The end...

Sparky says good bye...

Yesterday was my last day in the wonderful world of Lambeth Unison. I leave behind sisters, brothers and a plethora of good friends. People who stood with me outside Olive Morris House every morning for 12 weeks in 1992 (didn't help my skin that!) 12 weeks opposing the unjust treatment of payroll workers from bloody January to April!

I also leave behind those many members and friends who did not lose their nerve and worked with me for 4 years between 1997 to July 2001 to bring the Benefits division back into public ownership. People who believed in me and the Unison team and agreed with our methods and tactics. That was a tough 4 years of continuous struggle with very little to no support from anyone outside. The bond I developed with people there will never be broken. I am so proud of the 200 members in that area who never doubted our ability to succeed, and the battle did not end there, we then had to implement the harmonisation plan bringing those who had gone on private sector terms back to public ownership and onto APT&C terms and conditions of service. A project taking a whole year.

I have spend the last 3 weeks walking around the main buildings where I worked talking to friends about the reasons for my leaving. I did this because they deserved a personal explanation and I have promised them all to keep in touch. I was touched by the warmth and affection shown to me by people. I know I don't deserve it but I am truly grateful. I am hoping to see most of those I have known for 20 years on the 30th of April when I will be returning back for a day.

There are so many people I wish to thank but when I started writing the list I realised that it will take for ever to mention their names so apologies if I don't mention your name.

I will thank Jon of the Rogers first of all for being my 3rd brother (I have 2 other 'natural' brothers) Jon and I have had an 'interesting' relationship. We balanced each other out and I think the Branch benefited from our cooperation mainly because we were so different in our approach. I can't think of anything bad to say about Jon and that is because there isn't anything bad to say. The man lives breathes and eats Trade Unionism and he is genuine about the struggle. He could perhaps get a bit tougher sometimes but then if he did he wouldn't be who he is. I know the Branch will unite behind his leadership and help him now that I am gone because he will need the support.

The other significant activist that I worked with for so many years is the capable Convenor of the centre Chester Danvers a real street wise genuine Trade Union activist who cares for members. I am so proud that I forced Chester 14 years ago to become a Shop Steward and then force him to stand for the position of Convenor. He is a capable successor. Who says that forcing people to do things never works?

And of course there is Khi, Jackie, Katrina, Juliet, Anne, Nazim, Robert, Nicola, Denise, Gladys, Florence, Joanna, Claire, Shida and many others who made the 22 year struggle be worth the while. And of course there is Hassina (called Hacienda by me) who has become a good friend in the last year. She is far too good looking to be working in local government I think and she could easily be a Byonce look alike! She has been funny and entertaining and I love her because although we never agree with anything we always have fun! I also admire the fact that despite the fact that she has gone through a lot of hardship in her life she always smiles and laughs, a bit like me. She needs to promise me that she will help and support Jon and I know she will.

I also wish to thank some people on the other side if you like. The Director of Finance and Resources for example, Mike Suarez, who has been a fantastic Director and has always played it fair. I hope Lambeth does a lot more to make sure he sticks around! David Ashmore Head of Benefits has also been constructive. It was good to work with people who understood that we were all part of the solution rather than the problem and that is the key to good industrial relations. Also (rather controversially) say a thanks to Nana Amoa Buahin who I got on well on a personal level I think her assertiveness was often misinterpreted as being arrogance. I did not see that in her. I also liked Linda Perks and found her more of a fascination than a problem. Maybe I see things differently? And of course John Gray isn't boring so there! lol.

Well enough said. Good bye Lambeth Unison!

Darling does well

Didn't watch the debate last night as I was busy doing my hair but friends who did report that Darling did relatively well. They say that he could have done something to sort out the dreadful colour coordination between eyebrow and hair but in terms of dealing with the real issues around the economy he presented a reasonable argument whereas the other two raced against each other to make statements that could impress the electorate which is an easy task when you know you won't be in power. They might as well have said that income tax would go down to 5% knowing that they wouldn't have to implement it!

The lesson is simple, there is no alternative to Labour but Darling must sort out the eyebrow versus hair problem! Otherwise Satchy and Pystachy could throw their handbags at him!

Getting there...

Well getting near the end now. My days with the land of Lambeth are coming to an end. I leave behind a fantastic and vibrant branch full of life with friends and people that I am connected with, but looking forward to a new life as well and new adventures, new projects and new challenges for for me it is the start of something new. Will miss everyone who has worked with me but will also keep in touch with the vast majority of those I share values with. The branch is as strong as its members and the members must be encouraged to get more involved and be better informed and kept away from 'political speculators' and those who want to embark on unrealistic adventures on 'no where avenue' servicing the needs of minor no hope political groups. I know the Executive will unite behind Jon who is a genuine Trade Unionist fighting constantly to protect the interest of the members. He needs support.

Rescue plan?

Looks like the Germans and the French have got what they wanted with the IMF absorbing a one third share of the 'rescue package' and Europe taking on the other two thirds. The interesting thing about the 'rescue plan' is that none of the funds will be used unless the Hellenic state is unable to raise loans on the international money markets. I have emailed my auntie and told her not to go out buying that new microwave she wanted for a month, not yet! The idea is that a package in the background will allow the international markets to give out low interest loans and not worry that these won't be paid. Greece will, in theory, be able to do what needs to be done with some confidence and call on the 'rescue plan' if it becomes necessary? It was obvious that the French (as usual) paid a major part in supporting their close ally (Greece) there are, however, others in the waiting with Portugal, Ireland and Spain calling for support soon. Countries not in the euro zone are not affected but that don't mean they are not in the shit! So Britain, for example, is not implicated although has a similar problem. Greek press happy with French support. I am assuming that British tourists will have a fantastic time in the Aegean this summer but not too sure what will happen to our German friends. No more allowance for putting them sun towels on sun beds every morning at 5.00 a.m. and claiming the bed all bloody day! (sorry Martin - my German friend- but Merkell has annoyed me!!) Love Germans as you know! x

Hellenic rescue? Just don't mention the war...

Looks like the Germans have finally agreed but to a plan to 'rescue' the Hellenes which combine an intervention from the IMF and the EU. Involving the IMF was something opposed by most of the nations in the euro zone. The French who are traditional allies to the Greeks appear to have given in.

The Greek press, rightly or wrongly, is critical of the Germans who, after all, destroyed most medium size countries during the second world war (especially Greece) paid no reparations afterwards and then received massive support through the Marshal plan (which included money paid by the 4 million USA Greek American tax payers) The deputy PM of Greece (who doesn't look like suffering from the effects of the recession) has been asking why it is that the Germans have not returned the gold reserves removed by the occupation forces. Whatever the arguments are one thing remains clear and that is that the workers of that country and soon the other 3 if not more, will have to pay the price.

Is Euro Federalism working??

PIGS in trouble...

The Western media are calling them PIGS and they are in trouble. PIGS stands for Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain. These are the first countries to be in trouble with their economies. Greece is the first to be pushing the bucket with 12% of its GDP being in the negative, interesting the British equivalent is 8% so no huge difference in real terms. The other countries, Spain and Portugal plus Ireland are just about to follow the Greek example. The Greek TUC called two general strikes protesting against the austerity measures imposed by the new Labour type of Socialist PASOK the strike was very popular and it meant I had trouble with my flight back (couldn't they have waited a day or two.. bloody unions!)

The interesting thing to me is that the 3 of the 4 countries in trouble Spain, Greece and Portugal, had very similar historical developments with military dictatorship periods coinciding. Greece got rid of the junta in 1974, Portugal in 1975 and Spain 1976 with the death of Franco. They were then pushed to join the EEC with Greece becoming the 10th member as early as 1982 Spain and Portugal followed after a few years. Then we had the introduction of the Euro and now its all going wrong. But many would say that the reality is not that things are going wrong its just that the system isn't right, that is the Greek theory anyway. I am hoping that the Germans and the French who have expressed their support will do more to rescue the situation. More should also be done to introduce the PAYE system in Greece which is currently not there!

London Regional Committee

I will be attending what could be my last regional committee meeting today as I am leaving Lambeth. I shall remain a Unison member even after my departure but not sure whether I shall retain my role on this body.

The regional committee meets in between Regional Councils and is almost always interesting. There are usually some good debates and discussions.