Mike's Election address to the membership

Why should I Re-elect Mike Calvert as Deputy Branch Secretary?

I am currently Deputy Branch Secretary of the Islington Branch of UNISON and have been for the last five years.

I have been active in UNISON, NALGO and the Labour Movement for 35 years. This has enabled me to build up a wealth of knowledge and experience in the trade union movement. I have bought this to the representation of hundreds of individual members from all area’s of the Council and beyond: at disciplinaries, grievances, sickness hearings and regrading meetings. I have dealt with numerous organisational reviews, and been involved centrally in meetings with Councillors, the leader of the Council and the Chief Executive.

I have a proven track record as a representative and negotiator, and I work as part of a team which supports each other – so that in turn we can give the highest level of support and representation to our members. I believe strongly in the importance of being a team player.

Whilst Deputy Branch Secretary I have openly opposed all forms of bullying and harassment by management against our members. There is definitely an increase in bullying, and not just within the Council. This must be stopped. I am committed to continuing to fight to achieve this.

I have campaigned to save services and to bring external ones back in house. Alongside Jane Doolan and the rest of the team I have been involved in such negotiations.  As a result, Kiers are coming back in house.

I have led campaigns to save important local services such as the ISEP. I have persuaded Councillors to save this service not only once but twice. I played a considerable role in helping to stop the Bridge School becoming an Academy.

Jane and I launched a 400 strong petition across the Council exposing the huge hidden expenditure on agency staff and consultants at the expense of our own members. I will continue to fight against further actions by management and/or the Council which are detrimental to you, the members.

I am a firm believer in unity within the union and consider this to be very important. I will make it a priority to ensure this is maintained.

The union is nothing if it is not united.

You need a Deputy Branch Secretary who is prepared to work alongside the Labour Council (where it carries out positive measures such as the London Living Wage) but is prepared to oppose when necessary-such as campaigning to keep libraries out of the clutches of GLL.

You need a Deputy Branch Secretary who is knowledgeable, experienced, reliable, trustworthy: a team player, and not frightened to stand up against managers or the Council when necessary.  Someone who puts your interests above all other considerations either personal or political.

If you agree with this then you should vote for me.

Please support me once again. Thank you

Vote Mike Calvert for Deputy Branch Secretary

http://mike4deputy.blogspot.co.uk

I recommend that you also vote for Dwayne Coggins : Equalities Officer.