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1 week ago | 
johnslabourblog.org | John Gray
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 Whitworth and I picked up a case work on estate management, disrepair and housing waiting lists.
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2 weeks ago | 
johnslabourblog.org | John Gray
🌎 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 expectations around the managers’ approach to labour rights stewardship.
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2 weeks ago | 
johnslabourblog.org | John Gray
The AGM went well on the whole but some odd surprises. A deeply moving speech and presentation by the National Centre for Domestic Violence, following which our new (covering Jo Galloway while she is on maternity leave) UNISON Regional Secretary, Sara Gorton, thanked the speakers and all workers who support Domestic Abuse survivors. I spoke in support of a great motion by RMT and Unite on investing in public transport and made some gentle suggestions to improve it.
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3 weeks ago | 
johnslabourblog.org | John Gray
I spoke to the meeting about the importance of voting in the forthcoming UNISON NEC elections which starts later this month on April 21st. I made it clear that while I am re-standing as a candidate for the NEC, it is as the representative of Housing Association and Charities UNISON members and no-one in the GLA can vote for me in this election. Instead I am just making a plea for members to vote, regardless of who they vote for, in these really important elections.
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3 weeks ago | 
johnslabourblog.org | John Gray
"Shorten the hours and prolong your lives." The Gas Workers’ and General Labourers’ Union was formed1889 after workers at Beckton Gas Works were laid off. Led by Will Thorne, the union grew quickly and successfully campaigned for an 8-hour working day in the industry.
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3 weeks ago | 
johnslabourblog.org | John Gray
The amendment was to make it clear that Newham was one of the very first Councils to introduce such licensing, in face of huge opposition from some Landlords and the Tory led coalition Government of the time. While we are in favour of all landlords in Newham being subject to licensing, we have to fully comply with the law. The amendment was accepted in full by the movers of the original motion and then Council.
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1 month ago | 
johnslabourblog.org | John Gray
I also successfully moved a branch rule change to create the position of assistant branch chair. It is really important that we encourage and train up the next generation of union activists to take over from us. What was very nice was that the branch had emailed all members to do a survey on their experience of trade union representation by local stewards and officers. A member from my employer made a lovely comment about my support for them and their colleagues in a recent restructure at work.
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1 month ago | 
johnslabourblog.org | John Gray
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 minister, Matthew Pennycook MP. Then various pitches for what motions the LHG should submit this year to the Labour Party conference. Mine was on the absolute need for more subsidy to deliver the 1.5 million homes we promised to deliver. This is the #elephantintheroom.
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1 month ago | 
johnslabourblog.org | John Gray
But let’s be clear - the Tories and Reform Party tried to derail the Bill at every turn. Tonight, Tory and Reform MPs voted to stop the Bill in its tracks. The Tories even tabled what they admitted was a “wrecking amendment”, taking a sledgehammer to new protections from harassment, the day 1 right to not be unfairly dismissed, provisions on zero hours and guaranteed hours contracts and so much more.
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1 month ago | 
johnslabourblog.org | John Gray
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 Sector meetings. I attended the Housing Associations one and we had a speaker from LIVV Housing Association UNISON who are taking extensive strike action against their employer to reverse real term cuts in pay.