UNISON statement on Gaza

UNISON - Defend the 4

Glenrothes shows the way

John McDonnell backs call for an independent enquiry into UNISON officials
John McDonnell backs call for an independent enquiry into UNISON officials   John McDonnell MP is backing the call for an independent inquiry into the allegations made in court against senior unison full time officials. In a recent employment tribunal bought by four elected UNISON branch officers a London full time regional officer has alleged that the London Regional secretary Linda Perks, the head of London local Government Vicky Easton and London Head of health Chri

The end is in sight...
The final question to our panel is about whether the unions should still be linked to just one Party. Glenroy Watson explains how the RMT was booted out from Labour. We need to work with those who will support us. Linda Perks reminds us of the origins of the Labour Party and the benefits of having a union-linked Party. We are better off than in the USA where there is no such Party. Linda also thinks we need to consider how to strengthen the Union voice in the Party. Better late than never? Karen Jennings refers back to the diversity of political speakers at this year's Health Conference - our delegates applauded Unionist and SNP speakers who opposed marketisat

Less lively live blogging
This is not the most entertaining evening of the year so far. Glen Kelly has been called three times from the floor - most recently to call for Obama to become a socialist. This exhibits some optimism. Glenroy Watson is doing a good job of puncturing illusions in the US President - where he asks did the coup in Honduras come from? Only one person here believes the Nobel Peace Prize was warranted. Quite why we spend so long on US politics I don't know. Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Still blogging at the SERTUC Question Time
Our fifth question is a wide ranging question about prospects for young people. This is predictably giving rise to some vague and general answers. I am losing the will to live at this point. We have moved on from this without questions from an audience who have been drifting off to a question about Barak Obama. Whilst the question of whether he will be a one term President is an interesting one I am not sure this question plays to the strengths of our Panel. Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

And even more live blogging...
Without any contributions from the floor we move on to a fourth question - about whether nurses should be required to have a degree. Karen Jennings and Linda Perks give sound arguments against this but are not supported by an RCN speaker from the floor. Rosemary Laryea and Glenroy Watson both sound sensible notes of caution. Is this an attempt to replace doctors with nurses? Is it about restricting access to nursing? Trade union speakers do better in addressing trade union issues perhaps. Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange