From Monday 3rd April onwards some 1.3 million UNISON members up and down the UK will receive ballot papers and election statements sent to their home addresses. This is a really important election. The NEC is the “Executive” or even “Parliament” of UN…Read more…
London UNISON Housing Association Branch AGM 2017: Speaker Tom Copley AM at the UNISON Head Office
Picture collage from our branch AGM which took place last week at the UNISON Centre with keynote speaker, London Assembly Member, Tom Copley.
The AGM was split into 2 meetings to aid participation by members. A part 1 lunch time session then a Part 2 …Read more…
Government cuts threaten Newham Free School Meals programme: They cannot afford to pay 60% of the cost
This letter below was sent to many primary school parents today in Newham by the union for Head Teachers. Due to Government cuts and Newham Council changes in the way they charge for meals, many primary schools have decided that they cannot pay 60% of…Read more…
“West Ham tenants’ anger over 40 per cent rent hike”
“A group of tenants is up in arms after their landlord announced a 40 per cent rent hike…
Eve Whitcombe and Jamil Khair (picture right) will have to pay a 40 per cent rent hike or leave their home of the past 18 years. Picture: Jon King
The neighbou…Read more…
What Brexit could mean…
On what is to me a sad day I couldn’t help smile at this cartoon in the UNISON members InFOCUS magazine.Read more…
UNISON London Community Service Group AGM & Seminar 6 May 17
The seminar is on Housing and all UNISON members are invited. Some key figures have been invited as speakers and panel members. Wait and see – but I think this will be really good event. Registration forms have been sent to London branches but contact …Read more…
How Tory Tribunal fees prevent justice at work.
For those who think they don’t need trade unions to fight for justice at work, I say think again.
Making an application for an employment tribunal now costs £250 and then a further £950 for a hearing. As this research shows, low paid workers with strong cases are being blocked.
“A new report to…Read more…
One Housing Group 40% rent rise for key workers update
Last Monday evening I attended a lively public meeting with One Housing Association tenants from across Newham, who are facing a 40% plus increase in their rents. These tenants are “key workers” who work in local hospitals, schools and social/care serv…Read more…
Tell The TUC: Survey on Zero hour contracts and Agency working
Are you one of the 1 in 10 people in insecure work – like a zero hours contract or working through an agency?If so, we want to hear from you!Many people now have jobs that give them little or no security. This may because you rely on an agency to provide you with work – and there’s no…Read more…
Communists, Masons & War: Forest Gate South Labour doorknock 18.3.17 with Lyn Brown MP
Picture collage from last Saturday in Forest Gate South ward,West Ham CLP, London. Our MP, Lyn Brown (with her Labour attack dog Cara), local councillors and party activists out knocking doors and talking to residents about Council services and nationa…Read more…
Fancy being a Newham Labour Councillor Candidate?
This should be an interesting introduction for local Party activists but I am worried that ordinary members may attend in the expectation that they will have at least a chance to be selected as a Labour candidate. I am concerned that there is simply no…Read more…
We are Londoners: We are One
I was supposed to have gone to the House of Commons this morning for a pension briefing but had to cancel due to a last minute clash. I also had a long telephone conversation at lunchtime with an MP who was driving into Parliament to vote. Many of my f…Read more…
UNISON London Housing Association Branch AGM 2017: Secretary’s Report
Today is the AGM of my branch (12-2pm and 6-8pm at the UNISON Centre, London) and this is my contribution to our annual report. Picture of 2016 Branch Executive.
“2016 was a traumatic year for politics generally and for social housing and trade u…Read more…
Canning Town South Labour doorstep 11 March 2017
This college is from Saturday 11 March when West Ham Labour Party activists came to support the local Party in Canning Town South ward. Our MP Lyn Brown was there and we all knocked on doors in the ward asking if they had any issues that they wanted to…Read more…
“Union reps are good for workers and employers and we can prove it”
Check out TUC risks and link to Stronger Unions response to the latest nonsense from the Tax evaders alliance.
“The TUC has ripped apart the latest attempt by a right-wing lobby group to claim paid release for union reps comes at a cost. TUC national …Read more…
One Housing Group raises rents for Newham key workers by 40%
Tomorrow I will be attending this public meeting in the evening to discuss One Housing Group plan to impose new tenancy agreements and massive rent rises on a number of “key worker” tenants in Manor Road, E15.
These “key workers” are employed by local…Read more…
Greater London UNISON Labour link Regional Forum 2017 (and Eastern Region)
Pictures from recent Regional Labour Link forum in central London. I chaired the meeting and after opening remarks, introductions, workplan, financial report (don’t ask) we moved on to motions.
My branch had submitted a motion on building a new nation…Read more…
West Ham Labour Campaigning tomorrow – Keir Hardie Methodist Church
Dear John
Sorry for short notice but below are our canvassing sessions for this weekend. All members very welcome to come along and help us talk to residents – don’t worry if you’ve not come before – someone will h…Read more…
STRONGERUNISON – NEC elections 11 April – 28 April 2017
Reminder that UNISON National Executive Council (NEC) Elections are due to start soon. Ballot papers should be sent out on 11 April.
I am going to vote for UNISON members who support the combined left & centre left STRONGERUNISON slate of candidat…Read more…
Newham mayor ‘trigger ballot’: GMB union says it followed the rules as it affiliates more branches locally
Check out former Guardian journalist, Dave Hill’s website “OnLondon” about the latest twist in the Newham Mayoral Trigger saga. Leaving aside this important issue for the moment, what is happening with excessive trade union affiliation to local Labour …Read more…