National Executive Council (NEC), Higher Education General Seat
Max Watson, London Metropolitan University Branch
Membership number: 5260154
salaam_max@yahoo.co.uk Dear colleague, I am seeking re-election to the National Executive Council (NEC) so I am writing to branches asking you to nominate me for the Higher Education General Seat. Since I stood for election in 2010 we were still anxious about the future under a Tory-led Government, now there is no doubt just how vicious this government is and the need for a union leadership that is up to the task of resisting their relentless attacks.
The Pensions dispute
The key issue last year was the pensions dispute, which gave a flavour of just what can be achieved when the labour movement unites and resists together as we did on the magnificent day of action on 30th November. Popular opinion was on our side, members felt confident and those who had marched together in March 2011 felt the impact of taking strike action together. Then the momentum was scuppered and within a few days around Christmas last year strike action was called off and the dispute fizzled out.
The demoralisation of this story for the labour movement cannot be overestimated and I believe the poor result of the pay ballot was indicative of this: we need a leadership which doesn't back down so quickly and is prepared to lead the action necessary to win.
My record on the NEC speaks for itself: I have called for coordinated action from the beginning, stood and was elected on such a platform, and have continued to argue throughout my time on the NEC for the need for such cross-union solidarity and for maximum action against the government's onslaught.
My record at London Met is of a militant trade unionist as Chair of a strong, fighting branch. We fought against job cuts in 2011 with successful strike action; we doubled the redundancy pay and significantly reduced the compulsory redundancies. In 2012 we fought a huge battle against Shared Services which was an unprecedented neoliberal privatisation of the back offices of our University – the entire support staff were at risk of transfer to a new company managed by a private company such as CAPITA or BT. We refused to accept the 'inevitable' and we fought their proposals with a vibrant campaign, mobilised our members and we won.
We also fought against the UK Border Agency trying to shut us down entirely by revoking our license to recruit international students this year. Once again we mobilised our members, working with the UCU and the local student union, and this campaign was also successful: a high court injunction allowed students at London Met to continue their studies this year.
Building confidence: Living Wage
The difference these successful campaigns has had on the confidence of our members has had a real impact. We are a highly visible and strengthened branch. We always involve and mobilise our members to take action for themselves – and we never leave them to do nothing whilst we go to (often fruitless) negotiations (so demoralising during the pensions dispute).
The confidence in our ability to make gains was boosted even more after we fought for and won the Living Wage at London Met despite the cuts in 2010-11. The proudest moment for me personally as Chair was to watch Tamar Emmanuel, our Young members' officer, delivering the moving speech (her first) for the Composite Motion on the Living Wage at last year's HE conference.
Equalities
One other issue I took up last year was the issue of breast-feeding mothers being excluded from conferences – it became apparent to me that women with breastfeeding babies were not allowed access to UNISON events when a member of my branch was not allowed to enter the HE conference or the fringe meeting on the Living Wage. I took this issue up on the NEC and our branch submitted an amendment to a motion to NDC. The rules were rapidly changed and I'm proud to say the union is more inclusive for women as a result.
Keep Higher Ed on the map
Higher Ed is a quirky part of UNISON and I am honoured to represent our fiercely independent nature and our ability to remain comradely and friendly despite big political differences. We have avoided any of the witch hunts that have soured relations in other service groups which I have always denounced. The Higher Ed Service Group Exec were the only section of UNISON to vote to recommend a rejection of the LGPS proposals and I'm proud to be part of such a fighting, spirited leadership.
I am always happy to come to branch meetings for questions, feedback and comments. Just email me or check my record via my blog: http://maxwatsonunison.blogspot.co.uk/
Nominate 'Max Watson, London Metropolitan University' for a fighting candidate on the NEC to continue speaking up on your behalf.
Please also nominate Tomasa Bullen, Southampton Solent University Branch, for the HE Female Seat, who is standing alongside me for a 'fighting, democratic union'. If you haven't received her letter calling for nominations, let me know.
In solidarity, Max Watson Thanks for taking the time to read this – I know how busy you all are. Please note the nomination period will open on Wednesday 9 January 2013 and closes at 5pm on Friday 22 February 2013. See attached the nomination form or you can call 0845 355 0845 and for more info go to: http://www.unison.org.uk/elections/ |
Monday, 7 January 2013
Nominate Max Watson, London Metropolitan University Branch, for National Executive Council (NEC), Higher Education General Seat
Monday, 10 December 2012
Linda Holden wins only contested SGE by-election
The results of the SGE by-election were announced today, and there is good news and bad news. The bad news (always start with the downer), is that out of 18 seats, only one was contested - which can never be a good sign for democracy.
The good news is that the only contested seat was for the NW Higher Education female seat and Linda Holden took it. About time too! Linda is well known in the region as the Branch Secretary of Manchester Met branch and the HE sector nationally, as she is a vocal voice for a fighting, democratic UNISON, and a long-standing militant and a socialist.
She assures me her manifesto was clearly to the left and anyone who's heard Linda speak will know she doesn't pull her punches. As I said before: it's good to have a mandate. Congrats!
The good news is that the only contested seat was for the NW Higher Education female seat and Linda Holden took it. About time too! Linda is well known in the region as the Branch Secretary of Manchester Met branch and the HE sector nationally, as she is a vocal voice for a fighting, democratic UNISON, and a long-standing militant and a socialist.
She assures me her manifesto was clearly to the left and anyone who's heard Linda speak will know she doesn't pull her punches. As I said before: it's good to have a mandate. Congrats!
A summary list of the newly elected members is available to download here: SGE byelection summary results (PDF)
A copy of the Scrutineer report is available to members and staff of UNISON on request. To request a copy, telephone UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845. Lines are open 6am – midnight Monday – Friday and 9am – 4pm on Saturdays.
Save The Women's Library film
The Women's Library in Whitechapel is STILL threatened with closure, with its collection (the largest and most extensive collection of women's history in Europe) going to the LSE. Please join the campaign to keep it in its purpose-built home. More info: http://savethewomenslibrary.blogspot.co.ukThis is yet another fantastically produced 'Reel News' film. If you can bung Reel News some money to help them continue to churn out films like this for our movement please do. See here: http://reelnews.co.uk/donationssubscriptions/ Please note that whilst UNISON members have safeguarded our remaining jobs that were initially at risk, and our local branch are now in negotiations with LSE regarding transfer of T&C's, the campaign to keep the library itself in Old Castle St in its beautiful purpose built home keeps going strong, thanks to some very dedicated campaigners, some of whom featured in this film. Not too late to get involved if you can: http://savethewomenslibrary.blogspot.co.uk
Friday, 7 December 2012
Report from Unison NEC Dec 5th 2012 by Karen Reissmann
I'm thankful to Karen Reissmann for her comprehensive reports. I will try to add my own comments on the recent NEC and the issues touched on here myself:
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Report from Unison NEC Dec 5th 2012
1) We were informed that the case against four Unison activists which last NEC voted (on a split vote) to take to court of appeal despite huge cost has been dropped by Unison who appear to now have accepted that they acted illegally in banning them from office. The Presidential team have reversed the decision of the Unison disciplinary panel to ban Brian Debus and lifted it with immediate affect. Points were raised about how to avoid acting illegally again – increased training for panels, review of legal advice, immediate reinstatement of all those suspended from office.
2) Unison finances – balanced budget for this year expected despite falling membership income. Much tighter budgets, may affect our ability to ballot members in future.
3) Pensions – draft bill going through parliament. Unison looking to members of House of Lords to put amendments. Question asked about campaign against the increased state retirement age but no reply submitted.
4) Pay – Noted successes of Living wage campaigns. Now in third year of pay freeze and members increased impoverished. Separate campaigns planned for local gov, NHS and schools on pay with argument put that we cannot coordinate across sectors but should coordinate with other unions within sectors. Some discussion about the impact of pension dispute sell-out (seen by some on NEC as quite successful) on both members and activists confidence and belief in the union's commitment to a serious battle. Aim is to start pay campaign using TUC to coordinate but in NHS this appears to be agreeing to cuts in national pay to protect national pay agreement and hoping those who wanted to do these cuts outside of agreement will be happy to stay in if national deal is cut in same way they wanted to do locally. So as long as we all take cuts its OK!
5) Campaigning. Celebrated turnout on Oct 20th 170,000 London, 30,00 Scotland and 15-20,000 in Belfast. Austerity not working but now likely to continue another 5 years, more jobs being cut all the time. Decision now to move to regional campaigning rather than national campaigning with meeting with regional secretaries next week to see what they feel they can do. Local campaigning “where we have the most influence”. Some discussion about isolated fights taking place in almost every branch now and need for nation co-ordination. TUC some comments from all that TUC needs to change to become campaigning body. Unison has asked them to prioritise poverty, tax evasion and PFI mark 2. Unison has provided some support to UK uncut with research on tax evasion and avoidance.
6) Recruitment . Figures show recruitment down. Less people joining, more people leaving with one huge exception of Oct and Nov 2011. Despite campaign of most serious fight I remember in Unison's history being best recruitment tool ever, this was not strategy adopted. NEC agreed to make recruitment our top priority. Big push - “Your union needs you”. Lots of discussion, some disagreement from some of us who felt prioritize should be defending members and the better we are at this, the better we recruit.
7) European week of action. Originally Oct demo as to be in their week but dates had been changed. London demo was biggest supported activity across Europe. Next week is in March and aim is to coordinate activity with them – maybe lobby or rally?.
8) Fighting the Far right. Excellent report explicitly naming BNP, NF, EDL, SDL, or WDL membership as incompatible with Unison membership. Any concerns over individuals to be referred to regions.
9) Access to meeting. One member of NEC cannot access the room used for the NEC meetings. Despite the fact there is an alternative room on the ground floor which is accessible, there has been a consistent refusal to use it for NEC (except on the occasion when there was a leak in the normal room). Instead the member has been offered a room on his own where he can access using a video link although he cannot see the NEC members (only the chair) and they cannot see him. Some of us consider this “disability apartheid” and a disgrace and have insisted on using this room with video link with him in solidarity. Many of us remain deeply unhappy with this arrangement which we view as clearly discriminatory.
Any questions on this report or if you want me to come to your meeting to explain further please get in touch karen@reissmann.fsnet.co.uk
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Report from Unison NEC Dec 5th 2012
1) We were informed that the case against four Unison activists which last NEC voted (on a split vote) to take to court of appeal despite huge cost has been dropped by Unison who appear to now have accepted that they acted illegally in banning them from office. The Presidential team have reversed the decision of the Unison disciplinary panel to ban Brian Debus and lifted it with immediate affect. Points were raised about how to avoid acting illegally again – increased training for panels, review of legal advice, immediate reinstatement of all those suspended from office.
2) Unison finances – balanced budget for this year expected despite falling membership income. Much tighter budgets, may affect our ability to ballot members in future.
3) Pensions – draft bill going through parliament. Unison looking to members of House of Lords to put amendments. Question asked about campaign against the increased state retirement age but no reply submitted.
4) Pay – Noted successes of Living wage campaigns. Now in third year of pay freeze and members increased impoverished. Separate campaigns planned for local gov, NHS and schools on pay with argument put that we cannot coordinate across sectors but should coordinate with other unions within sectors. Some discussion about the impact of pension dispute sell-out (seen by some on NEC as quite successful) on both members and activists confidence and belief in the union's commitment to a serious battle. Aim is to start pay campaign using TUC to coordinate but in NHS this appears to be agreeing to cuts in national pay to protect national pay agreement and hoping those who wanted to do these cuts outside of agreement will be happy to stay in if national deal is cut in same way they wanted to do locally. So as long as we all take cuts its OK!
5) Campaigning. Celebrated turnout on Oct 20th 170,000 London, 30,00 Scotland and 15-20,000 in Belfast. Austerity not working but now likely to continue another 5 years, more jobs being cut all the time. Decision now to move to regional campaigning rather than national campaigning with meeting with regional secretaries next week to see what they feel they can do. Local campaigning “where we have the most influence”. Some discussion about isolated fights taking place in almost every branch now and need for nation co-ordination. TUC some comments from all that TUC needs to change to become campaigning body. Unison has asked them to prioritise poverty, tax evasion and PFI mark 2. Unison has provided some support to UK uncut with research on tax evasion and avoidance.
6) Recruitment . Figures show recruitment down. Less people joining, more people leaving with one huge exception of Oct and Nov 2011. Despite campaign of most serious fight I remember in Unison's history being best recruitment tool ever, this was not strategy adopted. NEC agreed to make recruitment our top priority. Big push - “Your union needs you”. Lots of discussion, some disagreement from some of us who felt prioritize should be defending members and the better we are at this, the better we recruit.
7) European week of action. Originally Oct demo as to be in their week but dates had been changed. London demo was biggest supported activity across Europe. Next week is in March and aim is to coordinate activity with them – maybe lobby or rally?.
8) Fighting the Far right. Excellent report explicitly naming BNP, NF, EDL, SDL, or WDL membership as incompatible with Unison membership. Any concerns over individuals to be referred to regions.
9) Access to meeting. One member of NEC cannot access the room used for the NEC meetings. Despite the fact there is an alternative room on the ground floor which is accessible, there has been a consistent refusal to use it for NEC (except on the occasion when there was a leak in the normal room). Instead the member has been offered a room on his own where he can access using a video link although he cannot see the NEC members (only the chair) and they cannot see him. Some of us consider this “disability apartheid” and a disgrace and have insisted on using this room with video link with him in solidarity. Many of us remain deeply unhappy with this arrangement which we view as clearly discriminatory.
Any questions on this report or if you want me to come to your meeting to explain further please get in touch karen@reissmann.fsnet.co.uk
Save The Women's Library (Reel News film)
The women's library in Whitechapel is threatened with closure, with its collection (the largest and most extensive collection of women's history in Europe) going to the LSE. Please join the campaign to keep it in its purpose-built home. More info: http://savethewomenslibrary.blogspot.co.uk
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Tell Patrick McGhee, VC of UEL, what you think about him sacking Unite rep Tony Britton
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Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Senate House: 3 Cosas Campaign - Equal Rights for Outsourced workers!
Once again 'Reel News' have produced a fantastic film, really inspiring story of cleaners fighting for equal rights at work at Senate House, which can be used for all those in the labour movement, especially those in HE UNISON looking to run a Living Wage Campaign. Our policy says 'A Living Wage is not enough - it's just the beginning ... '
Check out the Senate House cleaners '3 cosas' campaign here:
https://sites.google.com/site/3cosascampaign/que-queremos
And check out Reel News here: http://reelnews.co.uk
"The Unversity of London - one of the most prestigious unversities in the country, with a liberal reputation. Yet it doesn't even give its outsourced workers basic human rights. Having won the London Living wage in a long struggle, the UNISON outsourced workers are now demanding a pension, sick pay and more holidays, just like any other worker at the university. Watch this film to hear from the outsourced workers themselves and see what you can do to support them - and come to the protest at Senate House on November 28. Additional footage: Andrea Castillo, UCL Anthropology student"
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