Guide to UNISON Conference 2007

This year’s annual NationalDelegate Conference (NDC) is in Brighton. It starts 10am on Tuesday, 19 June, and lasts until Friday afternoon. It is the union's ruling body and decides upon campaign priorities and policies.

To anyone who hasn’t been before I would recommend clicking onto the UNISON website and watch the short video of last year’s NDC at Bournemouth. The NDC is huge, you don’t realise how big an organisation UNISON is until you go to conference and see how widespread geographically the membership is. You’ll hear accents from all over the British Isles (and much further afield).

Last year over 1875 delegates registered (60% females which are pretty close to the 2/3 female to male make up of the membership). However, only 786 out of 1200 odd branches in UNISON registered.

Just to confuse matters, UNISON is also holding a number of other conferences. UNISON is divided into “service groups”. Each service group holds its own annual conference. As well as service group annual conferences it also holds conferences for Retired members, Black members, disabled members, LGBT members and women members. Some other trade unions will tease UNISON activists about the number of conferences we have. They have a point, but in such a diverse national trade union of 1.3 million members there has to be some way of involving members in the running of their union. I am more concerned with the problems that many branches have getting members to become delegates in the first place.

The conference is really an Annual General Meeting. An annual report is tabled, the union accounts are published, rule changes debated, senior officers of UNISON such as the General Secretary, Dave Prentis, makes an address (Tuesday afternoon), guest keynote speakers such as Ashok Sinha from “Stop Climate Chaos”, Baroness Amos on the Abolition of the Slave Trade and Alison Shepherd, President TUC. There will also be a briefing on Equal pay. The unions elected National Executive Council members sit en masse behind the platform. There are massive TV screens and union logos everywhere. There is a mysterious and mystifying organisation called, “Standing Orders Committee” which appears to have a lot of influence. Outside the conference there is an exhibition fair. What many activists are most interested in are the annual “bun fights” over union policies. Delegates will “debate” the pros and cons of particular motions and amendments. These debates can be confusing, silly, exciting, boring, fascinating, funny, sad and utterly bewildering to first time delegates. I will not even try to explain the “Snake” on Friday.

There are also “fringe” events (official and unofficial) held during lunchtimes and early evening. I’ll be going to the Health & Safety fringe on Wednesday lunchtime, the London Region fringe on “Gun Crime” Wednesday 6pm and the “Are we the New Capitalists?” fringe on Thursday 5.15pm Alpha East 1 (which I will be chairing – see motion 101 “Pensions Funds and Capital Stewardship – Towards the Citizen Economy” I’ll post something later on this motion.). Finally, there are the late evening functions, the best being the “Labour Link” and the London Region socials.

Remembering HMS Ardent – 25 years after victory in the Falklands

Off message: Yesterday I was listening to the “Today” programme when they interviewed Admiral Sir Alan West, former First Sea lord, over the 25th anniversary of the ending of the Falklands War. Sir Alan had been the commander of HMS Ardent which had been sunk by Argentine jets on 21 May 1982 killing 22 men out of 199 crew. The ship was supporting Royal Marines landing in San Carlos Water. He spoke movingly about how he felt at the time about surviving the attack when so many of his crew had died.

HMS Ardent was hit by 17 bombs in less than 22 minutes. Sir Alan was the last person to leave the ship before it sank.

In 1982 I was a student at Leeds University and had recently joined the Territorial Army. I volunteered for a residential course over Easter with 29 Commando Regiment (Royal Artillery). It was without doubt the hardest and most demanding thing I have ever done. We all arrived by train in the evening (about 25 students, male and female) and told to go for a meal at the mess and to start the course the next morning. Half way through the meal we were told to finish up and change into overalls and boots for a run. There then followed an hour’s run up and down Plymouth followed by us all jumping into the sea, fully clothed, from a local pier, then running back. The rest of the course was pretty much of the same. Lots of running with kit and rifles, timed assault courses, swimming with webbing through outdoor water tunnels, death slides, abseiling and finishing with an overnight exercise on Dartmoor.

For an afternoon off we had a visit to Plymouth Naval base to visit a local warship. We spend a pleasant afternoon on board. The crew were very friendly, enthusiastic and obviously proud of their ship. They showed us all around the ship, practiced emergency drills and what to do if equipment failed. Our chief guide was a very relaxed Aussie (?) who loved the navy. I remember thinking how small the ship was and how close its community must get on active service. The visit was a welcome respite with no one shouting at us or making us do horrible things. The ship was of course HMS Ardent. The next month it was sunk and over 10% of its crew was dead. I don’t know how many were injured. The average age on board was 23 years old. I was then 19.

The course ended with an exercise in Dartmoor in freezing cold conditions. We bivouac overnight before a dawn mock infantry attack. During the evening one of our senior 29 Commando instructors was holding forth about the terrible state of the youth of this country and how the whole country is "going to the dogs". I am sure that in every army (or navy or air force) and in every age there has ever been, senior non-commissioned officers have been saying this same sort of thing. He finished his diatribe by saying “what this country needs is a bloody good war!” A few weeks later he was shipped out with his battery to the Falklands'.

UNISON safety inspection Depot Crush Hazard

Sent off to management a TU safety inspection report this afternoon about the new Council depot in Sutton Street, E1. The depot was originally a dairy (early 20 century?) and was acquired by the former Greater London Council.

It has had a variety of different uses over the years. It was recently taken over by “squatters” for a significant period of time. The squatters have been evicted and the buildings have undergone a refurbishment. It is due to reopen next month (maybe).

The depot will be used by Council Parking control/enforcement officers, Transport (13 vehicles), Pest control, Animal wardens, trading standards, Housing estate emergency team, Environmental Health (noise lab). Estimated approximately 90 staff, 40 vehicles (including10-12 motorbikes). Some of the Transport vehicles are 6.5m long, 31 seat coaches.

UNISON, GMB and T&G safety reps took part in inspection. Big problem that we found was with the access in and out of the depot (see left photo). The only entry and exist point is under the arch. To be blunt, there is a foreseeable and significant risk of workers being crushed or hit by vehicles as they enter or leave the depot. Workers are expected to share the only access/exist point with motor vehicles.

The space under this archway is relatively tight and even if railing were put up for pedestrians this would not prevent a crush hazard. At one point the width is only 2.93m. It is a fundamental safety rule that traffic and pedestrians are kept separate whenever possible. We have identified a former doorway into the building to the north of the archway (photo below) which could be opened and a passageway made for workers walking in and out of the depot.

Other problems we brought up was the failure to consult with safety reps until after building contracts for the depot had been signed, site security, the muster room for Parking attendants being also a rest room for all staff, query about ventilation in radio battery charging room, no drying facilities for parking attendants wet clothes, a prayer room is suppose to double as a management meeting room, no first aid room, many parts of building has no ventilation, road congestion outside depot.

We have a further meeting with management on 28 June. The crush hazard is really obvious. What makes me really fed up with process is that if management had bothered to actually consult with trade unions (as they are legally obliged) then we could have brought up this hazard at the design stage. Not after most works have been completed. Makes you weep.

“Nasty Party” Tories fight for Poverty Wages

This story reminds us all why we must defeat the Tories in GLA elections 2008 and at the next General election. Mayor of London, Ken Livingston, is trying to get all workers in London paid a “living” wage. This is currently calculated at £7.20 gross per hour (net wage of £217.83 per week on 37.5 hours contract). This figure does not include any pensions, sickness pay or other benefits. This is not an excessive wage for anywhere in the UK, but could you imagine how difficult it is to bring up a family in inner London on just £217 per week?

Labour members of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) which runs London fire stations are trying to make sure that all their contract cleaners are paid a living wage. However the Conservative members on the LFEPA decided to oppose this measure. “Paying London Fire Station cleaners the London Living wage of £7.20 ... is just ridiculous” says Tory Brian “Edward Heath was Gay” Coleman who is also Deputy Chairman of the London Assembly.

Ken Livingston replied “This is the nasty wing of politics. It is scandalous that there was an attempt to block the payment of the London living wage to these cleaners”.How on earth can well paid Tories possibly object to paying someone £7.20 an hour? Last year Maurice Heaster (picture far right), who also voted to stop cleaners wages received £13,501.98 (£259 per week) alone in allowances from the LFEPA.

A final decision will be made by a full committee meeting of the LFEPA. London Citizens will be organising a lobby outside 21st June at 1:30pm, outside Hampton House, 20 Albert Embankment, SE1 7SD. Nearest tube: Vauxhall or Bus: 77 or 344. Map:

East London Labour Movement rally - Alan Johnson 4 Deputy Leader

Tonight in Brick Lane, East London there was a coming together of all sections of the London Labour movement for Alan Johnson to be elected Deputy Leader. Alan is pictured with some of the London UNISON Labour Link supporters (who helped sponsor the event). However, local MP Jim Fitzpatrick, other MP’s, London Councillors, Party members, supportive community leaders and affiliated trade unionists came to support Alan as the best candidate for Deputy Leader.

The superb Sonar Gaon Restaurant was taken over by over a 100 supporters for a series of speeches and an opportunity to meet Alan over a top curry. 3 different Asian TV stations were present. We even had a little demo by disRespect to welcome Alan.

There was a panel of speakers, Jim Fitzpatrick MP started with a ringing endorsement of Alan as someone who would help Gordon Brown rebuild the Party and secure victory in the next elections. Alan Jarman (another “AJ”) Greater London UNISON Regional Convenor , spoke about UNISON "Labour Link" support for Alan due to his trade union background and understanding of many issues such as public sector Pensions. However, despite that, UNISON did have differences with the government but at least Alan would listen and would act to support us if he thought we were right. It was good to hear him speak about LGBT issues.

Newham Cllr Winston Vaughan, is a long standing member of the CWU who had known Alan Johnson for many years, he described him as someone he could trust; Rushanara Ali, the prospective parliamentary candidate for Bethnal Green and Bow, spoke I felt eloquently about the importance of renewing the Labour Party locally and taking on Respect at the next general election. Shahid Malik MP gave a cracking speech, I lost count but it must have contained at least a 100 reasons to vote Labour, he drove home all that Labour had done for the Muslim community (and its mistakes) and exposed the racist underbelly of the Tories. Shahid also mentioned the “story” that Alan represents. Someone who was born in poverty and deprivation yet has risen to become a leading cabinet minister. He reminded us that Alan as a postman use to deliver letters to Dorneywood, which was the official residence of the deputy prime minister. Now he may get the keys. You can understand the appeal that this “story” has for the BME community and this is the reason for his widespread support.

Jim Knight MP gave a laid back but effective endorsement of Alan as someone whose moral character and personal strength would makes him an excellent deputy leader. The session was chaired by Mizanur Rahman Chaudhury. Good to see relatively young members in such a role and doing it well. This is good for the future of the Party.

Alan Johnson gave an exceptional speech. He appeared at ease and to enjoy himself. I felt he was pleased with the breadth of support, especially by the trade unions and felt at home. He compared himself to a stick of Blackpool Rock, he was a trade unionist to the core. He agreed with UNISON Regional Convenor Alan Jarman, that the Unions will not always see eye to eye with a Labour government however, the important issue is that if compare our differences within the Labour Movement (Labour Party, affiliated Socialist Societies and Trade unions) with that of the Tories then our differences are minor. Hilary Clinton used a similar argument on the democratic TV hustings in the States a little while ago. He attacked those of the extreme “left” who practice postures politics (I wonder who he could mean?).

Alan also pointed out that the single major difference between this Labour government and previous ones is that they have stayed in power for more than one full term. It takes time to change society and we have to keep winning. He finished by personally thanking and mentioning all of the panel. Alan was received enthusiastically and then went on to “work” the floor (which he is very good at) and spoke to every table.

Compass Conference – Workshops, Global Question time and Close

This report follows my first post “Navigating the Compass Conference”. After the morning keynote speeches there was a choice of 16 workshops. I decided on the “An Irresistible Force? Managing globalisation” by Unions 21. Just beforehand I sneaked into the debate on Trident and took this quick picture (left) of Labour blogger, Luke Akehurst, who was speaking in favour of Trident(on left with Jon Trickett standing).

Will Hutton, of the Work Foundation was guest speaker at the unions 21 workshop. A lot of international trade unions were represented. This is now the third trade union meeting on globalisation that I have attended in recent weeks. Things are starting to happen. Will made an interesting remark about the Chinese being concerned about goods “being made in china but not made by Chinese” referring to the level of foreign ownership of companies, China retains little “added value”. However, it’s the Asian saving culture and the huge amount of petrol dollars which have fuelled the Private Equity boom in the West. I asked my usual question on the role of workers capital. Which the panel broadly agreed should be important.

After lunch I went to the New Local Government Network workshop on Globalisation and local government. The panel of speakers (see top right photo: left to right) Stella Creasy (former mayor of Waltham Forest), Chair (rudely I have forgotten his name), Lyn Brown MP (West Ham), Cllr Steve Reed (Lambeth Council Leader) and Jane Roberts (former Leader of Camden). It seems that the new bill currently making its way on local government is finally going to decentralise decision making back to local authorities. This went down very well with the audience. Lyn, in her probably unique experience as a local government researcher, senior councillor and now PPS to the Minister for Local government felt that these were an opportunity for a Renaissance in Councils. In the meeting was another blogger, my favourite GMB Councillor from the London Borough of Waltham Forest, Miranda Grell (see pic below). In my response to my question to the panel on the role of unions in this Lyn suggested that we ought to have representation on local strategic partnership boards. While Stella quoted Ed Miliban (I think it was Ed not David) that Council workers should stop being “experts” and start being “navigators” for their communities. A very suitable thing to say at a compass conference!

Global question time in the great hall followed. Poor old Garth Thomas MP, under secretary of state for international development had a hard time from his fellow panellists (Martin Bright “New Statesman”, Shami Chakrabarti “Liberty”, Martin Sedden “Al jazeera” and Sukvinder Stubbs “Barrow Cadbury Group”). However, thought that he stood his ground well and gave as good as he got especially over the debate about a “British Day”. Heather Wakefield, from UNISON asked a question about how the panel would tackle the continued discrimination in public services regarding equal pay for women. This had Shami unusually, she admitted for a Liberty spokesperson, calling for greater regulations and legal enforcement.

Antonio Miranda a Brazilian campaigner spoke about the successful battle in Brazil against water privatisation.

Jon Tickett MP was the final speaker. Jon Cruddas was in Cardiff with the rest of the deputy leadership candidates. He was billed to give a video message, but it never happened for some reason. I thought that Jon T speech was quite negative and even a little grumpy. Nothing to write home about.

It is interesting that I don’t think any of main Compass speakers mentioned Tony Blair by name even once. Despite this I am not wholly convinced that Compass is really that different from “New Labour”. Compass is certainly associated with distinctive polices such as opposition to Iraq and Trident at which they are at odds with the Labour Government. However, on the basis of what I heard at this conference about Compass supporters “positions” on privatisation, economic policy, globalisation etc then I think there is in reality no fundamental schism. I think that Compass is a “traditional” Labour movement which has ditched Marxism and state socialism for civil liberties and equal opportunities.

UNISON NEC Election Results: London Victory for Centre Left, National Union Safe.

Congratulations to London lollypop lady, Louise Couling, who was re-elected, new blood Kim Silver, elected for the first time and elected unopposed, Irene Stacey. Well done all of them.

Louise and Kim beat both female candidates from the SWP controlled “United Left” faction. A resounding victory!!

Sadly, top health rep Conroy Lawrence was defeated by the narrowest of margins in the male seat (less than 650 votes) but this is a great result for a first time candidate!! Formal and very sincere congratulations to United Left Jon Rogers.

Overall, despite a few casualties and losing some good people, nationally we had victory across the board. Most importantly, the union is safe; the NEC is still in the hands of ordinary members who want the best for UNISON and who will pursue real trade union policies rather than calling for permanent revolution and other such nonsense.

Navigating the Compass conference

Sorry, I can’t resist a pun, however, I was in fact recommended to become a “navigator” by one of the workshop speakers, so perhaps it is actually quite apt. The 4th annual conference of “Compass” took place yesterday at Central Hall, Westminster. The web site claims “Compass is the democratic left pressure group, whose goal is to debate and develop the ideas for a more equal and democratic world, then campaign and organise to help ensure they become reality”.

The journey to Westminster was a bit confusing. The district and circle lines where closed due to engineer works (which caused the conference to start very late). A practice of the “Trooping of the Colour” was also taking place close by at Horseguards. The conference went on all day. I will break this up into 2 posts, morning speeches and them post something later on work shops and closing session.

Neal Lawson, chair of Compass, was the first keynote speaker. I think he was trying to attack the current labour government while at the same time saying he was giving Brown the benefit of the doubt. He was “optimistic” over Brown and wanted to move beyond the “politics of betrayal”. However, the left must offer Brown support when he gets things “right” and constructive but friendly criticism when he gets things wrong. I bet Brown can’t wait for the constructive stuff. He ended by reminding people that it was Margaret Thatcher (of all people) who said “socialism is never defeated”.

Dave Prentis, the general secretary of UNISON (who had sponsored the conference) spoke next and gave a well received speech. He spoke about a new political landscape that is taking place “another world is possible”. A “new course for our country”. “Gordon says he is listening, our job is to make sure he is”.

Then Deputy Leader of the TUC Frances O’Grady, who was introduced by the great “hope” of the trade union movement! More good stuff on managing globalisation (see previous posts).

An extra speaker was Mustafa Barghouti, Palestine information minister (a former Presidential candidate and not Hamas – seen as a “moderate”) who gave a tub thumping speech on Palestine. While it went down well with the audience, I don’t think simply blaming Israel for all the ills in the region is going to change things. In fact I think that such rhetoric lets Israel off the hock, since most people would accept that in this complex conflict there is more than one party to blame (including the British) and will dismiss his views as mere propaganda. Which just plays into Israeli’s hands and enable them to successfully paint all their opponents as extremists and terrorists who they can’t do business with? I think that Mustafa knows this.

Final speaker was Ken Livingston. Another Bravo performance. Part “cheeky chappie” part Left intellectual and free thinker. He admitted that in the past the Left has been wrong about how to respond to globalisation. Giving subsidies to London manufacturing industries had completely failed to do anything to protect them. Instead he has now gone on the offensive for social progress by acting globally. London was part of an international consortium made up of the 40 biggest cities in the world. Which had combined to use their purchasing power to arrange multi-billion loans to retro fit for energy efficient, purposes every public building in London? Nothing to do with central government. Ken said “this is globalisation” not just leaders going to international conferences held in nice hotels. He finished by talking about local income taxes which if he could set at 2% in London would solve practically all its social problems. He recognised that you need to set taxes at a point which is a bit painful but not so painful that they (City financial services) would “bugger off”.

Picture of Tower Hamlets Labour Party activists Cllr Anwara Ali (and local GP), Cllr Bill Turner (UNISON member) and Law centre worker Amina Ali (who has been short listed as a PPC in Bristol)

I'll post the report on the workshops and closing sessions later

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.

TUC Pensions Champions launch

Last night I went to the launch of the TUC online network of “Pension Champions” at Congress House. The aim is to train and support volunteers to deliver advice and information on pensions to their workplace colleagues. They will be supported by a new website and on-line “pension doctor”. This will help build up someone’s pensions profile and assit them to decide what they need to do to increase their pensions. This is potentially exciting stuff and even “cutting edge” (in trade union terms). Minister of State for Pensions, James Parnell, (Alan Johnson Supporter!) and Natascha Engel MP (not yet a supporter of Alan but gave an excellent speech) congratulated the TUC on this initiative.

On the way in I had a chat with trade union demonstrators handing out leaflets on behalf of members of failed pensions schemes. Due to their campaigning pressure they now have got up to 80% of their pensions restored, but of course, they want what they were promised. James said that he was trying to see what could be done. I think one of the TUC aims is to get members involved and aware of their schemes to prevent future mismanagement. The real villains of course are the Tories for failing to properly regulate and protect people from rogue companies. Lets not also forget the financial consultants who creamed off massive fees from robber pension funds for decades in return for supporting their under funding and reckless investment policies.

UNISON is pursuing a complimentary programme through its Capital Stewardship forum. However, since we have funded pension schemes (such as the local government pension scheme) the forum is more concerned with ownership and governance issues (see The New Capitalists).

I appreciate that some may people may be surprised that the Pension Champion training is currently open to non trade union members. However, we have got to think out of the box. Pensions are a potential recruitment and organising opportunity. Especially with the introduction of Personal Pension Accounts. Which will be compulsory on all companies including small businesses (with the inevitable individual “opt out”)? Remember my report on the SERTUC conference on Saturday which reported that only 35% of British workers were subject to collective agreements? Think about it.

(Picture Left of UNISON “Pension Champion” Michael Gribben from London Ambulance Service, who was allowed to “stand down” for an hour to attend this launch, with James and Glyn Jenkins, UNISON National Pensions officer; Natascha Engel and Brendan Barber at back)