Putin's UNISON "useful idiots" blames the military invasion of Ukraine on NATO and don't support sanctions against apartheid or fascist regimes

 

Blog post title is mine but please check out and share this really important expose of the vile decisions currently been made in our name by the extremist toy town revolutionaries who currently dominate our NEC and are doing their best to destroy our union.

"UNISON NEC today agreed a Presidential statement on the war in Ukraine. I voted against the statement as it contained a number of comments that I was gravely unhappy with. The statement said ‘The conflict has been prompted by NATO expansion.’ I could not accept any statement that did not put blame exactly where it should lie, with Russia and Vladimir Putin. This is a military invasion of a democratic country where thousands have been killed. To say the responsibility lies anywhere than with Russia is not acceptable to me.

The second issue was the Presidential statement saying ‘economic sanctions will be seen as an aggressive measure and may well strengthen support for Putin.’ I supported the UK Anti Apartheid Movement in the 70s and 80s and we called for sanctions against the racist regime in South Africa, I don’t remember the UK trade union movement saying sanctions could be seen as aggressive or increasing support for John Vorster, PW Botha or apartheid. I also supported the workers at Rolls Royce in East Kilbride refusing to send aircraft engines to Chile in the 70s. While trade unionists were being arrested, tortured and murdered in Chile I don’t remember being told economic sanctions were aggressive or would increase support for General Pinochet.

If UNISON members believe this decision risks UNISONs good name please get out a vote in the upcoming UNISON Service Group elections and vote against the Time for Change candidates who agreed this statement today. We need to simply condemn Russia’s invasion and support the Ukrainian people with economic sanctions, no ifs, no buts, no whatabouts".

By NHS Nurse, former UNISON President and current minority Group NEC member, Gordon McKay.

(picture BBC)

Mensaje de solidaridad a los 33 mineros de la mina San Jose, Copiapo, Chile

"West Ham Ward Labour Party saluda a los 33 mineros valientes de la mina San Jose y les mandamos nuestros mejores deseos de solidaridad y para un rescate segura. Su valor es otro testimonio mas del heroismo de los mineros y su accidente nos recuerda que las empresas mineras tienen que hacer mas para proteger la salud y seguridad de sus trabajadores.

Fuerza!"

Message of support to the 33 miners of the San Jose mine, Copiapo, Chile

"West Ham Ward Labour Party greets the 33 brave miners of the San Jose mine and sends you our best wishes for a safe rescue. Your courage is yet another testimony to the heroism of miners and your accident reminds us that mining companies must do more to protect the health and safety of their workers".

On Thursday evening I was at the monthly Labour Party meeting of West Ham Ward (which I represent as one of their three Councillors) and was very proud that the above motion was put to the meeting and not only passed unanimously but with genuine and heartfelt expressions of solidarity and support. 

One of the older members present, Gerry, who in his youth, shovelled coal into generators all day for a living, proposed that we send a donation of £100 from ward funds to their union to support the families of the miners trapped below.  This was agreed and we sent the motion with a request for further donations to this week's West Ham CLP Executive meeting.

Sometimes we can all be a little bit too cynical about traditional grass roots Labour Party structures.

I'm trying to find out the best way to pass on the money to the appropriate Chilean union via UNISON. 

Thinking of the health and safety hazards of working underground also made me think of the strike that started this evening against Tory Mayor, Boris Johnson, plans to close ticket offices on London Underground and reduce numbers of staff available to deal with accidents and fires.

UPDATE: Great news!