LRC Vice Chair

I am standing down as Chair of the Socialist Youth Network in order to put more time into the Labour Representation Committee, to the National Committee of which I am seeking re-election at Saturday's Conference.

I am also standing for one of the two positions of Vice-Chair. I am not doing this out of personal opposition to either of the incumbents but to advance a political argument about what the Labour Representation Committee should be doing.

The LRC organises those of us on the left with an orientation towards the Labour Party as the party established by our class and sustained by our movement.

That orientation may vary from the heartfelt commitment of those born into the Party and expecting to die in it to the sound pragmatic calculation of those outside the Party (whether by choice or otherwise) who recognise that for the foreseeable future the prospects of constructing a UK wide electoral alternative on the left are even less favourable than the distant prospect of socialist advance within the Party.

The LRC is viable as a coalition of those with these different orientations to the Labour Party because - for the foreseeable future - these various perspectives lead to the same practical conclusions.

The LRC needs to be a vibrant voice for the Labour Left and for our movement - as well as being the distinctive voice of the Labour Left (in the broad sense) within the wider plural left of which we are and will remain an active part.

Therefore we need to be clear about our orientation to the Labour Party - that we are the LABOUR Representation Committee and that we are a voice of and for the Labour Left.

I believe that the welcome innovation of a job share candidacy for LRC Secretary will embody the alliance between those with different perspectives.

My candidacy for Vice Chair is an expression of the unequivocal orientation to the Labour Party and trade unions which I believe anchors the LRC to its wider constituency and gives us the distinctive political voice necessary for us to play a constructive role in the wider left.
MarshaJane
xx
www.unionfutures.blogspot.com

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SERTUC Question time 24th November

 

SERTUC Question time 24th November 6.30pm

 

PANEL DISCUSSION (AUDIENCE Q&A):

• Trevor Sterling (Chair – Thompsons Solicitors)
• Fraser James (Actor)
• Glenroy Watson (RMT)
• Karen Jennings (National Secretary for Health, UNISON)
• Linda Perks (Regional Secretary Greater London, UNISON & SERTUC Executive Committee)
• Rosemary Laryea (Presenter, Colourful Radio)
• Sam Gurney (Policy Officer, International Department, TUC)
 

Free admission - registration essential.

Sertucevents@tuc.org.uk

02074671220

 

 

 

 

Regards
Marsha-Jane

www.unionfutures.blogspot.com

xx

 

Peoples charter convention - 21st November

 

 

Peoples Charter Convention

 

Speakers include Bob Crow (RMT) Matt Wrack (FBU) and Mark Serwotka (PCS) with many more to be confirmed. The Convention will be a great opportunity to discuss the Charter, how it can be used in the General Election and to join in the debate on how we can get a fairer society. The Convention is open to all supporters.

 

Charter Convention

Camden Centre, London, WC1H 9JE

Saturday 21st November

10am – 3pm

 

You can book your ticket now at: www.thepeoplescharter.com

 

The People's Charter is a way for millions of people to speak with one voice. It's a massive petition that demands a fairer Britain for ordinary working people. We aim to get the support of MPs, Trade Unions and community groups. We aim to collect one million signatures and create a movement for real change.

 

 

Vote John Mcloughlin - UNISON Local Government Service Group By Election

 

RECLAIM THE UNION

 

Vote John Mcloughlin

 

Defend Jobs, Services, Pensions and Pay!

 

UNISON LG SGE BY ELECTION – NOTE FOR STEWARDS/ACTIVISTS

 

The UNISON SGE election is an opportunity to discuss with members the way in which our Union is run and to seek to persuade members to become involved with the move to Reclaim Our Union.

It is also essential that we elect a left candidate to replace David Eggmore on his retirement.

The turn out in contested elections rarely exceeds 10% of the membership. In this election it may well be lower due to the postal dispute. This means that branches, Departments and even individual shops which record a higher turn out can make a huge impact on the result.

Every Reclaim Our Union supporter who is a shop steward or activist at branch level can therefore play a key role in trying to win this seat. In Local Government, like very public service, we are about to face unprecedented pressure on jobs, pay, pensions and services. A fighting leadership is essential.

In the past elections have been won or lost by handfuls of votes on either side – so every single vote is important.

The key action points for stewards are as follows:

If your Branch has nominated any candidates you are entitled to tell your members this in your normal publications.

Organise with other activists in your area to leaflet key workplaces

Make a list of all members in your area so you can check off who you have spoken to about the SGE election, whether they have received their ballot paper, and whether they have told you that they have voted;

It is important to check that people have received ballot papers (Unison records are often out of date), and to get people to ask for replacement copies in time if necessary

Do not use any UNISON resources (e.g. photocopiers or facility time) in connection with election campaigning. If you need to make copies do so in other ways;

Give copies of leaflets to members in your own time, talking to as many individuals as possible to persuade them to vote for Reclaim Our Union candidates;

Remind people at least weekly to vote if they have not done so – there should be official UNISON publicity that reminds people to vote (without telling them who to vote for).

Voting starts on 12 October and continues until 6 November, however to be safe votes need to be sent in well before then.

Ballot papers start to be sent out on 12 October 2009. The first few days are key – most people vote early or not at all. However there are votes to be won right up to the close of balloting – plan your action across the whole period.

Please do all you can to help – every vote counts!

 

 

Regards
Marsha-Jane

www.unionfutures.blogspot.com

xx