UNISON holds an annual Seminar and Conference for members who work in our Community Service Group (Housing Associations and voluntary sector). This year it was held in Bournemouth. Unexpectedly I stepped in to chair a workshop on pensions d…Read more…
TUC Pensions Conference 2023: “Pensions in a Cost of Living Crisis”
Yesterday I returned to Congress House, the TUC headquarters for its annual pension conference. This event involves union officers, pension trustees and activists with expert presentations/Q&A and workshops. It was great to be back in person at lon…Read more…
Welsh National Anthem – “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” – Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!
Love it. Read more…
35 Best Labor Blogs and Websites – John’s Labour Blog
It was nice to get this notification this evening via twitter “Congrats @grayee Your blog has been selected as one of the Best Labor Blogs on the web by @_feedspot”.”The best Labor blogs from thousands of blogs on the web and ranked by traffic, s…Read more…
Newham Voices: March 2023
Check out the latest version of our free Newham community newspaper. Read more…
Social housing bosses need formal qualifications? Yes but….
Today the Government has announced that it will change the law to make it compulsory for Social Housing Managers to hold formal qualifications in a similar way to social workers and teachers. The reasons given were “both Grenfell and the death of Awaab…Read more…
6 reasons to join UNISON
Heart UNISON is part of Heart Unions Week, the TUC’s annual event to celebrate unions, to make sure everyone knows why we’re vital at work, and to encourage everyone to join one. Here are 6 reasons why it’s a better time than ever to join UNISON.Google…Read more…
COVID-19 (again)
I been feeling under the weather lately and felt that I had a “lergie” (winter cold) coming on. This afternoon I was supposed to be carrying some joint visits with Police to see some tenants. So I thought that I better do a COVID test but felt pr…Read more…
Local authority pension fund investment in affordable housing
This meeting of the APPG for “Local Authority Pension Funds was focused on local authority pension fund investment in social and affordable housing. To address the issue and whether there is a case for doing more, the event heard from four speakers: Cl…Read more…
Vote Denise and John your UNISON Community Candidates for UNISON’s NEC Elections 2023 – ballot papers drop 17/4
Many, many thanks to all the 40 plus branches that nominated us. Next step is verification of these nominations, any possible appeals then physical ballot papers due to drop at your home address on 17/4/23. If any branches are hosting hustings let…Read more…
Prospective Parliamentary Candidates: Greater London Labour Link
This evening I interviewed prospective candidates wishing to be nominated by UNISON Labour Link to a Greater London Parliamentary seat. Labour Link (used to be called the APF) is the Political Fund which is affiliated to the Labour Party, which U…Read more…
UNISON Women’s Conference 2023: Denise Thomas report
Guest post by Denise Thomas. “I attended Women’s Conference as a delegate from Cymru Wales, Ymlaen/Forward Branch. This year it was held in the wonderful seaside resort of Bournemouth. Firstly, it was great to see so many friendly faces as this was the…Read more…
Blackmore, Essex – Walk Feb 23
Gill and I went on another Big Essex Skies and Sunshine walk today, starting and finishing in Blackmore. This was a “moderate” 7.41 mile walk only 35 minutes by car from East London (public transport not great but possible). Considerate parking on stre…Read more…
UNISON Greater London Housing Associations Branch e-newsletter: Feb 2023
Welcome to the Branch Newsletter! Last Monday, we all heard the horrible news about the powerful earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria early in the morning. A week later there are still many people trapped under debris, and the ones who ma…Read more…
Emergency Fundraising Dinner for Turkiye & Syria – Sisters Forum
This evening I went to support a fundraising dinner being held for disaster relief of victims of the recent deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria. I think all of us have been pretty shocked by the media footage of the death and devastation caused…Read more…
ONEUNISON – Winning for all UNISON members & our public services.
“UNISON holds elections every two years for the National Executive Council. It’s an important body representing every region, nation, service group, Black members, young members and disabled members. Key decisions about what our union does are made by …Read more…
A Service of Celebration for the Life of Kathy Taranczuk
Yesterday I went to celebrate the life of my former Housing manager, Kathy Taranczuk. Kathy had been the office manager of Ranwell/Old Ford local housing office in Bow from 1996 to 2007. I had been her senior housing officer. I went with my former…Read more…
Heart UNISON 2023
Check out UNISON website on #HeartUNISON #HeartUnions week 13-19 FebHeart UNISON is part of Heart Unions Week, the TUC’s annual event to celebrate unions, to make sure everyone knows why we’re vital at work, and to encourage everyone to join…Read more…
Etholiadau NEC UNSAIN 2023: Datganiad John Gray ar gyfer Sedd Gyffredinol y Gymuned (Papurau pleidleisio yn gollwng 17/4/23)
“Rwy’n gweithio i gymdeithas tai ac yn mynd i’r afael ag ymddygiad gwrthgymdeithasol cymhleth, cam-drin domestig a thwyll tenantiaeth. Fel gweithiwr tai, rwy’n deall yn uniongyrchol straen ac anawsterau darparu gwasanaethau cyhoeddus. Fel stiward a Chy…Read more…
UNISON NEC Elections 2023: John Gray Statement for Community General Seat (Ballot papers drop 17/4/23)
“I work for a housing association and deal with complex anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and tenancy fraud. As a housing worker I understand first-hand the stresses and difficulties of providing public services. As a steward and National Convenor,…Read more…