The world of Nick Venedi ....

Cruelty to animals

2012-01-27T12:53:00.001Z

The good news is, this year the European Union officially banned the use of battery cages in egg producing farms. The bad news is, 30 British egg producers were found to still be using these cages illegally. The mistreatment of these hens are not only inhumane, but illegal now. This behavior needs to stop.

Battery cages are cramped and do not allow for the animals to separate from the flock to lay eggs, which causes the birds to become distressed.
Even some big name companies such as IHOP and Burger King have recognized the harmful living conditions that battery cages effect on living animals, and have announced that they will gradually switch to using cage-free eggs and pork.
Tell the British Egg Industry Council to get with the program and stop subjecting their hens to unnecessary suffering. Remind them that they are violating the law and are answerable to legal action.

Lambeth Council and TU secondments

2012-01-26T09:45:00.002Z

I explained to a major opposition Councillor last night why Cllr John Whelers motion about TU facility time was wrong and not correctly thought out.

I pointed out that had Lambeth Council not been an organisation in constant change then there could be a reason to review the distribution of this facility, Lambeth Council has not, however, had the chance to have a normal existence for the last 20 years and starting from the days of the Service plan in the early 90s and then the changes arising out of the Appelby inquiry and many others the organisation has faced at least 7 to 10 major reorganisations every year. This of course means that staff affected have the legal right to be consulted and given that there is a normal 90 day consultation period there is very little or no time to deal with the fall out from these major changes, so I would argue and I am, that Lambeth Council should have more elected representatives on secondment and those that are currently doing the job right now need help and support and not criticism! Councillors have a duty of care to these reps.

Unison rules

2012-01-25T10:34:00.002Z

Like many other activists and an ex Branch Secretary of a diverse and very vibrant branch I always felt that my ability to act as a front line senior officer was sometimes restricted by what I thought was a plethora of rules and regulations, but as I got older and hopefully wiser I understood and was clearer about why these rules and regulations were introduced and why they must be followed always.

Rules and regulations including procedures did not just grow on a tree on Streatham High road on a Tuesday afternoon they were processes thought of carefully, looked at, considered and voted on at national conference every year, so anyone who says that these rules are undemocratic is ignoring the essence of democracy. It is important that the national union does not, however, use the book to get people who they may not agree with politically and with situations such as that dialogue and discussion must be the first step. We do however have to accept that no one member is above the rule book!

Stephen Fry on Downtoen Abbey

2012-01-24T18:15:00.002Z

Stephen Fry is absolutely right to ask why there is so much interest in what is surely a second rate programme which perpetuates the myth that the 'upper class' are superior? They are not and the constant bombardment of these idiotic images on our screens simply encourages the brigadier trolley brigade to continue the myth. People should get real and remember how and where this 'class' originated from. And as for all those lovely places build by workers who were definitely not on minimum wage at the time they should be turned into old peoples homes or schools.

Cllr Whelan and TU Facilities

2012-01-24T18:11:00.002Z

Cllr Whelan, leader of the very small group of Lambeth Tory Councillors, has placed a motion which will go to Council meeting tomorrow night. He wants to know what the cost of secondments are. This is of course a right that he and he group have but he should perhaps be asking what the real cost will be if in times of constant change and non stop reorganisations the organisation was left in chaos and had to consult with all members of staff on an individual basis. He forgets that it was a Tory government which brought it the TULRC Act of 1992. He should perhaps read what section 188 states and try to understand it?

TUC Survey

2012-01-24T09:35:00.000Z

poll conducted for the Fabian Society with TUC support last month showed widespread dissatisfaction with the way the economy is currently working.

Seven out of ten of those asked thought the gap between rich and poor was too wide, and eight out of ten thought that companies should be willing to forgo profits to meet wider responsibilities.

Further information @

http://touchstoneblog.org.uk/2011/12/polling-shows-that-the-public-do-not-agree-with-the-governments-economic-approach/

TUC Conference re-named

2012-01-23T11:22:00.000Z

The TUC Disability Conference and Committee have been re-named as the Disabled Workers Conference and Committee. The change reflects the TUC support for the social model of disability.

More on the TUC's work for disabled workers @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/equality/index.cfm?mins=103&minors=24&majorsubjectID=6

Health and safety myths dismissed by TUC

2012-01-22T12:21:00.000Z

Downing Street claims early this month that UK businesses are in a 'stranglehold' of health and safety 'red tape' were evidence of how out of touch with the reality of working life Number 10 is, the TUC said in response.

The government seemed 'hell bent' on trying to stop workers injured by their employer's negligence being able to claim compensation, the TUC said, adding that there are two million people in the UK who have an illness or injury caused by their work.

Read the TUC response in full @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace/tuc-20447-f0.cfm

MOD and war horses

2012-01-21T10:22:00.003Z

Apparently the MOD has put down 4 healthy horses in 2011 because they had a bad temperament? If this is true then they are a collection of idiots who should be prosecuted for criminal behaviour? Why the hell did they do that and what's the RSPCA and other animal welfare organisation done about this? Who is responsible?

Peter Morgan

2012-01-20T09:31:00.002Z

I am aiming to be at Peter Morgan's leaving get together tonight but thought that I should say something on my blog just in case I miss the presentation.

I met Peter Morgan some 18 years ago when I was chairing the panel interviewing a number of candidates for a finance job. I was, at the time, a finance manager in central services division. We interviewed 8 people and although I had to convince other members of the panel Peter was the best and I was right. He is a superb worker with superior knowledge and skills in the finance area. But most important he is a great man to know and I am glad he has become a good friend and a member of a large family.

I wish Peter the best of luck and I am sure he will succeed in whatever else he chooses to do.

Good luck my friend!

War Horse

2012-01-20T09:21:00.002Z

I reviewed the Iron Lady in yesterdays entry on this blog and gave it a 6 out of 10. On reflection and having had the chance to speak to others who went to see it, I would give it a 5 out of 10. It definitely does not deserve an Oscar or a BAFTA although am sure it will get both as the industry self perpetuates and recycles their own all the time not allowing new talent to be encouraged or be promoted. I think that on balance Billy Elliot (the film) did more to show what the handbag lady did rather than this one

Good news is that I went to see War Horse last night with a different group of friends at the Brixton Ritzy (excellent cinema complex) and I was very impressed. The film is well made and the story is excellent, its also well directed. The story is about the hard life a small family have in Devon and their daily struggle. The young son of the family gets to form a close relationship with Joey, the horse what his father buys from the market. The horse then ends up in battle during the horrendous first world war but ends up surviving and gets reunited with the young man blah blah blah. So apart from the long periods of blah blah blah the film is well presented and directed and the acting is rather good. I give this film a 10 out of 10 although some members of the united left and the other groups may find the story rather sentimental.

The Iron Lady

2012-01-19T14:44:00.002Z

Interesting film. Went to see it last night with friends. It is difficult to say whether I thought the film was good and or whether I could recommend it? Lets just say its not as good as The Life of Brian or other Monty Python masterpieces.

On the whole the story was accurate and the scenes were well directed. Meryl Strip did her best to interpret the handbag lady but the story lacked clarity as it missed showing the havoc and devastation caused by policies imposed on the north of England and the affect the obsessive free market policy had on the miners. The producers were obviously afraid to touch that area. Shame!

A huge negative point is that 70% of the time we are shown how she is today and assumptions about how she behaves here and now are made. Assumptions that cannot be verified.

I give the film 6 out of 10 but I am definitely not very impressed, am sure, however, that the BAFTAS will shower Meryl Strip with many awards they always award themselves as much as they possibly can. Am I being negative here? Well I just wasn't impressed! Not the best film ever!

Ed Miliband

2012-01-18T10:44:00.002Z

Ed Miliband is on a mission to destroy any trace of credibility he ever had. This experienced leader of men and women has now gone on national television announcing that public sector workers should not just accept a pay freeze but they should embrace cuts, this is in addition to the draconian measures imposed on pensions.

His ex union chums have reacted by saying that they don't know where Ed came from. Well the truth is he was created by Union bosses who thought, wrongly of course, that Miliband would be different from the others. Its like saying Attila the Hunt could be re educated and become a pacifist? Got it wrong again guys, but Ed Miliband won't be around long...

Greek unemployment rate

2012-01-17T14:14:00.001Z

Greece's unemployment rate jumped to 18.2 percent in October, up from 17.5 percent in September and 13.5 percent a year earlier, according to data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTA) this Thursday. Earlier predictions had put the figure at 18 percent.

According to ELSTA, 219.478 people have left the labor market since October 2010, putting the total number of unemployed at 903.525. The unemployment rate is not as high as that of Spain which shows 23% however Greece has got all the adverse publicity through negative reporting.

Unemployment among youth, aged between 15 and 24, reached 45.5 percent, the data showed.

On pensions

2012-01-17T11:06:00.001Z

A further meeting of the TUC's Public Sector Liaison Group will take place later this week to discuss the next steps in the long-running dispute to secure pensions justice for public sector workers.

The run up to Christmas saw the TUC seeking to facilitate an overall settlement to the dispute that was fair and just - reflecting unions' diverse concerns about the impact of the government's 'reforms'.

This followed separate discussions covering the four main schemes for civil servants, local government workers, teachers and NHS staff.

Further details @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace/tuc-20424-f0.cfm

Privatise the royals

2012-01-16T13:34:00.003Z

It is ridiculous that a major debate is going on about whether we need to spend our money on buying the royals another yacht. There is a recession going on so not the right time or a good idea.

I am not against the concept of having a monarch as a head of state if that's what the majority of people want but I am definitely against the idea of spending money on them or treat them as though they are above the rest of us. They are not. And if the Tory government is so obsessed with privatisation they should put them out to tender and see whether they get a better and cheaper service. I am sure that ex King of Albania will do it for a fraction of the cost. Yes I know this could be seen as treason but it is getting really ridiculous. People need to wake up and smell the reality of life and separate fact from mythology. The royals are just a lower class middle class family, nothing special. And the truth is they make a good soap opera and that's probably why some people want them around the rest are sitting around hoping for a knighthood which will make them more superior??

Royal yacht

2012-01-16T13:27:00.002Z

Never mind the recession and the concerns about the euro we all need to pay more taxes to ensure that the poor royals get a new yacht otherwise the entire country will collapse? Well, I don't think it will.

I am not anti the concept of having a royal as a head of state if that's what the majority of the population want. But I am so amazed with the mythology that comes with that, in this country at least. The Queen is the Head of state and she should be respected for being that but she is nothing other than a middle class housewife who did well for herself. There is no need for the ridiculous ceremony that comes with the job and certainly no point having the likes of Edward parading up and down his mothers castles trying to be taken seriously? Have a Queen if you want one but let her do what the other Queens do? They do their own shopping and they are not down the race horse joint every other day.

BBC and hegemony

2012-01-15T12:43:00.002Z

I have said this before and I think we all have the right to have an opinion on this matter. The BBC gets funded by us the licence payers so we should take an keen interest in what they do and how they manage our station. Having the same personalities all the time dominate our screens encourages hegemony by them.

I am fed up seeing the same faces on television programmes all the time when there is a plethora of many new and younger talented journalist who can be given the opportunity. The BBC has introduced a new Sunday programme with Andrew Neil, again!! He may be good but there are others who are newer and more up to date and they should be given the opportunity to shine as well. I am not against older personalities been given big money jobs but newer talent must be encouraged. It is getting ridiculous seeing the same people all the time! Stop this hegemony.

Colin Barrow resigns

2012-01-15T12:38:00.002Z

The leader of Westminster Council Cllr Colin Barrow has resigned. He is claiming that his decision was made months ago and before the stupid move to impose restrictions in the centre of our town which would have meant that one could not park until 12 midnight. He did this ignoring numerous objections raised by service users so he did, in effect, have a consultation but chose not to take anything on board. All I can say is that the man is a total banana, his departure is good news for all of us.

British politicians and the markets

2012-01-14T10:15:00.002Z

I am not sure that people realise the seriousness of what is currently going on with total control of the global economy going to the markets and credit rating agencies.

In the mean time we have useless politicians, I call it the idiotic generation of politicians, who are sitting on their back sides making declarations and making expense claims for Jacuzzis they never had, which more or less mean that they can't do anything about what the markets decide and therefore we must all lose our jobs, lose our pensions and suffer extreme poverty because those we elect democratically are in fact controlled by the markets and the speculators. Why don't they regulate these nasty people and take back control?

Every voter should make sure that when the next election comes any politician who is not prepared to bring back regulation should not be voted in. Hit the opportunist politicians where it hurts! Let democracy be in control not speculators!

Portugal and Greece junk status

2012-01-14T10:08:00.002Z

The credit assessment agencies that virtually determine global economic trends or at the very least have a great influence on the markets have downgraded Portugal and Greece's credit rating status to that of junk. They have also removed the AAA score France used to have meaning that it will be more expensive for the French government to borrow more money which in turns means that any further bailout for Italy or Spain will now become virtually impossible.

These unelected collective of people together with the other totally unaccountable individuals who control the 'markets' are pushing the world into a major more damaging recession. If the Euro goes down those who speculated on that will make big money. In the meantime Britain will suffer as more than 40% of our trade is conducted with the Euro zone countries. Who the beggar controls the world? Where is the democratic control and where is the regulation? We the people are meant to be in charge not the bloody bankers and the market speculators!

What price justice for poor workers? TUC document

2012-01-13T12:10:00.001Z

The Government's announcement in mid December that it intends to charge workers a fee to take claims to employment tribunals was condemned by the TUC.

'Employment tribunals are a key way of enabling workers to enforce their rights,' said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber. 'Government proposals to introduce a fee to lodge an initial claim - and then possibly a further charge for a full hearing - will effectively prevent the poorest and most vulnerable workers from ever being able to get justice.'

Full TUC reaction @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/industrial/tuc-20405-f0.cfm

Lambeth Unison AGM 2012

2012-01-12T17:16:00.005Z

Lambeth Unison held its annual general meeting today at the Lambeth Town Hall. More than 200 members attended to vote for election of officers, approval of expenditure and budget and several motions to do with the pensions dispute. Great and inspiring gathering. Here are a few photographs taken on the mobile. Chester Danvers got a standing ovation after he gave a speech urging members to reject the government deal and fight to save their pensions. Hassina Malik (first pictire) took charge of the catering and saved the branch more than 50% of the overall cost a move that pleased finance orientated people like myself...

TUC on pensions

2012-01-11T16:51:00.000Z

TFL on pollution??

2012-01-10T10:16:00.002Z

I received an email message from TFL this morning telling me about cars and pollution so I replied as follows.

Dear Mr and Mrs TFL

Thanks for your message. I am writing to remind you that closing so many roads all the time with no one doing any work or repairs for ages causes more problems and severe pollution? Also having red lights come on at crossings when its obvious that there are no pedestrians around especially at night time also causes severe pollution problems.

Nick

Unemplyment issues by the TUC

2012-01-10T10:01:00.000Z

The latest unemployment figures also show that the public sector is losing jobs 12 times faster than the private sector is creating them.

The top three unemployment blackspots in Britain are Clackmannanshire, where there are 31 people chasing every vacancy; West Dumbartonshire, where the figure is 26; and Hartlepool, where it is 24.

Ahead of the publication of the labour market figures, union research showed that if they became unemployed, low-paid workers such as cleaners, catering assistants and machine operators were more likely than their higher paid counterparts to be on the dole for more than six months.

Long term unemployment up according to TUC study

2012-01-10T10:00:00.001Z

The scale of Britain's deepening jobs crisis was revealed in a TUC study published in late December showing that nearly 300,000 people were spending their second successive Christmas out of work.

The number of claimants who have been out of work for at least a year has increased by 35,000 over the course of 2011 according to the analysis of official statistics, while the number of long-term claimants over the Christmas period has more than doubled from 122,000 in 2007 to 279,000 today.

Full details @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/economy/tuc-20419-f0.cfm

Lambeth Unison AGM 12 January 2012

2012-01-09T10:37:00.001Z

Lambeth Unison AGM is holding its annual general meeting at the town hall this Thursday 12 January 2012. The agenda includes election of branch officers, budget proposal for 2012 and several good and progressive motions. All Unison members are encouraged to attend, time off has been agreed by the main employer (Lambeth Council)

Greek trade unionsist facing oppression

2012-01-08T14:46:00.003Z

Tragic news from Greece is that the German inspired government imposed on the country by the Franco German alliance is prosecuting trade unionists who have dared to oppose the severe austerity measures forced on the people of Greece. They need all the support they can get.

http://blogs.amnesty.org.uk/blogs_entry.asp?eid=8127

Ed Miliband, can he survive?

2012-01-08T14:40:00.002Z

I am going to be careful here as I would not want to be seen as anti leadership thingy. Ed Miliband is a nice enough guy but has very little real time life experience and that, unfortunately, shows through.

I said it before and will say it again the party made a mistake electing him. On the other hand we could be looking at a Michael Foot type of scenario where you place a leader in position knowing that he can not possibly win an election then blame him for the failure allow people to get more fed up with the government and then bring someone in who can win? Simple in tit? as they say up north...

American Christians and George Michael

2012-01-07T12:40:00.002Z

Apparently a group of American Christians (whatever that means when its at home) have been praying for the death of George Michael during his recent illness. If this is true then they are a selection of assholes who should be ignored. It makes me sick to hear that people like that would want someone dead? Perhaps they should read their religious guide book again? Do they love their neighbour by wanting him dead? Leave George Michael alone I say and get a life!

Simon Cowell on William Young

2012-01-07T12:34:00.002Z

Apparently Simon Cowell who is famous for having no talent in anything relating to art or music has called William Young obnoxious and full of himself. Simon has not managed, despite throwing millions at his PR helpers, to have any positive headlines recently so he has resorted to insulting really talented and gifted young singers like William Young who, in my opinion and that of my mothers neighbour, is one of the best musical talents around.

So if the papers are to be believed (they don't always tell the truth) then this ridiculous tired looking middle age man is having a mid life crisis and is obviously jealous of our William. He needs to stay in and do a puzzle and definitely keep away from anything creative. Being negative about a young performer is not nice.

Xmas 2011

2012-01-06T17:05:00.002Z

A picture taken at the Xmas Unison party with my two favs, looking red carpet ready and photoshot excellent (whatever that means..)

Sister Juliet on my right and gorgeous Hacienda to my left..

Diane Abbott and twitter

2012-01-06T10:10:00.003Z

Well everyone gets into trouble when they spend most of their time on the Internet or twitter, face book is also famous for creating problems.

No one should be surprised that a politician has placed something on twitter and then lived to regret it. Diane Abbott is a politician and they are very well known for opening their mouths before they think. Saying that I know that Diane is a good MP and is well respected by most of her constituents and she did of course work in Lambeth before going to the political stratosphere so she can't be that bad. She needs to watch what she puts online like most of us should? But she is not a racist at all.

Lambeth Unison AGM

2012-01-05T10:47:00.003Z

The 2012 Lambeth Unison AGM is scheduled to take place on the 12 January at the Town Hall. Election of Officers for all positions plus budget will be considered. There are also a number of interesting motions regarding further action in support of the pensions dispute, Lambeth appears to be leading the way on this one.

Crimes of hate

2012-01-04T10:25:00.002Z

There is nothing more unacceptable and disgusting than a crime committed against a person because of who they are and how they look like or where they come from. That is why any one convicted of murder because they hate some one should be punished severely, they are beyond help and they don't have the right to participate in a civilised society.

Predictions for 2012

2012-01-03T11:11:00.002Z

My predictions for the year 2012 are as follows. Unison will hold a conference in Bournmouth in June and more than 3000 will turn up. The sun will continue rising from the east and set in the west. Australia will stay where it is and there will be snow on the Alps. The euro may collapse and replaced with a banana and Cheryl Cole will try and sing!

Happy New..

Kleintown, revised edition

2012-01-02T09:57:00.002Z

The revised edition of Kleintown should be ready by the end of February 2012 on Amazon via Kindle book reader.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kleintown-Nico-Venetti/dp/0953785009

Kleintown

2012-01-01T15:39:00.001Z

The second edition of Kleintown the novel first published in February 2000 by Monolex will be out soon and available on amazon and other quality book shops.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kleintown-Nico-Venetti/dp/0953785009

Happy New year 2012

2011-12-31T15:24:00.005Z

Just thought I should wish everyone a happy new year on here as there won't be any blogging done tomorrow as we are celebrating Saint Pissartist birthday tonight in the green pastures of Vauxhall.

Here's a few nice pics from 2011...

2011 blog awards

2011-12-30T12:49:00.002Z

That time of year again when everyone makes up resolutions that they keep for 2.3 weeks then all normality comes back and the world keeps going around. Nick Clegg will continue to look neglected, Ed Miliband will still look like he has lost his lollipop and Ed Balls will struggle wishing he went on that diet before wearing a tight football shirt that showed his belly during the September party conference. And as for Cameron well he will keep a low profile to make sure that Nick doesn't kick him out of no 10.

Anyway determined not to divert too much today and announce the winners of the 2011 blog awards.

Best blog goes to Jon of the Rogers for content interest. Congratulations to our Jon but keep them long articles brief geezer mate as Sharon and Tracey have a short concentration span?

http://jonrogers1963.blogspot.com/

The award for quick info (you can get the news on the hour every hour) read Marsha Jane Thompson's blog, think the blog can do with a few more pictures of me but apart f
rom that its good reading!

http://www.unionfutures.blogspot.com/

Worst hair cut for 2011 goes to Kim Jing from North Korea who despite the famine in his country he managed to retain a double chin and get a hair cut!!

Is Ed of the Milibands a stalking horse?

2011-12-29T10:13:00.002Z

I have been wondering as to whether the Labour party have selected Ed of the Milibands knowing that he won't win the next election to serve as a stalking horse.

Looking at what he has done and how he reacts when in the House of commons he looks more like a school boy who has lost his lollipop rather than a leader, no offence but that is what he projects. So I am thinking that we in the Labour party (I didn't vote for him by the way) have put him there to prepare the grounds for the Labour Messiah who will come after Ed losses all his lollops?

Elizabeth Taylor syndrome

2011-12-28T09:53:00.002Z

I am often asked by the thousands of those of you who never read my blog what my new year resolution is. And of course I always say that my first resolution is not to have one, on the other hand I think it is time for me to try and deal with the problems arising out of suffering from the Elizabeth Taylor syndrome.

Those who suffer from the ETS (discovered by me a few years ago when I was having a bath) would know that it means moving from one relationship to another and whilst I know that Elizabeth had 7 marriages and I have only had 5 long term relationships (so am 2 behind her) she was much older than me and I am slowly catching up. On the other hand why should I worry about it? Its obvious that I am not the one with the problem so who cares!

Euro banana

2011-12-28T09:38:00.002Z

The BBC has refused to cover the story around the replacement of the Euro with the banana on the grounds that it might upset Nick Clegg before the New Year Eve celebrations. Those of us stuck in the Greyhound in Dulwich last night know only too well that this is a story that should be told. The concern around the world was so great that even Robert Mugabe changed his underpants as a sign of protest.

Replace the Euro with the banana, that way if the currency value goes down you can at least eat the banana! It makes as much sense as North Korea's new leaders hair cut!

Happy new year..

2011-12-27T11:07:00.003Z

Getting near 2012, time to have a pint of babysham and chill otherwise make yourself happy and get that dishwasher you always wanted, dishwashers don't argue back and they will not cheat on you. Europe is not just for Xmas..

Merry Xmas!

2011-12-25T19:42:00.002Z

Cruelty to animals

2011-12-24T10:35:00.003Z

Greatly annoys me when you hear of stories which involve cruelty to animals. Animals can't defend themselves and the law isn't strong enough to protect them. This isn't acceptable at all!

One of the ways that you can get involved and help fight against this cruelty is by donating to one of the animal welfare charities like the RSPCA.

Winter is when the RSPCA are needed more than ever. A time of year when financial burdens squeeze homes, more animals will need urgently rescuing from horrific suffering and neglect - like this innocent puppy dumped in a park on a winter’s night. This year the RSPCA is expecting to rescue over 5,000 animals, day and night, whatever the weather.

You can help by donating £5 to pay for petrol so Inspectors reach animals before it’s too late? A Christmas gift of £10 helps pay for warm blankets, hot water bottles and nutritious food. An especially generous gift of £25 goes towards emergency medical treatment for the worst victims of cruelty.

Water aid

2011-12-23T11:03:00.001Z

Water Aid is great charity worth considering making a regular donation to it. For as little as £5 a month you can ensure that little children have clean water to drink.

WaterAid uses practical solutions to provide clean water, safe sanitation and hygiene education to the world's poorest people.

They now work in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific region and Central America.

Find out more about where we work and what they do by googling wateraid.

On pensions

2011-12-22T13:37:00.000Z

Excellent piece in brother Jon of the Rogers blog on pensions, good reading here is the link

http://jonrogers1963.blogspot.com/2011/12/accrual-rates-and-revaluation-when-is.html

A lot said about pickles but no recipe could be found

2011-12-21T09:46:00.002Z

I would imagine that most activists are getting ready to fly off to their place of origin right now to spend their Xmas period with family and friends. Saying that I find it hard and difficult to understand why they are so obsessed with pickles? I have looked at every credible menu on the net and have found very few recipes that would suggest that having pickled onions with your Xmas turkey (or the vegetarian alternative) makes sense. So advice to activists is to go back to your constituencies and prepare for a piss up with your family. The other Pickles is simply having very little else to do in his life and any 'controversy' he can create in the media means that his neighbour Sharon might remember who he is. Relax and enjoy Xmas, pickles is just for Xmas..

Latest on the LGPS

2011-12-20T10:45:00.000Z

This is the text of a circular received from UNISON HQ on the LGPS;

Since 30 November the Local Government Association (LGA - the local authority employers' organisation) has moved quickly to establish some consensus over the direction of travel within the LGPS and establish some joint principles and a timetable for negotiation, starting in January.

The government and the LGA have accepted that the LGPS is different from the other public sector pension schemes because it is a funded scheme and has assets of around £140 billion at current prices.

There are some key points of agreement between the LGPS unions and the LGA:

 No change until 2014 - avoiding any change before the 2013 valuation

 Prevention of opt outs and maximising of membership to keep the scheme sustainable

 Independent and robust equality proofing at every stage

 Adequate time for unions and employers to consult at key stages of the process

There have been NO negotiations on the detail of future contributions or the design of the new scheme, though they will start in earnest in January, with a view to Regulations being laid in time for the 2013 valuation.

We have had to have Chatham House negotiations between ourselves and the LGA, while trying to get the Government on board, although Chairs of relevant UNISON Committees have been consulted over developments.

We will not know for sure that we can proceed until Eric Pickles as SOS gives the all-clear, which we may not be until Tuesday. We are optimistic that he will say yes and also that CLG will agree to suspend the statutory consultation underway on contribution increases.

As soon as we have agreement and a public announcement is made, the principles and timetable will be sent to you.

There will be a briefing for SGEs covered by the LGPS on 10 January, alongside the Pension Summit, when SGE members within the LGPS will be able to respond to the principles and timetable and agree the next steps.

Our responsibility as UNISON members is to seek the views of as many members as possible and communicate these to our SGE members so that they can take an informed decision on our behalf. Further information will be circulated about this in the near future.

--

Joanna Lumley best celeb of the year award

2011-12-19T14:30:00.002Z

Joanna Lumley easily wins the best celebrity of the year award voted by this blog.

She looks fab, makes great programmes and still holds that magic touch. Her two recent documentaries, the one travelling up the Nile and the other one focusing on the beauty of modern Greece have shown us that she can still produce stuff with quality and depth.

Well done Joanna Lumley!!

LGPS Dispute

2011-12-18T17:46:00.001Z

Looks like public sector union members are being prepared for an announcement which is expected to come out on Tuesday about whether or not there is any possibility of an agreement. Details of this can be seen on http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/C7500.pdf I think it will be better to see what Tuesday brings before we react.

Xmas get together

2011-12-17T11:54:00.002Z

Was great to see Lambeth Unison friends at the annual Xmas get together last night on the green pastures of Streatham. The Unison Lambethians all looked photo fabulous and red carpet ready with Jon of the Rogers bursting into his left of the left type of songs every now and then, I hope that Sky news were not around...

Merry Xmas to all those present and the others who could not make it. Long live Lambeth Unison!

Attacks on TU time off

2011-12-16T11:47:00.002Z

The right wing press and their friends (both of them..) have, as expected started their attack on trade union facility time. This is of course a favorite pass time for them and a diversion from the mess their right wing government is creating.

But on a serious note those who attack time off for TU reps should always remember the purpose for which this method of measuring the cost of managing change. It is definitely easier and more cost affective (and am talking here as an accountant) to know where the reps are, what they do and who you (the employer that is) are dealing with. There is the small of course factor to do with what employment law says and the detail of things like the TULR(c) ACT. Apart from those logical arguments in favor of more rather than less TU rep time off it is obvious that the attacks are politically motivated by those who spend time with their friends at dodgy parties with their weird mates on the south of France? Know what I mean?

Further action

2011-12-15T11:02:00.001Z

I understand form reading Jon's report on the discussions held last week at NEC that no specific action has been proposed following the success on the 30 November. If this is the case then I am concerned as it takes so long to organise and mobilise. Action and the strategy around that must be decided as soon as, why do we always get ourselves in this position?

Where next with the pensions dispute?

2011-12-14T12:57:00.002Z

I am happy that my own branch, Lambeth Unison, continues the work they have started in conjunction with community groups in the area and spefically with SOS Lambeth. This is a good strategy and an excellent approach, a campaign which includes members of the community can not go wrong.

I am also very glad that the Unison machinery managed to put a good show on the 30 November it was fantastic to see the action and as I was in Greece on the day (couldn't get out due to air traffic control strikes there..) I can confirm that the Unison banners were on prominently on display on all television channels on the day there. People on the streets of Athens were talking about it the next day as the Greek PAME and TU organisations called the 6th general strike there.

But the question now is where do we go from here and are we prepared for a long hard battle? Are front line branches ready to cover all eventualities that prolonged industrial action would require, have they got their finances in order and have they used the opportunity to recruit more members. Those questions must be asked and answered at every branch committee meeting every month.

The NEC should also be proposing specific days of action and ballots organised in advance as the legal framework we have to work within means we should prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I am hoping the honorable members of the NEC in London have got some of these answers?

Clegg and Cameron divorce?

2011-12-13T10:44:00.002Z

The thousands of you not reading this page have not asked me what I think about the current rift between Nicky Clegg and Dave of Cameron. To be honest not many people care what happens between the two of them but the story so far looks like something out of a soap opera.

First there was Cameron banging his Louis Viton handbag on the table in Brussels and saying No to Sarkozi who then run off to Merkel and cried. She then gets annoyed and tells Sarko to tell him how much he hates him. We then know that Cameron rung Nicky at 4 in the morning and woke him up. Clegg was too asleep to say no you did the right thing so he said yeah go on my son you did well. The Cameron PR machine Stachy and Pistachy then put out the story, Vince and other Liberals ring Clegg to read him the riot act so Clegg changes his story and refuses to go to school (known as House of commons) do you get the picture?

Looks like Cameron has his eye on an election and knows that if he appears like he is pissing on Europe he could win on his own without the help of that sex symbol Vince Cable and others. Everyone of course knows that if Cameron goes on to win a term he will then sign up to the treaty (as he will be instructed to do so by his superiors in the USA) and will then piss on the Euro sceptics but it will be too late by then because he would have got the job for at least 5 years... Confused? Well that's politics for you, or am I a cynic?

X Factor 2011

2011-12-12T08:50:00.003Z

I can understand why the viewing figures has gone down with a 'show' like X Factor, its obvious that the general public are bored of the same old. The biggest difficulty with programmes such as this is that they are extensively manipulated by talentless people who have no specific gift other than making money.

Saying all of that there is a market for something that allows young and older people to exhibit their talent and no one can deny that discovering William Young or Leona Lewis wasn't a major achievement. On another positive note I would say that Tulisa did very well in presenting and managing the group of girls that won this year. She has exhibited great talent for resisting all attempts to undermine her. Well done to her and Little Mix but lets get rid of no hopers like Louis boring Walsh or bloody Simon Cowel.

Thanks to North Lincolnshire TUC

2011-12-11T18:32:00.004Z

Many thanks to the North Lincolnshire TUC for giving me the honour and the title of having the blog of the month! I am very grateful to them! Cheers keep up the good work!

http://www.northernlincstuc.org.uk/page2.htm

Replace the euro with a banana

2011-12-11T10:42:00.002Z

I have confessed on several occasions before that I am a pro European and believe in political integration. A totally united Socilist Europe will be a pwoerful and constructive force in the world. But I also accept that we got the common currency thing wrong and things need to be done to make sure that the accountants get it right.

One of the solutions I suggested before is to replace the euro with a banana that way if the value of the euro goes down you can at least eat the banana and not feel so bad? We are told after all that everything to do with the money markets is psychological and its to do with how Tom, Dick and Maria Farandouri feels like. So lets go for replacing the euro with a banana!!

Europe again

2011-12-11T10:34:00.002Z

Well what can you say everyone I know even my younger circle of friends and the Clapham/Vauxhall mob are talking about it. Its the topic on the lips of many.

Can Britain afford to ignore the existence of a market with 500 million consumers or can we go it alone? Why can't we do a Switzerland and have two currencies? In Geneva you can pay either by using Euros or Swiss Franks. And as far as the relationship between UK and the United Federal States of Europe is concerned Britain could opt to have a trade agreement only and stay safe by getting closer links with Streatham and Hampstead High road.

What is wrong and not at all right is that we can't, over here, simply rely on trading with New Zealand and the USA. The USA for a start needs to have a closer link with the European market (its bigger) so they won't just be happy with supporting a policy that favors Britain. So unfortunately we are stuck between a banana and a bag of chips and have no choice other than to have a good relationship with the continent. Just live with it...

On Europe

2011-12-10T09:51:00.002Z

The very fact that most people here refer to Europe when they are discussing what is going on in the world of politics indicates that the British people do not consider themselves to be part of the continent and I think that psychologically at least Britain very much regards itself as an island. Britain wasn't invaded in the last war and therefore did not suffer the same misfortune as most countries and the close relationship Britain has with the English speaking world and especially America makes the Brits feel more secure.

This is of course not the case with the likes of Poland, Belgium, France, Greece and other states that were invaded in the last century so the need for them to achieve a united Europe is far greater and of higher priority, I doubt as to whether the average person in Slovenia or Belgium worry about the Euro but they are concerned about whether or not invasion is a possibility. There is the big bad Russian bear in the East and the Germans could easily get excited again so a united Europe is a better bet...

Cameron on Europe

2011-12-09T10:10:00.002Z

David Cameron could be right to resist the temptations on offer from Merkel and Sarkozi. I think that on balance Britain is better off having a trade agreement with the rest of Europe and not get into the integration project. He is also right to say that the UK will never adopt the Euro. Saying that I still believe that the rest of Europe must go for full political integration as it is the only way security will be guaranteed on the continent. Those of us on the socialist side of politics should then work hard to ensure that we achieve a real and true Socialist United Europe.

German Democratic Republic of Greece?

2011-12-08T09:37:00.002Z

I recently visited Greece to visit friends and relatives and of course witnessed the troubles the general population is going through there but amongst other things I was amazed with the resilience people are showing and how determined the majority of them are to resist and ensure that the current challenge facing most of southern Europe will be one that they manage to win.

I was also shocked to realise that many of the decisions the new and unelected PM there is making had to be cleared by Berlin and Paris. Are we now in a situation where democratic control has been passed on to outside powers or am I getting paranoid here? Is the German Democratic Republic of Greece a reality then?

Regulate the markets

2011-12-07T08:56:00.002Z

My good friend ( and not that old mate) Jon of the Rogers is correct to state that 'Working people need an alternative to this failing capitalist system and our trade unions are the only tools in our hands.' He is right in that the trade union movement appears to be the only place right now where democracy prevails (apart from a few minor problems) and where those in membership exercise true control. I am saying this because the current political system we have has shown us that those we elect exercise little authority over decisions that allow us to control our destiny's and politicians are subservient to market forces that control them and the rest of us.

I am of course simplifying the issue here and I know as much as everyone else that we all have to operate within a market and this could be ok if the markets had some responsibility towards democracy and its institutions. Deregulating the markets has meant that the boyz in grey suits are allowed to go in to their expensive offices every day and make big money by speculating on the future of countries and smaller states. The example of what happened to Spain and Italy in the last 3 months shows us how volatile the markets are. Spain was forced to borrow at 6.3% when it has huge debts to repay. Just think what this means when the average mortgage rate here in Britain is currently 2% (if not less) and if you see Spain as a family of many trying to survive and pay back huge loans you can imagine the devastation this interest rate rise creates.

What infuriates me with this situation is the fact that countries allow this to continue and that people simply move on and try to deal with the havoc the markets are causing because they think there is nothing that can be done. Well this is not right and if governments all over the world stood firm and agreed to regulate the bloody markets ( the markets consist of Tom Dicks and Charlotte's and are not bloody invisible ) then things will improve. Right now the only non corrupt institutions are the trade unions but they need to link up on an international basis and deal with this problem otherwise we will end up with another global catastrophe like we had in the last century.

http://jonrogers1963.blogspot.com/2011/12/can-we-buck-market.html

Who is in control?

2011-12-06T13:21:00.002Z

We have been used to the idea that every 5 years we go to the polls, sometimes earlier to vote in a government of our preference. This is indeed how democracy works. But I have major doubts now as to whether those in key government positions are in control and it is looking more than likely that a few individuals who manage the global markets together with credit scoring agencies exercise far more power than they should be allowed to have.

The markets that everyone in the media is talking about is not some abstract notion floating on the planet zanussi they consist of and are a collective of individuals that exert more authority than anyone else and this is not right!

Where do we go to next?

2011-12-05T10:42:00.002Z

There is some debate taking place throughout Unison and other unions as to where we go to following the big day of action on the 30 November. This is a good sign but we all need to prepare for further action as the government is unlikely to make major concessions just because we took one day out. More needs to be done and a comprehensive strategy worked out so that the achievements on the 30 don't become an isolated incident... London Unison is holding its regional Council tomorrow so I am hoping there will be some strong motions proposing what to do next.

Euro crisis uncovers the truth behind policies

2011-12-04T14:30:00.002Z

It is obvious now from the measures being demanded by Berlin within the Euro zone crisis area (PIGS, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Spain and Italy) that the priority is to pacify the markets and to save the bankers.

This of course means that those driving the austerity project (the invisible power behind the politicians) want the general population to pay more to ensure the banks survive, so there is very little concern about what happens to the pensioner in Greece or Italy who will be seeing their pension drop from 700 euros a month to 400!! This is the cruel reality of what is happening right now!!

TUC on day of action

2011-12-03T18:55:00.001Z

Two million public sector workers, the majority of them women, took part in the National Day of Action for Pensions Justice on November 30.

The unprecedented mobilisation, which dominated the news bulletins, aimed to put pressure on ministers to enter meaningful negotiations to secure a fair and just settlement to the dispute on public sector pensions.

Thousands of events and rallies were held across Britain, with TUC general secretary Brendan Barber addressing one of the biggest rallies in Birmingham and deputy general secretary Frances O'Grady taking part in a march and rally in London. The day was dominated by the workers themselves who told of the impact that the cuts would have on their living standards now and in old age.

As well as rebutting myths about public sector pensions being gold-plated, unaffordable and unfair, the day demonstrated the immense unity and strength of feeling among public servants, as well as the high level of support from private sector workers and the general public.

More on the Day of Action @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/industrial/tuc-20361-f0.cfm

http://www.tuc.org.uk/union/tuc-20343-f0.cfm

Greece. The 6th general strike

2011-12-02T07:39:00.004Z

The 6th general strike took place in Greece yesterday with all services coming to a complete stand still. There are those wondering as to why the country is still in this situation even after the 6th bail out was agreed. The reason is because the new unelected government in Greece imposed on the people by Berlin is not at all popular and people in general do not see an end to a very deep and messy tunnel.

People on the streets of Athens and other major cities yesterday know very well that the austerity measures imposed on them are not because the EU wants to save them but because they want to ensure that the bankers don't go down so it is looking increasingly difficult to imagine Greece staying in the Euro zone if it means that the average worker loses 400 euros a month from their pay and the standard pension is cut by 30%.

The Greek withdrawl from the euroland project will also mean that Italy and maybe other countries in the south will follow, this exodus is obvious to me and inevitable?

What I would say is that having seen and witnessed the reaction on the streets the day after the British strike, the Greeks and the unions will not put up with what is imposed on them by Berlin...

World Aids day 2012

2011-12-01T12:29:00.000Z

HIV facts
HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body's immune system — the body's defence against diseases.

HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.

There are now more people than ever living with HIV in the UK — more than 90,000 — with around a quarter of those unaware they have the virus.

Here are a few more facts about HIV in the UK:

Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact
You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample
HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils
Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV
You can get the results of an HIV test in just 15-20 minutes
There is no vaccine and no cure for HIV
Have any of these facts come as a surprise? There is still loads more you can learn about HIV in the UK by visiting HIVaware — our fun, interactive new website which provides all the information everyone should know about HIV. HIVaware gives you facts and stats on HIV, busts common myths and answers your frequently asked questions.

Take your first step to Acting Aware by visiting HIVaware today.

All out today for justice!

2011-11-30T07:51:00.001Z

http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/2011/11/morning-star-walkout-to-be-biggest.html

http://jonrogers1963.blogspot.com/2011/11/solidarity-forever-with-every-tom-dick.html

General Secretary's message to Unison members

2011-11-29T07:56:00.001Z

Message from the General Secretary, Dave Prentis, to Unison members as published by the Guardian newspaper.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/28/unison-strikes-new-year-prentis?CMP=twt_gu

Join the action

2011-11-28T08:59:00.001Z

Unable to blog for technical reasons but thought my mate Jon's blog entries would be good as a substitute..

http://jonrogers1963.blogspot.com/2011/11/blairite-blogger-attacks-us-while-tory.html

PASOK, searching for a leader?

2011-11-27T09:03:00.002Z

The reality is that Greece is facing a tought time with the current economic crisis, but this is not a problem that is exclusive to Hellas. Portugal, Ireland, Spain and other countries, including Italy are in a similar situation so this is not, in my opinion, the right time for PASOK members to be searching for a new leader for the party.

The decision to go for a national government of unity was a reasonably good one and no one should blame George Papandreou for the few mistakes he made prior to that decision. The fact is that external forces have forced the country to take the current steps but the reality is that these forces can not be ignored and we have to work with what we have even though it hurts. Better times will come and with that more worthy leaders?

Cyprus EU Presidency

2011-11-26T09:31:00.002Z

The government of Cyprus has made all the necessary preparations to enable the Republic to deal with its obligations when they take over the revolving Presidency for the EU the term which starts in July 2012 with many projects being in place already.

The communist President of the Republic, Mr Christofias, has already declared that the state is ready to do what needs to be done. It will also be good if at the same time if the reunification of the island takes place before July 2012.

Government threat to unions

2011-11-25T01:05:00.002Z

The government is trying to intimated the unions by stating that the country will lose 500 million if public sector workers go on strike on the 30th. Perhaps they should consider the damage and the loss in the long term workers will have to endure if they didn't stand up for their rights and acted now.

Lambeth Unison prepares

2011-11-24T10:40:00.002Z

Proud to see that preparations in Lambeth are well advanced and things are ready for the 30 of November where the biggest protest seen in this country will be taking place. I know that other branches in London have been active but Lambeth has focused on the job and will ensure that the action will be full and decisive on the day. Good luck.

Final preparations for day of action

2011-11-23T18:55:00.002Z

The government is expected to make a final offer in the hope that the unions will not take their members out on the 30 of November but this will be a gesture and will not go any where near what is demanded.

In addition people in the pensions scheme who have been paying contributions all their lives know now that the increase the government want to impose will not be going into the pension fund itself but will instead be put aside to reduce the government's deficit. I have found this fact to be the most important factor when talking to people who would have otherwise not been taking action, there is a lot of anger around and that will be clearly shown on the 30 when everyone will be out!

Kleintown, will the story become the truth?

2011-11-22T10:17:00.003Z

In the novel Kleintown published in February 2000 it was predicted that Europe will be in chaos by 2040 and a civil war between north and south would take place. States within the Federation would have Governors appointed by the European President, Maria Fernandez and the English Governor will be hesitating as to which side his state would be on. The US would be invaded by the newly emerging power, Brazil and those in control of the markets will be deciding whether Brazil pulls back or not...

Well I never thought that most of the predictions in this work of fiction would come true but it looks like we are getting near it?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kleintown-Nico-Venetti/dp/0953785009

Technocracy in Euroland

2011-11-21T12:22:00.002Z

The technocrats have taken over in Greece and Italy on instructions from Ms Merkel and Mr Sarkozy who in turn take their orders from the markets.

Spain has now followed with electing a right wing coalition government but at least they had an election. It remains to be seen whether the markers reward the new Spanish government by lowering the interest rates at which Spain borrows. It makes no sense to increase the interest rate a state pays to borrow when the 'markets' know that they can't pay? Every 1% of an increase represents the a huge rise in the total amount borrowed or in real terms it means 10 fewer hospitals and more than 50 new schools being build. This is a ridiculous situation and totally unacceptable. The question of sovereignty is under threat again! Regulate the markets or vote any stupid politician out who comes and tells you that his hands are tight because the markets say so. Beggar the markets!

The end of democracy?

2011-11-20T11:20:00.003Z

There are those who say that the recent financial crisis has given rise to undemocratic factors who are in control of our destiny. It is not governments I think that create global problems but a small number of incredibly wealthy individuals that control 'the markets' These individuals have astonishing powers and can determine whether governments stay in power or fall as we have seen in Greece and Italy recently.

But I do not think this is a new phenomenon, the clique that controls the 'markets' has been in operation for years and was very active in the last century hence the depression, followed by the recession and then two nasty wars.

And of course we must have a financial system to work with but allowing a group of people who are after all citizens with the same obligations as I have to determine the future of the planet is unacceptable. Get these people in and regulate what they do. I don't want to hear another politician go on telly and say we can't do anything because the markets want this and the other. Why are they forcing Spain to pay 7% interest (highest ever) at a time when they know that the country will not be able to do this? Nationalise the bloody markets I say get the UN to run them if these irresponsible people don't stop their wreck less behaviour, or make them pay 90% tax on all their bloody earnings!

Control the markets!

2011-11-19T14:52:00.002Z

Many people I talk to think that the current financial crisis is very serious and the problems associated with it complex.

The truth is that whilst the crisis is serious and extremely dangerous the fact is there is nothing complicated about what goes on. Its all to do with little insecure boyz who spend all of their time playing roulette with the future of the world. These are unelected individuals often with very little education. They make anything between 10 to 200 million a year by speculating on whether a country can do x or y they then shift money around and dish out loans and make their profits on selling debt so the current 7% interest rate that Italy and Spain have to pay means that those two countries have to find another 300 billion to feed these peoples greet. The danger here is that this group of people are called 'the market' when what they really are are speculators who could bring in recessions or depressions and throw millions of people in poverty so that they themselves make more money. These are the people who created the preconditions for the first and second world wars. Don't let them do it again! Have we not learnt anything from history yet? States should be sovereign and in control of their destiny not the markets!!

Do we need to have German lessons?

2011-11-18T09:30:00.003Z

I understand that most of the new unelected cabinet in Greece, the one approved by Angela Merkel, have either started learning German or have some knowledge of the language. That in itself is not a bad thing. Most people who went through the Greek education system had to learn either French or English but I don't remember many who opted for German.

I am of course being semi serious about what is happening in Southern Europe and I apologise to one of my best friends Martin who reads this blog and is himself German. I am not having go, but it looks like that both Italy and Greece are getting their orders directly from Berlin now. The previous PM, Gerorge Papandreou who was elected by his people was quickly removed after deciding to take the package offered by the EU to a referendum. That democratic decision was not welcomed in Berlin or Paris and as a result he had to quickly resign and a new technocrat was appointed (not elected) a man who was previously the Deputy Head of the European Central bank. Same situation in Italy where Berlusconnin was marched out of France after he failed to deliver the accounts Ms Merkel wanted, he was quickly replaced by another technocrat.

It would seem that there is no real democracy left in the world and the absolute masters are the markets. But who makes up the markets? The markets are controlled by people who think its fun to speculate on the future of states, most of them make more than 200 million a year each by playing games. Then you have some powerful governments who are subserviant to the markets and instead of taking control they simply fall in and take instructions from these vile but powerful people. This must be stopped!!!

All out for the 30 of November

2011-11-17T10:21:00.002Z

Preparations are being made for the big day of action which is scheduled to take place on the 30 of November but it is obvious that the government will sit that one out and change very little so many of us are hoping that the major unions will be preparing for more action if this proves to be necessary. It won't be enough to have the 26 of March and the 30 of November the action needs to be escalated and a common strategy agreed between the main unions.

State-sponsored jobs crisis

2011-11-16T18:36:00.000Z

Unemployment figures published last month were described by the TUC as 'terrible' and were proof that the government's austerity policies were causing a jobs crisis.

It said that ministers could not blame the bleak labour market figures on troubles in the eurozone and that Britain was in the grip of a state-sponsored unemployment crisis. Areas like the north east, where more than one in ten people were out of work, were paying a particularly high price.

Ahead of the latest jobs figures, the TUC published a study showing that the lowest-paid workers have borne the brunt of job losses over the past three years, with the loss of jobs in sales, elementary services and administration responsible for 41 per cent of the rise in the claimant count since 2008.

TUC on latest jobs figures @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/economy/tuc-20157-f0.cfm

Living standards squeezed tighter

2011-11-15T15:22:00.000Z

New official figures show high inflation and low wage growth are putting a tight squeeze on the living standards of ordinary workers.

With the cost of living currently rising three times faster than wages, the TUC said that instead of supporting hard-pressed families, the government has made things worse by raising VAT and cutting tax credits.

The latest inflation figures also confirm that the government's CPI stealth cut would reduce the value of benefits and pensions by 0.4 per cent next year. Over the next three decades, the value of public sector pensions and many private sector pensions could be slashed nearly 30 per cent, forcing many people into poverty in retirement.

Full TUC response @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/economy/tuc-20177-f0.cfm

G20 urged to tackle financial excess. TUC document

2011-11-14T11:12:00.001Z

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber called for investment in jobs and a Robin Hood Tax to curb financial speculation when he travelled to Cannes for the G20 summit at the beginning of the month.

During the trip he met French President and G20 chair Nicolas Sarkozy, US President Barack Obama, and the heads of the IMF and ILO.

More on this @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/international/tuc-20241-f0.cfm

TUC document , Sacking horror show

2011-11-13T14:00:00.002Z

A government-commissioned report that said companies should be allowed to sack workers at will drew a strong riposte from the TUC late last month.

The controversial report by venture capitalist and Tory Party donor Adrian Beecroft, which had been personally commissioned by the prime minister, was made public close to Halloween. Among its recommendations was one that 'unproductive workers' should lose their right to protection from unfair dismissal.

The TUC warned that far from boosting growth as the author claimed, scrapping protection from unfair sacking would damage workplace morale and sap consumer confidence.

Full TUC reaction @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/equality/tuc-20206-f0.cfm

Countdown to Day of Action

2011-11-13T14:00:00.001Z

As preparations gather pace for the TUC National Day of Action on 30 November, the TUC has put together a special website to support the call for pensions justice, with news, campaigning materials and links to union resources. Details of local events will be added over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, negotiations at scheme level will continue in the weeks ahead following the concessions offered by ministers on 2 November. A further meeting of the Public Services Liaison Group will take place later this month.

TUC statement on pensions dispute @

http://www.tuc.org.uk/economy/tuc-20238-f0.cfm

Lambeth S.O.S

2011-11-12T17:19:00.005Z

Lambeth S.O.S campaigners met outside the Ritzy cinema today to demonstrate against the Council decision to cut services.

Speakers included Assistant Branch Secretary for Unison Dan Jeffrey and Cyps Convenor Andrew Tullis. Members from the O'clock club also participated with a show of strength.

Remember those who died in conflicts

2011-11-11T10:17:00.002Z

Remember those who died during war and conflict all over the world. Mostly young people who were killed fighting in wars in the hope that there might be fewer of them in the future..

Lambeth Unison march on 12 November 2011

2011-11-11T10:08:00.001Z

Lambeth Unison together with other unions and the S.O.S campaign movement will be holding a march which is taking place tomorrow Saturday 12 November 2011 from Wind rush square in Brixton from 1.30 p.m. People are asked to march down the streets of Lambeth in support of the save our services campaign. All activists are asked to attend.

Lambeth Unison action 9 November

2011-11-10T08:46:00.003Z

Lambeth Unison activists and others attended a gathering outside the Lambeth Town Hall last night in support of the struggle for fair pensions. The Council were debating a motion submitted by the Labour administration which supported the local government pension scheme.

A march through Brixton will be taking place this Saturday 12 November from Windrush Square starting at 1.30 p.m. Activists are asked to make sure that they attend this event which is part of the overall campaign in support of the LGPS scheme.

Yvette Cooper looking good in the commons

2011-11-09T15:16:00.000Z

Managed to watch the lunchtime news today and couldn't help noticing how powerful and focused Yvette Coopers attack on T May was. Not agreeing with the subject being discussed in the House but looking at the performance I would say that she is a more worthy Leader for the Labour party. Its about time Labour embraced the 21st century and selected a woman leader. Ed Miliband looked like a student who lost his lollipop in the background, sorry but it has to be said!

Student demonstration 9 November

2011-11-09T15:14:00.001Z

A peaceful demonstration against the government decision to increase tuition fees is taking place today in central London. I am hoping that the police do not use bullets, as they said they might, and fire against their own children?? The students have a legitimate protest and have the right to express their anger..

Lambeth Unison Council lobby 9 November 2011

2011-11-09T15:10:00.002Z

Lambeth Unison is one of the London branches taking action in support of the local government pension scheme which is under attack by the Con a Lib coalition government. A motion is being presented at Council tonight regarding the pensions situation. Activists and other supporters will be gathering outside the Town Hall steps from 6 o'clock tonight and a 5 member delegation will address the meeting.

Can the euro surive?

2011-11-08T11:04:00.003Z

Italy is now at the brink and is following the fate of Greece. Its like a GrecoRoman tragedy. But the truth is that the euro will not be able to withstand the pressure placed upon it by the crisis the Italian and Spanish economies create they are far bigger in volume to be seen just as a mere scratch on the surface so I would imagine we are at the start of the end for the currency... This could also see the unfortunate end of the Euro project unless we start right from basics again.

Industrial action 30 November

2011-11-07T13:13:00.002Z

Everyone I know is affected by the changes that the government are trying to impose on public sector workers. The coalition government have started the war of propaganda by dishing out stories about how public sector workers get better benefits than anyone else. They should stop saying that as it is not true at all, public sector workers keep the country running and provide a very valuable service. I think the propaganda coming out from them will make people more resolute to take action.