It’s that time of year again in the trade union and Labour movement. Never mind the GLA, London Mayor and local Council elections in May. We now have the season of AGM’s and internal Elections upon us. Below is my request for nominations sent to UNISON Local Government (LG) branches in Greater London region for the LG Service Group Executive.
Time for a Change?
I want to be a London representative on the SGE because I think that it’s time for a change. I would be someone who has ordinary members’ interests at heart and puts their concerns first.
A National Union that listens to London?
While I want the SGE to be part of a campaigning, progressive union that fights injustice, privatisation and inequality, I also want the union to be one that speaks out for ordinary members and a region that is listened to throughout the union. As a member of the SGE I would support measures to promote a democratic union that not only pays attention to its branches and SOGs but is able to take their views forward.
Skills and Knowledge Necessary?
I believe that I have these skills and knowledge to represent London. I am currently the London Regional Finance Convenor and Regional Council officer. In this role I also attend Regional Finance meetings, Regional Committee and other meetings and functions on behalf of the region. I have attended national UNISON lay committees, working groups and forums. I have also been a branch and Regional delegate to Local Government conferences and National Delegate Conferences.
Real Practical Experience
I have practical day-to-day experience of the problems facing our members in London. Both in local government and the voluntary/private sector. I work in a front line post as an estate management housing officer. For many years I was an active Branch officer in Tower Hamlets LG branch. Last year I was TUPE transferred and I am now a member of the Housing Association branch and the acting UNISON convenor of Circle Anglia Group HA. Obviously I have first hand experiences of negotiating over outsourcing and protecting member’s terms and conditions! I have represented and supported members at all levels including employment tribunals. I have also participated in and organised effective industrial action to defend members.
Protect our Pensions
We want to ensure that we now continue to keep a firm eye on the Local Government Pension scheme and make sure that we head off any problems in the future. Also we need to campaign for decent pensions for the voluntary sector, housing associations and privatised services. For the last 12 years I have been a pension activist in London. I have also been the convenor of UNISON London and National Capital Stewardship forum.
Core Trade Union Issues
Finally, I believe that nationally and locally, UNISON has a responsibility to push what I believe to be real key trade union issues such as: Pay, health and safety, pensions, equality, anti-privatisation and employment rights further up the trade union agenda.
I want to be a modern, progressive representative for London who wants to work with other regions and to get things done and make sure that we truly reflect what members actually want and need. Please consider nominating me.
John Gray
P.S If anyone wants to discuss any issues with me or would like me to come if possible and visit your branch then please contact me.
17 comments:
It is indeed comforting to see the police, the airport workers, and so many others asserting themselves through the power of the union. You are indeed right, this is very important.
If I donate some money to your campaign to get elected will you also forget to declare it?
thanks adbul - interesting blog!
Hi Anon
Tell you what, why don’t you match the donations made to Peter Hain’s and find out! (Preferably in used teners)
If I make a donation to you campaign you can forget to declare it and spend it instead on a Peter Hain style sunbed so that you can also have a perma tan!
Hi John.
You havent mentioned that you are an active Labour Party member in your address.
Good luck with standing BTW.
Ian
Hi Anon...
“If I make a donation to you campaign....”
Thanks for the offer but I’m not the sunbed type
Hi Ian
Thanks as well, Yes, I should have put in the Labour Party bit – I’ll make sure it is in the Election statement (assuming I get nominations). Cheers.
Come off it..all true modern labour party socialists are the sunbed type..holidays at Cliff Richards house, attending Formula One with Bernie, Croquet at their grace and favour homes...where is your spirit of adventure?
Sorry anon, Cliff's and Bernies invitation to me must have been lost in the post!
Well if you get elected you won't last long as a true Labour Party socialist if you don't manage to send your kids to public school, accept some part time half million pound jobs and forget to declare who gave you funding? These are all true labour party skills that you will need to develop. Try not to punch anyone at the hustings!
Hi Anon
As important as it is, I don’t think that being elected to UNISON Local Government Service group Executive will actually result in any of above.
However, I do hear that at meetings they have some rather nice tea and biscuits. Does that count?
I was going to comment saying something like do you really think that 1 you'll be able to beat the incumbant who is chair of the NJC and 2 why would you when he as far as I can see is doing a decent job speaks up for members and aint a raving trot?
But then I heard that Glenn Kelly is also standing for the same seat (Even though he's already on the SGE)
Who needs to beat the left they do it to themselves - you must be rubbing your hands together with glee your a shoe in to win now.
Hi Anon
There are a number of different rumours going about (as usual) and other people interpret things very differently. We will have to see what happens at the close of the poll.
John I must admit I am interested in your reasons for wanting to displace David Eggmore
Hi Sean
Apologies for not responding sooner. I suppose the bottom line is that I think that I can represent London better than David. While I do not agree with most of Glen’s criticisms about him. I really do think it is time for a change.
To BNP rude Boy who left a comment at 20.57 today - I have deleted your comment for obvious reasons. I can only suggest that you take professional help for your latent sexual identity problems.
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