UNISON SGE Elections 24 - London Local Government

 

Ballot papers are being sent out to members homes from today. If you are a UNISON member and work in London Local Government please consider voting for

• Sean Fox - general seat

• Sonya Howard - female seat

• Clara Mason - reserved seat

Best of the Handforth Parish Council Planning & Environment Committee

Of course in the past 10 months since lockdown no Newham Council or Labour Party meeting has been anything like this :-) 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-55946252

#Our Day - Celebrate Local Government in Newham

Today we celebrate Local Government in Newham and elsewhere. The collage above recognises what Newham Council workers deliver for our residents. day in and day out. The list is pretty endless. Councils and Councillors were encourage to tweet on their day.

Newham Council provides lollipop crossing attendants, building control, electoral registration, adult & youth social services, security, sheltered accommodation, housing officers, highways, homelessness, enforcement, youth provision, private rental licences enforcement, parking, parks, planning, mortuary, highways, play grounds, libraries, leisure centres, council repairs, homelessness, refuse, recycling, city farms, support to schools, teaching assistants and many, many other services

Below are my tweets from today:-

Today is #localgov day. I will try and tweet what I do today as a #Councillor & @NewhamLondon
Cabinet member. Just finished a meeting with #GLA officers & Mayor @rokhsanafiaz
on #RoughSleeping #CouncilsCan

By coincidence my next meeting was a presentation to members of #Newham Homelessness Action Group on the new @NewhamLondon  Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy. The room was overflowing & there was a robust but constructive Q&A. @CllrShaban @NewhamSue Co-Chaired with Tony Lewis #OurDay #CouncilsCan

Finished a regular monthly briefing with @newhamlondon  officer on possible property acquisitions using Right to Buy receipts & Housing Revenue account borrowing. We have a desperate need for new homes in Newham & temporary accommodation with @CllrShaban  #MyDay #CouncilsCan #lga


Next was another briefing with @NewhamLondon  housing managers on temporary accommodation provision #MyDay #CouncilsCan #LGA On way home now to do some #GeneralElection2019

agent stuff. Just sent off last email to our @NewhamLondon  pension officers about an appalling email from one of our Pension Fund managers about an #ESG issue #OurDay #CouncilsCan #lgps #LGA

Motion 2 – Local Government Finance #LabLink19

This is my speech to UNISON Labour Link Forum on behalf of the National Committee on Government cuts to Local Government.

"Forum, the scale of the problem is simply staggering.

Government funding to local authorities has been cut since 2010 by an incredible 60%. This means Councils have lost 60p in every pound since the last Labour Government. 60p in every pound!

While at the same time, councils have had to deal with rising demand for its services. For example.

· the number of homeless families living in temporary accommodation has increased by 34%

· the number of “looked after” children living in our care grew by 11%; and

· the number of elderly people in need of care aged 65 and over increased by 15%

So Forum, we have vulnerable families, children and the elderly suffering the most from vicious Tory and Lib Dem austerity

But surely Forum, last year didn't he Tories claimed that austerity is coming to an end? I think you will find Local Government beg to disagree.

A few special funds, here and there maybe, but nothing, repeat nothing, which meets the real needs we face.

And anything really new in the current Tory leadership debate? Sorry, a big fat zero; nothing about the role of Local Government and its services

A few crumbs on social care but NO concrete plan.

It is only fair to say that Labour’s last manifesto, while excellent on many things, was short on detail for local government – and rather short on cash as well.

However, our colleagues in Labour Local Government, do have plans for what will be needed from day one of a Labour government, to begin the task for putting local government finance back on firm foundations.

And most importantly, where Local Government workers get a fair reward.

UNISON is best placed to be the voice of the local government workforce and residents.

We must build a campaign,

Like no other in recent years

This week at local government association conference, Even Tory council leaders, were admitting that a third of all councils are frightened they will run out of money for statutory services, never mind everything else.

We must be the champions of Local Government across the whole country.

Forum, get behind the motion and fight for local government. Please support".

Motion was passed unanimously.

Showing solidarity at UNISON stall Newham Council Dockside Building

I stopped yesterday at the UNISON stall at Newham Dockside building to chat with colleagues and especially our top UNISON Branch Chair, Kim Silver. UNISON is by far the largest trade union in Newham (and of course the best) and is also now the biggest union in the country with some 1.3 million members.

We discussed the exciting news that after so many years of UNISON campaigning and also thanks to the commitment of our new Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, Newham will finally become not only a London Living Wage employer but also sign the UNISON Ethical Care Charter.

Up to 1000 Newham care workers, mostly female and black residents, who are currently suffering poverty pay will have a pay rise of up to £100 per week, proper training and occupational sick pay. All new Newham Council contracts will require a London Living wage. Newham will become a Community Wealth Building Council and campaign for all employers in Newham to stop paying poverty wages.

Kim is Newham Custom House born and bred. As well as being a UNISON branch officer, anti-poverty and disability advocate she is also a local magistrate! She is your genuine grassroots Labour movement activist.

I am so proud to call her my comrade, even though in our new respective roles, we will not always agree and no doubt she will give me a severe ear bashing (or far worse) from time to time. 

"Labour councils working with Trade Unions"

This is good news agreement for the Labour movement family.  We should never forget that one of the reasons why the Labour Party was ever able to win power in the first place was that they were able to prove that they were on the side of the workers when in power in local government by paying decent wages, pensions and other terms and conditions.

"The Local Government Association (LGA) Labour Group has developed and formally adopted a ‘Labour Local Government and Trade Union Principles’ document, in partnership with the local government unions – UNISON, GMB, and Unite. The agreement is designed to help establish and strengthen the dialogue between Labour council leaders and councillors and local staff trade unions.

It sets out the standards which the LGA Labour Group believe should be met by Labour councils in their relationships with the unions and their policies, and covers austerity, good industrial relations, exemplary employment practice, the LGPS, promoting equality and in-house services, opposing academisation, and the Trade Union Act.

The document is reviewed annually, and was formally adopted by the LGA Labour Group in July 2018".

Hat tip Keith from UNISON

Unison Community Seminar day 2

The Unison Community seminar resumed on Saturday morning with workshops, followed by a panel debate headed by our lay President, Wendy Nichols, on "any questions about Unison". There was questions about democratic processes, low turnout in union elections, insufficient support for community activists, members being blocked from conferences, profile etc.

There are clearly problems with some Unison Local Government and Health Branches, who due to their own pressures and attacks by their employers are not able to properly support their Community members and we desperately need to do something about this.

However, this is not a totally accurate picture of all what goes on, since I am aware of Local Government branches who do excellent work for Community members and also in my employer, two local government branches, now have community members as their Secretary or Chair.

The seminar finished at 12.30.  During lunch there was Caucus meetings and then we came back at 2pm for the start of the actual Community conference. More stuff to follow.

Happy 50th Birthday London Boroughs - time to change?

This is an interesting video commissioned by modern day London Councils to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the current London Borough arrangements. Before 1965 Newham had separate West Ham and East Ham Councils.

There has been massive changes in London during the past 50 years, so it is worth exploring whether or not there should be another review.

Maybe we need fewer than 33 boroughs in London and we should merge or perhaps existing structures are too big and we should decentralise? Or should we "pick and mix" and decide local government structures according to what makes sense. Some functions merged and others decentralised?

We should also look at tackling the democratic deficit in local government and the poor turnout in elections and participation.

I will be posting further on this (after May 7th).

#WakeUpGeorge: Decent pay. Good for workers, our economy & the Treasury

"Today, @LocalGovPay will be tweeting George Osborne at his twitter account: @George_Osborne to mark the day of protest against cuts to local government funding which are causing job losses, service cuts and the pay freeze.

We will be calling on him to wake up to the fact that decent pay for local government workers makes good economic sense with the following tweet:

#WakeupGeorge Decent pay - good for local government, our economy and the Treasury. @George_Osborne #LGprotest

Local Government under Labour - Setting the Agenda

On Wednesday evening I went to the Local Government Association (LGA) headquarters in central London for the launch of a new report on the future of Councils under a Labour Government.

Paul Hackett from the Smith Institute opened the meeting and noted that we were in Bevin Hall in what use to be "Transport House", the former national offices of the T&G union.  There must be various labour movement ghosts of the past in this room and building.

Paul hoped that this report will help bring together Labour Councils and the Parliamentary Labour Party. 

Clive Betts MP was first speaker. He thought that after the the fundamental attack on local government by this present government we cannot just go back to the way things use to be. There is also a disconnect between the political class and those we serve that has to be addressed. 

Labour needs to think in opposition now since we will be too busy when in government.

 

Next speaker was Hilary Benn MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Hilary thought that there is a struggle between local and central government. In the NHS we need national standards but there is an appetite for change for what local government provides. 

Interestingly he thought that the referendum on independence in Scotland will settle the Scottish Question but then the English Question on decentralisation will have to be answered. 

He talked about the crisis of confidence in our politics and the failure of consumerism, where far too many people think they can just sit back and do nothing but moan about the way things are run and don't realise they need to contribute. 

He ended by stating his belief that the tide is flowing towards real localism.

Cllr Lib Peck, the leader of Lambeth Council spoke about canvassing and speaking to people who said they "don't do voting". She wanted to ask them "what bit of voting do you not get?". 

The next Labour government needs to be bold. Emphasis the core values of public service. Councils need greater income raising powers, the ability to borrow and planning powers to get rid of too many payday loan and betting shops.

Final speaker was Cllr Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council. He asked what Labour authorities wanted to do? They want to encourage economic growth and jobs. End social determination but not by the tools of the past. Instead of national programmes there should be  devolved economic development.

I asked a question to the panel that a future Labour government needs to trust Local Authorities with taxation and spend. I appreciate there is a battle with our Treasury team over expenditure but times have changed and in the Party we have largely got rid of out trot head bangers who wrecked local government in the 1980s. We can only get rid of the centralised nanny state if you trust the people to hold councils to account for their money.

Hilary responded by saying that while he wished that there was a political consensus on income raising for local authorities there is currently not one.

There followed a wide range of interesting questions and answers. I think that it is fair to say that there was a consensus about the need to devolve real power from the centre and a wish that Labour made its mind up quickly before 2015 and if elected, took no prisoners and got on with things from get go. 

Check out of course, the excellent Chapter 10 of the report: "Troubled families in troubling times" which just happens to be written by my local MP, Lyn Brown, Shadow Fire and Communities Minister :)

Reminder: "The Future of London Government" Newham Compass & Fabians

Tuesday 9th October,  at West Ham Football Club Supporters' bar, Castle Street, at 7.30 pm.

Val Shawcross is a member of the GLA, and Susanna Rustin & Ted Flanagan were part of the team that successfully campaigned to set up the first Parish Council in London (in the City of Westminster!).

Have you ever thought of becoming a Councillor?

"In 2014 London will be electing its Councillors for the next 4 years. This training session is designed to help you understand what it means to be a Labour Councillor.  

What do Councillors do? What would you expect to find being a Councillor?  

Labour Councillors are Community leaders and are at the forefront of working in their local areas. This training session is about leadership, Community working and working in a team. 

The event is taking place on 8th September 10.30am at the Labour Party Head office in central London. Log onto http://members.labour.org.uk/event/20951/ to register for the event"

Hat tip Tower Hamlets Labour Party e-newsletter. Picture of new (ham) Councillors elected for the first time in May 2010.

UNISON LONDON LOCAL GOV SGE ELECTIONS

Please pass on to any UNISON members who work in local government in London.

Remember Mike Davey and Monica Hirst who are also standing in London Region for the forces of light and reason in Health

Vote Peter Daley 4 London - UNISON LG Elections

Peter is standing for London in the UNISON Local Government Executive (SGE) election. He is an excellent candidate and I (personal capacity) would urge every eligible member in London to support him. Please encourage your colleagues to vote for him as well (but note that UNISON funds cannot be used to support any candidate). Double click picture to bring up details and download flyer.

UNISON Conference 2008

Off soon to Bournemouth to be a delegate at the UNISON Local government conference which begins on Sunday morning and finishes late on Monday afternoon. There are about 850,000 (nearly 80,000 in London alone) UNISON members who work in sectors associated with local government such as my own Housing Association branch. All UNISON conferences are of course notoriously quiet, reasoned and sedate affairs. I have no doubt that this year will be the same.

Immediately afterwards it is the UNISON National Delegate Conference (the “NDC”) which is the UNISON “parliament” for its 1.3 million members (130,000 in London).

Blogging may be a little intermittent during the next several days as I will be doing my best “to fight the good fight” (as I see it of course). So, there will be lots of writing and practicing speeches, plotting and planning and maybe, just maybe the odd occasion to have a drink or two (strictly shandy or diet cokes).

If you have never been to a UNISON conference before, make sure you get a photo for your ID badge BEFOREHAND; go to the Regional delegate meeting (its really useful); don’t buy any political newspapers or magazines unless you really want to; expect to spend ages finding your seat; check out your Regional newsletter; find out in advance the time and location of last bus back to your hotel, go to the pension Capital Stewardship fringe; NDC health & safety fringe. The NDC Labour Link and London Regional social are the best; consider supporting your democratically elected NEC recommendations and especially your poor old conference Standing Order committee; if you don’t support Far left motions and want a dabble at speaking but don’t know who to speak to in your region then give me a pull; tell GK to stop heckling speakers and be quiet if you are sitting next to him; ask me if JR suggests you do or sign anything. Finally, it is also a tradition of conference for London delegates to buy their Regional Finance convener a drink.

There is a lot to divide us but also much to unite. There are a number of interesting motions on health and safety, pensions, equality, workers’ rights and pay to debate. Core trade union issues in my views. Also a whole load of nonsense as well. But such is life.

(picture from last NDC at Bournemouth 2006)

Election Time

It’s that time of year again in the trade union and Labour movement. Never mind the GLA, London Mayor and local Council elections in May. We now have the season of AGM’s and internal Elections upon us.

Below is my request for nominations sent to UNISON Local Government (LG) branches in Greater London region for the LG Service Group Executive.

Time for a Change?

I want to be a London representative on the SGE because I think that it’s time for a change. I would be someone who has ordinary members’ interests at heart and puts their concerns first.

A National Union that listens to London?

While I want the SGE to be part of a campaigning, progressive union that fights injustice, privatisation and inequality, I also want the union to be one that speaks out for ordinary members and a region that is listened to throughout the union. As a member of the SGE I would support measures to promote a democratic union that not only pays attention to its branches and SOGs but is able to take their views forward.

Skills and Knowledge Necessary?

I believe that I have these skills and knowledge to represent London. I am currently the London Regional Finance Convenor and Regional Council officer. In this role I also attend Regional Finance meetings, Regional Committee and other meetings and functions on behalf of the region. I have attended national UNISON lay committees, working groups and forums. I have also been a branch and Regional delegate to Local Government conferences and National Delegate Conferences.

Real Practical Experience

I have practical day-to-day experience of the problems facing our members in London. Both in local government and the voluntary/private sector. I work in a front line post as an estate management housing officer. For many years I was an active Branch officer in Tower Hamlets LG branch. Last year I was TUPE transferred and I am now a member of the Housing Association branch and the acting UNISON convenor of Circle Anglia Group HA. Obviously I have first hand experiences of negotiating over outsourcing and protecting member’s terms and conditions! I have represented and supported members at all levels including employment tribunals. I have also participated in and organised effective industrial action to defend members.

Protect our Pensions

We want to ensure that we now continue to keep a firm eye on the Local Government Pension scheme and make sure that we head off any problems in the future. Also we need to campaign for decent pensions for the voluntary sector, housing associations and privatised services. For the last 12 years I have been a pension activist in London. I have also been the convenor of UNISON London and National Capital Stewardship forum.

Core Trade Union Issues

Finally, I believe that nationally and locally, UNISON has a responsibility to push what I believe to be real key trade union issues such as: Pay, health and safety, pensions, equality, anti-privatisation and employment rights further up the trade union agenda.

I want to be a modern, progressive representative for London who wants to work with other regions and to get things done and make sure that we truly reflect what members actually want and need. Please consider nominating me.

John Gray

P.S If anyone wants to discuss any issues with me or would like me to come if possible and visit your branch then please contact me.

No Strike Action over Local Government Pay

A direct lift from the UNISON website.

Local government workers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland have slammed this year’s below-inflation annual pay award, but stopped short of outright industrial action at this stage, putting employers and the government in the ‘last chance saloon’ over pay.

"Members have told employers that this critically important issue won’t go away," UNISON head of local government Heather Wakefield said after a narrow majority of members voted in favour of action in a ballot which saw a 24.4% turn-out.The ballot closed last Friday, 26 October, and saw 144,719 valid ballot papers returned, with 74,631 members (or 51.6%) voting for action and 70,088 (48.4%) voting against. The ballot result was considered by the union's NJC committee and local government service group executive today.

The NJC committee welcomed the majority vote in the ballot by members for strike action in the current pay dispute.But it overwhelmingly voted for a statement which read: "However, in all the circumstances, including the narrowness of the majority and the size of the poll, this result does not constitute the basis for viable industrial action to break the government’s pay policy."

The NJC committee therefore agreed to:

conclude the 2007/8 pay deal as soon as possible based on the offer made on 24 August;
co-ordinate with other public-service unions regarding over the 2008 pay round ;
to start a campaign for 2008 based on securing fair pay and conditions improvements for and defeating plans to attack national conditions and negotiating machinery.

"Members have told employers that this critically important issue won’t go away," said Ms Wakefield.More than 69% of those affected by the award earn just £15,825 or less a year - around £8,000 less than the national average. These include home care workers, teaching assistants, environmental health officers, park and street wardens, housing officers, librarians, refuse collectors, school cooks and many other unsung workers.

And these poorly paid staff face steep living cost rises that have far outweighed their annual pay awards of well under 3% during the past three years. "This is effectively our members’ fourth consecutive annual pay cut and they have decisively put government and local authority employers into the 'last chance saloon'. "Since 2003 local council workers across the UK have seen their pay packets falling further behind the rise in living costs, and thousands of low-paid staff suffer chronic financial hardship.

"Our members are not the faceless pen pushers some would have you believe. They are our community champions – the legions of people that deliver vital services to our neighbourhoods, often in high pressure and even hazardous circumstances. "Now they have resoundingly warned employers’ to value them more."We will shortly be submitting our claim for the 2008 pay round. Next year, we expect the employers to end their bargain-basement treatment of our members once and for all."Scottish local government workers are in the final year of a pay deal which runs until the end of March 2008.

A claim for 2008, which will be submitted to employers at a meeting of the Scottish Joint Council on 14 November.

(I think in view of the acceptance by the GMB and Unite of the pay offer, the low turn out in the UNISON ballot and such a narrow majority in favour that this decision is the correct one under the circumstances. JG)