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Dorset Unison out in force on Anti Racism Day!

Last week, I was pleased to be asked to speak in Dorchester, Dorset at the march & rally to celebrate the United Nations Anti-Racism Day. There was an excellent turn out in an event which was being mirrored up & down the country and across the world.

http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/11871807.Crowds_Gather_in_Dorchester_to_stamp_out_racism/?ref=fbshr

As the General Election approaches it is important to celebrate the role of immigration in our country in order to counter the intolerant, inflammatory nonsense being espoused by the mainstream political parties.

Having watched a credible performance by Ed Miliband in the first of the General Election Leader Events on Channel 4 it was a downright shame to see Labour bowing down to the UKIP agenda with the Pledge & Mug calling for "immigration controls".

However, in criticising the Labour leadership team, I must acknowledge & welcome the speedy statement from the Labour Representation Committee condemning the production of the mug & the inclusion of that shameful pledge.

It is our role to ensure that we continue to get the message across that bankers & politicians are the causes of austerity and poverty in this country whilst immigration from around the world has only ever enhanced our society & it always will.

A great day for democracy in Unison! A great day for fair pay!!

This week's Local Government Special Conference was absolutely amazing & has put the power back in the hands of the members and sent a message to our employers and the next Government that we demand a fair day's pay for a fair day's work.

A message was also sent to Unison's 'top table' that we don't want platitudes we want a campaign for fair pay that includes imagination and leadership.

The Special Conference was called by branches exasperated at the capitulation of the campaign in local government for a fair pay rise for 2014 /2015 which resulted in another equivalent pay cut for not only 2014 / 15 but a further pay cut in 2015 /16.    

The outcome of this Conference included criticism of the decision to suspend planned strike action; an agreement to reignite the Fair Pay campaign and submit a further pay claim for 2015 / 16 & a demand for the inclusion of lay members on Unison's negotiating team.

This Conference has put fair pay at the forefront of Unison's agenda and it will be interesting to see that if Labour are part of the next Government whether the millions of pounds invested by Unison's Labour Link in the Labour Party will be worth the paper those fat cheques have been written on?

The Blog is Back!

VOTE FOR BERNY PARKES

RECLAIM THE UNION - FOR A DEMOCRATIC UNISON THAT REALLY FIGHTS AUSTERITY!

I was born in Liverpool and moved to Dorset 19 years ago.  I’ve been in childcare social work for 25 years, before this I spent 10 years as a Policeman.  I’ve been married 18 years & we have 2 daughters.

I’ve been active in UNISON/NALGO since 1989 and have served my branch locally & nationally and have a vast experience representing members individually and collectively. I’ve been Chair of Dorset County Branch for 8 years and represent the branch on numerous committees with employers.

UNISON against the cuts

As providers of services within our communities we know the effects of cuts on our colleagues and the people we serve. The significant impact on women, who make up over 75% of our membership, and the low paid is clearly evident.

I believe UNISON has to be at the forefront of defending members against the vicious cuts being imposed by the ConDem government and our employers.

Austerity is not the only answer

We hope this year will see the end of this cruel government but we know that a new government may not end this nightmare as ALL major parties have promised more cuts.

Syriza’s victory in Greece demonstrates that trade unions, communities and radical politicians can provide the impetus to end cuts and provide the services and jobs needed – austerity is not the only answer!

We need to work with all fighting austerity and only support politicians committed to immediately stopping the cuts.

From the jaws of victory

Recent industrial action across UNISON demonstrated our frustration at the constant attacks on jobs, pay & conditions.

It was disappointing to see that the leadership of these actions lacked imagination and coordination with many members feeling let down by those elected to represent their best interests.

I believe UNISON should be developing a strategy across the Service Groups and with other Trade Unions that coordinates united action and campaigns that maximises our collective strength.

My pledge

If elected I will:

• Work to develop an action plan that effectively fights all cuts;
• Oppose all privatisations;
• Coordinate campaigns between ALL Service Groups, Sister Unions, Community Groups & International friends;
• Combat oppression in all its forms.

Reclaim the Union – another world is possible

At a time when we all pay the highest price for the follies and avarices of the rich I believe we must lead the fightback against austerity which is why I’m proud to join Suzy Franklin (South West Reserved Seat) and all Reclaim the Union candidates as the time for action has begun.

If elected I’ll ensure that YOU are kept updated of the actions and decisions of UNISON’s leadership and will take your views to its very heart.

For more information on my campaign or to contact me I can found on berny4nec.blogspot.co.uk or my Facebook page Elect Berny Parkes as Unison NEC South West Male Seat – thank you.