Co-ordinated Action on June 30th

Our UNISON branch already has agreed on the principle of a 24 hour general strike against the cuts. The following Unions are all preparing for coordinated industrial action on June 30th around anti-cuts issues: UCU (University and College Lecturers), FBU (Fire Brigades Union), PCS (Public and commercial Services), NUT (National Union of Teachers).

This report shows the head of steam building up with other unions like the RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport) ready to join. The NUJ (National Union of Journalists) conference recently called for a general strike.

Click here for an article on this subject.

Unfortunately, I have to say that the leadership of UNISON, despite a lot of anti-cuts speeches, do not seem to be preparing to translate words into action.

I have suggested that our branch should send a message to the UNISON leadership saying we stand for strike action on 30th June against the cuts.

This is an opportunity for us to show what we feel. It is time to strike over all the issues we are angry about. Each year our pay award is below inflation. We have also been robbed of redundancy enhancement. We face compulsory redundancies and there are changes to our pensions that force younger colleagues to work longer. Many members are angry but have expressed reservations about taking industrial action alone.

This is our opportunity to show what the trade union movement can do together.

Ed Bober is a steward in the Norfolk County Branch of UNISON.

International Workers Memorial Day - 28 April 2011

28 April 2011 is the first anniversary of the UK government officially recognising International Worker’s Memorial Day (IWMD).

IWMD has long been recognised by the international community as a day of reflection and commemoration for those who have either lost their lives, or who have become seriously ill or been injured as a direct result of their jobs.

The International Federation of Trade Unions suggests a theme for each IWMD; this year the focus is on ‘highlighting the crucial role played by trade unions, strong regulation and effective enforcement in securing workplaces.’

You may see colleagues wearing a purple ribbon on and around 28 April in recognition of IWMD. Please ask your local steward/rep or contact the branch office if you would wish to express your support for the day by wearing a ribbon.

Your UNISON branch have worked with the NCC Chaplain, Chris Copsey, and with NCC to arrange a service of remembrance to be held at 12.30pm on Thursday 28 April 2011. The service will take place at County Hall, and will include a dedication of the Memorial Tree planted by UNISON to commemorate the official recognition of IWMD last year.

The service will include a chance for individuals to light a candle in remembrance of those dear to them who may have suffered injury in the workplace, and will also observe a minute’s silence. In the event of poor weather, the service will take place in the Marble Hall.

If you would like to attend, or would like a dedication made on your behalf, please contact either the UNISON Office 222384 or email gspringett@hotmail.co.uk for further info.

If you can’t make it to County Hall on the day, please consider taking local action such as observing a minute’s silence in your workplace. You may wish to take a moment to consider those who have lost their lives, or been made ill as a result of their work, and think about what actions you can take to protect yourself and your colleagues in the future.

You can click here to link to a UNISON poster that can be printed and displayed in your workplace to show your solidarity.

International Worker's Memorial Day - remember the dead and fight for the living!

Glenn Springett is the Health and Safety Officer for the Norfolk County Branch of UNISON.

Campaign Against The Cuts - Progress

The campaign against public sector cuts is making progress. The Liberal Democrat element of the Coalition Government have wobbled over the Thatcherite plans to 'reform' (aka brutalise) the NHS and the weakness of the Tories has been exposed by their inability to force these cuts through. Andrew Lansley has called a temporary halt to the legislation for further consultation on the proposals. A fig leaf if ever there was one for an admission that right-wing Tories knew they couldn’t get their plans approved by Parliament.

We have to keep the pressure up both nationally and locally. Norfolk MPs need to hear from their voters that pursuing such cuts will lose them votes. Norwich South Liberal MP Simon Wright wobbled over whether to keep his promise on student tuition fees. It appears only when he did the maths and worked out his parliamentary majority hung on the large student vote in his constituency did he agree to his pre election promise. This was probably with Nick Clegg’s agreement as the behaviour of the Liberal Democrats MPs shows they are more interested in maintaining political power than sticking by their political principles. Their behaviour in Government does nothing to wipe away the memories of the MPs expenses scandal which cast a shadow over all three of the main political parties.

Locally we are keeping up the pressure as part of the TUC 'There is an alternative' campaign. On 2 May Bank Holiday the May Day celebration in Norwich will be relaunched. Between 12.00 and 3.00 pm there will be an event in Chapelfield Gardens, Norwich. There will be live music and speakers with the theme being the campaign against NHS 'reform'. I hope to see as many UNISON members there as possible. The NHS is built on the principles that should underpin all public services. If Andrew Lansley’s plans come to fruition it will inevitably have a considerable impact on the rest of the public sector. It will also be bad news for us as individuals who benefit from our NHS service. We need to keep up the pressure as a union and as union members.

Jonathan Dunning is the Branch Secretary of the Norfolk County Branch of UNISON.

March for the Alternative

The TUC demonstration on March 26th 2011 was a brilliant show of strength. The Norfolk County UNISON branch were well represented and all those who came on the march have good impressions to share. Media estimates grossly understated the size of the demo and also focused on completely peripheral issues. I think this shows how much the establishment fear the potential power of the trade union movement.

This society has the potential wealth to support a growing public sector. Tax evasion and avoidance cost the UK £120 billion a year. Trident would cost £1.8 billion. Government investment in a million green jobs would save on unemployment benefit and bring in extra tax revenues.

In my view the TUC should now call a 24-hour general strike to defend jobs and services. However, the leaders will not do this without pressure from below. Together with service users we need to take direct action to defend jobs and services.

- Ed Bober, Norfolk County UNISON Branch steward