLydL5WKAHFPLd8fcT6jFrEyFU4shKwggLytftnvij8wUXpreM5zUDXwYgiYU05q9vBKRROz1N41K-DrIDNyoAlr9Ay3hlKluz_I4DqQDnJzE6tSuEBFDt6bplS4H8c0hhbuLlk9qHn/s320/leaflet-colour-front.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-34763146150290446142013-03-22T04:11:00.002-07:002013-03-22T04:11:52.002-07:00Boycott Workfare @ Poundland Glasgow Saturday 23rd March 11am <style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }a:link { }</style>Superdrug have pulled out of Workfare,
so we will be picketing Poundland's largest city centre store
instead: 167-201, Argyle St, G2 8BU
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #464646;"><span style="font-size: small;">Facebook
Event Page: </span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/164977433649794/"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.facebook.com/events/164977433649794/</span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Despite
being the focus of a court judgement, which ruled Workfare
regulations unlawful, Poundland continue to use unpaid labour.</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>It's
good for the bosses and their profits. </b></span></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>But
bad for unemployed people on the Scheme who don't get paid. </b></span></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>It's
bad for all workers - replacing paid jobs, holiday pay & ending
temporary posts. </b></span></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Workfare
is an attack on us all!</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Like
many chain stores, Poundland, have been given a massive public
subsidy, in the form of unemployed people working for nothing but
their benefits on a Workfare Scheme. Poundland have 'Work
Experience' placements across 71 of their stores. 80% do not even
get offered any kind of job with Poundland. Poundland's profits rose
by 27% in the last financial year. They can afford to pay and keep
on all their staff.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This
Scheme is not only an attack on the unemployed</b></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">
- Poundland claim that their 'Work Experience' scheme is completely
voluntary, but it involves Job Centre Plus, so those taking part can
still have their benefits cut if they do not comply. The degree to
which the scheme is genuinely voluntary is disputed as there are
countless reports of lies and intimidation to get jobseekers to
participate and after one week the scheme becomes mandatory.
Dropping out of a 'Work Experience' placement can lead to being put
on other schemes like Mandatory Work Activity. 'Work Experience'
mostly involves stacking shelves for up to 30 hours a week for 8
weeks. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>It
is also a direct attack on Poundland’s workers and other workers</b></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">
- replacing paid jobs, holiday pay & ending temporary posts for
students and others who rely on this type of work. We have heard
complaints from Poundland staff who have had their hours cut, because
of Workfare.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The
same number of people will be doing the same amount of work – but
thanks to Workfare, Poundland can replace paid workers with unpaid
ones. Once again, the lies of the Government and businesses, claiming
that Workfare is a way to help people back into work, are exposed.
The exact opposite is true - Workfare is a job destruction scheme.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The
best way to end the iniquity of Workfare is to directly affect the
profits of the companies exploiting it</b></span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">
- we have shown that this works with other companies such as Holland
& Barrett and Superdrug. Join us doing the same to Poundland!
Until Poundland gives in, help us in fighting this attack on all
workers’ terms and conditions - </span></span></u></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Don't
Shop At Poundland.</b></span></span></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Tell them you won't be shopping at
their stores again until they publicly withdraw from all Workfare
Schemes:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Feedback form:
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.poundland.co.uk/enquiry/customer-enquiry/">http://www.poundland.co.uk/enquiry/customer-enquiry/</a></u></span></span><br />Press
centre: <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:poundland@bottlepr.co.uk">poundland@bottlepr.co.uk</a></u></span></span><br />Chief
Executive (Warburg Pincus – their US based private equity fund
owners): <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:egustafson@warburgpincus.com%C2%A0">egustafson@warburgpincus.com</a></u></span></span><br />Facebook:
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Poundland">https://www.facebook.com/Poundland</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Twitter: <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://twitter.com/poundland">https://twitter.com/poundland</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-23534870451644029272013-03-22T04:01:00.000-07:002013-03-22T04:01:18.052-07:00Charities shouldn’t make people poorer – day 5 in the workfare week of action <style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }a:link { }</style>Some charities have adopted an ethical
position on Workfare. Let’s make the others follow!
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Given <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/21/jobcentre-set-targets-benefit-sanctions">today’s
evidence</a> that there are targets to increase sanctioning people’s
social security at all costs, it is time to put the charities who
help that happen on the spot.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In the last month, thanks to your
action, five charities have said they will no longer take part in Workfare Schemes: Sense, PDSA, Capability Scotland, Sue Ryder and the
Red Cross. The Children’s Society has also pledged not to use Workfare.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This means the Workfare Schemes which
rely on charity placements are on the rocks! Already before the
latest withdrawals, the <a href="http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/report_abstracts/rr_abstracts/rra_823.asp">government
complained</a>: <em>“The high profile withdrawal of placements from
a number of larger charities meant a sharp reduction in placements.”</em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
One in five people sent on mandatory
work activity in charity shops <a href="http://www.corporatewatch.org/?lid=4730">face
destructive sanctions (benefit stoppages) of three or six months</a>.
The charities still involved are profiting from making people poorer.
Let’s tell them it’s time to pull out!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Contact details for Workfare charities
<style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.21c</style>including TCV and the British Heart
Foundation
here:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=2332">http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=2332</a></div>
The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-33549088212237888732013-03-21T06:20:00.000-07:002013-03-21T06:20:32.247-07:00Superdrug out – let’s make it more! Day 4 of the Workfare Week of ActionA busy week of action has seen Superdrug pull out of workfare – the promise of demos taking place across the UK this Saturday must have helped!<br /><br />
Unfortunately other high street chains are still profiting from unpaid work. What you are doing works! We are winning so let’s keep it up and let more businesses know workfare is wrong!<br /><br />Please contact the following companies today. If you’d like to use a standard letter, there’s one at the link below.<br /><br />
Note: Retailers like to claim these schemes are voluntary. Read more about why they’re not:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=2324">http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=2324</a>The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-11408530592400292792013-03-20T11:11:00.000-07:002013-03-20T11:11:11.026-07:00Superdrug have pulled out of workfare From their Facebook page:<br />· <br />"We have received a number of posts from customers asking about our policy in terms of work experience placements.<br /><br />Superdrug believes in supporting those interested in getting a start in a career in retail, supporting the community and creating jobs, since starting to offer voluntary work experience placements over 500 people have gained permanent employment in our business after completing a placement.<br /><br />We listen very carefully to our customers’ feedback and to be honest the response we have had has been mixed. Some customers were concerned about the programme, while others thought it was a good way to give young people a chance to gain some work experience.<br /><br />After careful consideration we have decided to withdraw from the voluntary work experience schemes we currently support. We still believe gaining work experience is crucial in getting people into the work place and so at this time have decided to concentrate on our School Leavers’ Apprenticeship programme."<br /><br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />It has been easier to edit the leaflet to include details about Poundland as there is lots of information about their involvement with workfare and nice graphics to use for the leaflet and placards rather than Burtons or other Workfare companies, so if there are no objections we should picket them instead:<br /><br />Poundland largest city centre store:<br />167-201, Argyle St, G2 8BU<br />The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-16024003283005339942013-03-19T07:08:00.001-07:002013-03-19T07:08:46.691-07:00The Salvation Army and Workfare There is still time to take part in the online action today against the Salvation Army's use of Workfare. They exploit the unemployed, sick and disabled. The Workfare Scheme they use, like all the others, is not voluntary, but is forced unpaid labour with little chance of future employment.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/workfare-makes-you-free-claim-salvation-army-join-the-online-day-of-action/">http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/workfare-makes-you-free-claim-salvation-army-join-the-online-day-of-action/</a>The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-90928041192222220052013-03-18T14:56:00.003-07:002013-03-18T14:56:39.518-07:00Boycott Workfare - A4e Communications Blockade – Wednesday 20th March <style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }a:link { }</style><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/171387819678555/">http://www.facebook.com/events/171387819678555/</a></u></span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
A4e is one of the biggest beneficiaries
of Government welfare policy. In 2011 the company turnover was £180
million, 100% of which came from the public coffers. Out of this
the bosses shared out £11 million between them. A4e have a
catastrophic record of failing to meet even the paltry minimum
targets set by the Department for Work and Pensions for finding
people jobs on the workfare scheme, the Work Programme. You have
more chance of finding a job without their bullying 'back to work'
tactics. Not content with what amounts to the officially sanctioned
scam of lucrative welfare to work contracts from their friends in
Government there are numerous accusations of fraud against them,
where records are apparently falsified, so that they can claim even
more public money for not doing their job. They are further
subsidised by the public by their use of mandatory unpaid labour
within the company as well. The costs of Workfare are socialised
while the profits are privatised.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We are asking everyone to make their
voice heard once more. Contact A4e and complain about their
involvement in Workfare.<br /><br />The aim is to shut down their
communications as much as possible in order to cause them disruption.
They may not listen to individual complaints, but they will take
notice when they can't do their day-to-day activities for the sheer
volume of complaints coming in! Be polite.<br /><br />Email A4e:
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:customerservices@a4e.co.uk">customerservices@a4e.co.uk</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Head of Communications:
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:kmccrory@a4e.co.uk">kmccrory@a4e.co.uk</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Media Relations Manager:
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:jkerr@a4e.co.uk">jkerr@a4e.co.uk</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Send secure email via:
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.hushmail.com/" target="_blank">https://www.hushmail.com/</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Fax A4e Head Office fax number: 0114
275 4632<br />Send free faxes via: <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.freepopfax.com/">http://www.freepopfax.com/</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Many classic books are available as
free PDFs online. Perhaps A4e would like to read them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Phone A4e Customer Services Freephone
Number: 0800 345 666
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Twitter: @OfficialA4e</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
@AniaMendrek - Operations
Manager<br /><br />Website Complaints Form:
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://mya4e.com/contact-us/complaints-form/">http://mya4e.com/contact-us/complaints-form/</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This is part of Boycott Workfare's Week
Of Action 18th-24<sup>th</sup> March:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/517491058274105/">http://www.facebook.com/events/517491058274105/</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/boycottworkfare">https://www.facebook.com/boycottworkfare</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.boycottworkfare.org/">http://www.boycottworkfare.org/</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /><br /><br /><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-73823665207249859102013-03-18T14:39:00.002-07:002013-03-18T14:40:14.780-07:00DWP Trying to Hide Crisis Loan Replacement<h1 class="entry-title">
<span class="meta-prep meta-prep-author">Posted on</span> <a href="http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/dwp-trying-to-hide-crisis-loan-replacement/" rel="bookmark" title="10:07 am"><span class="entry-date">March 16, 2013</span></a> <span class="by-author"><span class="sep">by</span> <span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" href="http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/author/johnnyvoid/" rel="author" title="View all posts by johnny void">johnny void</a></span> </span></h1>
<div class="entry-meta">
</div>
<a href="http://johnnyvoid.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/make-rich-pay.jpg"><img alt="make-rich-pay" class="alignleft wp-image-5828" height="191" src="http://johnnyvoid.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/make-rich-pay.jpg?w=240&h=191" width="240" /></a>The
DWP are attempting to hush up the existence of the scant support
available for those left without any money at all due to delays in
processing benefit claims.<br />
From April 1st <a href="http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/the-great-social-fund-robbery/" target="_blank">the discretionary parts of the Social Fund will start to be closed down</a>.
This was a pot of money which provided repayable ‘crisis’ and
‘budgeting’ loans to those facing emergencies or awaiting benefit
decisions. The fund was also used to provide small ‘community care’
grants – usually to people moving into independent housing for the first
time, such as a young person leaving care. These were only available
to buy the very basics such as a bed or oven, with prices set at the
lowest cost possible for each item.<br />
<br />
According to the legislation, some form of crisis and budgeting loan
system will still be managed by the DWP. Much of the support however is
being devolved to local authorities, many of whom have yet to release
clear details on how they will manage the new schemes due to start in
just over a fortnight. Many are thought to be introducing some form of
smart card or voucher schemes.<br />
A <a href="http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/department_for_work_and_pensions_group/dwp-news.cfm/id/E6A5F6D7-4A19-4782-BF8A4893B5CFD440" target="_blank">post on the PCS Union website</a> (spotted by <a href="https://twitter.com/UKJCP">@UKJCP </a>)
reveals that loans for those awaiting benefits are to be renamed Short
Term Benefit Advances (STBAs). These will be available through
Jobcentres providing new claimants meet the following conditions:<br />
<br />
<i>“There is an underlying benefit entitlement or reasonable expectation that there is entitlement to benefit;</i><br />
<i> The claimant can afford to repay – other debt and loan repayments will be taken into account;</i><br />
<i> There is financial need – there is serious risk to the health and safety of a family member.”</i><br />
Astonishingly, according to the PCS the <i> “DWP does not intend to advertise the availability of STBAs to the public.”</i><br />
<br />
Which means it’s down to claimants and supporters to make sure that
everybody knows about the existence of this scheme. Spread the word and
make sure everyone knows about these loans which will be more vital
than ever.<br />
<br />
UPDATE: Thanks to @anitabellows12 to who’s discovered this document
buried on the DWP website which explains the new schemes but contains no
information on how to apply: <a href="http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/budgeting-short-term-advances-guidance-las.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/budgeting-short-term-advances-guidance-las.pdf</a><br />
<br />
<i>Follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/johnnyvoid" target="_blank">@johnnyvoid</a></i>The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-48629026205728857102013-03-18T14:32:00.000-07:002013-03-18T14:32:49.029-07:00BOYCOTT WORKFARE - BOYCOTT THE BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION <style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }a:link { }</style><b>Last year the British Heart
Foundation boasted about their involvement in Government Workfare
Schemes in all their shops, “Around 1,000 of (the people working in
their shops] are on placements with us through Work Programme schemes
and 600 [people working in their shops] are placements on Mandatory
Work Activity.”</b>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>More and more volunteers, customers
and members of the public have been speaking out against their
exploitation of the unemployed on these forced unpaid labour schemes.
Many veteran volunteers have left BHF in disgust as charity shops
are swamped with unwilling conscripts. Workfare contradicts the
voluntary ethos charities are supposed to uphold.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Pickets, occupations and an online
campaign forced BHF to finally withdraw from the Workfare Scheme,
Mandatory Work Activity, but they are still involved with another
Workfare Scheme, the Work Programme. BHF are trying to pretend that
the Work Programme is voluntary, but they have been told that the
unemployed face losing benefits if they do not comply with the Work
Programme. BHF have to sign a contract stating that they will inform
the Department for Work and Pensions if a benefits claimant does not
comply. The Work Programme gives Workfare Provider Companies the
power to mandate the unemployed, including sick and disabled benefit
claimants, to undertake compulsory work placements.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>BHF said they recently established
an important partnership with Job Centre Plus to actively promote
volunteering as an option for anyone who is unemployed and wants to
gain work experience. Because JCP is involved the 'work experience'
is not voluntary. Again the unemployed will have their benfits cut
if they do not comply. Workfare does not help the unemployed. Only
a tiny percentage of people on Workfare go on to get paid employment.
Please keep up the pressure and help make sure this charity which
has profited from exploiting 100s of unemployed people pulls out of
Workfare entirely. </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>BHF welcome their
supporters contacting them directly if they have any questions about
their participation in the Work Programme. Please email
</b></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:customerservice@bhf.org.uk"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>customerservice@bhf.org.uk</b></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>.
You can complain about the British Heart Foundation's involvement
with Workfare via the contact page on their website. Ask them to
make a clear public statement that they will immediately withdraw
from all Government Workfare Schemes. You can also contact them on
Facebook and by faxing or phoning - </b></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Sarah
Davies, Customer Services Manager, BHF - Retail Division<br />Fax -
01372 477509 (send free faxes from www.freepopfax.com)<br />Tel - 01372
477373</b></span></b><b><b><br /></b></b><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>This
picket is part of a 'Boycott Workfare' National Week Of Action. They
have information on other charities that use Workfare on their
website: </b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.boycottworkfare.org/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>www.boycottworkfare.org/</b></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Thanks
to Boycott Workfare campaigns the PDSA and Sense withdrew from
Workfare last month. Cancer Research UK, Age UK and Scope withdrew
at the end of last year.</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A
guide to all Workfare Schemes and advice on how to avoid them can be
found here:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solfed.org.uk%2F&h=OAQEkfzz1&s=1"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>www.solfed.org.uk/</b></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Organised
by the Crutch Collective - </b></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Claimants
Resisting Unfair Treatment, Cuts and Harassment –
</b></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:thecrutchcollective@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>thecrutchcollective@gmail.com</b></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/The-Crutch-Collective"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Crutch-Collective</b></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.thecrutchcollective.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>www.thecrutchcollective.blogspot.co.uk</b></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>& the
Scottish Unemployed Workers Network - </b></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>c/o
seanpc76@googlemail.com </b></span></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Backed
by </b></span></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Clydeside
Industrial Workers Of The World – clydeside@iww.org.uk
</b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.iwwscotland.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>www.iwwscotland.wordpress.com</b></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Clydeside-IWW/216550781713688"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Clydeside-IWW/216550781713688</b></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Glasgow
Right to Work Campaign - </b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/119156394809034/"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>www.facebook.com/groups/119156394809034/</b></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Glasgow
Solidarity Federation – glasgow@solfed.org.uk
</b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Glasgow-Solidarity-Federation/237568036376381"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Glasgow-Solidarity-Federation/237568036376381</b></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.solfed.org.uk/?q=local/glasgow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>www.solfed.org.uk/?q=local/glasgow</b></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Unite
the Union Community Branch – c/o Jack Ferguson, Unite Scotland
Community Coordinator 07711 376562. </b></span></span>
</div>
The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-37388710495077431692013-03-18T14:28:00.000-07:002013-03-18T14:28:15.359-07:00BOYCOTT WORKFARE - BOYCOTT SUPERDRUG<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Superdrug
have admitted taking on over 500 people on the Government's 'Work
Experience' Workfare Scheme. </b></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It's
good for the bosses and their profits. </b></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>But
bad for unemployed people on the Scheme who don't get paid. </b></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It's
bad for all workers - replacing paid jobs, holiday pay & ending
temporary posts. </b></span></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Workfare
is an attack on us all!</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Like
many chain stores, Superdrug, who made a £20 million profit last
year, have been given a massive public subsidy, in the form of
unemployed people working for nothing but their benefits on a
Workfare Scheme. Superdrug suspended their participation in the
Government's 'Work Experience' Workfare Scheme a year ago after
actions against Tesco exposed this scam, but Superdrug began using
the Scheme again from at least last June.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This
Scheme is not only an attack on the unemployed</b></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">
- who are bullied on to the so-called voluntary scheme by Job Centre
Plus and fraudster workfare provider companies like A4e, or are
forced on to other workfare schemes for refusing to take part in
'Work Experience' that mostly involves stacking shelves for up to 30
hours a week for 8 weeks, and who face sanctions i.e. having their
benefits cut in certain circumstances, while on the scheme. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>It
is also a direct attack on Superdrug workers and other workers</b></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">
- replacing paid jobs, holiday pay & ending temporary posts for
students and others who rely on this type of work.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The
same number of people will be doing the same amount of work – but
thanks to Workfare, Superdrug can replace paid workers with unpaid
ones. Once again, the lies of the Government and businesses, claiming
that Workfare is a way to help people back into work, are exposed.
The exact opposite is true - Workfare is a job destruction scheme.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>We
call on Superdrug to end this exploitation and withdraw immediately
from all Workfare programmes</b></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">
- any workers now working unpaid should be hired straight away.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The
best way to end the iniquity of Workfare is to directly affect the
profits of the companies exploiting it</b></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">
- we have shown that this works with other companies such as Holland
& Barret</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">-
join us doing the same to Superdrug!</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;">Until
Superdrug gives in, help us in fighting this attack on all workers’
terms and conditions - </span></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Don't
Shop At Superdrug.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This
picket is part of a 'Boycott Workfare' National Week Of Action. They
have information on other High Street stores that use Workfare on
their website: </b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.boycottworkfare.org/"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>www.boycottworkfare.org/</b></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>A
guide to all Workfare Schemes and advice on how to avoid them can be
found here:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solfed.org.uk%2F&h=OAQEkfzz1&s=1"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>www.solfed.org.uk/</b></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Organised
by the Crutch Collective - Claimants Resisting Unfair Treatment, Cuts
and Harassment – </b></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="mailto:thecrutchcollective@gmail.com">thecrutchcollective@gmail.com</a>
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/The-Crutch-Collective">www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Crutch-Collective</a></b></span></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.thecrutchcollective.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>www.thecrutchcollective.blogspot.co.uk</b></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>&
the Scottish Unemployed Workers Network - </b></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>c/o
seanpc76@googlemail.com </b></span></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Backed
by Clydeside Industrial Workers Of The World – clydeside@iww.org.uk
</b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.iwwscotland.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>www.iwwscotland.wordpress.com</b></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>
</b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Clydeside-IWW/216550781713688"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Clydeside-IWW/216550781713688</b></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>
</b></span></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Glasgow
</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Right
to Work Campaign - </b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/119156394809034/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>www.facebook.com/groups/119156394809034/</b></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 0.56cm; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Glasgow
Solidarity Federation – glasgow@solfed.org.uk
</b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Glasgow-Solidarity-Federation/237568036376381"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Glasgow-Solidarity-Federation/237568036376381</b></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>
</b></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.solfed.org.uk/?q=local/glasgow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>www.solfed.org.uk/?q=local/glasgow</b></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br />Unite
the Union Community Branch – c/o Jack Ferguson</b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">,
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Unite
Scotland Community Coordinator 07711 376562. </b></span></span>
</div>
The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-53863831857001652752013-03-18T14:21:00.002-07:002013-03-18T14:21:54.683-07:00Boycott Workfare Actions Glasgow Saturday 23rd March 11am <style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; }a:link { }</style>Meet Front Entrance St Enoch Subway
Station, St Enoch Square, G1 4BW
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1<sup>st</sup> Action, Superdrug, <span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">66
Arygle Street, G2 8AG</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2</span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">nd</span></span></sup></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
Action, 12 noon, British Heart Foundation, </span></span></span><span style="color: #464646;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">10
Union Street, G1 3QX</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Organised by the Crutch Collective and
the Scottish Unemployed Workers Network.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #464646;"><span style="font-size: small;">Backed
by Unite the Union Community Branch, Right to Work, Clydeside IWW and
Glasgow Solidarity Federation.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #464646;"><span style="font-size: small;">Facebook
Event Page: </span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/164977433649794/"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.facebook.com/events/164977433649794/</span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #464646;"><span style="font-size: small;">Edinburgh
Event Page: </span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/429023800520044/"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.facebook.com/events/429023800520044/</span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-88698919521008235132013-03-18T14:18:00.002-07:002013-03-18T14:33:48.261-07:00The Co-Op Ditch Atos Recap <h2 id="title">
<a href="http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/co-op-ditch-atos-keep-up-the-pressure-it-works/" rel="nofollow">http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/co-op-ditch-atos-keep-up-the-pressure-it-works/</a></h2>
<div class="content">
We
didn't think it was a co-incidence that the Co-Op made their
statement 3 days before a communications blockade and pickets. Thanks to
the individuals and organisations that invited 3200 to the
communications blocakde, the 400 who signed up to take part and the
dozens who were planning to take part in the pickets. Thanks also to the
individuals and organisations who contacted the Co-Op over the months. <br />
<br />
the crutch collective</div>
The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-90975457107103518272013-01-27T12:03:00.002-08:002013-01-27T12:07:09.799-08:00Discretionary Housing Payments<a href="http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/discretionary-housing-payments-guide-draft.pdf%20">http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/discretionary-housing-payments-guide-draft.pdf </a><br />
<br />
Follow the link to the archived page. The information is still the most up tp date that we know is available. The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-77156591571872732932013-01-05T09:37:00.000-08:002013-01-05T09:37:45.830-08:00Co-Op - Don't Renew The Atos Contract! - PicketsCo-Op - Don't Renew The Atos Contract! - Pickets<br /><br />Everywhere<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCSET4mwL9DyrgxbNDCGcak4q6tSRtwj_AA1kMV5d5zIC7xRHt76qDwBUe3VZDBEczTQ0oBUGq1GBCY11fJ75duvqsF66br1Vx60GQRTJDmz_35yrVV4x8Gim8waWdljw93OSjIF9Sodi/s1600/Co-OpPoster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCSET4mwL9DyrgxbNDCGcak4q6tSRtwj_AA1kMV5d5zIC7xRHt76qDwBUe3VZDBEczTQ0oBUGq1GBCY11fJ75duvqsF66br1Vx60GQRTJDmz_35yrVV4x8Gim8waWdljw93OSjIF9Sodi/s320/Co-OpPoster2.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />Picket times - From 5p.m. on Thursday 17th January to catch people going home from work and late night shoppers. And anytime on Saturday 19th January.<br /><br />The Co-Op have said that their new occupational health contract starts in March and that the bidding process for the new contract has already begun. The Co-Op have refused to publicly rule out a bid from Atos. Tendering processes are generally geared towards awarding the contract to the lowest bidder. If the Co-Op were going to make their decision based on ethical concerns, which they have said will be a factor, they would have already publicly rejected a bid from Atos. Atos's unethical behaviour has already been well documented in the mainstream media and Disabled People Against Cuts have compiled a list of Atos's unethical behaviour for the Co-Op. Pickets with calls for boycotts and communication blockades and the resulting damage to a company's reputation does have a significant economic impact and has been shown to work with other campaigns. The Co-Op is particularly vulnerable to such tactics as their ethical image is their unique selling point in their part of the market.<br /><br />Details of the Communications blockade on Thursday 17th January from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. can be found here:<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/357131177718217/">https://www.facebook.com/events/357131177718217/</a><br /><br />----------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Some background information:<br /><br />It has recently been discovered that the Co-Op Bank and group of companies have had a 4 year occupational health contract with Atos and that the contract is due for renewal. Atos make huge profits carrying out work capability assessments on sick and disabled people on behalf of the Government. As was exposed by a Channel 4 documentary they automatically pass 7 out of 8 people as fit for work - to comply with Government targets for benefit cuts. Their decisions are not based on objective medical opinion. Citizens Advice Bureau Scotland have received 24,000 complaints about Atos. CAB win 80% of appeals against Atos finding people fit for work. The Daily Record reported on a Government survey that showed half of those found fit for work by Atos end up destitute.<br /><br />The Government are cutting benefits as part of their austerity measures aimed mainly at the poor, while those responsible for the public debt continue to get richer. Despite the media headlines about one or two bankers losing their bonuses, generally bankers' bonuses and those of company directors continue to grow. Sales in luxury goods are also rising. Nearly 50,000 new property millionaires were created in the UK in 2012. £2 billion of cuts in housing benefit and child tax credit where announced in the chancellor's autumn statement, while £3 billion of cuts in corporation tax was announced in the same statement.<br /><br />The Co-Op sells itself as an ethical company, but what ethical standards are they maintaining by not publicly ruling out awarding a new contract that gives millions to a company that cuts the benefits of sick and disabled people? <br /><br />Claimants Resisting Unfair Treatment, Cuts and Harassment <a href="http://www.thecrutchcollective.blogspot.co.uk/">http://www.thecrutchcollective.blogspot.co.uk</a><br /><br />Supported by <br />Clydeside Industrial Workers Of The World <br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Clydeside-IWW/216550781713688">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Clydeside-IWW/216550781713688</a><br /><br />Glasgow Solidarity Federation<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Glasgow-Solidarity-Federation/237568036376381">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Glasgow-Solidarity-Federation/237568036376381</a><br />
<br />
Facebook Event Page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/488541864531259/">https://www.facebook.com/events/488541864531259/</a><br />
<br />
The Glasgow picket will be at the Co-Op's new flagship food store at 143 Sauchiehall Street. At least 3 other pickets are being planned in Dundee, London and Southampton. More details to follow.The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-67773577291505135882013-01-05T09:27:00.000-08:002013-01-05T09:39:40.648-08:00Co-Op - Don't Renew The Atos Contract! - Communications BlockadeCo-Op - Don't Renew The Atos Contract! - Communications Blockade<br />
Thursday, 17 January 2013<br />
09:00 until 17:00<br />
<br />
Everywhere<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHoh_kQOyA-fBp7iMJJpD7aK5xOSRnvenLgQ50FgPgWi-rXsojOltrlXOTFxdRjMpRG-zB6a4q49wAS8lCEyTOYPV5IxfdqLzzi1I1XdTheN53sW-IHl35xtSemhBeT9iptAanwHY_it1/s1600/Co-OpPoster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHoh_kQOyA-fBp7iMJJpD7aK5xOSRnvenLgQ50FgPgWi-rXsojOltrlXOTFxdRjMpRG-zB6a4q49wAS8lCEyTOYPV5IxfdqLzzi1I1XdTheN53sW-IHl35xtSemhBeT9iptAanwHY_it1/s320/Co-OpPoster2.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Co-Op have said that their new occupational health contract starts in March and that the bidding process for the new contract has already begun. The Co-Op have refused to publicly rule out a bid from Atos. Tendering processes are generally geared towards awarding the contract to the lowest bidder. If the Co-Op were going to make their decision based on ethical concerns, which they have said will be a factor, they would have already publicly rejected a bid from Atos. Atos's unethical behaviour has already been well documented in the mainstream media and Disabled People Against Cuts have compiled a list of Atos's unethical behaviour for the Co-Op. Pickets with calls for boycotts and communication blockades and the resulting damage to a company's reputation does have a significant economic impact and has been shown to work with other campaigns. The Co-Op is particularly vulnerable to such tactics as their ethical image is their unique selling point in their part of the market.<br />
<br />
Hundreds of people have already complained about the contract on TheCo-operative Facebook page:<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCooperative">https://www.facebook.com/TheCooperative</a><br />
and by tweeting @TheCo-operative:<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/TheCooperative">https://twitter.com/TheCooperative</a><br />
<br />
Why not join them and tell the Co-Op that you will stop shopping at their supermarkets or that you will close your Co-Op bank account unless they publicly state they will not be renewing their contact with Atos? <br />
<br />
You can also email customer.relations@co-op.co.uk or contact Chris Mills, their Ethical Policy Manager: <br />
chris.mills@co-operative.coop<br />
Telephone: 0161 827 6160<br />
Mobile: 07921 893 949<br />
Facsimile: 01618276230<br />
Up to 5 free faxes can be sent from this website:<br />
<a href="http://www.freepopfax.com/">http://www.freepopfax.com/</a><br />
Perhaps you could fax them the gift of a file of a classic book, many of which are available to download for free online.<br />
<br />
----------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
Some background information:<br />
<br />
It has recently been discovered that the Co-Op Bank and group of companies have had a 4 year occupational health contract with Atos and that the contract is due for renewal. Atos make huge profits carrying out work capability assessments on sick and disabled people on behalf of the Government. As was exposed by a Channel 4 documentary they automatically pass 7 out of 8 people as fit for work - to comply with Government targets for benefit cuts. Their decisions are not based on objective medical opinion. Citizens Advice Bureau Scotland have received 24,000 complaints about Atos. CAB win 80% of appeals against Atos finding people fit for work. The Daily Record reported on a Government survey that showed half of those found fit for work by Atos end up destitute.<br />
<br />
The Government are cutting benefits as part of their austerity measures aimed mainly at the poor, while those responsible for the public debt continue to get richer. Despite the media headlines about one or two bankers losing their bonuses, generally bankers' bonuses and those of company directors continue to grow. Sales in luxury goods are also rising. Nearly 50,000 new property millionaires were created in the UK in 2012. £2 billion of cuts in housing benefit and child tax credit where announced in the chancellor's autumn statement, while £3 billion of cuts in corporation tax was announced in the same statement.<br />
<br />
The Co-Op sells itself as an ethical company, but what ethical standards are they maintaining by not publicly ruling out awarding a new contract that gives millions to a company that cuts the benefits of sick and disabled people?<br />
<br />
Claimants Resisting Unfair Treatment, Cuts and Harassment <a href="http://www.thecrutchcollective.blogspot.co.uk/">http://www.thecrutchcollective.blogspot.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
Supported by <br />
Clydeside Industrial Workers Of The World <br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Clydeside-IWW/216550781713688">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Clydeside-IWW/216550781713688</a><br />
<br />
Glasgow Solidarity Federation<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Glasgow-Solidarity-Federation/237568036376381">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Glasgow-Solidarity-Federation/237568036376381</a><br />
<br />
Facebook Event Page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/357131177718217/">https://www.facebook.com/events/357131177718217/</a> The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-81500732231004853392012-12-23T08:34:00.000-08:002012-12-23T08:34:18.206-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_Q02b2vfEWqhBRNuIX21i82GQjbrREU4eccBMJ3tV3SjrK0nOKl30L5bbRSXs33ZH2LL27WFO0aGp5mPEVab4sujoHlxgtiYmu46ciA3RQTpJ3n3VQyuj9AyIpSulbHYoeKQQx0NFw7y/s1600/706322_177056725774404_1093160705_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_Q02b2vfEWqhBRNuIX21i82GQjbrREU4eccBMJ3tV3SjrK0nOKl30L5bbRSXs33ZH2LL27WFO0aGp5mPEVab4sujoHlxgtiYmu46ciA3RQTpJ3n3VQyuj9AyIpSulbHYoeKQQx0NFw7y/s320/706322_177056725774404_1093160705_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-9461923004260396412012-12-23T08:33:00.001-08:002012-12-23T08:33:34.650-08:00Anti-Workfare Picket December 8th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd72Nm3pNLsOpvtDhp20RLr4fHEuMayieyHwGGe9MOIsoTvueRGKT_I9GXuEpdWanbmyu_T0yXW4BQg9GoL9C_Cno_WsrUwSnQqvFvgk8Cmp-CQ4y6JauyrGW_y1f6FDN5JHM9UzmbnC1/s1600/706283_177057425774334_447583528_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd72Nm3pNLsOpvtDhp20RLr4fHEuMayieyHwGGe9MOIsoTvueRGKT_I9GXuEpdWanbmyu_T0yXW4BQg9GoL9C_Cno_WsrUwSnQqvFvgk8Cmp-CQ4y6JauyrGW_y1f6FDN5JHM9UzmbnC1/s320/706283_177057425774334_447583528_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4090803257998696458.post-43795548678368606842012-12-23T08:30:00.001-08:002012-12-23T08:30:56.683-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOAep4c8xOVMIvhpEqqCUTXJr_FTAV3JSdhJUgWJ4Tu-Iw34b8XZmdMLAqlXpzP9EYDkIUKlfC5ualG55-YVCH7WtNZWgS3VPnQsKft-wBs2KsrdtK8BVOan94ILhPy9Vpru-ZhlhIo-U/s1600/460640_177055975774479_1997201018_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOAep4c8xOVMIvhpEqqCUTXJr_FTAV3JSdhJUgWJ4Tu-Iw34b8XZmdMLAqlXpzP9EYDkIUKlfC5ualG55-YVCH7WtNZWgS3VPnQsKft-wBs2KsrdtK8BVOan94ILhPy9Vpru-ZhlhIo-U/s320/460640_177055975774479_1997201018_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anti-workfare Picket December 8th - The small placards say, 'Workfare Is Not Voluntary' and 'British Heart Foundation Stop Exploiting The Unemployed'.The Crutch Collectivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03941301792126663440noreply@blogger.com0