Ban Bullying at Work Day - Nov 7

Wednesday 7 November is "Ban Bullying at Work" day.

So a suitable time to review your organisation's grievance procedure (or "harassment/discrimination" if you have one) and the health & safety policy regarding violence at work or occupational stress.

Let's have "zero tolerance" of bullying at work in all its forms. Use my stress questionnaire to assess problems in your workpace?

Fremantle: CEO paid £100k per year Staff £6.66 per hour

On Saturday 10 November there is a 24 hour strike by UNISON members who work for the Fremantle, the “not for profit” third sector nightmare (unless you are on its executive that is) care home company.

Barnet UNISON are campaigning to stop vulnerable ex-local authority care workers having their wages and working conditions slashed by Fremantle. Not only are already lowly paid workers having their basic wages being cut by about 30% but their sickness pay, holidays and overtime rates have also been chopped.

Meet 12:00 on Saturday 10 November 2007 at Watling Park (nearest station Burnt Oak Station – Northern line). Then Rally at St Alphage Church, Playfield Road, Edgware, HA8

Saint George the Trotskyist Dragon slayer

The SWP accuse George of being a Trotskyite Dragon slayer. You just couldn’t really make this stuff up. It’s been only a week since I last updated my blog on the latest idioticracy of diss-respect. (Yep, it’s true that a week is a long time in politics but Harold Wilson at the time was talking about serious players, not these jokers. Check out also the post on why we should all hate Galloway). Since then lots of really childish and silly personal stuff dressed up as real politics has happened.

For example there was supposed to be a Respect National Conference at the University of Westminster on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 November. However, George and his gang obviously worked out that they will lose any votes at this conference, since the SWP were packing selection meetings nationally with their members. Galloway’s power base (as such) is only in Tower Hamlets.

So George decides to call his own “New Respect” conference for the same weekend, calling it “Respect Renewal” at the Bishopgate Institute. He has also changed the locks for the Respect headquarters, locking out the SWP Respect “officers” (not that they will be that for long). Galloway claims that they had to this because his mate Rob “where has the money gone” Hoverman, had been threatened by SWP officials and (amazingly) because the Parliamentary commissioner had told him to do it (yeah).

The “Unity Coalition” Respect website is now claiming that Galloway and his mates have split from Respect. While the official Galloway website has only details about his paid radio talkshow gigs at Blackpool?

In Newham, George refused to turn up to a Respect meeting because SWP members were there and held his own meeting at a non-SWP members house. The 3 Newham Respect councillors also refused to sign a "call for unity" round robin letter sent by the Chair of Newham Respect Michael Gavan.

While it was excitedly announced that the rail union RMT had decided to back SWP Lindsey German as the Respect candidate for London Mayor next year. Only for RMT Secretary Bob Crow to then publicly repudiate this.

Ironically of course the 4 Tower Hamlets Councillors (2 SWP members) who resigned the official Respect whip, now call themselves “Respect Independents” and are apparently in talks with the Liberal Democrats in a new “unity coalition”.

I am looking at a copy of the SWP “Party Notes” 23 October on these issues. There is, I kid you not, a 20 page appendix on how the SWP central committee was absolutely right about everything and how any problems was all Galloway’s fault. As if in the real world this matters one fig.

I really enjoyed the supposedly unofficial SWP “Lenin Tomb” blog on his take on what’s “going on”. It is just unintentionally hilarious. Wot a load of utter rubbish. He claims that the SWP is such a perfect moral organization which would never do any underhand things; they are just sweetness and light. This bloke obviously doesn’t believe in the cause enough to do the dirty deeds. He is therefore a bad Trot (in their terms). There is not one single bit of reflection that the SWP had contributed to this crisis. He is telling porkies and should be ashamed of himself for writing such nonsense.

Actually, this is just rank hypocrisy of the worse kind. Compared to the SWP CC, give me Galloway every time; at least he doesn’t really believe his cant and posture. Nor of course, surely, after being lied to time and time again by their CC, does a majority of the real SWP rank and file believe theirs?

We Love the NHS March & Rally

This was a carnival as much as a trade union or political march. As well as thousands of NHS workers and supporters, there were stilt-walkers in fancy dress, steel drums, a brass band and Soca dancers in the front. The march was in celebration of the NHS (approaching its 60th birthday next year) and a reminder to the government about keeping the NHS public and free at the point of use.

For part of the march I was helping to carry the UNISON banner of St Georges Hospital branch (Wandsworth) who had a photo of the founder of the NHS Nye Bevan on it. Behind us were some very deafening drums, which did wonders for my hangover following last night’s leaving “do”. The excited supporters beside me blowing whistles all the time just added to the experience.

There was a rally at Trafalgar Square. Dave Prentis and other trade union leaders spoke. I didn’t stay for the music and other attractions. I had to go and help some Labour Party comrades set up a new blog!

Just before the march I met up for the first time with Mikael Duthu, who I have crossed swords with figuratively in blogosphere. He seemed a very nice chap (Swedish). It is strange to meet up with someone in person you have only “met” on the Internet (like meeting grimmerupnorth at Labour conference). I asked if I could take his picture. For some reason he was a little nervous that I would post it with some silly caption next to it (as if). I assured him that I would not. After all what could I say that could top someone proudly having their picture taken holding copies of Socialist Appeal!

Alan's Leaving Do

Picture last night of UNISON London regional activists at Alan Jarman’s leaving party. Alan (back row on the left) has been the UNISON London regional convener for nearly 2 years and has stepped down after taking voluntary redundancy from his employer.

He was (I think) the first ever black UNISON regional convener as well as a leading LGBT activist and campaigner.

Alan is going travelling and we presented him with a camera to send us back pictures. Perhaps he will start a blog!

Lots of people from all over the place popped in for a chat and a drink. Very interesting conversations on the future of trade unions, politics, Cuba, Israel (and of course loads of gossip). I seem to remember that the quality of the conversation deteriorated somewhat as the evening went on? That may have just been me? But a good time was had by all.

Off now to NHS March & Rally

Why We All Hate Galloway

A good comrade sent me a copy of a promo for a new music video that is due to be released soon. I reckon that the SWP will probably want this to play as an intro" to the Respect National Conference later this month.

We did tell them about George but they wouldn't listen. In their arrogance and naivety they thought that anyone exposed to their presence would automatically "see the light" and be converted. This is quite sweet in one way. The similarity between the modern day Leninist bishops and religious fundamentalism of all types is quite delicious. Almost a pity that Galloway had to destroy all their dreams.

Remember that it wasn’t even the dressing up in pink tights that really damaged Galloway during the “Big Brother” show. Rather is was his cruel bullying, deliberate mockery and manipulation of the inadequate younger contestants, that exposed him as a nasty, vain and pompous bully. This was the real McGalloway.

This upset and disillusioned many of his core East End working class supporters, who will put up with a lot of things, but they cannot abide a bully.

Put Speakers on and enjoy!

Picket, Regional Council then Strike rally

Busy day. Started off 7.30 on Picket line outside East Ham Town hall. Newham UNISON are on strike for the day over the discipline hearing that will take place tomorrow against Branch Chair Michael Gavan.

Then off to London Regional Committee and Regional Council. As usual the Council meeting was inquorate. It is just silly that we have 4 “mini” regional conferences per year (my personal view). UNISON activists I think are just too busy to come to such meetings.

This was the first Council meeting to be Chaired by Gloria Hanson (left: also Newham UNISON) following Alan Jarman decision to step down after taking redundancy from his employer. As usual the invited speakers to the meeting made their contributions despite it being inquorate.

Speaker Alan Tate from the CWU gave a very honest and level headed review of the recent strike action.

John Burgess; Carmel Reynolds and Lango Gamonya (Strikers) gave an emotive speech in favour of the Freemantle Strikes. They were very well received.

David Eggmore (Camden and Local Government Executive) spoke about the recent strike ballot on pay. Since there was such a close result (51%-49%) and a relatively low turn out (24% as well as the T&G and the GMB agreeing to deal beforehand) there will be no strike action and the pay deal will be accepted (watch out next year NJC).

There was also a very interesting and useful presentation on the problems facing the Union from the equal pay legal actions.

Jeremey Corbyn MP gave a Labour Link Parliamentary report.

Next was a lunchtime rally at Stratford Church which was very well attended (I arrived late).

Tomorrow Michael will face a gross misconduct hearing which could result in him losing his job. I won’t go into the details of the allegations made against him. Not least because the underlying facts are under dispute.

However, put it like this, its is absolutely vital that if a union member wants to speak to their rep (such as me) in private, about a union matter, they would not expect that rep to run off to management and tell them all about their meeting. We are not talking about child protection issues or anything like this. This is such silly and dangerous anti-trade union rubbish.

Newham Council should remember the golden rule of management (and of life) – Rule Number 1 – if you are in a hole – Stop digging!

UPDATE: Michael's hearing went on for most of the day. Then it was adjourned until November 19.

Its a Rip Off - Women's Pay

Yesterday Fawcett and UNISON declared was “Women’s No Pay Day”. The pay gap between men and women is such that compared to men, women work free from October 30th to the end of the year. Part time women earn on average 40% less than men.

Let me illustrate this point. My misses has just completed a two year full time diploma to become a teaching assistant. On Monday she started her first TA job at a local primary school. She is really enjoying the work and it seems a smashing school. Most of her time will be spent with kids who have special needs.

However, her pay is only £7.41 per hour (remember this is London) and “term time” only. Less than £10,000 pa? Her school is quite large however; there are no other male TAs (and only 1 male teacher in total).

Has her pay anything to do with this ratio? Surely not!

I remember last year dragging her along to a London Labour Party National Policy forum. Tony Blair was speaking and the organisers wanted local people who worked in front line public services to attend. I promised her that she would not have to speak nor that we would sit in the front of any meeting (as is my usual trick).

She is an outwardly reserved soul who I suppose has enough on her plate being married to me. Anyway, at the forum, we were lead into a focus group meeting. Cabinet ministers Patricia Hewitt, Alan Johnson and various local MPs (Lyn Brown) came in and Patricia immediately made a beeline to my better half. Once Patricia found out she was training to be a TA, she was obviously really pleased to find a “real” person.

Everyone is very proud of the Labour government record in pouring money into schools and education. However, when my misses talked to the ministers about the prospect of low pay that she faced when she qualified, everyone went a little quiet. One person present even said “we pay our office cleaners more (damn right - they also deserve more) and they don’t have to undergo 2 years training”. There were vague promises of future reviews about pay and uncomfortable gestures.

I refuse to believe that a male dominated sector or industry would accept such low pay and conditions. Until this issue is adequately addressed we will never have true equality.

Of course at the end of the event we were led into the main hall, and were placed in reserved seats right in front of TB making his speech and his Q&A. Strangely enough she won’t go to any more meetings with me.

Thinking about it, with regard to institutional sexism are we really that much more superior to the Saudi’s? (Yes but no but)

Hazards at Work

"Organising for Safe and Healthy Workplaces". The 2007 edition of the TUC safety "Bible" is now out. I have used it tonight to help me make trade union comments on my employers revised safety policy on "lone working".

It is really useful book published every 2 years. I would recommend it to all serious safety reps.

It cost £18 (£45 for non-TUC) to buy. Order here but check (and double check) with your branch beforehand that they will pay it. If you are doing a recognised TUC safety course the college may supply it cheaper.

Photo Hat tip thingy to the Hazards Magazine advert in the back of this years edition.

They are the same Nazi – Never forgive nor forget

Yesterday morning I was sent an article describing the last letter that 17 year old Communist French Resistance fighter, Guy Môquet sent to his family before he was shot. Guy was executed with 35 comrades in cold blood by the German Army on the 22 October 1941 near the waterfall in the Bois de Boulogne.

The letter is a huge issue in France since the new President, Nickolas Sarkozy, announced that all French high schools should read this letter out to their students each year. There has been justifiable criticism that Sarkozy is using this for political advantage. However, I think that the letter is so powerful that this does not really matter.

I have received few comments on this blog from people who claim to support the Nazi BNP even though they think that the BNP are not Nazi just misunderstood nationalists . At the risk of sounding like some middle aged patronising berk, most of these comments appear to be from young people. I have argued against these views. However Guy’s death and final letter may be more persuasive.

“My dearest Mother, my beloved little brother, my beloved father.

I'm going to die! I'm asking you, especially Mother, to be brave. I am being so and I want to be just as brave as those who have gone before me. Of course I would have preferred to live. But what I want with all my heart is that my death serves some purpose. I haven't had the time to embrace Jean.

I embraced my two brothers in arms Roger and Rino. Alas, I wasn't actually able to embrace my real brother. I hope all my things are sent back to you, they will be of some use to Serge, who I trust will be proud to wear them one day.

Dearest Dad, although I've given you and Mum lots of troubles, I send you one last greeting. I hope you know that I have done my best to follow in your footsteps.

A last farewell to all my friends and to my brother who I love a lot. He should study hard so that he becomes a man later on.

17 and a half. My life has been short, but I have no regrets apart from leaving you. I'll be dying alongside Tintin and Michels. Ma, I'm asking you, and I want you to promise, to be brave and get over your pain.

I can't write any more. I leave you, Mother, Serge, Dad, embracing you with all my young heart. Be brave.

Your Guy who loves you.

Guy"

Hat tip to Col Roi.