https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-..."
My own personal blog. UNISON NEC member for Housing Associations & Charities, HA Convenor, London Regional Council Officer & Chair of its Labour Link Committee. Newham Cllr for West Ham Ward, Vice Chair of Local Authority Pension Fund Forum, Pension trustee, Housing & Safety Practitioner. Centre left and proud member of Labour movement family. Strictly no trolls please. Promoted by Luke Place on behalf of J.Gray, Newham Labour Group, St Luke’s Community Centre, E16 1HS.
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
#LondonForEveryone | A Message For All Londoners
https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-..."
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Thank you from UNISON & Good Luck to Jamie Dickinson in the Labour Party!
There was a lovely informal "leaving do" this evening in the Unison centre for our former UNISON activist and national officer, Jamie Dickinson (front centre) . Jamie supported our International and Labour Link Committees. He is leaving UNISON to join the Labour Party.
I have known Jamie since he was a young activist in UNISON and lately, as a member of UNISON National Labour Link Committee, I have appreciated his officer support to us and also his enormous everyday cheerfulness and enthusiasm.
UNISON's loss is the Labour Party's gain.
I have no doubt he will be doing more than his bit as a Labour staffer to win the next general election.
It was great to see our former General Secretary, Dave Prentis here to thank and wish Jamie farewell.
Monday, February 26, 2024
Sarah Chapman House - Matchgirl Striker
She was one of the leaders of the successful strike over fines and working conditions in 1888 at the Bryant & May Match factory in Bow.
"Chapman and others involved in the strike have since been recognised as "pioneers of sex equality and fairness at work who left a lasting legacy on the trade union movement".[4]
It was great to meet in person and speak at long last to Sarah's great granddaughter, Sam Johnson and her husband Graham, who together with over relatives, supporters and local residents have formed the Charity "The Matchmaker Memorial". The Tower Hamlets Mayor, Lufter Rahman attended as did local Councillor, Asma Begum.
Sarah is buried in a privately owned cemetery in Manor Park Newham and I was able to speak to residents who had also come to support the campaign.
After some words of welcome and explanation by Sam we were treated to some songs by a wonderful singer (whose name I sadly missed) dressed in period costume. I particularly enjoyed :-
"The Matchgirls' Song"
We'll hang old Bryant on a sour apple tree...(see full wording in photo)
(to the tune of "John Brown's Body").
By coincidence, many years ago I used to occasionally work in the old Housing office (Lanfranc) that used to be on this site.
I shall look forward to the memorial headstone to Sarah being laid in the Manor Park cemetery as soon as is possible.
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Colne Valley Wildlife Walk 24.2.24
Yesterday morning I went to a consultation on a proposed LTN in my ward then taking advantage of a better weather forecast for Saturday compared to Sunday travelled with Gill by TFL trains to Rickmansworth. This circular 6.2 mile walk is listed in the book "More Great Chiltern Walks".
It was an amazing walk and I was astonished at the size and number of the lakes (former gravel pits). We had lunch first at the Park cafe then started the walk around Bury Lake but found recent heavy rain had meant that many footpaths were closed or impassable due to flooding. We both had gaters above our boots but this was serious "welly" territory and we had to alter our course. We had to go along the south side of Stockers Lake (a wonderful nature reserve - see main picture) rather than the north.
We passed a sign indicating that a camera had been placed overlooking a Gray Heron nest and you could check out the progress of the nesting and next month hopefully see the chicks. At the moment you can only see the parents taking turns to sitting and incubating the 3 eggs that have been laid. Check out https://www.fosl.org.uk/n for the live feed.
We kept being warned by walkers coming from the opposite direction that the path ahead was impassable without Wellies. We chanced our arm but found it was too deep to keep going. However, some local children living on boats moored at the nearby Grand Union Canal had built a bridge (of sorts) which we were able to cross and continue the walk along the canal.
We walked along the canal for a while then left it near a World War 2 Pill box and tried to walk around Springwell Lake. We got most of the way around but had to retreat when we found the path totally submerged. Time was now pressing so we took the short route back along the canal into park. We will come back another day to finish it (when it is not so wet!) but it was still a lovely walk and well recommended.
Stopped off at the Rickmansworth Spoons for a quick pint of Doombar then train back (about 1 hour 30 mins). More photos on walks around London Facebook page.
Saturday, February 24, 2024
LABOUR Stands with UKRAINE
It is good to see the support by Labour Leader, Keir Starmer
"The second anniversary of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine reminds us of the strength, resilience, and courage of the Ukrainian people.Our thoughts today are with those who have lost their lives, their homes and their loved ones. Labour will always stand with Ukraine".
and Shadow Defence Secretary, John Healey.
"Labour is proud to have stood with Kyiv since day one. On Britain’s military help to Ukraine, the Government has had – and will continue to have – our fullest support. Today, on the second anniversary of Putin’s illegal invasion, the UK is united in its support for Ukraine".
Friday, February 23, 2024
There may be trouble ahead: Join UNISON
Hat tip Notts UNISON and their excellent Comms Officer(s)
"PLEASE JOIN UNISON BEFORE YOU NEED US. We can't represent you for your first 4 weeks after joining #1, but we can offer advice to our new members. So, in an increasingly insecure world of work, you can never know for certain when you could need us and your fellow UNISON members to help with work related issues etc.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO FACE THE MUSIC ON YOUR OWN! Join UNISON, and we'll all be singing from the same hymn sheet".
https://join.unison.org.uk/
(#1 Normally, nor for any issue that began before this date as well - I use to work as a barman in a dodgy nightclub in Edinburgh many,many years ago and the DJ used to play this song every night as the last track)
Thursday, February 22, 2024
What a good idea! Encourage tenants to downsize & free up family homes
Not a new idea but pleased about offer to Newham Council tenants of a brand new home in a over 55s block at a rent no higher than their current rent. Too often while canvassing I come across elderly tenants in family sized homes whose children have grown up and left.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
UNISON Housing Association Branch AGM 2024
At tonight's Branch Executive Committee meeting we discussed planning for our AGM. The email below has been sent to all of our 3000 plus members.
"Dear Member,
Due to the Easter Weekend, the UNISON Housing Association Branch AGM 2024 has been moved to Wednesday 27th March, 2024.
Further details of exact time and location will follow in the coming weeks.
If you are interested in:
- joining the Branch Executive Team as Branch Officer or General Committee Member for 2024
- proposing a change to Branch Rules
- putting forward a Branch motion
Please fill in the attached form and submit to AGM.Admin@unisonhablondon.org
by 8:00pm on Tuesday, 26th March 2024.
If you have any questions regarding Branch Officer positions, or any other matters relating to the AGM, please contact:
branchsecretary@unisonhablondon.org
Kind regards,
Chris Milson
Branch Secretary
UNISON Housing Associations Branch
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Ealing Labour x Swindon Labour Party Fundraiser 2024
On Sunday I went with UNISON Labour Link colleagues to a fundraising dinner in Ealing. It was packed and extremely well organised. The food and service was also excellent. It was great to meet and catch up with Labour and union friends. After speeches there was the inevitable Labour auction and raffle!
Good luck to the many Labour candidates there who are standing for the GLA or winnable Parliament seats.
Monday, February 19, 2024
Saturday, February 17, 2024
Capital Ring Walk 3. Grove Park to Crystal Palace
It took us about 1 hour to get to Grove Park (bus to Stratford since Lizzie line down, change Jubilee to London Bridge then over head to Grove Park). Route is 7.7 miles with extra 0.5 miles from station to start.
The walk was mostly going through London suburbia but there were a number of parks and greenways. Highlight was Beckenham Place Park which had ancient forests and trails, wide open spaces and is a wonderful green lung for London. I enjoyed there a tasty (but somewhat pricey) egg, bacon and tomato roll with coffee.
The weather was quite warm for the time of year (quite a few people in shorts and even tee-shirts) but it was overcast and we were lucky it didn't rain. The early spring blossom and flowers were marvellous and a reminder of the good things to come.
It is a fairly long section of the ring walk but mostly flat with some up and downs. Lots of noisy Ring-necked Parakeets and squabbling grey squirrels.
In another park Gill chatted to a family about their naughty dog, which refused to respond to their repeated calls to return to them, instead enjoying drinking out of a very muddy puddle. She afterwards recognised him as the actor, Paul Ready, from the sitcom "Motherland" (Kevin).
At the end of the walk in the historic Crystal Palace, the kids seem to enjoy the victorian statues of dinosaurs. Despite being on the "at risk" register of English Heritage they seemed to be in fairly good condition considering they are around 170 years old.
The walk finished at the station and we took a similar trip back and are looking forward to our next leg, Crystal Palace to Streatham.
Friday, February 16, 2024
HeartUnion Blues 2024
Thursday, February 15, 2024
West Hammers on tour: Wellingborough By election 15 Feb 24
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Tory Wipe out Poll (don't believe it)
While I want to believe that this poll is accurate I do not believe it "until it happens". We are are still very, very vulnerable to Tory division and lies. The Tories are the most ruthless and successful election machine in Western Europe. Never forget this.
I also had a rather depressing experience today at a trade union meeting, where the ultra left spent all their time slagging off Labour and not the Tories. They obviously want another 5 years (and longer) of Tory rule, since they believe it will bring about "the revolution". Yeah.
Labour is not perfect and I have never personally agreed with every one of their policies or statements. But the choice (in the main UK elections) is really about either the Tories or Labour. Full Stop.
The Ultra left would rather have the Tories in power than Labour to keep themselves "ideologically pure". They do not give a damn about working class people.
I am off with "West Hammers on Tour" tomorrow to support the Labour Candidate for Wellingborough, Gen Kitchen. Fingers crossed.
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
"Return of tribunal fees"
Hat tip to Thompsons Solicitors. This is dreadful news. The employment tribunal process is already biased in favour of employers. Today I had to help an unemployed member apply to a tribunal. The prospect of fees will frighten people. We already have unscrupulous lawyers threatening to claim costs on winnable cases.
Picture is of the UNISON team that took legal action in 2017 which resulted in fees being quashed since they were found to prevent access to justice and discriminative. Hopefully these fees can be stopped as well.
Monday, February 12, 2024
#HeartUnions Join UNISON
12 – 18 February 2024
Annual TUC week to promote trade unions and UNISON to the wider public and in workplaces.
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Labour Local Government Association Conference 2024: Day 2
Picture collage from yesterday evening and day 2 of the Conference held in Warwick. Labour is now the largest political party in UK local government.
There was a number of workshops, formal speeches and panel debates. It was informative and interesting. A great but rarely found combination in municipal politics!
Powerful speech by our deputy Labour Party leader, Angela Rayner, stressing that Labour will fund councils on the need of its residents not on the politics of its governing party. Unlike this Tory Government.
Former Council leader and now MP Jim McMahon pointed out that local government had lost 900,000 workers since 2010 due to cuts but central government had gained 900,000 workers. A massive centralisation of power and resources.
I asked a question of Shadow Social Care Minister, Andrew Gwynne about the role of local government in the future "fair pay" (sectorial bargaining) of the care sector by the Labour "New Deal for Working Families". All of the panel made reference to the importance of making sure that care workers get decent pay and conditions. Andrew made it clear that while "New Deal" was not part of his portfolio (I should have asked Angie) he is sure that local government will play an important role. Which makes sense to me.It was also an opportunity this weekend to share with the many unison members presence an early celebration of "Love Unions" week (starts tomorrow 12 Feb)
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Labour LGA Conference 2024: Day 1
At our annual Labour Local Government Association Conference. Currently in a packed and lively training session led by Mo Baines, CEO of APSE on "How can a future Labour Government stem the tide of Section. 114?"
Mo asks why is local governemt beong treated so differently from other public service?
Central government does not have to balance its books every single year? Why can't budgets be managed and spread over the medium term?
There are lots of good questions, answers, ideas and comments. Looking forward to rest of conference.
Friday, February 09, 2024
Off to support Gen Kitchen in Wellingborough By-Election on Thursday 15 Feb 24
Thursday, February 08, 2024
Greater London UNISON AGM 2024
Thank you to our keynote speakers, Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting MP and Richard Angell, Terrence Higgins Trust for their superb speeches.
I gave the AGM finance report and as a Housing Associations Delegate moved our motion on "Peace and Justice for Palestine" which was overwhelmingly passed despite a couple of speaker who sadly wanted to attack the Labour Party more than the Israeli government.
Wednesday, February 07, 2024
"Income needed to retire jumps..."
Check out https://bbc.co.uk/news/business-68222807
Remember this is "net of income tax" and does not include housing costs (since we will all have paid off our mortgages by then...yeah. How many will still be renting or paying off mortgages in their retirement).
Tuesday, February 06, 2024
Under the Conservatives: Dentistry isn't working
Hat tip Labour Party & Ken Penton. A powerful image and caption
"Yesterday, hundreds of people desperate for an NHS dentist appointment queued for hours when a new practice opened in Bristol.After 14 years of Tory decline, this is the Britain we live in today. It's time for change.
Labour has a fully funded plan to rescue NHS dentistry with 700,000 emergency appointments and new dentists where they're needed the most".
Monday, February 05, 2024
TUC Understanding Pensions Course - (London Classroom)
My first ever pension course was provided by the TUC (a long time, long ago) But I can still remember it. I would recommend all union reps should attend such a pension course. Over the years Jonathan has been my TUC tutor on a number of occasions.
"This course provides a basic knowledge to union reps around pensions.
Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:30 - Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:30 BST
The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, Tottenham Centre
High Road London N15 4RU
Pensions are an important trade union issue. The trade union movement has consistently argued that pensions should be equitable, fair, and provide a decent living standard in retirement. Over the past 10 years the landscape of pensions has brought many changes. This course cuts across of that to provide a basic knowledge to union reps to know what these changes are and the impact on them and their members. It is also an opportunity to think about how to organise in our workplaces around this issue.
How long is the course?
This course will be delivered over 3 Thursdays in a classroom.
How much is the course?
There are no course fees for union reps from TUC affiliated unions.
PLEASE NOTE: This course is for residents of England only. This course will be delivered by The College of Haringey, Enfield and NE London. Please be aware that funding restrictions in some areas may mean that a college cannot accept your application: if this is the case you will be notified which college to reapply to.
Please be aware, applications will cease to be available 2 weeks before the scheduled start date. If you wish to apply after this date, please contact jonathan.jeffries@conel.ac.uk.
*Please ensure that you have time off to attend this course and that you have notified the appropriate union branch official or officer that you intend to take the course.Over
Sunday, February 04, 2024
Labour Unions Campaign Weekend on New Deal for Working People: Cities of London & Westminster
Yesterday UNISON activists (and national officials) joined Parliamentary candidate, Rachel Blake and supporters to canvass for Labour and also promote the Party policy on the "New Deal for Working People". Which to my mind is probably the most exciting policy so far that a Labour Government will commit to if we win the next general election.
See further details here but giving working people legal rights from day one of employment, getting rid of fire and rehire, sectorial pay bargaining as well as ending compulsory zero hour contracts is going to make a huge positive difference to so many workers and their families.
I have know Rachel for a number of years (and worked with her in the Labour Housing Group) and she will make a great MP.
The canvass went well but it was difficult to speak to people since there was many private flats that we could not get into and many properties appeared to be unoccupied. However, I spoke to one resident who was voting Labour for the first time ("90% likely") and wanted to get rid of this current government as soon as is possible.
The many "London Mews" we visited were amazing but I hate to think how much they would cost to live in. Despite the obvious wealth in this part of Westminster there is huge poverty and deprivation in other areas. More reasons why we need a Labour Government.
Saturday, February 03, 2024
Fund raiser for Labour GLA Candidate Marcela Benedetti with keynote speaker Sadiq Khan
On Thursday evening (after another Labour Movement event) I went with UNISON Labour Link colleagues, to a fundraiser for the branch chair of our London Voluntary Organisations branch (Vol Orgs), Marcela Benedetti.
Marcela is the Labour Candidate for the South West London (Kingston, Richmond & Hounslow) seat in the Greater London Assembly Elections in May. The keynote speaker was of course, London Mayor Sadiq Khan aided by Kevin McGuire.
I have known Marcela for a number of years and she is a brilliant UNISON activist and able chair of one of the largest union branches in London. Under her chairship, Vol Org has been one of the fastest growing and best organised UNISON branches in the Country. I am sure she will make a great London Assembly member.I was also pleased to see that the Richmond venue was the home of the London Welsh Rugby club.
Friday, February 02, 2024
Labour New Deal for Working People National Campaign Weekend 3/4 Feb 2024
Check out events near you https://labourunions.org.uk/newdealweekend/ . Greater London UNISON Labour link activists will be at :-
Cities & Westminster - 2pm Saturday 3rd Feb. Meet at Marylebone Gardens, W1U 5JE
Uxbridge - 2pm Sunday 4 Feb. Meet West Drayton Station
Thursday, February 01, 2024
Greater London UNISON Celebration : Year of the Black Worker
This evening I was pleased to have been invited to this celebration in the UNISON Centre in Euston. Our General Secretary, Christina McAnea, spoke and took part in Q&A as did our London Regional Secretary, Jo Galloway.