Sunday, March 31, 2019

Hatfield Broad Oak from Takeley walk - Remembering a European Genocide in Hellman's Cross

This picture college is from a lovely sunny and warm walk last month in Essex near Bishop Stortford.

Only 8.75 miles in length and 36 minutes from Newham by car.

Check "Go4Walk" website here https://www.go4awalk.com/walks/walk-search/walk.php?walk=e152 (error on website site that suggests Essex is in Lincolnshire wolds - it is not!)

Quiet, pretty, gentile rolling countryside amongst chocolate box ancient villages. We hardly saw a soul during the walk.

We stopped for lunch at Hellman's Cross, which is now a peaceful rural hamlet but at this spot in  1683, local villager Elizabeth Abbot, was burnt to death as a witch.

We stopped off here on another walk in 2011. I can't find on the internet more information about Elizabeth Abbot but I note this report that :-

"From 1484 until around 1750 some 200,000 witches were tortured, burnt or hanged in Western Europe. Most supposed witches were usually old women, and invariably poor. Any who were unfortunate enough to be ‘crone-like’, snaggle-toothed, sunken cheeked and having a hairy lip were assumed to possess the ‘Evil Eye’ ! 

If they also had a cat this was taken a proof, as witches always had a ‘familiar’, the cat being the most common.

Many unfortunate women were condemned on this sort of evidence and hanged after undergoing appalling torture. The ‘pilnie-winks’ (thumb screws) and iron ‘caspie-claws’ (a form of leg irons heated over a brazier) usually got a confession from the supposed witch."

A shameful statistic in our near history which we should remember.

Saturday, March 30, 2019

UNISON NEC Elections are Coming! Denise and John for Community seats

I received this morning confirmation that the Returning officer has "confirmed" that I am a candidate for the UNISON National Executive Council (NEC) elections for the Community (voluntary sector and housing associations) General Seat and that I am being opposed.

So game on. Ballot papers will be sent to members homes address (82,000 UNISON members are eligible to vote for this position). Voting starts on April 15 and ends 17 May.

So you can expect more than a few posts and tweets on this election in the coming weeks.

I am running with the wonderful, Denise Thomas, for the Community seats and will also be supporting other pragmatic, democratic left candidates standing elsewhere. 

Watch this space!


Friday, March 29, 2019

Newham Bi-monthly Rough Sleeper Count 29.3.19

Picture collage is from early this morning (midnight to about 3am) when I took part in my second Rough sleeper count. Newham has received money from the UK Ministry of Housing to tackle rough sleeping and as a condition of this money, it has to carry out bi monthly counts to see what impact the money has had..

My first count on 1 February took place in a mini blizzard. This morning was warmer but still no place for anyone to be sleeping outdoors.

Some 29 volunteers and homeless charity outreach workers met in Newham Dockside building at 10.45pm including a number of Councillors and my cabinet colleague for Adult health, Susan Masters.

We were given a briefing on what to do and the reasons why, then we were split into teams of 3. I was sent out with a Newham Council officer volunteer driver and the team leader, was an experienced outreach worker from the homeless charity SHP.

Our team of 3 had 12 locations to check, that in the past had experienced people rough sleeping. By coincidence this included the West Ham ward that I serve as a Councillor, also Stratford and parts of Forest Gate. We met during the night 3 people who were sleeping outdoors but only 1 counted for the purposes of the survey, because the other 2 had no bedding with them and said they will be staying the night elsewhere.

We went to a number of locations where there was no one actually sleeping there at the time but there was clear evidence that someone had been recently. Including a purpose built encampment hidden away in (I believe) the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

I have already contacted Newham Housing services about unacceptable estate management issues I came across and also I will contact a large local Housing Association about similar problems.

We finished about 3am and my fit watch said I had walked over 5000 steps during the count. 

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Bathers at Asnieres

7 years ago I posted this "take off" of a famous french impressionist painting at the 2012 Olympic site. I still think it is brilliant. Bathers at OlympiquesI wonder if we can recreate it again with current Queen Elizabeth (Olympic) park users?


Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Denise and John for UNISON Community NEC - Ballot papers out 15 April

This picture is from today of Denise Thomas and I outside the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Gallery in Euston following the National UNISON Community Service Group Executive meeting.

Denise and I are standing on a joint slate for the UNISON Community NEC seats. Female Seat (Denise) and General Seat (Me).

UNISON Community Service Group represents 82,000 members who work in voluntary organisations and housing associations.

We think we make a good match since we are both experienced activists and Denise's background is in the Voluntary sector and mine is in Housing Associations. We are standing on a radical but progressive manifesto which we believe is in the interests of all UNISON members.

Candidates are confirmed next week and ballot papers are sent out to all eligible members' home addresses on April 15.

We have both received over 50 UNISON branches nominating us and now this has been confirmed,  we will be writing to thank all of them for their marvellous support. Many thanks! 

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

View from Newham Dockside

I am not sure if this was art, a protest or an advert but strange display seen from canteen in Newham Council Dockside building last week. Anyone know?

They appear to be dressed as air stewards and London City Airport is directly across the docks.

Just asking...

(For crying out loud do not tell @NewhamLabourWTF)

Monday, March 25, 2019

Doreen Fletcher - A Retrospective

Better late than never but collage is from exhibition in Bow Arts Trust of works by East End painter Doreen Fletcher (who I think lives in Forest Gate, Newham).

What fantastic paintings from someone who so discouraged by lack of recognition that she gave up in 2004. Her paintings only came to public knowledge (and acclaim) in 2014.

I never thought that my Forest Gate Dentist surgery would feature in a work of art.

The exhibition finishes tomorrow (26 March). 

Saturday, March 23, 2019

UNISON London Labour Link Forum 2019

Picture collage from last weeks UNISON Greater London Region Labour Link Forum which took place at the UNISON Centre in Euston London.

I chaired the meeting for London region with our vice chair Yvonne Green, during which we went through our workplan, financial report and we debated some great motions (including one opposing the arms fair at DESI London Excel which I seconded) .

Then we met up with the Eastern region forum, who were meeting next door for a speech by Ashley Dalton, who is a UNISON member and is our Prospective Parliamentary candidate in Rochford and Southend East.

Our National Labour Link officers, Julian Cooke and Keith Birch also gave us an update on what they do and the constitutional mess we are currently in over Brexit. 

Farmer Hogget Sings To Babe - If I had words.mp4



Off message. Netflix movie. Love it. Great film. Farmer Hogget sketch is amongst my all time favourite. 

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Campaigning in Stratford Ward - Saturday 23 March 11.30 Meet Maryland Station

Canvassing in Stratford. Meeting time and location: Saturday, 23rd of March 11:30AM (leafleting) 12:00PM (canvassing) Maryland Station E15 1SA

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

My last UNISON branch secretary report to our AGM 2019 (My first AGM as branch chair)

At the UNISON Housing Associations branch AGM on 12 March at House of Commons I stood down as branch secretary after 9 (or 10) years but was elected as Branch Chair. Below is my report to the AGM.

"While it has been another challenging year for members, the branch and UNISON, we are increasing in membership despite austerity and government attacks. The branch membership is stabilising and “Community” (UNISON members who work for Housing Associations and Voluntary sector) is the fastest growing part of the union, which is now the largest trade union in the UK.

The branch is not just about pay, casework and representation if you get into a row at work or become sick, but we are also about campaigning for change. For example, we helped with the launch of the UNISON “Violence at Work Charter for the third sector” and our activists have shown solidarity by attending demonstrations, such as, the TUC march and rally in May and supporting numerous other lobbies, protests and industrial action.

Many thanks to our staff and Regional officials, for the hard work and support which we have received from them. Also, my thanks to branch executive members for giving up their evenings to attend meetings and carry out branch duties.

The unsung heroes of the branch are of course, our volunteer workplace reps and convenors, who day in and day out, represent members at hearings and negotiations. Without them nothing would be achieved.

The branch has played a full role in UNISON’s internal democracy, attending various conferences and speaking on policy motions and issues which are important to our members. Our motion at our Community conference last year was about how it is a disgrace that some housing workers live in worse conditions than those they are trying to house was passed unanimously.

Despite the potential horrors of Brexit, 2019 should be an exciting time for the branch to finally get our structure and finances on a permanent basis, improve our ICT and provide better support for reps and carry out more campaigning on issues. We need to fight the resurgent hard right and the scandalous gender pay gaps which blight so many of our workplaces.

Finally, after I think it is nine or ten years in the position I have decided to step down as Branch secretary and to give someone else the opportunity. This does not mean that I intend to stop being active in the branch Executive and will continue to serve on the Community NEC seat.

Hat tip picture UNISON London regional AGM

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Affordable Housing Conference - "A Bold Plan for Local Authority to Deliver it’s own Housing"


My speech today at this "Affordable Housing" conference in central London.

"Thank you. As I think I am the only politician speaking today, I hope you will find our perspective of what we are doing in Newham of interest. 

First the bad stuff, which no one here should be surprised about but just needs saying.

Like many Councils up and down the country, Newham is desperately in need of good quality, affordable social homes. For too long supply has failed to keep pace with demand, and a series of damaging Government policies have compounded to result in a disastrous impact on the lives of our residents. As house prices and rents have rocketed in recent years, many of our residents continue to struggle on low incomes.

· In Newham, the impact is stark:

- Nearly half of all Newham residents are now in poverty once housing costs are accounted for.

- Over 28,000 households are currently on our housing waiting list

- More than 5,200 households are living in temporary accommodation(remember this figure).

- And not only does Newham has the highest number of homeless people in England – shockingly, we have 50% more children in temporary accommodation than in the entire north of England.

We have an ambitious local plan to tackle this national crisis – and we are calling on the government and partners for additional action that will help local government to step up the building of truly affordable homes.

Our central argument in that the market alone won’t deliver what people need – you need bold action from government, partners and from local authorities to drive forward affordable housing delivery.

We have set out demanding plans for direct housing delivery:

o 1,000 new Council owned homes at social rent in 4 years.

o 100 started in the first year

o Half of homes delivered in the borough to be genuinely affordable

Our recently agreed Local Plan sets out over the longer term that we will deliver 43,000 homes over 15 years. We have the land available in Newham, and we have the ambition to make a serious impact on London’s housing crisis. We want to work in partnership to do just that.

Our approach to delivering affordable housing has 3 main objectives.

1. Build

a. Direct delivery on Council owned sites &

b. More than 1,000 genuinely affordable homes paid for by grant

c. 1,000 homes for sale with all profits recycled into more affordable housing

2. Acquire

a. Buy into third party schemes

b. Increased provision for a mix of permanent and temporary solutions as part of a housing pathway of homeless prevention and advice

c. Make full use of RTB receipts. 

3. Secure

· Working within the planning system to increase genuinely affordable provision

· We have more than 4,000 affordable homes already with planning consent - of which 40 per cent have started

10 months in to our new administration in the borough, and we are already delivering:

We successfully bid for £107m from the Mayor of London’s Building Council Homes for Londoners Fund - the highest allocation of any London authority.

We have invested £500k to recruit a new housing delivery team, enabling us to have capacity and step up delivery

And we have made sure that our own housing delivery vehicle - Red Door Ventures – is focused on delivering the genuinely affordable homes that Newham needs. RVD is a 100% council-owned company, will be an important driver in the delivery of affordable homes in the borough in the coming years.

There is much more to do – but we want to work in partnership to deliver the genuinely affordable homes that Newham needs. For example, we are also actively looking into with other LA and investors whether our Council pension funds should invest in social housing.

Of course, this cannot just be about numbers of units – we need to involve people in the process. The key phrase of our administration in Newham is ‘putting people at the heart of everything we do’. That means genuinely involving people in decisions – including major decision about their local area.

There has been a strong feeling in Newham and many other communities that regeneration does nothing for the existing local residents – that it displaces local people and just pushes up rents.

It is a feeling that has developed over recent years as the housing crisis has worsened, despite major developments and luxury flats springing up across the capital. And it has also developed because local people do not feel sufficiently consulted and involved in the process. They have often felt ignored

So we will also be pioneering new engagement approaches to involve residents in decision making – in major development like the Carpenters Estate in Stratford.

Finally, as the only politician on the panel, I do need to point out the changes we need from government. We have ambitious plans in Newham. But we continue to be shackled by disastrous Government policies.

The housing crisis is worsened by the government’s damaging and poorly implemented welfare reforms.

And while the lifting of the HRA cap is welcome, we need more funding for local authorities to build the social homes that we need. We need subsidy to make homes truly affordable.

Crucially, we also need to see an end to the Right to Buy (RTB) policy, which continues to strip away our social safety net depriving our residents of hundreds of desperately needed social homes:

Since 1982, Newham Council has lost almost 10k (9,707) social homes to RTB. 1/3 of our stock. The high discounts, the low qualification period, and the restrictions around the use of RTB receipts also mean that it is almost impossible for LA to replace these greatly needed homes.

RTB not delivering its original intention of helping social tenants to purchase and live in their own home. Instead, it is increasingly supporting the growth of the private rented sector - it is shocking that nearly half of all these 10k properties purchased through RTB in Newham are now in the private rented sector. Remember I said earlier we have just over 5k homeless households. Do the maths

England needs to follow the example of Scotland and Wales and end RTB, as a crucial part of a package that will help LAs deliver Localism but also the homes we need in a sustainable way.

Thank you for listening

Monday, March 18, 2019

Sunday, March 17, 2019

United against Terror #Christchurch #Pittsburg #Manchester

Yesterday, following the fascist massacre of Muslim worshippers in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Newham Labour Movement family and friends, came together at a vigil outside Stratford Station. All of us were "United Against Terror". 

Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, Stephen Timms MP, Councillors and religious leaders spoke passionately against the foul vile haters, who have murdered innocents in Christchurch, Pittsburg, Manchester and so many other places.   

Afterwards, many of us went with the Mayor to join the "Stand up to Racism" march in Central London which ended up at a rally in Whitehall. 

My own personal views were echoed by many of the speakers at the vigil and the rally.
We were doing at least 3 important things that day. 
  • We were there firstly, to grieve and show solidarity with those murdered or injured at Christchurch. 
  • Secondly, to publicly demonstrate against and campaign against the scourge of fascism, bigotry and hate in all its forms. 
  • Thirdly, out of misery and tragedy sometimes there can be a positive. Despite this latest mass murder by haters, why can there not be be a rainbow alliance of everyone opposed to hate? 

Let us build a movement based on our common humanity. 

WE are the many - the Haters are the real "other". 

Saturday, March 16, 2019

A year since Rokhsana Fiaz elected was as Labour Party Candidate for Newham Mayoral Contest 2018

What a great picture. I believe taken after 3pm that day when the Labour Party informed Rokshana that she had been elected by Labour Party member in Newham to be our candidate in the Newham directly elected Mayoral elections on 2018.

Bizarrely, I was on a train when I heard the news, while coming from Richmond following a debate with Vince Cable MP at the Richmond UNISON AGM.

What a fantastic result. One of the best days in my life ever.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has". Margaret Mead

https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2018/03/blog-post.html

Friday, March 15, 2019

Greater London UNISON Housing Associations Branch Annual Report 2018 (1) Branch Chair Report

Branch chairs report: Tony Power

It's been a year of uncertainty for all of us. The Brexit vote of 2016 still continues and has consequences that are still not clear and this has become particularly unsettling for our members who have come from the European Union and beyond. These members are our friends, neighbours and work colleagues and it is upsetting for us to see the distress this uncertainty is causing them. Unison is doing all it can to provide support for those most worried about what lies in store post Brexit. It has published two guidance documents; Migrants and the future of social care and Your Right to Remain, both of which are excellent sources of support and are available on the Unison website. As Dave Prentis says in the introduction:

“Now, more than ever, our union must show its support for members from across the EU. They have given so much to our communities and our services – now we must stand with them and defend their right to remain”

This year has seen the branch restructure still ongoing and I'd like to put on record my thanks to all of the staff for bearing with us during this process. There have been a lot of factors that we've had to take into consideration including budgets. As well as agreeing a new structure with current staff that provides the best possible service for you, our members. We are working closely with the region to ensure this process is concluded as soon as possible and with the full co-operation of our branch staff who throughout the year have worked incredibly hard supporting our members. I would like to thank them personally for all of the help they have given me and the rest of the executive team over the past 12 months.

On a sad note we have had to say goodbye to a couple of highly respected and regarded Unison officials this year.


Firstly, I'd like to put on record my thanks to Colin Inniss our previous Regional Organiser for all of his hard work and support that he is given both to you the members and us in the branch executive during his time with us. We are sad to see him go but we all wish him well in his new post in the local government sector. On behalf of all of the branch I would like to say a big welcome to Ezequiel Kramer our new Regional Organiser. It’s great to meet you Ezequiel and we look forward to a long and fruitful working relationship.

The second sad goodbye is to our current branch secretary John Gray. Who I have been fortunate to work with so closely over the past number of years. John's been a terrific Branch Secretary and has made a real impact on the branch and how it works. We are sad that he's decided to stand down but we hope that he remains an active member of the branch executive committee.



In conclusion I want to remind all of you that we are only as strong as you, our members, make us. I urge you to not only continue your membership but also commit to making 2019 the year that you become more active in your union by becoming a shop steward, health and safety rep or a staff contact and by so doing join the current activists to that are the backbone of Unison.

With so much uncertainty around at the moment there has never been a better time to be a part of an organisation like Unison which is fighting for the rights of all of workers in your workplace, region and worldwide.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Labour rebuilding Burham and Wouldham - May Council elections

Today I attended the UNISON National Labour Link Committee and offered support for Labour Council candidates, who are standing in May 2 in our UNISON East and South East regions. London does not have any "planned" elections this year, so we hope that London activists will go and help out comrades elsewhere.

The Eastern and South East regional reps present were more than happy with this offer.

In the meanwhile may I pass on a plea for help by my UNISON branch assistant secretary, Lola Oyewusi, who is standing in Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council for Labour. It is currently a Tory ward but anyone who underestimates Lola - does so at their peril!

Obviously we will target marginals but I will be off to Kent at some stage to help out my branch colleague.

Check https://twitter.com/lab_ton_malling?lang=en  and https://www.facebook.com/LabTonMalling/

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

West Ham Trades Council Banner 1957: Vic Feather

Hat tip Captain Swing for "Souvenir programme" of West Ham Trades Council "unfurling ceremony" of their new banner by Victor Feather, Assistant Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (later General Secretary of TUC).

Captain Swing and I wonder where this banner is now? Does anyone know?




Tuesday, March 12, 2019

UNISON Housing Associations Branch AGM - Sarah Jones MP keynote speaker

We held our branch AGM at Committee room 17 in the House of Commons. Sarah Jones MP, Shadow Housing Minister gave a superb presentation on Labour housing policy and stayed for an extended questions and answers session. She then had to rush off to vote in the Brexit debate.



Monday, March 11, 2019

Sunday, March 10, 2019

John McDonnell MP at West Ham Labour dinner

Picture collage from last Thursday West Ham Labour event. Many thanks to everyone involved. We had solid 250 tickets. It was a great night out and we have raised loads for money for the CLP. 

Saturday, March 09, 2019

Mental health in the UK

I came across this slide that shows the scale of the problem in the UK. Hat tip charity MIND via Association of Labour Councillors (ALC)

Wednesday, March 06, 2019

"Council warns residents against workmen conning people out of thousands of pounds"

"Newham Council is warning residents against fraudsters attempting to con people out of thousands of pounds.​

The con artists pretend to be contractors working for the Council offering repairs at the victims home. They then tell the victim that specialist equipment will be needed and that the deposit will need to be covered upfront by the resident.

Two cases have been reported in the borough, one in Canning Town and the other in Stratford, with one 89-year-old woman mistakenly handing over £2,700 to the conmen.

In previous cases, the fraudsters, while dressed as workmen, have claimed they are working for a company called ‘A1 Solutions’. They have also given details of a ‘Mr Smith’ at Newham Council when questioned on their credentials, giving a false number of 020 3633 7029.

Newham councillor John Whitworth has been one of the residents targeted by the scam.

Councillor Whitworth, ward member for West Ham, said: “As someone that has been targeted by this scam, I urge other residents to be vigilant.

“Should any workmen visit your house, do not hand over your hard earned cash and please do report it to the Council.

“These men may seem convincing but they should not be trusted.”

Newham Council will always contact residents by letter first if there is any work needed to be carried out at their home. In no circumstances will the Council allow the contractor to contact residents without getting in touch first and residents should be aware of any workmen knocking on their door or calling unannounced.

The con has been reported to the police.

Councillor John Gray, Deputy Mayor and lead member for Housing Services, said: “It is disgraceful that this con artists think they can get away with this behaviour in Newham.

“The Council will always contact residents in advance if any work is required at their property, and they should under no circumstances hand any money over to workmen that knock on the door.

“Both the Council and the Police are aware of this fraudulent activity, anyone that experiences this should report it to the authorities.”

Residents should call the normal council number of 0208 430 2000 if they are suspicious and speak to a Customer Services Advisor. Anyone that falls victim of the fraud should contact the police".

- Hat tip Newham Council website, Cllr Whitworth and well done to staff to their prompt response to this report. I am not a member of the "hang 'em and flog 'em" brigade" but believe that we must protect our elders.  Such abuse, is technically "burglary", which could result in a 14 year prison sentence. I would be very content if these criminals spent 14 years behind bars for such crimes. 

Tuesday, March 05, 2019

West Ham Ward #Labourdoorstep with Lyn Brown MP 23 Feb 2019

Picture college from recent canvass session. Our MP, Lyn Brown was on one canvass team and our East London GLA Assembly member Unmesh Desai, the second. It was a really busy canvass session and I met many residents and picked up lots of casework as a local Councillor.

Including a mum with 9 kids (two of which have special needs) in a two bedroom flat and another resident with an ongoing repair problem saying that regardless of whether or not I can help her, she will always support the Labour Party.

Our support in the ward, a 100 year Labour heartland, is simply humbling and we need to make sure that we earn this trust.

Monday, March 04, 2019

Rothschild Conspiracy Theory Exposed & "Antisemitism Open Letter"


An excellent video by Momentum. We need more of this stuff to combat anti-semitism in the Labour Movement (nevermind the Labour Party)

also Hat tip Momentum. I have signed below "Antisemitism Open Letter"

"We are Labour members who support Jeremy Corbyn in his leadership and the progressive, socialist programme and anti-racist principles of the Labour Party.

We have seen antisemitism from Labour members and supporters, online or offline. We recognise that as a movement we have been too slow to acknowledge this problem, too tolerant of the existence of antisemitic views within our ranks, too defensive and too eager to downplay it.

We sincerely apologise to the Jewish community, and our Jewish comrades in the party, for our collective failure on this issue to date.

We believe that a small minority of antisemites are wreaking havoc in the Labour movement, alienating Jewish people, and sabotaging the Labour project. Some of these people are already expelled or otherwise suspended by the party, but remain active on social media. Moreover, there is a much wider problem of denial about the problem, including shouting down those who raise it or take action.

We are acutely aware that confidence in the left is at an all time low within Jewish communities. It is our goal to rebuild trust and relationships with our Jewish compatriots.

In addition, we understand our obligation to be sensitive to the concerns that have already been widely expressed. A particular issue is that many people, due to a general lack of education about antisemitism, are not recognising antisemitic tropes, and as a result often react defensively. We recognise that rising antisemitism in society at large, and in other parties, isn’t a reason to fall short here in the Labour Party. It is our party that has always led the fight against racism, which is why our failures are bitterly disappointing for Jewish members, and as such we affirm that there is no space for anti-Jewish prejudice and bigotry in our movement. We must be at the forefront of eradicating antisemitism from our own spaces and movement, which is where we have the power to hold ourselves to the highest standard in order to make a real difference.

Part of the difficulty is that when speaking out about the injustices of the Israel-Palestine conflict, progressive and radical activists have faced allegations of antisemitism when they have either not been antisemitic or when they did not intend to be antisemitic and took care to ensure they were not using antisemitic tropes or rhetoric. At the same time, we acknowledge that we face real currents of unchallenged and somewhat normalised anti-Jewish oppression in our movements and society at large including at times alongside criticism of Israel. In order to resolve this we call on all members of the Labour movement to seek an end to bunker mentality, demonstrate maturity and prove why, as a party awaiting government, we can be trusted to face up to the challenges we encounter in bringing about significant change both within and outside of the movement.

It is our ambition to arrive at a place where we can hold ourselves accountable, continuing to address important challenges and having meaningful discussions about topics including the Israel-Palestine conflict. All of this whilst being true and committed allies to our Jewish compatriots in the fight against antisemitism.

We are committed to proactively opposing antisemitism and antisemitic tropes wherever they occur and countering efforts to downplay concerns raised. We want to work with the party to urgently assign resources, in consultation with the Jewish community, to expose and isolate antisemites active online purporting to support Labour; to create and develop political education materials to assist in educating those who are ignorant of this subject and unaware of the nuances of antisemitism; to publish a dedicated page on the Labour Party website addressing antisemitism; to address both new and outstanding cases in a timely manner; and to raise up Jewish voices speaking out about their experiences; and to reiterate publicly and privately that dismissive attitudes and denial are part of the problem.

We understand that many Jewish members feel uncertain and have reservations, but we hope that you will stay in the Labour Party, so we can work with you and together eradicate antisemitism from our movement and society as a whole.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SIGNATURES ARE BEING VETTED AS BEST POSSIBLE TO AVOID TROLLING AND PROBLEMATIC PEOPLE FROM SIGNING SO IT MAY TAKE TIME FOR YOUR NAME TO APPEAR AFTER SIGNING.

Vote Members First: UNISON NEC elections 2019

Picture collage from last weekend at the UNISON Community Conference in Southport (for our members who work for Housing Associations and the Voluntary Sector). It was great to get support from activists and to hand our leaflets and to ask for support from delegates.

Denise Thomas and I are standing for the two UNISON NEC seats for Community. Check out our joint request to branches to nominate us here https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2019/01/unison-nec-elections-2019-nominate.html

Sunday, March 03, 2019

uCVS19 Conference speech 10. "Alexa did you takes our jobs The rising threat of Automation and computerisation in the Housing Sector"





This was my speech to UNISON Community Conference yesterday on Motion 10.

"John Gray, speaking on behalf of the Service Group Executive in favour of motion 10 as amended.

Conference,

This is all disturbing and challenging but negative changes in employment is nothing new. My first experience of significant industrial action took place 20 years ago this July when I was I was a housing officer working for a London council and was elected chair of a strike committee, we took all out strike for a month against setting up of a repairs call centre and closure of 12 local housing offices with the threat of compulsory redundancies.

It is also not just automation that threatens our jobs but the associated so called “gig or uber economy” employment practices. The rise of bogus self-employment, insecure contracts, no sickness pay, no decent holiday nor pension provision.

Undoubtedly there are threats from automatisation that this motion seeks to begin to address but also there are opportunities to organise. Remember the words of the famous song “Jerusalem” by William Blake? We have new versions of “dark satanic mills” in this 21st century  industrial age, even though there might appear to be shiny computer centres, and UNISON has to be there for workers - fighting, campaigning, persuading, influencing, defending workers by all means possible.

Unison needs to raise its game as well, recently a community member rang our free phone number unisondirect to advise us that she had left her job with a major charity and was now working “freelance” for two charities. As soon as she mentioned “freelance” she was told that she was no longer eligible to be a member! Of course, this is nonsense and Gavin our national officer was horrified when I told him and has taken up with issue with unisondirect, but this shows how we must change our union to reflect the reality of workers, here and now.

This member doesn’t just want traditional representation if things goes wrong she want help with chasing invoices, claiming tax back, basic pension advice and income protection if she is sick.

Finally, conference, 20 years ago we won that dispute against automatisation and managed to save a local housing office service and no one was forced out of a job.

What we must do now is to ensure that our union can adapt to our ever changing world and win future fights for all our members. Conference, please support this motion.

This motion was from the great nation of Cymru/Wales written by my good comrade Mark Jones. Hat tip picture to Mitsy. The motion was passed unanimously.

Saturday, March 02, 2019

UNISON supports striking AFG care workers

UNISON Community Conference showing solidarity with AFG care workers taking industrial action this weekend. Including strong support from UNISON Assistant General Secretary, Christina McAnea and Shadow Minister, Rebecca Long-Bailey

Friday, March 01, 2019

Unison Community National Seminar & Conference 2019 #uCVS19

Day one of our unison conference for members who work for voluntary organisations and housing associations.

First thing was meeting of our Service Community Executive to agree on last minute arrangements, platform speakers and our position on amendments.

We also agreed to support our members taking industrial action tomorrow to protect "Sleep in" payments from being cut by AFG (Alternative Futures Group).

This is not a case of inadequate funding but an organisation that is choosing to slash and burn the pay of its already low paid work force.

Next, sector meetings for housing associations, Community & voluntary, Major Charities, new delegate briefing, Then start of seminar at 2pm.

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!