Out for a run (aka slow jog)

 

Out for a run just before dusk tonight around Wanstead flats and enjoyed lovely skyline from near Alexandra Lake. 

Save the date - inspect your toilets 🚽

While being a trade union safety rep is definitely not a glamorous role, most people realise it is not a joke if you have to work outside a properly equipped office and/or suffer from many disabilities and don't have ready access to a toilet or are not allowed sufficient time to go to the loo! (thinking Sports Direct warehouses). 

At my work UNISON colleagues and myself have signed up to this campaign. We have contacted our employer health & safety team and other activists to try and carry out inspections during this TUC campaign.

I would encourage other union safety reps to do the same. 

Do you have good enough toilets and toilet breaks?

All workers need toilet breaks – it's a basic right. But many are denied this due to insufficient breaks and facilities.  To highlight the issue, we're inviting safety reps to carry out a workplace toilet inspection in the week of 17 –  23 March. We’ll be lifting the lid on what needs improving, and how unions are best placed to understand and advocate for safer workplaces.   Sign up below to take part, and we’ll send you all the info you need, including a checklist. If you carry out an inspection and tell us about it, you’ll receive a TUC Education credentials that recognises what you've done. Read more about TUC credentials. We are expecting hundreds of you to collectively take part in this inspections week of action - get involved!

SIGN UP

Rainham Marshes Walk

 

Off message but last Sunday Gill and I finally went for a walk in nearby Rainham Marshes alongside the River Thames. This was a circular route about 7 miles long. We had walked East alongside the Thames in June 2017 in the very last leg of the London Loop walk- Harold Wood to Purfleet. 

However, that had been a warm and sunny day and now it was very different. It was cold, fresh and mostly overcast but the sun did make brief appearances and it brightened up near the end. The light was fantastic and the views across the marshes and the river was spectacular. We parked at the RSPB site near Purfleet where sadly, the café has recently closed (also walking distance from the station?) and walked west alongside the river towards A13. 

It was a "seriously weird" and unusual walk. Some unsightly decaying industrial sites and bright modern industrial estates. Despite some noise from the A13, it was quiet and peaceful with only small groups of bird watchers and occasional dog walkers. There is definitely, something very special, about walking alongside water. 

Main picture is of World War 2 era steel and concrete barges dumped in 1950s but no apparent evidence that they were used on the D Day landings in 1944 that some claim. 

Just before the A13 (walking distance from Rainham Station) we turned back and walked through the marshes alongside the watercourse back to RSPB site. This area was once a British army shooting range. The remains of old shooting butts and wartime anti aircraft ammunition bunkers are still there. 

We will come back again in a different season for sure. We will also investigate the RSBP reserve trail and hides, which we ran out of time to visit. 

Check route below and my other walks www.facebook.com/walksinandaroundlondon/

West Ham Ward Surgery then Door Knock

 

This morning I attended my Councillor surgery in the Vicarage Lane Community Centre (every Saturday apart from bank holiday weekends, one of us holds an advice surgery here 10-11am).

Afterwards, I met up with Councillor colleagues and local Labour activists to take part in a "Street Surgery" - knocking on doors in the ward asking residents if they have any concerns about local services and do they want to speak to their ward councillors about them. 

We had 2 teams out and the reception today was pretty good. I picked up case work around housing applications and complaints about ASB including neighbour nuisance. The majority of residents said they had no complaints about Council services (some people refuse to believe this but it is overwhelming true. It does not mean that we should be complacent in any way) and they are grateful that we have knocked on their doors to speak to them.  

One activist reported that he did get a ear bashing from a Reform supporter but it was cordial. 

I was also able to speak to supporters of the local Community group #LoveLondon15 who maintain mini community gardens on areas which had previously been fly tip hotspots and support the magnificent street art murals in the ward. 

Afterwards, most of us met up for coffee and delicious cakes in Sawmills café. I am still on Keto Low carb diet, so was sort of strong - and just enjoyed the coffee but the cinnamon buns there are simply  magnificent.

Back LIVV Housing Strikers Friday, 21st Feb - 7.30am

 

Hat tip @KnowsleyUnison "We are planning a big union day down at @LivvHousing 
L34 1PJ this coming Friday, 21st February, in solidarity with the UNISON and Unite striking workers. Join us from 7.30 am with your flags, banners, and whistles!!!

Check out article on strike "They'll stop at nothing to undermine the union"

"A better life at work..."

 

"The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) will be making its way through Parliament soon. It will introduce new bargaining bodies for care workers and school support staff in England as well. Find out more here: https://magazine.unison.org.uk/2025/02/11/the..."-employment-rights-bill-the-story-so-far/

"There is no vacancy" Christina McAnea - 15 Feb 2025

A collective response to the incredibly powerful and personal speech by our General Secretary, Christina McAnea, to delegates yesterday at UNISON's Women's Conference. She is right that there is "no vacancy" and the shameful behaviour of those who launched their attempt to get rid of her during her bereavement leave has been called out.

See speech General secretary’s speech to Edinburgh women’s conference | News, Press release | News | UNISON National

Women together in UNISON

 Great leaflet handed out by "Members Together" activists at UNISON Women's conference. 

Lambourne End Walk

Off message. For various reasons (winter lergies, holidays, work, rotten weather etc) I have not been on any walks for a while. Two weeks ago was the first proper local walk, Gill and I, had been on this year - and it was marvellous. Blue skies, sunshine and pretty countryside. A little cold, some ice and mud but nothing too difficult. 

The start of the walk is only just over 20 mins by car from East London (Public transport links not great). You can find the walk and download a map via the Ordinance Survey site https://explore.osmaps.com/ (subscription needed but well worth it). 

It is a circular route about 5.19 miles (my Zepp app recorded 6.14 miles but it does overestimate). Mostly flat or gentile up and downs, with fine views. Nothing too strenuous. Very few other walkers. Peaceful apart from occasional planes. 

We stopped off at the historic 12th Century Church in Lambourne. There was an a Sunday service going on at the time so we could not look around. Next time. It is telling that this church was built next to the local landowners hall but some distance away from the nearest village in Abridge. 

National Apprenticeship week - join UNISON for just £10 a year!

 

National Apprenticeship week. Joining a union = better conditions at work, help with your career, equality in the workplace and a voice in your future. Apprentices can join UNISON for just £10 a year! http://join.unison.org.uk

#HeartUnions week: Do you fancy a chat about what is going on at work?

10-16 Feb this year is #HeartUnions week organised by the TUC. I was able to order materials online and set up a stall today in the main staff kitchen in one of our Housing offices in North London. I had booked a private office nearby for confidential discussions. 

It was a little chaotic since there was also a lively celebration of Chinese New Year taking place at the same time but it was good to "fly the flag" for UNISON and have a chat with local reps, members and non members. 

Many were interested in joining UNISON but most admitted that they know very little about unions and what they do. UNISON reps in my Housing Association are planning a series of similar events in our offices across the country as well as virtual team talks and social media. 

Greater London UNISON Regional Council AGM 2025

 

Picture collage from last weeks Regional AGM. I gave the the Finance report and thanked Council for being re-elected unopposed together with the rest of the Regional Council officer team Yvonne, Conroy, Clara and Katie. 

The key note speaker was former London UNISON activist and now MP, Deirdre Costigan. 

I moved a motion on Grenfell which the Branch Chair of UNISON Kensington & Chelsea, Sonya Howard, also spoke in favour. The motion was passed unanimously and I hope will the sent to UNSION National conference. 

Another very important motion passed was on our Regional campaign to end exploitation of migrant workers in public services. 

Sonya, Clara, Eddie Brand and Abiola Kusoro, who all spoke in various debates are standing to be elected as London UNISON NEC reps in the forthcoming elections. 

During the meeting the Regional Secretary, Jo Galloway announced that she will be starting her maternity leave the following week. She will be hugely missed but we all wished her well.  

Thank you for UNISON NEC Community Seat nominations

 

Thank you. Hopefully more to follow. Branches have until Feb 14th to nominate. 

UNISON member discounts and deals at our Croyde Bay holiday resort in Devon

 

Hat tip ‪@unisonfifehealth.bsky.social‬ 

"UNISON owned and operated Croyde Bay Resort, in North Devon, offers 20% off any holiday or short break for UNISON members, rising to a huge 50% off for low paid UNISON members.

The resort features a modern 56-bedroom Hotel as well as self-catering Cottages and Lodges.

The brilliant location next to the fabulous Croyde Beach, rated as a 5* holiday village with top quality accommodation, lots of free facilities and a super friendly welcome, have all contributed to Croyde Bay Holiday Resort receiving TripAdvisor’s Travellers choice for 3 years running!

This popular surfing mecca has a well-earned reputation with all age groups and makes a great base for exploring all that beautiful North Devon has to offer, on land and sea".

Check out the holiday possibilities 

t.co/to26RVmTh9