Thursday, September 30, 2021

London UNISON Celebrating Black History Month 2021 "Breaking the Glass Ceiling"


This year the Regional Black Members Committee will be hosting a virtual event to celebrate Black History Month. 

The theme will be: Breaking the Glass Ceiling. This is an opportunity for the Region to recognise and celebrate Black Lives, which is especially important in the current climate.  

The event is open to all members and activists and will feature music, poetry, and inspirational speakers. It will be hosted via MS Teams on Friday 29th October 2021, starting at 2.00pm.

Please circulate details of this event to all members in your branch. 

If you are a London UNISON member you can register for the event here:

https://forms.office.com/r/1xHXtyqKiw (or scan above) - you need your membership number and if you do not know it ring UNISONdirect to find out on 0800 0 857 857)

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Keir Starmer Leader Speech to Labour Party Conference 2021

I am back home after spending the last 5 days at Brighton for the Labour Party Conference 2021. It was great to be back in Brighton at a physical, real life face to face conference, after all this time. 

I was there as a Party member (self funding) and not a delegate. I am knackered but still attended my UNISON branch committee zoom this evening. I will try to post further on conference later. 

The highlight of a wonderful week (speeches, stalls, fringes, discussions, arguments, gossip, good food, late night debates - mixed in with just a little bit of socialising) was the keynote leader speech by Keir at the close of conference. 

I thought it was a wonderful speech which showed us, a potential future prime minister. He has the 3 "P's" - "politics, policies, personality (and I would add "grit"). He is the only person that can take on the SOS that have ruled us disastrously for so, so long.  

I now think we have a really good chance of a win at the next general election. 

Frankly, after 11 years of Tory rule, nothing else matters. 

Friday, September 24, 2021

Labour Party Conference 2021

 

My pass to Labour Party Conference has arrived, travel, Covid vaccination pass and accommodation sorted out and I am busy checking out which fringes and debates to attend. I am not a delegate, so no early morning delegation meetings to attend nor having to sit through all the really boring speeches!

I will be in Brighton from Saturday to Wednesday. I am looking forward to the London Labour Party reception tomorrow and I am speaking at a Pension Fringe on "Just Transition" on Monday. Newham Labour "get together" will probably be on Monday evening. Watch this space. 

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Clarion UNISON AGM 2021

 

Yesterday evening was the AGM of UNISON members who work for Clarion Housing Association. It was a "hybrid" meeting held physically in Clarion headquarters in London Bridge and virtually on MS teams.  We have members in 22 UNISON branches in all 9 English regions. 

I  was pleased to have been re-elected as the UNISON National Convenor (unopposed). 

Many thanks for our UNISON National Officer for Housing Associations and the Voluntary Sector, Andrew Dobbie for giving us an update and to all reps and members who attended and participated in this meeting (including London Regional officer, Ezequiel Kramer). 

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Anu Prashar "I'm voting for Anu...She'll be a strong voice for London"


By now UNISON members who are part of Labour Link (the political fund that supports the Labour Party and fights to bring UNISON values and priorities into the Party) should have received their ballot form by post to their home addresses (and email if the union has a valid email address for you). You can only vote once! Since the security code can only be used once.

The ballot helpline is @ UNISON Direct - 0800 0857 857 if you require your ballot paper in a different format, or if you haven’t received one by now, they can help. There is also a textphone number 0800 0967 968 for members with hearing difficulties. 

Outside London check out below my (John Gray) personal recommendations for other contested regional seats.




Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Back to East Ham Town Hall

 

This evening I went inside East Ham Town for the first time since pre lockdown for a Crime & ASB Scrutiny Commission meeting. I only went to make sure that there was the minimum quorum of  Councillors present, since I had an emergency trade union clash that I had to deal with. 

Due to Covid only the minimum number of Councillors are asked to join these meetings physically and others are encouraged to join virtually. I had said that I would attend in person and by law only Councillors physically present in meetings count for quorum. 

The meeting was quorum without me, so I apologised to the Chair,  Cllr Daniel Lee-Phakoe and colleagues then left. Which was a real shame since it was an important meeting which I wanted to attend. 

Yesterday evening we had a full Council meeting at the Old Town Hall in Stratford. Which is a beautiful and historic building but I have many more memories of East Ham Town Hall (not all good but mostly!) and it is a lovely building as well. 

Monday, September 20, 2021

Back to the Old Town Hall in Stratford

It was great to be in the historic Old Town Hall in Stratford for this evening's Newham Full Council Meeting. There was even an demonstration outside by residents protesting about the closure of Newham City Farm. 

It was a "blended" meeting with Councillors, officers and residents physically present and others joining via zoom or YouTube. 

There was a few technical problems (I have yet to experience a "blended" meeting where things go well). 

The meeting took place in the main hall which was where the Keir Hardie general election count took place in 1892 (he was elected as the first Labour MP).

While I think that there is still a real risk of further Covid restrictions on such gatherings, it was good to be back and I look forward to tomorrow's Scrutiny Meeting which is being held at East Ham Town Hall. 



Sunday, September 19, 2021

Remembering Tessa Jowell - UNISON Kings College Hospital Branch


Hat tip @LondonNurse2015 for this wonderful photo of the new UNISON branch banner, remembering former local Labour MP and Secretary of State,  Tessa Jowell

Saturday, September 18, 2021

AFG: Cancel the Cuts


"As Support Workers, we have gone above and beyond during the pandemic to support some of our community’s most vulnerable residents.

Despite this, our employer Alternative Futures Group (AFG) is proposing drastic cuts to our pay and conditions. This includes sick pay, holiday entitlement, sleep-in pay and bank holiday enhancements. We deserve decent pay and conditions for the exceptional job we do. We need occupational sick pay to protect the health and wellbeing of ourselves and the people we care for. 

We call on our employer, AFG, to stop proposed cuts to our pay and conditions and to pay the Foundation Living Wage to all Support Workers at AFG. 

We call on local authorities that commission AFG to take responsibility for how public funds are being spent, to ensure that our pay and conditions aren’t cut and to improve commissioning standards to ensure all care workers receive decent pay and conditions. 

And we call on members of the public to hold local councillors to account and to stand with us in our campaign for reward and recognition at work".

Say NO to:

  • Attacks on pay and conditions
  • Cuts to occupational sick pay
  • Fire and rehire
  • Profits before people in social care 

 

Say YES to:

  • A Foundation Living Wage
  • Sick pay for all
  • A voice at work through union recognition
  • Publicly delivered social care
     

Sign the petition!


Friday, September 17, 2021

Unlock The High Street - Newham Co-op Party Thursday 23rd September


"A reminder to join us at 7pm on Thursday 23rd September for our next meeting; Unlock the High Street.  

The Cooperative Party has launched a campaign to “Unlock the High Street” and we’ve got some great speakers lined up to share their experiences and views on the campaign.

Unlock the High Street also aligns exceptionally well with the Council’s own “Newham High Street” strategy, which will see areas including Green Street, Manor Park Forest Gate and Little Ilford transformed through community-led action plans. These will help to develop them into 15-minute neighbourhoods, where residents can access all social, cultural, civic, and economic essentials. 

https://www.newham.gov.uk/regeneration-1/newham-town-centres-regeneration-strategy

You can attend this meeting on Zoom or in person. We’re hiring space at the Royal Docks Learning and Activity Centre so members can meet and discuss in person, and enjoy a small drink and celebration after the event at a nearby pub. If you’d like to attend in person please let me know by email.

The address is:  Royal Docks Learning & Activity Centre, Albert Road, North Woolwich E16 2JB


If you’re attending via Zoom, please join via the following link. Please join with your camera on and using your real name.

Our speakers are:

Councillor Arooj Shah 

(Leader of Oldham Council & Cabinet Member for Economic and Social Reform)  

Twitter: @shah_arooj

Arooj has lived all her life in the Oldham borough and is became Leader of Oldham Council in May 2021, the first Muslim woman to hold such a role in the North of England. She has portfolio responsibility for Economic and Social Reform. Her priorities for Oldham include: 

·         cleaning up its streets and tackling fly-tipping, 

·         delivering the Council’s transformational regeneration plan for town centres based on principles of equality and shared prosperity, 

·         building a stronger relationship with residents, creating a council that is responsive to local priorities.

Within her portfolio, she has responsibility for reducing inequality and tackling poverty, Community Wealth Building, transport, community cohesion and the overall borough strategy. This portfolio allows her to utilise her passion for tackling inequalities and championing social justice for all of Oldham’s communities.

Councillor Doina Cornell 

(Leader of Stroud District Council)

Twitter: @doinacornell

Doina Cornell was elected in 2012 as a Labour and Cooperative district councillor for the Gloucestershire town of Dursley and has been leader of Stroud District Council since January 2018. Since 2012 the council has been run by a ‘Cooperative Alliance’ of Labour, Greens and Liberal Democrats.

Doina's priorities as council leader are investing in local communities, both people and places, supporting the local economy and responding to the climate and ecological emergency.

Doina works with her family business Cornell Sailing Ltd publishing specialist sailing books, and in 2013-15 helped organise a round the world sailing rally to highlight climate change. She is the author of ‘Child of the Sea’, her memoir of her sailing childhood.

Saif Osmani

(Secretary of the Green Street Business Association). 

@AvidArtAgency

Saif Osmani is secretary of the GSBA, a non-profit making organisation run by the local business community in Green Street. As an artist operating within architecture, his practice inquires into socio-cultural ruptures resulting from changes in the built environment. Born in London, he is of Sylheti-Bangladeshi origin and has a studio located in East London.

After graduating from Chelsea College of Art & Design Saif worked for 10 years at leading architecture firms. In 2019/20 he recieved an Aziz Foundation Scholarship to complete his Masters in Architecture & Historic Urban Environments at UCL Bartlett School of Architecture. 

Recently he was artist-in-residence/ visiting fellow at Loughborough University London. Previously he has been a visiting tutor at University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury. He occasionally lectures at Loughborough University's Media and Creative Industries and for UCL's planning and geography departments.

The GSBA has been part of the consultation led by Newham Council to develop and co-design a high street action for Green Street as an integral part of the Council’s Towards a Better Newham Covid-19 Recovery Strategy and Community Wealth Building Strategy.

Yours in co-operation,

Neil Wilson,

Secretary

Thursday, September 16, 2021

West Ham Ward Surgery Doorstep

This evening I went on a ward doorstep Councillor surgery with my colleague, Cllr John Whitworth. We were joined by our GLA  Assembly member Unmesh Desai. 

Pretty positive response for Labour. We had 49 contacts (using Labour doorstep app). 

Afterwards we went to the Black Lion pub for a "debrief" and by coincidence met up with Newham Council Cabinet members. Afterwards, some of us went for a mixed grill shared between 2 and some Gurkha beers at @aromasfoods. Yum. 

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Anu Prashar "The Members' Choice" for UNISON Labour Link Greater London


By now UNISON members who are part of Labour Link (the political fund that supports the Labour Party and fights to bring UNISON values and priorities into the Party) should have received their ballot form by post to their home addresses (and email if the union has a valid email address for you). You can only vote once! since the security code can only be used once.

The ballot helpline is @ UNISON Direct - 0800 0857 857 if you require your ballot paper in a different format, or if you haven’t received one by 13th September, they can help. There is also a textphone number 0800 0967 968 for members with hearing difficulties.

Outside London check out below my personal recommendations for other contested regional seats. 









Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Labour leader, Keir Starmer’s speech to TUC Congress 2021 - extend sick pay to all and raise it, ban zero-hours contracts & deliver day one rights for workers.


A great speech by Keir. We can now get on real politics and promoting real policies for workers and their families. Agree "We need a Labour Government" (desperately). 
"The TUC has today (Tuesday) welcomed Labour pledges to extend sick pay to all and raise it, and to ban zero-hours contracts and deliver day one rights for workers.  

The TUC has today (Tuesday) welcomed Labour pledges to extend sick pay to all and raise it, and to ban zero-hours contracts and deliver day one rights for workers.  

Commenting on Labour leader Keir Starmer’s speech at Congress, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:  

"Keir Starmer is right to focus on dignity at work. This pandemic has exposed the inequality and insecurity at the heart of our labour market.  

“No-one should be pushed into financial hardship if they fall ill at work. 

“Keir today promised that the next Labour government will increase statutory sick pay and make sure everyone has access to it - including the lowest-paid workers.  

“During the pandemic, too many couldn’t afford to self-isolate because sick pay is too low or they aren’t eligible for it at all. This badly undermined our public health effort during Covid.  

“It’s great to see Keir backing a ban on zero hours contracts and calling for workers across the country to get day one rights at work.” 

Editors note

-2 million low paid workers don’t currently receive statutory sick pay – most of them women https://www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/sick-pay-works  

-The UK has one of the lowest rates of sick pay in Europe at £96.35 a week 

-A third of those on zero hours contracts workers don’t qualify for any sick pay.  https://www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/covid-19-and-insecure-work  

TUC report A New Deal for Social Care, published 5 September 2021 - https://www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/new-deal-social-care-new-deal-workforce   

-7 in 10 social care staff earn less than £10 an hour  

-1 in 4 social care staff are employed on zero-hours contracts. 

-Today’s sick pay policy is new – it did not appear in the 2019 Labour manifesto.  

 
- The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living. 

Monday, September 13, 2021

West Indian Soldier

 TUC LESE Race Relations Committee FREE invite to visit:

"Black History Education" Exhibition: West Indian Soldier @ National Army Museum - Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HT 

 

Wednesday 6 October 2021 @ 4pm

Group visit - maximum twenty places available book now - lese@tuc.org.uk  

 

This exhibition, delivered in partnership with the West India Committee and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlights the little-known military heritage shared between the UK and the Caribbean. Encompassing more than 300 years of history, it tells the story of the recruitment and role of West Indian servicemen and women in the British Army, the experiences of British soldiers and officers in the Caribbean, and their combined service in various military campaigns.

The visit is compliant with current COVID restrictions. 

(I cannot make 6/10/21 but maybe we could organise a Newham visit to exhibition before it ends?)

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Weald & Navestock Circular walk

 

A great 9 mile walk courtesy of Essex Country Council only 30 minutes by car (nearest bus stop 20 minutes I am afraid) from Forest Gate, East London. 

We cut a little bit off around Tan House since we had started late but the beginning of the walk at Weald Country park is great with lots of up and down rolling hills for Essex. While there was many people having picnics and enjoying the late summer sunshine near the car parks, most of the route was very quiet and peaceful. 

While we did not see any of the Weald "black rabbits" we did come across a head of wild deer (as well as the deer in the park enclosure) and lots of grey squirrels and an affectionate ginger cat in the wonderful wood  "The Mores".

I will post more pictures on Facebook and hopefully this will not the last walk this year that I can do in shorts and tee-shirt.   




Saturday, September 11, 2021

Anu Prashar - "the members choice" UNISON Labour Link elections


UNISON Labour Link members should have got an email or postal ballot (or both - but with the same security number). Please vote for Anu and outside London consider the following recommendations here

https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2021/09/unison-labour-link-elections-2021.html


Friday, September 10, 2021

"Can Scotland deliver a just transition to net zero" LAPFF fringe at SNP conference 21

 

This evening I took part in a panel discussion at a SNP conference virtual fringe hosted by the Smith Institute and supported by the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF).on "Just transition". I took part in my capacity as a Joint Vice Chair of LAPFF.  

It was a really interesting debate and Q&A. The Chair was Professor Nick Robbins (LSE) and other speakers, Alan Brown MP (Shadow SNP Spokesperson Energy & Climate Change) and Rachel McEwen (Just Transition Commission Scotland & Chief Sustainability Office SSE). It was a shame that Richard Lochhead MSP (Minister of Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work) was unable to join due to technical problems. 

This is my introductory contribution :- 

"Thank you, Nick.

I am a Councillor in East London and vice-chair of the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF), which is a membership organisation representing over 80 public sector pension funds and investment pools.

Together our members have over £300 billion of assets under management and have holdings in many of the largest companies within the UK but also globally.

The work of LAPFF is focused on engaging these companies on responsible investment issues, including around climate and social issues

We do so not only because it is the right thing and I say this also as an active trade unionist who pension is in the LGPS, but also because as long term investors the environmental impact of companies and how they treat their workers matters for long term value of those companies and ultimately protecting the pensions of beneficiaries.

The theme of today’s fringe combines both these areas; how best to manage climatic and social risks and I am going to focus my time on the role that investors can play in supporting a just transition to net zero.

As we head towards COP26, the climatic risks we face as a society are well known. And reaching net zero is increasingly viewed as a priority for governments across the globe.

The urgency of the need for immediate climate action for all societal actors has been reinforced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s latest report which has been called a ‘Code Red’ for humanity by the UN Secretary General.

This report shows that many changes are becoming irreversible and that there is no room for delay or excuses to avert climate catastrophe.

Climate change also has significant implications for long term investors such as pension funds. This includes stranded assets such as oil that cannot be extracted because of regulation or taxes and companies more generally failing to move to low or zero carbon business models

Moving to a zero carbon business model is far from straightforward and has social implications – many of these are very positive such as creating new green jobs and improving the air quality in our towns and cities.

But there are also risks of moving away from carbon intensive industries.

We have seen in the past the impact of deindustrialisation and pit closures on unemployment and local communities. I myself was brought up in NE Wales in the 1980s & experienced first-hand the closure of steel works & mills which resulted in massive social deprivation & up 33% male unemployment rates.

If we repeat the mistakes of the past and ignore the social implications of the transition, we risk creating opposition to the urgent and effective climate action that needs to be taken. We should never forget the “yellow jacket” protests in France which forced the government to reverse moderate rises in fuel duty & that it was Kentucky coal miners who helped elected Donald Trump

So as investors we have a role in supporting not only the transition to net zero but also one that is just.

As investors we can do so by first recognising the challenge and including the issue in policy statements to help guide investment decisions.

Investors can seek to understand the risks, including by engaging employee and community groups to get their views on the threats and opportunities.

Investors can also set expectations of companies and engage with company directors on these. LAPFF, for example, has been engaging a range of companies to ensure they have just transition plans. And the scale of the challenge means it is not just about oil and gas companies, but also utilities, carmakers, mining and manufacturing to name a few sectors.

However, investors can’t do it alone and we require support from governments

That is why LAPFF are supporting an inquiry into a just transition run by the All Party Parliamentary Group for local authority pension funds, which will be publishing its findings next month.

I think it is fair to say that much of what the APPG has heard suggests Scotland is leading the way, not least with the Scottish Just Transition Commission, something that the Forum thinks should be replicated at a UK level.

Over the past nine months the APPG has heard from different investors about the need for clear commitment from the UK government regarding a just transition and policy certainty. As long-term investors, without certainty it is hard to make investments in the transition or understand the social implications.

There are also areas where regulation could help, including ensuring companies disclose information on their workforce and that company TCFD (Task force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures) climate reporting includes the social implications of the transition.

And when it comes to financing projects to deliver the just transition, government funding in Scotland and across the UK will be needed to crowd in private finance.

This final example shows the importance of partnership working. While the roles of investors and government in ensuring a just transition are distinct, they are complementary.

Partnership working or social partnership, lies at the heart of what a just transition means, with all stakeholders involved in the process of making plans.

And to finish, the scale of the climate crisis and potential social implications of action required to address it, demands that investors, governments, companies, trade unions and society work together to ensure that the worst effects of climate breakdown are avoided.

Thanks"

Thursday, September 09, 2021

Vote Anu for London Labour Link 2021

Labour Link ballots have arrived this week. Check your emails and post!
VOTE ANU PRASHAR today, for a more inclusive Labour Link and a Labour Party that stands up for workers!

Please share this video message.

Forest Gate North Labour - "on the knocker" with the doorstep app

 

Tonight both West Ham and Forest Gate North wards were out campaigning. I joined FGN since I had to leave early for a meal with a mate in Leytonstone. 

All the ward Councillors were present. Cllr Rachel Trip was the lead organiser. 

This was one of the most successful sessions I have been on using the Labour Party doorstep app on our smart phones. It was a bit of a fiddle connecting to the Party website but most of us were able to do so and it meant we could canvass and input information really quickly. 

There was no queuing up and waiting for verbal instructions on where to door knock and then wait and queue to give back information on the address you had called at. You also do not have to remember all the names of the people you are meant to contact and you will know their previous voting intention. So you will get a heads up if you are going to call at someone previously identified as "Against". 

Really positive campaign returns for Labour. My next campaign session will be in Stratford on Saturday morning. 

Wednesday, September 08, 2021

Voted! FOR Anu PRASHAR -X UNISON Labour Link London Reginal Seat


My ballot paper came via email today and I clicked on the link, then voted X for Anu PRASHAR in a couple of clicks. It was really quick and simple. 

Please vote now for these really important elections. If you are not in UNISON London region then click below for other recommendations in contested seats https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2021/09/unison-labour-link-elections-2021.html

If you are a UNISON Labour Link member and they do not have your email then they will send a postal ballot to your home address with Freepost SAE. 

Council Housing in Llandudno - Municipal Dreams

If you want to know more about the history of Council housing check out these posts

"Council Housing in Llandudno: Part I, to 1939" and "Council Housing in Llandudno, Part II Post-1945"  in the Website "Municipal Dreams".

Picture is of the first Council houses to be built in Wales (in what was called "Council Street").  They were built in 1897 and cost £210 each. 

Many of the early high quality homes with excellent space standards are still in use and highly sought after. 

Llandudno is one of my very favourite places but I had no idea of this social history. I must find out more about Newham's Council housing history. 

Tuesday, September 07, 2021

Anu Prashar - UNISON Labour Link election "Anu's politics comes from the shop floor & the doorstep..."


...and yes, Anu will fight for a Labour Party that stands up for workers rights. 

Ballot papers have been sent out from today to UNISON Labour Link levy payers home addresses. If you are a member in London vote for Anu. Check out other recommendations for contested regional seats but please exercise your right to vote. 

"Backlash over bid to install 'eyesore' 5G mast near Grade I-listed church in West Ham"

In last weeks local newspaper "Newham Recorder" there was an article featuring concern by West Ham Ward Residents about proposals to place an "eyesore" 5G mast in the ward.

There are actually 2 such planning applications (one possibly located just outside the ward but overlooked by constituents).

Local Councillors have arranged a site visit for tomorrow (Wednesday 8 September - Meet Devenay Road E15 6:30pm and Church Parade E15 7pm). Please come if you can or send your comments direct to Planning.


 

Sunday, September 05, 2021

Edward (Ted) Nolan - socialist, soldier, trade unionist and tenant activist. RIP comrade

 
I was saddened to hear of the death of Ted. He was a good age (87) and had battled ill heath for decades but I have lost a good comrade. Ted was "old school" East End. He lived in West Ham ward but if you asked him if he was local, he would be taken aback and say no, he was from Canning Town! (the next ward to West Ham)

At 18 he was conscripted into the Army and served as a Rifleman overseas during the Malayan Emergency. In the Army he learnt how to drive a Heavy Good Vehicle and when he was discharged began a career as a lorry driver, much of the time transporting dangerous industrial chemicals up and down the land. 

Being a lorry driver he became a member of the T&GWU union and became embroiled in a number of tough disputes with management to protect workers rights. There was no "ACAS conciliation procedure" in those days. 

He would tell me all about these disputes when he was acting as my "bodyguard" during my Councillor surgeries in the TRA room (following the stabbing of East Ham MP, Stephen Timms, all Newham Councillor surgeries are supposed to have someone nearby in case of  problems). 

As well as a trade unionist he was also an active tenants rep. Ted remained a Council tenant all his life and refused to exercise his "right to buy" his home. 

The top picture is my very favourite of Ted, making his point, at a coffee morning surgery with our West Ham MP, Lyn Brown in 2007 (and local Councillor at the time, Judith Garfield). 

Below is the award by Ed Balls MP in 2013 to Ted of a Labour Party "Certificate of Merit" marking his 40 years of service to the Party. Ted only turned up since we pretended that a friend of his would get be getting the award. He never, ever, wanted any "fuss or bother" for himself. 

Ted is being buried this Thursday and in accordance with his wishes, his family want a private funeral. I will be attending to say goodbye to Ted and the ward will be sending a wreath on behalf of all of us. 


UNISON Labour Link elections 2021 - ballot papers out from 7 Sept


Labour Link is the name of the UNISON political fund that supports the Labour Party. Elections for the National Labour Link Committee (where there are contested regional seats), starts this Wednesday (when ballot papers to start to drop at members home addresses). 

You will only get a vote if you are of course a UNISON member and pay the Labour Link political levy. In London I will be voting for Anu. For those of you who work elsewhere I echo the words of our former UNISON President, Gordon McKay, who is a NHS nurse. 

"As a former President of UNISON I believe the best interests of public service workers are served by being a member of a strong trade union, UNISON, and having a Labour Government which listens to our union and works for us. UNISON Labour Link elections open on September 7 and close October 13 and if you pay into our Labour Link Fund you will be able to vote from Tuesday. If you want to vote for candidates who will take UNISON’s objectives and priorities into the Party I hope you will consider voting for the following candidates in the areas you live;

E Midlands Janet McKenna
G London Anu Prashar
N West Karen Atkinson
Northern Linda Hobson
S East Maureen Cleator
S West Alison Evans
Yorkshire and Humberside Ken Curran
Every one of these people put UNISON first, I hope you will consider voting for them".