UNISON Welfare Trustee Board and UNISON Staff Pension Trustee Board meetings

I am back home after a couple of busy days in my role as a UNISON National Executive Committee (NEC) appointed Trustee. 

On Tuesday I travelled up to Grantham in Lincolnshire to a meeting of the UNISON Welfare Trustee Board. This board is a mix of regional elected reps and NEC members. We have our own UNISON Charity for members who are in crisis called "There for you". Local branches and regions raise funds for our charity and it is heavily supported by our National Union. There is a proud tradition in our Labour Movement of working class people organising and looking after their own. 

The reason we met in Grantham is because it is the headquarters of our Debtline service for members (Provider "PayPlan" in top picture). We had a number of very good presentations including one on their "talk about debt" campaign. 

(On Tuesday evening as a Newham Cabinet lead I appeared before a Council Scrutiny Committee on Homelessness with Cllr Susan Masters, officers and the Housing Charity Shelter, which I think went well and was really constructive.) 

On Wednesday morning I gave a NEC report and took questions at the meeting of the UNISON Community Service Group Executive (will post further). 

I then took the train to Birmingham for a 2 day board meeting and training of the UNISON Staff Pension Trustees (see bottom picture of meal out yesterday with fellow trustees, UNISON officers and advisors). 

Our Staff Pension scheme is, as you can imagine, a decent pension scheme but not as good as the Local Government or NHS scheme. 

The meeting was pretty "heavy duty" on pension funding, equity protection and investment strategy but there was also a very interesting and even provocative training on the dangers of "Group Think" at all forms of trustee meetings. 

Re-elected to UNISON NEC for a 4th term

I was really pleased to get confirmation on Tuesday that I had been re-elected unopposed as the UNISON Community representative on our National Executive Council (General seat) for a 4th two year term of office.

I did think that I had an opponent again this time but for whatever reason this didn't happen. I am surprised that I haven't so far come across any deranged conspiracy theories on why this was so but no doubt this will turn up somewhere.

The election results for our NEC this year was mixed and we have lost (in my view) some fantastic activists who were not elected and will be sorely missed but also some outstanding successes.

The long and the short of it, is that the forces of light and reason (in my view) still have a clear majority of seats on the UNISON NEC.

I am also sure that many of those, who for various reasons, were not part of my particular preferred slate this time, will want to work collectively to build, grow and support our union.

Some of those will not but such is life.

I am really appalled at the low turnout of members in this election. I know that this is not just a UNISON problem and other unions have similar awful turnouts in their internal elections. Tory anti-trade union legislation makes it really difficult but I think all of us need to think about how we can encourage member participation in all future elections.

I have some thoughts which I will share another time. 

UNISON Community e-news: Voting YES in LGPS ballot is "vital"

Community e-news

July 2012

UNISON’s e-newsletter for the Community service group

Vote “Yes” in the LGPS ballot

The leadership of UNISON’s Community service group is urging members to vote “YES” to accept the proposals for a new Local Government Pension Scheme.

Service Group chair Kevin Jackson said: “This is a vital vote for all our members in housing associations and charities.

·         If you are in the LGPS, then it’s a good deal, especially for part-time workers.

·         If you are not in the LGPS, then keeping a high quality scheme for public service workers will help put the brakes on other employers who want to ‘dumb down’ pension schemes.

·         If you are being TUPE-transferred then the “Fair Deal” for pensions is being beefed up to give you more protection too.

“Not all members are in the LGPS.  But we have to ballot everyone in employers which have some members in the LGPS.  We are also working hard to protect the Social Housing Pension Scheme and other pension schemes.  A high turnout in the ballot will send a message of strength to the government. 

Make sure you vote!

The ballot runs from 31 July to 24 August, and members can vote by post or online.  There is more information on www.unison.org.uk/pensions/lgps.asp.

Pensions: Fight to keep schemes! and “auto-enrolment”

Members in the Social Housing Pension Scheme (Pensions Trust) need to be aware that their employers have been sent letters about the deficits in their pensions schemes which is causing some employers to panic and start talking of closing the scheme or massive increase in contributions.  There has also been some outrageous scaremongering by some financial “advisors” to schemes.  UNISON is arranging an urgent meeting with the Pensions Trusts.  In the meanwhile if your employers starts talking of any changes to your pension scheme please contact your branch and UNISON’s pensions unit immediately and ask your employer to send copies of what is being proposed.

Remember – the current pension so-called “deficits” are valued in a completely discredited and inaccurate manner which even the current Pensions minster has recognised is wrong and needlessly “killing” good pensions schemes. Remember closing a pension scheme does not get rid of any deficit - in fact it can make things worse.

Finally, for everyone, “auto-rolling” for pension schemes is starting from the end of this year. Nearly all employees who are currently not in a pension scheme will be automatically enrolled into the employer’s scheme or a state scheme. Now this may be “good news” for those not in a scheme but we are concerned about some employers who currently have decently funded defined contribution schemes (“final salary” or “career average” schemes) may be tempted to cut existing employer contributions, since they are worried about an increase in the pension bill from more people being in it.  We have to fight this as well. Pensions are expensive.  Employers’ have to realise that unless they want their staff to retire in poverty they have fund pensions properly.

Pensions are obviously not boring nor are they as complicated as you think. We need to have at least one UNISON Pension Champion (or contact) in every employer.  If you are interested in being a “Pension Champion” let us know and we will sort out some training for you on the role in the very near future.

Contact: pensionsm@unison.co.uk

(top two stories on pensions in this months Community e-news. Check out rest of news here on
campaigns and research against cuts and austerity; pay deals and employer reports from around the country; activity in regions; and a new chair for your service group executive).

Letter to Chair of Community SGE on LGPS 2014 proposals

Dear Kevin

Please present my apologies to today’s Community Service Group Executive (SGE) meeting on the proposed new Local Government Pension Scheme 2014.

I have a long standing family commitment.  I would however like to make a report to the SGE on what I believe to be the merits of the LGPS 2014 (England and Wales) proposals.

I will declare an interest. I am a member of the LGPS and have been for around 18 years. Three other members of my immediate family are also members of the LGPS and we are all dependent on the scheme for financial security in our old age. The scheme needs to be made sustainable to ensure this.

My branch carried out the consultative process of members about the proposed new scheme. Out of the 1400 members consulted the response was poor but all members who did respond were in favour of the new look 2014 scheme and no-one was in favour of taking industrial action against it. There is no appetite whatsoever in my branch, my service group nor (I understand) my region for any strike action on this issue. 

Why would there be? Since we should be celebrating LGPS 2014 as a significant victory for the Union and the labour movement! Brought about by collective campaigning, lobbying, mobilising and effective industrial action.

In many ways LGPS 2014 is actually an improvement for our members. Pension build up (accrual) will increase for all but 90% will pay the same or less. The existing final salary pension scheme discriminates against low paid women workers in favour of highly paid senior managers and Chief Executives. This is just wrong. Most members will do better under LGPS 2014 than 2008. Not only low paid women but nearly all part time workers and those who rely on non contractual bonuses and overtime to live on.  The 50/50 option will be a godsend to hard pressed members who due to cuts and pay freezes feel forced to leave the scheme.

In our Service Group (and others) the 2014 protection and extension of “Fair Deal” is absolutely crucial. Members being TUPE transferred will not have to accept 2nd class pensions schemes and will still be able to keep their LGPS pension if transferred again (and again). This requirement will also scare off the more blatant and obvious quick buck profiteers who don’t want to take on the responsibilities of a decent pensions scheme.  It will remain a world class guaranteed defined benefit scheme.

It’s a no brainer in my view. Let us support the LGPS 2014 in the forthcoming ballot and make this affordable and sustainable scheme a bench mark for all pensions for all workers. 

(Oh, and please forgive the miserablists. In the future they will be citing the success of the LGPS as an example of what you can achieve by industrial action)

Regards

John Gray
UNISON National Executive Council Member for Community & Voluntary sector.

UPDATE: LGPS 2014 endorsed overwhelmingly by SGE's see here

Vote Joel Bodmer for UNISON London Community Service Group Executive

Guest post by Joel. "I am standing for the Greater London region general seat on the Community Service Group Executive.

I have worked within the community sector for several years, and am currently employed as a mental health support worker for metropolitan support trust.

Within UNISON I am chair of the national young member’s forum, and sit on the national labour link committee, I am also active within the London region and chair of my branch.

Why I’m standing

The Community sector is one of the fastest growing sectors within UNISON and I believe passionately in the need for a strong community voice within the union.

The sector has grown in recent years as greater numbers of roles traditionally carried out by staff directly employed by the NHS and Local authorities have been outsourced to the community sector. This has often resulted in attempts to push down terms and conditions. Likewise, as a result of the coalition government’s programme of cuts, many community organisations are losing funding and are increasingly slashing wages to win contracts.

At this time UNISON as the biggest union representing workers in our sector, needs to be at the forefront of campaigning for decently funded and sustainable services provided by the community sector, and wages and terms and conditions which are decent and fair. We need to show that an alternative to the race to the bottom, so often seen in our sector- is possible and viable.

We need to build our density and organise in the sector, and put pressure on our employers to accept recognition agreements where these are not in place, and allow the same levels of facility time/ release as seen in other sectors providing public services.

Too many organisations within our sector attempt to “mimic” the private sector in terms of labour relations and this is a situation that only looks to get worse. I believe UNISON has a real role to play in campaigning to ensure that the community sector is part and parcel of a quality public sector, rather than a cheap alternative.

If elected I will play an active role within the service group executive, acting as a prominent voice for the London region. I will work closely with community branches within the region as well as those branches that have members in our sector, listening to views and opinions and advocating these at the SGE. I will regularly report back to the regional community service group, and keep members updated of the picture of the service group nationally.

Please vote for

Joel Bodmer (general seat)

Ballot papers will be delivered to your home address on 10 April. Look out for the envelope & please use your vote to elect your SGE Reps for the next 2 years.

A VOICE FOR COMMUNITY IN LONDON

UNISON NEC meeting 8 Dec 11

Yesterday there was a UNISON NEC meeting on the 9th floor of the new UNISON centre in Euston, London.

I am a national member for  the Community Service Group (Housing associations and voluntary organisations) with my colleague from Manchester City branch, Isobel McVicar.

  

Obviously the Pension Strike and what to do next was a major item.  It was largely a positive and constructive meeting.  Some of the usual suspects were being a little silly but the vast majority of the NEC made intelligent and considered arguments and contributions.

Check out  the UNISON statement on the NEC here starting "We will hope for the best, but plan for the worst," UNISON's ruling NEC declared today as it assessed the effect of the 30 November pensions strike....The day of action was "an absolutely fantastic day, the proudest day of my union life," general secretary Dave Prentis told the meeting in London.....

While the blog UNISONactive reports also on the NEC meeting as well as on the Strike today over private sector pensions in Unilever, on which the NEC sent a message of support yesterday. (picture is actually after NEC Policy Committee meeting on Wednesday)

UNISON Votes for Strike Action on November 30

UNISON members balloted over the future of the Local Government Pension Scheme have voted by over 76% in support of strike action.  While the NHS scheme had an equally decisive 81% in favour.

Unless a deal can be reached co-ordinated strike action and protests to defend pensions will take place on Wednesday 30 November 2011. 20 different unions will be taking part.

This evening elected UNISON lay officials (Service Group Executives: SGE) members including myself met at the UNISON Centre in Kings Cross, London. We had a presentation on the ballot result and also the new "principles" that the Government put forward yesterday.   These principles were not an offer and still assumed a 50% hike in pension contributions which could result in the schemes collapsing. All the SGEs then met separately and voted to agree to the strike call. 

Picture are members of the Community & Voluntary SGE with our General Secretary Dave Prentis after our unanimous vote to agree to Strike action.

UNISON NDC 2011: Defending our Pensions Composite B

I managed to speak during this important debate. “President, Conference, John Gray Housing Association Branch, Greater London Region speaking in favour of Composite B.

Conference, also speaking as a member of the Community Service Group I think it is important to remember that it is not only it not only those in Health and Local government who face a bleak future in retirement. There are hundreds of thousands of workers who now work in the private and voluntary sector who depend and rely on public sector pensions for their future. In my own employer we have around 500 staff who like me, are still members of the local government pension scheme.

My members, like those in the traditional public sector, cannot afford a 50% hike in pension contributions. They have also suffered from years of no pay rises. Many who work in care and support have also seen their pay savagely cut due to the race to the gutter in Supporting People commissioning. They will be forced to leave the pension scheme.

So, in the Community Service Group we also face being robbed of our pensions. That is why, for the first time ever for many in my sector we are organising for strike action. However, delivering sustained and successful strike action is not going to be easy in any sector. That is why it is even more important than ever that our union keeps up the pressure on the government while working with our sister unions to organise effective campaigns, inform our members of the facts and carefully build for action. Caroline previously called it SMART

We have to recognise that our pension arrangements are different and sector specific. While we all face a common threat, we must make it clear to our members the exact reasons why we are calling for strike action and what we expect that particular action to achieve. Conference, the prize for us if this is successful will be worth it. Solid and committed strike action by everyone in UNISON. Conference please support this composite.

(Photo Phil Lewis)

UNISON NEC Elections 2011: Community Service Group General

This morning I received a letter from UNISON headquarters telling me that I had been elected unopposed as a National Executive Council (NEC) member for UNISON Community Service Group - General seat. 

I must admit to being just a little disappointed that there will not be a full contest but this will free up my time to support other sensible left comrades who will be fighting contested seats.  Many thanks to all the branches with Community members who nominated me.  I am really proud to be one of the first two Community NEC members of UNISON. Congratulations to Isobel McVicar from Manchester City Branch who was also automatically elected.

I will take up this seat for two years after the UNISON National Delegate Conference in June. 

In the meanwhile my many good comrades in UNISON United left have sent me this YouTube video above to celebrate the occasion.  

 :)

Nominate John Gray for UNISON Community General seat on NEC

Dear Branch Secretary

I am writing to ask your branch to consider nominating me for the Community general seat on the National Executive Council.

I am a lifelong trade unionist and have been a member of UNISON for 17 years. 

I am Branch Secretary of the UNISON Housing Associations Branch and also Health & Safety and Labour Link Officer.

For the first time Community members will be represented on the National Executive Council. I want to represent Community members in all branches across the organisation, those in other service group branches, in geographical branches and those that are in the dedicated Community branches.

I want to ensure that all members are aware of what UNISON is doing for them and encourage them to become active themselves. I also want to support branches that have Community membership by ensuring that we have adequate and fair resources to enable us to support our members in these volatile and uncertain times. 

I have attached a copy of my election address (double click to bring up details) and I would be grateful if you could discuss this with your branch committee. If you would like to talk about this statement please ring or email me.

Yours faithfully

John Gray

ps - Most large Local Government and Health branches will also be eligible to nominate.  Nominations need to be made at a quorate meeting of your branch or branch committee during the nomination period. The nomination period will open on 11 January 2011 and close at 5pm on Friday 18 February 2011. Copies of the nomination forms will be available on UNISON's website here.  My UNISON number is 3083288

UNISON Community Service Group Conference 2010

The first ever annual UNISON Service conference has just opened in Telford.

"Community" was created last year for members who work in the Voluntary sector and Housing associations.  There are 60,000 members and we are the 3rd largest service group in UNISON behind Local government and Health.

There are about 100 delegates registered from all over the UK.  London region has 30 delegates.  There are motions on pay, pensions, cuts, social housing and health & safety.

This being a UNISON conference the first business of conference was taken up with failed attempts to refer back the Standing orders committee reports. 

UNISON's First Community Conference - 2nd Nov 2010

I got this email today encouraging branches of the new UNISON Service Group "Community" to register as visitors to our first ever conference. 

"On Tuesday 2nd November, in Telford, UNISON will hold our first conference focused on members in the Community service group – members workers for charities, housing associations, social enterprises, and other community and voluntary organisations.

The deadline for registering delegates has now passed, but there is still plenty of time to register to attend as a visitor.

The conference has a wide-ranging agenda, looking at issues including personalisation of social care, safeguarding, volunteering, two-tier workforces, housing policy, TUPE, equalities, pensions, pay and reward, trade union organising, and facility time. There will also be a lunchtime fringe meeting, open to visitors, on personalisation.

To view the Conference Bulletin, including all the forms you need and lots more information, please click here: http://www.unison.org.uk/conference/community.asp

So please come along and take part!"

Greater London UNISON “Community” Service Group Elections 2010

This is my ballot paper which was delivered to my home address yesterday. Guess who I voted for!

Pity about the “Female Seat” ...but it is after all the “General Seat”.

Just place one cross against “John GRAY” put it in the pre-paid envelope and post!

Don’t forget about Peter Daley and Margaret Back for London Local Government SGE elections: Mike Davy and Monica Hirst for London Health SGE.

Ballot finished 5pm Friday 14 May but if you don’t vote within a few days of receiving it you will lose it in the kitchen drawer with all the rest of non-urgent mail.

Let people know in your workplace you voted for sensible and moderate left of centre candidates! aka the forces of "light and reason":)

Dear Branch Secretary...nomination request for Community SGE

Dear Branch Secretary

I am writing to ask your branch to consider nominating me for the General Seat on the new Community Service Group Executive.

I am a lifelong trade unionist and have been a member of UNISON for nearly 17 years. I am a member of the UNISON Housing Associations Branch where I am a steward, Health & Safety Officer and Labour Link Officer.

My first paid job was as a welfare rights advisor in an inner city community centre. I am now employed as a Housing Officer for a large Housing Association after being TUPE’d from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Members working in the community and voluntary sector know all too well about job insecurity and instability. More often than not jobs are reliant on public funding and are only renewed if and when funding has been secured. Most members in our sector have had to deal with numerous reorganisations and being TUPE’d time and time again due to cuts in funding.

Across the sector there are a wide range of employers from the very small employing just 1 or 2 staff to the very large. Some of the smaller employers are inexperienced and whilst they want to do the right thing for social justice – this doesn’t always apply to how they treat and manage their staff. We need to support our members that feel isolated at work and ensure that they know that UNISON can support them and how they can access this support.

I believe we must build better organisation for our members and stewards. We need to build stewards’ networks so that they can support each other and share knowledge, ideas and experiences. I would like to see more training introduced on issues that are of particular concern to UNISON members in the Community Service Group – like funding cuts, re-structuring, and dealing with poor management.

I hope your branch will consider nominating me to represent your members in this sector. I am committed to listening to their views, making their voices heard and ensuring they get better support and the resources they deserve.

If you would like to discuss this statement please give me a ring or contact me on john.m.grayATntlworldDOTcom.

Yours faithfully

John Gray

Community is the brand new “Service Group” in UNISON for those of us who work in the community and voluntary sector. It will be the third biggest “Service Group” in UNISON with already over 60,000 members.