Why it is fun to be on the UNISON NEC!

Tuesday was one of those days that remind me why I like being a member of the UNISON National Executive. Although I spent the day at work, like more than a million other members, I was able to address two meetings, one at lunchtime and one in the evening.

At lunchtime I was invited over to the Southwark branch to talk about the pensions dispute in local government. Thanks to the intransigence and pig-headedness of the employers and Government this is now looking like further industrial action. However, we have to acknowledge that there have been a number of serious tactical blunders on the trade union side. I hope Wednesday’s meeting of the UNISON National Executive will discuss how to remedy the defects in the running of the dispute which have led to these blunders. Whether I am right to hope this, or am just a hopeless optimist I have no doubt that time will tell! The key thing that I took away from the meeting was that our members are willing to take further strike action but want to know that the leadership has confidence in their determination, which means no more token one day strikes!

This evening I addressed a public meeting against privatisation organised by the Islington branches of UNISON and the NUT. I was particularly happy to share a platform with John McDonnell, the only declared candidate for Leader of the Labour Party. What I enjoy about supporting John’s principled socialist politics is that I can back him with a smile, whilst all those supporting other contenders for the leadership within our Union can only do so through clenched teeth. There was much support at the meeting for John, and for the Public Services Not Private Profit Campaign.

I am looking forward to Wednesday’s meeting of the UNISON National Executive at which I may just speak my mind.