Defend Public service Pensions now!

Public sector workers as well as facing uncertainty over cuts and possible redundancy are facing attacks on our pensions.

The media are already attacking the "gold plated pensions" of public sector workers on a daily basis - yet we know that most ps workers get a tiny pension, in Local Gov the average pension is around 3 thousand for the mainly low paid women.

Yet this is one area that I am hopeful that unions will make a firm stand on - indeed at our annual conference early this month UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis pledged support for national strike action in defence of public service pensions, which went down very well on conference floor.

As Jon blogged at the time (http://jonrogers1963.blogspot.com/2010/06/unisons-retired-members-under-attack.html), the Government have announced that in future pensions will be uprated in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rather than the Retail Prices Index (RPI) -
The Oxfordshire Health branch has a good focus on this major attack upon public service pensions which has already taken place under this Government - and on the need for a campaigning response see (http://www.unisonoxonhealth.org.uk/prosecute.htm).

The practical implication of the change to cpi rather than rpi (which - of course is why they did it!) is that increases in pensions will generally be lower than would otherwise be the case. To quote from the commentary of PWC on the budget (http://www.ukmediacentre.pwc.com/News-Releases/Emergency-Budget-2010-PwC-comment-on-Public-sector-pay-and-pensions-ec4.aspx); "The announcement of a switch from the Retail Price Index to the Consumer Price Index as the basis for public sector pensions' inflation will have a very real impact.  Had this new policy been applied in the year to May 2010, this shift would have resulted in a 1.7% decrease in the adjustment.
  No surprise then that the Chancellor announced plans to scrap the default retirement age, as it looks like public sector workers may have to work longer to protect their retirements."

Going back to the Oxfordshire Health Branch they have also published on their website an extract from an NHS staff handbook which commits to the uprating of pensions in line with the RPI in support of an argument that the Government are in breach of contract.

The Local Gov Pension Scheme website (http://www.lgps.org.uk/lge/core/page.do?pageId=125497) simply states that; "after you retire, your pension keeps pace with cost of living increases" - although anyone reading that would think that the cost of living would include the housing costs which are included in the RPI but not the CPI! (But obviously pensioners don't need housing??) 

Given the doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty it may be optimistic for us to call for legal action - but why not :)
We should certainly explore every possibility - Will this need an amendment to the Pension Regulations? Is there a requirement on the Government to consult? Is there scope for a judicial review? Etc

We could also consider declaring a trade dispute with the appropriate Secretary of State as the Government moves to impose this detrimental change upon public service pensions so that we open up the possibility of the national action in defence of public service pensions for which our General Secretary called at Conference.

Of course its no surprise that the Tories have already gone back on promises made before the election - in a letter to the civil service pensioners alliance (see http://www.cspa.co.uk/ ) on the 27 April 2010, Philip Hammond said on behalf of the Conservatives "Indexation of pensions in payment is an established part of pensions legislation. The Conservative Party has no plans to change the current index-linking of public sector pensions in payment. We agree with the view that the right to indexation of pensions already accrued is part of the accrued pension rights and those rights will be protected."

Yet despite this promise one of the first things the tories have done is to change the index linking.

It is good to see branches like oxon health (and the cspa) tackling these issues but we urgently need a national response and campaign including getting some media coverage.

Not only in unison but across the unions - hopefully our NEC members and TUC delegation ensure that this is on the agenda for September's TUC - which should agree to coordinate a campaign (including strike action) across the whole public sector.

Dave Prentis also said at Conference that "now is our time" - now is indeed the time to begin to put words into action.

We must start this defence early and as loud as possible - if we let them reduce the value of all public sector pensions in this way they'll be back for more.
MarshaJane
xx
www.unionfutures.blogspot.com

Sent with Instant Email from T-Mobile

General Secretary election results and thanks

GENERAL SECRETARY ELECTION

We live in interesting times. Can I begin by thanking all those who campaigned for me in the election? It was both an honour and a privilege to have the support of such fine people.

I won't name individuals because I don't think that would be egalitarian or in the spirit of a collective campaign. But those who did campaign for me were people I am proud to be associated with.

I also thank those who voted for me. The turnout was 14%. That was the problem. To win we had to increase the turnout. It was too near the general election. Things will change enormously over the forthcoming period and the union will need to be transformed to face the challenge.

It will be interesting to see how many ''leaders'' leave the movement over the next 12 months and how they are replaced by those who want to fight.

We have no choice but to fight and re-learn the lessons of old.

The Tories haven't changed and neither has the struggle. Some comfortable Labour MP's and trade union officials may think that the class struggle is over but those reared on the playing fields of Eton are returning to try and put us in our place.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the election campaign. It was uplifting to meet so many committed activists, who are a credit to the union. I have been invigorated by visiting branches who are doing such good work.

My faith and confidence in socialist ideas has been strengthened during the campaign. Our members are the 'lifeblood' of this union. Our aim should be to represent members not control them. The gratitude and warmth of someone you represent is worth ten times as much as material gain or political intrigues.

The increased votes for left candidates in this election signals the need for a change of approach from our Union.

Once again thanks for your support. To quote the immortal Shelley;

'Rise like Lions after slumber
In unvanquishable number -
Shake your chains to earth like dew
Which in sleep had fallen on you -
Ye are many - they are few.'

Or to quote the Man from North Gawber;

'I learnt my socialism on the end of a shovel'.

Results

Dave Prentis 145,351 (67.2%)
Roger Bannister 42,651 (19.7%)
Paul Holmes 28,114 (13%)

MarshaJane
xx
www.unionfutures.blogspot.com

Sent with Instant Email from T-Mobile

No more Academies, No 'Free' Schools, Defend State Education

Public Meeting

Thursday 24th June, 6.30pm

Speakers: Fiona Millar, Alasdair Smith, Christine Blower (NUT), Chris Keates (NASUWT), Christina McAnea (UNISON), Paramjit Bhutta (Tower Hamlets head teacher), Mary Bousted (ATL)

Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, London, SW1H 9NH

Please contact the office if you need copies of the leaflet for this meeting.

Download the leaflet at http://www.antiacademies.org.uk/Home/events/nomoreacademiespublicmeeting

Witch hunt fringe @ unison Conf

Apologies for not blogging yet - this is the first time I've had to myself all week!

The witch hunt fringe was the biggest fringe of the conference again this year with between 250- 300 people at the fringe to hear from Yunus Bakhsh, Caroline Bedale and Glenn Kelly.

All 3 got a warm welcome and the meeting was informed of the mornings events where a delegate from the west midlands, was banned from the conference floor and had he's delegate credentials removed because he had a t shirt that said "Yunus Bakhsh working class hero"

This was apparently offensive to some delegates.

People will be aware of the cases of those 3 but for updates see www.supportcarolinebedale.blogspot.com www.defendthefour.com

Yunus should be hearing from his tribunal soon and I will put those details on the blog.

We then marched following glenn yunus and caroline back to the conference hall chanting all the way and had a brief rally outside calling for an end to the witch hunts.
So there's a quick update for you.

Now back to the conf.
MarshaJane
xx
www.unionfutures.blogspot.com

Sent with Instant Email from T-Mobile

McDonnell tops poll in the Private Members' Bill Ballot

John McDonnell MP

Member of Parliament for Hayes & Harlington‬‪ ‬

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

As one door closes another one opens. John McDonnell tops the poll in the Private Members'  Bill Ballot. 

John McDonnell MP has been drawn first in the Private Members' Bill Ballot today and has opted for bill to tackle abuse of trade union ballots by employers.  

John McDonnell said:     "It's a funny old world, as one door closes another one opens. Coming top in this poll will enable me to tackle an abuse of the current employment laws by employers that I have tried to reform for the last 4 years. "  

 "As we have seen in the current BA Cabin Crew dispute and many other recent disputes, employers have been able to exploit a loophole in the existing law by using minor technical errors in a trade union ballot for industrial action to frustrate the democratic decisions of trade unionists who wish to take action. This resort to the courts by some ruthless employers is bringing current employment law into disrepute and undermining industrial relations in this country. The courts are being dragged into disputes and used as weapons in the hands of bullying employers.

Even where there have been overwhelming majorities in ballots in favour of strike action, minor technicalities which would have no material effect on the outcome of the ballot, are being exploited to negate the democratic decision of the trade unionists involved. This cannot be right and in the interests of good industrial relations needs to be addressed."  

Note-to Editors-   Over the past four years John has made several attempts to tackle this issue by introducing amendments to the then Government's employment legislation and promoting in Parliament the TUC backed Trade  Union Freedom Bill. __._,_.___
MarshaJane
xx
www.unionfutures.blogspot.com

Sent with Instant Email from T-Mobile

UNISON United left meetings @ unison conference 2010

 

Conference 2010 fringe meetings

All UUL meetings are at the

Bournemouth Central Premier Inn

Westover Road 

 

Saturday 13^th June LG planning meeting 8pm

Monday 14^th June NDC planning meeting 7.30pm (refreshments provided at both the above)

 

Tuesday 16^th June UUL

Rally followed by Love Music Hate Racism social

(Tickets £5 buy early!)

 

Rally 7pm – 9 pm

Speakers

John McDonnell MP

Weyman Bennett Unite Against Fascism

Paul Holmes UUL General Sec candidate

& a BA Worker

Followed by social

9.30 – 1am with LMHR DJ Lee Billingham

Free glass of wine for those who have been at rally first.

For more information email marshajanethompson@yahoo.co.uk

 

UNISON United Left website launched...

UNISON United Left website launched in time for fight back At our AGM in May 2010 we agreed on the need to launch a new website – and already it's here http://unisonunitedleft.blogspot.com/ The General Secretary election has given us on the left a chance to build our base among rank and file activists and the widespread support for Paul Holmes – who was backed by the UUL – shows the broad support for an alternative, more militant leadership of our union. And the current Tory government's programme of savage, swift cuts to our jobs and services highlights the need for a fighting union as never before. So we're launching our website with a simple message: if you agree with the need to build a rank and file, fighting, democratic, union that promotes international solidarity, and builds solidarity between other fighting union branches, then join us. On our website you'll find links to our activists work and to various campaigns. You'll find Youtube clips and links to our discussion forum. Get involved… and feel free to leave a comment on the posts (and yes – wreckers, spammers and 'trolls' will be banned from coming back). One of our key demands – for democracy and accountability in UNISON – is mirrored by our own mode of organisation. We are open and accountable, transparent and honest. Our AGM is open to all members to come and to contribute, and to elect the officers who moderate this website. And our website is just one small window into our activity. Look out for our broadsheet paper at conference and come to our fringe meetings to find out more and get in touch. Websites are a fundamental organisational tool nowadays and UUL is proud to have an easy to use, accessible and concise electronic platform. So get browsing, watch our Youtube clips, follow links to supported campaigns and active UNISON branches and get in touch with your ideas and comments to improve this site. http://unisonunitedleft.blogspot.com/

Emergency Motion to UNISON National Conference-Israel’s Attack on the Flotilla

This has been submitted by Islington UNISON, I hope other Branches will support getting it on the agenda

Israel’s Attack on the Flotilla

This Conference condemns the Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom flotilla, in which nine people were reportedly killed. We note that these boats were carrying much-needed humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We repeat the demand of Conference 2009 for an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

We note that the passengers on the boats were civilians, including a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a holocaust survivor, parliamentarians, activists, artists and other non-combatants. Israel’s attack, in international waters, appears to be an act of piracy. We call for an independent international enquiry into the circumstances of this attack, and for the criminal prosecution of those committing and ordering these illegal acts.

This conference reaffirms the demands of last years conference and call for an immediate end to all UK arms sales to Israel, and for recognition of the results of the 2006 Palestine election.

We call for the immediate release of all those detained by Israel during this attack, and for the return of all their seized property.
We note that a further aid boat, the MV Rachel Corrie, which was delayed as a result of an Israeli sabotage attempt, is currently sailing to Gaza, and we support the demand of the Irish government that Israel allow it safe passage to Gaza.

In an attempt to justify this attack, Israel has been brazenly lying, attempting to define it as an attempted lynch of its troops by passengers on the boats. This is a further sign that Israel does not respond to words of condemnation; only action will have any effect. This conference reaffirms the support of Conference 2009 for an economic cultural and sporting boycott of Israel, and call on Unison to join the scores of unions around the world who have endorsed the Palestinian United Call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel. Further to that as an immediate sanction for the illegal attack on the Flotilla we call on the Government to expel the Israeli ambassador.

This Conference condemns the Histradrut’s statement of 31st May which supports uncritically, the Israeli Government’s action against the Flotilla and agrees to suspend our relations with the Histradrut pending the outcome of our review of our relations as previously agreed by National Delegate Conference.

Unite call for all declared labour leadership candidates to be on ballot.

PRESS NOTICE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Unite conference overwhelmingly adopts motion calling for all declared candidates on ballot for Labour leadership election

Following a packed fringe meeting at which John McDonnell spoke, an emergency resolution was put before the Unite conference in Manchester this morning and was overwhelmingly carried calling upon Labour MPs to nominate to ensure all candidates are on ballot paper.

The resolution follows statements of support for John McDonnell's candidacy by a large number of delegates. Union delegates argued that having a full range of candidates on the ballot paper would give their union members a democratic say over the future of the Labour Party.

The point was forcefully made in the debate that without John on the ballot paper, union members from the Party's largest affiliate would be denied a democratic voice in this election.


John McDonnell MP said:

"I'm hoping that Labour MPs will listen to the members of our largest affiliated organisation and nominate so that all declared candidates are on the ballot paper and that trade union members will be given a proper choice."

-Ends-
MarshaJane
xx
www.unionfutures.blogspot.com

Sent with Instant Email from T-Mobile

Barking and Dagenham Post - Shock as councillor suddenly quits

A BY-election will be held in Goresbrook Ward following the shock news that newly elected Labour councillor, Louise Couling, was not eligible to stand as a candidate.

The Unison member resigned after it was discovered that she had contested the seat while still working for the council - which is against the election law.

Now it has also emerged that police are investigating allegations of electorial fraud, involving a large number of voters registered at the same address.

Ms Couling worked as a Barking and Dagen-ham Council lollipop lady outside a school, but stepped down from this post on May 7, the day she was voted in as a councillor.

The challenging Goresbrook candidate, Richard Barnbrook, said Ms Couling should have been disqualified from standing in the election.

FOR FULL STORY SEE THIS WEEK'S POST

From

http://www.bdpost.co.uk/content/barkinganddagenham/post/news/story.aspx?brand=BDPOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsbdp&itemid=WeED02%20Jun%202010%2012%3A14%3A43%3A540


MarshaJane
xx
www.unionfutures.blogspot.com

Sent with Instant Email from T-Mobile