Barnet UNISON Call centre 4 Schools?

One of our biggest challenges is reaching our schools members. Last term we held a school conference and piloted this approach to contacting members. It was a success and we are doing it again our Conference is on Monday 15th February.

Details in our newsletter click here

This evening and next week a number of local reps have agreed to come in to the Barnet UNISON office to ring our members working in schools.

 

We still need help so if you can come in for a few minutes to help please let the branch know by ringing 0208 359 2088 or email contactus@barnetunison.org.uk

In the meanwhile our office is buzzing with “good evening, my name is ………”

 

7 MAY 2010

Imagine this: You wake up 7 May 2010 and you hear the news Nick Griffin has just become the first elected BNP Member of Parliament.  You then go through the next weeks and months seeing him invited on all the radio and TV shows giving his particular comments and views on any subject of the day.

Remember how after being elected MEP he talked about torpedoing boats of immigrants coming to Europe? What do you think this will do for your morale or the morale of the people you live with and work with?

Will you be asking yourself: If only I’d also joined in the campaign to stop this happening….

Barnet goes to Barking

The battle is on to stop the BNP being elected in Barking and Dagenham. Unite Against Fascism will be holding its annual conference Saturday 13 February 9.30am to 5pm in the TUC Congress Centre, WC1 B and will be discussing this is more detail. http://www.uaf.org.uk/events.asp. I will be attending this event to find out more so that we can encourage maximum participation in the project of stopping fascism. If anyone would care to join me let me know: contactus@barneunison.org.uk.

Remember if you are in any doubt about the democratic credentials of Nick Griffin, he said:

“The electors of Millwall [backed] what they perceived to be a strong, disciplined organisation with the ability to back up its slogan ‘Defend Rights for Whites’ with well directed boots and fists. When the crunch comes, power is the product of force and will, not of rational debate”.

 

Slough Council bring ALMO back in house

Slough’s commissioner for neighbourhoods and renewal James Swindlehurst (Lab) said:

“With its primary aim achieved, People 1st becomes an expensive organisation to maintain. Significant savings can be achieved by reducing the number of buildings occupied, and reduce duplication of services.

“The council needs to review how to maximize efficiency, reduce unnecessary overheads and ensure that tenants receive value for money and more investment in front line services.”

http://www.lgcplus.com/news/planning-and-housing/unitary-takes-housing-back-in-house/5010663.article

“Do you work in Housing needs and Resources or Barnet Homes?”

“Are you aware of the following consultation?”

Public Consultation on the Housing strategy 2010 – 2025 (draft)

http://www.barnet.gov.uk/index/council-democracy/consultations/housing-strategy-consultation.htm

Consultation ends 26 February 2010

The Trade Unions are going to submit a response. If you have any comments please send them by Friday 19th February to john.burgess@barnetunison.org.uk

easyCouncil continues to attract attention

Barnet Council has full page article in Guardian

http://www.barnetunison.me.uk/sites/default/files/easyCouncil3FEB.pdf

or you can go online and read comments

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/feb/03/mike-freer-easycouncil-interview

Before Total Place started to grab headlines Future Shape was already looking at efficiencies beyond the council’s budget & workforce. It looked at Local Strategic Partnerships (LSP’s) and whether they could be a tool to deliver greater efficiencies across public services whilst at the same time provide better services to residents. The CIPFA document ‘After the downturn’ http://www.cipfa.org.uk/pt/cipfasolace/download/After_the_Downturn.pdf

see page 8.13 which talks about Total Place as a potential option and in 8.6 poses the question

“Are new powers necessary to enable and or incentivise pooling of resources on a significantly more extensive scale in the public interest.”

The easyCouncil sound bite continues to capture media attention and had provoked a debate about the future of public services. But what does it mean for residents and staff?

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