UNISON Greater London Housing Association Branch Executive Social (& putting our world to rights)

 

Great photo from last night's meal in London Bridge for branch elected executive members to meet our new organiser, Karl and discuss disputes and issues across our sector. We had representatives from most of the G15 Housing Associations and had a keen discussion and made plans for dealing with the many, many challenges facing our sector. 

Pay disputes are obviously number one followed by bullying, racism and other discrimination, then Pensions (strike action over pay and potential mass dismissals over pensions in Clarion for example), car mileage, health & safety, governance failures, accountability.... the list of problems is pretty endless and often inter connected. 

We also welcomed former branch organiser, Andy Robinson, (he arrived after the photo) who is now an extremely experienced and well qualified employment law advisor, who was able to give us some very helpful advice on issues. 

"A legendary social worker (and Labour movement activist) has retired" Dave Draycott

I have just congratulated on Facebook, Dave Draycott, a former Newham Council social worker and Leeds Labour movement activist (legend) on his retirement.

Dave has been a social worker for 44 years and a very active trade unionist, who also served as a Labour Councillor.

He is not at all "shy and retiring" and over the years he has got himself into bother because of this, from time to time, but in my experience, he has been a good comrade to me and others, as well as a pragmatic and authentic champion of the working class.

On Facebook tonight he posted "Well started in 76 and it’s time to go, retiring from Social Work and my team mates know me so well: single malt and political satire, hits the spot. The pressures of work will not be missed my workmates will, a great bunch."

I am pretty sure that we have not seen the the last of Dave Draycott in our movement. Hat tip to Unmesh for the Facebook link.

Thank you, Good luck and Goodbye - to a Workers Champion

Picture from last night's leaving dinner for my branch outreach worker, Andy Robertson (2nd on
right).

Andy is a former UNISON Housing activist in Leeds who left to become a mature student at university to study a HR (Human Relations - what we use to call "Personnel") degree.

He passed with first class honours.

He has worked for the branch for the last 9 months on a temporary basis while we are restructuring the branch office. Andy is leaving to work with the Baptist Church in Wyoming, United States of America.

Andy is from the Christian Socialist tradition of the Labour Movement and as well as being a trade unionist is a part time Baptist preacher. It was great to meet his lovely wife who is a HR officer! They must have some interesting conversations about "how was work today?".

He will be working for the Labour Party as an organiser in the run up to the General election, which meant that his leaving do had to be brought forward to Friday at the last minute.

Many thanks to Andy for all his hard work during the past 9 months. During his time he helped build an effective steward structure in a number of key employers as well as some stunning successes  while representing members in disputes and hearings.

 

Personal Injuries, Workers Memorial Day & Bite Sized Intro to Health and Safety at Work

The picture is from a course I helped run last year for my UNISON branch on Health and Safety. It was organised by our Outreach Worker, Andy Robinson and the guest speaker was Personal Injury lawyer from Thompsons solicitors, Shamoona Sheikh (right of photo).

Shamoona spoke about the free legal help and support that Thompsons give UNISON members. This includes personal injuries and accidents inside and outside of work. Unlike other law firms they will not take part of any damages awarded and they - not you - will pay for medical reports and any costs.

Thompsons also provides employment law advice to UNISON on unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE etc as well as as 24 hour criminal law helpline. They also give out free wills, advice on Criminal injuries compensation claims and run a conveyancing service. If you are an UNISON member you can get a free 30 minute telephone advice session on practically any legal matter.

I gave a talk about carrying out union workplace safety inspections then took people around on a "walkabout" inspection. I recommended that activists should try and hold a workplace safety inspection during the forthcoming "Workers Memorial Day" on 28 April 2015. This is not only a day to remember those who have been killed at work or died of industrial injuries but is also a campaigning day for health and safety. So it would be fitting to try and do something practical regarding health and safety on or about Tuesday 28 April 2015.

(black and white picture because the yellow fluorescence safety vest I was wearing made me look somewhat radio active!)