I have just left the Global Convention of Democrats Abroad here in Berlin where I represented Senator Bernie Sanders. I was not a delegate, or elector, and hold no office in Democrats Abroad. But I…Read more…
UNISON Parliamentary Reception with Stella Creasy MP on Workers’ Memorial Day
This is a late post but picture collage is from the UNISON Parliamentary reception on 28 April 2016 for Labour Link members in North East London.
The first speaker was Ilford North MP Wes Streeting MP then Stella Creasy MP. I spoke about this be…Read more…
Electoral malpractice and independent investigations
https://www.barnet.gov.uk/citizen-home/council-and-democracy/democracy-and-elections/election-feedback.html
Loony-right Tory Barnet Council, whose Chief Executive has resigned since the unprecedented events of last Thursday week, when voters were denie…Read more…
Slaveholders in Ireland
After yesterday’s popular blog about Irish slavery, I wanted to write a short one about another issue with Liam Hogan’s work. Another thread of his work is researching Irish slaveholders. Where he’s traced information those who left Ireland and “became white” and…Read more…
Our banking system just isn’t working for the real economy
Today the BBC are reporting that over 600 local bank branches have been closed in the last 12 months. It’s a tragedy both for staff who have lost jobs and for the communities that need the service they provided. It also poses a crucial question for unions about how we get the kind of banking…Read more…
Change in public services
Public service reform could be one of the defining issues of the coming Scottish Parliament session.
I was speaking at the ‘Leading Change in Public Services’ conference at Queen Margaret University…Read more…
Vital bus to be cut
Government cuts to the NHS have led to the axing of an essential hospital shuttle bus service for sick and elderly patients and their families and friends. The 15-seat, 22-mile service that…Read more…
Those with the most to lose in the EU referendum could be those who make all the difference
Young people, especially women, may feel disconnected from Europe but they have the most to lose if Britain Brexits. Parental leave, paid holiday, limits on excessive hours and the right to maternity…Read more…
Culture of fear
Unite is warning of a “culture of fear” stalking North Sea offshore workers as the industry braces itself for more cuts. The union is deeply concerned about the health and safety of workers,…Read more…
‘Backwards vision’ Wales can’t afford
UKIP’s move into Welsh politics was facilitated by fear-mongering and empty promises “in areas that feel abandoned”, according to the campaign group, Hope Not Hate. The right wing party made…Read more…
Brexit won’t save us from #TTIP: Our own government are part of the problem
A common argument from the Vote Leave camp in the upcoming EU referendum is that Brexit could save us from the many negative impacts of the EU-US TTIP trade deal. But unfortunately there isn’t a quick way out. The truth is that outside the EU we would be facing the prospect of even worse…Read more…
Ending impunity & upholding the rule of law
Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, spoke at the Anti-Corruption Summit hosted by the British Prime Minister David Cameron on 12 May. This is what she said: This week governments put themselves in the spotlight at the UK Anti-Corruption Conference, where…Read more…
Ladbrokes: at it again
Last week Ladbrokes saw a 42% vote against its rem report. This was in response to a termination payment, and the company in turn issued a very solemn statement as part of its AGM results acknowledging the vote.
The Board notes the vote in respect of t…Read more…
Irish slavery – fact or myth?
There has been a stupid debate going on for over a year now about whether Irish slaves existed or not. Irish historian Liam Hogan has made a name for himself condemning those who talk about the Irish history of slavery. Firstly, and most importantly, H…Read more…
Use your vote to remain in Europe, UNISON urges young workers
Young people are being encouraged to vote remain on 23 June to safeguard the rights of millions of workers – and their own futures. UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis today (Friday) called on the…Read more…
Nurses have given us so much – they deserve our wholehearted support
They’re the world’s largest group of health professionals, an absolutely essential part of every health service around the world – and we celebrate them each year, on 12th May, International Nurses…Read more…
Len McCluskey On Why Unite Supports EU Remain
Uber Recognises New York Drivers – But Not Full Unionisation.
Uber the platform based ride hailing – taxi company announced an agreement with International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to create an association for drivers in New York…Read more…
Shotton spirit
Unite steel reps from Shotton rejoiced in the community spirit that’s kept the steel town optimistic, even as the local steelworks faces uncertainty in the shadow of crisis. Schoolchildren…Read more…
Work dress codes, high heels, and patent sexism
There are so many problems with the story of Nicola Thorp, the London receptionist who was sent home by her agency, Portico, without pay because she refused to wear high heels, it’s hard to know where to begin. From a health and safety perspective, heels are bad for feet, joints and back. Sorry to…Read more…