UNISON is the biggest trade union for people working in housing. Our members work in housing associations, trusts, groups and co-ops in the London and South East area.
The Race to the Bottom
Lobby of the Broadway Board Meeting
One Housing Group is the latest employer to propose cuts to salaries in response to the loss of Supporting People contracts. One Support staff face an average pay cut of 8%, some staff will lose up to £8000.
UNISON Regional Organiser Colin Inniss said; "We're consistently finding employers are under pressure from commissioning bodies... but rather that standing up to them and negotiating they are just rolling over."
Members are concerned about the race to the bottom as employers try to win Supporting People contracts. UNISON steward Jason Peart:"What is happening is the whole sector are competing against each other when they should be coming together on this issue. All the organisations within the housing association sector need to be highlighting to the commissioners the impact that these cuts are having within the sector. It is not helpful that senior managers across the sector place bids for contracts at a price that is not realistic to maintain the high level of service we offer to our clients. Frontline staff are being pushed to the limit with many changes to staffing, terms and conditions and pay which confirms how commissioners and mangement continue to be out of touch with what is happening at the front line level."
UNISON members lobbied the board at Broadway on 13th March over proposals to make drastic cuts to terms and conditions for new staff.
Income Equality
The branch motion "Why Income Equality at Work is Better for Everyone" will be going to 2012 UNISON National Delegate Conference as a priority motion from the London Region. The main speaker at the branch AGM in February was Sean Baine Chair of the London Equality Trust. Sean spoke on "Why income equality is bad for all of us and what We should do about it."
Download Annual Report [PDF]
UNISON fighting for decent PENSIONS 30 November
HA branch at Highbury Corner
Thamesreach picket
UNISON members joined thousands of public sector workers on strike 30 November to defend their pensions. Pensions Day of Action
Branch members held pickets at Circle Housing in Highbury and ThamesReach in Aldgate, then joined the TUC march to Victoria embankment. At Highbury station the branch had a high visability presence on the roundabout and station forecourt, enlivened by Sarah's jive lessons. ThamesReach pickets were supported by UNISON members working for several other housing associations. Photos on facebook.
Branch Members protest against the far right
Unite against fascismBranch members joined trade unionists, anti fascists and the local community on 3 September to successfully demonstrate with the branch banner against the English Defence League's provocative presence in Tower Hamlets in East London. The demonstration was organised by Unite Against Fascism. The branch banner was also at events on Sunday 2 October to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street
