Campaign against cuts
The branch held a training event on Organising and Campaigning against the cuts on 7 June. One of the main topics was the cuts to Supporting People budgets, and the unions response. Members agreed to keep in contact to exchange information and ideas and build an activists network. We're organising training in the autumn on the problems that can arise as Supporting People services are re-commissioned and contracts change hands.
UNISON in Inside Housing
UNISON letter to Guardian 22 February
UNISON Cuts spending revue
TUC touchstone blog
Cutswatch web site View pictures from the Anti Cuts march on 26th March.
Ekaya Dispute
On Monday 14 March UNISON members protested outside Ekaya headquarters in Brixton over cuts to pay and terms and conditions. The dispute is unresolved following talks at ACAS and UNISON is running an indicative ballot on action.
Thames Reach Lobby
UNISON members lobbied the Thames Reach board Annual General Meeting about the reorganisations ThamesReach is conducting and the lack of consultation. Around 15 members including managers made sure the board was aware of the strength of feeling amongst members.
Notting Hill Dispute
The dispute over the removal of Family Fair Policies is still unresolved. The roll out of "Altogether Better", the strangely named change to generic working, continues, and a move to offices in Kings Cross is planned. Staff working in Supported Housing have had their contracts changed with increased working hours and reduced salaries. Negative comments about ATB on the Inside Housing website seem to have been removed.
The Group has posted a significant increase in its surplus on ordinary activities (2009/10) of £8.1 million up from £5.9 million for 2008/09 and Chief Executive Kate Davies was mentioned in connection with her partner's salary and benefits in a Daily Mail exposure of "Fat Cat" public sector salaries.
