Who do Trade Unions Represent? Part II

A little while ago I brought up the subject of democracy and representation in some trade union branches. There was a fairly wide range of posts on the issue and various solutions offered. I thought that I may update you on an interesting development.

On Wednesday it's our branch's AGM. This is supposed to be a very important meeting, to agree the branch accounts, report back to members and hold any contested elections. Normally there is a guest speaker. Last Friday our branch Chair emailed the branch committee and said that the office had been unable to get John Cruddas MP as a speaker so he suggested that a speaker from "Stop the War" (STW) be invited. He indicated that he was consulting on this issue. I didn't see the email until Saturday and I then sent the following reply.

"I think that everyone is aware that I do not support STW (and that the branch/UNISON is unfortunately affiliated to it) However, didn't we have a STW speaker last year? I don't think that such sectarian speakers will encourage members to attend. I appreciate this is late, but what about trying to get Glyn Jenkins (UNISON pensions) to talk about the new LGPS scheme or someone from UNISON Welfare to talk about the important work that they do? John Gray

I did not get a reply but today I did receive a flyer for the AGM. The speaker this year is Linsey German "Stop the War Coalition". For further information I have copied her entry from Wikipedia (the free on-line independent Encyclopedia)

"Lindsey German is a British Trotskyist politician and member of the Central Committee of the Socialist Workers' Party. Joining the International Socialists in the 1970s German became a full timer for the group by 1977 and has been employed by the organisation continuously since then. She was editor of Socialist Review for twenty years until 2004.

When George Galloway was expelled by the Labour Party, German was a supporter of the move to form RESPECT The Unity Coalition, which includes the SWP and other opponents of the war in Iraq. She is Convener of the Stop the War Coalition and was the Respect candidate for Mayor of London in 2004 and for West Ham, London in the 2005 general elections coming second with 19.5% of the vote. She is the author of numerous books and articles including;
The Balkans: Nationalism and Imperialism (editor),
Sex, Class & Socialism,
Why We Need A Revolutionary Party
Socialists and Class ,
Stop the War: The story of Britain's biggest mass movement, (editor with Andrew Murray),
Frederick Engels
Theories of Patriarchy
Reflections on the Communist Manifesto".

nuf said?

SWP Councillors DisRespect Trade Unions?

"I do not Believe it!" Not one of the 3 SWP/"Respect" Councillors in Newham, East London are members of Trade Unions. How on earth can an organisation which calls itself the Party of "socialism" and "trade unionism" have all their elected representatives against joining trade unions? This is not just in Newham, but also in the only other London borough that has SWP/Respect councillors, where there are only 3 out of 12 (25%) are members of trade unions. Many of these people also actually work in sectors that are well organised by recognised trade unions. This is not just a "snub" but a deliberate signal that SWP/Respect does not support and "Disrespect's" trade union's. The SWP/Respect manifesto claims that:-

"Respect believes that trade unions, democratically controlled by their members, are crucial to a democratic and just society. They are the essential bulwark against exploitation and abuse."

Yet none of the 3 Newham SWP/Respect Councillors are members of trade unions (you can check the "register of interests" on the Newham Website) and only 25% of other London Councillors.

How can you "organise fighting trade unionists" if nearly of your elected reps are not members of a trade union?

Bizarrely, one SWP/Respect Councillor who is NOT a trade union member, instead proudly points out that he is a holder of the "British Empire Medal" (Google BEM and check this website, which is hosted by the Vietnam Veterans Association - I kid you not). Again, you can confirm this on their register of interests declaration.

Why on earth are any serious "trade union socialists" supporting SWP/Respect?

WMD 28 April 2007 - Safety Reps Network

UNISON London Region Health and Safety Committee has set up a successful "Safety Reps Network". Here, some members of the network at their lunchtime meeting held yesterday (7 March 2007), hold up UNISON posters advertising this years Workers Memorial Day (WMD).

This quarterly meeting is open to all branch health and safety officers. It is very informal and branch officers are able to share problems and experiences with other colleagues from across the region and all UNISON service groups. If you are a London branch Health and Safety Officer and would like to attend get your branch to contact the regional office make sure you are registered as the branch H&S officer on our computer system.

Workers Memorial Day (WMD) takes place all over the world on 28 April each year. It is a day to remember those who have been killed while at work. Also, it is a campaigning day for health and safety. UNISON's slogan for WMD 2007 is: "Health and safety laws work better when they're enforced!" The TUC has a similar slogan: "Health and Safety needs not just regulations, but also enforcement".

In previous years I have helped organise wreath laying events outside Tower Hamlets Town Hall and the memorial in Three Mills Park, Newham. Trade Union members, Local MP's, London Assembly members, Mayors, Council Chief Officers and religious leaders have attended. This year WMD is on a Saturday. London Mayor Ken Livingston normally organises an event outside the Assembly Hall. So we will probably participate in this. Watch this blog.

UNISON members in photo Back - Esther Dowling (Environment Agency) Me (Tower Hamlets LG), Katrina Hoogendam (Lambeth LG), John Caulfield (Transco), Tom Blacker (Brent Health) Front - Adeline Au (Moorfield Eye hospital), Louis Ellis (Royal Free Hospital), Pam McGuffie (Greenwich LG)

UNISON Conference throws out Pension Strike Call

80% of "rank and file" UNISON local government delegates reject call to ballot for strike action over changes to our pension scheme.

This afternoon in Alexander Palace (aka "Ally Pally"), London there was a special conference of UNISON Local Government members. At the conference there was a choice between:

Composite A motion moved by our elected lay leadership "supporting" the current package of proposals regarding our pension, asking for negotiations to continue, then for there to be a consultative ballot of all members. This ballot would ask members if they accept the proposals or if they will support "substantial and escalating industrial action". or

Composite C motion rejecting the current package of proposals and calling for a ballot for an "escalating programme of national strike action to begin asap" and for UNISON to publically support a "yes" vote to this call for strikes.

To be blunt -A: No Strike or C: Strike.

(There were also important business regarding equalities in the LGPS which was less controversial)

I was a local government lay delegate but I was unable to express my view (and I "think", of the overwhelming vast majority of my members) at the conference since our delegation was "mandated" (see previous posts) to vote for an immediate strike ballot and the recommendation for strike action (I am contesting the validity of this).

However, I thought that the debate at times was pretty good. Both sides were able to field speakers who eloquently expressed both sides of the argument. However, it was also at times very bad tempered.

Delegates no doubt felt very passionate about this issue. However, I did think that the speakers in favour of strike action concentrated their arguments on criticising the way the campaign had been fought so far (which is a fair comment I suppose - but wrong) rather than commenting on where we are now and what are our realistic options for the future. I must also admit that when Paul Holmes of Kirklees branch, (normally a sensible speaker), told the conference that we should go on strike, because in March 28th last year, during our last "one day" strike the "Government was on its knees" ?????? that things have got out of hand. March 28th was very successful, but in no way was the Government threatened in that way and it is madness to suggest otherwise.

Eventually (after who knows how many speakers -for and against) there was a card vote where a clear majority of delegates voted to support the current package of proposals. I estimated it at 80:20 in favour. Paul Holmes later said he reckoned it was (2:1) 66% in favour and conceded that a card vote would have been even more against his argument since most large branches were in favour of the deal on offer.

One "sour" point (tigmoo). Despite this conference being overall positive (but expensive), I was very "concerned" at the behaviour of some of the delegates in my own London region. Please note that the vast majority of these delegates behaved in an exemplary manner. However, out of 60 odd London delegates there were about 2 or 3 who were continually abusive towards speakers who were against strike action. I apologise to other delegates from other regions who were disturbed by this behaviour. I don't just mean occasional expressions of frustration, moans or groans against the other side "speakers". There was constant and sustained (not shouting) personally abusive and demeaning remarks against nearly every single such speaker by this group. They did not even attack the "politics" of the person. Instead they were about the persons size or weight, that they were personally all corrupt, liars, stupid, thick etc etc. I repeat this not someone losing their temper, it was continual abuse and I believe deliberate abuse to intimidate delegates from speaking against the call for strikes. This is not acceptable. The vast majority of London delegates nearby were I think ashamed by this group and hopefully this incident illustrates why we need change in London region. For ..... sake we are suppose to be trade unionists who are against bullying!

I'll finish on more positive topics such as a pic of Jon Rogers (Far Left: Lambeth) with his "head in his hands" after the result of the vote (nuff said") and then long standing Kingston Branch Secretary, Alex Yap (Middle) and then (Right as in "always" not in "wing") Tower Hamlets Assistant Branch Secretary (Manual) Rita Ash.

Pensions: Snatching Defeat From the Jaws of Victory?

Lions led by Donkeys?

UNISON is holding a special conference on Tuesday 6th March 2007 to decide whether to call for immediate strike action over changes to the Local Government pension scheme (LGPS). I think that if this call is passed it would be a huge mistake and damage the whole Union.

I think that we are in danger of "losing the plot" and we need to rationally consider, where we are and what are our options. People can make up their own minds about the merits or otherwise of the current "offer" (s). See the latest version of "The New LGPS and You" from UNISON.

Many (not all) of the motions due to be debated on Tuesday will be the usual "Revolution Now/leadership sell out/disaffiliate from Labour Party" stuff. However, there will be open minded delegates present who may feel that the deal on the table is not good enough and that strike action may result in a better deal.

This is not the view of our elected lay leadership. Please look at the UNISON Pension newsletter 55 and the emergency motion moved by our Local Government Service Group (elected UNISON lay members not officers).

By coincidence, my branch secretary, is also Chair of the Local Government Service Group. Now, we don't always see "eye to eye" on issues (blogs, most Political matters, me rowing with SWP/Respect members, me not keeping my desk in our unison office tidy, not keeping up to-date with my filing etc.).

However, it is a matter of record that in her capacity as the Chair of the Local Government Service group, she actually moved their emergency motion not to ballot for strike action. She is not and has never been a member of the Labour Party. It would appear that she agrees that "as a package the new LGPS scheme will improve things for UNISON members". So why on earth should we consider striking? I would imagine that everyone would agree that this deal is not the greatest deal ever. However, people reading this post will be experienced trade unionists, when you negotiate with employers, both sides have to compromise to some extent in order to reach an agreement.

Council workers are not the only members of the LGPS. I understand that the elected lay leadership of the Police civilian staff and Further Education have made it clear that they do not support a strike ballot. In a majority of UNISON regions, local government branches reported back in the consultation exercise, that their members would not back strike action.

The strike last year was a success because it was solid. Things would be very different now. The GMB (no great surprise) have voted 98% in favour of accepting the new scheme.

It is also clear that we may indeed have battles over the LGPS in future years. The latest offensive comments by the Tories pension spokesperson, Philip Hammond, reminds us that they are committed to review (dismantle) "all gold plated public sector schemes".

It looks like another dispute over pay is on the horizon. This issue could effect the whole union not just Local Government. What would the impact on our negotiations over pay if we hold a ballot for strike action which our members reject?

On a positive note. It is undeniable that we have forced real concessions out of the Government by the strike action, by our the lobbying, by winning the arguments. Ironically, I have no doubt that those who are calling for future strikes, will in future years, go on and on, about how it is possible to win by strike action and they will cite 28 March 2006.

In the meanwhile support our elected lay leadership on Tuesday.

or...?




(Please remember that I express my personal views on this blog)

UNISON Activists at "NHS Together" Rally

UNISON NHS activist and Hospital Worker, Conroy Lawrence, with UNISON London Deputy Convener, Gloria Hanson ,at the "NHS Together" Rally held today at the Friends Meeting Hall, Euston.

Conroy is a leading UNISON Health activist, who is standing as a candidate for our NEC (National Executive council). He is a top man and we should do all we can to get him elected.

Gloria is also the treasurer of Newham UNISON LG branch and branch Labour link delegate to West Ham CLP.

UNISON head of Health, Karen Jennings, addresses rally (note the panel member next to her "giving the finger" to SWP hecklers!)

"NHS Together" Day of Action

This is a picture of our UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, kicking off the "NHS Together" day of action at a lunch time protest in Kingston hospital (London Region) surrounded by all sections of hospitals including nurses, consultants, the hospital Chaplin, midwives, medical secretaries,physiotherapists ,OT staff and nursing students.

Dave Prentis pledged to ensure that UNISON would work with all NHS Unions and patient groups to defend the NHS, "We are determinded to win this battle" and urged all hospital staff to play their part"I want all our members and those in the NHS Together Alliance to take pride pride in the NHS and join the numerous NHS Together rallies and marches taking place cross Britain (today) 3rd March). In over 100 events.

Kelly Green, UNISON Nursing Student Representative, was one of 30 nursing students present. "We have been told by our University that there may be no jobs for us in the NHS when we qualify in 3 months time, and that we should look to the private sector, go abroad or even consider jobs "similar" to nursing. This is not why I or my nursing colleagues went into nursing, we know the NHS needs us and we want to play our part in rebuilding our NHS. However, after three years we are facing a very uncertain future, The Government needs to act, and act now"

UNISON Nursing students say "Let us work". Michael Walker UNISON Regional Officer
says "we are launching this national campaign in Kingston, because health care workers in Kingston are fully committed to defending our NHS, a health service we believe is still the best in the World"

Nora Pearce UNISON Branch Secretary states
"We are proud the Dave Prentis UNISON General Secretary has decided to come to Kingston to launch the campaign, our members are fully behind UNISON and the NHS Together campaign UNISON is also demanding jobs for nursing students on the point of qualifying from Kingston university, many of whom have no jobs.

Labour MP's "T Party" in Forest Gate Mosque

Lyn Brown, MP, for West Ham (and UNISON Member), local councillors and Forest Gate South Labour Party activists held a successful constituency development meeting (aka "Tea Party") with local residents this morning.

The meeting took place in the Islamic Girls School, Chaucer Road, to the rear of the Upton Lane Mosque, Forest Gate, E7. Local residents were invited to meet Lyn and local (Labour Party) Ward Councillors. The local Met Police "Safer Neighbourhood" team also attended. The theme was "anti-social behaviour". This is a real problem which was highlighted by the fact that part of Upton Lane that morning had been sealed off by Police due to a serious fight/shooting incident which had taken place last night.

I thought it presented a good opportunity for the local community to meet and discuss topical issues. Loads of people turned up, met their MP, their local Councillors as well as local Police. Newham Labour Party activists either popped in for a while (or stayed all morning) talking to local people about their local problems (and a few national issues!).

The school and mosque trustees were incredibly welcoming and hospitable. They provided delicious food and provided a guided tour of the school and the mosque. I must admit that (surprise, surprise - remember this is my personal blog)) I don't support "faith schools" (of any religion!) or private schools (they are applying for state funding). However, their key stage results are apparently the best in the borough and the school itself was bright, clean, well kept and obviously well looked after. Discuss.....

The next "T Party" will hopefully take place in Stratford (2012 Olympic city) on the 17 March.

Hazel Blears at London UNISON Labour Link Forum

Hazel Blears was the guest speaker at the Forum. Which is the annual meeting of London UNISON "Labour Link" branch delegates. It took place at the media room of the Labour Party headquarters in Victoria Street, SW1. Very "New Labour".

I thought her speech and the way she handled questions from the floor was very impressive. She came over as a "real" person, committed to her role and her politics. She was speaking to us as Party Chair, not as a leadership candidate. The question I wanted to ask (but at the last minute I "bottled it" for a technical one on TUPE) was her opinion over whether or not there should be gender balance in the forthcoming leadership elections!

Recently, I saw Peter Hain speak to the UNISON National health and safety committee and Hilary Benn at the London Labour Party conference. I thought they both performed well. I wondered though what sort of cosy chats Hilary and his Dad have over Iraq and Trident?

The meeting was jointly Chaired by Louise Couling (Local Government, also an UNISON NEC member) and Bill Beeko (Health). Jeremy Corbyn MP (former NUPE FTO) gave a Parliamentary report on behalf of London UNISON MP's (members). Keith Birch, the Head of Labour Link gave a competent report on National Labour Link priorities and unlike other reports of the forum I cannot recall him predicting that John McDonnell getting 80% of the UNISON Labour Link vote!!! (dream on)

There were 3 motions. I spoke against a motion about the Labour Leadership elections even though I agreed with much of its analysis. However, this motion suggested that MP's should nominate a "Left" Candidate even if they did not support him (or her). To be frank there is more than 45 "Left" MP's and if due to ego's and personality clashes they can't even agree amongst themselves on a candidate, then why should they expect support from opponents? It is clear that John McDonnell is disliked by many members of the campaign group and the abuse that his supporters have been piling on Meacher makes some sort of an "deal" unlikely. They should both step down in favour of some other more credible candidate (who will still lose). The motion was passed. Such is life.

Rachel Voller (also Health SGE) moved a sensible rule change request for biannual elections to London Labour Link committee which was agreed and the Tower Hamlets motion on the Living Wage Campaign was accepted unanimously (see below)

Motion on Living Wage Campaign

This Forum notes that Labour’s National Minimum Wage remains one of the most popular and highly-regarded achievements of our Government. Forum is proud that UNISON’s predecessor unions were at the forefront of the campaign to establish a national minimum wage at a time when it was not widely supported, even within the trade union movement.

Forum further notes that despite the National Minimum Wage and the success of many of Labour’s economic policies, too many people in Britain and particularly in London remain poor. With costs of living particularly high in the capital, it is estimated that some 400,000 people, despite being employed, live in poverty.

Research by the Family Budget Unit calculates that a two-parent household with two children, in which both parents work – one part-time – needs a disposable income of £7.74 an hour nationally to achieve a 'living wage' without recourse to benefits. The Greater London Authority's living wage unit says that a worker in London, taking full advantage of tax credits and benefits, would need to earn £7.05 an hour to avoid poverty.

Labour’s aspiration to eliminate poverty in our country will only be fulfilled by ending low pay. Forum therefore supports the campaign for a living wage in London and urges Labour to consider extending the remit of the Low Pay Commission to establish a genuine living wage.

"St David's Day Massacre" UNISON Centre Left win London Labour Link

UNISON members win again in London Region Labour Link Elections announced today, 1 March 2007. Following the success in last month's UNISON Regional Council AGM, the "centre left" have again pretty much "swept the board".

In an election of all Greater London branches ,UNISON activists and Labour Party members Irene Stacey, Rachel Voller, Louise Couling, Theresa Debono, Alan Griffiths, John Gough, Bill Beeko and Ian Horrigan, Sam Selon and I were elected to Labour Link Regional committee.

Theresa, Irene, Louise, Sam, John (Gough), Bill and Ian were also elected to National Labour Link Forum, while Louise and I were elected as delegates to Labour Party conference.

All of us I am sure, congratulate the other successful candidates (Helen Martin, who was elected onto Regional committee and Pam Woods, who will be a Forum delegate). We will look forward to working with them and commiserations to those who were not elected.

Our elections statement stated "We believe that UNISON’s Labour Link payers’ views are best represented by those who place UNISON members’ interests first – above those of extreme political parties and factions. As active members of both UNISON and the Labour Party we are committed to improving communication between Labour Link members and those elected to represent them, making sure the voice of UNISON members is heard loud and clear."

I am certain that we all intend to live up to our mandate.

Hapus Dydd Dewi Sant (hope it was a Happy St Davids Day for you as well!)