UNISON NEC Elections - Vote for your Health Candidates Michelle, Pat, Gordon & James

Put 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

Mitsy Harmon-Russell London Hospital worker

 

NHS Pay offer - UNISON 2023 ballot : Gordon McKay

An intelligent and convincing guest post by UNISON Health NEC member (and real life NHS nurse) Gordon McKay on the latest NHS pay offer to settle the strikes. I am so proud of my UNISON NHS comrades such as Gordon and LAS Eddie Brand, who have not only delivered a significant victory for NHS workers but also a road map for other public service workers to win similar claims. I declare an interest in this road map in my current UNISON pay dispute with my employer.

"After a sustained campaign of industrial action by a number of our health branches UNISON have forced the UK Tory Government to make a significantly higher pay offer to English NHS workers after saying the previous offer was final and would not be increased.

Last Autumn the Tories gave NHS workers a £1,400 pay increase even although inflation, particularly on food, energy and housing was running significantly higher.

UNISON’s response was to ballot all our NHS members in England but disappointingly even with all of the hard work put in by branches and members, due to the savage balloting restrictions placed on trade unions by this Tory Government only eight UNISON branches got over the 50% turnout threshold to make strike action legal.

The response from supporters of Time for Real Change in our union was to simply ballot everyone again, not withstanding the cost, the limits on branch activists and staff and the previous results. I argued instead we should target re-ballots on several branches to allow us to concentrate our resources in the branches that had gotten nearest to the threshold figure. The Health Group Executive agreed and we re-balloted ten health branches and in a great show of success we got nine of these ten branches to not only vote for industrial action but to do so in large enough numbers to get us over the legal thresholds to allow us to take action.

Six days of strike action by our members took place between December 21 2022 and February 10 2023. That industrial action and hard negotiating have now resulted in the Tories increasing their offer. As well as the original £1,400 an additional lump sum beginning at £1,655 for the lowest paid and rising through the bands has been offered. On top of that a pay rise of 5% for 2023/24 has ben offered even although the Tories had originally told the Pay Review Body only 3.5% would be on the table. Additionally, a pay increase of 10.4% has been won for the lowest paid.

What I wont pretend to people is that we have won everything our members deserve but due to the courage of members who took action and strong negotiating this right wing Tory Government have been forced to make significant concessions they vowed they wouldn’t do.

It is now up to our members to decide as it should be. Members will receive their electronic ballot papers via an email link and voting will run from March 28 to April 14. I will listen to and support our members in whatever decision they take. Our members are there when we need them in their daily jobs. I promise I will be there when they need our union to support them".

Gordon McKay

Labour Party Conference 2022: Day 3 Tuesday

 

I have just realised that I still have 2 more days to post on this year's Labour Conference. So Tuesday started off with another short run along the Mersey and back from my hotel. Weather was kind compared to Monday. The UNISON delegation started with a "huddle" on the day's business just before the start of conference. 

NHS Mental health Nurse and UNISON delegate, Gordon McKay gave a marvellous and passionate speech on the Health debate. 

As posted here I spoke on the Climate change/environment debate on behalf of UNISON but by coincidence, Newham Labour member Ken Penton moved the motion  while his colleague Luke Chartist (also a PPC) spoke. At the same time James Asser was on the NEC panel. 

There was many good conference debates and Keir's speech went down so, so well. We are starting to believe we can win at the next General Election and he will be our Prime Minister. The Tories, of course, were helping by doing every single thing possible to make our conference successful with their ridiculous unfunded tax cuts which sent the pound plummeting and raised interest rates.

After conference finished I went to the UNISON reception, were our deputy leader, Angela Rayner (UNISON's own of course) came to see us and gave a great speech followed by Keir who also spoke very well and stayed chatting to delegates and enjoying the event far longer than his aides had wanted.

Only one more (half) day to go. 

UNISON Health Conference: Day 2 PM - "inflation busting pay award"

 

Check out this report in https://www.in-unison.org/

"The afternoon session of Day 2 of UNISON Health Conference concentrated on pay, terms and conditions. Conference agreed motions on moving to a 35 hour week and to campaign for an increase in mileage allowances for those required to use their car at work as fuel prices rocket. It is a fact that people are not now just paying to go to work but actually paying to do their work and are suffering real financial hardship as what they can claim for mileage allowance is now failing to meet the cost of petrol at the pumps. Conference further agreed to work with employers to develop an ethical on-call arrangement that ensures proper work-life balance and that all groups of staff are treated fairly. Conference also passed a motion to campaign against rogue employers who are trying to drive down Bank rates of pay below Agenda for Change rates while throwing money at agencies where the vast majority of money goes to private profit for big companies and not into workers pay packets.

Finally Conference agreed following a thoughtful debate to reinforce its position to this year which would include specific proposals to drive low pay out of the NHS and to support a flat rate principle as a key long term objective so as not only to win decent pay for all NHS staff but to ensure the gap between the lowest and highest paid does not widen as our union supports a One Team approach that equally values all of our members.. Card vote result the next morning was in favour".

Gordon McKay Health NEC member (and NHS Nurse)

Hat tip picture Katrina Murray on debate over pay

UNISON Health Conference: Day 2 AM "This is what solidarity looks like" ONEUNISON.ORG

Check out https://www.oneunison.org/news

"Health Group Conference began its second day with an emotional and powerful speech from Iryna Shvets of the Ukrainian Health Workers Union of Ukraine describing the attacks on bombing of over fifty hospitals in Ukraine, including maternity and children's hospitals. She also spoke of her thanks to UNISON for the financial and practical support we have gave such as the donation of ten ambulances from London Ambulance Branch.

A statement on the situation on Ukraine was then made by Gordon McKay on behalf of the Service Group Executive condemning Putin’s invasion, calling for an immediate ceasefire and supporting sanctions against Russia.

The mornings motions concentrated on staffing issues and the longest debate of Conference so far was on staffing levels showing the importance of the issue for UNISON members as workloads increase, waiting lists lengthen and people are becoming more ill but staff numbers fall and patient safety and well-being is put at risk. Emphasis was placed on the importance of safe staffing right across the workforce, nursing, AHP’s, ancillary, administration and technical as UNISON recognises the importance of the contribution of all our members to a world class service.

Conference also agreed to campaign for improved to Nursing, Midwifery and AHP training programmes particularly for HealthCare Support Workers by abolishing tuition fees for the education programmes. On training and development Conference agreed to campaign for equal access to training and development for all NHS staff. The NHS has a dedicated staff group who deserve to be offered training to allow them to provide care, to those who need it, at their highest potential".

Gordon McKay

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)

in-UNISON - A wake up call on our SGE elections: Gordon McKay

(This is a really important post by a current UNISON NEC member, our former President and front line NHS hospital worker. Please share). 

"The way in which UNISON moves forward as the largest trade union in the UK will take a significant, but not completely final, stride in the next few months as members decide who they are going to put in charge of their Service Groups, the industry wide bodies who set UNISON policy on pay, terms and conditions, and all matters relating to members interests in that industry.

For the first time since the formation of UNISON in 1993 power last year transferred to a group known as Time for Real Change. This group is made up various hard left groups such as the Socialist Workers Party, and some on the extreme of the Labour Party, including some recently expelled from Labour.

The Socialist Workers Party, one of the central groupings of Time for Real Change describe themselves as seeking ‘revolutionary change’ in Britain and admit they organise through strikes. In the last UK Parliamentary General Election they stood in, across the country they attracted a total share of the vote of 0.1%. 

With that level of appeal to ordinary working people one wonders how they have come to take control of UNISON with 1.3 million members working in public services. 

The answer lies in the lack of member participation and in the inability of those who would wish to challenge them to motivate members to take an active interest in their union and to vote in elections. 

Where the core views of UNISON members lie was shown in 2021 when Christina McAnea was elected as UNISONs first ever female General Secretary beating the Time for Real Change candidate by over 18,000 votes. 

Such engagement however does not transfer to other UNISON elections, and seats can be won on UNISON’s National Executive and its Service Groups on turnouts of 2 to 3%, which means elections are currently determined by the highly politically motivated, particularly those whose interests lie in areas wider than representing members. 

It was this level of turnout which saw Time for Real Change win UNISONs National Executive elections.

In the forthcoming Service Group elections, held in April and May, UNISON members need to make a choice. 

It is whether to leave their ballot papers uncompleted and have no say in how the trade union they pay into every payday organises on their behalf and leave decisions to the unrepresentative few, or to engage with their trade union and ensure their unions voice is one they have helped construct. 

The responsibility to get members engaged however lies not just with the members themselves but lies equally, if not more so, with those who believe they reflect the views of UNISON members across the UK. 

There are less than three months until UNISON members start to receive ballot papers in the post or by email. 

Members will decide whether they want their union to organise to speak up for them and public services, to campaign for and win better pay, and to achieve safer working environments, or whether they want their union to be engaged in permanent revolution and to be used as weapons in political struggles.

UNISON members have shown they make people’s lives better. It is now for those who believe they are the representative voice of those public service workers to step up to the plate and make the case why those workers should vote for them. 

If they do, there are successes for every public service worker to be gained, If they let those members down the responsibility is ours. 

Elections are not won in the weeks of voting, particularly as if most people don’t vote in the first five days after receiving their ballot papers they won’t vote at all. They are won by candidates telling members now they are standing, by telling them now what their platform is, why it is important to vote, and why it is important for each and every member that those leading their union reflect their views. 

Candidates need to be getting out their message now, by every route they can and encouraging others to assist in spreading that message. The alternative is to sit for the next ten years telling each other how unfair it all is. 

UNISON members deserve better than that. 

Christina McAnea enthused UNISON members by the fact she reflected what mattered to them and was their voice, it is now for others to do the same".

More Corrupt Practices by Ultra Left Extremists & Cultists in UNISON NEC.

Check out the comments today of former UNISON President Gordon Mckay (and NHS Nurse) on the latest move by our current NEC to allow our union to be controlled and ultimately destroyed by Ultra left extremists and cults.

"UNISON NEC today agreed rule changes to the election procedures to allow election candidates to take donations from political parties, organisations and businesses without having to declare them and without cash limit.

We rightly condemn the Tories for not declaring donations from big business who buy influence, but our Time for Real Change colleagues apparently are okay with political parties buying such influence with us and keeping it a secret from our members.

The question you have to ask is why? When I wanted to move amendments the Vice President accepted a motion to refuse to allow any amendments to be debated.

If UNISON members want a trade union that is open, transparent and free from outside control we need to start working now to get our union back".

Hat tip https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Python%27s_Life_of_Brian#Political_satire

The Good and The Bad - UNISON Labour Link & Self Organisation

Excellent news yesterday about the UNISON National Labour Link committee elections.

"Congratulations to my UNISON friends and colleagues Linda Hobson and Sian Stockham on being elected as Chair and Vice Chair of the UNISON National Labour Link Committee.

 Especially happy to see Sian as one of the Wales NEC members flying the flag for Cymru/Wales.

As chair of UNISON Cymru/Wales Labour Link committee looking forward to working with both of you".

Hat tip Dan Beard.

However, today we find that the ultra left in UNISON NEC tried to destroy our members right to self organisation

"Felt very uncomfortable today by proposals by some on UNISON’s NEC, including a Vice President, that nominations made by our elected Self Organised Groups of who UNISON’s representatives on the TUC Women’s Committee and TUC Disabled Members Committee and the motions they agreed to submit to these conferences should be overturned by NEC.

I strongly argued against and said this was a very dangerous road to be going as it sounded like our Policy Committee knew what was good for women and disabled members rather than the women and disabled members themselves.

At the end it was agreed to remit for further discussion but if this is Time for Change I believe it is time for our members to challenge this change. The leading voice for Women, Disabled, Black and LGBTI+ members are those people themselves".

Hat tip Gordon Mckay (former UNISON President and current NEC member). 

UNISON Labour Link elections 2021 - ballot papers out from 7 Sept

Labour Link is the name of the UNISON political fund that supports the Labour Party. Elections for the National Labour Link Committee (where there are contested regional seats), starts this Wednesday (when ballot papers to start to drop at members home addresses). 

You will only get a vote if you are of course a UNISON member and pay the Labour Link political levy. In London I will be voting for Anu. For those of you who work elsewhere I echo the words of our former UNISON President, Gordon McKay, who is a NHS nurse. 

"As a former President of UNISON I believe the best interests of public service workers are served by being a member of a strong trade union, UNISON, and having a Labour Government which listens to our union and works for us. UNISON Labour Link elections open on September 7 and close October 13 and if you pay into our Labour Link Fund you will be able to vote from Tuesday. If you want to vote for candidates who will take UNISON’s objectives and priorities into the Party I hope you will consider voting for the following candidates in the areas you live;

E Midlands Janet McKenna

G London Anu Prashar

N West Karen Atkinson

Northern Linda Hobson

S East Maureen Cleator

S West Alison Evans

Yorkshire and Humberside Ken Curran

Every one of these people put UNISON first, I hope you will consider voting for them".

UNISON Labour Link Special National Forum 2021

Yesterday was the UNISON Labour Link National Forum for 2021. Labour Link is the political fund in UNISON for members who volunteer to pay a levy to affiliate to the Labour Party. 

It is made up of elected regional reps and delegates from UNISON self organised groups. Normally it is held at a hotel and is spread over 2 days but due to Covid it was a virtual meeting 9.30 to 3pm via zoom. There was I think just under 100 delegates. 

I thought it went really well (in the circumstances) and the Chair, Gordon McKay, did a great job in these difficult times, with his own unique ability to be authoritative and self-deprecating at the same time. Gordon is a Scottish NHS nurse and must have had a welcome day off yesterday, since today he had a 12 hour shift undertaking Covid vaccinations. 

My role was as an elected Greater London regional delegate and I was able to speak twice on our motions which were both fully supported by Forum. There was some superb contributions from other London based delegates on a number of debates. 

I will post my speeches (including one that I did not give due to a mix up) over the next few days and some thoughts on how we might now try to implement. Passing motions for motions sake is pretty pointless and we need to think of next steps. 

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 National Delegate Conference 2019: Day 1

I arrived in Liverpool yesterday afternoon in time for the Greater London delegation meeting. Some of us then went for a meal at a local spoons. I was back in the hotel for 8.30 pm to catch up on emails and speech writing.

Up early for a slow jog along the Mersey then arrived slightly late for the first 8.30am NEC meeting.

Conference itself started with us showing our respect for members who have passed away during the previous 12 months. Then standing order committee reports and questions; UNISON annual report and financial statements.

Now listening to our President,  Gordon Mckay give a typically funny but passionate speech to Conference on his year in office. 

UNISON NEC Elections 2019: Vote Gordon McKay - Health Male Seat

Top candidate! 

Re-elected at London UNISON Regional Council AGM 2019

I was privileged to be re-elected last week at the London UNISON Regional Council AGM as Finance convenor (Treasurer and Regional Council Officer) for I think the 12th year in a row.

The AGM was probably in my view the most constructive and positive one, I have ever been to in all my years as a UNISON activist. The UNISON Lay President, Gordon McKay (a NHS nurse), gave a typical self deprecating but very passionate keynote speech about the simple cruelty that this Tory Government shows towards the poor and the vulnerable.

Next a great presentation by http://greecesolidarity.org/ about the work they do to support the people of Greece and a plea for support from UNISON branches.

I gave my financial report to the AGM and was pleased that there were proper questions and challenges by delegates.

Deputy Convenor, Conroy Lawrence, who was also re-elected had nearly everyone in tears as he moved his branch's motion on Gun and Knife crime, and told us why this is so important to him as he explained about the senseless gun murder of his own son.  Branch activist, Misty Harmon-Russell also spoke during the debates.

Our Convenor, Yvonne Green, was re-elected unopposed and showed why, by her lovely polite, quietly spoken but firm chairing of the meeting. This is a real skill.

 In the evening I had my Greater London UNISON Housing Association branch executive at the Hyde Housing Association headquarters and was unanimously nominated to be the Community NEC General Seat candidate (with my good comrade from Wales, Denise Thomas and other sensible broad left candidates )

All in all a good day. 

NHS 70 : Celebrate and Defend Party in Gateshead

Belated picture collage from NHS 70th Birthday Party held on 5 July in Gateshead. UNISON Labour Link Executive was meeting nearby "across the water" to prepare for the National Forum which started the following day and we volunteered to join the celebration.

Great speeches in defence of NHS from our President, Gordon Mckey, Ian Lavery MP, UNISON regional secretary, Clare Williams and Deputy Regional Convenor, Linda Hobson (both Gordon and Linda are NHS nurses).

The birthday cake was delicious.

It was great to be reassured that the sun always shines in Gateshead :)

TUC Congress 2016: Day 2 Monday

My second collage of Twitter photos of the UNISON delegation (mostly) at this year's TUC Congress getting stuck in and telling it as it is.

We started off with Gordon McKay, berating our mean employers for not knowing how to add up and stop being crooks, so they should pay the National minimum wage in full.
                     

Sinead Libby tells Congress of the various disgraceful way the Tories cheat young workers out of fair pay

 

A well argued, passionate address by Trade Union Congress General Secretary, Frances O'Grady, warning bad employers that unless they change - the unions are coming for them.

 

All of Congress held up support posters proclaiming that "We will be the movement for young workers".  (While Becky from Eastern Region qualifies I am not really sure that Darren and I are the best poster boys for that particular statement? We will do our best)

 

Paddy Lillis, the Chair of the Labour Party NEC gave Congress the fraternal address. He said he had been hoping for a bit of a quiet year when he was elected. Little did he know...

 

Caryl Nobbs points out that there is no objective evidence to justify the breaking up and privatisation of the Probation Service but the Government still went ahead with it.

 

I seconded the Composite 12 motion on Housing

                      

Nicky Ramanandi supports fair and equitable welfare benefits and looks forward to the end of the subsidy for poverty pay employers and making sure they pay a real fair wage.

 

Maggie Griffin argues that the Tories Work Capability Assessment is not "fit for purpose" and linked to a staggering 700 suicides by disabled benefit claimants.

                      

Lilian Macer describes her experiences meeting victims and their families during a UNISON delegation visit to Columbia. The most dangerous place in the world to be a trade union activist. Thousands have been murdered and tortured.

                          

Stephen Smellie spoke on The Early Years Education motion and asked Congress to support the motion for the sake of his grandchildren.

 

My long standing comrade, Barbara White, (Musicians Union and a Redbridge Councillor) moved the "Music Co-operatives" motion 39.

 

I went to an interesting CLASS fringe "A Year of Tory Rule: Taking Stock of Public Services" during lunch time. It is all pretty depressing but good news about the huge support that the public have for Public v. Private Services. We need to turn this into votes.

Trade Union Congress 12: Sunday afternoon

Picture of UNISON delegate Gordon McKay seconding the composite motion on "Trade Union and Employment Rights" at the start of Trade Union Congress 2012. Gordon finished his speech by offering some rather rude travel advice to Tories.

"Congress is the policy making body of the TUC, and meets each year during September. Each affiliated union can send delegates to Congress - the larger the union, the more it can send. At Congress 'motions' (resolutions for debate) are proposed and discussed. These form the basis of the TUC's work for the next year".

You can check out the TUC blogs and tweets here.  The hashtag is  #tuc12. You even watch it live online.

The UNISON delegation had a pre-meeting at 3pm where we decided whether to support or not motions up before Congress where we haven't so far made a decision. Conference started at 4pm. There was a lobby outside Congress and delegates were greeted with the traditional welcome chant "TUC get off your knees... General Strike Now".  

The President of Congress, GMB General Secretary Paul Kenny, chairs the meeting. A more relaxed and tolerant chair than others I have seen over the years. He even gently told off Unite GS Len McCluskey, for speaking longer than he should have done.

Composite 4 is on "Illegal Corporate Bullying" and describes the secret "blacklisting" of trade union and safety reps by the construction industry.  Which meant that many activists were refused employment for many years if not decades. Motion 16 on "Hidden Courts" was about concern over Justice and Security Bill.

5pm Paul Kenny addressed Congress and reminded us of the role of his predecessor Will Thorne in the formation of the unions. People should be proud of unions and the social justice they have created. Paul introduced the new TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady and gave thanks to the outgoing GS Brendan Barber.

At UNISON conferences we leave the teasing of the President until the end. Congress starts at the beginning. Paul was praised for being the "best ducker and diver in the trade union movement" by Gail Cartmail.  A point agreed with relish by Bob Crow who also thought Paul despite being a Millwall FC fan was a "decent bloke".

Battery in my laptop now running out.  Will try and post further tomorrow.