Levithan. Time for change?

Well it seems that it isn't just the Tory boys that are planning major changes. The high and mighty of the Levithan, otherwise known as Lambeth Council, are getting restless with preparations about what to change and who to 'send on permanent holidays' and we are not talking here about change of clothes. There is a 'power struggle' going on and a lot of speculation as to whether x or y will be staying for breakfast after the municipal elections in May. Who survives will depend on which party wins the election but also who manages to push the other one out. I sometimes wish I wasn't restricted and I could state what I know but to mention the 'whispers' I know to be true in the 'corridors of power' would be unfair to those involved. Lets just say that the water is boiling or that some people are to be send to the tower soon, or am I just imagining it all? ...

Vote for change?

I am in a politically restricted post so I am not allowed (apparently) to advice anyone how to vote what I can do however is look at what different parties do and offer.

Today's national news is about the Tory 'activists' conference in Brighton, home of Jon of the Rogers (Bet he isn't happy seeing so many of them sniffing around...) Cameron, the man born with something in his mouth and member of the Eaton Mad Trolly brigade is saying that the Tories can win the next election because they offer change. Change from Eaton boys running the bloody country?? This is true but he forgets that what he is proposing could be seen as change for the worst or change of the Magie Vampire type in the late 80s changes that saw the destruction of communities based on discredited monetarist policies and sell every asset the state has. The change he is also advocating is for immediate cuts in the public sector so yes Cameron man you offer change but what kind of change? Not that I am telling anyone how to vote!!

Confusion about the rules

Unison was of course conceived in the early 90s and since then a number of rules and regulations have been agreed and implemented at national level. These rules were debated extensively by national conference. So we have the principles of proportionality and fair representation, which includes ring fencing seats for low paid women, imported in the national rule book.

We then have the same principles transferred into the regional rule book and of course this means that regional AGM elections are conducted within that framework of rules.

What shocks and amazes me is that a 'progressive' trades union with such good Equality driven rules has failed totally to make local branches adopt the same rules. So you have for example a situation where a branch can have the majority of male branch officers which is in direct contrast to national and regional principles and rules This is of course not right at all! I am not saying that a branch should have identical rules and local variations need to be taken into account but we must have a mechanism where branches are told they have a certain time to bring their local rule book in line with national. I can't see how anyone can argue with this otherwise we will continue to have local parts of unison being at variance with national and regional and this cannot be right or good for our Equalities agenda!

Single man

This is of course not about me as I am not a single man, not right now, its about the film single man with Colin Firth and Nick something who was in All about the boy with Hugh I can't keep my nickers on, Grant. Went to see it last night with friends at Clapham Picture House which is of course situated within our Borough (Lambeth) a fantastic venue especially now that it has been refurbished. The film was quite good but it lacked that cutting edge I thought, it was sometimes too long and as Hacienda might say there wasn't enough bonking in it. But an interesting story never the less and a must if you are into films and if you are not too busy attending United Leftover meetings (only joking..)

David Osler and Dave Prentis

Not that it makes a huge difference to me whether David Osler says so or not but here is a quote from David Osler's blog saying something similar to what I have said before '... The reality, of course, is that neither Bannister nor Holmes will win, and that Prentis will be returned for another term. In that sense, any divisions on the left are neither here nor there, although clearly a single agreed candidate would have been preferable to a multiplicity. ' Good that other people are looking at realities now and of course I can agree that Dave Prentis will be winning the election.

My branch has not voted on the subject yet and there is no formal position on this but a branch meeting has been arranged for the 25th March where members will be able to express their opinions. All the candidates have been invited. I am not too sure that we should be diverting energy and effort into this matter as there are far more important things going on right now and the big cuts are just around the corner...

Who helps the helpers?

I remember it was last year that I placed an entry on here asking whether the union had any mechanism through which activists involved with doing a lot of 'heavy' case work can get help and support. There was a help line a few years ago that people could call and talk to someone but that idea soon died. HRH John from Barnet then started a self help group where senior activists in London could meet and share their stories, experience and basically help each other but I have not been able to attend those meetings.

The reason I am bringing this subject back is because I have recently been involved with supporting a number of members who have been affected severely by the treatment they received at work. One of the cases has specifically affected me and has concerned me. I won't go into the detail of the case for obvious reasons but I find myself in the same position I have found myself before. In other words the affect this case has had on me (listening to the horrendous story and having to absorb the problem and offer support) means that I am personally affected yet there is no where for me to go for support and of course the wise guys amongst us would say I should be able to handle this given the senior position I hold in the branch and I will most probably be able to do this for the 100th time in my 22 years of doing this job, my question, however, is how do others with less experience and not so much exposure get support? And the unacceptable answer is there isn't any help or support. So the next question is what do we do about that? We have limited resources in the branch and haven't got any trained counsellors to help and since we don't trust the employer we seem to be stuck with a situation that would be totally unacceptable elsewhere? The other question must be whether the national union has a duty of care towards those of us who have been actively involved with supporting members on the ground? I think they should and it should be their responsibility to ensure that activists are supported.

Colin Firth wins BAFTA

Colin Firth at the BAFTA's

Great night at the BAFTA awards ceremony with my favorite Colin Firth wining the best actor award for his role in the film 'single man' directed by the equally good and different Tom Ford. Vanessa Redgrave also gave a strange 'performance 'when she accepted the fellowship of the academy. It was strange how this ex republican lady bowed to Prince William, who is now the President of the Academy, when accepting the award and the honour. Vanessa is of course known for her rebellious nature. Prince William also did well by looking very normal and humble and for trying to stop Vanessa from humbling herself too much. Wasn't too impressed with her long winded speech but then she was clearly in shock!