Monday, January 30, 2023

UNISON Labour LInk Motion on Cost of Living Crisis: London Labour Regional Conference 2023

(My speech yesterday) 

"Chair. Conference. John Gray, proposing this motion on Cost of living crisis on behalf of UNISON Labour Link, the political wing of the largest and of course best trade union in London.

Conference, yesterday, we heard from an expert panel on the cost of living crisis. This including a UNISON organiser who supports members in London NHS hospitals, who have to rely on food banks to feed themselves and their families.

But Conference there are other experts on the cost of living crisis and these experts are you all in this room, a room filled with grass root labour activists, Cllrs, Affiliates, MPs and Assembly members, and workers trying to pay our bills, who day in day out, see first-hand the misery that the Cost of Living crisis has been inflicted on so many Londoners. Don’t forget Conference that this fresh attack on living standards is taken place after a decade of cruel austerity.

And who has suffered the most misery in London? It is of course our Black community, who even before this current crisis had tended to experience the lowest wages, the highest unemployment, the worse housing, and most insecure jobs with shoddy terms and conditions. It is Black Workers who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, who were dying from Covid whilst carrying out vital frontline roles and who keep the public sector running in London.

Conference, this motion tells it as it is but also what will a future Labour Government will actually do to solve the crisis. As a front line housing worker in North London and as an elected unison London activist, who represents members who work in social care & the wider voluntary sector. Let me paint you a picture.

Workers, who have already suffered years of austerity, while trying to survive in London on an inadequate national minimum wage, have either insecure zero hour contracts or face the slash and burn of their terms and conditions by fire and rehire.

A future Labour Government will give all workers greater employment rights and protections from day one. End zero hour contracts and fire and rehire. A Labour Government will deliver Fair Wage Agreements that will bring employers and unions together in my sector & in social care, to negotiate binding pay and conditions.

Conference, check out the “New deal for working people launched last year by my UNISON friend & colleague, Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner. This is how we will end the Cost of Living crisis.

But Conference, let me be clear. First and foremost, we must get a Labour Government elected. We must get Keir Starmer elected as our Prime Minister.

Conference, despite my youthful looks, I have been able vote in elections for 42 years. But in those 42 years there has only been 2 Labour Prime Ministers and only 1 of them had ever been elected.

While I have never agreed 100% with any Labour Prime minister or Leader, I am a firm believer that the worse day in any Labour Government is far, far better than the very best day of any Tory Government.

Conference please support this motion. Let’s not just talk about the Cost of living crisis but get a Labour Government elected to end it.

(hat tip photo Liz B)

Sunday, January 29, 2023

London Labour Conference 23 - Day 2


From my twitter feed as UNISON Labour Link Delegate lead.


John Gray @grayee Start of day 2 of @LondonLabour conference. 9.10am start with opening remarks by Chair Maggi Ferncombe @unisontheunion

John Gray 
@grayee Proud to have proposed to @LondonLabour conference our motion on the Cost of Living Crisis. On behalf of @unisontheunion #LabourLink the political wing of the largest & best union in London

Rishi Patel @rishi175 ‘The worst day under a Labour government is never as bad as the best day under a Tory one’ great to hear from @grayee @unisonglr at day 2 of London Labour Conference 

Well said Carleene in support of UNISON motion Carleene Lee-Phakoe @cleephakoe "I spoke at #LonLab23, in support of the Cost of Living Motion. The Tory Cost of living crisis has hit the poorest the hardest. Today we said “enough is enough” @GMBLondonRegion are proud to stand in solidarity with those who have been hit hardest by this failing Tory Govt! 

Lloyd Duddridge @DuddridgeLloyd Great to see Ilford North legend Stephen representing
@UsdawUnion on the @LondonLabour conference stage on how we need framework on workers rights that faces the future.

Adam Hug @AdamHug Delighted that @wminsterlabour won the campaign of the year at the
@LondonLabour Merit Awards. Couldn’t have done it without our amazing cllrs, candidates, organisers @dgoodwinhotline @RosaElson1 and agents Andy Whitley @MargaretLynch06 Connor Jones and Jacqueline Bore

John Gray @grayee My @UnisonHAB colleague @JoeOgundemuren as his CLP delegate seconds
@UsdawUnion motion on automation @LondonLabour. Love his getting everyone on his feet for unions!

Anu did a great job as Chair. Thank you Deirdre Costigan @deirdrecostigan Proud of Anu Prashar from @unisontheunion who chaired this morning's debate at @LondonLabour conference. @anuox #LonLab23

Final speaker at @LondonLabour conference future @LabourParty SoS @wesstreeting "the Tories will not be able to fix the NHS that they broke" "Compare last 13 years of Tories with last 13 years of Labour Government" "over my dead body will we charge you to see your doctor" @unisontheunion #LabourLink

Saturday, January 28, 2023

London Labour Party Conference 2023 - Day 1

 

From my twitter feed as a UNISON Labour Link Delegate.

At @LondonLabour annual conference. Chair of Regional board #MaggiFerncombe opens conference

Next our @labour leader @Keir_Starmer MP gives key note speech on why we will only get a #labour government by winning the trust of the #British people.

Next a panel on #CostOfLivingCrises with our own @unisontheunion @unisonglr @labourunionsuk
secretary @JoelBodmer (former chair @UnisonHAB@kimleadbeater @RNBlake #petermandelson. Peter advises us to treat recent polls like smoking cannabis "smoke but do not inhale"

After break we now have panel on "winning the General Election - getting into power" with
@LondonLabour Pearleen Sangha @elliereeves

During lunch I attended part of fringe by @RMTunion speaker Mick Lynch, @DawnButlerBrent
#ellybaker. Good to hear of their support for @labour "New Deal for working people"

Standing ovation for barn storming speech by @lisanandy on fixing the broken housing market by building #council homes (& many other things)

After Lisa panel on "House & home - solving Britain's housing crisis" @ShamaTatler Osama Bhutta
@Shelter Anya Marton @PricedOutUK chaired by @DannyBeales @Semakaleng makes point that in #london we need at least 30k social homes pa

Motions debate: @unisonglr convenor & @LondonLabour #labourlink delegate @Yvonneg57841905 seconds #Abuse is not part of the job" @CroydonUNISON

Proposing motion on "Post-Brexit - Working in Partnership" moved by @GMB_union @newham_labour @NewhamBooker @LondonLabour

Seconding the Post-Brexit motion is @CvobUnison Branch Chair & @unisonglr #LabourLink delegate @MarcelaBenede10

"It's now cheaper to save the planet than to destroy it" @Ed_Miliband speaks on "The green sprint" debate with @Miatsf @HughGoulbourne @hennassh

Final panel "Lessons from local government" @LGA_Labour Peter Robbins @timroca85 @CllrAsma_Islam @KamRai7 @GracieMaeW Regional @LondonLabour director Pearleen Sangha making her report to Conference

And final speaker @LondonLabour London Mayor @SadiqKhan . "More council homes being built in London since 1970s" "Nothing quite like handing a key to anew home to a family" "next election is a choice between a Labour Mayor on side of Londoners & a Tory on side of this rotten Government"

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Newham Labour Unions - the Right to Strike - Thursday 2 Feb 23


This is our 2nd meeting to organise and rally Labour Party supporting trade union branches and activists in Newham. The Tory Government threats to the basic human right of taking strike action simply  must be opposed. Find out more about what is at stake and what we can do about it. 

All Labour Party trade union supporters welcome (including everyone whose union is not currently affiliated to the Labour Party but you are still a supporter)

Thursday 2nd Feb at St Lukes Centre, Canning Town, E16 1HN 6.45pm

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

The blood donor


Yesterday I gave blood at the NHS centre in Stratford Westfield, for the first time in many years. When I was younger, I use to donate on a regular basis but for various superficial reasons, I fell out of the habit. There was a national appeal in November for blood which got me to sign up again here https://www.blood.co.uk/

I have type  O Negative (I still have my TA British Army "dog tags" with it marked) which I believe is a "universal" blood which could be given to anyone who needs red blood cells. 

There was a little bit of fuss signing up online and my first appointment was cancelled due to staff shortages but yesterday went very smoothly. The centre was warm, bright and spacious, with relaxing  background music. Staff were very friendly and professional. I had to repeat my name, address and post code about 10 times but I understand the need to identify who is giving blood. I felt a slight "prick" at the start but no pain at all during or after. 

We were then advised to drink squash, then eat sweet and salty treats afterwards. I had crisps, kit kat and popcorn. Not very keto but I understand that each donation is worth 650 kals so can afford some cheats. After a short rest I was able to leave with no apparent side effects and apart from some slight painless bruising on arm I have had (touch wood) no problems whatsoever. 

Roll on next session in 3 months time. 

Check out Hancock "The Blood Donor" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niHr5jXEpNE. A very early David Brent type character . I can remember laughing like a drain while watching with my family as a child back in the day. I promise you that today's blood donor experience is very different.


Tuesday, January 24, 2023

You now need a pension pot lump sum worth £646,000 to have a comfortable retirement


Check out this shocking report that rising prices mean that in last year a couple on a "minimum" retirement income (including state pension) will need almost 20% income (extra £3200 pa) per year.  But who anyway wants to retire on the "minimum"?

To get a "comfortable" retirement (e.g go on holiday Europe for 3 weeks per year) a couple will need a "pension pot" lump worth a staggering £646,000 to provide this income. 

I wonder how many of my UNISON members will have a pension pot anywhere near that figure. 

Employers must take the lead in providing suitable pensions for its staff. They must pay the lion share. It is in their interests since otherwise you will find a workforce unable to retire regardless of their age or health since they would be living in poverty. 

The rush to the gutter in pension provision of so many employers in a national disgrace. I hope and expect a future Labour Government to act. 





Monday, January 23, 2023

Homerton Ambulance Station Picket line 23.1.23


This lunch time I went to show solidarity to striking UNISON Ambulance workers, on their picket line in Homerton, East London. I went as a GLR UNISON Regional Council Officer but also on behalf of my branch. My branch Chair (and fellow Labour Councillor) Joseph Ogundemuren, was also with me. 

Despite the cold it was yet another well organised, cheerful and lively LAS picket with lots of support from the passing public. As we were leaving, an ambulance with two of the pickets left to go out on a priority "life or limb" call. 

Later on my UNISON colleague (and local resident) Sonya Howard also joined the picket line (bottom left of collage). 

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Chiltern Society: Ayot St Lawrence Walk


Yesterday, Gill and I drove to Kimpton in Hertfordshire, to start this "moderate" 6 mile circular walk. The weather was marvellous, cold but with bright sunshine. For a weekend Chilterns walk we hardly saw anyone. Early on we did pass the rather elderly couple (in the photograph) who were walking hand in hand as if young lovers...and why not!

I found this walk for free via the ordnance survey app (monthly fee £4.99 while annual currently £20.29) but it was originally published by the Chiltern Society https://chilternsociety.org.uk/shop/books/more-great-walks-in-the-chilterns/. Which I have now ordered a copy.

Lots of green paths, frost, mud and rolling countryside. You pass the ruined Ayot St Lawrence church (destroyed by a slave owner landowner, since it apparently spoilt his view from his manor house). Also, the home of playwright George Bernard Shaw, which is now owned by the National Trust but closed until the spring. 

Check out my Facebook account for other photos.


Saturday, January 21, 2023

UNISON Greater London Housing Associations Branch Newsletter – January 2023

 

Welcome to the Branch Newsletter! I hope you had a nice break over the festive period and a good beginning of the year! We start this issue with a positive story about a member employed at Clarion Housing Group. 

As usual, we added information about future events and the opportunity to become a Branch delegate at upcoming conferences. We also wanted to share with you results of pay awards and AGM surveys. Barbara Zagrodniczek Branch Communications Officer 

Good news story for UNISON member just before Xmas A disabled Branch member employed by Clarion Housing Group was reinstated following an appeal against dismissal just 4 days before Christmas. The member was able to get his back pay reinstated before New Year. 

Clarion UNISON Convenor John Gray said “this shows the value of trade union representation at such hearings. Do NOT go to these hearings by yourself, but by law, only trade union stewards have the right to represent you at such hearings. Remember you will not get trade union representation unless you have at least 4 weeks membership. So join BEFORE any issue arises. Join UNISON now" - google Join UNISON online 24/7. 

URGENT NOTICE 

If you are a member of Clarion UNISON and have received an email from HR regarding pensions, please contact the Convenor, John Gray (his details in Microsoft Clarion Outlook). 

AGM 2023 Update In the last issue of the newsletter, we asked you to express your opinion on the way how the meeting should take place (in person, as a hybrid meeting or virtually). All members who took part in the survey responded that they prefer a hybrid meeting. 

We prepared a follow up survey to hear about your experience at the previous AGM and see how we can improve this year’s meeting. Please click on the link to fill in 1-2 mins survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WZ8WKSP 

Opportunity to represent Branch at UNISON 2023 National Delegate Conference Date: Friday, 13 th June 2023 – Sunday, 16th June 2023 Location: Liverpool The Branch would like to send up to four delegates to this conference. The delegation will have to reflect on the proportionality of the Branch and UNISON guidance. 

If you would like to attend, please send your details along with a supporting statement (max. 100 words) to info@hablondon.org by 8:00am on Monday, 6 th February 2023. Travel, accommodation, and meals will be paid for by the Branch in-line with our expenses policy. We look forward to your responses. 

Upcoming Events Community and Voluntary Lunch and Learn: Examining charity accounts to submit pay claims Tuesday, 17 January 2023 at 12:30pm-1:30pm (virtual event) UNISON is running lunch and learn session for anyone involved in drafting a pay claim who want tips and pointers for how best to examine their employer’s accounts before submitting the claim. Please register here. 

Public Procurement Due Diligence | Business and Human Rights Roundtable Wednesday, 1st February 2023 at 6:30pm-8:30pm (hybrid event) On 1st of February there would be an upcoming hybrid roundtable discussion event in collaboration with UNISON-International and Doughty Street Chambers on Public Procurement and the vital importance of due diligence. You can participate via Zoom and in person. Please click here to reserve a spot. 

Branch Officer’s Reports 

(December 2022) Chris Milson – Branch Secretary It’s the festive time of year, which also means it’s time that many employers in the Branch are thinking about pay awards for next year. This year the Branch put together a pay claim survey which went out with the October Newsletter. Hundreds of you responded, and we’ve used the results to inform discussions about pay this year. 

Some of the statistics are startling: 

  • When asked about their financial position relative to this time last year, a huge 72% of respondents said that they were worse off. 
  • 41% of respondents said that they were relying on methods other than their main employment to make ends meet – including taking 2nd jobs, regular overtime, working unsociable hours, taking in lodgers, or using credit cards or loans. 
  • More than half of respondents reported that conditions in their workplaces have become more challenging in the last year, with workloads and service users increasing, while the number of staff and the quality-of-service decreases – all of this causing stress and a negative impact on work-life balance. 
  • 55% of respondents reported that morale at their workplace was either low – or very low – and that this had worsened compared to the previous year, and 
  • 68% of respondents said they had either seriously or very seriously considered leaving their role in the past year. 

All of this illustrates the challenges that have been faced by staff within our sector this year, and the reasons we should all be negotiating with our employers for the best pay awards we can get in 2023. For now, I hope you have a good Christmas break and happy New Year. 

(This communication has been written by a dyslexic person. If you have any trouble with the meaning of any of the sentences or words, please do not be afraid to ask for clarification. Remember that dyslexics are often high-level conceptualisers who provide “out of the box” thinking).

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Lyn Brown MP Chairs Olympic Village public meeting with Residents and Police


I attended a pretty good meeting this evening in the Stratford Olympic Village with my MP, Lyn Brown, local residents and Police. I am not a local Councillor for this ward (Cllr Nate Higgins was there together with a number of Labour activists who do live in the ward) but I am Lyn's Parliamentary Agent and both as a Councillor and professionally (I work as a tenancy specialist dealing with complex ASB) I am very interested in learning more about effective Neighbourhood Policing. 

I was impressed at the range and scale of Police operations in the area. I think that I have got this right, that due in part to these operations, there has been a reduction in crime in Newham at the same time that crime in London is rising. 

The relatively new Borough Commander,Simon Crick, spoke about how the Police are not that good about communications and telling residents what they are doing and their successes. 

I totally agree and after the meeting I spoke to the local West Ham ward SNT Sargeant about arranging a similar meeting for my residents.  

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Appointed Chair of Newham Pension Committee

 

On Monday it was formally announced at our Full Council meeting that I had been appointed as Chair of the Newham Council Pension Committee. The Newham Pension fund has around £1.7 billion in investments and is responsible for the pension futures of 29,082 members (including 18 pensioners who are over 100 years old).

If we get our investments strategies wrong this is a huge financial risk to Newham Council but the fund currently is in good shape despite grave economic uncertainty. 

I have been on the pension committee since 2010 and this is my second appointment as its Chair. 

Many thanks to Executive Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, for her trust and confidence and the kind comments of former Chair, Cllr Rohit Das Gupta, Councillor colleagues and officers. 

I am a passionate believer in decent pensions for all. Watch this space.  




Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Nominate Denise Thomas and John Gray to UNISON NEC Community Seats 2023

 


Denise and I are restanding for the two seats allocated to the UNISON NEC for the National Community service Group (UNISON members who work in Charities, Voluntary Sector and Housing Associations).

We have emailed all 477 branches in England and the devolved nations who have Community members asking them to nominate us. We ask members who support us to contact their branches and ask them to nominate us.

Below is a copy of our nomination request:-

"Dear Branch Secretary & Branch Officers & Reps,

Nominate Denise Thomas and John Gray- your NEC team for Community

We are writing to ask your branch committee to consider nominating us to the Community National Executive Committee (NEC) seats. UNISON election office has told us that you have community members, and you can nominate us. We also ask you to support all Candidates that support Unity in UNISON.

The nomination period for the NEC elections is 9th January to 13th February. Your branch must hold a quorate meeting in this period and submit the nominations on the CES portal (look out for an email from takepart@cesvotes.com) if you would like to nominate us. We’ve attached a checklist for branches to help you navigate the process.

Both of us are active UNISON members and officers like you. We all work hard dealing with members who need advice, negotiating with our employers, and campaigning on issues that matter to our members. Between us, we have years of experience as well as a fresh approach after the last few years of turmoil and a genuine dedication to UNISON and our members.

We believe UNISON needs to better represent workers like you and your members and if elected, we pledge to:

     ●     Put Community Members First - We will represent every one of the 82,000 plus UNISON members and make sure that those issues that matter most to our diverse, independent and dedicated Community members and branches.

     Tackle the Cost of Living Crisis - Through winnable & strategic pay campaigns in our service group, increasing the pressure on this disgraceful government and employers through campaigning and meaningful industrial action, and increasing resources for local branch campaigns & initiatives, we promise to lead our members out of this crisis to put money in their pockets.

      Make sure that a future Labour Government delivers on providing sectorial collective bargaining for Charities and Housing associations. To ensure fair pay, pensions and decent terms for all Community members

● Stand United and Reject Division - We will work with, and support, Christina McAnea, the elected General Secretary to deliver for all members. Last year’s NDC showed that what matters most to us, our branches and our members is working for positive, progressive change in our union - not pettiness and protecting individuals.

● Make sure everyone has a voice in UNISON - Community has over 80% Women and over 20% Black members with a diverse workforce across all regions and nations. UNISON must represent all members and the NEC should be led by those that do.

● Fight Discrimination and put it at the heart of UNISON- No-one should ever experience racism, misogyny, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ageism, disability or any other form of discrimination in either the workplace or the union. We promise to work with all the Self- Organised Groups to support their campaigns and priorities.

 Please consider nominating:

     Denise Thomas, Community Female Seat, Membership Number 8688788

     John Gray, Community General Seat, Membership Number 3083288

 Keep reading for more information about each of us and why we want to be your NEC Member!

Nominate Denise Thomas – Branch Welfare Officer Ymlaen/Forward Cymru Wales

I am a support worker who has previously served as an NEC member and on the Community Service Group Executive. My background is working in the Voluntary and Community sector for the past 29 years supporting adults with learning disabilities and currently work for a major national organisation.

I hold Regional positions as Regional Black Members Secretary, Welfare Officer for Ymlaen/Forward Cymru Wales and as a Workplace Steward. I advise, support or represent UNISON members.

As a support worker who works night shifts, weekends and bank holidays supporting vulnerable adults, I know just how hard it can be to do our job and how we struggle to balance work and family life on low incomes. This is why we need a strong and effective union.

As a Black Woman, I know the impact of the Cost of Living Crisis on Women and the Black Community first hand. UNISON needs to tackle the inequality and discrimination experienced by so many members, particularly community service group members who are often hardest hit. We have to deal with high childcare costs, rising rent and mortgages, the highest cost of living and energy prices soaring plus travel and everything else. It’s not good enough and something has to change.

As your NEC member, I promise to tackle the issues that matter and put our member’s front and centre- as I've always done.

Nominate John Gray – National Convener, Clarion Housing Group

I am tenancy specialist for a housing association who deals with complex anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and tenancy fraud across 3 inner London boroughs.

As a housing worker I understand first-hand the stresses and difficulties of providing public services. As a steward and National Convenor, like many of you, I work hard every day to help members when they need it most, representing them in disciplinary, sickness absences and grievances as well as negotiating with my employer on pay, terms and conditions.

In the past I was the Chair of a strike committee that took part in a successful month long “all out” action, as well as other disputes over pay and pensions. Too often then community sector is overlooked and underestimated. We often have much worse terms and conditions that those directly employed by hospital trusts or local authorities. Community workers need a government that respects our sector and the important services we provide.

My special interest is pensions and I am a trade union nominated Pension Board member and represent all local government trade unions on the London Collective Investment Vehicle. Everyone should have the right to a fair and decent pension, our sector often suffers from lower employer contributions and worse benefits.

As well as being a front line worker I am an experienced activist. I’m the National UNISON Convenor for my employer, National Community Service Group Executive member, and former NEC members. I am the London Regional Finance Convenor and Chair of London Labour Link. I’ve been an active member of both local government & community branches for the past 26 years, I’ve previously been branch secretary, treasurer, and health & safety officer.

As your NEC member, I promise to tackle the issues that matter and put our members’ front and centre- as I've always done.

For an NEC that delivers on the issues that matter most to you and your members we need an NEC that is united in its priorities rather than fighting itself:

Nominate Denise Thomas and John Gray - Your NEC Team For Community Members


Sunday, January 15, 2023

Little Burstead Loop Walk - Essex Big Skies

 

Today Gill and I went on our 1st long walk of the New Year and the weather Gods smiled on us. It was about 40 minutes drive from Newham to the car park next to the Dukes Head Pub, Laindon Common, Little Burstead, Basildon. 

The 5.24 mile walk is available to download on the Ordnance Survey website (subscription needed but well worth it). There is a free to download 3.5 mile walk here

It was a little cold and windy but the views were spectacular. We hardly saw a soul but there was some road noise at times. We stopped for a coffee break at Little Burstead Church on a bench. Parishioners were leaving after Sunday Service and they stopped and chatted to us and even gave us some delicious homemade Chocolate cake that had been donated by someone moving away. I offered to make a donation but it was refused. The kindness of strangers. 

Afterwards we had a drink at the Dukes Head pub and checked out their Sunday Roast menu. Next time...

Will post more pictures on Facebook 



Saturday, January 14, 2023

London Labour Campaign Training & Canvass

After my Councillor surgery I went to a London Labour campaigning training in Stratford. The Party has a new "script" and revamped "Labour Doorstep" app. The changes make sense and to test its effectiveness, some of us were able to go out to nearby Forest Gate South ward to knock on doors and speak to residents. 

I freely admit to messing up at first and using my normal lines but eventually "got" this new approach and I think obtained some much better data. It is far more time consuming but wait and see since no doubt we will find short cuts. 

Afterwards I went to this excellent local history presentation which I will post about soon. https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2023/01/saving-peoples-forest.html

hat tip 2 of photos to Shantu.  

 

Friday, January 13, 2023

Saving the People's Forest

This is very last minute but I have only just seen details. Will try and attend after Council surgery and Labour Party training. I have always wanted to visit this Quaker Meeting Housel. Well done to Leyton & Wanstead CLP for promoting this event. We should do the same in West Ham. 
 

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Nominate Sonya Howard, Eddie Brand, Anu Prashar and Abiola Kusoro- your UNISON NEC team for London

As a UNISON London lay activist I can personally recommend all of these candidates seeking nomination as UNISON NEC reps (and was even out on the picket line with Eddie at the LAS branch secretary yesterday). They are all experienced, competent and tough trade unionists (with heart and passion). What more can you ask for?

Please get your branch to nominate all of them.

Dear Branch Secretary and Branch Committee,

We are asking your branch to consider nominating Eddie Brand, Sonya Howard, Anu Prashar and Abiola Kusoro for the Greater London NEC seats.

We are standing because we believe UNISON needs to better represent workers like you and your members and if elected, we pledge to:

  • Put London First - We will represent every one of the 130,000 UNISON members across London and make sure that those issues that matter most to our diverse, independent and dedicated London members and branches.
  • Stand United and Reject Division - We will work with, and support, Christina McAnea, the elected General Secretary to deliver for all members. This year’s NDC showed that what matters most to us, our branches and our members is working for positive, progressive change in our union - not pettiness and protecting individuals.
  • Make sure everyone has a voice in UNISON - UNISON Greater London has over 80% Women and over 20% Black members with a diverse workforce across Health, Local Government, Higher & Further Education, Community and Energy, Electricity, Water and Transport. UNISON must represent all members and the NEC should be led by those that do.
  • Tackle the Cost of Living Crisis - Through winnable & strategic pay campaigns in every service group, increasing the pressure on this disgraceful government through meaningful industrial action, and increasing resources for local branch campaigns & initiatives, we promise to lead our members out of this crisis and put money in their pockets.

I have attached our more individual information about us all, and ask that you circulate this to your committee.

If you require any further information please let me know, and if you could let me know when your branch is meeting to make the decision.

In solidarity,

 Anu, Eddie, Abiola, Sonya

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Solidarity With Striking UNISON London Ambulance Service Workers


This afternoon I joined the UNISON LAS picket outside Newham Dockside Building, which is owned and used by the Council for its services but parts of the building are leased to London Ambulance Service (LAS) as its control centre for North London. 

The strike call had been particularly solid and effective. When the LAS Branch secretary, Eddie Brand (see centre left of Mayor with his famous beard) arrived here this morning at a prearranged time, nearly the entire staff on duty walked out on strike and joined the picket. 

Other Newham Labour Councillors had visited the picket line before and after but the Labour Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz (UNISON Member) joined us and spoke a few words in support of the strikers. 

Being a responsible branch and union, I observed Eddie approach the pickets after being contacted by local management, that they needed two of the strikers to return to duty to deal with an increase in priority emergency calls, for which two volunteers promptly agreed to return. 

It was really great to chat and talk to the strikers about about the stress and strains of their job, the impact that the cost of living crisis was having on them and their families as well as national politics and the lack of a 24 hour canteen in Dockside!

On the way back I stopped off again at West Ham Ambulance Station and spoke to pickets who were braving the rain but receiving great support from car drivers hooting their horns in support. 




Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Nominate Denise Thomas and John Gray- your UNISON NEC team for Community

Denise and I are restanding for the two seats allocated to the UNISON NEC for the National Community service Group (UNISON members who work in Charities, Voluntary Sector and Housing Associations).

We have emailed all 477 branches in England and the devolved nations who have Community members asking them to nominate us. We ask members who support us to contact their branches and ask them to nominate us.

Below is a copy of our nomination request:-

"Dear Branch Secretary & Branch Officers & Reps,

Nominate Denise Thomas and John Gray- your NEC team for Community

We are writing to ask your branch committee to consider nominating us to the Community National Executive Committee (NEC) seats. UNISON election office has told us that you have community members, and you can nominate us. We also ask you to support all Candidates that support Unity in UNISON.

The nomination period for the NEC elections is 9th January to 13th February. Your branch must hold a quorate meeting in this period and submit the nominations on the CES portal (look out for an email from takepart@cesvotes.com) if you would like to nominate us. We’ve attached a checklist for branches to help you navigate the process.

Both of us are active UNISON members and officers like you. We all work hard dealing with members who need advice, negotiating with our employers, and campaigning on issues that matter to our members. Between us, we have years of experience as well as a fresh approach after the last few years of turmoil and a genuine dedication to UNISON and our members.

We believe UNISON needs to better represent workers like you and your members and if elected, we pledge to:

     Put Community Members First - We will represent every one of the 82,000 plus UNISON members and make sure that those issues that matter most to our diverse, independent and dedicated Community members and branches.

     Tackle the Cost of Living Crisis - Through winnable & strategic pay campaigns in our service group, increasing the pressure on this disgraceful government and employers through campaigning and meaningful industrial action, and increasing resources for local branch campaigns & initiatives, we promise to lead our members out of this crisis to put money in their pockets.

      Make sure that a future Labour Government delivers on providing sectorial collective bargaining for Charities and Housing associations. To ensure fair pay, pensions and decent terms for all Community members

Stand United and Reject Division - We will work with, and support, Christina McAnea, the elected General Secretary to deliver for all members. Last year’s NDC showed that what matters most to us, our branches and our members is working for positive, progressive change in our union - not pettiness and protecting individuals.

Make sure everyone has a voice in UNISON - Community has over 80% Women and over 20% Black members with a diverse workforce across all regions and nations. UNISON must represent all members and the NEC should be led by those that do.

Fight Discrimination and put it at the heart of UNISON- No-one should ever experience racism, misogyny, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ageism, disability or any other form of discrimination in either the workplace or the union. We promise to work with all the Self- Organised Groups to support their campaigns and priorities.

 Please consider nominating:

     Denise Thomas, Community Female Seat, Membership Number 8688788

     John Gray, Community General Seat, Membership Number 3083288

 Keep reading for more information about each of us and why we want to be your NEC Member!

Nominate Denise Thomas – Branch Welfare Officer Ymlaen/Forward Cymru Wales

I am a support worker who has previously served as an NEC member and on the Community Service Group Executive. My background is working in the Voluntary and Community sector for the past 29 years supporting adults with learning disabilities and currently work for a major national organisation.

I hold Regional positions as Regional Black Members Secretary, Welfare Officer for Ymlaen/Forward Cymru Wales and as a Workplace Steward. I advise, support or represent UNISON members.

As a support worker who works night shifts, weekends and bank holidays supporting vulnerable adults, I know just how hard it can be to do our job and how we struggle to balance work and family life on low incomes. This is why we need a strong and effective union.

As a Black Woman, I know the impact of the Cost of Living Crisis on Women and the Black Community first hand. UNISON needs to tackle the inequality and discrimination experienced by so many members, particularly community service group members who are often hardest hit. We have to deal with high childcare costs, rising rent and mortgages, the highest cost of living and energy prices soaring plus travel and everything else. It’s not good enough and something has to change.

As your NEC member, I promise to tackle the issues that matter and put our member’s front and centre- as I've always done.

Nominate John Gray – National Convener, Clarion Housing Group

I am tenancy specialist for a housing association who deals with complex anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and tenancy fraud across 3 inner London boroughs.

As a housing worker I understand first-hand the stresses and difficulties of providing public services. As a steward and National Convenor, like many of you, I work hard every day to help members when they need it most, representing them in disciplinary, sickness absences and grievances as well as negotiating with my employer on pay, terms and conditions.

In the past I was the Chair of a strike committee that took part in a successful month long “all out” action, as well as other disputes over pay and pensions. Too often then community sector is overlooked and underestimated. We often have much worse terms and conditions that those directly employed by hospital trusts or local authorities. Community workers need a government that respects our sector and the important services we provide.

My special interest is pensions and I am a trade union nominated Pension Board member and represent all local government trade unions on the London Collective Investment Vehicle. Everyone should have the right to a fair and decent pension, our sector often suffers from lower employer contributions and worse benefits.

As well as being a front line worker I am an experienced activist. I’m the National UNISON Convenor for my employer, National Community Service Group Executive member, and former NEC members. I am the London Regional Finance Convenor and Chair of London Labour Link. I’ve been an active member of both local government & community branches for the past 26 years, I’ve previously been branch secretary, treasurer, and health & safety officer.

As your NEC member, I promise to tackle the issues that matter and put our members’ front and centre- as I've always done.

For an NEC that delivers on the issues that matter most to you and your members we need an NEC that is united in its priorities rather than fighting itself:

Nominate Denise Thomas and John Gray - Your NEC Team For Community Members


Sunday, January 08, 2023

I Support Workers on Strike

 


"John -

Next week, Ambulance workers will be back on the picket line after their calls for fair pay and safe working conditions went unanswered. The week after, Environment Agency members will be striking for the first time in history. Thousands more members across UNISON are being balloted or will be taking industrial action in the coming weeks. 
 
Can you show your support for striking UNISON members by posting on Twitter before the first strikes begin next week? Let them know they are not alone in this struggle.

 

http://msg.unison.org.uk/unison/images/white_arrow.png

Tweet my support

 

 


 

We have been calling on the Conservative government at Westminster to meet with us to talk about pay and find a way to resolve these disputes.
 
I hope you will show your support for workers who have made the tough decision to walk out. Send a Tweet now to show them they have our full support.
 
We stand with all workers taking action, and I hope you will too. 
 
In solidarity,
 
Christina McAnea
UNISON general secretary 

 

Friday, January 06, 2023

Community and Voluntary Lunch and learn: Examining charity accounts to submit pay claims

 

In our branch we are just about to decide upon many pay claims, so this UNISON (only) training will be really important if you work in this sector. 

Community and Voluntary Lunch and learn: Examining charity accounts to submit pay claims

17 January 2023 12:30pm–1:30pm

This event is an online event for UNISON activists in the Community and Voluntary Sector and anyone working for a charity who is involved with drafting a pay claim who want tips and pointers for how best to examine their employer’s accounts before submitting the claim. Please note this is for UNISON members only. Click on link to Register […]