General Secretary ERS Election Report 2015

Some positive news yesterday on the UNISON website about the return by the independent Election Reform Society on the recent General Secretary Election :- 

In response this statement by UNISON lay president Wendy Nichols

“UNISON has now received the final report from the Electoral Reform Society dealing with complaints made during the general secretary election 2015.

“The report confirms the result, which was announced in the scrutineer’s report on 17 December 2015.

“Any issues raised in the report will now be reviewed and dealt with through the union’s normal procedures.

“On a personal level, I would like to add that UNISON members face some very serious challenges in the next year and I would ask that we all work together now to strengthen our union and speak up for our members. They deserve nothing less than a strong, united union.”

Labour List "Dave Prentis re-elected as UNISON General Secretary"

 "Yesterday also saw the re-election of Dave Prentis as Unison general secretary. Prentis won 49% of the vote against three further left candidates, and the scale of his victory will be welcomed by Labour moderates. While the trade union backed Corbyn this summer, he is a hard-headed operator who has in recent months shown a short tolerance for nonsense.

"Dave Prentis has today been elected as Unison general secretary for a fourth term, topping the all-member election with 49% of the vote – almost double that of second placed Heather Wakefield. Prentis saw off a challenge from three other candidates, all arguably to the left of him, with far-left backed John Burgess finishing in last place with 12%.

The results were:

Dave Prentis 66,155 (49.4%); Heather Wakefield 35,433 (26.4%); Roger Bannister 16,853 (12.6%); John Burgess 15,573 (11.6%).

Turnout was 9.7%, and it is the first time that Prentis has not received more than 50% of the vote – but that is not surprising in a race many felt was a foregone conclusion for long-serving general secretary. The Labour-affiliated public sector trade union has around 1.3 million members, and supported Jeremy Corbyn in this summer’s leadership contest.

Prentis was nominated by 204 branches, eight regional councils, six service groups and the NEC. Reacting to the news of his re-election, he said:

“I am honoured to be re-elected and am delighted that UNISON members have returned me as their General Secretary. Everything I do will start with the concerns of our members around the country who need a union and a General Secretary who is on their side and puts them first.

“The next five years will be difficult ones for our union and for the UK’s public services. We need to stand up against a government set on consigning the public sector to the history books, whose austerity policies are starving communities of the services they relyupon, and holding down the pay and living standards of dedicated public servants.

“The last few months have been challenging, but now the whole union must come together and work relentlessly to fight for public sector workers, their rights at work, their jobs and their pay. I am proud that members have put their trust in me to lead that fight.”

Wakefield was nominated by 82 branches, one regional council, and one service group; Burgess was nominated by 62 branches and one regional council; and Bannister was nominated by 25 branches".

Dave Prentis re-elected as UNISON General Secretary with huge majority (Miserablists come bottom)

Great news. UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, has been re-elected by members for another 5 years. He received just short of an absolute majority of votes 49.4%.

• Roger Bannister 16,853 (12.6 per cent)

• John Burgess 15,573 (11.6 per cent)

• Dave Prentis 66,155 (49.4 per cent)

• Heather Wakefield 35,433 (26.4 per cent)

   

  Commiserations to Heather Wakefield and Roger Bannister for coming 2nd and 3rd. While I was glad that the disgraceful campaign by the miserablists resulted in them coming bottom yet again. 

   

  I will blog further on them later and what can only be described as the conspiracy by sections of the ultra left to discredit the union #forgerygate

One week left to Vote for Dave Prentis as UNISON General Secretary

Picture of long standing East End Housing Caretaker and UNISON Steward, Peter Sambrook (middle) with 2 colleagues reminding members that only a week left to vote for Dave Prentis as General Secretary.

The ballot closes next Friday 4 December 2015. "Dave will be campaigning right through to the end of the contest to make sure all UNISON members know about his pledges, his strong track record and his experience of delivering for UNISON members at such tough times.

Monday will mark the third and final “Vote Dave Day” – so do share your support for Dave on social media and encourage other UNISON members to back Dave too.

And if you haven’t voted yet, make sure you post your ballot paper soon – there’s now only a week to go!"

Vote For Dave

Picture collage of Dave Prentis talking to and being supported by school teacher assistants; NHS nurses & paramedics; local government, community, utilities and police staff. There is now less than 2 weeks left to cast your postal vote for the next General Secretary of UNISON.

Ballot papers have been sent to the home addresses of all 1.3 million UNISON members (including retired members). They must be returned by 4 December. If you have not got a ballot paper yet then ring 0800 0857 857.

The UNISON NEC, my Branch, Region and Service Group backed Dave because he is the candidate with the qualities and leadership to take our union forward over the next five years, whatever challenges we may face.

Backing Dave Prentis for UNISON General Secretary

UNISON’s General Secretary election started last Monday 9 November and ends on 4 December.
If you are a member and have not received a ballot paper by tomorrow (Monday 16 November) call UNISONdirect ballot helpline 0800 0 857 857 / Textphone 0800 0 967 968.

PS Vote Dave. 

Croydon University Hospital UNISON members supporting Dave for General Secretary

Pictures of UNISON members who work in Croydon University Hospital supporting Dave Prentis to be elected as our General Secretary.

#VoteDaveDay

My ballot paper arrived at home yesterday. I have voted for Dave Prentis to be our UNISON General Secretary.

Ballot paper is now in the pre-paid envelope to be posted back this morning.

Please vote as soon as you receive your ballot paper or else it may end up unused in a kitchen drawer.

Encourage your fellow unison members at your workplace to also vote and participate. 

The union and its members are under attack as never before and we need a competent, experienced  General Secretary, who will lead and unite us in the forthcoming battles.  Dave Prentis is that person.

Vote for Dave: UNISON General Secretary Election from 9 November - 4 December

1.3 million UNISON members will be receiving ballot papers at their home address during the next week or so.

Every 5 years the union democratically elects its General Secretary. Dave Prentis, who is our current General Secretary is standing for re-election.

I have been an activist in UNISON for many years and have come across and worked with all 4 of the candidates.

I will be voting for Dave this time as I think that he is the candidate best placed to unite all the union against the Tory attempts to destroy us and will make sure that we continue to be a member led, member focused union that will put the real interests of members first.

Dave was once described in the national press as being "quietly awkward". He is passionate about public services and our members interests but doesn't shout and scream.

We are living in horrible times, with our jobs, terms and conditions under threat and at risk. We need someone who is an intelligent and thoughtful negotiator who will always fight when necessary and will deliver the best deal possible.

Vote Dave Prentis for UNISON General Secretary "Everything I stand for starts with you"

"The following have been confirmed as candidates in this election. Their names are listed below in the order they will appear on the ballot paper and in the election address booklet.

Roger Bannister, Knowsley Branch
Nominated by 25 branches

John Burgess, Barnet Local Government Branch
Nominated by 62 branches and 1 regional council

Dave Prentis, General Secretary
Nominated by 204 branches, 8 regional councils, 6 service groups and the National Executive Council

Heather Wakefield, UNISON National (Staff) Branch
Nominated by 81 branches, 1 regional council, and 1 service group

Members not on the UNISON central membership system on 9 August 2015 will not be eligible to vote in this election. Retired members are entitled to vote.

Ballot papers will be sent to members’ home or other notified address in writing.

The despatch of ballot papers to individual members will begin on 9 November 2015.

The deadline for receipt of ballot papers by the Scrutineer is 5pm on Friday 4 December 2015. The result of this election will be available on 17 December 2015"

(My underlying above - hat tip info here at UNISON)

Vote Dave Prentis for UNISON General Secretary

"NOMINATION NEWS

A whopping 230 branches have agreed to nominate Dave!

What a fantastic show of support - thank you to each and every one for making this happen.

Eighteen branches have had their nomination forms rejected but they still have until Friday (tomorrow 23 October) to appeal. If your branch is one of those affected (you will have been written to) please make sure you lodge an appeal". Ballot papers out next month.

 

Nominations and endorsements for Dave from :-

National Bodies

UNISON NEC

Health SG Executive

Police & Justice SG Executive

Energy SG Executive

Higher Education SG Executive

W.E.T. SG Executive

Black Members Committee (endorsement)

Women’s Committee (endorsement)

Disabled Members Committee (endorsement)

Young Members (endorsement)

Retired Members (endorsement)

Regional Councils

East Midlands Regional Council

North West Regional Council

Greater London Regional Council

Eastern Regional Council

Northern Regional Council

Wales Regional Council

Y & H Regional Council

Northern Ireland Regional Committee

Branches

Barking Havering & Brentwood Health

Barking Havering & Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust

Barnet & Chase Farm Hospitals

Brent UNISON Local Government Branch (M)

Causeway Branch

Cumbria and North Lancashire Health

Dorset Police and Justice Branch

Dudley and Walsall Health Partnership

Ealing Hospital & Ealing Primary Care Trust

East & North Hertfordshire NHS

East Sussex Area   (L)

Hartlepool Unison Branch

Highland Healthcare

Kingston Hospital (M)

Moorfields Eye Hospital (M)

N & W Belf.Comm & Mucka. Abbey

North Derbyshire Healthcare

North Devon Health

Oldham

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Trust & Greenwich PCT

Royal Brompton NHS Trust

Royal Hospital Trust

Royal Marsden Hospital (M)

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals

South London and Maudsley

South and East Belfast Health

Staffordshire UNISON Branch

Tamworth UNISON Branch

Transport East Midlands

University of West London

Barnsley Branch Unison

London Electricity (M)

Luton BC

Orchard Health and Social Care

University Of Leicester

Barnet Healthcare

Environment Agency Thames (M)

Four Seasons Huntercombe West Midlands

Greater London Gas

Central & North West London Mental Health Trust

Salford Health

Valuation Tribunals (M)

Cleveland Police

North London Mental Health and Community

Bedfordshire Police Unison

Croydon University Hospital

Greenwich (Local Government & Grant Aid) Branch

Gtr Belfast Comm. & Voluntary

Hampstead Health Branch (M)

Hillingdon Health

Merseyside Police Unison Branch

Middlesbrough

Muckamore Abbey Hospital

Newry & Mourne Health

North London Blood Transfusion (M)

North West London Hospitals

Northern Ireland Ambulance

Northern Regional Health Commissioning Branch

Rotherham Health Unison

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital UNISON (M)

South West London Community Healthcare

Stirling University

Wandsworth Health (M)

Wiltshire Police and Justice

Yorks & Humberside Gas Branch

Glasgow Caledonian University

Isle of Man National Branch

North Cheshire Health

South and East Belfast Health

South Tyneside Health

South Tyneside Local Government

Worcestershire Acute Health

Yorkshire Electricity

Central Lancashire University

Down Education

Durham

Guy’s & St Thomas’ (M)

Humberside Police Support

North Tees & Hartlepool Health

North Yorkshire Br. of Unison

Northern Energy

Omagh/Fermanagh Hlth & S.S.

Sefton Health

Sheffield Comm Hlth Unison

Birmingham Women’s Hospital

Dorset Police and Justice Branch

Durham Police

EDF Energy (Doxford)

Mater Hospital Trust

NHSBSA Newcastle

North London Mental Health and Community

Norwich City Unison

Somerset Health

South East Energy

Teesside University

West Midlands Police Staff Branch

Wolverhampton Acute Branch

Wyre Unison

Basildon / Thurrock Hlth Unison

Cheshire and Wirral Community Health

Warwickshire C.C Branch UNISON

West Yorkshire Police

Wiltshire Police and Justice

Caerphilly County Branch

Managers in Partnership

Muckamore Abbey Hospital

Northern Ireland Ambulance

Rathgael

Southern Education

Torbay L G

Wolverhampton Acute Branch

Chorley Borough

Concorde Health UNISON

Environment Agency (Southern)

Heart of England (NHS Foundation Trust)

Highland Healthcare

Housing Associations Branch (M)

Hull University

Imperial College Healthcare

Newry & Mourne Health

North Middlesex Hospital (M)

Redcar & Cleveland

South Lakeland UNISON

Wigan and Leigh Health

Northumberland Tyne and Wear Health

Birmingham Women’s Hospital

Bromley NHS Trust

Cheshire and Wirral Community Health

Concorde Health UNISON

Cumbria Police Branch UNISON

Cumbria and North Lancashire Health

East Midlands Gas (Southern)

Hammersmith and Fulham

Leicestershire Police

Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust

North Lincolnshire

North West Cumbria

Rhondda Cynon Taff

UNSAIN Ambiwlans Cymru – UNISON Welsh Ambulance

Birmingham Healthcare

Cumbria County Branch

Goldsmiths College Branch (M)

North East Ambulance

North Wales Police and Justice

Northumberland Tyne and Wear Health

Rossendale

Cwm Taf Health

Gloucestershire Police and Justice

Lanarkshire Health

RWE NPower

University Hospital UNISON

Gateshead Health

Liverpool Community & Hospitals Health

Royal Surrey and Frimley Hospitals

Southern Education

Down & Lisburn Comm.Health

East Midlands Gas (North & Central)

Flintshire County Branch

Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust (M)

Lancashire Police

Royal Devon & Exeter Health

Royal Hospital Trust

St Helens & Knowsley Health

West Cheshire

Broadland UNISON

Central Manchester Health Care

Lanarkshire Health

Staffordshire Community Health

Wearside Health

Barnsley Health

Harrogate Health Care

North West Gas

Northampton Hospitals

Northumbria Healthcare

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn

Warwickshire Police and Justice Staff

Grimsby and Goole Health Branch

Leeds and York Community Health

London Ambulance service

Northumbria Police

St Helens and Knowsley Health

University of Sunderland

Blackburn and Darwen

Camden and Islington Community Health Trust

Dudley Group of Hospital

Hampshire Health

Scunthorpe Health Service

Belfast Education Branch

Monmouthshire County Branch

Neath and Port Talbot County Branch

Newport City Council Branch

North Tyneside Met.

Greater Manchester Police

Salford University

Thames Water

Aneurin Bevan Health

Ayrshire and Arran Health

Bradford Met District Unison

Derry Education

Flintshire County Branch

Mater Hospital Branch

University of Cumbria

Belfast City Hospital Trust

City of Sunderland

Health Agencies

Newcastle Hospitals Unison Branch

North Devon  (LG)

Cymru/Wales and the South Gas

Yorks & Humberside Gas Branch

West Yorkshire Transport

University College London Hospital

Newham

North Wales Health

Amber Valley (LG)

Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability

SSE Scotland

Cwm Taf Health

NHS Glasgow Clyde and CVS Branch

Wakefield (LG)

Hat tip Graphic  Chris Hanrahan

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.

UNISON NEC nominates Dave Prentis as candidate for General Secretary 2015

Nominations opened last week for the election of Unison's next General Secretary.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of UNISON met on Wednesday and voted overwhelmingly(2:1) to nominate and re-elect Dave Prentis.

The NEC is the Parliament of UNISON (outside our National Conference) and is made up of lay member elected representatives from all over the union.

Elsewhere NHS Glasgow Clyde and CVS branch - which is Unison's biggest UK branch with over 17,000 members voted to nominate Dave. As have University College London Hospitals, Wakefield Local Government, UNISON North Wales Health and Aneurin Bevan Health Branch.

The Northern Ireland regional council has agreed to nominate him and the National Disabled Members Committee has announced its endorsement.

Check out Dave's key pledges here http://www.votedaveprentis.org.uk/pledges/ and encourage your branch to nominate him.

Also his facebook page "Vote for Dave 2015".

Campaign to Elect Dave Prentis: Fundraiser London Wed 2 September 2015

This fund raiser hosted by Kevin Maguire ("Associate Editor of the Daily Mirror & TV pundit") will take place tomorrow - Wednesday 2 September.

From 6.30pm at "The Parcel Yard, Kings Cross Station, London, N1 9AL."

Tickets £5 each. 

Dave Prentis - UNISON General Secretary election 2015

Just as the Labour Leadership election is coming to a close there is another important Labour Movement contest for 1.3 million UNISON members. The 5 yearly election of our General Secretary (GS). 

I am supporting Dave Prentis to be re-elected as our GS. Dave is a members' champion and will always put the interests of the union first. Despite the Tory onslaught against public services and unions, UNISON has survived and continues to defend its members through thick and thin. We have even recruited record number of new members and activists.

We need an experienced, pragmatic leader and campaigner to defend members as we face a government determined to take us all back to a 1930s economy. 

Check out Dave's key pledges here http://www.votedaveprentis.org.uk/pledges/

On Wednesday 2 September at 6.30 pm, in the Parcel Yard, Kings Cross station, London there is a fund raiser with Daily Mirror's Kevin Maguire.