Coe calls for union backing for London Olympics

Thursday, 16 September 2004 12:00 AM

Seb Coe has called on the trade unions to support London's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games, and has promised that if the bid is won they will put in place a "fair employment framework".

Speaking on Wednesday to the TUC's annual conference Lord Coe stressed that alongside the sporting legacy for the country; a successful Olympic Bid would boost the economy, deliver jobs and help regenerate east London.

He stated that: "If London is to win the bid, and deliver the 2012 Games, we need your support.

"Whether or not we are successful is in large part down to the strength of our partnerships. Partnerships between the Host City and the IOC, between central and local government, with the business community, with local residents, environmental groups, employers and employees or the wider Olympic movement."

Lord Coe promised the delegates that: "In setting up the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, we will develop a fair employment framework, policies to cover issues such as remuneration, terms and conditions and health and safety.

"We will implement this ourselves and take it into account when evaluating tenders and awarding contracts. These should also be our guiding principles for our national sponsorships."

His comments were positively received by the TUC. General secretary Brendan Barber, said: "We very much welcome Sebastian Coe's clear commitment to work in partnership with unions. Britain's unions will fully support the campaign to win the London Olympics. In particular we welcome the clear commitments to jobs, economic regeneration, skills and safety."

Lord Coe also said that they would give something back to the volunteers, saying: "We would set up a voluntary job programme and local job brokerage schemes so that people can develop transferable skills through voluntary work opportunities.

"Working in partnership with trade unions and developers we can ensure infrastructure is delivered on time, on budget and with appropriate levels of investment in skills, training, and health and safety, all enshrined in common practice. I will also encourage Trade Union Representation on the new Organising Committee and the development of a framework agreement in line with the experience of the Sydney Olympic Games."

By November 15th London will submit its candidate file to the IOC outlining its plans in detail. Then next spring the IOC will send an evaluation team to London and its rivals to road test the plans.

Finally, on July 6th in Singapore the IOC members will make their final decision.

Lord Coe is scheduled to brief the Cabinet on Thursday on the current state of the Olympic bid.

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