All the union news that's fit to blog...
Our first guest speaker was former UNISON activist and now Shadow Secretary for Education, Angela Rayner MP, who gave a relaxed and inspiring speech on her politics, the recent General election campaign and how proud she was to be a UNISON member.
I p…Read more…
Picture from this evenings UNISON Labour Link London region delegation meal.
This morning I took part in the National Labour Link Committee pre-Forum meeting. The number one issue was of course the General election and its aftermath.
Our National For…Read more…
July 4th is a great day to hold a trade union meeting. This day is the 125th anniversary of the election of Keir Hardie, the first ever Labour MP in my home in West Ham, East London as well as the anniversary of the only successful British Revolu…Read more…
Check the FT article here 30 June 2017
The FCA’s report is a travesty that is bereft of remedies, writes Gina Miller
In 2002, the Sandler Report on the UK retail investment market found “the reporting of product charges is typically neither clear nor consistent”. More than 15 years on and…Read more…
Before (top middle) and after (bottom middle) picture of the me taking part in the Newham Great Run (wearing finishing tee shirt and medal) I will admit to have forgotten that I had entered and due to the General election and UNISON conference I …Read more…
After a short break, members of Forest Gate North & West Ham Labour, led by our newly re-elected MP (with 77% of the vote) Lyn Brown, were back on the campaign trail today. As well as the NHS demo in Central London, today was a Labour Party Nationa…Read more…
Love this pictureRead more…
Watch this clip from Claire Sweeney’s new exploitative ’15 minute Makeover’ show where a care worker has to get a vulnerable person ready for the day in, you guessed it, in just 15 minutes! Find out more https://savecarenow.org.uk/petition
Today Government regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued a final report on the fund managers who manage our pensions and investment savings.
It is pretty damning.
My interpretation is that fund managers are making exce…Read more…
This is the latest media release from Newham Council (see below).
I am still waiting for copies of the fire risk assessments for high rise blocks in my ward (West Ham) from the Council.
I have also asked who is checking the fire risk asse…Read more…
I was tasked to speak on this motion 26 on behalf of the NEC at Conference last week but it did not receive sufficient prioritisation by branches and regions to be debated.
Which is a shame since if we don’t bring down the costs and charges of no…Read more…
In the week that the Mayor of London announced his new London Transport Strategy (out for consultation until the 2nd October – read more here), come join us for a discussion and debate with Transport expert Christian Wolmar to discuss the ambitious plans, whether it can really…Read more…
This is the speech I gave on Thursday on behalf of the NEC about the Housing motion put forward by London Region and my branch.
“Conference/Chair
John Gray, Community NEC, speaking in favour of motion 36 as amended. I happen also to…Read more…
In a victory for common sense the Courts have apparently thrown out the requirement that Council Pension funds have to invest according to the political whims of the UK Foreign office.
Who on earth would want their pension being dependent on the…Read more…
Hat tip Phil Lewis Chair of London Hazards & in today’s UNISON NDC regional newsletter “London Calling”.
“Here is some information I was able to get hold of
2009 – Lakanal House tower block catches fire killing 6 people. The local authority is prosecuted for lapses in fire safety. A review is…Read more…
My Conference day started with a short jog up and down the famous Brighton beach. The weather was hot even at 7.30am.
At 8.30am we had our first UNISON NEC meeting to discuss and (hopefully) agree on any outstanding matters or policy positions.
Confe…Read more…
Comrades together picture from this evening outside the Holiday Inn Hotel in Brighton after the UNISON London Region delegates meetings.
Our ace Regional Conveyor, Yvonne Green, is on my left with Housing Association branch delegate Mitsy on her left …Read more…
Lovely picture of my Dad, John Gray (left), my big Sister Helen, My little Sister Lucy, Me (John Gray) and our Grandfather, John Gray.
(and top of the head of “Muff” our daft but so loyal family boxer dog)Read more…
This afternoon I went to the Newham Woodcraft Kids Zone and Big Lunch Picnic in Wanstead Flats next to the Golden Fleece pub.
It was simply a fantastic community event. Loads of people from all over Forest Gate and Manor Park had come to participate, …Read more…
I have asked a UNISON colleague who is a very experienced Housing Surveyor to check on this advice and also asked the Council who is checking Housing Associations & privately managed high rise blocks’ fire risk assessments.