This weekend was my last young members weekend, as old age comes ever closer.
It was as always a brilliant weekend, and with record numbers of young members in attendance. One of the brilliant things about the Young Members Weekend is that the delegates range from the experienced old timers like myself to young members for whom the weekend has been their first activity within UNISON.
I helped to organise a fringe with the Cuba Solidarity Campaign were we showed the film which was made about our trip to Cuba last year.
For the first time this year we had a speaker from the Government, with Hazel Blears popping across from Salford. Government speakers at UNISON events are always controversial, and with all that's gone on Hazel was no exception. But she did really well, and it was really interesting to hear about what had brought her into the trade unions (NALGO at the time) and what had got her involved in politics.
A key part of the weekend is for regional groups to come up with action plans we're going to deliver back in our regions. This year these plans were presented back as 'Young Members Got Talent', with the best (though not the winner) was the West Mids with our song about our planned Hope not Hate activity.
As part of the close of the weekend I was asked to say a few words. I was surprised how emotional I got, particularly as I thanked those who have supported me to get more involved with Young Members and helped me get to where I am today. I particularly thanked Fiona Smith (Chair of the National Young Members Forum when I started on it and now NEC member for Scotland), Anne True (the NYMF Chair when I was Vice Chair and going on to be Asst. Regional Convener and then UNISON staff), and Angela Bowen (a fellow NYMF member when I started and now NEC member for the North West) and used them as an example of how getting involved with Young Members can then lead on to getting involved in the mainstream union.
I talked about three important elections and what we needed to do. The first being the NEC elections which close on Friday, emphasising how important participation in our elections are, making sure everyone returns their ballot. Secondly the European and local elections on June the 4th and the importance of voting against the BNP and helping to mobilise the anti-fascist vote. Thirdly, and most importantly, the General Election which is ahead in the next year. I emphasised the danger that the conservatives pose to our members and our services and the need to do whatever we can to keep them out of power; ultimately that means making sure we return the Labour Party to Government.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
10 years in UNISON
I'm not sure sure of the exact date, but it was this time around 10 years ago that I both entered the workforce and joined UNISON.
I was working while at college and knowing that I wanted to be a nurse and needing a flexible job that I could fit around my studies I got a job as a care assistant (or Personal Carer as we were known) with HICA a private sector provider which had taken over care homes across Humberside (as was). I was very much from a family where it came as naturally as anything else that if you had a job, you joined the union, and the only recognised union was UNISON.
Being a member 10 years ago was for different to my experience now. I think I was the only member in the home (though I may not have been), those staff that had been members told me how they left because they felt let down and abandoned when they were privatised. Now I'm sure the local Branch were working hard on behalf these members (though it was about 5 years before I worked there) but rightly or wrongly those staff felt that their union had let them down.
As someone who is now massively involved in the leadership of the union, both at a Branch and National level, I always try and remember that unorganised workplace and the experience of those staff.
I hope in my own Branch that we try and communicate well enough with our members, face to face as much as possible, for them to feel involved and know we're on their side. That challenge is even harder on a national level but the principle's the same.
I was working while at college and knowing that I wanted to be a nurse and needing a flexible job that I could fit around my studies I got a job as a care assistant (or Personal Carer as we were known) with HICA a private sector provider which had taken over care homes across Humberside (as was). I was very much from a family where it came as naturally as anything else that if you had a job, you joined the union, and the only recognised union was UNISON.
Being a member 10 years ago was for different to my experience now. I think I was the only member in the home (though I may not have been), those staff that had been members told me how they left because they felt let down and abandoned when they were privatised. Now I'm sure the local Branch were working hard on behalf these members (though it was about 5 years before I worked there) but rightly or wrongly those staff felt that their union had let them down.
As someone who is now massively involved in the leadership of the union, both at a Branch and National level, I always try and remember that unorganised workplace and the experience of those staff.
I hope in my own Branch that we try and communicate well enough with our members, face to face as much as possible, for them to feel involved and know we're on their side. That challenge is even harder on a national level but the principle's the same.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The sun shone on us at UNISON's Health Conference in Harrogate
The Sun has been out in force at every Health Conference I've been to. Harrogate was no different. It was my first visit to Harrogate and it's always good to be back in Yorkshire.
The weather was the same as last year, but the climate of the conference couldn't have been more different. Last years conference came days after the three year deal came forward, a deal with some real benefits, having smashed the 2% pay cap and was one of the highest in the public sector, but all the same a deal that was well behind what our members deserved. Conference took the difficult decision to ballot our members on the deal, and our members accepted.
A year later world economies have collapsed and unemployment is ravaging lives, and it was clear that our pay this year is protected thanks to the deal, and as RPI goes negative and the Tories are calling for the deal to be unpicked, it was good to hear Alan Johnson tell the conference that the Government wouldn't bow to those demands and they would honour the deal.
The key debate of Conference was on whether UNISON looks to leave the PRB (NHS Pay Review Body) process. There are worthy principles in the debate, but my intervention focused on asking delegates to look past the passionate speakers and the rhetoric and to look to what is best for our members back in our branches, and that with what has happened in the economy any Government will be looking to hold back public spending, and then the prospect of a Tory Government bring about the prospect of dramatic cuts.
I was glad that the conference clearly voted to stick with the PRB process.
A key announcement was from Dave Prentis, announcing UNISON's new partnership with the nursing times, allowing significant discounts for our members as well as supporting each other with dedicated online space. This will really benefit UNISON's nursing membership (students, auxiliary and registered) and will really help us recruit even more within those groups.
On a personal note I was really proud of my own Branch Secretary who in moving our Branch's motion on the nursing workforce made her first conference speech and did a brilliant job.
The weather was the same as last year, but the climate of the conference couldn't have been more different. Last years conference came days after the three year deal came forward, a deal with some real benefits, having smashed the 2% pay cap and was one of the highest in the public sector, but all the same a deal that was well behind what our members deserved. Conference took the difficult decision to ballot our members on the deal, and our members accepted.
A year later world economies have collapsed and unemployment is ravaging lives, and it was clear that our pay this year is protected thanks to the deal, and as RPI goes negative and the Tories are calling for the deal to be unpicked, it was good to hear Alan Johnson tell the conference that the Government wouldn't bow to those demands and they would honour the deal.
The key debate of Conference was on whether UNISON looks to leave the PRB (NHS Pay Review Body) process. There are worthy principles in the debate, but my intervention focused on asking delegates to look past the passionate speakers and the rhetoric and to look to what is best for our members back in our branches, and that with what has happened in the economy any Government will be looking to hold back public spending, and then the prospect of a Tory Government bring about the prospect of dramatic cuts.
I was glad that the conference clearly voted to stick with the PRB process.
A key announcement was from Dave Prentis, announcing UNISON's new partnership with the nursing times, allowing significant discounts for our members as well as supporting each other with dedicated online space. This will really benefit UNISON's nursing membership (students, auxiliary and registered) and will really help us recruit even more within those groups.
On a personal note I was really proud of my own Branch Secretary who in moving our Branch's motion on the nursing workforce made her first conference speech and did a brilliant job.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I've Voted in UNISON's NEC Elections - Now it's your turn
After nervously checking the post all week I got my hands on my Ballot Papers this evening when I got home after a 15 hour day on the ward.
We all know how important elections are, they are an opportunity to choose our representatives and have our voice heard.
But UNISON's NEC elections are crucial as they decides who spends our money that we give the union every month (we know that money is becoming more and more difficult for many of our members as our families are hit by the recession). And it decides who speaks for you and builds your union, and whether that's about what's in the interests of us as members or in the interests of small political cliches and their revolutionary ambitions.
I've used my vote for candidates who will look after our subs, speak for us all and build a union with members at its heart.
If you're interested (because this is an instance where copying is encouraged) here's how I've voted
West Midlands
Annette Mansell-Green (Female Seat)
Eleanor Smith (Female Seat)
James Anthony (Male Seat) - yes that's me
Mary Locke (Low Paid Seat)
Health Seat
Clare Williams (General Seat)
Ann Moses (Female Seat)
Chris Sullivan (Female Seat)
Eric Roberts (Male Seat)
Black Members
June Nelson (Female Seat)
Mark Clifford (Male Seat)
Young Members (the best one!)
Lisa Waldock
Make sure you use your vote!
If you haven't yet received your ballot paper it might still be in the post - but if you haven't received it by the 21st April you should contact UNISONDirect on 0845 355 0845.
We all know how important elections are, they are an opportunity to choose our representatives and have our voice heard.
But UNISON's NEC elections are crucial as they decides who spends our money that we give the union every month (we know that money is becoming more and more difficult for many of our members as our families are hit by the recession). And it decides who speaks for you and builds your union, and whether that's about what's in the interests of us as members or in the interests of small political cliches and their revolutionary ambitions.
I've used my vote for candidates who will look after our subs, speak for us all and build a union with members at its heart.
If you're interested (because this is an instance where copying is encouraged) here's how I've voted
West Midlands
Annette Mansell-Green (Female Seat)
Eleanor Smith (Female Seat)
James Anthony (Male Seat) - yes that's me
Mary Locke (Low Paid Seat)
Health Seat
Clare Williams (General Seat)
Ann Moses (Female Seat)
Chris Sullivan (Female Seat)
Eric Roberts (Male Seat)
Black Members
June Nelson (Female Seat)
Mark Clifford (Male Seat)
Young Members (the best one!)
Lisa Waldock
Make sure you use your vote!
If you haven't yet received your ballot paper it might still be in the post - but if you haven't received it by the 21st April you should contact UNISONDirect on 0845 355 0845.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Why I'm supporting Lisa Waldock for the NEC Young Members Seat
Nominations are open for the NEC, and as I am not eligible for the Young Members Seat I am supporting Lisa Waldock in her election bid.
Lisa is currently Vice Chair of the National Young Members Forum, giving her an important experience of UNISON at a national level. I am always impressed by her absolute dedication and energy.
I believe Lisa is the candidate who will not only work hard, but will keep the young members she seeks to represent at the heart of what she does (not only during the election but throughout).
Now it's up to Branches to nominate, and I hope your Branch will nominate her her. For more information then get in touch with her at lisa4nec@googlemail.com
Lisa is currently Vice Chair of the National Young Members Forum, giving her an important experience of UNISON at a national level. I am always impressed by her absolute dedication and energy.
I believe Lisa is the candidate who will not only work hard, but will keep the young members she seeks to represent at the heart of what she does (not only during the election but throughout).
Now it's up to Branches to nominate, and I hope your Branch will nominate her her. For more information then get in touch with her at lisa4nec@googlemail.com
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Demonstration to support the people of Gaza
Today I was in London for the TUC Young Members Forum, we agreed the issues which will go on to the Young Members Conference - Low Pay (to include issues around the Minimum Wage, Apprentices and Public Sector Pay), Political Participation (to include the the European Elections and combating the Far Right) and Trade Unions in Schools.
After the meeting I was able to go with a colleague from Equity to the Palestine demonstration. Getting there just as the last people were setting off I was eventually able to find the National Banner and march with fellow NEC members (including President Sue Highton and Chair of the International Committee Alison Shepherd) and National Officers. I also saw a fair few Branch banners there too.
After the meeting I was able to go with a colleague from Equity to the Palestine demonstration. Getting there just as the last people were setting off I was eventually able to find the National Banner and march with fellow NEC members (including President Sue Highton and Chair of the International Committee Alison Shepherd) and National Officers. I also saw a fair few Branch banners there too.
The situation in Gaza is incredibly disturbing and worrying for the safety of the whole region. UNISON has consistently condemned the Israeli action called for an immediate ceasefire along with condemning Hamas rocket attacks on Israeli civilians.
Outside the Israeli Embassy it was a real crush and we had to take the banner down to get through (with the help of some very nice police officers). I've just been reading some disappointing news reports about trouble there (thankfully after we'd got through). There had been some trouble earlier outside the back of the Embassy with burning placards and people climbing the gates. I also get disappointed by the treatment of Police Officers (who after all are just doing there job) and am saddened that officers were attacked and knocked unconscious.
Friday, January 9, 2009
NEC Elections
Today I have written a letter to branches in the West Midlands seeking nomination for the West Midlands Male Seat in the UNISON NEC Elections. I have had a brilliant experience on the NEC in the young members seat but alas age catches up with us all. I really want to use what I've learned on the NEC so far on behalf of members in the West Midlands.
(clearly no union resources were used for any on this)
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