UNISON Industrial Action Working Group

This afternoon I chaired a meeting of a UNISON working group on industrial action at our headquarters in Euston, London (with an NEC member from the West Midlands video conference into the meeting).

While taking industrial action (strikes, overtimes bans, working to rule etc) is nearly always a last resort, we need to ensure that when we do take action and our members can lose money by being on strike, that we have an impact and that we can win the dispute for members.

I have very limited patience for those who advocate "glorious defeats" for our members. I recognise that we do need to take risks in disputes and I have been on a number of "risky" strikes, some very successful, some ill conceived disasters. 

In light that most of our members being very low paid (but no-one wants to lose money unnecessary) and Tory Government anti trade union legislation, we need to box clever and make sure when we have a fight with employers or the government, we not only have an effective union machine to support members and win, we also have the support of our members that this is a issue that is important to them and a plan to win.

There were a number of really positive ideas and proposals to come out of this working group. Watch this space. 

Spreading the word in Newham - our Word Festival 25 Feb to 11 March 2019

On Monday evening I went to the launch of the "Newham Word Festival" with the Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz and my fellow Deputy Mayor Charlene McLean. It was a lovely launch and great to meet lots of Newham residents who are so passionate about literature, art and culture. 

Check out the programme here

25 FEBRUARY - 11 MARCH 2019

"Poetry, film, storytelling, authors discussing their books, visual arts, debates, performances and lots more. Featuring artists from near and far, local and international, at the peak of their careers or just starting out, Newham Word Festival takes place across the whole borough".

VOTE John Gray & Denise Thomas for UNISON Community NEC seats

Many thanks for all the branches that have supported us. If all goes well and we are accepted as candidates voting will start on 15 April (ballot papers sent to home addresses of members). 

Newham Against the Arms Fair 2019

This picture collage is from the protest last Saturday 16 Feb at the Excel Centre against plans to hold the biannual DSEI (Defence & Security Equipment International) Arms fair in September.

The Newham Executive Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz and local MP, Lyn Brown turned up to support protestors as did many local Councillors.

It was a largely a friendly musical protest apart from some "disagreements" with Excel security about handing out leaflets and where to stand.

I love the picture (lower middle) where we are singing protest songs but Joshua, the young son of Newham Councillors, Carleene & Daniel Lee-Phakoe,  is pictured sticking his fingers in his ears at our noise, therefore making his own protest. 

Labour Housing Campaign Day in Custom House with Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz & Lyn Brown MP

Picture Collage from last week's campaign day in Custom House talking to residents about bread and butter housing issues as well as regeneration and crime.

UNISON Housing Associations Branch AGM 2019: Sarah Jones MP Keynote speaker

I am really pleased that Sarah has agreed to be our Keynote speaker at our branch AGM on March 12 at Portcullis House. She is a local London MP and a Shadow Housing minister.

Before the meeting we will have a tour for members and their guests of the Great Hall and the House of Commons (many thanks to my Newham colleague, Julianne Marriott who has "volunteered" to lead on this tour - she is a qualified blue badge tourist guide)  and after the meeting a branch meal and social at a nearby restaurant.  

London Mayor Sadiq Khan & Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz visit Londoners living in new Council Homes

Picture collage from yesterday's visit in East Ham with London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, to new Council owned homes. The large number of TV and other media present showed how housing is now becoming a number one political issue.

The families who proudly showed us around their new homes were absolutely brilliant ambassadors for council housing.

Thanks to London Mayor, Sadiq Khan's £107 Million investment, our Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, will now be able to build at least 1000 similar council homes at a social rent.

Not only will this mean that at least a 1000 Newham families will in the future have access to decent, secure and truly affordable homes, the lovely family we visited with the disabled adult daughter will also benefit when we pay care workers a London Living wage and sign the UNISON Ethical Care charter.

Carers will not only receive sick pay, training and up to a £100 per week pay rise but this will result in less "turnover" of carers. Which is a major issue.

As part of our Newham Mayoral anti poverty programme, the 50% reduction in Council tax for the 19,000 poorest households in Newham, will be transformational for our most vulnerable residents. 

West Ham Ward Doorstep: 11am Saturday 23 February

Meet up with West Ham crew 11am Saturday 23 February 2019 outside ATL cafe 125 Plaistow Road, E13 3ET

Newham Fabians "Delivering Municipal Socialism" by Cllr Clare Coghill, Leader, LBWF Council

This should be interesting. I have a clash with LBN cabinet but will hope to come to this event afterwards. 

Labour's Community Wealth Building Unit - new website

This is what we want to do in Newham!

"With Tory austerity blighting our communities and forcing councils to cut and privatise many local services, there is an urgent need for Labour councils to come together to develop and share ways to bring services back in house, stimulate local economies to provide decent jobs,  and strengthen local democracy.

There are many creative solutions being used already, and we have set up the Community Wealth Building Unit to spread this inspiring work through online resources, regular workshops and training sessions for Labour councillors, and bespoke advice and practical support.

The Unit brings together councillors, unions, think tanks, and independent experts with experience of delivering frontline change and adopting creative methods to secure and provide vital services and stimulate sustainable economic development for communities in the face of austerity.

https://www.communitywealthbuilding.org.uk/"