Thursday, October 31, 2019

Open letter: Put radical housing policies in Labour’s manifesto

Below is the open letter by Labour Campaign for Council Housing in full.
To Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell and John Healey,
We the undersigned welcome the unanimous support of Labour conference for:
  • Building 100,000 social rented council homes a year;
  • £10bn housing grant a year, ring-fenced for councils to deliver this;
  • Ending Right to Buy.
We understand that this is not automatically included in Labour’s next general election manifesto. In light of the unanimous conference vote, we call on the party to include these policies in the manifesto. They are absolutely critical if a Labour government is to begin to resolve the housing crisis.
hat tip LabourList
(Signed by Rokhsana Fiaz, Mayor of Newham, Cllr John Gray, Deputy Mayor of Newham & Cabinet lead for Housing and Cllr Shaban Mohammed, Deputy Cabinet lead for Housing)

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

General Election 2019 – register for a postal vote



Election day is 12 December – and it's going to be cold and dark.
To keep yourself warm, fill in the form for a postal vote!
https://www.gov.uk/government/publica...

(if not registered to vote then go-line here  https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote - it takes on average less than 5 minutes to enable your democratic rights)

West Ham Labour Party Election Campaign: Please donate to cover our costs


General Election December 2019 - Request For Donation ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Game on for General Election on December 12 - it is going to be difficult but not impossible for Labour to win


The phoney war finally seems to be over and the House of Commons voted for a General election tonight on December 12. It has to go to the House of Lords but it appears to be "game on" for a General Election on that day.

As you can see from the BBC poll checker above, we appear to be well behind the Tories (36% to 24%) but politics is so fractured at this moment in our history no one really knows what will happen. Note this report from the BBC during the 2017 election.

"Polls at the beginning of the 2017 election campaign pointed towards an overwhelming Conservative victory. They were consistently hitting around 45% of the vote - sometimes even higher - with Labour down at around 25%".

The Tories in 2017 ended on 42.4% and Labour at 40%. Never forget we still lost but going from 25% to 40% shows we can change the hearts and minds of voters. Of course due to the UK "first past the post" electoral system, the share of the vote is not always the decider.

However, a good campaign and another excellent manifesto could get us over the line and we could win. But we are going to have to work very hard and show far more discipline than we have recently.

Today we had an election planning meeting for West Ham CLP. We have a plan to re-elect our excellent MP Lyn Brown. I am the Parliamentary Agent for this election (my 4th time as Lyn's agent)

I understand that all triggers have now been suspended and existing MPs (not subject to discipline processes) will be automatically endorsed as Parliamentary candidates.

We are also going to support Labour candidates in marginal seats elsewhere in London (and maybe even beyond). We have to win the marginals to form the next Government and elect Jeremy as our next Prime Minister. It is as simple (and difficult) as that.

Remember that most of the national media is against Labour and that the Tories will always outspend us during this campaign. Our major weapon is our 500,000 members (1800 in West Ham alone) and our millions of trade union & other affiliates. If we can mobilise them to campaign effectively for Labour in the marginals we can (and will) win.

Monday, October 28, 2019

CWU Supporter Network #WeRiseAgain

I have just signed up to the Royal Mail trade union CWU Supporters Network. Hat tip Syed.

"The fight against exploitative employers, dodgy contracts and insecure work requires the support of every single community across the country.

Our recent vote for strike action in Royal Mail Group was secured by connecting with our membership in every corner of the UK – both online and on the ground.
Now we need your help to take our message to the public. By joining CWU Supporters you will be contacted with campaign materials and resources that will help us win this battle – and the others we are fighting
Be one of the first to join us by signing up below. Once you have joined us, don’t forget to hit share so that you can alert your social media networks to our new network".

Sunday, October 27, 2019

West Ham ward Labour doorstep: Trees, Brexit, Cat, Knives, Parking, Care homes, Google translate & 3 John's

This morning we went door knocking in West Ham ward. It was a lovely blue sky, sunshine Sunday after a very wet and rainy Saturday.

The feedback for Labour was, as usual in Newham very positive, but we are, I think, taking a hit from Remain supporters, who are using our apparent ambiguity over Brexit to voice wider concerns about the Party.

However, come the real General election (I have given up guessing when but likely to be soon) can we win these voters back to Labour (and convert the others necessary to win) with another pragmatic but radical manifesto? Hopefully yes.

While knocking on doors I had a sensitive conversation with a man whose father had recently died and had just moved his Mum into a nursing home. He was clearing the family home to hand it back to the Council.

I also got very firm representations from a resident about a number of issues especially parking (see college bottom left).

We canvassed in Paul Street E15 where there is a Bin for knives outside the Salvation Army office. Also, Marriott Road, where there was a V2 Missile attack during World War 2 which killed 29 local residents. I believe that the road was named after firefighter, Harold Marriott, who was killed nearby during the Blitz in 1940.

3 out of the 7 canvassers were called "John" (see us on top left of college) but the young "John" showed all of us up, by being the only one to use "google translate" to explain to residents who did not speak English, why we were there. What a great idea!

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Newham Council Pension Fund is 100% funded (DB pensions are not dead. They are alive and kicking)

On Monday evening during the Newham Pension committee meeting, I was pleased to read the following item in our "Investment Strategy Update".

"2. Fund Investment Performance 2.1 The estimated funding level is currently at 100% the highest recorded for the Fund and up from 98% at Q1. The Fund’s asset valuation for Q2 (quarter ending 30/06/19) is £1.51Bn up from £1.44Bn at Q1". 

This means that for the first time in many years the pension fund has enough assets (shares, bonds, property and cash) to meet all its expected liabilities (the pension promises we have made to members of the fund) at this point of time.

Now with the uncertainty over Brexit, possible recession, future revaluations and a recent unhelpful court case (The McCloud Judgement) who can predict the financial future.

However, what this achievement by Council Officers, Advisers, Fund Managers (and maybe even Councillors) shows is that modern, well run decent pension provision is affordable and achievable in this country.

The Newham Pension fund is a "defined benefit scheme" (DB) In which workers receive a pension based on their length of service and salary. Such collective schemes are not only usually cheaper and more affordable than individual pension schemes but they are far less risky for workers and they usually offer added benefits such as protection against ill health and free life assurance.

For many years such collective schemes have been derided as too expensive for employers and "unaffordable". Most employers have taken the opportunity to close their schemes and instead introduce insecure funds which place all the risk on workers for their pensions. Many employers have also grossly underfunded these schemes, which will mean that their workers will face acute poverty when they retire (if they can ever afford to retire that is or will have to work until they drop).

I hope that the positive experience of the Newham Pension fund (and other Local Government Pension Funds) will mean that the Government and employers will think again about providing decent collective pension provision for workers in the future. 

Friday, October 25, 2019

Newham Fireworks Night - Saturday 2 November at Silvertown Quays

Our entry FREE fireworks display is back on Saturday 2 November. This year we will be marking the 50th anniversary of the historic moon landing. Gates open 5.30pm Silvertown Quays, Royal Docks, E16 2BU (off North Woolwich Road)

The theme for Newham’s Fireworks Night this year is the Moon Landing to mark the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11. The display will be full of sequences and special features designed to shock the senses with its intense brilliance across the Royal Docks’ skyline. The show will be choreographed to a musical soundtrack carefully chosen for an exhilarating journey through space which will have a lasting impression on everyone watching in the audience.

The event will also include children’s funfair rides and food stalls plus a bar selling mulled wine and your favourite tipple, while DJ Roberto from HEART FM will keep you dancing all night.

In addition to an explosive fireworks display there will be some electrifying performances from Lords of Lightning as well as additional entertainment reflecting the Moon Landing theme. Lords of Lightning are a duo who melds creative genius with electrical wizardry to create a breath-taking show called the “Dual”.

The site will be artfully lit, illuminating the spectacular post-industrial structure that is Millennium Mills, throwing light on the many facades of the building that was once a hub of Silvertown life.
#NewhamFireworks newham.gov.uk/fireworks

Thursday, October 24, 2019

UCL UNISON VICTORY

Low-paid UCL workers celebrate UNISON-brokered pay deal

Pay, pension and holiday rights to be upgraded
UniversityHundreds of outsourced UCL staff are celebrating after UNISON secured the same pay, pension and annual leave rights as directly employed workers doing the same jobs.
From 1 December 2019 – as part of a phased retreat by UCL – porters, security and catering workers will receive the same holiday entitlement as directly employed staff, says UNISON.
By autumn 2021 the pay, overtime, pension options and sickness allowances of the 900 outsourced staff will be brought in line with directly employed UCL workers, ending years of unfair treatment, the union said.
UNISON negotiators are working with university managers to speed up the process so staff can benefit before 2021.
UCL will join other London universities – including King’s College London, the London School of Economics, and Goldsmiths, University of London – in employing outsourced and directly employed staff on the same rates.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This is a sensible and humane decision. For far too long hundreds of hard-pressed workers have been forced to watch as colleagues doing the same jobs get better pay, more leave and more generous pensions.
“UCL’s rethink shows the determination of workers to fight for what any fair-minded person can see is natural justice.
“Although we’re nearly there, UNISON will continue to work with university bosses until the final document guaranteeing fair pay and conditions is signed, sealed and delivered.”
UNISON London regional organiser Boyana Petrovich said: “UNISON is committed to seeing all outsourced workers brought in-house. However, we’re pleased outsourced UCL staff will begin to feel the benefits of our campaigning as early as this December.
“This is a fantastic first step that will make a massive difference to staff and their families, just in time for Christmas.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Honour & Remember PC Nina McKay in Arthingworth Street, E15 tomorrow at 11am (24 October)

Tomorrow morning (Thursday 24 October at 11am) there is a memorial event to remember PC Nina McKay in Arthingworth Street, West Ham, E15 4PW, who lost her life while serving & protecting our community in 1997

Frank Bailey - Britain's First Black Firefighter (West Ham CLP BAME Group)

West Ham Labour BAME and TULO invite members and supporters to a Black History Month Talk on Frank Bailey - Britain's First Black Firefighter.

East London Rugby Club next Tuesday 29 October 2019 at 7pm

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Margaret Greer for Enfield North 2019


"Hi, honoured to have been shortlisted for Enfield North Parliamentary Seat today. Here is a short video that I would like to share with you on some of my values and priorities.

More details about the hustings and campaign to follow" 

(Margaret has been nominated by Greater London UNISON Labour Link and CWU)

Monday, October 21, 2019

Newham Council Pension Fund is 100% funded!

This evening I attended the Pension Committee in East Ham Town Hall during which Council officers reported that for the first time in living memory, the staff pension fund was 100% funded with a record £1.5 billion of assets.

This means that at this moment, all the pension liabilities/promises to our staff (and those who are retired as well as those may no longer work for Newham but are waiting for their pension) are backed 100% by real assets (shares in companies, government bonds and cash in banks etc).

I have been a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme since 1993 and a member of various pension committees, trusts and boards since 1996.

This is the first time ever that I have been involved in any pension scheme that is fully funded (usually it has always been in deficit which means that that there are less money than liabilities/pension promises).

While there is a standard 3 yearly review due soon on the way we calculate liabilities/pension promises, which could change the situation (and of course Brexit) I think we should thank Pension committee officers, advisers, fund managers and committee members for this incredible improvement in our Council pension fund finances.

I will also personally call out all the dreadful untruths and attacks on such defined benefit pensions schemes in recent years, saying wrongly they are unaffordable and outdated, that has resulted in thousands of decent pension schemes closing and millions of British workers losing out.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Epping Forest run/walk, Longhorn cattle & Radicals on Wansted flats

Off message: Gill and I went for a great run/walk in Epping Forest today. We are both out of condition so walked uphill and ran down hill (also slowly) and on level paths. We started off near the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge in Chingford then followed the Epping Forest Holly Trail path. It took us about 45 minutes start to finish.

Epping Forest is lovely at this time of the year (in fact all times of the year!). There is a carpet of leaves in the woods and the trees are turning autumnal brown but there is still a large amount of greenery.

We came across some of the longhorn cows grazing in the Forest. Despite the scary horns and being very large, they are pretty docile. There was a Forest Ranger near them who told us that in a couple of weeks they will all be moved to winter pastures. I asked her when will cattle be reintroduced into Wansted Flats (there used to be roaming cattle near us before BSE - aka "Mad Cow disease") and she just smiled.

I hope to attend the local history talk "On the Edge - Religions and Radicals on Wanstead Flats" on 9 November. Check out https://newsfromnowhereweb.wordpress.com/meetings/on-the-edge-religions-and-radicals-on-wanstead-flats/


Saturday, October 19, 2019

County Borough of West Ham Council Chamber 1960s (and now 2019)

Hat tip @lccmunicipal for this official guide to the"County Borough of West Ham" from 1963/64. Many London Boroughs at the time issued similar guides. Before 1965 West Ham and East Ham Boroughs were separate and independent London Councils. It is notable that this guide makes no reference to West Ham Council about to be merged with East Ham to form the London Borough of Newham. 

The main picture is of the Council Camber in West Ham Town Hall. It is now called the Will Thorne Room (after the former Labour Mayor, MP and founder of the GMB trade union) Old Town Hall, Stratford. 

Last week we had a Newham Council meeting in the Old Town Hall and I took the picture below of the Will Thorne room and you can see the changes.  The Council chamber is now in East Ham Town Hall and used for Newham Council Cabinet meetings.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Labour Party Community Wealth Building Website and Newsletter

The Labour Party Community Wealth Building Advisory Board now has its own Labour website (see link) and has sent its first newsletter (see below).

The picture to the left is from the successful CWB launch event at this years Labour Party Conference with Preston Council leader, Cllr Matthew Brown.

This afternoon I attended the latest meeting of the board in the Leaders office, Portcullis House, Westminster. There is a wide range of Party officers, Labour Councillors, trade unions, academics, think tanks, community activists and NGOs who are involved. I hope to take part in a future CWB board work stream on Pension investment.



Thursday, October 17, 2019

Landlords we want to help you find Newham tenants

In Newham we want to work with good landlords (and prosecute bad ones). Contact the Housing Supply team on 020 3373 1149 if you have a property to let. 

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Saving Sarah Chapman's Grave & a Statue to honour the Matchgirls strike victory

I am a UNISON delegate to the TUC regional Council (LESE) which meets this Saturday and amongst the paperwork I was sent for it was an update on the campaign to save Sarah Chapman's Grave in  Manor Park Cemetery (Newham, East London).

Sarah (1862-1945) was a grass roots trade union leader in the famous "Matchgirls" strike and victory over Byrant & May in 1888 and later a TUC delegate.  She is buried in an unmarked paupers grave in a privately run cemetery which is threatening "Mounding" her grave (to level the ground, remove all memorials and cover with top soil to create more space for future burials).

There is also a campaign to have a statue to honour the Matchgirls whose victory helped laid the foundations for the modern day health and safety, trade unions and the labour movement.

It is now incredible that they had to fight to stop their employer poisoning them with white phosphorus, which could result in workers developing a condition called "phossy jaw",  which had a mortality rate of up to 20%.

Sarah's great grand-daughter is helping to lead both campaigns. I have emailed to offer my support (and I have posted previously on this here and here)

There is a petition still open https://www.change.org/p/minister-of-justice-save-sarah-chapman-s-grave-a-leader-of-the-1888-matchgirls-strike-trade-union-heroine and an open day (see main picture) in Bethnal Green on 2 November 2019.

For many years I worked in Bow near to the Byrant & May site (which has now been turned into residential flats which commuters should recognise while on the train into Liverpool Street)  as a housing officer and I used to manage Annie Besant Close which was named after another leading figure in the Matchgirls strike. 

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Newham Full Council Meeting 14 October 2019: A minutes silence, Cabinet report on Education & Keynote Speaker Duncan Bew

Picture collage from last night's Full Council meeting in the Old Town Hall in Stratford. It was a short but emotive meeting. Starting off with the Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, requesting that the meeting has a minute's silence in memory of the young man tragically killed on Thursday just across the road from this hall.

By coincidence, Cabinet member for Education, Cllr Julianne Marriott, delivered a regular report on the excellent exam results that many schools in Newham have achieved this year and innovations such as the Healthy School Street pilot.

There were petitions presented by Councillors on behalf of their constituents (including one from my ward in West Ham presented by fellow Deputy Mayor, Cllr Charlene McLean). A Motion was passed on changes of Council procurement to make it better on quality and enable Community Wealth Building. There was also a number of minor procedural motions and a fantastic first speech to Council by Cllr Beligica Guana on Indigenous Resistance Day.

Our keynote speaker ("Partners report") was Duncan Bew, whose day job is a Trauma Surgeon in Kings College Hospital and also the Co Chair of the Newham Youth Safety Board. Duncan gave a sobering presentation on his experiences as a Trauma surgeon in East London  but also a positive message that things can and will be done in Newham to address knife crime and youth violence.

In the Q&A I asked Duncan whether he thought UK laws on the probation of drugs increased the risk of violent gang crime? He answered that Gang crime was only responsible for 10% of all murders but such crime was strongly linked to economic deprivation and that young people may get involved in gangs and drug dealing since they think it is an "easy" way out of poverty. 


Monday, October 14, 2019

#ONENHS #SamePaySameJob: UNISON Strike for Fair Pay for Compass Hospital Workers





WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

We are hospital support staff working for Compass in St Helens & Knowsley and Blackpool NHS Trusts. We keep hospitals clean, cook for patients and keep them safe.

We are paid over £1000 less per year and have worse terms & conditions than some of our colleagues who do the same jobs. That's why we are standing together for fair pay and fair treatment.

Our fellow UNISON members at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital won their dispute against Compass and we'll stick together until we're treated fairly in St Helens and Blackpool too.

#ONENHS, nobody left out.

WHAT DO WE WANT?

We want Compass to commit to ending the two-tier workforce they've helped to create in St Helens and Blackpool hospitals.

We want Compass to pay the full NHS Agenda for Change (AFC) rate of £9.03 to all staff.

We want Compass to commit to full NHS AFC terms and conditions for all staff, including enhancements and occupational sick pay.

We want Compass to commit to ongoing pay parity with colleagues on AFC contracts.
WHAT ACTION HAVE WE TAKEN SO FAR?

We went on a one day strike on Wednesday 31 July, followed by two days of strike action on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 August, finally we took three days of strike action from Thursday 19 September. We've taken 6 days of strike action in total.
WHAT ACTION DO WE HAVE PLANNED?

We have served notice for a six day strike. We will be striking on 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 October.

If Compass do not offer us what we're owed then we will take further action in future.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Please attend picket lines to support us during the upcoming strike days. Pickets will take place at Whiston Hospital and Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the strike days described above.

Please donate to our strike fund. Email nwdisputesteam@unison.co.uk for further details on how to donate.

Please sign our petition: https://www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/onenhs-fair-pay-for-compass-hospital-workers

Post messages of support on social media: please hashtag #ONENHS and tag @NoMoralCompass1 and @NorthWestUNISON

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Newham Fabians London Labour Policy Conference

This photo collage is from yesterday's all day event in the Old Town Hall in Stratford. This the Fabians at their very best. Great speakers (apart from me - obviously), fair but effective Chairs of panels and genuine questions and real debate about the key issues of our time - Brexit, Equalities, Housing, Crime and local democracy.

West Ham MP Lyn Brown, opened the conference. I also took part in a panel on Housing with my excellent Tower Hamlets, doppelganger, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Lead, Rachel Blake. Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, was the last keynote speaker.

At the end we stood in solidarity, next to the bust of the first ever Labour MP, Keir Hardie (who won West Ham South in 1892 and was a renown anti colonist) to support "Indigenous Resistance Day". 

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Indigenous Resistance Day - Showing Newham solidarity alongside Keir Hardie

Today is #IndigenousResistanceDay remembering the struggle against Colonialism in the Continent of America. (It used to be called "Columbus Day"). After @newhamfabians
event in the historic Old #Stratford town hall we gathered next to bust of avowed anti-colonist #KeirHardie to show solidarity.

Love your ward & how about "DustyMcDustFace"?

This afternoon as a local ward Councillor, I went to support this event and speak to residents, officers and volunteers. The weather was not kind but everyone seemed very enthusiastic about its aims of encouraging recycling and the "give & take market" as well as practical steps such as litter picking, bulk rubbish collection and garden planting. My wife Gill had been busy clearing weeds from the communal garden.

We hope to attach the "Please Recycle" murals to the outside walls of Brassett and David Lee Point. I had a positive conversation with the artists who were spray painting them about communal art and I hope we can have more of this in our streets and estates. Behind us is blue boarding sectioning off land due to be redeveloped. Maybe we can do something with this boarding rather than leave it to be vandalised?

There was also a competition to give a name to the Newham Council Dust vehicle being used to collect bulk rubbish. All residents were asked to submit a name. I felt that I had to submit my suggestion "DustyMcDustFace". 

Friday, October 11, 2019

"Labour MPs backing UNISON members taking strike action for fair pay. Solidarity with the Addaction strikers"

UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, tweets his support & thanks Labour MPs Jo Platt, Yvonne Fovargue and Lisa Nandy for being on the picket line

Background to strike on UNISON NW Regional website

Drug and alcohol support workers employed by London-based charity Addaction in Wigan and Leigh have intensified their strike action in a dispute over pay.

Thirty staff are beginning three days of strike action today (Wednesday) in their third round of industrial action within the last six weeks over what they say are Addaction’s broken pay promises.

The striking workers will hold a public rally at 12noon on Friday 11 October at Market Place, Wigan, WN1 1QS.

The staff were previously employed by the NHS but the service, commissioned by Wigan Council, was transferred to the national charity, which has come under fire for its handling of the dispute.

Workers continued to receive pay rises in line with those of NHS employees and were given assurances by the organisation’s managers this would continue into the future.

But when the 1% pay cap in the NHS was removed from April 2018, Addaction refused to implement the promised wage rise. The decision, which will cost each support worker around £1,000 per year, was taken without any consultation or discussion with staff.

After exhausting the internal grievance process, staff were balloted by their trade union UNISON and there was a 100% vote in favour of strike action.

To date, three rounds of Acas talks have yielded no resolution to the dispute- which has rumbled on since August. Drug and alcohol support workers claim that Addaction bosses have failed to engage meaningfully with the negotiation progress, refusing to share or discuss information about the cost of resolving the dispute.

UNISON North West regional organiser Paddy Cleary said:

“Addaction have let down their hard-working staff and are now withholding a long-overdue pay rise from support workers who deliver vital services to the community in Wigan and Leigh.

“What’s more, Addaction bosses have attended three rounds of talks with no intention of resolving the dispute, and in fact have done all they can to delay, divert and distract from the issue at hand.

“The employer’s defence seems to be that the promised pay rise would be ‘unfair’ on the group of staff it pays even less than those who used to be employed by the NHS. There is a simple solution to that problem, which is to pay all Addaction staff the full NHS rate for the job.

“Public service workers who have been outsourced should not be out-of-pocket. The people of Wigan and Leigh will not accept a London-based organisation driving down pay and working conditions in their local area. If that is Addaction’s intention then they should hand the contract back to the Council.”

Addaction support worker and UNSON rep Kathryn Herbert said:

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from the local community in Wigan and Leigh including from local people who use Addaction’s services.

“We did not plan to go on strike and we did not envisage taking six days of action, but we voted unanimously in favour of striking because we know that we have been treated unfairly. The support we have received from communities across the North West has only served to further strengthen our resolve.”

Local MPs are in support of the workers. Leigh MP Jo Platt said: “Drug and alcohol support is an essential service across the borough.

"It not only supports people to come off drugs and alcohol, but it treats the underlying causes, assisting them with mental health concerns and helping them get into employment and turn their lives around. Their services are needed now more than ever.

"After the public service squeeze of the last nine years we shamefully see 22 per cent of the country living in poverty today, with 1.6 million people living in poverty in the North West alone.

"You only have to walk through our towns to see the effect that this has. Austerity, poverty and addiction go hand in hand. It ruins lives, it fuels crime and affects communities.

"Addaction should know better than to risk their crucial service. The way the staff have been treated is appalling. For a promised pay rise to be reneged on is totally unacceptable. If Addaction cannot afford the staffing costs, they should never have bid for the contract in the first place.

“I will be working with colleagues from across the borough as well as trade unions and staff affected to rectify the situation and honour the promises made to the incredible workers who are losing out through no fault of their own.”

Thursday, October 10, 2019

World Homelessness Week Protest (and a desperately tragic death of a child)

This evening I went with the Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz and our Council Chief Executive, Althea Loderick to Stratford Broadway to visit the scene of a dreadful murder of a 16 year old boy.

At the same time there was an action near Stratford Station by protesters to mark National  Homelessness week.

As Newham Deputy Mayor, I went to support this event and speak to the organisers of the protest to advise them of the overnight rest centre for any rough sleepers who were unable to use the Stratford Centre since the Police had closed it as a crime scene.

While I was there I met again Andrew (see picture) who is a former rough sleeper who has written a book about his experiences on the street and has also attended meetings of the Newham Homelessness Task Force and told us about his lived experiences.

Anyone with information on this awful murder of a young boy should call police on 101 quoting reference 4644/10Oct or Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111

Tuesday, October 08, 2019

UNISON Jobs



The largest (and best in my opinion) union in the UK is recruiting (online here)

West Midlands: Local Organiser
UNISON is looking for enthusiastic, flexible and resourceful individuals to support our growing organisation Starting salary£28,343 per annum Contract typeFull time, permanent Closing date for applications 13 October 2019

West Midlands: Regional Organiser
Starting salary£47,306 per annum including Annual Subsistence Allowance plus Car Contract type Full time, permanent Closing date for applications 14 October 2019

UNISON CENTRE- Assistant National Officer
The role of the Assistant National Officer is to assist in the development of policy advice to UNISON's lay member structure, support negotiating initiatives with employers, and to participate in campaigning activities Location UNISON Centre, London NW1 Starting salary Starting Salary: £43,073 per annum incl London Weighting Allowance Contract type Full time, permanent Closing date for applications 16 October 2019

South East: Local Organiser
UNISON is looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and resourceful individual to support our growing organisation. The successful candidate will bring their experience and skills to recruit new members and develop new activists. Location Strood Starting salary£28,343 per annum Contract type Full time, permanent Closing date for applications 16 October 2019

Greater London Region: Local Fighting Fund Organiser x 4
The Greater London Region is currently recruiting 4 Local Fighting Fund Organisers to work with our branches to co-ordinate and lead the union’s organising agenda across the region. Location London Starting salary£36,651 per annum incl. London Weighting Allowance and Annual Subsistence Allowance Contract type Full time, fixed term Closing date for applications 16 October 2019

South East: Fighting Fund Local Organiser – Surrey Borough and District Council
The South East Region is seeking to recruit a Fighting Fund Local Organiser; which will be filled either on a secondment basis or as a fixed term contract employment opportunity. Location Guildford Starting salary£28,343 plus £2,791 subsistence allowance Contract type Full time, fixed term Closing date for applications 16 October 2019

South East: Fighting Fund Local Organiser – Andover, Basingstoke & Winchester Health Branch and New Forest District Local Government Branch
The South East Region is seeking to recruit a Fighting Fund Local Organiser; which will be filled either on a secondment basis or as a fixed term contract employment opportunity .Location Southampton Starting salary£28,343 plus £2,791 subsistence allowance Contract type Full time, fixed term Closing date for applications 16 October 2019

South East: Fighting Fund Local Organiser – Surrey UNISON Community Health
The South East Region is seeking to recruit a Fighting Fund Local Organiser; which will be filled either on a secondment basis or as a fixed term contract employment opportunity .Location Guildford Starting salary£28,343 plus £2,791 subsistence allowance Contract type Full time, fixed term Closing date for applications 16 October 2019

South East: Fighting Fund Local Organiser – North West Surrey Branch
The South East Region is seeking to recruit a Fighting Fund Local Organiser; which will be filled either on a secondment basis or as a fixed term contract employment opportunity. Location Guildford Starting salary£28,343 plus £2,791 subsistence allowance Contract type Full time, fixed term Closing date for applications 16 October 2019

South East: Fighting Fund Local Organiser – West Team Health
The South East Region is seeking to recruit a Fighting Fund Local Organiser; which will be filled either on a secondment basis or as a fixed term contract employment opportunity. Location Reading Starting salary£28,343 plus £2,791 subsistence allowance Contract type Full time, fixed term Closing date for applications 16 October 2019

South East: Fighting Fund Local Organiser – East Team Health
The South East Region is seeking to recruit a Fighting Fund Local Organiser; which will be filled either on a secondment basis or as a fixed term contract employment opportunity. Location Strood Starting salary£28,343 plus £2,791 subsistence allowance Contract type Full time, fixed term Closing date for applications 16 October 2019

South East: Local Organiser (Fixed Term)
UNISON is looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and resourceful individual to support our growing organisation. The successful candidate will bring their experience and skills to recruit new members and develop new activists. Location Reading Starting salary£28,343 Contract type Full time, fixed term Closing date for applications 16 October 2019

Northern region: Regional Organiser
Are you ready to make a difference as one of our Regional Organisers Location Newcastle Starting salary£44,515 per annum plus Annual Subsistence Allowance and Car Contract type Full time, permanent Closing date for applications 18 October 2019

South West Region : Cleaner
We are seeking an experienced cleaner for our Exeter office Location Exeter Starting salary£16,912 pa pro rata Contract type Part time, permanent Closing date for applications 22 October 2019

Unison Centre – Administrator
To provide a full range of administrative and secretarial support to the team of staff in a defined service group .Location UNISON Centre, London NW1 Starting salary£33,860 per annum including London Weighting Allowance Contract type Full time, permanent Closing date for applications 23 October 2019

South West Region – Team Administrator
You will provide comprehensive administrative support to the Regional Organising staff, providing services direct to our members, regions and branches. LocationWareham,  Dorset Starting salary£28,343 per annum Contract type Full time, permanent Closing date for applications 25 October 2019

Monday, October 07, 2019

West Ham Labour campaigning for London Mayor, Sadiq Khan & getting ready for the next General Election

A busy long weekend delivering leaflets in various parts of the borough for the re-election of Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan in May next year and promoting Labour to our residents.

Saturday and Sunday in West Ham ward with activists and with local Cllr John Whitworth & Cllr Charlene McLean. We are also had a young pioneer with us and a ringer from East Ham, Cllr Susan Masters, who had been attending a "Save NHS" meeting nearby.

On Sunday afternoon I went out with a team led by our MP, Lyn Brown to Canning Town North. Afterwards we had a drink in Cody Docks and watched a marvellous sunset.

This morning I was in my home ward, Forest Gate North, with Gill delivering to local streets including the address of a recent former leader of UKIP, who would not appreciated the front page of Sadiq's newsletter (top left).


Sunday, October 06, 2019

West Ham Ward Branch Meeting 3.10.19

A great picture (but a little fuzzy) from last weeks branch meeting when we had 22 members (and 2 young pioneers) attend.

It was Cllr John Whitworth's turn to give his report to the branch (we take it in turns. Last month I gave a report and next month it is Cllr Charlene McLean). I did give an agents report on the importance of all Newham Labour members helping out to deliver the re-elect Labour London Mayor, Sadiq Khan newsletter that has recently arrived.

Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, was also present and gave a well received report followed by a members Q&A.


Join with us on Local Service Champions Day - Thursday 17 October!



Hello, 

Help us celebrate our local services and the people who deliver them!

Local government workers are true local champions. Working as a team, both on
the frontline and ‘behind the scenes’, they encourage our communities to
thrive and help the most vulnerable in our society.

They often go above and beyond to support people, working under the constant
pressures of unfair funding cuts and rising demands for help. Far too often
their dedication is overlooked.

This year, UNISON is campaigning for local government workers to get the recognition they deserve.

On Thursday 17 October, UNISON activists and local communities will join together to celebrate the unsung heroes working in local government services – our Local Service
Champions!


This celebration day is part of UNISON’s Local Service Champions campaign.

We want to raise the profile of local government workers and the vital services they deliver.

Our campaign film shows how local government workers are there for us at every stage of our lives, from registering a birth to helping you arrange the burial of a loved one.


Saturday, October 05, 2019

A visit to a factory that builds homes

Yesterday Cllr Shaban Mohammed and I went to visit a factory and warehouse operated by Ardmore Group in Enfield. We were invited to attend following a presentation I had heard on how factory built modular housing could help Newham Council tackle our housing crisis.

We went with the head of our Temporary Accommodation unit, since my chief concern as cabinet lead, is the inadequate and very expensive supply of good quality, well managed and local homes for our 5,200 Newham homeless families.

The argument for modular housing (factory built) is that it is cheaper and much quicker to manufacture new homes in factories and assembly on site rather than using traditional building methods. The counter arguments are that it may be quicker but it is not always cheaper in practice and that quality can be poorer.

Newham Council has set up an investment board of financial and housing experts in order to work out what is the best way forward.

In the meanwhile it was really useful to tour the Ardmore Factory with its very personable and knowledgeable, Managing Director, Cormac Byrne (who had arrived from Ireland as a young man with a £50 loan from his mother in his pocket and had gone on to build up this now huge multi-national construction company with his brother).

The factory at the moment is manufacturing parts for new high quality hotels but has in the past (and can in the future) quickly convert to build homes for social housing at fixed prices and to agreed design standards.

Ardmore Group are one of a number of different organisations who are pitching to Newham on similar deals. The actual decision on who to partner with will be taken after a fair and transparent procurement process.

I did, however, enjoy the tour of the factory since it was good to see real stuff being manufactured and worked upon in the UK. Skilled craftsmen and women were using sophisticated machinery to cut and measure joinery, metals and stone, which were then worked upon with more traditional tools to finish the job.

My own father was a City and Guilds trained electrician and I am sure that he would have appreciated the high quality work and skills shown to us during our tour.