Union Futures

Tory union-basher shows his true colours

2011-12-11T11:07:00.002Z

The Tories latest attack on trade unions seems to have blown up in their face this morning with the news that previously unheard of right-wing MP Aidan Burley, Chair of the recently launched (and poorly named) Trade Union Reform Campaign (TURC) has been socialising in France with nazi-saluting louts one of them dressed in an SS uniform (!)

Burley has been desperately trying to promote his new (mysteriously funded) pressure group with attacks upon trade union facility time, winning praise from the Prime Minister who says trade union time off in the public sector is immoral. Whereas paying the bill for diners in Nazi costumes is beyond reproach?

Our PM may know what it is to be isolated and embarrassed in France, but surely he should now withdraw his endorsement of TURC while it is still associated with Burley? And will the (unnamed) Cabinet member due to speak at TURC's launch event in the Jubilee Room at the House of Commons at 7pm on Tuesday 24 January still turn up if Burley is in the Chair? (Perhaps some trade unionists should turn up to find out...)

Hat tip labour_dave on Twitter (who has been tweeting a bit this morning about his constituency MP!).

More debate about where we go next on pensions

2011-12-04T21:28:00.001Z

Following on from the last post, this is the policy agreed unanimously on Friday by the NEC of UCU;

NEC

Notes:
1) 29 unions representing over 3 million public sector workers took strike action on the November 30.
2) The government threat to impose the changes in January and to introduce more trade union laws if the unions don't agree to their demands.
3) That the NUT and PCS executives votes to consider escalating strike action as soon as possible in the new year, including further national coordinated strike action.

Believes:
1) That the government are attempting to divide the unions. They are trying to intimidate and bully the unions into accepting their paltry revised offers.
2) That, although the government's attempt at an offer is totally unacceptable, it shows that the joint union campaign is having an effect.
3) That the 30th November coordinated strike has transformed the climate of resistance over the fight over pensions.
4) The government is isolated, nasty but weak.
5) That escalating the action quickly and significantly is the key to winning.

Resolves
1) To propose at the next joint education group meeting that, should no acceptable outcome be achieved in negotiations, the next day of nationally coordinated action to be called as early as possible in the spring term. This day of action to be immediately followed by coordinated regional action. This action to be rolled out across the country creating a Mexican wave effect acting as a bridge to the next day of nationally coordinated strike action. This action to end with a 48 hour nationally coordinated strike.
2) To put this proposal to the TUC public sector coordinating group.

This is a positive contribution to the debate about "where next?" after N30, although I'm not convinced that Regional action would seem like a "Mexican wave" of escalation as it could highlight areas of relative weakness.

Another option being promoted by Paul Kenny is to fundraise from the wider membership to support selective action (http://www.socialistunity.com/?p=8715). This is always a popular option as it suggests someone else can win a battle on our behalf - but recent experience suggests it is unlikely to be effective. Do we really have the capacity to organise raising millions of pounds a week from the wider membership to fund selective action, even if we can find groups of workers who have that much clout? The Southampton dispute doesn't suggest that this approach alone could lead to an early victory even if we could fund it.

UNISON is considering another option with a possible ballot for "action short of strike" in the Ambulance Service (http://unisonactive.blogspot.com/2011/12/after-n30-what-next-for-pensions.html). Maybe ambulance workers can have an impact with a "work to rule" but with unpaid overtime and imposed "flexibility" widespread in public services, this isn't a tactic which can do much elsewhere, particularly not in areas of lower union density. The recent experience of Barnet UNISON illustrates the limits of this tactic.

We need to find tactics which we think can be effective and which our members can be persuaded to support. This debate is urgent and necessary and every trade union member should be involved.
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Judges rule against us - what shall we do next?

2011-12-02T15:05:00.001Z

Bad news from the High Court that the judges have supported the Government's sneaky move to link future pension rises to the (lower rising) Consumer Price Index (CPI) rather than the Retail Price Index (RPI) (which is a better guide to the changing cost of living).

However, it is good to see that the unions will be appealing this judgement, which is also a reminder that the pensions dispute carries on beyond Wednesday's strike – Gregor Gall is asking all the right questions about what we do next, and UNISON members (and other trade unionists) need urgently to have this debate.

The Government are indicating that the "deadline" of 31 December no longer applies, and are hinting that they might make offers to at least some groups of public service workers. This shows that they are rattled and makes it all the more important that the trade unions stand firm.

It won't be easy to persuade our members to take further action, but that is what we have to try to do.

All out Havering N30 pictures

2011-12-01T10:48:00.001Z

couple of pics - i have some more to upload later :0)

Regards
Marsha-Jane

Labour MPs and councillors back 30 November strike and say ‘we won’t cross picket lines’

2011-11-29T06:38:00.001Z

On 30 November thousands of ordinary Labour members will be backing public sector workers in their dispute with the government. In Scotland all Labour MSPs have pledged their support and will not cross picket lines at Holyrood. Likewise Labour AMs in Wales will not cross picket lines at Cardiff Bay.

Today, dozens of Labour MPs and councillors from across the UK have pledged their support for the strikes in a letter to the Guardian (full text below). The group says, "We stand in full solidarity with workers on 30 November - and encourage our fellow Labour politicians to do so too" – in sharp contrast to the equivocation from the Labour leadership. The MPs and councillors are also following the lead of Labour politicians and Wales and Scotland by refusing to cross picket lines at Westminster or town halls.

John McDonnell MP, LRC Chair, said:

"We expect Labour MPs and councillors to stand in solidarity with trade union members striking on Wednesday.

"The public and Labour Party members especially are behind these strikes and expect Labour politicians to back our fellow trade unionists. There can be no ifs or buts on this one."

Charlynne Pullen, Islington Labour councillor, said:

"On 30 November I will be standing side by side with council officers as they take strike action against a government that is proposing to slash their pensions and is refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations."

Greg Marshall, Broxtowe Labour councillor and co-ordinator of LRC Councillors' Network, said:

"I give full unconditional support for those taking strike action. This government is attacking the terms and conditions of ordinary workers who deliver our public services, in order to finance the reckless behaviour of the bankers. People understand that these attacks are not fair. I oppose all cuts to jobs and services and will stand alongside those in order to defend them.

"The Labour Party still remains the party best placed to represent the interests of the working class - we were of course founded to give ordinary people a political voice. We should be firmly standing in solidarity with those taking action against the Tory led attacks on pensions."

Full text of the letter:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/28/labour-solidarity-and-pensions-strike

Labour MSPs in Scotland and Labour AMs in Wales will refuse to cross picket lines on 30 November in solidarity with millions of public sector workers.

As Labour MPs and councillors we will not cross picket lines at Westminster or town halls. Instead we will be joining picket lines to do what Labour politicians should do: be on the side of labour.

The Government's attack on public sector pensions is totally unjustified and unsupported by any economic or actuarial case. It is a crude attack on public sector workers who are already suffering a pay freeze while many face the threat of losing their jobs. This is part of a wider attack by this government on public services and the welfare state, which Labour must resist.

We stand in full solidarity with workers on 30 November - and encourage our fellow Labour politicians to do so too.

John McDonnell MP, LRC Chair
Ronnie Campbell MP, Blyth Valley
Martin Caton MP, Gower
Jeremy Corbyn MP, Islington North
Paul Flynn MP, Newport West
Michael Meacher MP, Oldham West & Royton
Linda Riordan MP, Halifax
Cllr Kingsley Abrams, Lambeth
Cllr Lynne Allen, Hillingdon
Cllr Tony Belton, Wandsworth
Cllr Matthew Brown, Preston
Cllr Barry Buitekant, Hackney
Cllr Van Coulter, Oxford
Cllr Jim Grundy, Ashfield
Cllr Clive Grunshaw, Wyre / Lancashire
Cllr Kevin Hind, Bury St Edmunds
Cllr Mike Jones, Maghull
Cllr Jay Kramer, Hastings
Cllr Geoff Lumley, Isle of Wight
Cllr Greg Marshall, Broxtowe
Cllr John McGhee, East Ayrshire
Cllr Ian Morrison, Ashfield
Cllr Kier Morrison, Ashfield
Cllr Lachlan Morrison, Ashfield
Cllr Tom Neilson, North West Leicestershire
Cllr Mick O'Sullivan, Islington
Cllr Andrea Oates, Broxtowe
Cllr Charlynne Pullen, Islington
Cllr Mike Rowley, Oxford
Cllr Jenny Smith, Bristol
Cllr John Tanner, Oxford
Cllr Sam Tarry, Barking & Dagenham
Cllr Kieran Thorpe, Welwyn Hatfield
Cllr Claire Traynor, Maghull
Cllr Patrick Vernon, Hackney
Cllr Andy Walker, Redbridge
Cllr Dave Young, Calderdale

-Ends-

Notes:

The Labour Representation Committee (LRC) is a socialist grouping within the Labour movement, with over 1100 members and around 100 affiliated organisations, including six national trade unions.

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November 30th here we come - striking figures from unions

2011-11-28T18:11:00.001Z

Been too busy to blog organising the biggest strike action since 1926 :D

It is looking good in Havering where jointly with the other unions we will have over 20 picket lines. :D and then sending 2 coaches up to the march and rally.

Thanks to Geoff Dexter on fb for the below.

N30 here we come - the numbers from each of 29 unions striking in order of size.

Unison local government and health—1.1 million
PCS civil service workers—290,000
NASUWT teachers—227,500
GMB local government—225,000
... NUT teachers—219,100
Unite local government and health—137,000
UCU lecturers—nearly 100,000
ATL teachers—96,500
EI S Scottish teachers—over 54,000
Nipsa Northern Ireland public sector—43,000
Prospect specialist civil services—32,000
National Association of Head Teachers—24,400
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists—over 22,300
Society of Radiographers—17,500
Ucatt construction workers—15,200
FDA senior civil servants—12,000
Napo probation workers—over 8,000
Into Northern Irish teachers—6,400
Immigration Service Union (non-TUC affiliated)—4,500
Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists—over 3,500
UCAC Welsh teachers—3,200
POA secure hospital staff—around 3,000
Association of Educational Psychologists—over 2,700
AHDS Scottish headteachers—over 1,300
RMT members employed at the Royal Fleet Auxillary,
Tyne & Wear Metro and Orkney Ferries—1,300
Aspect school inspectors—estimated 1,000
Siptu Northern Ireland public sector—around 700
CWU TV Licensing workers—over 500
TSSA Northern Ireland transport workers—300
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TUC recording to support nov30 strike

2011-11-15T20:00:00.001Z

Hi all,
please support this release to support the strike on november 30th - see information below.

It's a fantastic idea that we can try and get in the charts for Nov 30.

And the fantastic Robb Johnson was part of it so it must be good!! (Ps you can see the latest Robb song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h30xX9c-uSo )

Marshajane

The TUC has brought together a group of public sector staff as The Workers to re-record the classic song Let's Work Together as a charity track that celebrates everything that is good about the public sector and raises money for today's pensioners.

The song will be launched on Monday 21 November to chart on Sunday 27 November – the week of the TUC Day of Action.

The Workers are 14-strong and include a firefighter, probation officers, a teacher, civil servant, social worker, student support officer and health service staff including a nurse, midwives, a physiotherapist and a clinical engineer.

The aim of the song is to get people talking about the importance of the public sector and its staff in a week when the government wants to focus on union bashing.

The single will also raise money for charity. A major part of the sale price, equivalent to about 40p out of the 99p cost in most outlets, will be donated by the TUC to Age UK to show support for today's pensioners.

Let's Work Together will be available to download from 2pm on Sunday 20 November on itunes, amazon and other major online retail outlets. Further information about the band and how to buy the single is available at

www.theworkers.org.uk

The more singles that are bought, the higher the chart placing and the more attention the song will get. This is why we need your support!

- Help create a pre-release buzz around the song release on Friday 18 November by uploading the band's website to your facebook profile, tweet about it and email colleagues. By Friday the website will have all of your biographies, the video, a snippet of the song and info on where to buy it.
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76% headteachers vote yes to strike N30

2011-11-09T15:35:00.001Z

From www.naht.org.uk

Ballot result shows overwhelming 'YES' vote

The result of the industrial action ballot in England and Wales over pensions is as follows:

Total no of votes cast: 13101 (53.6% turnout)

Thosevoting 'Yes': 9919 (75.8% of valid vote)

Those voting 'No': 3169 (24.2% of valid vote)

Total no of spoiled voting papers: 13

In one of the highest turnouts in recent ballots, members of the National Association of Head Teachers have voted overwhelmingly to strike over proposals to cut pensions.
NAHT's National Executive is reviewing this result and considering what further action should now follow. Further information with be sent to each member in due course.

The result is a testimony to the intensity of feeling over an issue which many school leaders see primarily as a threat to staff recruitment and retention and ultimately, therefore, as a threat to educational standards for the nation's children.

Teachers are already doing their bit to address the economic downturn by accepting a pay freeze and sharing the burdens of a strapped economy along with every other tax payer. The pay freeze is saving the government hundreds of millions. The proposed cuts are unfair, ill thought-through and purely being used to pay for the mistakes of the financial sector
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Schools - All out N30

2011-11-09T07:04:00.001Z

Having been far too busy touring schools in Havering first getting the vote out and now organising pickets I'm afraid the blog has been rather neglected so apologies for that!

The vast majority of unison members are incensed by this attack on our pensions and already we have many more members saying they will be picketing and coming on the rally than in previous strikes.

We are also recruiting like mad with people queuing up at one school yesterday to join unison :D

We are hoping to close every school in Havering on the 30th and at least 10 I think will have picket lines anyway to hand out leaflets to the public etc.

The NUT closed over a 1/3 of schools when they were on strike in June and with unison and gmb out I'm confident that we will close many more.

I knew obviously that members were angry at being asked to work longer pay more and get less and that as 78% of members who voted, voted yes the strike had lots of support - but I have been pleasently surprised by the vibrancy of the meetings and the amount of members who are now volunteering to become activists on the day and hopefully in the branch.

This pensions campaign as well as defending our pensions has the opportunity to reinvigorate our trade union movement.

In the schools I am visiting this after noon I will hopefully be able to confirm that the Headteachers returned a yes vote in their ballot.

It was encouraging to read this in today's independent www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/schools-to-be-shut-by-head-teachers-strike-6259187.html

Russel Hobby NAHT General Secretary said
"If I had to predict it, it would obviously be a Yes vote. No union has so far voted No and the majority of votes were cast before the Government's revised offer.

"We're stronger in the primary sector and most primary schools would shut" in the event of a strike."

The NAHT represent 85 per cent of primary schools and 40 per cent of secondary schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - other headteachers I've spoken to in Havering are in the ATL or NUT, so with all the unions on strike in schools my target is 100% shut in Havering!

We are having weekly joint strike committee's with other unions in Havering and have already booked 2 coaches up to lincolns inn fields for the march and rally on the day.

So apologies again for lack of blogging but its hard (very enjoyable!) work at moment!

All out #N30!
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Using the UNISON online pensions calculators in Havering

2011-10-23T14:22:00.001Z

UNISON has now published Local Government pensions calculators on the national union website. There are two calculators, one which shows how much more we will be asked to pay up front if the Government get there way – and another which shows how much our pension will be reduced by and how we will have to work longer to get that pension.

Right now there are two different options proposed by the Government, and two options put forward by the Local Government Employers.

There are also further changes planned for the future of the scheme and there are a range of proposed "accrual rates"

The calculators offer you choices about these things so that you can see the full range of possible changes to your pension contributions and your pensions.

It is well worth spending 5 minutes clicking through to work out how much you'll lose - once you have done this please also encourage workmates to do it, or perhaps a group of you could do it together in your lunch hour.

Nationally in local governement people work a 37 hour week but in Havering (and most of London) the hours are 36.

This does not matter if your full time just leave the calculator on its default setting of 37 hours.

If you work part time – instead of entering the number of hours you actually work each week you need to divide that figure by 35 and then multiply it by 36 (or, which is easier, multiply by 1.029).

So if you work 18 hours then enter 18 x 1.029 = 18.5, or if you work 25 hours then enter 25 x 1.029 = 25.7. If you work 28.8 hours/ 4 days (like me) enter 28.8 x 1.029 = 29.6.

For schools or If you work term time only then you need to calculate your hours over a whole year to work out what proportion of a year of pensionable service you earn for each of your working years - myself and Dave Thomas will work some examples out for schools for when we start our tour of Havering Schools next week.

Here are the links to the national calculators again;

How much more you will pay

How much less you will get

Online Pension Calculator - more reasons to vote "YES"

2011-10-20T14:14:00.001Z

The TUC's Pension Justice website now hosts a basic pension calculator to show members of the big public sector pension schemes just how much we stand to lose if the Government get away with their attack on our pensions. It is online at http://pensionsjustice.org.uk/pensions-changes-calculator/

UNISON will shortly publish a detailed calculator reflecting the detail of the two different Government options - and the separate proposals from the Local Government Employers. In the mean time we can use the Pensions Justice Calculator to persuade any waverers to vote "YES"!
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Health workers organising for strike action on N30

2011-10-19T08:11:00.001Z

The website of UNISON's East London Mental Health branch (http://www.eastlondonmentalhealth.com/) is a showcase for an organising approach to mobilising for a "YES" vote for strike action in the dispute over pensions.

It sets out clearly the impact on members of the Government's cash grab from the NHS Pension Scheme and makes a clear cut call for action.

Similarly, the London Ambulance Service branch website (http://www.lasunison.com/) sends an unequivocal message with Branch Secretary (and NEC member) Eric Roberts offering a pensions history lesson which goes back further than anything I've read (http://ericsblog.lasunison.eu/?p=828).

The Haringey Health branch meanwhile provide excellent links to the pensions campaign information on the national website (http://www.unisonharingeyhealth.co.uk/).

Our members in health haven't seen a national dispute on this scale in a generation - but then the living standards of health service workers haven't faced such an assault for even longer.

The pensions dispute hits UNISON members in all our service groups and is an opportunity for us all to help and support each other as we work together to support our Union as it prepares for our biggest strike and greatest challenge. My branch has offered help to the local health branch and I hope everyone else is doing the same.
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Barnet Strikes Back!

2011-10-18T06:57:00.001Z

Good luck to members of Barnet UNISON taking strike action today in their continuing dispute about the identity of their employer (http://www.barnetunison.me.uk/?q=node/704).

With characteristic imagination, Barnet branch members are putting an additional demand on the Council in connection with today's strike. At 10.30 am a number of strikers will be taking a coach trip across the borough in order to provide help and assistance to a local charity which is in desperate need of help. The strikers will spend the rest of the day carrying a number of tasks for the charity.

UNISON members are calling on the Leader of Barnet Council not to pocket the money he has saved from the strikers and instead donate that money to the Mayor's Charity. Let's see how Barnet's Tory privatisers respond to that!
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I've voted yes - have you?

2011-10-13T19:11:00.000Z

I have now voted yes in the unison ballot on Pensions - I hope you do as well!

The proposed changes are unfair and unnecessary and we need a big turnout and a big yes vote.

As our UNISON General Secretary said in the letter that accompanied the ballot form "Only industrial action will send a clear and united message to ministers that "enough is enough""

Vote now!
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Unison nec election

2011-10-10T20:04:00.001Z

Slightly poor timing at start of ballot period, but hey we didn't choose timetable!

Local Goverment branches please ask your branch committee to nominate Phoebe Watkins for the Female LG NEC vacancy.

Ta
Mj

From: Phoebe Watkins <phoebe.watkins@btopenworld.com>
To: Undisclosed-Recipient: ;@smtp815.mail.ukl.yahoo.com <Undisclosed-Recipient: ;@smtp815.mail.ukl.yahoo.com>
Sent: Sun Oct 09 23:19:55 2011
Subject: Request for nominations for Female Local Government NEC seat

Dear Branch Secretary,

Attached, please find a letter requesting your Branch considers nominating me for the forthcoming NEC elections.

I would be most grateful if you would consider discussing my statement, and whether your branch would be willing to nominate me?

My letter details why I am standing, and if you do require me to speak at your branch, I am more than happy to try to attend. Election rules state that if any candidate is invited, then all declared candidates also have to be invited.

If you require any further details, please do email me back at this address.

Phoebe Watkins
**************************************************************

Letter

9th October 2011

Dear Branch Secretary,

Request for nomination for the Female Local Government NEC Seat

I am writing to ask you to put this request for nomination to the vacant Local Government Female NEC seat to your branch.

This by-election comes at a vital time for UNISON and the wider Trade Union movement.

The Con Dem Government have already slashed jobs and services and frozen our pay causing untold desperation. Now they are after our pensions.

The possibility of over 3 million public sector workers striking together holds out the possibility not just of protecting our pensions but of turning back the Con Dem's Austerity programme based on making ordinary people pay for a crisis created by the bankers greed.

To do that we need strong and determined leadership willing to organize the extended coordinated industrial action and to build on the strong alliances we are developing across the Trade Union movement and within our communities.

I have a record of building that kind of movement at a local level.

I am a longstanding union member - having worked in Housing for over 30 years - and am currently Convenor of Adult Social Care and the joint Branch Chair for Camden local government branch. I have been involved in local services in different capacities - as a Governor of the Nursery school my children attended in the past, and now as a Trustee of our local community centre. We successfully fought off proposals to completely end our funding last year and proudly, we still offer services to the local community across the generations from infancy to old age.

Locally in Camden, we have built a coalition across unions, parties, and local community organisations (such as tenants' associations) to fight the cuts. We are therefore well placed to build on the positive cross union organization we already have, and is now in a good position to be building the biggest strike across all unions on November 30th.

I am not in the Labour Party, but I believe that we should work with all politicians who stand for and promote the policies of this union. That will include many Labour Councillors, MPs and constituent party members. However, I believe we should also be able to criticise and oppose them, not least through taking action, where we are being attacked and bearing the brunt of the cuts implemented by Labour councils.

Lastly I believe that in order to deal with the attacks we face it is essential to encourage the full involvement of all activists and members and to end attacks on union activists.

Please consider nominating me to stand for the Local Government Female NEC. I am more than happy to come along to speak in your branch if invited, and answer any questions you may have for me.

Yours in solidarity,

Phoebe Watkins
Membership No: 1140421
Phoebe.Watkins@btopenworld.com
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Unison taking legal steps to protect nurses right to strike.

2011-10-08T08:44:00.001Z

Unison respond strongly and promptly to the NMC's outrageous statement.

From http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=2474

UNISON to issue legal challenge to Nursing and Midwifery Council
UNISON, the UK's largest union, is set to issue legal proceedings on Monday, challenging the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) over its statement that said nurses and midwives could be in breach of the NMC Code of Conduct if they take part in lawful industrial action on 30th November 2011.

The union has asked for a retraction from the NMC, but this has been ignored.

Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, said,

"We have taken legal advice, and in our view, the NMC's threatening statement was wrong. If members choose to take lawful industrial action they will not be in breach of the Code of Conduct.

"We know nurses, midwives and health workers would not do anything to harm their patients, or to breach their Code of Conduct. And as a responsible union, it is not something we would ever consider asking our members to do.

"We will not allow our members to be threatened or intimidated, and we are taking legal steps to challenge the NMC.

ENDS
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Islington Council supports “Local Government workers defending their pension scheme”

2011-10-06T21:18:00.000Z

Well done to Islington Labour Councillors for moving and supporting the following motion, which has just now been passed by a full council meeting.

I hope other Councils will follow suit. I also look forward to seeing other UNISON branches along regional and national Labour Link committees using this as a model motion to ask other Local Councils and Labour Groups to pass.

Support for the Local Government Pension Scheme

Council notes that the LGPS is a sustainable, good quality pension scheme that benefits from being funded and locally managed. It is valuable to employers and employees alike.

Council is concerned by proposals announced by the Chancellor in the last CSR to impose an extra 3.2% contribution tax on scheme members, increasing scheme average member contributions from 6.6% to 9.8% and notes that none of the additional revenue will go towards improving the financial security of the scheme and that in addition, research indicates that 40-50 per cent of affected members may opt out of the scheme as a result of this policy, thereby undermining the viability of the largest pension scheme in the UK. Current Government proposals are not a genuine attempt to make the schemes more sustainable, they are a cash grab by the Treasury, imposing an additional tax on workers.

Council notes that public service workers have suffered an ongoing pay freeze, widespread redundancies and cuts and closures of many vital services on which our communities rely.

Council further notes that the LGA wrote to the Chancellor on 16 February 2011 to express concerns that mass opt-outs would be both undesirable and damaging to the scheme – Council shares these concerns.

Council is disappointed that the Government has failed to negotiate fully and openly with the Trade Unions and regrets that the Government’s intransigence has increased the possibility of industrial action. Council notes that the trade unions and community groups have agreed to organise local and national protests in support of public services, jobs and pensions. Council agrees to support the work of the Trade Unions in raising awareness of this issue and local government employees in defending their pension scheme.

Council resolves to ask the Leader to write to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury within the next month to express Council’s concerns and urge the Government to rethink their proposals.

Middlesex University UNISON Branch - Strike 4th Oct

2011-09-28T06:19:00.001Z

Middlesex University UNISON Branch members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of Industrial action in the face of compulsory redundancies at the University.

UNISON members at Middlesex University will now join their UCU colleagues in a day of co-ordinated industrial action on Tuesday 4th October.

UNISON members have stood firm in the face of a rolling programme of restructures, losing colleagues to "voluntary" redundancies and the stress and uncertainty of their jobs being deleted, having to apply for other posts, redeployment pools and compulsory redundancy. Those left face increased workloads, stress, potential future outsourcing and changes to their working patterns.

UNISON members have stood united and said loud and clear

Enough is Enough

UNISON believes that these severe and drastic cuts represent a serious risk to the University, cutting too fast and too deep; potentially damaging key areas of the University business. Middlesex University appears to be adopting a "more with less" policy without adequately explaining how already overstretched staff will continue to provide the "student experience" that the University relies on in their marketing.

UNISON members at Middlesex University will take industrial action not because it is an end in itself. We will take this action as a statement of intent. UNISON will continue to defend our jobs and student services at Middlesex University.

--
PLEASE send messages of support to:

UNISON1@mdx.ac.uk

http://mdxbranchlines.blogspot.com/

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UNISON Scotland WILL Strike over Pensions!

2011-09-25T15:44:00.001Z

It's good to see Friday's announcement of a dispute over the Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme on the UNISON Scotland website (http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/pensions/).

This shows us (thank f!) that UNISON Scotland Local Government are firmly back on board with the rest of the movement in defence of pensions after what appeared to be a slight wobble.

Our Scottish Regional Secretary was quoted in the media, on Thursday, as lifting the threat of industrial action in Scottish local government (http://www.heraldscotland.com/mobile/news/politics/swinney-counts-cost-as-budget-backlash-begins-1.1125169) following the announcement by the Scottish Finance Minister on Wednesday that the Scottish Government will leave decisions on contributions to the Local Government Pension Schemes to those schemes (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/22135416/7).

This was apparently based on a blog post that he wrote that has now been removed.

If we were only in dispute about the issue of increased pension contributions (which are really a pensions tax) - you perhaps could understand why the possibility that Scottish local authorities might agree to no increase would justify such an announcement - but it isn't just a contribution increase, there's the retirement age, the rpi/cpi change making our pensions worth 15% less and of course the longer term negotiations on pensions that haven't even started yet!

Wednesday's announcement from the Scottish Finance Minister had nothing to say about the proposed increase in retirement age, nor the switch to CPI for uprating.

Whoever said that the threat of industrial action in Scottish local government should be lifted made a very serious mistake indeed - and I am extremely glad that this was pointed out to them by our national union.

In a letter that went out on Friday
UNISON notified the Scottish local government employers that we are indeed in dispute, so hopefully any damage from this brief and foolish error can now be repaired.

Comrades on the Scottish Local Government Committee need to ensure, at their meeting on Tuesday, that they continue to stand alongside other Scottish public servants, as well as their local Government colleagues in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

------------------

Pensions strike - build for action on and after N30

2011-09-25T07:22:00.002Z

Discussing on Saturday with fellow activists what we need to do to defend our pensions, it was clear that our number one priority must be to maximise the turnout - and the "YES" vote - in the coming ballot.

Floorwalking, leafletting, workplace meetings and branch meetings are needed everywhere - as is an LGPS pensions calculator to accompany the NHS pensions calculator on our website (http://www.unison.org.uk/pensions/reckoner.asp).

The first and most important task we face is to secure first the vote and then the turnout on strike on 30 November.

This work will inevitably take up the majority of our time and attention - and branches should be offering support and assistance to other local branches who may require this.

However, at our branch meetings in particular we need to be considering our views about the future strategy from 1 December on, both in relation to the tactics of industrial action and to negotiations with the Government. Not least because one of the first questions members ask is what happens next.

I don't think it's good enough that our union leaders do not plan to meet to consider further action, after the 30 November strike, until 5 December.

Given the probable Parliamentary timetable (regs laid in january!) to legislate to force through the "contributions increase" which is really a tax on membership of a public sector pension scheme, we need to plan further action - and possibly more than just another single day - after "N30" and before Xmas.

Since teachers will be reluctant to strike in the last week of term, a meeting of union leaders on 1 December would be essential if we are to have enough time to notify the employers of the next day of action, we could for example following the huge success that I believe Nov 30th will be by writing to employers saying we will have a further 2 days strike on say the 10th and 11th of December. (Any financial deduction for those strike days wouldn't come out of members wages until January)

We need to follow our leaders into this battle to defend our pensions - but with most of unison's decision making meetings where we could vote on strategy/motions being turned into pensions briefings. (Yes we need to do all we can to maximise pensions vote and action but surely could manage keep with democratic decision making meetings at the same time?) We needto find alternative ways of giving our members and branches views to those leading this dispute.

At branch meetings we need to express our views about where this dispute needs to be led after 30 November and ensure these are forwarded to our national officers.

------------------

UNISON - Special Local Government Conf

2011-09-24T13:22:00.001Z

Hello all we only have 4 weeks left to get branches covering 25% of LG membership to agree a motion for the special conference.

The timing of this couldn't be better as the conference would be in January when we would need to make decisions around the strategy of the dispute after the strike action on November 30th and before the regulations are laid in parliament.

Please pass this motion (or a version there of as long as it includes this paragraph "We request a Special Local Government Service Group Conference to discuss the current situation of the Local Government Pension Scheme in accordance with Rule D.3.4.11." and notify H.wakefield@unison.co.uk d.prentis@unison.co.uk with a copy to me by October 25th.

Thanks
Mj

Motion Calling for Special LG Conference

This Branch believes it is essential to ensure that decisions around the strategy and negotiations of our Pension dispute are made within the lay leadership of our union and the properly constituted structures.

We therefore agree to pass the resolution below and to Instruct the Branch Secretary and Chair to refer this to The National Head of Local Government and the General Secretary immediately

The resolution is

"We request a Special Local Government Service Group Conference to discuss the current situation of the Local Government Pension Scheme in accordance with Rule D.3.4.11."

The reason for this measure is that we feel that too many important issues in relation to the current pension situation are unresolved.

Whilst working for a huge turnout in the ballot and a huge Yes vote it also has to be acknowledged that there has been no decision in relation to how to deal with any proposed settlement of the Dispute and whether any such settlement is debated at a Service Group Conference prior to being put to members. Neither has there been any discussion or broad based decision on the nature and tactics of any strike action to be employed, and against the background of UNISON not taking strike action alongside the PCS, NUT and ATL in June, the question of the broadest possible campaign across public sector trade unions is clearly crucial."

------------------

UNISON to ballot for strike action on pensions

2011-09-14T13:03:00.001Z

Speaking at TUC conference in London today, UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said that the union will send notice to 9,000 employers that it will ballot its 1.1 million members for industrial action over pensions.

Dave Prentis said:

"UNISON represents one million public services workers and the campaigns we are fighting aren't just about pensions. They aren't just about jobs and pay, they are about the kind of society we leave to our children. They're about protecting and passing on the rights our grandparents fought for the welfare state, universal public services. They're about breaking a political consensus that says the market know best. We stand for ordinary people serving the public.

"Caring, educating, making our communities safer, cleaner, healthier. Ordinary people who had nothing to do with this financial crisis yet now being made to pay the price. A Coalition taking away their pay, privatising their jobs. Daily rounds of redundancies. And yet on top of all this. They now want to take away our pensions, the pensions our members worked for. The pensions our members saved for. Every week of their working lives. Not for a life of luxury. But for some basic security in retirement. Putting away a little each week for dignity so they didn't have to rely on benefits in old age.

"No gold plated pension, just enough to get by. An average pension in local govt just 59. Congress,our members are no militants. Striking is the last thing they want to do. And no -we didn't ask for this conflict. We've spent 8 months looking for agreement. Always willing to talk. To modernise the schemes-to be realistic. It's been less than four years ago that we agreed to close our health pension scheme to new members. New schemes brought in recognising that people were living longer -we did it. A new local government scheme capable of investing £3 billion pounds a year in our economy- because it is cash rich.. we did that...

"But now not satisfied with that. This Coalition wants its pound of flesh. They are intent on re-opening the protected schemes. Demanding hundreds and thousands of workers, mainly women work 6 even 11 years longer to get their pension. They are intent on closing new schemes just coming in, the ink barely dry. Yet bringing in new "new schemes" with far worse benefits. They are intent on stopping our members who are privatised taking their pensions with them. Cut off completely from their pension scheme. Locked out.

"And to add insult to injury. They are intent on imposing a tax on all public service workers who save for their pensions. A staggering 50% increase in their contributions. But Congress- not a single penny to go into the schemes. All of it-every single penny to be syphoned off by the Treasury to pay for the deficit created by the failure of the banking system.

"An unprecedented attack on ordinary working people. An audacious and devious means to pay for the greed of others. So Congress we've had enough... We've been patient,we've cooperated. But there comes a time when we say enough is enough. Because if we don't they'll be back for more... and more and more,,,

"So today..... Congress, I want to make it clear to this coalition that we will negotiate any time, anyplace, anywhere but if they impose change by dictat. We will take industrial action. And today Brendan Barber has convened a meeting of all public service unions to look at united co-ordinated industrial action if those talks fail. And in moving to industrial action I commit UNISON to work as one with out sister unions the GMB and UNITE. And today as General Secretary of UNISON I give formal notice to 9,000 employers that we are balloting for industrial action.

"A ballot unprecedented in scale will cover over a million workers in health, local government, school, FE, higher education, police, the voluntary sector and the environment and the private sector. It's a decision we don't take lightly. And the stakes are high. Higher than ever before. But Congress of one thing I'm certain. Now is the time to make our stand. And it will be hard. We'll be vilified, attacked. Set against each other. Public versus private ,divide and rule. The oldest trick in the book. But if we're serious. We must stay strong, united. All of us shoulder to shoulder. No gesture politics ,no hollow rhetoric.

"Our members looks to us all to lead. To work together, To run the public and political campaigns needed to win their case. It's crucial. And we'll accept none of the emotional blackmail from politicians of any colour. If this coalition is so worried about the people who use our services. They shouldn't be closing them down. If they're so worried about disruption. They shouldn't be privatising them. If they're so worried about the old, the sick or the young. Stop shutting down care homes and start getting our young people into work and giving them a future.

"So Congress. The fight of our lives may be an overused cliché. But make no mistake Congress

-THIS IS IT...

"We will take the fight to them. Congress this is no time for despair. No time to look back. Let us go forward. Confidant in our cause. A clear message from this Congress. We are determined. We are united. We are determined. Fighting for what is right. Fighting for our members.

"HANDS OFF OUR PENSIONS."

ENDS

Regards
Marsha-Jane

Barnet unison strike tomorrow - council impose a 'lock out'

2011-09-12T10:05:00.001Z

Please send Barnet members a message of solidarity and if you can attend the Lobby at 5.30 tomorrow! john.burgess[at]barnetunison.org.uk

This morning UNISON members have all received a letter from the Council threatening staff that if they take strike action tomorrow they will be deducted a full day's pay regardless whether they work until 1pm. Furthermore I am hearing that staff are being told that there will be managers on the gates of NLBP to check staff in. If staff do not sign a register stating they will not be taking half day strike action they will be sent home.

The Council is trying to impose what used to be called a 'Lock out!'

As a UNISON member it was agreed by all that you would take half a day and therefore lose half a day's pay. That is what most reasonable employers would have deducted under these circumstances. However the Councils actions are neither proportionate and reasonable.

The lateness at which the Council have given this letter demonstrates they fear that UNISON members will all walk out tomorrow.

I can confirm UNISON will make up the cost of any financial loss up until 1pm on Tuesday 13 September.

Messages of support are flooding in from the community and other trade unions.
"John
As a Barnet resident and public sector employee I wanted to send a quick email to express my support for you and your members and the proposed "Barnet Independence Day" action on Tuesday. As someone who has experienced being outsourced but who was then fortunate enough to get back into the public sector, my experience tells me that it would be inconceivable for a contractor to take over delivery on the scale intended by the London Borough of Barnet without there being both a degradation of services and in the terms of conditions for staff who are transferred; this is how private companies make their profit from such contracts.

Hopefully your campaign will open a few more Barnet residents eyes to what is going on and more importantly, to what we might end up with in Barnet in terms of a service from our local authority. I wish you and Barnet Unison all the best and will try and join you at the Town Hall for at least part of the rally on Tuesday evening."

I have recently had a message of support from the PCS union. They recently won a battle with their employer who was seeking to transfer their jobs out of the country. Members all voted to take strike action and they won. To read the full article click here

We anticipate members will be angry and confused and have booked the Oak Room, Building 4, 12 – 2pm

Tomorrow is your chance to make your voice heard loud and clear.

Best wishes
John Burgess
Branch Secretary.
Barnet UNISON
www.barnetunison.me.uk

Standing up for staff
------------------

Calling all UNISON Local Gov branches - take action now...

2011-08-30T21:11:00.001Z

.....support KNOWSLEY UNISON's call for a special conference on pensions - we need to step up a gear in the fighting to defend our pensions and we need a democratically lay led campaign.

So pass this simple motion at your September branch committee!

We request a Special Local Government Service Group Conference to
discuss the current situation of the Local Government Pension Scheme in
accordance with Rule D.3.4.11.

Full email from Roger Bannister Knowsley unison follows.

Email

knowsleyunison@btconnect.com

30 August 2011

TO: BRANCH SECRETARIES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT BRANCHES

Dear Colleague

Special Local Government Service Group Conference on Pensions

At our Branch Committee meeting on 25 August 2011 the following Motion
was unanimously approved:

We request a Special Local Government Service Group Conference to
discuss the current situation of the Local Government Pension Scheme in
accordance with Rule D.3.4.11.

The reason for this measure is that we feel that too many important
issues in relation to the current pension situation are unresolved.
Whilst we acknowledge the progress currently being made towards
balloting members for strike action, there has been no decision in
relation to how to deal with any proposed settlement of the Dispute, (a
situation that could arise before a ballot), and whether any such
settlement is debated at a Service Group Conference prior to being put
to members. Neither has there been any discussion or broad based
decision on the nature and tactics of any strike action to be employed,
and against the background of UNISON not taking strike action alongside
the PCS, NUT and ATL in June, the question of the broadest possible
campaign across public sector trade unions is clearly crucial.

I am therefore requesting that you pass the above Motion, send it to
Heather Wakefield, copied to Dave Prentis and copied to this Branch for
coordination purposes.

Yours sincerely

Roger Bannister - Branch Secretary
------------------

UNISON ANGRY AS COUNCIL TRIES TO SILENCE STAFF

2011-08-17T18:45:00.001Z

Plymouth city council as you may have heard have derecognised unison!

Solidarity to all unison members working at PCC

Please send solidarity msgs to
office@unisonplymouth.net, copied to dturner@unisonplymouth.net

Tweet
@plymdaz @cityplymUNISON

And there will shortly be a facebook group.

There are 2 press releases below from the branch with more info:

UNISON ANGRY AS COUNCIL TRIES TO SILENCE STAFF

UNISON reacted with anger today at the news that Plymouth City Council has withdrawn Union recognition for the largest union representing staff.

After months of talks, the final proposals put by PCC were once again reviewed by UNISON lawyers. The message was clear, signing up to this deal was not possible as it appears to discriminate against certain groups of staff. UNISON has serious concerns about the impact of these proposals on certain groups of staff and has raised issues with the Council throughout the process. The Council has ignored UNISON's request to continue talks to find a solution.

In fact, rather than talking about how to address inequality, the Council have chosen to try to silence UNISON and stop them speaking up for their members' rights. Some of these proposals would result in groups of workers losing up to 20% of their income.

Plymouth City Council made it clear there would be no further negotiations on these far reaching cuts to staff terms and conditions.

Helen Willis, Regional Manager, said:

"Once it became clear we could not sign the agreement Plymouth City Council have sought to play legal games by derecognising us in an attempt to impose this invalid collective agreement. They claim to have the support of Unite and GMB but we have been informed today that both unions have sought the withdrawal of their signatures. UNISON is the largest union and if the council is serious about valuing staff they need to listen to their representatives.

"We urge the council to return to the negotiating table and respect the long held rights of UNISON members to have their voices heard."

Message of support received today from a Plymouth City Council employee and non union member:

`I am not a member but I fully support you. I am a customer facing worker we have recently lost staff and hours to a restructure. We are going to lose even more pay under these proposals - I will end up losing nearly 200.00 per month. You have a lot of support from staff who are not in a Union so are not heard.'

Ends

Second press release

PRESS RELEASE – PCC TERMS AND CONDITIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNISON - WE WILL NOT CAVE IN!

UNISON has hit back against Plymouth City Council claims that its failure to sign a collective agreement cutting the pay and conditions of its staff will lead to further redundancies.

Following negotiations earlier this year, UNISON sought updated legal advice on the new package which was revised after Unite and GMB initially rejected the first proposals. The updated advice was clear – that in signing this agreement, the union could be party to actions of the council which may have a disproportionate impact on groups of low paid women.

UNISON has constantly raised these issues all the way through the discussions, and raised them again following the Councils slightly improved "final offer".

Darren Turner, UNISON Branch Secretary said:

"UNISON's position is and always will be to defend and improve the pay and conditions of our members. Our members do not join because they want us to sign away hard earned benefits at the first sign of pressure from the employer

The Council issued notice of changes before agreement had been reached and it now seeks to blame UNISON for its errors"

UNISON believes that the Council have also demonstrated a disappointing lack of concern for the provision of vital public services. The cuts will hit those providing home care, emergency social services, those looking after our parks and keeping our streets clean.

Meeting with the Regional Secretary this morning, members said:

"We are out on the road, unseen and unheard. No-one sees the impact of these cuts on us. UNISON hasn't signed away our rights. I'm proud to be a UNISON member" Domicillary Care Assistant

"The Council need to realise we're not just numbers on a spreadsheet. If UNISON had signed I would have struggled to pay my mortgage this month"

Home Care worker.

"Thanks to UNISON, I'm not going to lose 20% of my income this month"

Out of Hours Social Worker.

Joanne Kaye, UNISON Regional Secretary said:

"The updated advice we received makes it impossible for us to sign the agreement in its present form – and the Council's failure to understand this is not only petulant, but shows a complete lack of understanding of the legal framework in which we live. Would the Council sign an agreement against the advice of its legal experts? If they would, surely the council taxpayers of Plymouth need to know this, as such an action would place the Council at risk

Low paid women already are being hardest hit by cuts, and this would make it even worse. The Council's position that it would rather cut 300 jobs than address those equality issues is provocative and unhelpful. We call on them swallow their pride and sit down with us to negotiate around the modest changes we have requested."

UNISON has requested the following changes:

· To ensure that predominantly female groups of workers are given the same protection as male workers.

· To maintain the current occupational schemes for maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

UNISON has also called on the Council to settle the outstanding equal pay claims against the Council. This has the potential to save the Council a substantial amount of money in legal fees.

Branch Secretary: Darren Turner

City of Plymouth UNISON represents roughly 1500 staff working across Plymouth City Council. Approximately 80% of its membership is female.
The branch has a website www.unisonplymouth.net.
------------------

Sign the epetition to reverse rpi to cpi change on pensions

2011-08-14T07:47:00.000Z

Hat tip to Vino for finding this.
Please sign and forward msg on.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/1535

Public & Private Pension Increases - change from RPI to CPI

Responsible department: Department for Work and Pensions

Many workers in the Public and Private Sector have contributed to their pensions on the understanding that on retirement these Pensions would be increased each April by the preceding September's Retail Price Index (RPI) rate. From April 2011 the Government has transferred these increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure which in the Treasury's own words "...is designed to take account of the fact that consumers tend to shop around, switching to cheaper alternatives when prices of similar goods change." This change, which has been introduced in most cases without any prior consultation, will mean a steady reduction in spending power for pensioners as they progress into their retirement. Given the promises that have previously been made, the RPI measure should be reintroduced without delay to ensure that the spending power of these Public and Private pensioners is maintained.
------------------

Southampton UNISON/UNITE vote to reject new proposals and carry on striking

2011-08-11T07:56:00.001Z

Please consider making a donation if you haven't already!

Latest info from Mike Tucker unison nec

Almost 600 UNISON/UNITE members met over the lunchtime of the 10 August to debate revised proposals from the Conservative controlled City council. Under the revised proposals, there would still be a two year freeze on increments and a two year pay freeze, the pay cuts were reduced as following.

Those up to SCP 25 – no pay cuts
SCP 26 - pay cut reduced from 4.5% to 2%
SCP 27 to SCP 41 – pay cut reduced 4.5% to 4%
SCP 42 to SCP 62 – pay cut reduced from 5% to 4.5%
SCP 63 and above – pay cut reduced from 5.5% to 5%

All those on SCP 26 and above receive an additional 4 days paid leave to their pre 10 July entitlement. £500,000 improvement in salaries of social workers as determined by proposed review.

The joint UNISON/UNITE strike committee put forward 2 options as to how to respond to the Conservatives proposals. These were:

To agree to enter into detailed negotiations on these proposals with a view to seeking an improvement during August and to ballot union members on the final package in early September. While these negotiations and ballots are held, the industrial action will be suspended as from Monday 15 August. If the proposals are rejected in the ballot, a joint UNISON/UNITE membership meeting will be held to re-start the industrial action.

To continue with the industrial action in accordance with the rules of our respective trade unions. The trade unions will remain willing to negotiate with the Council while the industrial action continues.

The strike committee did not recommend either option. Following a debate which lasted one hour and involved a cross section of UNISON/UNITE members, by a vote of 4 to 1 the mass meeting voted to support option 2, to reject the proposals and to continue with the strike action.

At present, refuse collection, parking enforcement and street cleansing remain on strike until the 14th August. On the 10th August, around 400 social care staff struck for a second day. Social workers in adoption, fostering and the adolescent resource centre also ended a 7 day strike on the 10th August.

Given the decision to carry on the industrial action, we are again repeating our request for financial support. The branch has received a substantial donation from the national industrial action committee and the regional industrial action fund in recent days. We have also received many generous donations from UNISON branches around the country. However, over £300,000 has been spent in the dispute so far, and with strike action into the fourth month, we are again appealing for messages of support and donations.

We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Region already. But as the strike action enters its fourth month, we need your solidarity more than ever.

Best wishes

Mike Tucker
UNISON National Executive Council Member /
Branch Secretary

For an update on the industrial action go to the Branch web site www.soton-unison-office.org.uk
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Guardian live blog on pensions

2011-08-04T12:40:00.001Z

From:
Subject: Guardian live blog on pensions

Hi All,

FYI this is going out to all people on my press lists – but please send on to anyone else who might be able to get involved.

The Guardian are running a live, online discussion about pensions – follow this link:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/blog/2011/aug/02/live-clinic-public-sector-pensions

We need public sector workers – and even members of the public – to go on and voice their opinions about how unfair the government's attack on pensions is to public sector workers.

Thanks,

UNISON Press Office
UNISON Centre
130 Euston Road
NW1 2A
------------------

: HOPI cricket and marathon 2011

2011-07-29T19:48:00.000Z

Dear friends,

We are writing to you to inform you about two fundraising events organised by Hands off the people of Iran taking place over the coming months and to ask for your help in supporting these events. At this current time of enormous political and economic crisis, a continued UN sanctions and war threats, Iranian workers are in a very difficult situation.

This is why it is absolutely vital that the workers' movement in this country organises material and ideological solidarity with workers', women's and students' struggles in Iran - they are our natural allies and a true beacon of hope for genuine democracy and freedom.

On September 25, many of our activists from the UK, France, the USA, Italy, Sweden and Germany will be pounding the streets of Berlin, running the Berlin marathon for the charity Workers' Fund Iran (http://www.workersfund.org/), which raises money for Iranian workers. The charity is an independent organisation. Funds sent to Iran will be distributed amongst the most needy working class families who are facing destitution, regardless of political affiliation.

You can sponsor us online using Charity Choice's website:

https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/donation.asp?ref=154051

September 11 2011 (midday) will once again see Hands Off the People of Iran play the Labour Representation Committee at the cricket ground in Wray Crescent, London N4, in their annual solidarity cricket match to raise £1,500 for Workers' Fund Iran.

This is the third solidarity cricket event following the successful match last year and we are confident that this year will be an even bigger and better event as we continue to build on the success of pervious years' events. As those of you who have attended in the past will know, it's a fun day out whether you're a cricket fanatic or your idea of a good time is more at long the lines of sipping away at a cold one in the sun talking politics. Food and drink will be provided at the match and, for those who want to make an evening of it, there will be a social evening following on from the match.

We are calling on your help to make this day as successful as possible.

Can you support us by:

*Playing? Could your union, campaign or trades council send a player? Both male and female welcome players welcome!

*Getting your union branch/campaign/organisation to sponsor the event and cover some of the numerous costs involved in organising the events? Get in touch and we will send you a model motion.

*Helping out on the day? There is a load of work to do on the day itself. The more people we have to help, the better.

*Promoting the event in mailouts, on blogs, or help with leafleting for the event?

Please get in touch with us to offer your help, show solidarity or find out more about what should be an excellent event for an excellent cause!

John McDonnell MP

Yassamine Mather Chair, Hands off the people of Iran

------------------

Unison: Public sector pension talks jeopardised by naïve playground tactics :United action now

2011-07-28T09:20:00.001Z

Here's an idea let's show them that we know how to negotiate and show our strength by announcing our ballot timetable! Coordinated with the other unions of course.

Whilst the move to sector specific negotiations is clearly being used as a divide and rule by this Government, we as trade unions can still refuse to let them divide us and move into action to defend our pensions together.

The move to sector specific doesn't stop this being an attack on pensions in the whole of the public sector - work longer, pay more and get less for every public sector worker in a pension scheme.

We could still see strike action in (late) Autumn if unison now takes the lead and "steps up a gear" as our General Secretary Dave Prentis promised he would at conference.

Individual trade disputes in each pension scheme with the relevant Secretaries of State on any one of the contribution increases, retirement ages, uprating and private sector membership could see united action.

The longer we leave it the more demoralised our members become.

Conference sent a clear message from delegates as well as the Gen Sec and top table that we need and are up for united action to defend pensions.

Now is the time to act.

From : http://ow.ly/5Pg02

28/07/2011
Public sector pension talks jeopardised by naïve playground tactics
UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, today rounded on Government ministers for putting public sector pension talks in "jeopardy" by their "naïve tactics" and apparent lack of negotiating skills. And called on them to abandon the playground games and get serious.

He said:

"We entered into the scheme specific talks on public sector pensions in good faith and we genuinely believe we are making progress, albeit slowly. But these talks are being put in jeopardy by the crude and naïve tactics of Government ministers who don't seem to understand the word negotiate.

"The government must take its responsibilities seriously, and stop treating these talks like some kind of playground game.

"Let's not forget that these talks are about real people, hard-working individuals who signed up to, and pay into, a pension scheme that is supposed to cushion them against poverty in old age. Extra contributions won't go back into the pension schemes, but straight to the Treasury to pay off the country's deficit – effectively a tax on public sector workers to pay for the bankers' mess. That is totally unjust.

"It is totally unhelpful to the progress of these talks to release their bargaining position as though it is set in stone. If it is set in stone, then there is no point in having a single further meeting."

The union insists that any changes should be based on evidence and not political ideology. Average pension in local government is £4,000, but for women its just £2,800 (£56 a week) and in health its just £7,500, and £3,000 for women. Members of those schemes pay in between 5.5% and 7.5% of their salaries to save for their retirement. If they did not save, they would end up on means-tested benefits at a cost to taxpayers.

Both the local government and the health schemes are cash rich and were renegotiated a few years ago to make them sustainable and affordable – longevity costs would be paid by the employee not the employer.

The union argues that making people pay more, work longer for a smaller pension is unnecessary, unjust and unworkable. People will leave the schemes, if they become too expensive, and they will collapse.

------------------

Strike action spreads in Southampton - Social work staff to strike

2011-07-27T16:39:00.001Z

Update from Mike Tucker UNISON NEC and Southampton Branch Secretary

1. Industrial Action
On Wednesday 3 August, up to 450 social work staff in both Children's Services and Adult Services will strike for one day as part of the ongoing dispute over pay cuts. While cutting the pay of social care staff by 5%, the City Council responded to the threat of mass resignations of Child Protection Social Workers by making a "market supplement" payment to them of £1400 a year. For newly qualified Social Workers, this payment was equivalent to the 5% pay cut, for more experienced workers, it is less than they are having taken from their pay. This £1400 payment has caused widespread anger among all social care staff. It is not being paid to all Social Workers in Children's Social Services and is not being paid at all in Adult Services. Two mass meetings of social care staff were held in July and both voted to strike.

In addition to the one day strike, groups of social work staff are to start a period of extended strike action from 4 August. Details of the work groups who will strike will be issued tomorrow.

There will be widespread picket lines across Southampton on 3 August, and a rally at 11.00 a.m. in Guildhall Square. The social work staff will meet at 12 noon on 3 August to decide what further strikes to call. Messages of support for 3 August would be appreciated.

Strike action across the City is continuing. This week there are strikes in Street Cleansing, Parking Operations, Vehicle Workshops and the Itchen Bridge. Further strikes will be announced on Monday 1 August. Despite the imposition of the pay cuts on 11 July, the industrial action continues.

2. Legal Action Against the Council
The collective Employment Tribunal against the Council, taken out by UNISON and Unite for failure to consult on the dismissals, is not expected to be heard until 2012. This is because the Council have claimed that the hearing will take between 5 and 6 weeks. The union has started drawing up individual unfair dismissal claims. Adverts have been placed in the local paper and all members have been mailed with a case form to start the tribunal process. Briefing sessions were held yesterday with Thompsons Solicitors in attendance to explain the legal process. Over 100 UNISON / Unite members attended these briefings.

3. Talks with the Council continue but!
Talks between the Council and UNISON / Unite are continuing. Phil Wood, the Regional Secretary has been present at the latest meetings. The Council has still not revised their proposals and the prospect of resolving the dispute remains remote.

4. We need financial help
With the industrial action already taking place, and the action planned, the Branch will have spent £150,000. We have received promises of financial assistance from both the Region and from National level and have this week received an emergency cash transfer from UNISON to help the Branch to continue to function.

We have also received donations fro many branches across the Region and the country. I understand that the National union is to send out an appeal letter to all Branches shortly. Our Branch remains in the frontline of the fight against pay cuts and reductions. Today we have received a message of support and donation from the Shetland Islands UNISON Branch. Please send us further donations if you are able. Our members wish to continue to fight wage cuts, with your help we can ensure that we have the financial resources to continue.

Cheques should be made payable to UNISON Southampton District Branch and sent to UNISON Southampton District Branch, UNISON Office, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7NB.

For updates on the dispute, see our Branch web site at www.soton-unison-office.org.uk or the Branch Facebook site at www.facebook.com – Southampton District UNISON.

Best wishes

Mike Tucker
UNISON National Executive Council Member /
Branch Secretary
UNISON Southampton District Branch

e-mail: branchsecretary[at]soton-unison-office.org.uk or mike.tucker[at]southampton.gov.uk
Blackberry e-mail: m.tucker[at]unison.co.uk

For an update on the industrial action go to the Branch web site www.soton-unison-office.org.uk
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CALL UNITED ACTION - NO DIVIDE AND RULE!

2011-07-26T15:31:00.001Z

Reminder please sign the letter below (no need to confirm again if you've already emailed me)

CALL UNITED ACTION - NO DIVIDE AND RULE!

We the undersigned UNISON members, call upon UNISON's leaders not to allow the Tory-led Government to undermine the unity of the public service trade unions in the fight to defend our pensions.

We recognise that the differences between the various pension schemes may lead to different proposals in different sectors. For example, there is no support from the Local Government employers for increased contributions in the LGPS for fear of massive opt-outs wrecking the scheme's long-term viability, and we now know that the Secretary of State for Health has expressed opposition to the proposals from the Treasury.

There are, however, common issues across all schemes, including the switch to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) to uprate pensions, which will cut the value of all our pensions by 15%, and Hutton's threat to exclude private sector workers from public sector schemes, which would make privatisation much more profitable and threaten the pensions of hundreds of thousands of trade unionists whose jobs would be privatised. The Government's apparent refusal to abandon its plan to scrap the Fair Deal for Pensions is no doubt closely linked to its White Paper strategy of extending the scope and accelerating the pace of privatisation.

As the Local Government Service Group Executive (SGE) noted in a motion adopted at its 26 May meeting, the original proposals left "no room for doubt that [they] are based not on any need to make change to promote the long-term viability of the schemes but on an ideological drive to undermine public sector pensions". The SGE motion further pointed to "the need to resist the pensions proposals across the board rather than relying on scheme by scheme negotiations".

Aside from the fact the Government is now weaker, we do not believe that the situation has fundamentally changed since 26 May. Even if a moratorium on increased contributions for LGPS members is on offer, a number of very detrimental changes are still very much on the table. To recap these include:
Phased rise in the retirement age in step with the increase in the state retirement age (work longer and pay more)
Move to a career average scheme with the virtual certainty of a worse accrual rate than at present (get less)
No shift on the switch from RPI to CPI, with the resulting erosion of 15% (+) in lifetime value of pension (get less), and
Scrapping of the Fair Deal as a spur to further privatisation and outsourcing.

In the absence of cast-iron guarantees from the Government to abandon any of its key attacks across all of the schemes the move to "scheme-specific" negotiations is a mistake. To move now to scheme-specific negotiations without having used our unity between unions and across schemes to secure far more substantial concessions has wasted an opportunity.

Instead of further delay around the question of a ballot because of the move to scheme-specific talks, we call upon UNISON to back early united public sector strike action to secure gains for all public servants, in all unions and all schemes. We further call for UNISON to take the lead in setting a proposed date for the commencement of united strike action across the public services to defend all our pension schemes.

Signed all in a person capacity
George Binette Camden Branch Secretary
Jon Rogers UNISON NEC and Lambeth UNISON
Marshajane Thompson Havering UNISON
John Mcloughlin LG SGE Tower Hamlets UNISON
Andrew Berry Islington UNISON
Terry Conway Community SGE and Housing Associations
Kate Ahrens Leicestershire Health
Brian Gardner Hackney UNISON Branch Chair
Sean Fox NJC committee and Haringey UNISON
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Newham unison suspension lifted finally!

2011-07-21T06:20:00.000Z

In much better news Dave Buxton the branch secretary of Newham has had his suspension lifted following an independent investigation.

Dave was assaulted by the unison employed branch manager and then suspended by the employer after a letter signed by a unison senior regonial officer claimed it was a malicious allegation!

The independant enquiry found on the balance of probabilities the manager did assault Dave.

The police were taking this seriously from the start and it is deplorable that unison would back the attacker and not the victim and try to cover it up.

This isn't the first time its happened either in 2009 it was alleged that the same person attacked another lay activist but unison never took action.

Now that the branch are out of regional supervision and the branch secretary isn't suspended by the employer - let's hope unison regionally start supporting the lay leadership in that branch to defend off what are some of the worst attacks in London.

The employer are one of a few branches making attacks on part 2 conditions which unison nationally have said they will fight in the strongest way.

Good luck Dave and all in Newham.

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Bromley unison members resign from unison - Stay and fight!

2011-07-21T06:19:00.000Z

It is a tragic development that the elected lay leadership of UNISON's Bromley local government branch have left UNISON to join UNITE, as reported by "the Socialist" (http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/12419/19-07-2011/bromley-unison-reps-resign-in-protest-at-unions-disgraceful-actions).

This follows the decision of a number of individual activists in our Greenwich local government branch to do likewise.

I can understand the frustration which has led good trade union activists to take this drastic action, but I do think its an error in judgement.

In the case of Bromley, the disgraceful treatment of former Branch Secretary, Glenn Kelly, by our Union has understandably provoked outrage amongst rank and file union members (just as the similar disgraceful treatment of former Greenwich Branch Secretary, Onay Kasab, has provoked similar feelings).

Each case started with the (now widely discredited and further with the witch hunt believed to have stopped) disciplinary action arising from the production, at UNISON's 2007 Conference, of a leaflet critical of the Union's Standing Orders Committee.

No one can now be found who will admit in public to believing that formal disciplinary action was the correct response to the production of that leaflet. Nevertheless it led to four activists being suspended from holding office for periods varying upwards from two years.

An employment tribunal has since found this disciplinary action to have been unlawful. The action UNISON took was clearly unwise and damaging to UNISON and our members.

Of course UNISON in London made it worse by taking these two well-functioning branches into "regional supervision" - a state of limbo in which full time officials take over the roles which should be performed by elected lay officers.

In each case the results of these foolish moves have been catastrophic for UNISON members. In Bromley, our Union has failed effectively to resist job losses and in Greenwich we have failed adequately to contest an attack on incremental progression which, now having been achieved by one London Borough, will now threaten our members in local government across the city.

So, I can understand the frustration that has driven our activists in Bromley.

However they are badly wrong.

UNISON is and will remain the largest local government trade union by many a mile. As important as local organisation is - and it is vitally important - none of the fundamental problems which we face in local government can be resolved other than nationally.

Socialists who want to change things for the better are, if working in local government, better placed to achieve this as UNISON members than in any other trade union.

Outside of UNISON you choose to have no say over the negotiating position of the majority of national negotiators.

As hard as it may sometimes be for UNISON activists to feel that we can positively influence our leadership, it would be a hundred times harder outside UNISON.

Library workers in Bromley, and housing workers in Greenwich (of which I used to be one) will not be best served by their activists trying to lead them away from the Union which organises the great majority of their co-workers up and down the country.

I am proud to count Onay Kasab and Glenn Kelly as friends, I am as angry as anyone at the disgraceful way in which they have been treated and I have organised many of the events to support them including in Parliament over the last few years. However, I do not believe that any good socialist comrade should believe for a moment that personal feelings about their personal treatment should come before the interests of our class.

I believe that the interests of workers in Bromley and Greenwich are best served not by a futile attempt to replace UNISON but by a forthright attempt to reform our Union.

To this end, I believe we need members of our National Executive who will make clear that they wish to lead and organise a union which would welcome once more in its ranks great activists such as Onay Kasab and Glenn Kelly.

Kathy Smith was one such newly elected member and I am terribly sad she has taken this decision that many from all organisations (inc I understand SP) in UNISON counselled against.

I am sorry to see the departure of anyone of our activists in Bromley and, whilst I respect their decision, I think they are wrong. I pledge to work for a Union that can welcome them back, and that they shall be enthusiastic to re-join.

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Yunus Bakhsh case raised in parliament

2011-07-18T20:52:00.001Z

Fantastic news that Yunus's case is being raised in Parliament, it is a disgrace that his employer has refused to obey the judges reinstatement award and that the anti union laws allow them to do so.

Its frankly disgusting that unison are still not supporting Yunus.

Thanks to John McDonnell MP for giving this the publicity that it needs.

Please lobby your MP to sign the EDM text below:

EDM 2028 (link http://www.edms.org.uk/2010-11/2082.htm )

That this House congratulates Mr Yunus Bakhsh on securing reinstatement after his unfair dismissal by the Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust; notes that Mr Bakhsh was a long-serving nurse and trade union representative whose unfair dismissal was found to bea result of trade union victimisation and disability discrimination; deplores the refusal of the Trust to agree to Mr Bakhsh's reinstatement in line with the order of the Employment Tribunal; further notes that Mr Bakhsh incurred considerable expense arranging legal representation and calls on the Trust to pay his legal costs; and further calls on the Secretary of State for Health to investigate the conduct of the case by the Trust and the expenditure of hundreds and thousands of pounds of public money in a failed attempt to justify the victimisation of a trade union official.

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Lobby of unison NEC

2011-07-13T13:53:00.000Z

Approx 50 people turned up @ 8.30am this morning before work to lobby unison's NEC and ask them to start the ballot/name the day for united action on pensions.

The lobby heard from Karen Reissmann unison nec on the positive discussion at yesterdays NEC and the concern over the timetable and the emphasis on the differences in the pensions scheme because that misses the point that the government is the attacking the working class as a whole.

Roger Bannister NEC spoke about the need democracy in the leadership of the campaign and accountability to the rank and file.

Austin Harney also brought solidarity greetings from PCS left unity.

An extended meeting of unisons's service group liaison committee is meeting next Tuesday and is being referred to in unison circles as a pensions summit - let's hope they heed the message from conference and this mornings lobby that we need early action on pensions.

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Tolpuddle Deportations recommence!

2011-07-13T10:45:00.000Z

I am going to tolpuddle this Friday and sending solidarity to Maureen Lum.

"In a bizarre homage to governments gone by, the UK Borders Agency has deported an Australian trades unionist back to the colonies. Her crime? Singing.
If you're heading to Tolpuddle next weekend for the annual union festival – a great mix of political debate, foot-tapping music and beer – spare a thought for Maureen Lum from Tasmania.

The Australian trade unionist was due to take part in the annual rally to commemorate the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who were deported for forming a trade union – but has herself been deported.

Maureen arrived in the UK last Sunday for a long planned holiday and was due to sing with the Grassroots community choir at the festival in Dorset.

However, immigration officials at Stanstead Airport deported her for not having a performers' visa, despite the fact that she was not being paid to come or for her performance. The deportation has led some commentators to question whether grandmother trade unionists are more unwelcome than terrorists.

The Tasmanian Grassroots Union Choir is a group of music lovers dedicated to ensuring that workers' songs, old and new, are being sung and heard in Tasmania. They were due to perform a special series of songs about one of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, George Loveless, who was exiled to Van Diemen's Land, as Tasmania was then called.

Nigel Costley, South West TUC Regional Secretary, said: "You would have thought that after 170 years things might have moved on.

"The Tolpuddle Festival is more than a rally for trade union members; it is a celebration of working people's culture. We were delighted when the Grassroots Union Choir agreed to come and perform.

"The petty and vindictive attitude of immigration officials might mean there is one less voice in the choir but the thousands of people attending the festival will sing out strongly in her place."

Just to remind you what the Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival is all about, in 1834 six Dorset farm workers were arrested and sentenced to seven years' transportation for organising a trade union.

Massive protests swept across the country and thousands of people marched through London; many more organised petitions and protest meetings to demand their freedom. Eventually they returned home in triumph.

The festival takes places each July when thousands of people come to small Dorset village to celebrate trade unionism and to remember the sacrifice made by the six farm workers.

It's a popular mix of political discussion and speeches, great music and the traditional procession of banners, wreath laying and Methodist service.

This year's Festival takes place from July 15-17 and the camping places have already sold out.

For more information see: http://www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/

--
"Only the battles which aren't even begun are lost at the start."
(Madjiguène Cissé, spokesperson for the Sans Papiers in France)
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Southampton Council strike spreads:

2011-07-04T14:09:00.001Z

Press release:
4 July 2011

Southampton Council strike spreads: £300m south coast port set to grind to a halt

UNISON and Unite have today (Monday) notified Southampton City Council that the six week-long strike will spread to embrace more of the essential public employees who keep the city functioning.

The unions are giving notice today that from Monday, July 11th, building maintenance workers, who carry out repairs on council housing stock, and the Port Health Officers, who provide health protection within Southampton port and oil refinery, through inspection and certification of cruise liners, containers and oil tankers, will join the strike.

Strike action by the Port Health Officers will have the potential to bring Southampton's port - one of the busiest in the UK with container ships and cruise liners docking daily, bringing around £300m on cruise liners alone to the city coffers annually - to a halt. The 13 Port Health Officers will take five days of action from 00.1 hours on Monday July 11th. During this time there will be major disruption to ships entering and leaving the port and to the distribution of cargo containers, with the city losing an estimated £1 million pounds for every day the port sits idle.

The unions are dubbing July 11th the council leadership's Armageddon Day - the day that it will sack workers who refuse to accept inferior jobs and pay cuts.

The unions say the deepening strike is a sign of the mounting frustration among the council workforce that their employer has mishandled recent talks convened through the official conciliators, ACAS. After 20 hours of negotiations, the council was still unwilling to lift its deadline of July 11th when employees who have refused to sign inferior contracts will be sacked.

The unions have repeatedly stated that if the council lifts this deadline they will immediately suspend all strike action allowing talks to continue without a looming deadline.

Ian Woodland, Unite regional officer, said: "Royston Smith and Jeremy Moulton must wake up now to how serious this city's council employees are about getting justice. There is absolutely no need for this city to force people onto lower wages - to do so is a malicious attempt to bully worried working people into accepting any terms in order to hang onto their jobs.

Our great port will now suffer badly thanks to the stubbornness of the council leadership. They know full well there is a better way forward and it ought to have dawned on them that the people of this city do not believe their dire propaganda about Southampton's finances.

This council is marching this city towards an Armageddon deadline of July 11th but when cabinet ministers like Eric Pickles tell you to start talking then you are irresponsible if you do not listen. Lift the deadline, we will immediately suspend action and talks can re-open without precondition."

Andy Straker of UNISON added: "Southampton workers from the kerbside to the dockside are now striking against Royston Smith's cuts. This is a phenomenal statement about this employers' extremely poor handling of this dispute.

Royston Smith and Jeremy Moulton know full well that since autumn last year the unions have been urging them to work with us on an alternative to the drastic Tory cuts. This city has the financial resources to weather this economic storm if the political will was there to use them intelligently

.The council leadership's failure to do so tells the people of this city that they are not interested in a shared settlement - they want to hammer the workforce and their unions. Well, the workers of this city will not stand by and let them attack jobs and services so our message is wise up and talk because negotiation is the only way forward."

City-wide action starting on Monday July 11th will involve:120 Workers in waste and recycling 60 Workers in street cleansing 150 Library workers 20 Itchen toll bridge collectors 40 Parking enforcement officers20 Contact supervisors (social care) 15 Vehicle mechanics who will all take seven days action from that date.

230 Building maintenance workers will take one day's strike action on 13th July; and 13 Port Health Officers who will take five days of action from Monday July 11th.

On Wednesday 13th July hundreds of Council workers will march in Southampton City Centre to a demonstration outside the Civic Centre to coincide with a meeting of Southampton City Council. The demonstration starts at 1300 in East / Andrews Park and will end outside the Civic Centre.

For more information contact:
Mike Tucker, UNISON Branch Secretary, on 023 8083 2740 or 07768 293689
Andy Straker, UNISON Regional Organiser on 023 8024 9126
Mark Wood, UNITE Convenor on 07918 673741
Ian Woodland, UNITE Regional Industrial Organiser on 07770 704480

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Lobby UNISONs NEC - Pensions Name the Day

2011-07-03T21:44:00.002Z

Name the date: we can win on Pensions
Put this motion to your next Branch Committee and Lobby UNISONs NEC to start the ballot and name the day!
Lobby 8.30 am 13th July Facebook event here http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=186388651414998

Motion
The call from this year's National Delegate Conference was clear:
prepare for sustained, co-ordinated national industrial action over pensions.
In his Conference speech, our General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said 'If this Government fails to heed our warnings, to negotiate in good faith, I say to David Cameron, "You ain't seen nothing yet." We will strike to defend our pensions: a campaign of strike action without precedent. Our preparations are well advanced, but there is more to do. Strike action will need to be sustained. The fight of our lives may be an overused cliche, but that is what this is.'
But UNISON's experience in building for 26 March shows that key to building confidence and delivering activity in the workplace is having a concrete date to aim for. That is why we are calling on Dave Prentis and our National Executive Council to name a date for a national ballot and to name a date for the first day of strike action – if other unions such as the PCS, NUT, UCU etc go out on 4 October, we should pledge to join them.
We therefore resolve to:
1. Complete cleansing our membership records and prepare for an Industrial Action Ballot on pensions.
2. Call on the NEC and the General Secretary to name announce a ballot and name a date for action. Any Industrial Action should be co-ordinated with other unions.
3. Call for an Emergency Regional Council, as soon as possible, to debate the motion set out above (Excluding bullet points 1, 3 and 4)
4. Support a lobby of the National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday 13th July (8.30am @ 130 Euston Road London)

Note:
When your branch passes the motion send a copy to the Regional Secretary, Regional Convenor, Regional Head of Service group, General Secretary D.Prentis@unison.co.uk and President E.smith@unison.co.uk
also send a copy to unisonpensionsaction@gmail.com

The TUC on what next after J30 - Defend Pensions

2011-07-02T19:47:00.001Z

I note with caution the TUC's press release below forgive me if I'm wrong but I would have thought the TUC would have been coordinating the further action on pensions between the public sector unions - but there is no mention of further action involving more unions.

Let's hope the TUC take note of TUC LGBT Conference who along with almost everyone else in the TU movement have called for further action to defend our pensions!

Press release:

TUC unions meet to discuss public sector pensions

A meeting of the TUC's public sector unions took place today (Friday) to review the successful industrial action taken yesterday, and to consider the position reached in the negotiating process with the government.
Commenting after the meeting TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
'Yesterday's action - and the media debate around it - exposed the fundamental weakness in the government's case for change in public service pensions, and their increasingly threadbare claim to be motivated by concerns over long term affordability.
'The TUC negotiating team will be resuming talks with ministers next week to press their concerns on all the big issues in the dispute - including the change in pensions indexation from RPI to CPI, the proposed change in pensions age, the proposed change to the career average model for schemes, and the government's push for higher pensions contributions.
'We will be making clear that - in seeking a fair settlement - these must be genuine negotiations on all the issues and we do not accept in any way the government's suggestion that these talks are just about implementation of decisions already taken.'
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
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2011-07-02T10:37:00.000Z

Labour party members who were disgusted at Ed's leadership on June 30th please sign this letter http://owenjones.org/2011/06/30/sign-up-labour-members-backing-our-public-sector-workers/

I have reprinted below an article published yesterday on laboulist I think Owen says it all.

By Owen Jones / @owenjones84

Yesterday's strike by teachers and front-line public sector staff was a triumph for the trade union movement. I joined the demonstration through central London, and it was as inspirational as the game-changing initial student protest in November. These were young workers (I would estimate the majority were under 35); and the mood was both cheerful and determined. This strike was no desperate throw of the die. The workers involved know this is just the start, but they think they can win.

It was a strike that enjoyed broad popular support and sympathy. Before the strike, a YouGov poll for theSun had 40% supporting the action, with 49% against - already suggesting it was all to play for. Another poll for ITV's London Tonight had 53% in support; and a staggering 77% expressed their support in a Channel 4 poll. Despite all the fuss about inconvenienced parents, hundreds of mothers posted their support on Mumsnet - not famed as a bastion of socialism, if we're going to be honest. Given there are no prominent voices in politics or the media making the case for the strike, these are remarkable findings.

And the strike also succeeded in forcing the media to scrutinise the pensions issue, helping to demolish the Government's argument that public sector pensions are unaffordable. Millions of people are now aware that public sector pensions are set to shrink as a percentage of GDP; and that this isn't really about pensions at all, but an effective pay cut, with the money saved being used to pay off the deficit. Attempts to play 'divide-and-rule' by playing off public sector and private sector workers have failed. By cynically highlighting the scandal of private sector workers lacking any pension provision at all, the Government has been exposed for making "race-to-the-bottom" arguments.

If the strike was a victory for the labour movement, it was a disaster for the Tories. Industrial action has forced a government on to the back-foot. This is the first time this has happened for a very long time indeed. Francis Maude was ripped to shreds by Evan Davis and PCS leader - and rising star - Mark Serwotka on the Today programme. To avoid further humiliation, he simply pulled out of Channel 4 News at the last minute. Other workers will now feel emboldened. The Tories face a nightmare scenario: growing strike action that enjoys broad public support over an argument they have lost.

But if it was a disaster for the Tories, it was a catastrophe for the Labour leadership. No-one was expecting Ed Miliband to yell 'Everybody out!' and man a picket line (as much as people like me would want a Labour leader who did exactly that). But he chose to strongly condemn the strikes. Senior Labour figures - such as Tessa Jowell - took to the airwaves and did the Tories' job by attacking striking workers in strong language. It's not just the left of the party who are angry: I have spoken to activists on the right and left who are equally furious.
Instead of shredding the Tories over pensions - and leaving it to Evan Davis to do it instead - the Labour leadership put itself on a collision course with the labour movement. It has pleased no-one and alienated many. Some of Ed Miliband's advisers - as right-wing as they are incompetent - will believe that squeals of anger from activists will help win over public support. 'You can't call him Red Ed now, eh!' they will say.
But they are stupid, stupid people if they think that. The right-wing media will never drop their hostility towards Ed Miliband: they will simply believe that attacking strikes is a crude attempt at positioning, and they will be right. The Blairite ultras don't want Ed Miliband, and that won't change. And now Ed Miliband has alienated the mainstream of the Labour Party. He lacks any meaningful support base. The anger and frustration many activists feel towards him will not go away for a long time to come. As LabourList's Mark Ferguson put it: "By attempting clumsy triangulation, but without conviction, Miliband has kept no-one happy."
Some will be tempted to call for him to resign. I'm not one of them. The problem isn't Ed Miliband, but the sorts of people who dominate the top of the Labour party. They are desperately out-of-touch, and almost religiously committed to New Labour dogma. If Ed goes, they will still be there, and will probably be strengthened.

If there are any lessons to be drawn from this debacle, it is that party activists and trade unionists must mobilise and force the Labour leadership to actually oppose the Tories. At the moment they are failing to do so, and a Government that is both deeply unpopular and lacking a democratic mandate is getting away with murder.
I've set up a petition for Labour party members to show that, despite the failures of our leadership, we are on the side of our public sector workers. But it will take a lot more than petitions to turn this around. Yesterday was not just the beginning of a whole new phase of popular resistance to the Government - it was the start of a struggle for the heart and soul of the Labour party. We cannot afford to lose either.

Original post is on http://www.labourlist.org/a-catastrophe-for-the-labour-leadership

Solidarity with 30 June strikes: Build the Resistance

2011-06-25T17:46:00.001Z

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From: "LRC Information" <info@l-r-c.org.uk>

Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2011 18:44:12 +0100

To: <info@l-r-c.org.uk>

ReplyTo: <info@l-r-c.org.uk>

Subject: Solidarity with 30 June strikes: Build the Resistance

LABOUR REPRESENTATION COMMITTEE

http://www.l-r-c.org.uk

Solidarity with 30 June strikes: Build the Resistance

Over three-quarters of a million trade unionists will be taking co-ordinated strike action on 30 June. Members of the NUT, ATL and PCS have voted to take action to defend their pensions (with PCS members also striking over pay and jobs). They will also be joined by UCU members who have already voted for and taken action in defence of their pensions.

The day is fast becoming a focal point of resistance with a range of local disputes co-ordinating with 30 June, including Unite and Unison workers at Southampton City Council, NUJ members at Newsquest in south London, Unison members at Birmingham City Council, Unite members at Fujitsu in Crewe, Unison members at Camden Council, and POA members across the country will hold lunchtime protest meetings over pensions.

The LRC wants members to join picket lines on 30 June and join in strike rallies and supportive activities to show solidarity with those on strike. Download the LRC 30 June flyer for distribution. Bring your local LRC banners, Labour Party and trade union banners. See details of 30 June strike day rallies across the UK. [continue...]

LRC pays tribute to life of Andy Viner

LRC National Committee member Andy Viner has died following injuries sustained in a car crash. The LRC wishes to pay tribute to Andy, who was an elected official of the ASLEF union and a hard-working trade unionist and socialist. We offer our condolences to his family and to all those who knew Andy as a friend and a comrade. Andy’s funeral will take place on Friday 1 July in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire. Email us for more details [continue...]

Fight to defend Welfare goes on

The Welfare Reform Bill passed its 3rd reading in the House of Commons on 15 June by 288 votes to 238. Although it passed, our campaigning helped ensure that Labour MPs voted against it, having abstained at 2nd reading stage. However, recent comments by Ed Miliband and Liam Byrne prove we have to fight to continue to move party policy away from the workfare model promoted by New Labour and now being developed by the coalition. [continue...]

See http://l-r-c.org.uk/events/ for upcoming events happening near you

Not a member or need to renew?

Join the LRC online

Or to pay by standing order Download the standing order form

Or email us and we will send you a membership form in the post

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/home.php?sk=group_5794071372

Follow us on Twitter: @LRCinfo

Camden unison strike June 30th

2011-06-25T07:46:00.001Z

With apologies for not keeping blog updated during unison conference I was just too busy!

www.stevesunisonconference.wordpress.com

And

www.jonrogers1963.blogspot.com

Managed it for those who are interested.

Now the hard work begins those of us in unison need to push for Prentis to name a date we will start balloting our members and a clear timetable for the commencement of action.

Whilst of course supporting the strikes on June 30th and preparing our members for when we do ballot.

Camden unison have now joined Southampton and Doncaster unison who will also be striking on the 30th.

Information from George Binette:

Please see press release below - not quite on the scale of Birmingham, Doncaster or Southampton, but it does mark the start, just possibly, of a fightback against mass redundancies across Camden as a whole and, of course, the first day of action coincides with the PCS, NUT, ATL and UCU walkouts.

If anyone isn't picketing/protesting elsewhere on Thursday morning, there should be a picket at 33-35 Jamestown Road, NW1 (nearest Tube: Camden Town; Overground: Camden Road) from c 7.00 AM.

Messages of support can be emailed to the Camden UNISON branch office via Paul England (paul.england@camden.gov.uk)

Many thanks in advance,

George.

Workers in the repairs and improvements section of Camden Council's Housing & Adult Social Care directorate have voted heavily in favour of strike action in response to the threat of 10 or more compulsory redundancies among their workmates. An official strike ballot came in the wake of a controversial restructure, which in an unprecedented move where those losing their job were forced to stay at home even though the Council was continuing to pay them and they were willing to carry on working. They were also instructed to return their work ID passes and clear their workstations, and stripped of their access to the Council's IT network even though they remained Camden employees.

More than 80% of UNISON members said 'yes' to a strike in support of their colleagues on a 51% turnout. The national union's Industrial Action Committee has now approved an initial walk-out for Thursday 30 June. While this would be the first strike by Camden UNISON memebrs over a local issue since the 1998 library workers' dispute, it would coincide with widespread action by the main civil service union, the PCS, two of Britain's teaching unions (NUT and ATL) and the college lecturers' union, UCU, over attacks on public sector workers' pension schemes.

UNISON branch secretary George Binette said, "The overwhelming 'yes' vote reflects the anger felt by members at the dismissal of their colleagues, especially when two dozen or more agency staff are undertaking work those at risk could well be doing and when numerous posts in the new structure are still vacant. At a time when the Council has told tenants that there isn't the money to carry out a wide range of repairs, it seems extraordinary that capable, experienced staff face redundancy. Meanwhile, Camden is paying substantial sums for agency staff and are now employing a consultant to oversee a review of the repairs service. While we believe that the cuts across Camden are the tragic result of the Labour group's decision to live within the financial straitjacket imposed by the Con-Dem coalition, there is also a widespread belief that in this case the Council has failed to meet its obligation to mitigate against compulsory redundancies."

Binette added, "The impact on black staff of this restructure and the cuts programme as a whole seems to have been very disproportionate. At least half of those at risk of redundancy in repairs and improvements are black."

UNISON will be mounting picket lines at Jamestown Road on Thursday morning 30 June and striking workers will be joining UNISON members from across London on the demonstration called by other public sector unions as part of their day of action against the threat to public service workers' pension schemes. The march assembles from 11.00 AM at Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2, proceeding to a rally at Westminster Central Hall.

For further information please contact George Binette, Camden UNISON Branch Secretary on 07905 826304 or 07557 563044.

------------------

First day at conference

2011-06-20T07:46:00.001Z

First day at UNISON LG conference

Whilst our General Secretary was all over the telly getting our message out we were firming up pour commitment to defend our pension with the first big debate of conference. The highlight of the pensions debate was Sean Fox London regional delegates speech which brought cheers from the floor of conference. Conference decided to mount the strongest possible campaign including early coordinated strike action to defend our pensions.

It was pleasing that the service group executives early opposition to the word "early" in the above sentence had been dropped by the time we got to conference.

Conference heard about the particular impact of cuts to our pension scheme on women and low paid black women.

Conference then passed Comp A which was a composite from 10 different unison bodies and ran to 5 pages long! This set out a detailed response to the unnecessary public spending cuts being inflicted on LG by the coalition government.

The afternoon session continued hearing motions on cuts and conference passed motions on Women and Cuts LGBT and cuts.

Jon Rogers gave an impassioned speech on Motion 17 in opposition to privatisation when he called on the Labour Party to stand up for public services by reciting from heart to conference floor the old wording of Clause 4 (Many of us thought he was swearing allegiance eyes closed but not quite hand over heart lol)

I spoke on Motion 12 Defending LG Jobs and services for all (text of my of the speech at bottom of this post for those whoa re interested).

Conference also heard a passionate defence of our library's.

I have been live tweeting so follow me on @marshajane if you want updates throughout the day and the full text of all motions past will be available on UNISONs conference database www.unison.org.uk/conference

Off now for the second day where we will debate attacks on terms and conditions, Housing, Social Work and Education.

Speech on Motion 12

Conference for a generation we have been working to improve public service provision for LGBT people.

The cuts agenda from this condem coalition of millionaires seek to reverse the positive gains we have made in recent years.

Where I work in Havering, I worked closely with the employer and the Albert Kennedy Trust ( www.akt.org.uk who specialise in helping young LGBT people who are homeless) to ensure that our policies, housing procedures were LGBT friendly. So now we have some great policies but no houses.

Young LGBT people face particular issues on becoming homeless and are more likely to become homeless - even without an EIA its easy to see that LGBT youth are disproportionately disadvantaged by public sector cuts.

The motion highlights cuts in youth service provision and in Havering they are moving from a universal youth service to a targeted youth service, the LGBT youth service in particular is at risk of being cut as it is not deemed to need a targeted service, the employer has believes that LGBT services can be provided through other means

Yet it is not clear what those other means are, everyone here will know that young LGBt people are more likely to be bullies, more likely to suffer mental health issues and more likely to self harm., yet all over the country they will be denied the specialist help that they need.

They are cutting a service which quite simply saves lives.

In Havering as you'd expect we have been fighting against this and last month held a hugely successful lobby of the council with many young service users including young LGBT service users fighting alongside UNISON and our sister unions to defend our youth service.

It is hugely important we support this motion because in fighting the cuts we must keep faith with our commitment to equality.

I urge you to vote for this motion and go back to your branches and engage with young LGBT service users to campaign against the cuts.

Unison on strike over pensions? & Southampton update

2011-06-18T06:41:00.001Z

I see Prentis has his left wing head on ready for this years UNISON conference (#uNDC11 (see you all in Manchester!))
Telling the Guardian that we are prepared for "sustained and indefinite" strikes in protest at the government's pension plans http://bbc.in/jmAxrl

Obviously good to hear and branches have been updating records ready for balloting for a while now - however whilst I'm fully confident there will be a yes ballot when we finally vote, there will be a job of work to do to get the turnout up.

Hopefully delegates will come to conference this week and be inspired by a unity call from Prentis and UNISON's leadership so that all parts of the union con concentrate on defending our pensions and protecting our members (working together and stopping witchhunts perhaps ....)

And finally below is an update from Southampton.

UNISON / Unite, the City Council and representatives from ACAS met at the Eastpoint Centre for 9 hours yesterday. There was no joint meeting during those 9 hours, the day was mainly taken up with ACAS meeting both sides separately to see if there was a way forward. The trade unions proposed that the unions would suspend their industrial action if the Council suspended the dismissal notices due to come into effect on 11 July. "Corridor" discussions on these proposals were held between Andy Straker (UNISON Regional Organiser), Ian Woodland (Unite Regional Industrial Organiser) and Royston Smith and Alistair Neill. Following these discussions, there did seem some prospect of agreement but the full management side did not accept the proposals. The Council's counter proposal was that talks be held on Wednesday 23 June (and on 24/25 June if required) and if these made progress, then the dismissal notices would be withdrawn.

UNISON / Unite Response
The joint UNISON / Unite Strike Committee met this lunch-time (Friday 17 June). It was agreed that:

1. The trade unions would meet the Council in the week of 21 June, exact date still to be finalised.
2. As the Council had not lifted the dismissal notices, the industrial action would continue.
3. In the week starting 20 June, 7 days notice would be given to the Council of new selective industrial action.
4. UNISON and Unite would support the activities being organised by the teaching unions and Civil Service unions in Southampton on 30 June. This is the day that teachers and civil servants are striking over the government's attacks on their pension schemes. Details will be sent to members once these activities have been finalised.
5. Details of the new industrial action will be announced next week once the Council has been given the required 7 days notice of action. Once the details of the new talks with the Council have been agreed this information will be sent to members.

Best wishes

Mike Tucker
UNISON National Executive Council Member /
------------------

UNISON Conference - Reprioritise Motion 64- Education

2011-06-16T19:53:00.000Z

Those who are regular attendees of UNISON conference’s will know that on Friday afternoon motion’s that have been prioritised by regions, SOG’s and NEC can be reprioritised I.E brought forward for discussion. I make no apology for getting in early and calling for motion 64 to be reprioritised.

Motion 64 is the only motion on education that is even on the agenda. However it is so far down the agenda that there is little chance of it being discussed, without it being reprioritised, on the Friday of conference. I am frankly very disappointed that UNISON activists have failed to prioritise this motion.

The current attacks on education are on a similar scale to the attacks on the NHS. Those attacks will see the Labour Governments disgraceful academy programme accelerated to an unprecedented level. Along with the creation of free schools, this is leading to a mass outsourcing of schools into the private sector.

To demonstrate this ideological and unprecedented attack the secretary of state for education, Gove has today announced a completely arbitrary number of 200 primary schools to be immediately converted to academy status (with more to come) on the basis that they are the worst performing schools. Along with the privatisation this attack will create a democratic deficit. This will have little if any accountability to anyone other the trust which is made up of three governors of the old school, the head teacher and the sponsor (private company).

UNISON needs to be at the forefront of defending education and campaigning for a comprehensive education system that will support all children. UNISON seems to be increasing leaving such a campaign to just the teacher’s unions. Delegates to UNISON conference should not go away from this year’s conference without having discussed what is happening to our educations system. Reprioritise motion 64 and vote for it and its amendments.

NUT and ATL to strike on Pensions

2011-06-14T16:53:00.001Z

See NUT Press release below - fantastic result and turnout 92% on a turnout of 40%.

ATL also had an amazing result being as they have been around for 127 years and never balloted before! 83% yes on a 35% turnout

Its a shame unison won't be joining them on the 30th but as Prentis said yesterday we will be joining the next wave of action in the Autumn.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13755176

NUT press release

14 June 2011

NUT Pension Ballot Results

Today, (Tuesday 14 June), the NUT announced overwhelming endorsement by its members for strike action to defend teachers' pensions. In the NUT's strike ballot 92% voted in favour of strike action with a turnout of 40%

We will be campaigning alongside the ATL who have had similar strong results in their ballot of members.

The NUT executive will be meeting tomorrow to take the formal decision on a day of national strike action planned for 30 June.

The NUT believes that our pensions are fair and affordable. The Government wants teachers to pay more, work longer, and get less. They are pressing ahead with unnecessary reforms despite the changes already made to the Teachers' Pension Scheme in 2007.

The National Audit Office has confirmed that public sector pension costs are falling as expected due to the reforms already in place. Teachers are already paying more, the normal pension age has been raised to 65 for new entrants and employer contributions have been capped.

The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee has also been highly critical of the Government's pension strategy which they say is based more on public perception of public sector pensions than on actual figures.

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union, said:

"The Government's unnecessary attack on public sector pensions has convinced NUT members that there is no alternative but to support strike action.

"It is disgraceful that the Government is pressing ahead with its reforms which will affect teachers' pensions. The Government knows that they are affordable. This is a policy which has nothing to do with economics and everything to do with politics.

"The NUT is party to the TUC negotiations with Government to protect public sector pensions. It is not too late for common sense to prevail and for these unnecessary changes to be stopped. It is in no one's interest to create a whole new swathe of people who are a burden on the taxpayer in old age.

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UNISON CONFERENCE

2011-06-10T10:30:00.001Z

UNISON Conference starts Sunday the 19th June here are a few of unison united left recommended conference fringe meetings

Saturday 18th June LG planning meeting 7.30pm

Premier Inn Lower Mosley Street

Monday 20th June NDC planning meeting 7.30pm

Friends Meeting House

UUL recommended fringe meetings

Tuesday 6pm

Pensions Fringe –

Last day to protest against them Moving May Day bank holiday

2011-06-08T21:08:00.001Z

The governments "pre consultation" on moving May day bank holiday ends tomorrow - so please all send an email in to give your views bankholiday@culture.gsi.gov.uk'

Below is the copy of an email that a good friend of mine sent in! :)

DO NOT MOVE IT!!!

To move the Mayday Bank Holiday would be seen as an insult to all working class people and all workers in the country, and indicative of a governmental contempt for working people. It is OUR day and the only one we have in the calendar.

Mayday is an international bank holiday and therefore has special reason to be retained. The only other is New Year. (I exclude Xmas and Easter because although cross-national, they are restricted to one particular religion). If tourists come on Bank Holidays, surely those we share with other countries are most economically important.

All the other Bank Holidays around that time are related to Christian holy days Easter and Pentecost – as are two others (Xmas & Boxing day). This is surely over the top given the number of non-believers and supporters of other religions. The Easter holidays already cause major problems because they are not on fixed dates in the year. Already many schools have moved the holiday between term 2 and term 3 to a convenient date. So given that we already have three other Christian Bank Holidays it would seem fairer to shift the Easter days. It would also take two days from a time of year already overcrowded with holidays.

Losing Easter would leave the longest times without holidays the January – April period and the September – December period. Sometime in the middle of these would seem best for alternative dates.

I would avoid the relevant Saint's days (David / Wales and Andrew / Scotland ) because 1) they are religiously divisive as Christian vs the rest and 2) there are no holidays for George or Patrick. I would also avoid commemorating military victories – again, we in Britain are seen (in my view correctly) as war-obsessed and particularly ww2-obsessed and such holidays serve to promote these divisive views. I think we should celebrate positive events when good and progressive things happened, or dates historically related to broader progressive events.

I would propose second Monday in March to recall March 8 (International Women's Day) as a suitable candidate for the January – April gap.

For the September – December gap I would propose the first Monday in November, to celebrate Guy Fawkes night, the night when elected officials are reminded of their mortality.

Update from Southampton strike

2011-06-06T16:03:00.001Z

On Monday 13 June, 70 UNISON / UNITE members working as street cleaners will start a 7 day strike. They will join 170 UNISON / UNITE members already on strike, 40 Parking Enforcement, 20 Itchen Bridge Toll Collectors and 110 Refuse Collectors. The 13th June will be the one day that all four sections will be on strike. Also on 13 June, 250 Cleaners working for Medirest at Southampton General Hospital start a 7 day strike.

To mark the day all 5 strikes are taking place, a joint UNISON / UNITE march is being held on 13 June, starting from 12.30 p.m. Hoglands Park, marching to the Civic Centre. Support from outside Southampton is more than welcome.

The Conservative controlled Council have called on UNISON to call off the action short of strike in Children's Social Care due to the effectiveness of not covering vacant posts, non-use of cars and working to contract. The Council is having to spend £40,000 a week on taxis in the Children's Contact Centre alone. UNISON members in Children's Social Care have reacted angrily at the suggestion and are determined to carry on with the industrial action. See our Branch web site for more information on the use of agency social workers. Also the web site of the Southern Daily Echo. No date has been fixed for talks with ACAS. The Council are now offering 16 June.

Our dispute is reaching a crucial stage. We need financial support, also support on our picket lines and at the demonstration on 13 June.

Best wishes

Mike Tucker
UNISON National Executive Council Member /
Branch Secretary
UNISON Southampton District Branch
e-mail: branchsecretary[at]soton-unison-office.org.uk or m.tucker[at]unison.co.uk

Joint UNISON / UNITE Demonstration
Monday 13 June
12.30 p.m. Hoglands Park
March to the Civic Centre for Rally

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NEC results

2011-06-03T13:09:00.005Z

http://www.unison.org.uk/file/2011%20NEC%20results%203June.pdf

Candidates backed by the left highlighted in yellow - commiserations to those who didn't win (inc me) but congrats to those who gained or held seats.
Inc 2 newbies Helen Davies (Barnet) a left gain in London and Kathy Smith a left gain in Local Government from Bromley - who had mention of one Glenn Kelly in her election address ;) and Karen Reissmann getting back on after dropping off last time around.

Huge victory for Tony Wilson in the North west beating Bob Oram (AKA Prentis Head boy) and also I can report that Carole Maleham has been knocked off the NEC again (see previous post www.unionfutures.blogspot.com/2007/06/unison-nec-results-braking-news.html ) this time by Vicki Perrin.

So the left have 17 of the seats following some gains, and one loss (commiserations to Hannah in the northern region who lost as the 2 seats went down to 1 leaving 2 incumbents to fight it out)

2011 National Executive Council - Election results

Regional seats

General

Female

Male

Reserved

Eastern

Katie Collins

Kevin O'Grady

Gill Malik

East Midlands

Jean Thorpe

Moz Greenshields

Chris Tansley

vacant

Greater London

Kim Silver

Helen Davies

Jon Rogers

Irene Stacey

Northern -

Josie Bird

Ian Fleming

Sue Forster

Northern Ireland

Lucia McKeever

Stephen Kennedy

Margaret McKee

North West

Tony Wilson

Bernadette Gallagher

Karen Reissmann

Roger Bannister

Vera Keary

Scotland

Jane Carolan

Angela Lynes

Sandra-Dee Masson

Gordon McKay

South East

Diana Leach

Kathy Symonds

Mike Tucker

Jean Butcher

South West

Lesley Discombe

Steve Warwick

vacant

Wales

Sian Stockham

Linda Sweet

Mike Hayes

Melanie Fender

West Midlands

Carol Sewell

Eleanor Smith

David Marsden

Mary Locke

Yorkshire and Humberside

Wendy Nichols

Helen Jenner

Sue Highton

John Campbell

Vicky Perrin

2011 National Executive Council - Election results

Service group seats

General

Female

Male

Community

John Gray

Isobel McVicar

Energy

Paul Glover

Angela Greenhalgh

Healthcare

James Anthony

Ann Moses

Christine Sullivan

Eric Roberts

Higher Education

Max Watson

Alison Shepherd

Local Government

Paul Holmes

Kathy Smith

Julie Robinson

Paul Gilroy

Police & Justice

John Mackfall

Mo Le Marinel

Water, Environment & Transport

John Jones

Black members seats

Female

Elizabeth Cameron

April Ashley

Male

Mark Clifford

Reserved

Abiola Kusoro

Young members

seat

General

Graham Smith

Southampton Industrial action update - next group on strike tomorrow

2011-05-30T17:52:00.001Z

40 UNISON and Unite members employed as Council Enforcement Officers, Parking Equipment Technicians and Cashier Driver / Collectors are the next group to strike in the campaign against pay cuts. They are on strike for 7 days as from 31 May.

As all Council Enforcement Officers and Parking Equipment Technicians will be on strike, there will be no parking enforcement in Southampton for the duration of the strike. There will also be no repair of faulty parking meters or car park entrance barriers.

The Parking Operations strike will start the day the Refuse section return to work after a successful 5 day strike. The Refuse section is to strike again for one day on Saturday 4 June.

The section would normally work that day in order to catch up on refuse collections not carried out on bank holiday Monday. The section is also refusing to work overtime and working to rule.

The industrial action short of strike across the Council continues and is being well supported.

Although the Council has stated that it will join talks with the trade unions and ACAS, no steps have been taken to organise talks.

A joint rally to support the UNISON / Unite industrial action is being held on Thursday 2 June at 12.30 p.m. Above Bar Church, central Southampton. The main speakers are Keith Sonnet, UNISON Deputy General Secretary and Len McCluskey, Unite General Secretary. All UNISON and Unite members are welcome.

With the growing industrial action, financial support is crucial. Other sections are preparing to strike when Parking Operations returns to work.

The trade unions are paying full take home pay to those on strike, plus hardship payments to members refusing to work overtime.

We have already received donations from many UNISON branches, but we need more. Please send donations and messages of support to our Branch office.

Southampton is at the forefront of the campaign against the Conservative cuts. We need your support.

Best wishes

Mike Tucker
UNISON National Executive Council Member /
Branch Secretary

Tel: 023 8083 2740
e-mail: branchsecretary[at]soton-unison-office.org.uk or
Blackberry e-mail: m.tucker[at]unison.co.uk

Joint UNISON / UNITE Membership Meeting to Organise Industrial Action
12.30 p.m., Thursday 2 June
Above Bar Church

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Havering Unison Lobby Wednesday 25 May

2011-05-27T11:11:00.001Z

Update: Congrats to my Branch Secretary Garry Chick-Mackay for organising a hugely
succesful lobby on Wednesday night,.

As well as unison members from our branch and other unison branches there were
people from our sister unions, including the NUT, GMB and Unite, a Labour
Councillor and Jon Crudas MP, and a hell of a lot of young people!
Its always refreshing to see the next generation standing up for
public services, and their presence made the lobby altogether more vibrant and
entertaining, the young boys on their skateboards and bikes doing stunts with
Unite flags went down well with the 100+ people lobbying the council.

There was also a journalist and photographer from the Romford Recorder there so
lets hope we get some good publicity.

See pics below :)

Have a good bank holiday weekend

Previoius post I along with many other members of my branch will (I hope!) be lobbying Havering Council meeting next Wednesday evening (25th 6pm Romford Town Hall), we have already had a mention of the lobby in the local Romford Recorder and today my Branch Secretary (Garry who is quoted in the article below) posted this link on facebook to maximise turnout for the lobby - so I thought I had better blog it and ask you all to come along!

In a nutshell the council are planning to stop the youth service from being one available to all (universal) to only providing some services and those that they do provide will be targeted.

With youth unemployment on the rise and already a lack of facilities for young people, society cannot afford to neglect the next generation (at 30 I am no longer young as Andrew keeps pointing out .. :p) even more.

http://www.romford-today.co.uk/News.cfm?id=18289&headline=Plans+for+cuts+to+youth+services+%27catastrophic%27

"Plans for cuts to youth services 'catastrophic'
Thursday, 19 May 2011

CAMPAIGNERS will call for Havering Council to rethink its cuts to youth services in the borough.
Havering Unison is organising a lobby at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday, May 25, supported by fellow unions Unite, GMB and NUT.
The protest, which was called by Unison and Unite members working in the council's Youth Service, is against what they describe as 'catastrophic' cuts.
Proposals include the closure of youth services at Century Youth House in Romford, and of three schools-based youth work units as well as the ending of project work around teenage pregnancy.
Unison's branch secretary, Garry Chick-Mackay, said: "These cuts are the beginning of the end of youth services being open and available to all young people in Havering.
"Our young people deserve to have social spaces away from school and home, where they can spend time with their peers in a safe environment. They deserve youth clubs organised and run by professional youth workers, trained to deal with wide-ranging needs.
"Young people in Havering and elsewhere are being punished by the Government and by this council for economic and political decisions they had no say in.
"We call on the council to step back from these damaging proposals before it's too late."
Havering Council's cabinet member for children and learning, Paul Rochford, explained that all services were being examined, but that no final decision had been made.
He said: "In the last financial year we had to fund a savings gap of around £20m due to Government spending cuts, and we will need to make further savings this year.
"Because of this, we are reviewing all of our services, making sure that they are focused on where they can do the most good, and fair.
"We are currently carrying out a wide consultation with young people, unions and partners to ensure we continue to meet their needs.
"No final decisions have yet been made and we will be publishing a new financial plan in the summer."
------------------

CWU vote yes to Strike action and call on TUC to call General Strike

2011-05-24T06:10:00.001Z

London postal workers vote 'Yes' for strike action

Postal workers in London have voted by four to one (79 per cent) in favour of strike action against plans to shut three mail centres and one delivery office in London. The Communication Workers Union is concerned that the closures will lead to compulsory redundancies.

Up to 3,500 Royal Mail staff will take strike action unless reassurances are given over job security and concerns of bullying are addressed.

Martin Walsh, CWU divisional rep, said: "London postal workers have sent a clear message to Royal Mail in this ballot that they will not be bullied or intimidated by the company.

"Royal Mail's closure plans are a clear threat of compulsory redundancy and this is completely unacceptable. In their race to push services to the bottom Royal Mail will eventually provoke a reaction wider than London."

Mark Palfrey, CWU Divisional Rep, said "This result tells Royal Mail in no uncertain terms that they as an employer are completely out of step with their employees.

"We urge Royal Mail to engage with the union to address the real concern of postal workers across the capital."

The ballot closed today (Monday) and of the returned ballot papers 79 per cent voted in favour of strike action with only 21 per cent voting no.

The four workplaces are: Mount Pleasant, Nine Elms (Vauxhall), Rathbone Place and East London.

Also, at CWU conference yesterday,

CWU votes to support a 24hr general strike

CWU delegates have voted unanimously in support of composite motion 1A which calls on "the TUC to coordinate a 24-hour general strike against the cuts and attacks on wages and pensions."

Well done on the CWU - let's hope the TUC heed this call and start organising action against these cuts instead of "candlelight vigils" - we are facing the worst attacks in a generation and need our union and tuc to lead the fightback, not hinder us.

Marshajane
------------------

Southampton strike pics and update

2011-05-23T15:15:00.001Z

Picture is of the picket line this morning and below the latest bulletin from Mike Tucker unison NEC

Marshajane

"2400 UNISON and Unite members employed by Southampton City Council commenced industrial action today. 110 Refuse workers started a 5 day strike, while all other union members started various forms of industrial action short of strike.

There was 100% support for the Refuse strike, with a picket line of 70 people outside the Town Depot from 5.30 a.m. (For more pictures of the picket line, visit our Branch web site at www.soton-unison-office.org.uk.)

When the Refuse section returns to work on 31 May, another group of UNISON / Unite members are to strike for 7 days.

We are holding a joint UNISON / Unite members rally on Thursday 2 June at 12.30 p.m. in central Southampton. Speakers include Keith Sonnet, UNISON Deputy General Secretary, and Len McCluskey, Unite General Secretary. Messages of support for this rally would be welcome.

Thanks very much to those Branches who have already donated to our strike fund. Your support is much appreciated. We still need financial support. The selective strike action is being funded on the basis of the trade unions paying full take home pay. We are also making payments to those workers who refuse overtime. Groups affected by this form of industrial action include street cleaning, who are already on a low wage and survive by working overtime. Any financial support you can give is appreciated.

Southampton is at the forefront of the fight to stop wage cuts. We have entered into a crucial stage of our dispute. Any help you can give will help sustain our industrial action.

The action short of strike being taken by all UNISON members includes:

1.                   Refusing to use your car for Council duties
All Council car users, including those in receipt of essential car allowance, Southampton Car Allowance and casual mileage payments are refusing to use their car for work. Travel for work is being carried out by:
•     Public transport
•     Taxis paid for by the City Council
•     Walking / bike
Members are refusing to use hire cars or pool cars to travel in the City.

2.                   Refusing to work paid overtime
All UNISON members are refusing to work overtime from 23 May. This includes contractual overtime.

3.                   Only working contractual hours
UNISON members are only working the hours they are paid for (including accumulating hours for flexileave). All unpaid working time has ceased. Where set working hours are specified, only those set hours are being worked. Specified lunch breaks are also being taken.

4.                   Working to contract / withholding of "goodwill"
Many UNISON members carry out work beyond what is specified in their contract of employment. UNISON members are now only carrying out duties that are specified in their contracts. Duties of another post or duties of a higher level of responsibility (unless in receipt of a honorarium payment) are not being undertaken. Only duties UNISON members are employed for, and for which they are being paid, are being undertaken.

5.                   Not covering for vacant posts
UNISON members are not covering jobs in workplaces that are vacant, or deleted, unless the duties are specified in their own job description / contract.

Best wishes

Mike Tucker
UNISON National Executive Council Member /
Branch Secretary
UNISON Southampton District Branch
Civic Centre
Southampton
SO14 7NB
mike.tucker[at]southampton.gov.uk
Blackberry e-mail: m.tucker[at]unison.co.uk
------------------

UNISON and UNITE members in Southampton City Council strike today

2011-05-23T05:51:00.001Z

As I blogged last week
http://unionfutures.blogspot.com/2011/05/unison-and-unite-members-in-southampton_18.html today UNISON and UNITE members are taking co-ordinated strike action against pay cuts, in April, the City Council issued dismissal notices to all City Council workers in order to enforce pay cuts of up 15%!

Solidarity to those striking today my branch have sent a message of solidarity and a cheque for the strike fund and I encourage others to ask branches to do the same.

Let's hope to see some coverage of this on UNISON's national website as a positive example of unity in taking action to fight off attacks.

E-mail: M.tucker[AT]unison.co.uk
Mike.Tucker[AT]southampton.gov.uk

There are more details on the Branch web site at www.soton-unison-office.org.uk

Marshajane
------------------

Question Time

2011-05-20T21:39:00.001Z

UNISON Branches have until midday on Wednesday 1 June to ask questions on the Annual Report of our National Executive Council, to be presented to National Delegate Conference in Manchester next month. This is our chance to ask questions to which we sometimes struggle to get answers - like how much staff time is devoted to running branches under regional supervision, or how many strike ballots we have organised (and how long has it taken for them to be approved).

This isn't as easy as you might think though. First, you have to email the relevant officer to get a copy of the form, on which you have to submit your question (sending in a hard copy signed by the Branch Secretary). You'll get a written response (by 5pm on Friday 10 June), but then need to submit a further supplementary question (by midday on Wednesday 15 June) in order to have the right to get up at Conference and put your question (anyone would think the NEC weren't keen for us to ask questions!)

This is an important part of holding our leadership to account - we shouldn't miss this opportunity.

UNISON and UNITE members in Southampton City Council to start indefinite industrial action.

2011-05-18T06:39:00.001Z

Solidarity with Mike Tucker the branch secretary (and lefty NEC member) of the Southampton UNISON branch and the UNISON and UNITE members who will shortly start a programme of Industrial action (See Press release below)

The action will include a 5 day strike in the Refuse section.

The branch are requesting messages of support and financial support to be sent to

Branch Secretary
UNISON Southampton District Branch
Civic Centre
Southampton
SO14 7NB

e-mail: M.tucker [AT] unison.co.uk

There are more details on the Branch web site at www.soton-unison-office.org.uk.

Please send a msg of support and ask your branch to send a donation thanks

Marshajane

Press release:

16 May 2011

Industrial action to start in Southampton City Council on Monday 23 May

2600 UNISON and UNITE members working for Southampton City Council will start indefinite industrial action on Monday 23 May. The industrial action will take two forms. All UNISON / UNITE members will be undertaking action short of strike action. The action being taken will include:

- Refusal to use private cars for Council work - this will include social workers, housing officers, environmental health officers.
- Ban on overtime working.
- Working to set hours. Not working unpaid hours.
- Working to contract / working to rule.
- Not covering for vacant posts.
- Working to strictly comply with Health and Safety regulations.

Union members voted by over 80% to undertake this form of industrial action.

In addition to the action short of strike, groups of UNISON and UNITE members are being called out on strike for extended periods. These groups of workers will receive their normal take home pay funded by a joint UNISON / UNITE hardship fund.

The first section to strike will be refuse collection. Other groups of Council workers will join the strike action later.

When these sections return to work, different groups of union members will be called out on strike. The industrial action is the latest stage in the unions campaign against wage cuts being enforced by the Conservative controlled City Council. In April, the City Council issued dismissal notices to all City Council workers in order to enforce pay cuts of up to 15%.

The trade unions have called on the Government's arbitration service, ACAS, to intervene in the dispute and to organise talks between the two sides. The City Council have not yet agreed to new talks.

Background information on the dispute can be found on the UNISON web site at www.soton-unison-office.org.uk.

UNISON Branch Secretary, Mike Tucker, commented, "The industrial action will demonstrate that the Council only functions because Council workers work unpaid overtime, carry out duties they are not paid for and cover for jobs that have been cut. The selective strike action will mean key sections of the Council will be on strike for extended periods. It is Council workers who keep the City running, not Councillors. The industrial action we hope will bring the Conservative controlled Council back to the negotiating table. Only a negotiated settlement can avoid a summer of strikes and disruption."

------------------

UNISON and UNITE members in Southampton City Council to start indefinite industrial action.

2011-05-18T06:37:00.001Z

The action will include a 5 day strike in the Refuse section.

The branch are requesting messages of support and financial support to be sent to

Branch Secretary
UNISON Southampton District Branch
Civic Centre
Southampton
SO14 7NB

e-mail: M.tucker [AT] unison.co.uk

There are more details on the Branch web site at www.soton-unison-office.org.uk.

Please send a msg of support and ask your branch to send a donation thanks

Marshajane

Press release:

16 May 2011

Industrial action to start in Southampton City Council on Monday 23 May

Union members voted by over 80% to undertake this form of industrial action.

The first section to strike will be refuse collection. Other groups of Council workers will join the strike action later.

The trade unions have called on the Government's arbitration service, ACAS, to intervene in the dispute and to organise talks between the two sides. The City Council have not yet agreed to new talks.

Background information on the dispute can be found on the UNISON web site at www.soton-unison-office.org.uk.

------------------

Cyber criminals target PCS website in run-up to conference

2011-05-16T15:17:00.001Z

Well at least we know the elite are scared if they are resorting to cyber
attacks!

Solidatiy with PCS, dont let the bastards grind you (or your website) down!

From PCS
ttp://www.pcs.org.uk/en/news_and_events/news_centre/index.cfm/id/C4186B31-AB93-47DC-909FB7E2F4DB6C3F

Cyber criminals are targeting the PCS website as it prepares for one of its most
important annual conferences in its history.
The union has announced today that, as delegates begin to gather in Brighton, it
is facing a sustained and well-organised denial-of-service attack that has
seriously affected access to the site.
The attack started on Wednesday 11 May and has meant the website has at times
struggled to cope with average hourly traffic 1,000 times greater than normal.
The union says its main priority is to fix the problem so that its members and
other visitors can access information about its campaign for the alternative to
the government's cuts and updates from its annual conference which opens on
Wednesday.
Delegates to the conference in Brighton will be asked to back a national strike
ballot over cuts to jobs, pensions and pay, and for the union to "work with
other trade unions to co-ordinate the action for maximum impact".
The DoS attack means the site is being overwhelmed by 'false' traffic from
computers programmed to repeatedly try to access pages. This has had no effect
on the security of data held on sections of the website.
The union continues to work with its web development company Pixl8 to thwart the
attacks and ensure normal service is resumed as soon as possible. In the
meantime it is directing members and site visitors to Facebook and Twitter for
updates.
Alex Skinner, managing director of Pixl8, said "DoS attacks remain a continual
threat to those operating websites. The challenge is putting measures in place
that ensure continual availability of a website while minimising the impact to
legitimate users.
"We have seen an increase in this type of activity in recent months and this
particular attack is one of the largest we have experienced."
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "This is a clear attempt to undermine
our union at what is a critical time. Whoever is doing it might succeed in
slowing our website down for a few days but they will not silence our members
who are determined to fight the government's unfair and unnecessary cuts.
"We are doing everything we can to ensure normal service is resumed as soon as
possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused by this illegal and
unprovoked attack."

UNISON UNITED LEFT AGM - May 14th

2011-05-09T13:08:00.002Z

UNISON UNITED LEFT AGM 2011
Saturday 14 May
12.30– 4.30
ULU
Malet Street
London WC1

After 26 March– strike together to stop the Tories
Speakers from NUT,Unite
Discussions
Pensions
Resisting the Cuts
Save our NHS
Fighting Privatisation
Unison Conference
Union Democracy
Current Disputes

As well as the discussion above we will be holding the annual elections for:
Chair
Secretary
Convenor
Treasurer
Communications Officer
Labour Link,
Membership Secretary
Service Group Liaison
SOG Officers
Nominations, motions and other items of business should be sent to:
c.bedale[at]btinternet.com unisonunitedleft[at]gmail.com

Support the RMT strikes

2011-05-06T16:53:00.001Z

Letter to trade unionists: Support our campaign against victimisations

To: all trade union branches and supporters of trade unionism in and around London

On 16 May, RMT Tube drivers will begin strike action to demand the reinstatement of sacked union reps Eamonn Lynch and Arwyn Thomas.

London Underground sacked Eamonn for following an instruction which turned out to be wrong, despite not sacking other drivers who made similar - or even worse - errors. LU sacked Arwyn following accusations from strike-breakers during last year's strikes against station job cuts. In both cases, Employment Tribunals have awarded 'interim relief', ruling that London Underground sacked them unlawfully, unfairly and because of their trade union activities. Despite this, and despite campaigning and lobbying, London Underground is still refusing to reinstate them, so RMT has had to call strikes.

London Underground's actions are an attack by a publicly-owned employer not just on RMT but on all trade unions and on trade unionism in general. If London Underground gets away with this, then all trade unionists will be more vulnerable; if we can win reinstatement for Eamonn and Arwyn, then all trade unionists will be stronger.

Please support our strikes and our campaign. There are many ways in which you can help - send us a message of support; invite us to speak at your next meeting; visit our picket lines; and more.

Please offer your support by emailing me j.booth@rmt.org.uk

You can read more information about this issue and our campaign here: http://www.rmtlondoncalling.org.uk/defendreps

Thank you.

Yours in solidarity
Janine Booth
RMT Council of Executives
London Transport Region representative

------------------

Why I will vote Yes tomorrow

2011-05-04T15:43:00.000Z

As I have been faced with the choice at the referendum I would not have chosen to have now, I will be voting yes because I believe AV is more democratic then the current system. I am not in favour of voting on the basis of who benefits and who does not, nor should people vote on the basis of which party will be most damaged by which result.

First let me advocate what I am for and what I am against in terms of voting reform. I am in favour of having constituencies and those consistencies being as small as possible and representative is accountable to the local people. This also means the local parties usually have a substantial say on who the candidates are and they are far more accountable then say a list system or mega constituencies with multiple representatives. AV does not change the constituency make up or the way we will select candidates, the changes to the number of MP’s is not part of this vote.

I am also for the right of recall, we should be able to make any representative have to face the electorate again, and this should occur if say 20% /25% of electorate asked for it.

I do not agree with people who tell me I should vote No because it not in the interest of the Labour Party. I hope those who have progressive politics in the Labour Party don’t only vote for things in their interest if that was so then would some members on the left would be against the higher rates of tax, as that may not be in their interest. Men may not have (in the end) voted for women to get the vote if the decision was on the basis of what was in their interest. I am member of the Labour Party currently because I think that the right place to express my politics, I have been a member for 25 years, but I am not a member out of principle, things can change parties can change over time or even overnight.

So don’t vote NO because its in the interest of the Labour Party at the current moment in time, only vote basis of do you think the system is more democratic or not. I think AV is slightly more democratic it’s not a massive change it’s unlikely to have made any major difference to any election result since WW2.

I will vote Yes tomorrow for a slightly more democratic system.
I am not even going to deal with those who say the system is too complicated as they are just patronising and disingenuous.

A great victory for a victimised activist

2011-04-19T20:30:00.000Z

Former UNISON activist, Yunus Bakhsh, has won a great victory for all workers - and all militant trade union activists - as an employment tribunal has ruled that he should be reinstated.

Yunus had previously won a finding of unfair dismissal after he was hounded out of his job by an employer determined to remove an effective union organiser. The reinstatement order is a thorough and resounding vindication for Yunus.

Serious questions remain about the role of UNISON lay and paid officials in the events leading to the unfair dismissal of a trade union activist, but now that an employment tribunal has ordered reinstatement of a victimised union activist it should be simple and easy for UNISON to lobby the employer to comply with the tribunal decision.

Over to you, UNISON Northern Region?
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Save Barts and the London

2011-04-11T09:15:00.001Z

Launch meeting for the save Barts and the london campaign 18th April 7.30pm
Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, E2 0PL

630 jobs at risk
200 beds under threat

We won't be made to pay, with our healthcare, for the bankers crisis.
We need a broad campaign involving health workers, trade unionists, local residents, service users, students, pensioners and everyone who cares about the NHS to be involved in a campiagn to stop this.

Last year a similar campaign defeated plans to shut the A&E department at tHe Whittington in North London.

Cameron and Clegg are weak over the NHS, their delaying of the Health Bill shows this. We have already had 3 demonstrations, the biggest one with over 1000 people, outside the Royal London we need to keep up the pressure and to do that we need a mass launch meeting.
------------------

Vote in UNISON NEC elections

2011-04-10T16:32:00.001Z

Ballot will open tomorow morning! So this is a call to all unison members to vote for the left slate in the UNISON elections.

Most people who vote do so as soon as they get the ballot form so its important to talk to members in your workplace in the next week or two!

Those who want publicity to hand out to members (in your own time not using union resources etc) please contact the candidates in your region or email me Marshajanethompson AT yahoo.co.uk

Why we are standing

We are angry at the Con Dem attacks on the Welfare State and public services. They are trying to make ordinary people like us pay for the economic crisis created by bankers’ greed. While our jobs, pay and services are cut, millionaires dodge taxes and bankers get billions in bonuses. Hundreds of thousands of us marched against cuts on the 26th of March – but what next? With fighting leadership UNISON can unite public sector unions and users and organise real resistance.

The present UNISON leadership have failed to lead action to stop the Tory assault.

We stand for: * Resistance to all cuts and privatisation * United industrial action to defend our pensions & a coordinated fight against the Tory pay freeze

* Opposition to all attempts to divide us – like Cameron’s attack on multiculturalism

* Only funding and supporting politicians who will join us in the fight against cuts. Labour councils should refuse to carry out Tory cuts and set needs budgets.

* Ending the waste of members’ money on witchhunting of left wing activists We are experienced activists from many backgrounds.

Unlike the present leadership – who are quick with words but slow to lead action – we don’t just say it, we do it. Vote for us and build the fight against cuts and to protect jobs, pay, pensions and services.

Elect a team for the battle

Click on the names for their nomination requests.

For a fighting democratic union.

NEC CANDIDATES 2011

NATIONAL Black Members

Female seats April Ashley and Bola George Male seat Hugo Pierre

National young members

Kieran Grogan

REGIONAL SEATS

Eastern region Male seat Martin Booth

Female seat Katie Collins

East Midlands region Female seat Jean Thorpe Sharon Vasselin

Male seat Richard Buckwell

Greater London region Female seats Marshajane Thompson and Helen Davies

Male seat Jon Rogers

Reserved seat Emilse Ocampo Medina

Northern region Female seat Hannah Walter

Male seat Dave Walkden

North West region General seat Tony Wilson

Female seats Bernie Gallagher and Karen Reissmann

Male seat Roger Bannister

Scotland region

Male seat Duncan Smith

South East region Female seats Diana Leach Emma Macbeth

South West region

Male seat Nigel Behan

West Midlands region General Seat Clive Shakespeare Female Seat. Vez Kirkpatric

Yorkshire & Humberside region

General Mike Forster

Female seats Angie Wallor Helen Jenner

Male seat Jim Board Reserved seat Victoria Perrin

SERVICE GROUP SEATS

Health Care service group Female seats Kate Ahrens and Shona Greig

Male seat Len Hockey

General seat John Malcolm

Higher Education service group

Female seat Carole Hanson

General seat Max Watson

Local Government service group

Female seats kathy Smith and Phoebe Watkins

Male seat Paul Couchman

General seat Paul Holmes

Energy

General seat Dave Kuivala

Solidarity to Tower Hamlets Council Workers and Teachers striking tomorrow

2011-03-29T16:42:00.004Z

I have just sent a solidarity message to Tower Hamlets Council staff and teachers and would encourage others to do so as well - it is vital that we support activists fighting back particularly when they are able to coordinate unified action between different trade unions. Just shows it can be done :) Congrats and good luck! More info below... MJ No to cuts and redundancies...Support Tower Hamlets teachers and council workers' strike 30 March Teachers and Council workers in Tower Hamlets are striking together on Wednesday 30 March.They are building a united fight against compulsory redundancies and cuts. Teachers in Camden will also strike on that day. Tower Hamlets is one of Britain's poorest boroughs with the highest levels of child deprivation. These cuts hurt all our community. The Con-Dem government are intent on destroying public services and jobs – affecting areas like Tower Hamlets the worst. Over 100,000 jobs are being slashed from councils with 500 in Tower Hamlets this year alone. Nurses are being made redundant at Barts and the London, while 1,000 jobs are set to go at the East London Mail Centre. Next door in the City the bankers who created the crisis continue to pay themselves billions in bonuses. We can't afford to let the Tories make ordinary people pay for an economic mess we did not create. Hundreds of thousands will take part in the TUC demonstration on 26 March against the cuts. Support the fight against cuts and redundancies in Tower Hamlets Send messages of support to East London Teachers,c/o NUT Office,Shadwell Centre, 455 The Highway, London E1W 3HP alex@elta.demon.co.uk Tower Hamlets Unison,5th Floor Annexe, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London E14 2BG 0207 364 5302 07944 389 261 alexis.chase@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Libya - no more imperialist aggression

2011-03-19T21:24:00.002Z

Sad day watching the news with our forces being involved in yet more imperialist

aggression.
This "Odyssey Dawn" has started with 112 Tomahawk missiles on top of 4
airstrikes earlier and a promise of "this is only the beginning"

Other posts against military intervention below

http://jonrogers1963.blogspot.com/2011/03/no-to-military-intervention.html

http://harpymarx.wordpress.com/

and
http://l-r-c.org.uk/news/story/libya-north-africa-and-the-middle-east-we-need-less-western-intervention-no/

Stop the war have called on everyone to demonstrate tomorrow.

"The United Nations resolution authorising a no-fly zone begins as it will
continue, with a full-scale military attack on the country.

Stop the War condemns this barbarous attack which will result, not in
protecting the people of Libya, but in enslaving them under the domination of
the West. We know only too well the death and destruction that imperialism has
brought to the peoples of the region.

We call on all those who oppose these attacks to demonstrate at Downing Street
at 3pm on Sunday 20 March."

Guardian " It's corporate directors' pensions that our society really can't afford"

2011-03-17T21:51:00.003Z

I see UNISON's George Binette roaring like a lion again in today's Guardian. Excellent piece :)

It's corporate directors' pensions that our society can't really afford.

In pressing for an end to current public sector pension schemes, the CBI's director general, John Cridland, writes: "Pension reforms will also help the prime minister's 'big society' programme to really get off the ground. Public sector pensions remain the biggest barrier to the private and third sectors providing public services" (End this block over pensions, 10 March).

In essence, Cridland gives the game away. However dubious his claims of "a £10bn gap between the amount that public sector employees contribute to their pensions and the value of benefits they are paid or promised", the real problem for Britain's biggest employers' lobby is that surviving final-salary schemes deter companies from swooping for an even greater share of public services.

Even as Cridland calls for "more transparency about the amount of benefits people will get", he conveniently ignores the fact that public sector pension funds invest billions in FTSE 100 giants, among them arms manufacturers and agents of environmental degradation. Such decisions are all but immune from democratic scrutiny, with union representatives allowed no more than observer status on local authority pension subcommittees.

Cridland writes: "In the private sector ... nearly all employers have undergone a painful process of bringing their pension liabilities back under control." But painful for whom? Undoubtedly, millions of ordinary workers have suffered the closure or dramatic erosion of defined-benefit schemes, yet the same can hardly be said for their top bosses. While nearly two-thirds of private sector workers now lack an occupational scheme, most big corporate directors' pension pots have grown, even in recession.

A TUC Pensions Watch report highlighted that between 2007 and 2009 the average value of a FTSE-100 director's total pension shot up from £3m to £3.4m. In 2007 the average annual payout received by a FTSE 100 chief executive was £147,000. By 2009 this had risen to £179,540, a 22% increase, and £70,000 more than the projected pension for Camden council's chief executive. The champions of the "painful process" have figured prominently among the 1% of the population who have reaped 60% of all pension tax relief, worth some £10bn last year.

Theirs are the pension schemes that society really cannot afford, and these figures reveal the truly grotesque pensions inequality – which the mainstream media largely ignores as it seeks to stoke anger at public sector workers.

Along with thousands of other union members, I shall be joining the TUC's 26 March demonstration. We shall march for many reasons: in our London borough alone, the threat of 700 redundancies before March 2012, the closure of day resource centres for vulnerable older people, a 65% cut to play services. But we shall also be marching to defend our pensions and oppose Lord Hutton's call for a 50% hike in our pension contributions as our real pay falls by 4%-5%.

Workers facing pensions below £8,000 a year after a quarter-century's service are heartily sick of Cridland's pensions hypocrisy. The coalition's attack on our pensions could be the moment we say: "We will not take this any more."

LGBT Trade Unionists statement on East End Gay Pride

2011-03-14T11:46:00.001Z

Please find the following statement from LGBT Trade Unionists on the issue of homophobic stickers that have appeared in LB Hackney and LB Tower Hamlets statement from these Trade Unionists and community bodies issued in

Greater London Association of Trade Union Councils name

Statement

We deplore the recent homophobic stickers that have appeared in LB Hackney and LB Tower Hamlets.

We understand local LGBTQ concern about these stickers – the authorship unknown.

Although we support LGBTQ expressions of Pride we do not support any involvement of the EDL or the politics of division and hate. We reject EDL attempts to piggyback on LGBTQ pride.

We call on the organisers of East End Gay Pride to reject the politics of the EDL and far right.

We welcome the approach of local LGBTQ groups such as OUT East and Rainbow Tower Hamlets to bring people together.

We therefore as LGBTQ Trade Unionists call on all Progressive groups in the two boroughs to come together to oppose homophobia and racism - to build for community unity and harmony.

signed: -

Maria Exall (CWU)

TUC LGBT Committee, Chair

MarshaJane

March on March 26th

2011-03-07T19:41:00.002Z

"How the f@x! did I end up in a pic with him" said....

Newham March and Rally

2011-02-28T21:19:00.000Z

Pics of the rally, Z PCS NEC and Jon Rogers unison NEC speaking to the rally outside the town hall.

Good turnout of just under 200 people marching to Newham town hall to protest against the cuts.

Sir Robin Wales on his way into the cabinet stood there jeering at the protesters and was greeted with chants of don't make tory cuts.

I had to leave early and bumped into Cllr John Gray on my way out and lobbied him to at least abstain unfortunately he said he would vote for the budget and was under some delusions that Robin Wales was a socialist!

Anyway the fight continues.
MarshaJane

Newham Stop the Cuts Campaign - March on Feb 28th

2011-02-25T08:19:00.001Z

I'll be marching in Newham against the cuts this Monday 5pm starting at Queens Market (Upton Park tube) and marching to the Town Hall.

I hope to see you there!

Below is the text from UNITE's flyer.
Please circulate around your contacts.

NEWHAM STOP THE CUTS CAMPAIGN
Will be Marching on Feb 28th: March To Defend Jobs & Services!

UNITE the union is hitting back against Newham Council's plans to axe hundreds of jobs and slash the terms and conditions of 5,000 Council workers. Town Hall bosses say they're just passing on the cuts imposed by the Tory led coalition government. But Newham is going much further than the Tories. The government has cut £75 million from the Town Hall's budget over the next 4 years but Council chiefs are planning even bigger cuts of £116 million.

UNITE is not going to stand by and let jobs and services be decimated or have our terms and conditions destroyed. If the Council wants to save money then why not start by getting rid of their lavishly paid 200 consultants? Many are paid up to £2,000 a day!

In fact, Newham Council wastes over £20 million a year on private consultants! And instead of borrowing £40 million to subsidise West Ham's bid for the Olympic Stadium why doesn't the Council use every penny it can to protect vital services?

This government has no mandate for cuts. The Tories didn't win a majority in the election and they always denied they would cut front-line services. Newham Council should not be colluding with these cuts - nor making them worse.

Now it's time the Council listened to Newham workers and residents and joined forces with UNITE, the other trade unions and community and voluntary sector organisations to resist the Government's cuts. Council bosses should stop plotting to issue an ultimatum - accept pay cuts or be sacked - to over 5,000 of its own employees. . If they won't speak up for vital services then UNITE the union certainly will.

To make sure the Council gets this message we've called a march on the 28th of February - starting at Queens Market (two minutes from Upton Park tube) at 5.00pm and marching to East Ham Town Hall. Joining us will be workers from all of Newham's trade unions and the boroughs many community and voluntary organisations which are now facing the axe. The 28th of Feb is the day the Council is going to set its budget for 2011/12 and hundreds of marchers will lobbying Councillors. We'll be telling them: no cuts to jobs, services or pay. March with us on the 28th of Feb - and at the TUC national demo on the 26th of March.

MarshaJane

Lambeth Council Chamber people take over

2011-02-24T09:49:00.000Z

I've attached a few pictures I took from a vibrant and passionate take over of Lambeths council chamber last night.

The public gallery was full seconds after doors opened and the private security that the council had hired were heavy handed in the corridors until a unison steward jumped in the middle saying this is a peaceful protest no one is pushing or shoving we just want to be heard and they backed off.

Inside the public gallery members of the public were chanting no ifs no buts no public sector cuts. As soon as the public realised the vast majority of people were left outside they were chanting "let them in" and "this is what democracy looks like" the cllr's refused the sensible request that at least some of the public waiting outside could sit in the almost empty members gallery where there was at least 35 seats vacant - but the cllrs refused. As the chants of let them in continued - the cllrs picked up the mace and shut down the meeting - preferring to go and agree the budget in private and refusing to even listen to the deputation speakers.

Well done on Lambeth unison for leading the fight back against the cuts and also for getting some much needed publicity for the anti cuts cause - including itv and bbc - who had a reporter live on the scene.

The guardian today also carries this piece -http://gu.com/p/2nb7g/tf which includes this quote :)

""We don't accept the argument that councillors have to make these cuts," said Marsha-Jane Thompson, a member of the Unison trade union who took part in the occupation.

"If all the Labour-controlled councils up and down the country united together and refused to do [make the cuts] then it would send a very strong message that we don't have to be paying back the deficit in the way that we are."

She claimed that the council had behaved undemocratically and wanted to exclude the voices of locals campaigning to preserve services and funding"

I took a lot more photos and posted tweets so have a look there if you want more info - hat tip to Jon who already has a report over on his blog http://jonrogers1963.blogspot.com/2011/02/lambeth-council-chamber-occupied-as.html

And also a report is on urban 75 :)

Well done Jon and all involved
MarshaJane

Lobby and protest against the cuts tonight

2011-02-23T14:21:00.001Z

I'm hoping to attend the rally and protest at the Lambeth Council Cuts Budget Vote tonight!

Demonstrate, Protest and Lobby Wednesday 23rd February 20116:00pm to 9:00pm Lambeth Town Hall.

As well as being there to support Jon and the unison branch I'll be there to support Kingsley Abrahams who has disgracefully been suspended from the labour group for speaking out against the cuts.

For those of you elsewhere in london there is also:

Mass Lobby and Protest at Tower Hamlets Council Budget Setting Meeting Wednesday 23rd February 20115:00pm to 7:30pm

Hammersmith Council - stop the cuts

Wednesday 23rd February 2011

6:30pm to 8:00pm

- Now is the time to stand up and fight for our public services so I hope to see lots of people out on the streets and in the council meetings protesting against the cuts as well as on the streets on March the 26th.

MarshaJane

Update to UNISON NEC Candidates

2011-02-21T18:18:00.004Z

Ballot will open tomorow morning! So this is a call to all unison members to vote for the left slate in the UNISON elections.

Those who want publicity to hand out to members (in your own time not using union resources etc) please email me Marshajanethompson AT yahoo.co.uk

Why we are standing

We are angry at the Con Dem attacks on the Welfare State and public services. They are trying to make ordinary people like us pay for the economic crisis created by bankers’ greed.

While our jobs, pay and services are cut, millionaires dodge taxes and bankers get billions in bonuses. Thousands of us marched against cuts on the 26th of March – but what next? With fighting leadership UNISON can unite public secto...r unions and users and organise real resistance. The present leadership have failed to lead action to stop the Tory assault.

We stand for:

* Resistance to all cuts and privatisation
* United industrial action to defend our pensions & a coordinated fight against the Tory pay freeze
* Opposition to all attempts to divide us – like Cameron’s attack on multiculturalism
* Only funding and supporting politicians who will join us in the fight against cuts. Labour councils should refuse to carry out Tory cuts and set needs budgets.
* Ending the waste of members’ money on witchhunting of left wing activists

We are experienced activists from many backgrounds. Unlike the present leadership – who are quick with words but slow to lead action – we don’t just say it, we do it. Vote for us and build the fight against cuts and to protect jobs, pay, pensions and services. Elect a team for the battle
Click on the names for their nomination requests. For a fighting democratic union.

NEC CANDIDATES 2011

NATIONAL Black Members

Female seats April Ashley and Bola George Male seat Hugo Pierre

National young members

Kieran Grogan

REGIONAL SEATS

Eastern region Male seat Martin Booth Martin Booth

East Midlands region Female seat Jean Thorpe Sharon Vasselin

Male seat Richard Buckwell

Greater London region Female seats Marshajane Thompson and Helen Davies

Male seat Jon Rogers

Reserved seat Emilse Ocampo Medina

Northern region Female seat Hannah Walter

Male seat Dave Walkden

North West region General seat Tony Wilson

Female seats Bernie Gallagher and Karen Reissmann

Male seat Roger Bannister

Reserved seat Sophie Smith Rudge

Scotland region

Male seat Duncan Smith

South East region Female seats Diana Leach Emma Macbeth

Male seat Mike Tucker

South West region

Male seat Nigel Behan

West Midlands region General Seat Clive Shakespeare Female Seat. Vez Kirkpatric

Yorkshire & Humberside region General Mike Forster Female seats Angie Wallor Helen Jenner

Male seat Jim Board Reserved seat Victoria Perrin

SERVICE GROUP SEATS

Health Care service group Female seats Kate Ahrens and Shona Greig

Male seat Len Hockey

General seat John Malcolm

Higher Education service group

Female seat Carole Hanson

General seat Max Watson

Local Government service group

Female seats kathy Smith and Phoebe Watkins

Male seat Paul Couchman

General seat Paul Holmes

Water Enviroment Transport General Seat John Jones

Community

General seat Alec McFadden Energy

General seat Dave Kuivala

UNISON Womens conference 2

2011-02-18T22:12:00.001Z

Onto the afternoon session of conference.

Cath Elliot opened this afternoons session and first up we heard from Rachel Reeves MP who said cuts are going to hit women 3x harder than men.

Rachel went on to say that public sector workers are paying for a recession that they did not cause. We did not vote for this and we will not stand for it.

Now back onto the group debate on effects of cuts on women.

Maddy Cooper from Camden local government gave a vibrant speech that we should be uniting with all women and families - we did not create this crisis and we will not pay for it. If we do not get up and fight then who will stand up for our sisters who are disabled, ill and unable to fight - we must not fight alone - we must prepare for coordinated strike action across our public sector unions.

Conference heard from branches up and down the country about the disproportionate effects of the cuts on women as well as the importance of women fighting back and coming on the march on the 26th March.

We also heard from Doncaster who today had the welcome news they have won the fight to keep their libraries.

In the lunch time I attended a quite useful briefing on using equality impact assessments to challenge cuts and I made an intervention to request that UNISON circulate successes like the Barnet branch had with challenging when employers haven't used EIA and successes from other branches so we can share best practise and this will now be done.

The late session had hustings for who will be Womens conference delegates to National Conference - If I was a voting delegate I would be voting for Cath Elliot and Rachel Voller :) but I'm not so have just recommended others vote for them :)

I then went onto the cuba solidarity campaign and venzuala solidarity campaign fringe.

After a meal with some comrades popped into the eastern region (Rad fems ;p) social but kids were not allowed so have come back to hotel for an early night!

Last session of conference is tomorrow with the only contentious motion on the agenda being Motion 26 from the eastern region on women's conference being a woman only (as far as is practically possible) space - this is being opposed by at everyone else so will look forward to that debate!

UNISON womens conference

2011-02-18T21:58:00.001Z

Womens conference started yesterday but I havent had a chance to blog as yet ( I have been tweeting though!)

Conference was kicked off by a moving and passionate speech from current president Angela Lynes before moving onto the first few motions.

Motion 1 organising in the voluntary sector motion 2 sickness absence policies that penalise women unjustly and motion 3 Women and Pensions all passed swiftly with only 1 or 2 speakers and then conference broke up into seminars.

I attended the debt management seminar(as branch welfare officer) - at the moment with all the cuts and attacks on the welfare state we are going to need to be able to advise members on their options. UNISON members who need help can use Telephone UNISON Welfare Debtline Freephone 0800 389 3302

we can also access an online version UNISON Welfare Debtclinic, www.debtclinic.co.uk/unison

Conference then finished with regional meetings at 6.10pm and I attended the London (obviously ;p)

Today at conference picked up pace slightly

Motion 4 why women should vote and its amendment was passed with some passionate speakers explaining why women do politics and calling on unison NWC to produce information and with the "use your vote campaign" to focus on issues that effect women so that unison can highlight the importance of why women should vote.

Motion 5 was on flexible working and calls on the NWC to provide a factsheet and guidance to branches to provide information on how to deal with flexible working requests in the workplace.

Motion 5 had by far the most speakers of the conference so far with. 8 speakers for the motion all of whom highlighted their experiences of flexibke working requests and the discrimination faced by low paid women under the "at managements discretion" clauses in flexible working policies.

Dave Prentis spoke about his discussion yesterday with the government on Pensions - "if they try to take away our pensions we will do everything in our power to stop them and if that means gearing up for industrial action then that's what we'll do"

Some other snippets from Daves speech -
Cuts hit services valuable to woman. Dave also criticised bankers bonus

The money paid out in bonus to the top 10 bankers would be enough to save all 400 libraries that are threatened with closure.

Money that could be raised with the robin hood tax would reverse all of the cuts in our NHS.

Dave went on to talk about the big society with even Camerons own newspapers calling it a con and his Tory MPs referring to it as BS.

He (cameron) just doesn't get it - BS doesn't make sense.

Any one of our members has more in their little finger than the whole cabinet put together.

Government is destroying jobs, racking up redundancies by the thousands and ploughing our recovery into reverse.

We face greatest test in a generation - this government with no democratic mandate are attacking us - an attack the like of which we have never seen before.

They are taking a chain saw to our public services.

If there is money to bail out banks if there's money for war there is money for public services.

Its the spivs not our members should be asked to do more for less - more for their country and less for themselves.

Next time we will only put politicians in power that stand up for our values and our society.

Dave also spoke about unity across the unions and also rather inappropriatly spoke about unite "claiming their membership is bigger than ours - but all of our membership are alive" (firstly a mine is bigger than yours joke at womens conference? secondly as a comrade on twittre said it aint how big your membership is dave its what you do with it)

Next up the group debate on equalities cuts and women - in a good move for womens participation the same delegate moved 3 motions in a row!v

The debate had only had the movers of all the motions when conference was halted to hear from guest speakers (in the middle of a grouped debate! Not that I like to be critical but that's a bit poor)

Saying that the guest speaker - Baroness Blood gave a fascinating speech and received the first standing ovation of the conference.

We then run out of time for the morning session so will resume the group debate after lunch!

During the lunch break I attended the workshop on equality impact assesment.

It is the employers duty to carry out EIA's but they should have union involvement all throughout not just consult us once eia completed.

These should be in cuts proposals as well as service delivery.

75% of workforce in LG women and half of these work part time.

Freezing increments as some authorities are doing affects women disproportionately as does having spot points and removing increments - which has relations on single status

Its "easier" according to some employers to cut part time workers hours than full time employees - again disproportionately affecting women.

Unison can and will take direct/indirect discrimination cased as well as single status claims.

Under Unisons equalities duty protocol we can refer to ehrc.

Results of EIA's can and should also be used as campaiging tools.

Protest against cuts at Homerton Hospital - Saturday 5th Feb

2011-02-02T13:37:00.002Z

Protest against cuts

at Homerton Hospital

Saturday 5^th February 2011

12.00pm

Meet in front of the hospital in the park that runs between Brooksby's Walk and Wardle Street

£15 million of cuts have been announced at the hospital. UNISON opposes these cuts and believes that they will negatively impact on the quality of care in many areas.

First hit are Advocacy (who provide face-to-face interpreting and support services to patients who do not speak English), Midwifery, IT and Workforce (Human Resources).

Despite claims that the NHS is largely protected from the cuts, the Government has cut the amount of money the hospital will receive to provide services to the people of Hackney.

We need more not less spending on health in Hackney and a fairer taxation system would provide sufficient funding for our community's needs.

Join the protest to defend our services

and support staff who face job losses.

Kieran Grogan - request for nomination for UNISON NEC

2011-02-02T12:17:00.000Z

Young Members NEC Seat

Dear Friends,

I am writing to you to ask for your nomination for the Young Members seat on our National Executive Council.

I am standing for the Young Members seat because I believe I can effectively campaign on the issues affecting our young members most:

Against pay structures which discriminate against young workers

For a living wage for all workers, including young apprentices

Against the rise in tuition fees and the scrapping of the EMA college students' grant

For free and fully funded education

For young members to be as involved as possible in our union

Questioning why we continue to give money to New Labour, which even in opposition cannot bring itself to stand up for our members and the issues which matter to them

These are just some of the issues that are important to me and the young members in our union. I hope you will decide to nominate me. Should you have any questions, I would be happy to speak at your meeting/committee.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Kieran Grogan (9395795)

Bolton UNISON (6540)

Young Members Officer

Mob: 07776031406

Flat 22 Spinners Hall, 77 St Georges Rd

Bolton, Greater Manchester

BL1 2BS

Kieran81@msn.com

Kieran.grogan@msn.co.uk

Statement on Surrey County Job Cuts - Paul Couchman UNISON

2011-01-31T11:33:00.001Z

As I found out from the news this morning there will be cuts of 650 jobs at Surrey Council - however the staff and unions at Surrey County Council also found out through the media! (The branch publicity officer first saw it when I tweeted what I'd heard on bbc news!)

It is an absolute disgrace that staff and unions found out about these job cuts through the media!

See below the initial response from Paul Couchman Surrey unison Branch Secretary

"Surrey County Council definitely did not tell us of these job cuts. In fact, at a meeting with HR to talk about current job losses and potential redundancies they clearly gave the message that they were looking at 2-300.

Whe the public realise what this means in reality - when their parents and grandparents lose the services they rely on such as mobile libraries - when vulnerable adults cannot get support because there are not enough qualified staff - when young people turn to crime and deliquency because their youth services have gone - the people of Surrey will not just stand idly by and let the politicians decimate services.

We will defend our members jobs and support them in whatever action they choose to take - including lawful industrial action.

Hundreds of local people got involved in the successful campaigns to save Shortwood Infant School in Staines and Brooklands FE College in Ashford last year - before the big cuts were announced by the new ConDem government. I was proud to be part of those campaigns and our UNISON branch will support anyone fighting to save a vital local service."

Paul Couchman

Further info here http://www.surreycountyunison.org.uk/2011/01/31/unison-reaction-to-surrey-council-jobs-announcement/

MarshaJane

UNISON NEC nomination Request Jamie Davis - Wales regional Male seat

2011-01-30T21:28:00.001Z

Candidate Name: Jamie Davis

Membership Number: 5767061

Dear Colleague

RE: UNISON NEC Elections 2011, Wales Region

I am seeking the nomination of your branch for the Wales Male Regional seat in the forthcoming NEC elections. My name is Jamie Davis, I am currently Treasurer of the Vale of Glamorgan LG Branch. I have been active in this Branch for the last two years. The eight years prior to this I was active in the Police Sector of UNISON.

I am standing around the platform of "Reclaim UNISON", a rank and file pressure group set up three years ago to galvanise and transform our union into an organising, fighting one.

The election of the "ConDem" Government last year has presented us with by far the greatest challenge that the trade union movement has faced for decades. Their ideological agenda to destroy the public sector and the welfare state within the next five years has to be met by the full might of our trade union, in conjunction with all other trade unions and wider community groups. This must involve the calling of coordinated and generalised industrial action in defence of jobs and services. I believe the leadership of the union have a responsibility to organise and plan such action, and not to leave branches to fight alone to stave off the worst of the cuts.

As I write this letter, almost one quarter of all councils in the UK have issued their staff with compulsory redundancy notices, and the Government is proceeding in England to sell off our prized asset, the NHS, to privately led consortiums. And in Wales the Assembly government is proposing to significantly cut health spending. In South Wales the public services are the largest employment sector, and spending cuts will devastate entire communities unless they are stopped. Unless we stand up and say "NO".

I welcome the call by the newly elected General Secretary of the UNITE union, Len McCluskey, for joint coordinated action by all trade unions against this onslaught, which must be the clarion call for us all. We must also hammer home the clear message that there IS an alternative to the cuts agenda:

Cancel the national debt owed to huge banking interests
Tax multinational offshore companies - corporate fraud and tax avoidance costs the treasury £80billion per year
Cancel the Trident replacement programme
NO to bankers' bonuses
The answer to the fixing the economy is to create jobs, not to cut them - Ireland has shown how public spending cuts can cause massive damage to a national economy.

The protests by young people to prevent the rise in tuition fees and the cancellation of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) have shown the trade union movement how we need to organise. In Wales the protests and occupation of Cardiff University played a part in the Welsh Assembly's concessions over fees and EMA. We should be linking up with these young people, user and community groups, and other interested parties to forge local "anti-cuts" campaigns. In our region this work has already started, with the formation of the "Cardiff Against The Cuts" group, initially called together by Cardiff Trades Council, and responsible for a sizeable "all-Wales" anti-cuts demonstration in Cardiff last October.

Our message should be clear and simple:

We are opposed to ALL cuts in jobs and services
We are opposed to "backdoor" privatisation and outsourcing
We are opposed to ALL cuts in pay and conditions of service

It is the responsibility of the NEC to unite our union around this set of demands.

As well as opposing the ConDem Government, I believe we should not flinch from criticising those Labour MPs and Councils who choose to attack public services rather than stand up to the Government's diktat, including the Welsh Assembly Government. WAG may try and "soften the blow" by saving the cuts until after the Assembly elections next year, but we all know what happens to promises after the ballot boxes have closed! It should be up to the membership of the union to decide whether or not we continue to fund New Labour, where it is apparent they cannot or will not support the defence of public services.

I will also work to stop the unnecessary and divisive "Witch-hunt" of left-wing activists within our union. Too many good representatives have been suspended or expelled from our union at a time when we need to stand strong, united, and with all our resources to defend public jobs and services.

I wish to see our union genuinely "member-led", which is why I also advocate that all elected officials in UNISON should be on the average wage of the members that they represent. I practice what I preach.

Thank you for your time, and I hope that you will support my nomination.

Jamie Davis

Paul Holmes request for nomination to UNISON NEC Local Government General seat

2011-01-14T18:08:00.002Z

National Executive Council Elections

Nomination for the Local Government Service Group -

General Seat

Name: Paul Holmes

Branch Code: 13325

RMS Number: 1787781

I am seeking nomination from your branch for the NEC for the Local Government Service Group (General Seat). I am currently the NEC member for this seat which I first won in 2007 and won again in 2009 (with a 450% increase in my majority). As an NEC member I have a proud record of continuously campaigning for the policies on which I was elected.

My Experience

I have been a member of the union for 37 years, a steward for 36 years and Branch Secretary of Kirklees UNISON for 21 years (I am also a former member of the NALGO NEC). I am currently a member of the NJC for Local Government and the Local Government Service Group Executive. I am proud to be a socialist and a trade unionist.

Activity

I regularly contact local government branches in dispute to see if I can be of assistance. I have visited over 40 branches this year. One of the proudest moments of my life was to be involved in the Leeds Refuse Workers' Strike. The members' problems are the same wherever I go. So are the solutions - leadership, organisation, solidarity, resources, hard work and planning. Local Government branches felt isolated about Single Status and they feel the same about cuts. The main purpose of an NEC member is to give leadership. That is what I try to do. An NEC member should also listen.

The Future

No-one doubted the Coalition Governments' desire to cut, but no-one should doubt that it is a weak government. Our future is in our hands. The debate over student fees has shown that young people are not apathetic - they have been lied to as we all have. Together the unions, sympathetic councils, community groups and service users can come together and win.

There is no doubt that further attacks will come. Bankers are greedily looking at the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). We will need the full force of the union to defend the LPGS. All the forthcoming battles can be won - but to win them we have to return to our roots. Union organisation, recruitment and planning are vital. We have to re-introduce basic trade union principles to our movement.

Nomination

I ask your branch to support my nomination for the NEC Local Government Service Group General Seat. If your branch do nominate me you should complete the nomination form and return it to UNISON HQ. I hope that your branch does support my nomination. I have kept my campaign promises. I have spoken at many UNISON branches across Britain since becoming an NEC member and have always had a good reception among the members. I will continue to help to fight to build this union. We have to build - we have no choice. The enemies of the labour movement did not go away and they have returned with a vengeance. United we can beat them.

Yours Faithfully,

Len Hockey nomination request to UNISON NEC Health Seat

2011-01-14T18:06:00.003Z

Leonardhockey789@hotmail.co.uk

Branch number 03378-Waltham Forest Health Branch

Dear UNISON Branch Secretary

UNISON National Executive Council Elections (NEC) 2011

Nominate Len Hockey for the Health Service Group Male Seat

UNISON membership number: 0748487

I am writing to seek the nomination of your branch for the health service group male seat on the NEC.

I have 22 years trade union activity in UNISON and NUPE becoming Branch Secretary for Waltham Forest Health Branch in 1990. I have served on the Health Service Group Executive up to 2010 and represent the Greater London Region on the National Ancillary Sector Committee. I am currently a member of the Greater London Regional Committee and have been an active socialist and trade unionist since 1980.

FOR A FIGHTING DEMOCRATIC UNION

The threat posed by the election of the ConDem government to all of the social advances working people have made in the last 80 years demands a radical programme of united action across our union and all service sectors. I believe firmly in the militant and campaigning traditions of the labour movement. This requires strategies that build from the bottom up, fighting public sector trade union alliances, including coordinated industrial action which is the agreed policy of the TUC. This together with our involvement in the mobilisation of the growing anti cuts union organisations in the communities will be crucial if we are to defeat every threatened job cut and every threatened service cut.

DEFEND THE NHS

Our National Health Service under the mis named Government White Paper "Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS" is to be further privatised and seriously downsized with workers now facing attacks on pay, conditions and national and collective agreements. Working class communities will be confronted with the nightmare of a reduction in services that the NHS will no longer undertake. Hinchingbrooke hospital in Cambridgeshire is the first NHS hospital to be transferred completely to a profiteering private company.

NO TO PAY RESTRAINT

The attempts by those who would have us accept pay restraint, in reality pay cuts, has to be resisted. Pay freezes and the forgoing of incremental pay uplifts for spurious, localised "agreements" to avoid compulsory redundancies is a dangerous trap and must be opposed! In reality this ends up with the worst of both worlds. The employers are already on the offensive and pushing down bandings all over the place while trusts have no money for redundancies anyway!

MAKE THE BOSSES AND BANKERS PAY

But these threatened brutal attacks are neither necessary nor inevitable and UNISON at National level needs to be saying that loudly and clearly to its membership, the employers and the predatory profiteers now circling above.

This crisis that originated with the bankers is being used ideologically to try and grab back the past won gains of our movement. The UKs debt is nothing to do with us and everything to do with the employers and the unmitigated chaos of their unplanned capitalist system.

LEARNING FROM THE YOUTH

The inspirational movement of young students against the attacks on the right to education holds valuable lessons for the labour movement. Many of these students have generalised their experience into opposition to all cuts including participating in RMT picket lines on strike days. To thrive and survive UNISON must attract radicalising young people if we are to reinvigorate our organisation.

UNITY IS STRENGTH-FOR NATIONAL ACTION FOR JOBS PAY AND SERVICES

If elected to the NEC I will vigorously campaign for the ideas outlined above. The attack on the welfare state is at the same time the opportunity to break out of the old ways of doing things; to take the campaigning initiative on a nationwide basis in defence of our hard won democratic rights and to champion the politics of social need over private greed.

The nomination period opens on 11^th January and closes on 18th February 2011. I hope that your branch will nominate me. Also please nominate Kate Ahrens, John Malcolm and Shona Greig in the other health seats.

Please get in touch with me if you have any questions about my candidature or my views on any issue within the union.

Fraternally

Len Hockey