Members Together – Putting You FirstMembers Together is a group of like-minded UNISON members who put members first. This has not happened over recent years because of political infighting. We believe in our union and know the power it has to improve o…Read more…
West Ham Sunshine Street Surgery
This morning we took part in a Street Surgery knocking on doors of residents around Old Barrowfield and asking them if they had any problems or issues with the Council that they wished to discuss with their local Councillors. My colleague, John Wh…Read more…
CWC engage with fund manager Blackrock on Labour Rights
A little late in the evening UK time but pleased to attend and ask a question. 🌎 Last week, over 20 global asset owner representatives – with a combined AUM of nearly USD 1.8 trillion – engaged collectively with BlackRock to articulate their…Read more…
TUC LESE Regional Council AGM 2025
Due to a clash I arrived a little late to our Regional TUC AGM as a UNISON delegate. This is possibly the last such AGM to take place at Congress House which is being reluctantly sold to be replaced with a more modern and practical building. A re…Read more…
Greater London Authority UNISON AGM with Sadiq Khan Mayor of London
On Wednesday lunchtime I was invited to attend the UNISON GLA hybrid branch AGM in City Hall as a guest speaker. Before me the Mayor Sadiq Khan spoke to members about the importance of partnership working between employers and unions. He kindly n…Read more…
“Shorten the hours and prolong your lives.” Happy Birthday GMB
English Radical History@EnglishRadical·13h”Shorten the hours and prolong your lives.”
The Gas Workers’ and General Labourers’ Union was formed #OTD 1889 after workers at Beckton Gas Works were laid off. Led by Will Thorne, the union grew quickl…Read more…
My Municipal Week- Full Council, Rough Sleeping Count & Spring Litter pick
A fairly busy week. On Monday I attended the Full Council meeting at Stratford Town Hall. I asked a question on the role of social economic class in reducing inequality in Newham and also moved an amendment on an opposition motion regarding Priva…Read more…
Elected Chair of Greater London UNISON Housing Associations Branch
I was really pleased to be elected Chair of my branch on Thursday evening at our AGM (As well as Labour Link officer). I have held nearly all the different executive positions in my branch but not Chair. I also successfully moved a branch ru…Read more…
Where are we with a national care service?
A quick update on the latest from UNISON’s national care campaign from our expert in social careWhere are we with a national care service Read more…
Labour Housing Group AGM 2025
This morning after my Council Advice surgery in my West Ham ward. I went to the Labour Housing Group AGM in central London (a Socialist Society affiliated to the Labour Party). There was a well received speech & Q&A by housing …Read more…
“We are doing it – the Employment Rights Bill Clears the Commons!”
Dear John, This is a huge moment. Tonight, the Employment Rights Bill passed the Commons – a major step toward stronger rights for working people.This is the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, and it’s happening because of t…Read more…
UNISON Community Conference 2025
Saturday 1st March was Day 2 of the UNISON Community Seminar – then Conference in Bristol. Saturday was also of course St David’s Day which the Welsh contingent (including myself) celebrated (but I have been told off for not wearing a daffodil)&n…Read more…
UNISON Community Seminar 2025
Yesterday, the UNISON Community (Housing Associations and Voluntary Sector) annual seminar took place in Bristol. The day started at a 9am pre Conference meeting for myself and the Community Service Group Executive. 10am the seminar started with S…Read more…
Out for a run (aka slow jog)
Out for a run just before dusk tonight around Wanstead flats and enjoyed lovely skyline from near Alexandra Lake. Read more…
Save the date – inspect your toilets 🚽
While being a trade union safety rep is definitely not a glamorous role, most people realise it is not a joke if you have to work outside a properly equipped office and/or suffer from many disabilities and don’t have ready access to a toilet or are not…Read more…
Rainham Marshes Walk
Off message but last Sunday Gill and I finally went for a walk in nearby Rainham Marshes alongside the River Thames. This was a circular route about 7 miles long. We had walked East alongside the Thames in June 2017 in the very last leg of the Lo…Read more…
West Ham Ward Surgery then Door Knock
This morning I attended my Councillor surgery in the Vicarage Lane Community Centre (every Saturday apart from bank holiday weekends, one of us holds an advice surgery here 10-11am).Afterwards, I met up with Councillor colleagues and local Labour…Read more…
Back LIVV Housing Strikers Friday, 21st Feb – 7.30am
Hat tip @KnowsleyUnison “We are planning a big union day down at @LivvHousing L34 1PJ this coming Friday, 21st February, in solidarity with the UNISON and Unite striking workers. Join us from 7.30 am with your flags, banners, and whistles!!…Read more…
“A better life at work…”
“The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) will be making its way through Parliament soon.
It will introduce new bargaining bodies for care workers and school support staff in England as well. Find out more here: https://magazine.unison.org.uk/2025/02/…Read more…
“There is no vacancy” Christina McAnea – 15 Feb 2025
A collective response to the incredibly powerful and personal speech by our General Secretary, Christina McAnea, to delegates yesterday at UNISON’s Women’s Conference. She is right that there is “no vacancy” and the shameful behaviour of those who lau…Read more…