Join the TUC-organised march and rally in Cheltenham on 27 January(hat tip UNISON – I cannot attend due to clash https://www.justgiving.com/page/john-gray-1702669640623)Forty years ago, GCHQ workers were banned from joining a trade union. Twenty-…Read more…
Labour New Deal for Working People National Campaign Weekend 3/4 Feb 2024
If you want to get rid of the tories sign up here https://labourunions.org.uk/newdealweekend/Read more…
UNISON Pension Seminar 2024
14 March 202411:00am–3:00pmUNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London, NW1 2AYThe seminar will bring delegates up to date on key pension issues. These will include the pension gender gap, investing pension money in ways that have positive impacts, and how …Read more…
Chorleywood to Chesham walk: Chilterns Society
Today Gill and I had another marvellous walk courtesy of the Chilterns Society 8 miles linear walk from Chorleywood to Chesham. We took the Lizzie line from Forest Gate, changed at Liverpool Street for metropolitan line all the way to Chorl…Read more…
West Ham ward New Year Canvass and Street Surgery
This morning we had our first canvass and street surgery of 2024 in our ward. We met at the ATL cafe then went to doorknock and speak to residents with my Councillor ward colleagues, Charlene and John. Also, we had Lewis (Green Street West Councillor, …Read more…
UNISON London Local Government Reps: Vote Sonya, Clara & Sean 2024
UNISON Service Group elections nominations opened on Monday. I no longer work for a Council but do recommend that UNISON London Local Government branches consider nominating Sonya, Clara and Sean. They are top trade unionists! I will be posting o…Read more…
UNISON Winter fuel grants for members on a low income
Can branches check out this page unsn.uk/41SPAHd and encourage low income members to apply for a “there for you” winter fuel grant worth £200. Applications will open twice on Wednesday 24 January, at 8.30am and 5pm. The online …Read more…
2024: Year of LGBT+ workers
“2024 is @unisontheunion ‘s Year of LGBT+ workers. This year we’re celebrating all of our LGBT+ members and showing why we are the best union for LGBT+ public service workers. Are you a UNISON LGBT+ member? Get involved: https://unison.org.uk/about/wha…Read more…
Get signed up! Love to Learn. TUC courses 2024
TUC Education courses – 2024Find out more about courses running in your area from January 2024.Our courses offer essential training for reps and help you develop your skills.ScotlandNorthern RegionNorth West RegionYorkshire and the…Read more…
Exploring the Elizabeth Line: Brentwood to Harold Wood
Today Gill and I tested out a walk in a new book “Exploring the Elizabeth Line” by Jeff Lock. The new Cross London East to West (“Lizzie”) rail line from Shenfield to Reading has been a boom for commuters and travellers (but so far somewhat unreliable)…Read more…
High Pay Day 2024
Hat tip High Pay Centre and brilliant cartoon which I cannot remember source.
“We have estimated that FTSE 100 CEOs’ earnings for 2024 will surpass the median UK worker’s full time annual salary tod…Read more…
RISHI’S RAW DEAL -Pay £10 more tax and get £2 off
Poster campaign launched today in Wellingborough where Labour candidate, Gen Kitchen is campaigning to replace disgraced Tory MP, Peter Bone. Hat tip Independent “From Saturday, the main rate of national insurance will be cut by two percentage points …Read more…
TUC Pensions Conference 2024: pensions under the next government
I have just registered. https://www.tuc.org.uk/events/tuc-pensions-conference-2024-pensions-under-next-governmentOverviewRegistrations are now open for the TUC Pensions Conference 2024 on Wednesday 13 March at Congress House, London. With a g…Read more…
Countdown to London 26 Mile Winter Walk 2024 – 24/25 days training days to go
I am taking part in a sponsored 26 mile walking marathon at the end of this month for the homelessness charity St Mungos with colleagues from work. Most of the recent holiday was spent walking in the Peak district which was good cross training but…Read more…
Blog “Let’s make 2024 a success – Vote in our service group elections and celebrate UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ Workers” Christina McAnea
“Happy New Year to everyone in UNISON and here’s to a successful year for you and your families.I have high hopes for 2024 – 12 months of campaigning for UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ workers and for a national care service, securing pay deals across all publ…Read more…
“E7 Now and then” relaunch (& today is 133th Anniversary of the deaths of 26 Boys at Forest Gate Workhouse)
The Forest Gate, (Newham, London) local history site “E7-Now and then” is being relaunched after a 5 year gap. Which is really good news for people like me who live in Forest Gate and is fascinated by all history. Until I read about it in the sit…Read more…
Happy New Year 2024
Been for some wonderful walks during holiday and looking forward to many more in 2024. Read more…
Merry Christmas 2023
Turkey is in the oven. Picture from our morning walk to work up an appetite.Read more…
Wanstead Flats A Short Illustrated History
I have finally just got around to ordering myself this book as a late Crimbo present. I have lived opposite Wanstead flats (now part of Epping Forest) for over 30 years and it is an absolute joy. I went for an early run this morning around the fl…Read more…
UNISON Direct Christmas Opening Hours 2023
For any UNISON members (or rather the many that will be working 24/7 all through the holidays) who need urgent union assistance. Most branches will be closed from today to Tuesday 2 Jan.Hap tip UNISON Lincolnshire Police Branch. Read more…