It’s clear that the world is changing, though sadly comrades the revolution isn’t here yet. But what the global financial crisis has brought about is that, if we must live in a market driven society, then that needs to be accompanied with strong intervention into those markets. Now I definitely support the Labour Party, but we can’t quite wriggle out of all responsibility. 3rd way politics under Blair in the UK and Clinton across the pond deregulated much that in hindsight (esp. as I am no financial expert) it would seem shouldn’t. The disaster in the US was then along came Bush who continued the low regulation regime while deliberately skewing the tax system to benefit the rich. Now our Government does have some responsibility, though everyone appreciates this is a worldwide problem; but things are changing.
Within the financial storm that’s ripping across the world; there is becoming clear distance between those that would intervene in market and those that would pull out and leave them to fail. I think the route of that division is who you care about? I’m glad to say that our Labour Government have looked at the prospects for ordinary working people, middle and low incomes alike, and decided that we must intervene to protect them. Labour are borrowing in order to maintain public spending, both to avoid the way public services were devastated for a generation and to continue to drive the economy, while bringing forward and funding new capital projects to help meet the reduction in demand from the private sector. And they are intervening to help business stay open and employing staff, and when business do have to lay off staff, Labour will do as it did close to me with the Longbridge Taskforce, supporting people back into work or training.
Whereas the Tories, Cameron’s ‘caring Conservatives’, look to the wealthy who can weather the storm and in all likelihood come out on the other side with greater ability to get richer and richer. They would certainly not be maintaining public spending, and they certainly wouldn’t be using public building programmes to drive the economy. Instead, they’re spending their time trying to rubbish Labour’s record on debt (which is good by international standards and when compared to what the Tories gave us), and calling for spending cuts to keep down the deficit. And with their proposals to benefit the richest in society through inheritance tax, it really is tax cuts for the few, service cuts for the many. It absolutely shows that the Tories have not changed, and have not learned, from the disaster they inflicted on working people when the economy faltered on their watch. They cut public spending, ruthlessly attacked public services and public sector workers and left those in need with nowhere to turn. They failed to intervene to support companies and maintain employment, turning workers on to the scrapheap and telling them to get on their bikes.
And as for those ‘left wing’ Liberals, their response is tax cuts and closing the Government department responsible for supporting businesses. They have shown nationally what many have been saying about them locally, right wing with a nice face. Now I can’t talk about world politics without a mention of the US President Elect, and the hope for a US that is there supporting all it’s people and wanting again to be a friend in the world. But as for economics I know too little and in any case it’s too soon to tell. But what there is, is hope for change.
Labour still need to do so much more (and there are lots of other blogs about that), but at the moment they are showing their metal. I hope the people of Glenrothes give us a boost today, it's time to Go Fourth for our 4th term in Government.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Saw something great of the bus ride home
Having spent the day in Birmingham and the West Midlands' Organise! and strategy session (combined for the first time this year) I got the bus home.
On the bus a guy started to hassle a young black lad without any reason, it was great to see someone step in to tell this guy 'to be more respectful' and then pretty much the whole bus uniting in our intolerance of racism.
In these troubled times I think these sort of events lighten the heart and restore you faith that our society is far from 'broken'!
On the bus a guy started to hassle a young black lad without any reason, it was great to see someone step in to tell this guy 'to be more respectful' and then pretty much the whole bus uniting in our intolerance of racism.
In these troubled times I think these sort of events lighten the heart and restore you faith that our society is far from 'broken'!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
NEC sets out our response to the economic crisis
Having discussed and developed a statement on the financial crisis at the policy committee yesterday, the NEC unanimously passed the statement today setting out our policy on behalf of the 1.4 million members we represent.
This comprehensive statement calls for ways of mitigating the worst effects of the crisis; such as a windfall tax on energy profits, protections for pension schemes (particularly investment based ones like the LGPS), and the ending of the Government's unjust public sector pay policy.
We also highlight the ways to help us out, including significant cut to interest rates, and public spending to help drive the economy (while helping support those in need as a result of the crisis).
But further than this, the NEC points to the end of neo-liberalism and the supremacy of the markets, and how we must move forward in this new era with public investment and public ownership.
As well as going to the outside world, I hope this statement provokes further discussion throughout the union on the way forward.
We will also be making sure we are fighting for our members, and have set up a project to gather intelligence on job losses. We will also need to ensure we're supporting our members in increasing financial hardship, and UNISON Welfare, our unique charity for members, will have a vital role in supporting our members, particularly with debt problems.
Our members, like all workers, are suffering. Lets make it clear that we are the ones on their side.
This comprehensive statement calls for ways of mitigating the worst effects of the crisis; such as a windfall tax on energy profits, protections for pension schemes (particularly investment based ones like the LGPS), and the ending of the Government's unjust public sector pay policy.
We also highlight the ways to help us out, including significant cut to interest rates, and public spending to help drive the economy (while helping support those in need as a result of the crisis).
But further than this, the NEC points to the end of neo-liberalism and the supremacy of the markets, and how we must move forward in this new era with public investment and public ownership.
As well as going to the outside world, I hope this statement provokes further discussion throughout the union on the way forward.
We will also be making sure we are fighting for our members, and have set up a project to gather intelligence on job losses. We will also need to ensure we're supporting our members in increasing financial hardship, and UNISON Welfare, our unique charity for members, will have a vital role in supporting our members, particularly with debt problems.
Our members, like all workers, are suffering. Lets make it clear that we are the ones on their side.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Not enough time to blog?
Well, I’ve been huge busy, honest, and hopefully normal service will now resume (though I’m not the most prolific blogger). Being a busy boy with the union, finding some time to be a nurse, and completing a module at Uni (including a horrendous essay) didn’t leave much time for blogging.
And I’ve had lots to blog about; TUC Congress was great this year partly because it was a little reunion with some of my fellow Cuba brigadista’s. I was also immensely proud to second the FBU’s motion on Cuba, in what was an excellent debate. A highlight though was controversy on the first day when the Unite delegation lost it’s marbles and voted for all out public sector strike over public sector pay (not only illegal but fairly unachievable calling out members who are not actually in dispute). Thankfully their delegation literally lost their card vote, so the motion fell.
Then we had Labour Party Conference, a very different one from last year. Right from the moment our delegation met the emphasis was on the importance of showing unity and how the public wouldn’t forgive the party for turning in on itself at a time like this. This message came loud and clear from the delegates throughout the week, despite what the press tried to spin. I was asked to speak (surprise, surprise) and spoke in the Citizenship and Equalities debate in support of the National Policy Forum position in favour of Votes at 16. After some great speeches I’m glad to say that this is now officially party policy, and should be in the next manifesto. I did however use the end of my speech to point out that there is plenty of time left in this Parliament to deliver Votes at 16.
As always these conferences are as much about the fringes and the receptions as anything else. At TUC there was an interesting fringe organised by Unions 21 on recruiting new members which focussed on young members. It was interesting to hear what other unions were doing, and particularly how we are seen as a model! Again on the Cuba issue, a highlight of Labour Conference was a fringe were we were addressed by two of the wives of the Miami 5 who are wrongfully detained in the US and whose families have been treated appallingly.
And I’ve had lots to blog about; TUC Congress was great this year partly because it was a little reunion with some of my fellow Cuba brigadista’s. I was also immensely proud to second the FBU’s motion on Cuba, in what was an excellent debate. A highlight though was controversy on the first day when the Unite delegation lost it’s marbles and voted for all out public sector strike over public sector pay (not only illegal but fairly unachievable calling out members who are not actually in dispute). Thankfully their delegation literally lost their card vote, so the motion fell.
Then we had Labour Party Conference, a very different one from last year. Right from the moment our delegation met the emphasis was on the importance of showing unity and how the public wouldn’t forgive the party for turning in on itself at a time like this. This message came loud and clear from the delegates throughout the week, despite what the press tried to spin. I was asked to speak (surprise, surprise) and spoke in the Citizenship and Equalities debate in support of the National Policy Forum position in favour of Votes at 16. After some great speeches I’m glad to say that this is now officially party policy, and should be in the next manifesto. I did however use the end of my speech to point out that there is plenty of time left in this Parliament to deliver Votes at 16.
As always these conferences are as much about the fringes and the receptions as anything else. At TUC there was an interesting fringe organised by Unions 21 on recruiting new members which focussed on young members. It was interesting to hear what other unions were doing, and particularly how we are seen as a model! Again on the Cuba issue, a highlight of Labour Conference was a fringe were we were addressed by two of the wives of the Miami 5 who are wrongfully detained in the US and whose families have been treated appallingly.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Nearly in Brighton
It's TUC time again and my train is whisking me into Brighton. It's been a busy day, getting the train straight after our Regional Young Members Forum. After a busy week what with the Challenge Cup Final last Saturday, student nurse recruitment at Birmingham City University and a full day of staff side meetings (as well as doing some nursing).
I'll be getting off the train just in time (hopefully) to make it to the Policy Development & Campaign Committee for our pre-TUC meeting. This years looks like a fairly uncontentios year, though we are opposing a motion from the RMT wanting us to all take strike action together on a number of days against the anti-trade union laws. Erm, I don't think our members would thank us for playing politics with their incomes at a time like this.
Like most of these things the fringes and the bars are where it's at, I'll let you know how I get on!
I'll be getting off the train just in time (hopefully) to make it to the Policy Development & Campaign Committee for our pre-TUC meeting. This years looks like a fairly uncontentios year, though we are opposing a motion from the RMT wanting us to all take strike action together on a number of days against the anti-trade union laws. Erm, I don't think our members would thank us for playing politics with their incomes at a time like this.
Like most of these things the fringes and the bars are where it's at, I'll let you know how I get on!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Got quoted in New Statesman
This is my little quote I've just come across in the New Statesman.
http://www.newstatesman.com/uk-politics/2008/07/gordon-brown-interview-labour
I appear to be the only one defending Gordon Brown in the article.
http://www.newstatesman.com/uk-politics/2008/07/gordon-brown-interview-labour
I appear to be the only one defending Gordon Brown in the article.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Speaking up for apprentices - Evidence to the Low Pay Commission
I'm sure everyone at UNISON's National Delegate Conference back in June heard the word 'apprentice' from the rostrum at least 10 times, thanks to the agenda being driven forward by the National Young Members Forum.
This week UNISON will be speaking up for apprentices and against low pay in apprenticeships when submitting our evidence to the Low Pay Commission. Apprentices under 19 and those in the first year of their apprentice get none of the protection of the minimum wage, simply getting an unenforceable minimum £80/week (which is less in NI and Scotland).
The Government has asked the Low Pay Commission to look at the minimum wage exemption for apprentices as part of the Government's wider skills agenda, and is taking specific evidence on this early.
Later in the year we will be submitting evidence on removing the age differentials and of course the overall rate.
UNISON have been collecting our evidence, not only for the important need for apprentices to get he minimum wage, but to the great benefits for the quality of apprenticeships. Our key case study is the scheme UNISON negotiated at North Yorkshire Council, and we have been collecting evidence from other public service schemes.
This next year will mark a key time for us to take the minimum wage forward in it's 10th year. We have been linking up with other unions and organisations so that we can work together, look out for more.
Edit - Here is our submission
This week UNISON will be speaking up for apprentices and against low pay in apprenticeships when submitting our evidence to the Low Pay Commission. Apprentices under 19 and those in the first year of their apprentice get none of the protection of the minimum wage, simply getting an unenforceable minimum £80/week (which is less in NI and Scotland).
The Government has asked the Low Pay Commission to look at the minimum wage exemption for apprentices as part of the Government's wider skills agenda, and is taking specific evidence on this early.
Later in the year we will be submitting evidence on removing the age differentials and of course the overall rate.
UNISON have been collecting our evidence, not only for the important need for apprentices to get he minimum wage, but to the great benefits for the quality of apprenticeships. Our key case study is the scheme UNISON negotiated at North Yorkshire Council, and we have been collecting evidence from other public service schemes.
This next year will mark a key time for us to take the minimum wage forward in it's 10th year. We have been linking up with other unions and organisations so that we can work together, look out for more.
Edit - Here is our submission
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