Thursday 7 March 2013

Solidarity with sister branches!

Well, who would have thought it would take sooo much effort and time to send a simple message of support to a sister branch in trouble with employer! Couldn't believe it took a week from the day I brought the matter of the suspension of  UNISON members at London Met uni on some spurious grounds to the attention of the secretary and chair of our Branch and requested a simple message of support to them till we actually sent it. As our branch Exec has decided not to discuss issues by email or any other electronic means in between actual Exec meetings, my request had to wait till the next meeting.

Happily, the Exec authorised sending a message of support to our colleagues which  was sent off even though we were advised against sending a donation to their campaign!

It is at these moments that you begin to realise the true value of UNISON's advise in the "Code of Good Branch Practice" that email can be used to undertake branch business and that the use of “electronic” communication – email distribution, e-conferencing, virtual meetings, etc. can provide a realistic alternative to the “traditional” meeting, greatly increasing opportunities for participation. I would say the use of electronic communication also helps make the actual meetings more focussed and efficient. 

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3 comments:

  1. cliftonlows7 March 2013 at 13:17

    I don't understand why you were 'advised' not to donate. Surly the person giving the advise isn't qualification to do so. I'm trying to think of an analogy.. but common sense says one can donate if they like the cause.

    Having to take it to an exec is also rather out of line with what other branches did, I know for a fact 3 other branch secretaries wrote letters of support without taking it to an exec.

    On the plus side, it's done now, so your hard word has paid off. Shame your energy couldn't have been focused on something more productive.

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    Replies
    1. No race to the bottom8 March 2013 at 02:17

      Well, the chair thought donation to that particular cause may put us in "financial Jeopardy". And may be unhelpful to London Met Branch, even though that branch had asked for it. No I couldn't work out the logic either! What's more, some Exec members had issues with supporting part of the motion which calls for reinstatement of the suspended colleagues there. But there you are. We have still got a long way to go to broaden issues the branch concerns itself with. There is still not enough recognition that solidarity and unity, is good for one and good for all and that Unison is an inclusive organisation with many many different political views.

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  2. Max Watson30 March 2013 at 01:41

    Thanks for your amusing accounts of hurdle jumping - never underestimate the ability of bureaucracies to invent catch-22 like obstacles.

    I'm enjoying your blog, don't give up mate! Cheers - and thanks for the support you showed for our campaign.

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