Who helps the Helpers and who supports the Protectors?

I haven't been able to do much on here for the last two days as I have been feeling a bit unwell. Still feeling sad about the loss of fellow Branch Secretary Malcolm who was such a nice guy and a committed trade union activists. His death has made me think again about how difficult this job is (Branch Secretary) and how difficult it is to get support when you are feeling the stress and continuous pressure. I am always told that the buck stops with me in the Branch and that it is my responsibility to do everything and be all things to all men (and women of course..) Who helps those who help others and where is the support for those of us fighting constant battles and having to deal with constantly changing priorities which bring huge amounts of pressure? Who cares for those of us who have given up careers to serve those we represent? The answer is there is nothing and no one, we only have each other for support and to try and reduce the level of stress. This can't be right? The union structures offer nothing and the employer doesn't want to know!

Nick Venedi

Malcolm Campbell

I was sad to hear of the sudden death of a friend and fellow Branch Secretary Malcolm. He will be missed by all of us. Malcolm was a real fighter and a great communicator loved by many. I always joked with him about the fact that as a Croydon resident and charge payer he was costing me too much, well you were worth it mate. May you rest in peace.

http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/news/localnews/4344963.Friends_mourn_death_of_popular_trade_unionist/

The Parthenon Marbles

Forty five young students and five teachers from a Secondary School in Cephalonia will be protesting outside the British Museum on Sunday 3rd May at 15:30. The students will be protesting for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles. If anyone would like to be present to support this protest and hold banners, please contact me on here and I will provide you with more details. Furthermore, postcards, similar to the leaflets that were given out last year will be distributed outside the British Museum during that afternoon.



The Parthenon Marbles belong to the Parthenon and whilst the people of Greece are grateful to the BM for looking after them for so many years they would like them returned.

The Equality Bill and the pay gap

Good to know that the Equality Bill will make organisations produce and publish figures showing the pay differences between men and women at the work place. This will not resolve the problem on its own but will be a first step towards achieving equality. Time to move on and remove the old prejudices and stop allowing commercial companies hide behind the protection of anonymity.

There have been reports and studies published previously demonstrating that the gap between the sexes is unacceptable and that Britain ranks 26th position in the world on this with countries like the Philippines and Russia being at the top and doing much better. This can't be right and it doesn't make economic sense workers should be rewarded for the what they do and their value recognised irrespective of gender or race.

Forcing companies and public sector organisations to release meaningful figures will allow for TU's to work towards achieving the change. And Unison is of course now leading on this. More should also be done to ensure that the gap between Black and White is also narrowed. But well done to the Labour government for pushing this through we all know that the Tories would not have allowed this!

Vote in the NEC Elections! Your vote counts!

We must all ensure that we exercise the right to vote in the NEC elections and vote for people who we know have done a good job before, have something new to contribute or think are representative of our interests and aspirations.

I am deliberately asking people to consider voting for individuals rather than political slates (whatever that means..) I ask the following questions when I use my vote:

1. Is the candidate representative enough in the constituency where they are standing and does she or he bring with them knowledge, potential, charisma and the ability to say what I think and feel.

2. Is the candidate able to demonstrate that despite the fact the she or he has no previous experience is able to do the job and is none dogmatic in their approach.

So please make sure that the vote you have is used and make Dave Prentis happy! Please ring Unison Direct if you have not received the paperwork! Your vote counts!

My top favorite so far is of course Jon Rogers .

UNISON DIRECT 0845 355 0845 call them today if you haven't received a ballot paper!!

Welfare of animals

There has been some debate lately about controlling dangerous dogs and of course there have been some incidents where aggressive dogs have attacked adults and children. This is not acceptable at all. So whilst I agree that we all need to be protected from aggressive animals I would insist that it is the owners of these animals that should have the responsibility to ensure that their dogs are well looked after and they do not suffer in the hands of irresponsible people. A licence system should be introduced with checks and animal welfare charities should be given more powers to take dogs away from those who consider animals to be objects to play with. Animals can't talk and they are very much a part of our families they must be protected! They are inhabitants of this planet and they should not be abused. We should also boycott any supermarket that continuous to allow the sale of animals that come from intensive farming. If I have to eat a chicken (not often but it has been known) I want to know that she had a good short life and wasn't treated like a machine! If we all go for free range the price will eventually come down. We have a responsibility to protect those who can't defend themselves.

Greek community. Reply to comments

A quick response to some of the comments from two readers
Nick Venedi