Cake - The banker, the tabloid reader & an immigrant

This is so, so true. There are a number of versions of this anecdote and this is one of best I have seen.

Hat tip Cleveland Watkiss via Facebook "The System In A Nut-shell.#2014".

Tom Petty - I Won't Back Down

Today I was driving solo back to London from a difficult but I think constructive hearing in Cambridge and I heard this record for the first time in years on "Absolute Radio 1980s". Turn volume up to maximum and sing-a-long time. This is a fantastic song for all trade unionists.  Check out this soulful and very different Johnny Cash YouTube video rendition.

update: and Eddie Vedder version and Sam Elliot

UNION BUSTING BY UK PUBLIC SERVICES PROVIDERS

The motion below on Union Busting has been sent to by UNISON Housing Association branch to next year's Greater London Regional Council AGM in February 2015. If it is passed it will also be considered as a regional motion for the National Delegate Conference (NDC) in June.

A similar motion will be debated at the National UNISON Community AGM in March 2015.

Labour Party branches will also be asked to consider a motion for the Party Conference and to make a submission to the next National Policy forum.

Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidates and Shadow Cabinet members will be sent this motion and background details asking for support.

I hope in particular that the Board of Catalyst Housing Associations are made fully aware of the legal, human rights, reputational and other risks of allowing Union Busting to take place. 

UNION BUSTING BY UK PUBLIC SERVICES PROVIDERS

This Regional Council notes:-

That a number of Housing associations, Charities and private employers who provide public services are openly hostile to trade unions, carry out American style anti union practices and refuse to recognise trade unions.

The right of free assembly and collective bargaining is a fundamental human right enshrined in international law. Any failure by any employer to honour these rights with regard to trade unions means they do not respect human rights.

We note that “not for profit” or “third sector” employers are normally registered charities and should share a social ethos with regard to good governance and respecting human rights.

Public Service Providers who do not treat their staff with respect or dignity will not treat their clients or residents with respect either.

Replacing free and democratic trade unions with internal “staff associations” is historically a central plank of the philosophy called “Corporatism” which has direct links with far right political groups in the UK and abroad.

All public service employers are dependent on public procurement and funding, direct or indirect.  While at the same time many pay their senior managers huge amounts of money.

Many supporters of national charities would be horrified to find out that these charities refuse to recognise or engage with independent trade unions.

There is a huge reputational and financial risk to employers who engage in such anti-trade union busting.

This Regional council calls on Regional Council Officers to:-

Actively support and help campaign against union busting by Public Service providers.

Draw up a campaign plan on how to organise in Public Service Providers that we do not currently have trade union recognition.

Call upon National Labour Link to examine whether local Councils and a future Labour Government should debar any Public Service Provider that does not recognise trade unions from access to public funding or procurement.

Call upon the Government to hold an independent public enquiry into the governance and democratic deficit of employers who provide public services.

(This motion to be considered for NDC and if successful the wording to be changed according)

Class Action and stopping the endless drip, drip of corporate fraud

A very good article by lawyer Katherine Dandy  on Class Actions in Pension Insight. I have added this comment to the on-line site.

"You make a lot of sense Katherine. There is also a wider governance point that trustees should consider.

It is not only a duty for them to recover such losses if possible but also as owners we have a responsibly to "punish" directors and companies who undertake fraud or such negligent behaviour in order to improve overall corporate governance standards.

Most class action claims are also settled by insurers so it should not necessarily damage a company you still have shares in.  More class actions will also increase pressure on insurance companies to insist on better governance standards to reduce their risk.

Directors who behave in such ways should be held personally liable. Next to more effective criminal regulatory powers this is the best way to stop the seemingly never ending drip, drip of corporate fraud and negligence cases.

(it seems that Pension Insight  haven't published my comment? So I have just tried again).

Newsletters and Christmas Cards for Ilford North

This afternoon West Hammers went to Ilford North to help deliver a Labour newsletter and Christmas cards from local candidate Wes Streeting. 

In the newsletter there is a picture of Wes from 2010 when he was President of the National Union of Students with the current Tory MP for Ilford North, Lee Scott. It showed Lee has pledged to vote against any increase in tuition fees for students in the next Parliament.

Yet when he was re-elected Lee refused to vote against it and just didn't turn up for the debate. As a result students are now paying £9,000 per year.

By coincidence Wes is now standing against Lee Scott. Wes says "If MPs like Lee Scott kept their promises, students wouldn't be saddled with record levels of debt. This is one of the reasons why people don't trust politicians anymore". 

The weather was dry, sunny but cold. We were kept warm walking up and delivering to both sides of  Tomswood Hill and side streets.

West Ham CLP has been twinned with Ilford North for the General Election. UNISON London Labour Link has also been tasked with helping the local party.

To get rid of Cameron and form a Labour government we have to win our marginal seats.

the poorest pay 47% of their income in tax (the richest pay 34%)

Check out post at TUC Touchstone: "Saving Our Safety Net Fact of the Week: the poorest pay 47% of their income in tax (the richest pay 34%).

Why should the poorest pay the most and don't let the Daily Mail continue to confuse income tax with all taxes and National insurance.

Note: taxes as a proportion of gross incomes

UNISON LGPS Seminar 2014 - Time to govern YOUR money!

This was my welcome speech to the 120 UNISON representatives who attended our National Local Government Pension Scheme seminar.

I chaired the meeting but stole most of this intro from the speech that our President, Lucia McKeever, was due to deliver. Lucia was unwell today and could not attend. I will post further on what turned out to be an excellent seminar.

"Good morning everyone

And welcome to UNISON centre – my name is John Gray and I will be chairing this seminar today. I am a member nominated representative on the Local Government Pension scheme and a UNISON NEC employer trustee on our staff pension scheme.

I know some of you have travelled a long way today

We appreciate your commitment – wherever you have come from and whatever branch or service group you represent

There is a lot to get through today – so I will be brief

One of the outstanding achievements of the trade union movement are the negotiation and creation of pension schemes and pension funds.....to live a decent life after retirement is what we all deserve

As a long standing LGPS rep I understand our own scheme and as a trustee of the UNISON staff pension fund I have a good grounding and understanding of the importance of good governance, good investment returns and effective management of the assets we hold in trust for our employees

I believe the role of a pension board member is challenging and exciting – it is one of the most important jobs a trade unionist can take up – looking after the savings of others

It is natural ground for us – to be inquisitive, to question, to probe and find out – to ensure the members get the deal they expect and hopefully more

Today this seminar is about preparing you for the role of LGPS board members – to take you through the key issues your officers and NEC members have been negotiating on your behalf

It has been a long journey to gain the right for you to sit on the LGPS board decision making process – back in 2003 local government conference motion requested the union campaign for your rights to govern your money – I am proud to say we are nearly there

We have had to strike and negotiate to win this opportunity – let’s not throw it away

By April 2015 every LGPS fund in the UK must have a board – with equal numbers of scheme member and scheme employer reps

We have put in place the resources to help you achieve that – every region has a project plan that is co-ordinated at the centre – we have training and in the New Year we will launch web based resources for you all

The key message I bring to you today is this – it cannot happen unless you and your branch and your region are prepared – after today we need to step up our efforts to ensure that every board has UNISON representatives – to ensure that scheme members are for the first time – represented at the table.....

This is an historic opportunity – there is £200 billion worth of assets to oversee – there are millions of scheme members and pensioners that need your skills and judgement to represent them....

I can do it - You can do it – we can do it together.....

Make sure you ask questions and participate – this day is for you...enjoy it"

A cooperative approach to public services

Hat tip Co-operative Councillors newsletter. "This short animation outlines a vision for a new approach to engaging with communities and delivering services to meet their needs and aspirations. It calls attention to the limitations of top-down, Whitehall-driven public services and highlights the value of a co-operative council model which is able to draw on local networks, resources and intelligence".

International Human Rights Day

"The UN General Assembly proclaimed 10 December as Human Rights Day in 1950, to bring to the attention ‘of the peoples of the world’ the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.

This year’s slogan, Human Rights 365, encompasses the idea that every day is Human Rights Day.

It celebrates the fundamental proposition in the Universal Declaration that each one of us, everywhere, at all times is entitled to the full range of human rights, that human rights belong equally to each of us and bind us together as a global community with the same ideals and values".

The Ten Principles

The UN Global Compact's ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption enjoy universal consensus and are derived from:

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• The International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
• The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
• The United Nations Convention Against Corruption

The UN Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of core values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption:

Human Rights

• Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and
• Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.  

Labour

• Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
• Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
• Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and
• Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. 
   

Environment

• Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;
• Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
• Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.   

Anti-Corruption

• Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

Cllr Seyi Akiwowo speech on diversity & heritage to Newham Council

Thank you Chair and good evening to my fellow Councillors and the Mayor.

To be elected to this Council as a Labour representative and stand here speaking in this chamber is a great honour. To be elected as the first young black woman by the residents of Forest Gate North, the ward where I grew up is also a very personal honour.

For my Maiden speech I would like to draw members’ attention to the recent anniversary which spanned across a month with celebrations and educational activities galvanising many members from different communities including those from Newham. I’d like to also remind members of the importance of celebrating our diversity and shared heritage in Newham.

October 2014 marked the 27th UK Black History Month - a significant milestone in the progress towards achieving racial equality in this country.

Seizing the opportunity to discuss Black and world history and honouring the too-often neglected accomplishments of black communities is what inspired me as a young Black female growing up in Newham.

It is this that has helped me forge my own strong British Nigerian identity - and has provided the grounding, knowledge and confidence to stand here this evening talking to you all.

Living in Newham means we have luxury of not having to travel the whole world to learn different communities’ heritage we do this every single day. Whether this is taking part in an Iftar, celebrating the birth of Jesus at a local church, enjoying a delicious Jerk Chicken and rice and peas meal at Stratford Theatre Royal, shopping in Green Street, or visiting the beautiful Hindu temples in East Ham.

Newham has the highest proportion of Black and Minority Ethnic residents of all the London Boroughs from ALL parts of the globe. What an opportunity and advantage this gives Newham in this 21st century!

And there are so many talented, pioneering black people living or who have lived in Newham that have gone on to achieve fantastic things including black actors Idris Elba from Canning Town and Chiwetel Ejiorfor from my Community Neighbourhood Forest Gate. Black British Athlete Christine Ohuruogu MBE, Black Rapper Kano and Mr Benjamin Zephaniah one of my favourite English writers.  I remember reading Refugee boy in my English class at Sarah Bonnell and couldn't believe he was living in Newham!

The thing that makes me really proud of Newham is its offer to all people to learn from the rich tapestry that is our diverse community Newham Heritage week. I think is fantastic and believe it is important for residents to have opportunity to not only learn about their history but about the history of other communities as well.

Moving forward I strongly believe it is important to build on Newham Hertiage week. My ambition is to ensure that IN Newham, BHM and Newham Heritage Week becomes an explicit, whole community focal point, especially at a time when the deceitful UKIP's rhetoric on immigration is becoming so divisive.

I feel it is even more important for us as local politicians to promote and maintain community relations through discussions on diversity and culture and their significant contributions to
our shared Newham heritage, our future and our society in many many enriching ways.

It is apt that the Borough's Coat of Arms proclaims "Progress with the People" - and for me this underpins our Community Resilience agenda, as it recognises that our strength comes from those around us and the community we belong to.

By understanding each other’s heritage we break down barriers and help combat isolation and marginalisation thus promoting a sense of shared identity and place.

And I would therefore like the Council to join me in committing ourselves over the next four years to continue to instill this dimension of Community resilience in all our community neighbourhoods.

To encourage our libraries, key stakeholders, schools and each other to celebrate and be proud of all of Newham's diverse heritage not just in specific months but throughout the entire year".