There is a lot of energy around

Simple thoughts for today. There is no doubt that the left is divided in the UK and this is the case with the left within London Unison and the wider TU movement. At the same time I see and feel that there is a lot of energy around and many new and not so new activists who are determined to make a difference and that is a very positive thing. That energy and enthusiasm needs to be cultivated and those on the left that are recent arrivals need to be given the help to get the right training and development. I will repeat what I said yesterday which is that the job of a Trade Union Leader in the real world consists of organising, developing and representing members. Any idea that new Leaders can simply rely on good speech making occasions is a huge mistake. The vast majority of what Convenors, Branch Secs and Stewards do (more than 95% of their time) is about representing members on a day to day basis. And myself and Jon have found that reality out in the last 15 years.