nick venedi

Saturday 29 January 2011

Lambeth Unison diaries

Joan Twelves became the Leader following the fall of Dick Serbji who succeeded Linda Bellos. Linda, as I said before, brought in some swift changes during her time in power but she was quickly challenged and replaced, something that happens to even the most capable of Leaders, so I suppose the hassle comes with the job.

Dick Serabjis reign was short and I did not get to know him that well as I had just become Convenor for the centre and too busy dealing with the dismantling of DMS.

Joan Twelves was perhaps the most socialist of all the Leaders of Lambeth Council (not mentioning Ted Knight who was there before my time) Gregg Tucker was appointed Chair of central services so most of my dealings had to do with him. Joan Twelves decided to bring in a consultant (an ex Labour MP) Reg Race to 'rationalise' the centre, we therefore had the famous 'Reg Race' report the affect of which was the reduction of some 200 jobs in the centre so we started the battle to save jobs and services and managed to get an agreement which ensured that every displaced person had the right to alternative job offers plus 3 appeals. I thought this was a major concession, it meant that no one who wanted to stay in employment was thrown out. I think this marked my style for years to come which was based on fighting to win a battle but also being realistic with what outcome we could deliver.

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