Wednesday, May 21, 2008

UNISON London Europe & International Committee – Appeal for Cuba

A quick report back on my first meeting of this regional lay committee. It took place on Monday at the Chancellors Room, Hughes Parry Hall, London WC1. Just around the corner from UNISON national HQ at Mabledon Place. I had been elected as a delegate from the London Regional Committee.

I had been meaning to stand as a member of this committee for a while since I thought that it made sense since it compliments the work I am trying to do for the UNISON Capital stewardship programme (with member nominated representatives on funded pension schemes).

In fact several years ago this committee with help from the campaigning charity Oxfam helped kick off the “London UNISON Pension Network” (now London Capital Stewardship Forum) which I convene (next meeting to be confirmed but probably before the CWU meeting on 8 July) .

This was also the AGM, but there was a slight hick up since the previous secretary to the committee had retired and no-one could find a constitution. So national rules and guidance was adopted.

Ruby Cox from Tower Hamlets (Local Gov. Branch) was re-elected unopposed as Chair. There was an election for vice chair, which was comfortably won (hard luck this time to Jackie) by Ray Mouratsing (Health Committee).

The first real item was to register committee members “interests” in the topics/areas that the committee were concerned about (or to suggest new areas). This was a pretty vast field since we all had particular areas of interest. It was based on affiliation and budget headings agreed by the previous committee. I “expressed interest” (in being involved and informed) on Europe; Southern Africa (Zimbabwe); Iraq; Bangladesh; Trade/TU human rights/Core Labour standards; Burma and Cuba Solidarity.

A major item of business was the Greater London appeal to raise funds to rebuild the Havana (Cuba) City’s Ambulance Control Room. The campaign is to raise £50k. So far it is one of the regions most successful appeals. About £40k had been raised. Contributions from UNISON branches range from £25 to £6,000. This appeal has also been adopted by those who wish to remember former Unison activist and official, John Kelly-Chandler.

Next, was a depressing but topical debate on the decision by the new Nicaragua Sandinistas government (unbelievable) decision to support the law introduced by the previous conservative government that that all abortions are illegal. Regardless of the fact that they may have been necessary to save the life of the mother. Only 3 countries in the world adopt such a repressive policy.

Members of the committee were rightly absolutely furious at this decision. I think that it is fair to say that international support for progressive politics in Nicaragua has been dealt a really serious blow. Unless this measure is appealed then I think that Nicaragua will become a pariah state. Quite right too.

I had to go before the end of the meeting but listened to Nick Crook (UNISON International Officer) who gave a presentation which was a pretty convincing argument on the benefits to the union. from internationalism. Not only do we believe in solidarity but for example by promoting quality public services in the developing world and defending trade union rights we are actually also reinforcing the case for such services and rights in Britain.

44 comments:

Charlie Marks said...

A piranah state? Sounds a bit fishy to me comrade. Don't you mean pariah?

John Gray said...

Hi Charlie
Thanks for that – I’ve changed it -hopefully it was not a Freudian slip?

Sorry for not posting anything on English assembly yet. Must get my head around it.

Charlie Marks said...

Good to hear you're thinking about the English question, John.

If Labour wants the union of England and Scotland to continue and avoid looking out of touch in both nations then it has to deal with the issue. It's not like the Tories are keen on this issue and although the Liberals support a federal set up, they're opposed to a devolved national institution for England.

Ian Manborde said...

Hi John,

I was very interested in your report on the elections to the UNISON International Committee and its new programme of work.

I have recently been involved in supporting the work of the West Midlands Black Members SOG in building links with unions in the Caribbean.

As part of this work I invited a current student at Ruskin College (Quinto Dlamini) from the Swaziland National Associaton of Civil Servants who is currently bein sponsored by UNISON. He gave colleagues an international perspective on the benefits of twinning arrangements amongst other things

In my role at Ruskin I'd be happy to help you and other UNISON activists arrange speaker slots for our overseas trade union students who stay at Ruskin for up to a year through union sponsorships and the FCO.

Please feel free to contact me: imanborde@ruskin.ac.uk or ring me on 07900 325 379.

Thanks

Ian

Anonymous said...

Scotland has kept Labour in power for years...at the last election more p[eople in England voted Conservative than voted Labour. Labour pushed the devolution question in an attenpt to slow the rise of SNationalism which would permanently wipe out their chances of Govt.

Anonymous said...

What about Nantwich then John? Its all going wrong for you mate! This result demonstrates the overwhelming anger and contempt in which New Labour is now held by (your) traditional supporters.

John Gray said...

Hi Charlie
It is a serious issue but I must admit that if there is no pressure from anyone for such an assembly then...?

John Gray said...

Hi Ian
Great idea - I will pass your contact details to the Chair and Secretary to see if we can sort things out.

John Gray said...

Hi Anon (s)
It wasn’t that many years ago in the scheme of things that more people voted Conservative than Labour in Scotland. I think your “point” has more to do with the unfairness of the 1st past the post system. Labour got 55% of seats with only 36% of the vote (not that I am complaining mind).

Check out http://grayee.blogspot.com/2008/05/oh-mr-porter-what-shall-i-do.html on Crewe. It’s not all doom and gloom methinks. It’s not so much getting traditional supporters out to vote (although we need to do this as well) it is the post 1997 Labour Party supporters who we need to attract back.

Thanks for the concern though...

Anonymous said...

Why do not promote solidarity with the independent trade union movement and for all the Cuban workers that risk prission if try to freely orgnize and bargain?, and the 7 unionist still in jail, jut fro exerciase their rigths?

John Gray said...

Hi acabrera

Sorry, please reference your claim. Things are not perfect in Cuba. Getting rid of a completely pointless blockade should improve things for everyone.

Damien McKee said...

I know this posting will be at least 3 years late but I was curious as to your view on the HFE bill now act and whether or not you would have voted for or against reducing the upper time limit for an abortion and if you are for doing it on the signature of 1 doctor?

John Gray said...

Hi Damien

I am fond of saying better late than never.

I think that I would vote to keep the status quo at this time. It seems to an imperfect compromise that is broadly accepted by society.

Damien McKee said...

Also wouldn't you agree that it was outrageous for a group of Mp's who don't represent Northern Irish seats to try and table an amendment to force the Abortion Act on Northern Irelandn against the clear wishes of the people both Nationalist and Unionist?

John Gray said...

Hi Damien
I’m don’t think it is “outrageous” since that is the role of MPs to make such very difficult decisions and go against public opinion over issues of “principle”.

Rightly or wrongly MP’s voted to do away with capital punishment (and keep doing so) despite the overwhelming support of the public for it. However, Parliament does such things at its peril.

I understand that Northern Ireland does have special constitutional rights which I understand caused this attempt to fail.

Damien McKee said...

What is your view on the fact that I would still join a trade union despite their pro abortion policies and if I attended a TUC conference and I voted against a pro abortion motion I wouldn't face any rpoblems would I?

John Gray said...

Hi Damien

My former branch secretary and present Chair do not support unison branch and conference policy on abortion but they accept the democratic processes of the union. If you were to join (and you should) then you would have the opportunity to argue your case in the branch about what should be our policy. However. if you go to any TU conference as a delegate you will be mandated to support branch/union policy (whatever that is).

Damien McKee said...

Thanks for that! I would consider joing a union maybe UDSAW if I go to work in a shop but whilst I would still join I cannot in conscience support abortion rights resolutions and is it mandatory to attend TUC conferences?

John Gray said...

No you do not have to go to conferences.

Damien McKee said...

In other words you would support the TUC motion on abortion rights?

John Gray said...

Hi Damien

I've not been a delegate to TUC and not seen the motion but I assume I would.

Damien McKee said...

You will probably remember David Alton's private member's bill back in 1988 that sought to reduce the abortion time limit from 28 weeks to 18 weeks,were you for or against the Alton Bill and wouldn't you agree it was a bit rich for former Tory MP Teresa Gorman(an opponant of the bill) to lecture about how what Alton was doing was wicked and cruel when her government were cutting benefits,wrecking the NHS and destroying people's lives?

John Gray said...

against and yes it was very rich.

Damien McKee said...

What is your opinion on the proposal in South Dakota to impose a 72 hour waiting period to have an abortion and to have counselling! I think this is a good idea as it is providing REAL choice and giving women the facts instead of the abortion rights nonsense that the group of the same name peddles them.

John Gray said...

Hi Damien
I don’t know what existing restrictions are in place in South Dakota but I doubt that I would support this.

However, I would agree that there should be widely available sex education at an early age and genuine independent information and support (financial and practical) for women who are considering not having an abortion.

This will cost a lot money if done properly.

Damien McKee said...

What is your opinion on the rumours in the Telegraph that Mps Frank Field and Nadine Dorries may table an amendment to the Health Bill going through parliament tomake sure that indepndant counselling is offered to women seeking an abortion?

John Gray said...

oppose

Damien McKee said...

Why would you oppose? I take it back in 1990 when abortion was last fully debated you would have supported the proposal for the compulsory enrolement on a public register of doctors with a conscientious objection to taking part in abortions?

John Gray said...

I can't see the point? No-one should be forced to take part in abortion but a register will only help the idiots target those who do?

Damien McKee said...

I would like to ask why I admire Gwyneth Dunwoody even though I totally oppose her views on abortion yet I find Louise Hutchins of Abortion Rights a snooty middle class prat, could it it maybe be that Gwyneth was friendly,down to eartn and no nonsense?

John Gray said...

or could it just be that Louise Hutchins (not that I have ever met her) of Abortion Rights is a "snooty middle class prat"?

I am proud to consider myself working class but that does not mean that I think all working class people are perfect.

Damien McKee said...

What was your view on the late Gwyneth Dunwoody anyway?

John Gray said...

A charactor

Damien McKee said...

Forgot to say that a lot of abortion rights activists(with some exceptions -Ann Furedi,Brendan O'Neill,Jennie Bristow of Spiked Magazine,Labour Mp Kate Green as well as the late Gwyneth Dunwoody) are a bunch of middle class snobs with nothing better to do with their time whinge and moan about their rights being restricted and as a Labour man it pains me to say this but Dianne Abbott and her clique are university educated millitant feminist types who don't understand
the average woman in the street!

John Gray said...

..."as a Labour man"...

Damien McKee said...

What do you mean by that?

John Gray said...

Well, I think it is your right to call people "snobs" if you think you can substantiate it. But, as a man (Labour or otherwise) to claim that you know what "average" ordinary women think - is daft. IMO.

Damien McKee said...

I'm surprised you weren't at the pro choice protest held in London last week amongst that bunch of shrieking women whinging about"Their rights"!Good grief how out of touch are these women?

John Gray said...

Damien

A complete and utter disregard for the views of those who don't happen to agree with you is not on

This issue is a matter of conscience and I respect those who disagree with me even if I think they are profoundly wrong.

Damien McKee said...

I apologise for giving you that impression!As I have said before I have no problems with the likes of Kate Green,Judy Mallaber,Ann Furedi or the late Gwyneth Dunwoody even though I would disagree with their views on this issues it's Diane Abbott's dogmatic approach I have a problem with!

John Gray said...

accepted by me but not sure about others?

Damien McKee said...

Would it be accurate to describe me as being on the Right of the Labour party in regards to some of my views?

John Gray said...

Well no not really you poor soul, it’s the same wing as Galloway pre-expulsion!

Brother George?

Damien McKee said...

I am no Bennite and have no time for the loony left! I am on the sensible wing of the party like you John(I am sorry about the tone of some of my previous comments as I admit they were way way too harsh and I don't like sparring with you as you are a nice caring,friendly and down to earth person.)I fully admit I let my annoyance at Diane Abbott's patronising tone cloud my judgement in how to discuss this issue instead of thinking it calmly and rationally!