Yesterday the Western Morning News carried an item attacking our Pensions industrial action. It was scornful of our Plymouth City Branch colleagues, saying their commitment to all-out industrial action was "a sad indictment of failed Labour Party policies"
Why the attack? Tony Staunton, UNISON Branch Secretary of Plymouth City Branch had posed a crucial question which we should all be asking ourselves, "What sort of council is it that attacks its workers' pensions?"
"It's a Labour-controlled one" was the simplistic answer in the Western Morning News, which went on to say, "I'm certainly not advocating a return to the final miserable years of the Tory-led yuppie culture that wrecked this country - far from it - but now, perhaps, all those who unthinkingly voted Labour at the last couple of elections will now think long and hard upon their part in the ruination of this country."
Think again whoever wrote that sentence!
Our Local Government Pension Scheme is not under the power of any one council, but of the combined councils and related employers acting as the Local Government Association (LGA).
And the LGA is a body dominated by Conservative employers, led by Sir Sandy Bruce Lockheart, whose politics are impeccably blue.
I've heard that the trade unions and the Government were close to reaching agreement on our pension issues, but when the potential agreement was put to the LGA that Tory-controlled body saw fit to unravel it. We were left with no alternative but to take industrial action.
So yes, Plymouth City Branch's local Council may be Labour, but the true villain is coloured a very different hue. Those of us whose pensions are being attacked by the Conservative-run LGA need to remember this when the May elections come round.
Branch activists living up to their good name
Your busy Branch Office was an even greater hive of activity yesterday. Four Branch officers and stewards were found space and phone-lines. They were busy phoning out to other UNISON Branches in Devon and to the other Trade Unions who are shoulder to shoulder with us. Co-ordinating rallies and events.
And crucially, they were contacting the workplaces covered by our Branch. We wanted to build up a picture of the local action you're planning and what help you might want. And we're barred from using employers' email systems to connect with you.
The news coming in is good. Lots of you are doing far more than staying away from work on 28 March. We've had to put in an urgent order to UNISON for more placards and Official Picket signs. We have loads of leaflets for anyone picketing to hand out.
Local action taken direct to Govt Pensions Minister
When we heard that Stephen Timms, Secretary of State for Pensions Reform, would be in Exeter on the 28th March it was too good an opportunity to miss. We linked with UNISON Region's Officer Andy Freeman and with Steve Warwick, our UNISON National Executive Committee Representative, to seek a meeting with him.
And we've been successful. After the lunch-time rallies we'll be heading for Exeter University where he's speaking at a conference. If you have a question you want us to put to him then email us (not from work!) at branchoffice@devoncountyunison.org.uk - short questions please.
Do's and don'ts on picketing
We have a few copies left of UNISON's industrial action guidelines. Contact the office if you would like a copy. Picketing lets everyone see your concern and commitment. It's a way of supporting each other too. And it's especially important if you're in a good location, very visible to the public. The best time is between 7.30 a.m. and 9.30 a.m.
We already know that some schools and workplaces are closing completely, so there's no point picketing - head for a lunchtime rally instead. Check this website for final details of where they rallies will be.
Why the attack? Tony Staunton, UNISON Branch Secretary of Plymouth City Branch had posed a crucial question which we should all be asking ourselves, "What sort of council is it that attacks its workers' pensions?"
"It's a Labour-controlled one" was the simplistic answer in the Western Morning News, which went on to say, "I'm certainly not advocating a return to the final miserable years of the Tory-led yuppie culture that wrecked this country - far from it - but now, perhaps, all those who unthinkingly voted Labour at the last couple of elections will now think long and hard upon their part in the ruination of this country."
Think again whoever wrote that sentence!
Our Local Government Pension Scheme is not under the power of any one council, but of the combined councils and related employers acting as the Local Government Association (LGA).
And the LGA is a body dominated by Conservative employers, led by Sir Sandy Bruce Lockheart, whose politics are impeccably blue.
I've heard that the trade unions and the Government were close to reaching agreement on our pension issues, but when the potential agreement was put to the LGA that Tory-controlled body saw fit to unravel it. We were left with no alternative but to take industrial action.
So yes, Plymouth City Branch's local Council may be Labour, but the true villain is coloured a very different hue. Those of us whose pensions are being attacked by the Conservative-run LGA need to remember this when the May elections come round.
Branch activists living up to their good name
Your busy Branch Office was an even greater hive of activity yesterday. Four Branch officers and stewards were found space and phone-lines. They were busy phoning out to other UNISON Branches in Devon and to the other Trade Unions who are shoulder to shoulder with us. Co-ordinating rallies and events.
And crucially, they were contacting the workplaces covered by our Branch. We wanted to build up a picture of the local action you're planning and what help you might want. And we're barred from using employers' email systems to connect with you.
The news coming in is good. Lots of you are doing far more than staying away from work on 28 March. We've had to put in an urgent order to UNISON for more placards and Official Picket signs. We have loads of leaflets for anyone picketing to hand out.
Local action taken direct to Govt Pensions Minister
When we heard that Stephen Timms, Secretary of State for Pensions Reform, would be in Exeter on the 28th March it was too good an opportunity to miss. We linked with UNISON Region's Officer Andy Freeman and with Steve Warwick, our UNISON National Executive Committee Representative, to seek a meeting with him.
And we've been successful. After the lunch-time rallies we'll be heading for Exeter University where he's speaking at a conference. If you have a question you want us to put to him then email us (not from work!) at branchoffice@devoncountyunison.org.uk - short questions please.
Do's and don'ts on picketing
We have a few copies left of UNISON's industrial action guidelines. Contact the office if you would like a copy. Picketing lets everyone see your concern and commitment. It's a way of supporting each other too. And it's especially important if you're in a good location, very visible to the public. The best time is between 7.30 a.m. and 9.30 a.m.
We already know that some schools and workplaces are closing completely, so there's no point picketing - head for a lunchtime rally instead. Check this website for final details of where they rallies will be.
The message loud and clear is
HANDS OFF OUR PENSIONS!
