Out for a meal with two Hackney Comrades

 

Back from a great meal in Evin, Kingsland High Street, E8 and political discussion (aka mostly gossip) with my Hackney Comrades, Yvonne Maxwell and Dave Osler. 

Yvonne and I, are your no nonsense, Labour "sell out" reformists, while Dave is more from the purist (but knows it will never happen) tradition. 

I first met Dave and Yvonne during our extraordinary battles against our weird and wonderful libel actions

The EastEnders Effect. Episode 28: Representation in the East End

It is a bit long but a fascinating interview by my (he lives in my ward that I serve as a Councillor and is also a UNISON member) constituent, Ade Adeyemi, of my UNISON comrade, Joseph Ogundemuren. Joseph  speaks from the heart about growing up as a working class black male in an East London Council estate from immigrant parents. His experiences as a mega UNISON activist and rep, as a homeless charity trustee in Newham and also a Labour Party Councillor in next door Hackney wick. 

Joseph makes it clear that he would like to be a MP and that there is likely to be a selection process soon for the new West Ham and Beckton seat.... Watch this space. 

"On the knocker" in West Ham (with a little bit of help from UNISON/Hackney)

This morning I had my councillor surgery in Vicarage Lane Community centre in West Ham ward, Newham. One constituent who came, lived close to the centre, with a list of repair issues. I was able to go with her, back to her home in order to identify repairs needed to a damaged canopy over her front door. (top left) 

Later I joined my West Ham ward Councillor colleagues, John Whitworth and Charlene Mclean, for a "street surgery" in the Portway, E15. This includes knocking on doors, introducing ourselves and asking residents if they have any issues concerning Newham Council services that they wish to discuss with us. Most residents say they haven't any issues but we leave a leaflet with our contact details and that of the Newham Mayor Roksana, Lyn our MP and Unmesh, our London Assembly member. We also try to carry out a quick survey on what are their keys issues in the ward and their voting intention in future elections. 

I was pleased that my UNISON comrade, Joseph Ogundemuren, came to help. Joseph is a  Labour Councillor in Hackney and a fantastic trade unionist campaigner and case worker, currently supporting our members with their fight with our employer, Clarion Housing Group, over pay cuts and to stop their attempts to break pensions promises made to staff via "fire & rehire".  This was the third campaign session in Newham that he had attended today. The other two were in Canning Town and Custom House. 

The family walking their pink and white poodle were really pleased when I asked if I could take its photo. 

During the canvass I was able to get into the former Park Hotel which has now been converted into flats. See "now and then" pictures to right of collage. I think the bottom picture is from Victorian times but will try and find out more. There is a current problem with domestic rubbish and recycling collection which I will sort out with the Council. 

On the last door that I called at, by coincidence, the family had come to see me at a previous surgery regarding a dreadful rehousing issue, which I am trying to help them with. It reminded me that we must change UK housing policy and that change demands a change in Government. 

Afterwards, Joseph and I went for a "refreshment" in the marvellous Sawmill cafe, E15  (owned and staffed by Ukrainians) and we were later joined by John Whitworth and the Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz. 

"Don’t cat-call, comrades. Support common sense". As controversy continues over defining Jew-hate, read a Marxist view

On Friday the Jewish Chronicle published this article by my libel blogging mate David Osler (aka other names).

By coincidence that day I met with Dave and his partner Stroppy in a Hackney restaurant for a prearranged "put the world to rights" meal, gossip and drink.

This is what was published in the JC:-

"Appealing for an outbreak of sweet reason between Zionists and anti-Zionists is never easy, especially when undertaken by a veteran Marxist with political views a long way from those of the average JC reader.

But, at the risk of displeasing both sides, I want to urge the hard-left to back the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. Then let me double down, and urge Jewish organisations to commit to using this reasonable instrument in a reasonable way.

The issue hit the headlines after Haringey last week became the latest local authority to adopt the document, despite opposition from sections of the left.

I say “sections of the left” deliberately. Both Jeremy Corbyn himself and Labour left umbrella group Momentum have explicitly made clear they see no problem here.

Lining up against are primarily those socialists who maintain the IHRA definition somehow outlaws legitimate criticisms of the Israeli state, to the detriment of work for Palestinian rights.

And legitimate criticisms aplenty can be levelled at the actions of Israel’s government. But illegitimate criticisms inspired by traditional Protocols-style antisemitism are sadly in circulation, too, and those are the ones on which the IHRA concentrates.

Its two-sentence formal definition of antisemitism is worded so broadly that no anti-racist could object. The same goes for much of the rest of the document.

Disagreement centres on just one or two lines, in particular the stipulation against “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination”.

Much hinges on the interpretation of this passage.

Here, Zionists and anti-Zionists alike are going to have to display common sense.

Fairly read, the clause does not preclude advocacy of any standard radical formula.

The status quo, the two state solution, a bi-national democratic secular state, a democratic socialist federation of the Middle East, or even the anarchist “no state” stance are all proper propositions for discussion.

After all, any settlement actually agreed by those that live in the region exemplifies, on any reasonable construal, self-determination in action.

Anything less is resolutely contrary to that principle. That is the politics of the fascist right and revanchist nationalism, not the politics of the left.

And it goes without saying that accurate reportage is always valid, even where it shows the Israel Defence Forces or Jewish politicians anywhere in a poor light.

Meanwhile, if the unnecessarily parlous state of relations between the left and the Jewish community — which likely cost Labour seats in June — is to be overcome, the first step should be to rebuild bridges.

So don’t cat-call from the public gallery next time IHRA comes up for debate, comrade. Urge your Labour councillor to support it".

David Osler is a journalist and long-standing left wing Labour activist

Councillor Yvonne Maxwell: Hoxton West

Fantastic news. Yvonne (aka Stroppy) has been elected! My former blogging pal and daughter of former Newham Councillor Doris Maxwell, was elected last night in a Hackney Council by-election.

Hoxton West (Hackney) result: LAB: 68.3% (+11.6) CON: 13.3% (+1.2) LDEM: 9.6% (+3.2) GRN: 8.8% (-11.3)

Labour 951, Con 185, LD 133, Green 123.

This is really good news for Labour. Both times I went to help out with canvassing were spent in working class social housing estates. Increasing our vote here after a time when the Labour Party has been in a bit of a mess is encouraging. But one swallow does not a summer make.

Having a hard working good candidate (who is also firmly on the "left" of the Party and a long standing supporter of Jeremy Corbyn) who local activists across the Party united to support, obviously made a difference.

I have of course been telling everyone I know that I have been her political mentor and taught her everything she knows about politics:)

Picture with newly elected (after an open selection process) Hackney Mayor, Philip Glanville, Yvonne and Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn (who has gone through 2 open selection processes in less than a year. Just saying).

Jezza "on the knocker" in support of Labour Councillor Candidate Yvonne Maxwell #LoveHoxton

Yesterday morning I missed the very beginning of the canvass session in support of Yvonne Maxwell, who is standing as the Labour candidate for Hackney Council in a by election in Hoxton West.

Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn MP turned up (by bike) to go out and canvass with Yvonne. By all accounts he and Yvonne had a fantastic response from residents and passer-bys coming up to him to offer their support, cars' tooting and giving them the thumbs up.

Yvonne is the daughter of a respected former Newham Councillor, Doris Maxwell.  There was 3 of us from West Ham Labour Party helping out.

I went out with a canvass team of local Councillors and activists led by Polly Billington who I had met before when she was the Parliamentary candidate for Thurrock. Also in the team was Hackney cabinet member for Jon Burke who was a former UNISON delegate to our Regional Council.

The poll is this Thursday 3 November 2016.

Meeting Point (for all sessions)
The junction of Murray Grove and New North Road, London N1  which is just a 5 minute walk from Old Street Station.  

Week Three (Polling week)
Monday 31          6-7.30pm
Tuesday 1           6-7.30pm
Wednesday 2     6-7.30pm

Polling Day
Thursday 3  from  8am to10pm

Committee Room
 215A Kingsland Road

Yvonne Maxwell for Hoxton West

Dear Colleague, There is a local government by-election in Hackney on 3 November, with a strong Newham connection - Labour's Candidate is Yvonne Maxwell is the daughter of former Newham Councillor Doris Maxwell. The seat used to be held by the newly elected Mayor of Hackney, Philip Grenvil. I hope you'll be able to spare a few hours to help out our neighbours.   Meeting Point (for all sessions) The junction of Murray Grove and New North Road, London N1  which is just a 5 minute walk from Old Street Station. Agent Cllr Sem Moema Week  One Wednesday 19     6-7.30pm Sunday 23             2-4pm Week  Two Monday 24           6-7.30pm Tuesday 25          6-7.30pm Wednesday 26    6-7.30pm Saturday 29       11am-1pm Week Three (Polling week) Monday 31          6-7.30pm Tuesday 1           6-7.30pm Wednesday 2     6-7.30pm Polling Day Thursday 3  from  8am to10pm Committee Room 215A Kingsland Road Don't worry if you haven't knocked on doors before, there will be plenty of old hands there to give you a steer. (picture of me with Yvonne and local activists including Philip the new Mayor of Hackney)

Hackney Mayor Election 2016

Tonight I helped out in Lea Bridge ward, Hackney for the election campaign to select a new Executive Mayor for the Borough. The Labour Candiate is Philip Glanville.

At the campaign headquarters, ward activists were really hospitable and appreciative to us for turning up and very pleased to get help from outside Hackney.  It was a shame that more activists from Newham did not turn up to support our sister Borough. I must try and find out why?

Personally, while I do not think that the Executive Mayor model is best for Unitary Council authorities (and have my doubts about regional mayors) I still want a Labour Party candidate to win (and then reform the system).

See picture of Cllr Rokhsana Fiaz and myself (bottom left) at the Ward campaign headquarters before we were sent out to deliver "Time is running out" reminder cards to local residents.

By complete and utter coincidence the first door that Rokhsana knocked on was answered by someone we both know from Newham as an expert advisor on LOBOs!

I will update the post when I find out the result of the election.

"Future of Trade Unions and the Labour Party"

Last Thursday I was asked to speak to Shacklewell Labour Branch, Hackney North CLP on trade unions and the party by my blogging comrade, Dave Osler. 

There was a little bit of a mix up with the room booking in the local community centre and we ended up at Dave's and his partner Stroppy (daughter of a former Newham Labour Group Chief Whip) apartment, drinking tea and eating their biscuits amidst classic guitars, bags of clothes destined for Calais refugees and bookshelves of "Trotporn" (Dave's description).

I explained that I was a UNISON activist and a member of its NEC and a Labour Councillor in the Peoples Republic of Newham and this talk was in a personal capacity.

I started with one of my favourite stories about the relationship between Labour and trade unions. Famous union leader, Jack Jones, was once asked whether he thought that strains in the relationship would ever lead to a divorce? He thought about this for a moment and then replied "Murder yes, Divorce Never!"

The trade unions formed the Labour Party as its political wing because it realised it needed Parliamentary protection. The relationship has since ebbed and flowed but the tension between trade union and other activists has been there since the beginning. The trade unions lost control of the party leadership as far back as 1911, which resulted in cries of betrayal even then. 

I believe that despite the strains, the trade unions and the party need each other even more now than ever.

The union movement is definitely under threat as never before. The current Tory Reform bill will make industrial action even more difficult and hit membership levels. The unions need legislative protection and the Party needs funding and the political legitimacy that union affiliation and participation provides.

Both wings of the Labour movement family need to raise their game.

The unions need to understand their role and explain things better. As important as personal trade union representation is (and if you are being bullied at work or at risk of losing your job it is vital), membership is not just an insurance policy if you get into trouble at work. Collective bargaining is its number one role. Negotiating with employers about your pay, pensions, employment policies, sickness and holiday benefits is absolutely key.

We also need to recognise that the traditional Anglo-American model of trade unionism is not working and we should look again at other more successful models such as in Germany and Scandinavia. Here unions have greater density and more influence with employers and governments.

In other countries unions also offer real work related benefits such as pensions and employment services, which makes them more relevant to workers. After the second world war British trade unions were offered the opportunity to run UK employment exchanges. They refused.

Unions have also got to understand that just waving cheques at the party is not enough. Trade union members need to get directly involved in their local parties as well as regional and national structures. They need to be in positions of responsibility and advocates of unions and workers' rights within the party.

The party also needs to understand that unions still need political protection from employers and the courts.  The threat and ability to deliver strike action (as a last resort) is as necessary now for the union movement as it was in the past.  The strength of a union up against powerful employers is in its ability to stop work taking place.  If it is unable to deliver strike action due to restrictive laws then the employers will nearly always win and treat workers accordingly. This is one of the main reasons why we have had decades of worsening pay and conditions for workers in this country.

We have to have a more equal playing field between workers and employers rights. The party must provide protection for unions.

Equally, there are many parts of the UK economy such as the care sector where employers are so small and fragmented that it is practically impossible for unions to organise. Wage councils for employers and unions to bargain over pay and conditions should be reintroduced.

Labour needs to attract workers with policies that are directed at the modern UK workplace. I remember being really pleased to attend one of the party policy launch events last year on plans that promised to give employed and self employed workers greater benefits if unemployed or sick. These promises would have reminded workers that the Party of "Labour" was still their Party. Yet these policies seemed to just disappear from the manifesto.

To sum up Labour needs the unions as much as the unions need the party. The unions need an elected government to deliver and the Party needs constructive union help to get elected.

Then followed a pretty wide ranging Q&A not only with me but amongst branch members sharing their own thoughts and experiences about unions and the party.

I really enjoyed the experience and felt at home in this Hackney branch meeting as much as I do in West Ham.  London Labour parties often live in little "bubbles", so it is good to take part in this type of discussion and I hope that some of those present would come to my branch to present about a speciality that they know about.

(Mind you, I suppose I may have to draw a line on a meeting about "trotporn").

A Warm East End Welcome for Alan Johnson

What could be more “East End” and welcoming than a curry in a restaurant off Brick Lane. Local Labour Party and trade union activists in Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest and Hackney have organised a reception for Alan at the "Sonargaon Restaurant", 32-38 Osborn Road, E1 (leading into Brick Lane) nearest tube Aldgate East (5 minutes) 7-8pm Wednesday 13 June 2007.

Alan will give a short presentation at 7pm, and then he wants to talk to trade unionists and Labour Party members about his campaign and his vision for the future. Finish about 8pm. Food and soft drinks. Sponsored by London UNISON Labour Link.

Labour Party members and affiliated trade Union levy payers only.