UNISON GLR LGBT+ Reception marking World Aids Day

Last Tuesday evening I was invited by the UNISON Greater London Regional LGBT+ Committee to their annual reception in Parliament. This was sponsored by GLR Labour Link and hosted by new Labour MP, Deirdre Costigan (former UNISON National Officer). 

The theme was was to mark World Aids Day with the launch of the new UNISON Model-policy-to-support-workers-living-with-HIV.pdf to tackle HIV stigma at work, with speeches from the National Aids and Terrance Higgins Trust.

Just voted for Anu Prashar in Labour NEC elections. Please share.

 

Just back from holidays and catching up on many things. Anu is a top candidate for this position on our Labour NEC and I have no hesitation in voting for and endorsing her. 

UNISON National Delegate Conference 2024: Day 2 Wednesday

 
Day 2 started again with the usual NEC meeting at 8.30am then I joined other activists to hand out leaflets outside the conference hall to publicise the Labour Link rally and campaign session being held that that evening. I was back on the NEC platform for the 9.30am start. After the normal S.O.C bun fight, we continued debates including a very important composite motion on a National Care Service. 

At 12 noon we stopped conference business for the keynote speech by our General Secretary, Christina McAnea. Christina gave a powerful and wide ranging speech celebrating our union successes during the past 12 months but also making it clear after 14 years of Tory failure "Our members need a Labour Government". 

During lunch I attended the the Greater London fringe on "Tackling HIV Stigma in our workplace" chaired by London activist Anu Prasher. In the afternoon there was a very powerful debate  (Motion 39) on "Domestic Abuse:Access For All" where survivors of abuse shared their experiences. 

Another important debate (motion 56) was "Tory Cuts to Police Funding Harms Community Safety". Conference was generally very supportive but some speakers incredibly spoke against this motion and even appeared to call for further cuts. One claimed that research showed that there was no benefit from the jobs of her fellow UNISON members - low paid Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). So I suppose she wants them all to be sacked? As an inner city housing officer who has worked with such staff for many years I can say this is completely untrue. 

Dreadful comments, no wonder that our Police Civilian staff members present were so upset. The overwhelming vote in favour of the motion by conference showed what real trade unionists thought about these remarks.  

After close of conference, I attended the Labour Link Rally where Labour Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavillion, Tom Gray (no relation) spoke before we were organised into canvass teams and went door knocking for Labour. The canvass went pretty well with a clear majority of Labour supporter but it was mostly flats which were difficult to get into. One person I spoke to was not on the electoral register but he was holding some sort of political banner. He explained in an American accent that he was off to a Revolutionary Communist Party rally. He and all the other people were friendly and pretty keen to engage even if they did not support Labour. 

UNISON National Labour Link elections - ballot closes at 5pm on Friday 20 October 2023.

 

All UNISON Labour Link members should have received an email for regional seats (if contested and some seats were not) :-

From: Civica Election Services <takepart@cesvotes.com

Subject: UNISON National Labour Link Committee Elections 2023-2025

I got mine on Monday September 18 and I voted in London for Anu Prasher. We also received a postal ballot paper which you could still send off tomorrow and be in time (or even put a first class stamp on and send Thursday and chance your arm). 

Other suggested recommendations in other regions as below :-

Elect Anu Prashar - the members choice for UNISON Labour Link London election

Great endorsement by Eddie of Anu. Electronic ballot papers arrived by email last week and so did hard copies by Royal Mail to your home address. 

Please vote by either method (not of course in both) for Anu and the candidates below outside London (my personal recommendations). 

UNISON Greater London Housing Associations Labour Link support Anu Prashar (& update on our AGM)

 Dear UNISON Labour Link members,

Re: National Labour Link elections

Our branch has nominated Anu Prashar for National Labour Link Committee.

 

• Anu cut her teeth as a steward before getting involved in the SOGs and the Labour Party. Anu is not a member of any faction and sits squarely under the Trade Union banner.
• Anu fights discrimination and LGBT+ hate. She believes the Party and Labour Link should be inclusive of all members. 
• Anu will push the Party to stand up for working people, repeal the Trade Union Act, scrap Universal Credit and reverse Tory public services cuts.
• Anu will ensure you get regular reports and radically improve communication with members. 

You can vote online, or by ballot papers sent to your home address (but vote only once, of course).

Re: our branch Labour Link AGM

We have approached the New Shadow Prime Minister and Shadow Secretary of State Angela Rayner to be our guest speaker (agreed in principle but need to sort out a date) at our AGM in the House of Commons - hopefully in November. Further details to follow.

Regards,

John Gray
Branch Labour Link Officer

Elected to UNISON Labour Link National Committee (& Vote for Anu in regional elections)

 

On Monday I was really pleased to find out that I had been re-elected (after 2 year gap of course) to the UNISON National Labour Link Committee by NEC (National Executive Council) colleagues to the 12 seats that the NEC hold on that committee (the others by regional and self-organised groups).

Labour Link is the UNISON political fund that in principle supports the Labour Party (but not on everything if they get things wrong in our view) but wants a Labour Government to be elected asap.

Only NEC Labour Party Political fund levy payers "supporters" can vote in these elections and only Labour Party members can stand for Committee positions. 

I will be bringing up at this committee issues of grave concerns to my members such as fire & rehire, cuts to pay and terms of conditions (such as defined benefit pensions!!!!)

Of course, some hard left extremists who hate the Labour Party and only pretend to support them in order to vote or stand took part but but I think most of their candidates got nowhere.

Regional elections for delegates to National Labour Link Committee by all levy members will take place soon. My branch nominated  the excellent candidate, Anu Prashar,  for the Greater London seat. 

Branches requested to nominate ANU PRASHAR to be London Rep on UNISON National Labour Link Committee

 

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, 

 

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

UNISON NEC elections 2023: Vote for your 4 London Candidates - Eddie, Sonya, Abiola & Anu

 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 they will:

 

·         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 

·         Fight discrimination and put equality at the heart of every decision

·         Tackle the Cost of Living Crisis- winning fair pay for all

 Eddie Brand

We’re proud to nominate @EddieBrand for @Unison NEC. Read why we
nominated him:

✔ Eddie is an Emergency Medical Technician in @LAS working on the frontline
✔ Eddie leads the biggest UNISON branch in London, taking them out on strike to win a pay
rise for all members in the NHS
✔ He is experienced, has been on the NEC previously and will focus on winning for all members


Sonya Howard

We’re proud to nominate @nec_sonya for @Unison NEC. Read why we
nominated her �
✔ Sonya has worked in Local Government and as a Social Worker for thirty years
✔ Sonya has a strong track record on equalities, negotiating the first menopause policy in
London
✔ She is experience, has been on the NEC previously and work hard on behalf of all members


Anu Prashar

We’re proud to nominate @anuox for @Unison NEC. Read why we
nominated her �
✔ Anu is proud Local Government worker and Trading Standards officer
✔ Anu is an equality campaigner, Chair of the Regional LGBT+ committee and represents Black Members on the national committee
✔ She will make sure sure underrepresented voices are heard at at every level and keep
fighting for equality

 Abiola Kusoro

We’re proud to nominate @bkodunlami for @Unison NEC. Read why we
nominated her �
✔ Abiola works on the frontline caring for sick children at Great Ormond Street Hospital as
Catering staff
✔ Abiola knows first hand the impact of the Cost of Living crisis on Women and the Black
community
✔ She has been on the NEC previously, and will fight for all members to get a pay rise and for
those on the lowest pay to be a priority

Greater London Seats on the UNISON National Executive Council (NEC)

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Eddie, Sonya, Abiola and Anu as your candidates for the 4 regional London seats in our NEC elections. They are great comrades and union organisers. I have been in many difficult meetings, debates and picket lines with them. They are enthusiastic, intelligent and pragmatic activists who will do their level best for members and put their interests first and foremost. 

We cannot continue to have our NEC controlled by those who have openly supported misogynistic bullies, who have tried to sack our elected General secretary and have so divided our union, that at our national conference last year a vote of no confidence in them was carried (yet they still did not resign).

If you are a UNISON member and in Greater London region you can vote for all 4 of them. Ballot papers will start to drop at members homes from next Monday 17 April. 

UNISON London Ambulance Service (LAS) Strike: Picket outside their Waterloo Headquarters 10.2.23

 

After work this evening I went to the UNISON picket line outside the LAS headquarters in Waterloo, Central London. I went to show solidarity and support on behalf of Greater London UNISON Regional Council officers and my own Housing Associations UNISON branch. 

It was yet another, well organised and well supported LAS picket. Congratulations to their Branch Secretary Eddie Brand, and their stewards and regional support staff including our Regional Secretary, Jo Galloway. The pickets were confident, knew what the battle was about and what to do on a picket line. 

I see also from other social media reports that some LAS pickets are tomorrow setting off as volunteers to Turkey to help out as paramedics with the dreadful recent earthquake.  Last year the branch helped organise a convoy to Ukraine to deliver much needed medical supplies and equipment. 

I have been on various picket lines in my time in the Labour Movement and the UNISON LAS are by far the best organised I have ever attended. 

Our ace UNISON Head of Health, Sara Gorton, gave short speech to the pickets thanking them for all they are doing to save our NHS.

Fellow London UNISON activists Anu Prashar and Abiola Kusoro were also there to show solidarity.

Just to point out that contrary to Tory lies and smears, for life and limb calls, pickets are volunteering with the full support of their stewards, to leave the picket line to attend, and I have witnessed this on many occasions during this strike.  Because it is an "operational" picket line, with emergency ambulances coming and going, the branch has to be careful of numbers of pickets and supporters to ensure safety. 

I came back home tonight feeling uplifted and proud of my union and our members.  

UNISON Greater London Regional Council AGM 2023: Re-elected as RCO for 16th time (?) in a row

This morning was our Regional Council AGM and I was pleased to have been re-elected (unopposed) as Regional Finance Convenor alongside my comrades, Yvonne Green, as Regional Convenor and Conroy Lawrence, as Deputy Convenor. We were joined on the Regional Council team (the lay Executive for the 130,000 members in Greater London) by newly elected Equalities Convenor, Annette Heslop. See picture of us with Regional Secretary Jo Galloway on top left of collage. The Publicity Officer election is being rerun due to an admin error.

Our keynote guest speakers were Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP, who is the Labour Shadow minister on Mental Health as well as a real life hospital doctor (see photo left of collage with Rosena, me and NHS activist Jim Mansfield who was also re-elected as our rep on Conference Standing Orders Committee) and our superb UNISON Head of Health, Sara Gorton. 

I gave the regional finance budget report to the AGM, which was adopted and I thanked members for their trust and confidence in re-electing me again as well as Yvonne and Conroy. 

After reports, we began debating motions. I spoke first moving my branch (GLR Housing Associations) "Cost of Living motion" which no one spoke against but saw some "fantasy" Life of Brian speeches, attacking the Labour Party, rather than the Tories, over the Cost of Living Crisis! 

Anu Prashar spoke passionately and eloquently on the (dreadful) LGBT+ experience during this crisis. 

There was some brilliant contributions during the debate on the "Industrial Action" motion moved by Kensington & Chelsea Local Government Branch. In particular Sonya Howard (K&C Chair) and Eddie Brand, Branch Secretary of the London Ambulance Service, who were the only branch to successfully win a strike ballot in the current NHS dispute and have delivered 4 days of strike action with next one on this Friday.  Hospital worker, Abiola Kusoro, told us how her branch lost out on strike action by only 1% shortfall in the vote and how they hope and expect to win the pending rerun ballot. 

Our former HAB activist (and my fellow West Ham Labour activist) Mitsy Harmon-Russell, now a NHS care worker moved the motion in support of our UNISON Charity "There for You". 

My other branch motion (composited with Croydon motion) on "Year of the Black Worker" was moved by our Branch Chair, Joseph Ogundemuren who got us all clapping and chanting combining humour with serious messages. 

Afterwards I had to rush off to my nearby housing office, to catch up with the ever urgent ASB work and union issues, then in the evening to go to my branch executive meeting.  

UNISON NEC Elections - Personal recommendations for London & National Seats

 UNISON Branches can still nominate candidates until next Monday 13 February. Above are my personal recommendations for the London seats and below for the national seats. 

We definitely need an NEC that puts members first, supports our General Secretary Christina McAnea (never again a vote of no confidence in the NEC)  and makes sure that everyone has a voice in UNISON. Fight discrimination and tackle the Cost of Living Crisis. 

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

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.

• Fight Discrimination and put equality 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.

• 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

Labour Party Conference 2022: Day 2 Monday

 

Another rather random collection of photos from Day 2 of Conference. I posted here on my early morning run and seeing some well known local lads

Top left is a picture from "Newham Night" when delegates and visitors from Newham met up for a drink and gossip at a local bar. 

Next was a picture of the Police on top of my hotel roof looking out, I assume, for possible security threats. 

Then pictures from an interesting fringe chaired by my Councillor colleague "Red Terry" Paul on the new trade union recognition agreement between Deliveroo and the GMB. 

As a delegate on the conference floor, I enjoyed the panel session with Keir Starmer and former England footballer, Gary Neville. I am not a football fan and had little knowledge of Gary before this but he seemed an intelligent and thoughtful bloke. 

There was the LAPFF fringe on Climate Change and Just Transition that I spoke at and have posted elsewhere. Final pictures of some great speeches by my General Secretary Christina McAnea and my London UNISON colleague, Anu Prashar. 

I also had a tasty evening meal at the Labour Friends of Bangladesh event and one or maybe even two whiskeys at the wonderful Labour Irish reception. 

Anu Prashar "I'm voting for Anu...She'll be a strong voice for London"

By now UNISON members who are part of Labour Link (the political fund that supports the Labour Party and fights to bring UNISON values and priorities into the Party) should have received their ballot form by post to their home addresses (and email if the union has a valid email address for you). You can only vote once! Since the security code can only be used once.

The ballot helpline is @ UNISON Direct - 0800 0857 857 if you require your ballot paper in a different format, or if you haven’t received one by now, they can help. There is also a textphone number 0800 0967 968 for members with hearing difficulties. 

Outside London check out below my (John Gray) personal recommendations for other contested regional seats.

Anu Prashar "The Members' Choice" for UNISON Labour Link Greater London

By now UNISON members who are part of Labour Link (the political fund that supports the Labour Party and fights to bring UNISON values and priorities into the Party) should have received their ballot form by post to their home addresses (and email if the union has a valid email address for you). You can only vote once! since the security code can only be used once.

The ballot helpline is @ UNISON Direct - 0800 0857 857 if you require your ballot paper in a different format, or if you haven’t received one by 13th September, they can help. There is also a textphone number 0800 0967 968 for members with hearing difficulties.

Outside London check out below my personal recommendations for other contested regional seats.