Just heard some good news that a mate and East London Housing UNISON colleague, his family and friends staying at the Sousse resort in Tunisia were in a different hotel and unharmed in the recent cowardly massacre. They have though still decided to sta…Read more…
Changing London…Discussion event Thursday July 2nd 8pm Forest Gate
Newham’s youngest Councillor, Seyi Akiwowo, asked, me to give this event “a shout”.
“Dear Friends
Forest Gate North Labour is hosting a ‘Changing London’ event on Thursday 2nd July from 8-9.30pm
at Coffee7, Sebert Road (opposite Forest Gate Station…Read more…
Bevan’s Dreamers to Builders: 5 July 1945 Anniversary Tee-shirt by Philosophy Football
Been a gap but another great tee-shirt from Philosophy Football. This time to honour the socialist wordsmith, Aneurin Bevan and the Labour Government of 1945. This is what democratic principled political power can deliver.
“We have been the dreamers. …Read more…
Reflections on UNISON National Delegate Conference 2015.
It’s now been over a week since the end of UNISON National Delegate Conference (NDC) in Glasgow and I have just about recovered from the traditional post conference lergy.
This is what happens after being locked up for 4 days in what is really a…Read more…
Red Line Voting gets Green light to Save Planet, Respect Human Rights and Stop Fat Cats
I was really pleased to take part in the debate and vote in favour of the AMNT’s Red Lines initiative which was approved at our summer conference on Wednesday this week. They cover a wide range of environmental, social and corporate governance iss…Read more…
Voting Systems: Newham Compass debate 1 July 2015
A topical subject again after May 7. I suspect that those of us who support a change in “first past the post” missed the boat during the AV referendum and we are now stuck with the current system for at least the next 5 years.
Yet it is important that…Read more…
Generation Rent Rip Off: Private rents in UK double the European average
This article from National Housing Federation shows that not only are rents in UK the most expensive but double the European average.
A staggering 40% of income is spent on rent compared to 28% European average.
This means that workers have less mone…Read more…
#uNDC15 Housing Composite
“President, Conference, John Gray, National Executive Committee speaking in favour of Composite F on Housing on behalf of the NEC
Conference, in that wonderful East London expression, it is the “bleedin’ obvious”, that housing is a key issue for our union.
Many of you here today, like me,…Read more…
Assaults on Housing staff survey: Why health & safety is a trade union matter
My grown up job is a housing officer in East London. It was about 10 years ago during an eviction in a flat which had been taken over by violent criminals that I was assured by one of them that he would come back and put an “axe in my F……… head”….Read more…
#uNDC15 Are you a first time or lone delegate? If so, join us for lunch
Back to last weeks UNISON conference. I thought this initiative by London Region on the Tuesday was fantastic.
Our London regional delegation is over 200 but many delegates are here for the first time or a lone branch delegate.
The Regional lay…Read more…
East London Labour Mayoral Hustings: #YesWeKhan
This afternoon there was a London Labour Party Mayoral candidate hustings at the historic Old Town Hall in Stratford, East London
West Ham MP, Lyn Brown, local Councillors and other Party supporters held a stall outside on behalf of candidate, Sa…Read more…
Why Nationwide Building Society has some pretty rubbish governance
I spent today recovering from UNISON conference and trying to catch up on my post and emails.
I was completely ticked off when I responded to the ballot papers I had received while away for the Nationwide AGM next month. This is the biggest mutually o…Read more…
All about “Ratchet, Ratchet & Bingo’” HIgh Pay Event on Remuneration Consultancy
This looks really interesting but I have a clash this Wednesday
“Event: Is Remuneration Consultancy Really Independent?
Wednesday 24th June
12:30 – 14:00
High Pay Centre, 32-36 Loman Street, London SE1 0EH
Remuneration consultants are at the heart of the executive pay setting process. According…Read more…
#uNDC15 – Branch support for composite on Pensions
More stuff from UNISON conference. I moved the Pensions Composite on Wednesday and then Doreen was one of the supportive speakers. Our original branch motion on pensions was one of those composited. It is all a bit confusing to those outside the u…Read more…
#uNDC15 “Composite D Pensions”
“Chair, Conference, John Gray, National Executive Member, moving Composite D on Pensions on behalf of the NEC
Conference, A decent and safe pension in retirement is vital to ensure people are able to live with dignity into their old age.
This moti…Read more…
#uNDC Motion 36 Care of Older People
President, Conference, Mitsy Harmon, Greater London Housing Association branch speaking in favour of motion 36 as amended.
Conference, I have worked as a Care worker in a 24/7 residential project in East London for many years, caring for mainly older…Read more…
#uNDC15 UNISON Greater London Regional delegation meeting
UNISON London branches have sent over 200 delegates to Conference.
At a packed regional delegation meeting on Monday evening, our elected regional reps Yvonne Green and Phoebe Watkins, briefed delegates on what to expect.
On Thursday evening all dele…Read more…
UNISON National Delegate Conference 2015 – opens
UNISON President Lucia McKeever has just opened our National Delegate Conference which this year takes place in Glasgow.
This is our Union’s AGM and “Parliament” which decides rules, finances and policy for the forthcoming year.
There are around 2,00…Read more…
#uNEC15 UNISON LGPS Reform Campaign fringe
Picture of UNISON Capital Stewardship officer, Colin Meech, at last nights fringe “Why Governance and Economics Are Now Critical for Members”. This took place at the end of Local Government Conference and the eve of National delegate conference.
…Read more…
Red Dawn for London?: Mayoral Hustings – Stratford Old Town Hall, June 21
“In a few weeks’ time, we will be casting our votes for who will be the Labour candidate for Mayor of London.
Before voting begins, you will have a chance be put the candidates to the test in hustings being held across London.
This is your chance to put your questions to the candidates and hear…Read more…