Trustee workshop: How can pension funds advance the ‘S’ in ESG and raise labour standards?

 

This year is the 10th anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse disaster. Over 1100 workers died and many more injured. Register https://www.tuc.org.uk/events/trustee-workshop-how-can-pension-funds-advance-s-esg-and-raise-labour-standards

"The TUC and the Global Unions’ Committee on Workers’ Capital (CWC) are running a workshop for trustees of UK pension schemes on the social impact of investing.

This in-person event will be taking place in Congress House on the afternoon of 8th June, and will focus on how asset owners can engage with investee companies and asset managers to promote high labour standards.

Sessions will cover:

• The CWC Baseline Expectations for Asset Managers on Fundamental Labour Rights and how asset owners can use this tool to hold asset managers to account
• Good practices to enable UK-based asset owners to uphold responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights
• The work of the Trade Union Share Owners organisation to develop voting and engagement guidelines for trade union funds, and run targeted campaigns on poor employment practices
• The Taskforce on Social Factors launched by the government in February this year, and how asset owners can influence policy development

Agenda

13:30 - Introducing the ‘S’ in ESG 

14:05 - What are UK unions doing help asset owners raise labour standards? 

14:45 - Break

15:00 - Using the CWC Baseline Expectations to hold asset managers accountable on fundamental labour rights

16:00 - Wrap up/next steps

16:15 - Finish

Newham Labour: Boleyn and Wall End by-Election candidates chosen

Hat tip Newham Labour  "Local campaigners Sofia Patel and Stephanie Garfield have been selected by Labour to stand as the party’s candidates for the Boleyn and Wall End by-elections.

Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said: “Sofia and Stephanie are great community champions who will both hit the ground running to improve the lives of residents in Boleyn and Wall End wards. From tackling the scourge of fly-tipping in their neighbourhoods, to championing renters rights they will be passionate advocates for local people across all those things that matter to residents most.

I am looking forward to them joining the Labour team at the council as we drive forward with our purpose of building a fairer Newham for everyone.”

Boleyn candidate Sofia Patel was born, raised and educated in Newham. She has previously managed a local cinema, held roles in health and social care and now works for the Labour Party. Sofia is a strong advocate for youth services, social justice and the needs of older people. 

Sofia said: “I’m Newham through and through – I was born and raised here, and I’m proud to call Boleyn ward home. “Having worked in social care, and been a carer myself, I am passionate about providing people with the support they require to live rich and fulfilling lives. 

That’s why the action being taken by Newham’s Labour-run Council to increase expenditure on social care and deliver fair pay for our carers is so important. If elected, I will speak up for carers, continue to tackle the fly-tippers whose actions blight our neighbourhood, and work hard to help deliver on Newham Labour’s vision for a cleaner, greener, safer borough.”

Wall End candidate Stephanie Garfield works for the NHS, runs a small independent arts business and has been a British Sign Language interpreter. She is a dedicated public servant, local activist and entrepreneur, with a strong commitment to inclusive and compassionate local services.”

Stephanie said: “Alongside my brilliant NHS colleagues, I worked tirelessly to serve our communities and support deaf students throughout the pandemic – so I know all too well the value of properly-funded, well-run public services that are accessible to everybody.

“But while Newham’s Labour-run Council are delivering crucial investment and supporting local people through the cost-of-living crisis, Tory government cuts and economic mismanagement continue to harm our community. Only Labour can build a fairer Newham and I pledge to champion Wall End and work hard for a cleaner, safer and fairer neighbourhood.”

UNISON School Uniform Grant 2023 - This Thursday 1 June: Get Ready!

 

On the day only - online applications. Up to a max of £150. Net household income* of no more than £26,000/year (£2,166.67/month)   OR:   In receipt of means-tested benefits. 

https://www.unison.org.uk/get-help/services-support/there-for-you/school-uniform-grant/

"The 2023 School Uniform Grant Programme will open twice on 1 June 2023 at the following times:

1000 applications at 8.30am  

1000 applications at 5pm 

Applications will be made online.  You cannot apply before these times. 

A link to apply online will be added to the bottom of this webpage when the grant is live. 

Please ensure you read the below information to see if you are eligible before making an application.    

School Uniform Grant 2023 eligibility:

Applicants must:   

• Be a UNISON member   
• Have paid at least four weeks subscriptions at the time of applying. Subscriptions must be up to date.   
• Not have received a grant through our main applications since 01 December 2022    
• Not have received more than £750 in total if within the first year of membership   
• Have savings (including the total rolling balance on current accounts) below £1,000 to qualify.     
• Be financially responsible for school aged child(ren) and receiving Child Benefit for them. By school aged we mean children aged between 4-17 years old who will be returning to school in the autumn. 

Only one application per household will be considered.   

And EITHER:   

• you are on a low income:   
• Net household income* of no more than £26,000/year (£2,166.67/month)   

OR:   

In receipt of means-tested benefits. This includes:   

• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Child and/or Working Tax Credits
• Pension Credit
• Means-tested Jobseekers Allowance
• Means-tested Employment Support Allowance
• Income Support

 *by household income, we mean income from: salary payments, student finance payments, state retirement pension, occupational or private pensions, child maintenance.   

What can I get help with?   

We can help with a one-off grant of £50 per school aged child, up to a maximum of £150. We want to make this fund go as far as possible and help as many members as we can.  Please only apply if you are in financial difficulty. There is a limited amount in the School Uniform Grant Fund.  

What if I don’t know my membership number?   

We cannot accept applications without a membership number. This can often be found at the bottom of any emails you have received from UNISON.   
  
Alternatively, please contact UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.   

How will you contact me?   

Acknowledgement   

Successful online submissions will receive an automated message confirming your application has been received. If this doesn’t show in your ‘inbox’, please check your ‘junk/spam’ folders.      

Processing time   

You should not expect to receive an immediate decision. It could take up to 8 weeks before you hear from us. We will require further evidence to support your application and we will be in touch via email to request this. Please do not send chasing emails as we will be unable to respond.   

If I have recently received a grant can I apply?   

If you have received a grant from UNISON Welfare since 01 December 2022, excluding the Energy Support Fund and Winter Fuel Grant, you will not be eligible to apply for a School Uniform Grant.   

How do I apply?   

All applications should be made online. Make sure you have your membership number to hand.   

Applications are currently not open

If you are unable to complete the application due to an accessibility issue, please email: sug@unison.co.uk or call UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.  
  
Any questions?  
Contact us via email: sug@unison.co.uk 

John Mac retires as Branch Secretary of UNISON Tower Hamlets LG branch

I was sent this link to the latest "Tower Power" newsletter by retired Tower Hamlets Housing UNISON comrade (Montrose Matty). John Mac was the branch chair for most of the time I was a member of the branch and my first job in Tower Hamlets was in 1993 at the Columbia Road One Stop Shop in Bethnal Green, where I was a estate officer and John did housing benefits. 

Later I moved to Bow as a Housing officer and became active in the union and was an Assistant Branch Secretary (as well as various other roles such as Labour Link officer, health & safety and treasurer)

Now, those who know us recognise that John Mac and I did not always see "eye to eye" on a number of things, including the need to have an imminent revolution and that revolution is likely to start any time soon in Tower Hamlets Local Government. But I have always accepted that I might be wrong.

However, John was an excellent union case worker and despite our differences we almost always had a polite and good humoured relationship. We worked together during the 1999 month long (successful) Tower Hamlets housing strike, we went on a three peaks walking challenge together and  had a beer in a House of Commons bar, bought by the then, local MP Jim Fitzpatrick. 

I wish John and his partner Phoebe, all the best in their retirement and will miss our sparing in  London regional council and National Delegate conference. 

A (short) Homage to the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage

 

Last week Gill and I went for a holiday to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwestern Spain. The old town of Santiago is a beautiful medieval city full of history and art, as well as bars and restaurants. It is also the end point of a famous Catholic pilgrimage route across Spain from several points in Europe to the reputed remains of the Apostle St James. Some 200,000 pilgrims take part every year. There are 9 routes and the most popular route is about 800k.

We were tourists not pilgrims but with help from the local tourist office, we were able to work out how to catch the airport bus (6A) and get off about 10k away at village of Lavacolla, outside the Supermarket, in order to walk back. The route is well marked and there is many other walkers. It was a lovely walk, lots of rolling countryside and historial stop offs (One at least not to be mentioned in polite company) but we did notice angry handwritten banners in the villages protesting about some planning proposals for the area (see riot Police on hand for a later demo outside the Cathedral which seemed to be a somewhat OTT response?).

My father (another John Gray) did the full pilgrimage route several times despite being a socialist atheist from a Scottish non conformist background. He always said he enjoyed the comradeship of the pilgrims from all countries and different walks of life and also the fantastic scenery.

One day I will come back and walk the full walk.

Newham Council Annual General Meeting 2023

Yesterday evening was the Formal Annual General Meeting of the London Borough of Newham Council in the Old Town Hall in Stratford. It is the nearest we usually get to "pomp and ceremony" in Newham Council meetings. 

On the way in we were lobbied effectively by a well organised branch of the local Rental Union on tenants rights. 

At the start of the meeting, we had terrific songs  by a local primary school choir.  It was nice to see the outgoing Chair of Council (in a Executive Mayor Council such as Newham, this position is somewhat similar to a traditional Civic Ceremonial Mayor) Cllr Winston Vaughan, in his red robes, fur and cocked hat being given a lovely send off. The new Chair, Cllr Rohima Rahman, also wore red robes but as the first female Chair of Bangladeshi descent in Newham, also wore her traditional headdress. 

She was a very good chair and had to deal with the obligatory "shouty" protest in the hall which disrupted the meeting for 15 minutes and then some sharp political debates about committee positions between the Labour Group and the 2 Green Councillors. For my pennyworth I must say that I found it disconcerting that our Greens make a play as being the Party of democracy and principle but then went on to make some pretty partizan and frankly, silly, claims over their influence and "achievements". 

My long standing Colleague, Cllr Stephen Brayshaw made some very pointed remarks while, our Executive Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, also pointed out some pretty obvious inaccuracies in what had been said by them. 

Afterwards there was some nice snacks in the Courtyard, then my ward colleague, John Whitworth and I, went off to a quiet beer (or two) at the nearby, King Eddies. 

Greater London UNISON Regional Council & Right to Strike Protest

This Morning I attended the
@unisontheunion
@unisonglr Regional Council meeting. I was there as the finance convenor. We had talk by the current President, presentations on Year of Black Worker 2023 & our recruitment & organising plan.

While this evening activists supported by Regional Staff met up at Parliament Square to protest against Tory Government legislation trying to ban strikes. I had my Council AGM clash. Which was a shame since LAS branch secretary, Eddie Brand, gave a cracking speech

https://twitter.com/LASUNISON/status/1660750580824899586. 

UNISON NEC Elections - Ballot closes tomorrow so if not voted yet...

 

UNISON NEC Elections - Ballot Closes Friday 19/5/23

Today (Wednesday) was the last day to post pre paid ballot back to Civica. However, I assume if you put a first class stamp you can still post Thursday. If you have lost the envelope, the address is “Civica Election Services, Ballot Administration Centre, London, N81 1DA. Recommendations above. 

Every member will have a regional vote, a job related vote and a vote on disabled and black members seats.

Last chance to take part in your unions internal democracy- UNISON NEC elections 2023

Election finishes this Friday 19 May 2023. All 1.3 million unison members should have got a ballot paper delivered to their registered home address. So if you have not voted yet -  you still can. 

If you have lost the envelope to return the ballot paper then just use a blank envelope and write the address in my photo. Put 1st class stamp on it to be safe or write “Freepost” Check out my recommendations for all seats 

John and Denise: Endorsed by the Chair of one of the largest Unison Community Branches

 Thank you for your kind comments and support Marcela. 

Thank you UNISON Community & Voluntary Organisations Branch for your nominations - Only 4 days to go!

Dear Member,

Thank you to everyone who has already voted in the current UNISON NEC Elections, if you haven’t posted your ballot paper back yet then you still have time to do so. 

This is the most important election in the union, the NEC decide everything from how our money is spent to what campaigns we run. 

Want to know where your nearest postbox is to either home or your workplace? Check Find your nearest postbox 

We also proudly nominated these candidates to represent the interests of all community members nationally:

·         John Gray for Community General Seat

·         Denise Thomas for Community Female Seat 

 We have also proudly nominated these candidates to represent the interests of all members in London:

·         Anu Prashar for Greater London Female seat

·         Abiola Kusoro for Greater London Low Paid Seat

·         Sonya Howard for Greater London Female Seat

·         Eddie Brand for Greater London Male Seat

We nominated them because we believe that they will always put UNISON members first, are committed to fighting all forms of discrimination and all have a proven track record of delivering on their promises.  

If you’ve already voted, please encourage your colleagues to do so as well. Noone should be left behind.  

Don’t lose your voice. Make your plan. Vote by 19 May 2023. 

                                                                           Thank you, 

 

East Ham - "Progress with the People"

Being proud of living in West Ham for over 30 years I am sometimes accused of forgetting the other part of modern day Newham - East Ham. 

I actually think that East Ham town hall is more striking than West Ham (Stratford) and I am very proud that some of the earliest ever Council housing was built here - 

'Progress with the People': East Ham Borough Council took justified pride in the 80 council homes, designed by Borough Engineer AH Campbell, it built on Brooks Avenue in 1903.

Hat tip @MunicipalDreams @lccmunicipal & @LondonNurse2015

UNISON NEC Elections: John & Denise Endorsed by Brian Green

 Many thanks to Brian for his kind comments and endorsement of us. This is the last weekend for voting!

BALLOT CLOSES FRIDAY 19 MAY. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED OR LOST BALLOT PAPERS YOU CAN RING 0800 0 857 857 by 12 noon Monday 15 May to get replacements

UNISON Housing Association's reminder about candidates nominated for our NEC elections: Ballot closes Friday 19 May

REMINDER: HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2023-2025!

BALLOT CLOSES FRIDAY 19 MAY. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED OR LOST BALLOT PAPERS YOU CAN RING 0800 0 857 857 by 12 noon Monday 15 May

The UNISON NEC is the “Parliament” that helps run the union in between our annual National Delegate Conference. Ballot papers will be sent to your home address any day now. Your Branch Committee nominated the following candidates. Please see photos and statements why these Community, National & Greater London delegates were nominated.

Denise Thomas                John Gray

“Thank you again for nominating us for the NEC, as you know the election ballot papers are being sent out this week!

As a nominating branch, you are able to let your members know who you nominated and why.

This will really help our campaign and to get our message out.

This is one of the most important elections in our union, but we all struggle in getting members to get involved.

We have also both made a one minute video introducing ourselves and what we want to achieve if elected. You can share this video.”

Denise Thomas https://youtu.be/fq6168G3c2c

John Gray https://youtu.be/eUfR3sZ6cCI

The UNISON Housing Associations Branch nominated Denise Thomas and John Gray because they have committed to:

1. Putting UNISON Members first

2. Representing members when they need help and support

3. Winning better pay and decent pensions for all

4. Fighting Cuts and Austerity

5. Building a union that looks after you and your family

These are the values and priorities of the majority of UNISON members.

Values and priorities that your branch hold and support

Make sure your voice and branch is heard!

The UNISON Housing Associations Branch Committee also nominated Sonya Howard, Eddie Brand, Abiola Kusoro and Anu Prashar, for the Greater London Region NEC Seats.

The NEC is the most important National Committee in UNISON, we nominated these candidates as we believe they are the right people for the job. They are all experienced reps, from introducing the first menopause policy in London, to fighting for LGBT+ rights, to getting over the industrial action threshold, to leading the London Ambulance Service strike and winning for members.

We nominated Sonya, Eddie, Anu and Abiola because have committed:

Fight discrimination and put equality at the heart of every decision

Tackle the Cost of Living Crisis – winning fair pay for all

Put London UNISON members first, not factional politics

Work with our first woman General Secretary, Christina McAnea, to make UNISON the strongest union.

Make sure every member gets high quality legal advice and representation when you need it most

See below for our other nominations:

Greater London

SONYA HOWARD

ANU PRASHER

EDDIE BRAND

ABIOLA KURUSO

Community

DENISE THOMAS

JOHN GRAY

Black Members

MANJULA KUMARI

ASH SILVERSTONE

EUNICE WHYTE

Disabled Members

KATRINA MURRAY

ANGELA HAMILTON

Get Help with School Uniform costs - UNISON "there-for-you" fund : supporting members when it gets tough

Tonight at our UNISON London Housing Associations Branch Executive meeting, we discussed a number of key issues facing members - possible/probable strike action over pay, breaking of pension promises and trade union victimisation & bullying by a major employer of UNISON activists. 

However, we also discussed how we can get the message out to our members about the UNISON benevolent fund called "there-for-you" which is about to open its annual "get help with School Uniform costs" cash grant application process.  This is means tested. 

UNISON is I believe the only major trade union that has its own self help charity dedicated to support its members. This week I had to refer a member who is off sick due to a disability (and on reduced pay/zero) to to see if they are able to get assistance to pay their rent and avoid eviction. 

On the day only - online applications. Up to a max of £150. Net household income* of no more than £26,000/year (£2,166.67/month)   OR:   In receipt of means-tested benefits. 

https://www.unison.org.uk/get-help/services-support/there-for-you/school-uniform-grant/

"The 2023 School Uniform Grant Programme will open twice on 1 June 2023 at the following times:

1000 applications at 8.30am  

1000 applications at 5pm 

Applications will be made online.  You cannot apply before these times. 

A link to apply online will be added to the bottom of this webpage when the grant is live. 

Please ensure you read the below information to see if you are eligible before making an application.    

School Uniform Grant 2023 eligibility:

Applicants must:   

• Be a UNISON member   
• Have paid at least four weeks subscriptions at the time of applying. Subscriptions must be up to date.   
• Not have received a grant through our main applications since 01 December 2022    
• Not have received more than £750 in total if within the first year of membership   
• Have savings (including the total rolling balance on current accounts) below £1,000 to qualify.     
• Be financially responsible for school aged child(ren) and receiving Child Benefit for them. By school aged we mean children aged between 4-17 years old who will be returning to school in the autumn. 

Only one application per household will be considered.   

And EITHER:   

• you are on a low income:   
• Net household income* of no more than £26,000/year (£2,166.67/month)   

OR:   

In receipt of means-tested benefits. This includes:   

• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Child and/or Working Tax Credits
• Pension Credit
• Means-tested Jobseekers Allowance
• Means-tested Employment Support Allowance
• Income Support

 *by household income, we mean income from: salary payments, student finance payments, state retirement pension, occupational or private pensions, child maintenance.   

What can I get help with?   

We can help with a one-off grant of £50 per school aged child, up to a maximum of £150. We want to make this fund go as far as possible and help as many members as we can.  Please only apply if you are in financial difficulty. There is a limited amount in the School Uniform Grant Fund.  

What if I don’t know my membership number?   

We cannot accept applications without a membership number. This can often be found at the bottom of any emails you have received from UNISON.   
  
Alternatively, please contact UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.   

How will you contact me?   

Acknowledgement   

Successful online submissions will receive an automated message confirming your application has been received. If this doesn’t show in your ‘inbox’, please check your ‘junk/spam’ folders.      

Processing time   

You should not expect to receive an immediate decision. It could take up to 8 weeks before you hear from us. We will require further evidence to support your application and we will be in touch via email to request this. Please do not send chasing emails as we will be unable to respond.   

If I have recently received a grant can I apply?   

If you have received a grant from UNISON Welfare since 01 December 2022, excluding the Energy Support Fund and Winter Fuel Grant, you will not be eligible to apply for a School Uniform Grant.   

How do I apply?   

All applications should be made online. Make sure you have your membership number to hand.   

Applications are currently not open

If you are unable to complete the application due to an accessibility issue, please email: sug@unison.co.uk or call UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.  
  
Any questions?  
Contact us via email: sug@unison.co.uk