UNISON Community Annual Seminar & Conference - Day 1

 

On Friday our annual Community Seminar/Conference started in Chester. I was brought up only 8 miles away from Chester (Welsh side of the border) and have many fond memories of this lovely and historic city. Walking from the railway station to the hotel I passed Chester's "Marks and Spencers" and remember (not very foundly) spending many, many hours as a young child inside with my Mum and sister, shopping for clothes. The following week my Mum would often go back and return the clothes and then start shopping again!

After a 9am Service Group Executive Meeting (I am one of the 2 UNISON Community NEC members), I then attended a meeting of UNISON delegates who also work for Housing Associations. There was a number of useful discussions on common issues and it is pretty clear that on pay, our employers have been talking together and very many (not all) are offering 5% pay increase for this year. I made a comment that if employers are working together on pay then so should we. Another argument for sectorial wide fair pay agreements if there is a change of government. 

At the same time there was delegation meetings for the wider Community & Voluntary sector and Major Charities. 

Next there was a session for new delegates, where a brave attempt was made to explain how unison conferences work and how new delegates can participate. National Officer, Gavin Edwards and SGE member, Hassan Ortega did their their very best to demystify "points of order" and "card votes". 

During lunch there was meetings of self organised groups (young members, disabled members, Black members and LGBT+). I went for a 50 minute brisk walk around Chester City Walls. 

In the afternoon, there was the Plenary seminar session, starting with a welcome by our Chair, Malcolm Gray (a long lost cousin) and Jon Richards - UNISON Assistant General Secretary. 

We then had Rebecca Young from NCVO presenting on their campaign to better fund public sector contracts in the Charity sector. UNISON policy officer Anna Birley on our Cost of Living Campaign. Finally, Gavin again on the UNISON National Care service campaigns. 

At 4.30pm delegates had a choice of 4 workshops - "Pensions made simple and how to organise to improve them", "Year of the LGBT+ Worker", "Hands off - Tie to Tackle violence at work" and "Digital Organising". I helped out with national officer Andrew Dobbie on the pensions workshop. Which gave me some ideas on what to say during the pension motion on the Saturday. 

Finally, there was regional briefings for delegates, followed by a reception in the hotel. Our keynote speaker for tomorrow's conference, Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner, was there and it was a pleasure to have a chat with her and her two youngest boys, who I had seen many times at previous UNISON conferences, growing up over the years. 

Afterwards, Many of the London delegates then retired to a local hostelry for food, drinks, putting the world right and lots of gossip. 

Community Executive NEC report: John Gray 4 December 2019

Firstly, apologies that I will have to leave this meeting early as I have to travel to Bournemouth today to attend a Pension Conference.

NEC 9 October 2019

This was the first full meeting of the new NEC at the UNISON centre. There was still problems in the centre following the recent flood which has damaged the lifts.

Following notice of obituaries, the General Secretary, Dave Prentis gave his report to NEC. He noted that UNISON is now the biggest trade union in the UK and that we have some 80,000 more members than the next biggest, Unite. Also, despite the fact that some consider us not to be a “militant” union we actually take more industrial action than all over unions put together! He spoke about our award winning legal services; our anti-racism work with “Hope Not Hate”; our support for WASPI pension rights; 100 years anniversary of Council Housing and UNISON’s ongoing support for the Durham Miners Gala.

Brexit is of course a huge issue and the prospect of a “No deal” could threat the peace process in Northern Ireland, cost private sector jobs, cut our income from taxes and therefore destroy public services. While a trade deal with Trump would mean the privatisation of the NHS. In the discussion I pointed out to the NEC that in the Community sector fears of Brexit had already caused housing associations to stop new housing projects and lay off staff.

There followed a debate about whether UNISON delegates at the recent Labour Party conference had followed or not our “policy” on Brexit. Delegation leader, Gordon McKay, made it clear that we had and apart from some silliness this was accepted by NEC. Dave spoke about the massive spike in our online membership during the conference debates on Brexit.

In a debate about the Climate change emergency I reminded the NEC of the absolute importance of ensure a “Just Transition” and that there are well paid and skilled “green” jobs to replace those currently dependant of carbon. If not this could derail change. Remember that Kentucky coal miner’s had helped Trump win in the USA and the French “yellow jackets” who had successfully wreaked increases in carbon taxes. Due to austerity many working class areas believe that they have been betrayed by society with low paid, insecure and exploitative jobs as well as rotten housing.

The debate on Brexit was I think the longest in my experience on the NEC with a wide range of views expressed but the vast majority of NEC members were supportive of UNISON on this issue while recognising that our members held a range of legitimate views.

The rest of the meeting had to be rushed. There was positive reports about recruitment and updates on our pay and industrial action campaigns.

The next NEC meeting was put back due to the General Election clash and will now take place 18 December 2019.

If any branch or regional Community branch wants us to attend any meeting or events (especially campaigns or industrial action) then let Denise and I know and if we can, we will attend.

Other NEC reports

Industrial Action Campaign Committee (IAC): As vice chair of this committee I have continued to support branches and services groups to take industrial action up and down the country. Note our record on action (Page 1 Para 2).

Staff Pension Trustee: Member of trustee board and Chair of Investment Sub-Committee. Attended trustee meetings and training including TUSO (trade union shareholders organisation).

PDCC I was unable to attend this subcommittee.

Labour Link Committee - General election 12 December

I respect the fact that UNISON has members from all political parties and traditions. However, I will say that this is a really crucial election to all union members, especially those in Community. In my view not only is the future of our public services such as the NHS under threat but our voluntary sector and our trade union will find it difficult to survive if we have a Uber right wing government in power for the next 5 years.

Please go out and campaign in marginal seats for candidates who want change. (I think members of the SGE can guess who I want them to campaign and vote for).

John Gray
Community NEC email: JohnDOTGray2012ATicloud.com

UNISON Community Service Group Executive meeting & NEC report

Since Jeremy gave his leaders speech yesterday in order to be back at Parliament, I also left Labour Party Conference early this morning to go to UNISON centre in Euston.

The UNISON Community (for our housing association and voluntary sector members) Service Group Executive (made up of elected lay members) was meeting and I was able to participate and give them a verbal report as one of their two National Executive Council members.

It was a brief report since there had not been a regular NEC or subcommittee meetings since the last SGE on 3 July.

"As previously reported at the NEC meeting on 3 July 2019 (same day as SGE) I was reappointed to the Policy and Development Campaigns Committee (PDCC) and as an employer trustee to the UNISON Staff Pension Committee.

I was also re-elected as Vice Chair of Industrial Action Committee (IAC) and by Labour Link NEC members to be on the National Labour Link Committee.

I stood down from Welfare Committee due to time pressures (which I regret since it is a very important committee).

There was also a brief meeting of PDCC to agree TUC Congress business - motions and delegates.

  

As a NEC member, later that week I attended the Unison National Labour Link Committee Forum in York. This is a very good 2 day conference during which I spoke on behalf of National Committee on motion 2 which is on cuts to "Local Government Finance".

As Vice Chair IAC, I have agreed with the Chair, our UNISON Vice President, Sian Stockham, to a number of strikes including those involving Community members. 

As Chair of staff pension investment subcommittee I recently attended an all day trustee meeting with advisers and fund managers". 

Denise and John for UNISON Community NEC - Ballot papers out 15 April

This picture is from today of Denise Thomas and I outside the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Gallery in Euston following the National UNISON Community Service Group Executive meeting.

Denise and I are standing on a joint slate for the UNISON Community NEC seats. Female Seat (Denise) and General Seat (Me).

UNISON Community Service Group represents 82,000 members who work in voluntary organisations and housing associations.

We think we make a good match since we are both experienced activists and Denise's background is in the Voluntary sector and mine is in Housing Associations. We are standing on a radical but progressive manifesto which we believe is in the interests of all UNISON members.

Candidates are confirmed next week and ballot papers are sent out to all eligible members' home addresses on April 15.

We have both received over 50 UNISON branches nominating us and now this has been confirmed,  we will be writing to thank all of them for their marvellous support. Many thanks! 

My NEC Report to UNISON Community Service Group Executive (SGE) 28 November 2018

Dear SGE Members

Further to my last NEC report to SGE on 3 October 2018. Apologies for the lateness of this report and that I will only be able to stay for a short while at this meeting since I will have to travel to Birmingham to attend another UNISON meeting (in order to ensure that quorum is met).

In this report I hope to outline my attendance and activities as an NEC member on National sub-committees and other bodies that I am a member of due to my position as a lay elected NEC member.

TUC Congress in Manchester 9-12 September

This year I was a UNISON delegate to TUC congress. The annual “Parliament” of the Trade Union movement which took place in Manchester to honour the 150th anniversary of the first ever Congress. I have made various reports on my personal blog for example https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2018/09/tuc-congress-2018-celebrating-150-years.html

Policy Development and Campaigns Committee (PDCC)

This is one of the most important strategic UNISON NEC committees. As is suggested by its name it researches, debates and recommends to the NEC on our key policies and campaigns. We met last week and discussed over 40 reports and recommendations including Brexit, Housing policy, privatisation, anti-racism etc.

UNISON Industrial Action Committee (IAC)

I was elected as Vice Chair by NEC colleagues of this important committee. The Chair and Vice Chair (both of us are lay members) approve all requests by Branches and Service Groups for industrial action (including Strikes). I am pleased that we have never rejected any request, however that doesn’t mean that we don’t have some comradely exchanges from time to time with branches and officials on the detail of some requests.

UNISON Staff Pension Scheme Trustee

I am a trustee of this scheme as an employer (NEC) representative and Chair of its Investment & Accounts sub committee. The scheme is in my view a model of pension good governance with 50% of the trustees appointed by the employer (UNISON) and 50% by its staff (the recognised trade unions). I think that all pension trustee boards (including the Local Government Pension Scheme) should have similar governance arrangements.

National Labour Link Committee

I am elected as a NEC representative on this committee by those who are Labour Link political fund levy payers which also met recently and discussed regional reports, impact of trade union bill, Labour Party business and Parliamentary work.

UNISON Welfare Board of Trustees

UNISON has its own self-help charity for its members called “There for You”. I am one of the NEC Trustees for the Board (and new link Trustee for Wales). “There for you” gives fantastic support for our members who are going through health, personal or financial crisis’s and its work makes me so proud of our union.

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Service Group Liaison Forum

I am currently Vice Chair of this forum via the PDCC which is dedicated to protecting and promoting the LGPS and Capital Stewardship issues.

NEC meeting

Due to another calendar clash I was not able to attend the UNISON EC meeting on 17 October 2018 but there is a very good report on the UNISON Website here

https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2018/10/nec-october-2/

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss any aspect of my report or any other NEC related issue.

John Gray
NEC Member Community (General Seat)

Nominate Dave Prentis to be our UNISON General Secretary

Last week my UNISON Branch (Housing Associations) Executive Committee voted to support the nomination of Dave Prentis as our next General Secretary.

This week Greater London UNISON Regional Committee voted the same.

Yesterday, our National UNISON Community (Housing Associations and Voluntary Sector) Service Group Executive (SGE) also voted overwhelmingly to support Dave.

One week to go until close of nominations.

Community Health & Safety Report and Violence at Work Seminar

Picture of UNISON National officer for Health and Safety, Robert Baughan addressing a seminar last week organised by London Housing Association Branch on "Violence at Work" last week.

This week I made my report (below) as the UNISON Community rep on the National Health and Safety Committee. 

"The UNISON Community Service Group represents 60,000 members who work for Housing Associations and in the Voluntary sector.

London Shooting

The sector was shocked by the shooting in July in London of a Housing Association worker and a Court bailiff who were attempting to evict a tenant. The injuries were thankfully not life threatening but according to Inside Housing magazine a man has been charged with 3 counts of attempted murder (including an income officer who was also present at the shooting).

The details of this incident are unclear pending a future court hearing but many Housing workers are concerned about a rise in violence at work due to welfare reform. In particular due to the bedroom tax, the total benefit cap and the proposed direct payment of housing benefit to tenants.

One major Housing Association has recently reported that 25% of tenants subject to the bedroom tax since April 2013 have not paid anything towards their new arrears and 24% have only paid part.

This will lead to an increase in rent arrears and evictions. While all Housing organisations should be encouraged to look at recovering debt by other means than evictions, it is likely that some Associations and Charities will feel forced to evict or face financial collapse.

This will also mean that staff will come into conflict with residents and family members who have never been in arrears before and may pose an unknown risk.

While cuts by the Government to Local Authority grants and Supporting Peoples funding has meant that staffing levels at many residential projects and floating support for vulnerable clients have been cut. Experienced staff have also been made redundant or left due to wage cuts. This can increase the risk to new staff and those remaining.

Organisations are also increasingly being forced to take on higher risk clients with more demanding needs in order to attract funding. At the same time training budgets are being cut.

Activist training

London Housing Association branch held a well attended health and safety training day last week for activists on “Violence at Work”. Robert Baughan from UNISON’s Health and Safety spoke about UNISON guidance policies and the recent national questionnaire on violence. Then there was a “violence at work” workshop looking at two recent actual cases dealt with by the branch:

· A member who was threatened by a service user with a history of violence.

· A member working in a facility for vulnerable young people who was concerned about the safety of herself and her colleagues.

Followed by a talk on “Organising around health and safety/doing a workplace inspection during National Inspection day” (23rd October) and a presentation on “Assault claims and personal injury claims” by Andrew Wales from Thompsons Solicitors. He spoke about assault claims, health and safety regulations and general personal injury claims, followed by a question and answer session.

There has been a national survey by Unison on "Violence at Work" of Community staff which will be publically launched next month.

To counter these risks the organising challenge for health and safety in our sector is the same as for the wider union. The message must be the higher the UNISON density in the workplace and the greater the number of safety reps - the greater the power and influence of the union to make sure you are safe at work.

UNISON to ballot on NHS Pensions package

The UNISON Health Service Group Executive (SGE) agreed yesterday afternoon by an overwhelming majority to consult members by secret ballot on the final package. This will be on the basis that the proposed agreement is the best that can be achieved by negotiations.  I am a member of the Community SGE (we also have members in the NHS). We met as well and agreed this position.  Both SGE's are made up of elected Unison lay representatives.

I think the ballot will go ahead next month.  Hopefully a decision will be made on the Local Government Pension Scheme sometime in the near future.

TUC Trustee Conference 2011: Auto enrolement

Catch up from last month's TUC Pension Trustee conference "People & Profits".  I went to a useful workshop by the Pensions Regulator on "Auto-enrolment and workplace pensions reform - the role of trustees".

I don't think (in fact I am pretty certain) that many people realise that in a year or so, if they are not in a pension scheme, they will be compulsory enrolled into one. Employees, employers and the government will have to make minimum payments. Employees will have a month to come out. However, many think that due to inertia they will not "opt" out. This is good news on a number of levels. Currently 2/3rd of private sector employees receive no pension contribution whatsoever from their employers. While 50% of workers in the private sector have no pension provision at all. These workers face desperate poverty in their old age and taxpayers will have to pick up the bill for basic social security.

It's not all good news.  The contribution levels are very, very low. 3% employer, 4% employees and 1% tax relief. 8% of your income in pension contributions is no where near enough to get a decent pension.  The old pension adage use to be you that to get a pension of half pay and a lump sum you needed to have the equivalent of 20% of your income invested for 40 years. There are also a number of exemptions. But it is a start. 

There is also a legitimate fear that employers who currently pay more into pension schemes might level down.  Some people opposed the introduction of the national minimum wage for the same reason that it would depress wage rates but this didn't happen. I am more worried that employers who currently only have say 50% of employees in their scheme may cut back on contributions because the total bill will rise if 75% are now in (or introduce a two tier pension scheme for existing and new scheme members).  The Unions need to be wide awake about this risk. 

I also spoke at a recent UNISON Community Service Group Executive meeting and at last week's NEC about the organising opportunity that Auto-enrolment gives us.  The unions must be at the centre of all what is going on.  The greater the density and the organisation we can achieve - the better the final pension deal.

Of course for the public service pensions schemes, if members have to pay 50% more in  contributions (nearly 10% of their income) after years of pay cuts, as well as retire much later and get less, then existing members, never mind the new ones will simply walk.  They will leave the scheme in droves and the schemes will become unsubstainable and collapse. The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) will turn from being cash positive to cash negative in a few years and all Council finances could be completely and utterly shot to pieces.