Monday, December 29, 2014

Election Address for Greater London UNISON Regional Finance Convenor


The Labour movement election season is about to start. My first election of 2015 will be for the UNISON London Regional council elections at our AGM in February.  I have at least a dozen possible contests, if not more, in the coming year for various trade union, party and pension positions. 

I will post further on the slate for the forces of light and reason in London UNISON. Below is my election statement. Please note reference to fighting union busting and anti human rights employers such as Ealing based Catalyst Housing Association.

"I am currently the Regional Finance Convenor, and firmly believe that strong management of our member’s money is the foundation to organising campaigns that deliver for our members. In the best of times this is true but now in the worst of times it is even more important than ever.

If re-elected as the Regional Finance Convenor I will continue to ensure that the member’s money is used to support branches focusing on real issues for real members such as:

•        Resisting the Tory Coalition Cuts

•        Defending the NHS and Pensions

•        Campaigning for directly provided services and to defend our public services

•        Recruitment & building branch organisation

•        Campaigning for equalities

•        Strengthening our influence in all areas but in particular Community & Voluntary, Education and in Private Contractors. Standing up to anti-trade union employers and union busters.

Open & transparent
Financial decisions need to be open and transparent and be easily understood by activists.  We have a  responsibility to our members to be diligent and ensure probity in our financial matters.
I want to make sure that activists better understand the financial support that is available to branches and ensure that the money gets to them to support recruitment and organising campaigns.

I am an experienced branch officer and regional activist for many years.  I am currently the Branch Secretary of the Housing Associations branch, member nominated representative on Pension panel and Chair of London Labour Link. I am also the elected National Executive Council member for Community. 

As part of the current lay leadership team, working in partnership with the regional office, we have had significant success in the past 9 years in strengthening our union in London by bringing greater unity, building participation across the differing service and self organised groups, and building a union to be proud of.  I hope to be re-elected to continue the work we have started. In these difficult and demanding times we need a team that can deliver.

If anyone wishes to discuss my statement with me they could email me at johndotgray2012ATbtinternet.com

No comments: