Individual Hackney UNISON members

Jane would like to thank the many individual UNISON members in Hackney who wanted to post on the blog but as it was an Islington election it wasn't appropriate.
But all the same Jane would like to thank you for your kind words.

A personal message from Jane Doolan

Dear Member
The election is now over and I have won with a 64.16% majority. This is consistent with the mandate I recieved in 1999.
It is a clear result and a mandate for the next year.

I would like to thank all of you who took part in this process and not just those who voted for me.

I have been extremely impressed with Mike Calvert's management of the campaign and the restraint and discipline exercised by my team.

This is the first time that I have directly contributed (apart from the video's) to the blog. This has been because of work committments.

I will be producing one more video and this will go on over the weekend.

I hope that you will take the time to visit the blog once more.

Many thanks

Jane Doolan
Branch Secretary
Islington UNISON
(In a personal capacity)

Many thanks for your support

We have the result:

Andrew got 186 votes or 35.84%

Jane got 333 votes or 64.16%

********************

Jane was therefore re-elected

********************

Jane thanks you all for your continued support

Re-elect Jane Doolan 2012 Steering Committee

Many thanks

Dear reader

We would like to thank you for reading our blog.
We hope it has helped to clarify where Jane stands on the issues facing our branch and why her record over 13 years is worthy of your vote and re-election.

We will be back soon

The Re-elect Jane 2012 Team

BME Staff miss out on promotion Reply to Islington Tribune article on Friday 13th April Edition

Letter from Jane to the Islington Tribune

Dear Editor

UNISON is not at all surprised by the findings of this review. For many years the Trade Unions have highlighted the plight of BME staff and the way they are discriminated against. Whilst the unions welcome staff forums the only way of tackling discrimination is through the Trade Union movement and UNISON's self organised groups. Nor are we surprised that staff with disabilities are targeted by bullying managers. It is particularly difficult for staff with a hidden disability as they are often marginalised by managers and sometimes treated with contempt.

UNISON operates a zero tolerance policy on bullying. In times of austerity it is sometimes all too easy for managers to believe they will get results by bullying staff. Whether or not such a tactic works. Bullying is wrong.

Bullying may in the minds of some people produce short term results but in the long term it damages the person being bullied, the bully and ultimately the organisation they serve.

Yours Sincerely

Jane Doolan

Branch Secretary UNISON

Bridge School Anti Academy Campaign launched

Jane and Rosemary attended the launch of the Bridge Anti-Academy Campaign on Wednesday 18th April.
There were well over 50 UNISON and NUT members present.

The meeting agreed on a public campaign, public meeting and to consider joint industrial action.

Members have volunteered to campaign and leaflet the local area.

Jeremy Corbyn MP has also given his support to the campaign.

Jane and Rosemary will be attending a meeting with representatives of the NUT and GMB with the head teacher tonight (Thursday April 19th).

Our position on Equalities

We respond to Andrew Richardson from HASS.

Andrew asks the following question:

"While personal experiences of oppression or hardship may aide the candidates in understanding these issues, I am interested to know what the candidates would DO to ensure equalities issues are addressed in an effective manner by the Branch?
What measures have the candidates taken/will take to promote gender equality, BME and LGBT representation at a Branch level?"

Dear Andrew,

Let us start at the very beginning.
Over many years, this branch has led work in this field both locally and nationally and that is work of which we are all naturally very proud.
Historically we have put these issues on the agenda of national delegate conferences, local government conferences and at a regional level and local levels.

Islington, in the 1980's was one of the first branches within the country to establish Self Organised groups (SOGs) and Jane was centrally involved at that time.

When this Branch was confronted by the Lilian Ladele case Jane supported the members in Registrars, along with the LGBT Group.

Our members were alleged to have harrassed Lilian Ladele because they objected to her refusal to carry out civil partnerships on the grounds that it conflicted with her religion because it amounted to discrimination against lesbian and gay service users and staff. Jane supported the re-establishment of the Branch LGBT group to give these members a chance to speak and put their side of the argument when management were instructing them not to raise these issues at staff forums or in the press.
Through the good offices of the LGBT SOG members were encouraged to and able to speak and campaign against the religious jusitification of homophobia.

Jane supports all our Self-organised Groups (SOGs) because they hold a vital role within the branch and nationally in the union, where they give members of oppressed groups not just a voice but a platform to campaign on in conjunction with Branch officers and the Branch Committee.

The fundamental difference between our SOGs and the Council's Staff Forums are that the Brasnch SOGs afford our members the opportunity to challenge management with the protection of trade union activity, something that the Staff Forums, as official Council bodies, do not.

Within the Branch, our work is continually monitored through a system known as the "Stephen Lawrence Action Plan". The Plan requires us to record the information related to all members we represent and their backgrounds ie ethnicity, gender etc. This system records all equality statistics within the branch ie the number of  staff being disciplined, the number of staff on sickness hearings and which equality strand they come from. All of this is systematically logged and is held confidentially.

Jane does everything that it is possible to do to  assist in the organisation of Self Organised groups. The Branch books rooms, publicises events, has allocated budgets to all of them.
The purpose of self organisation is precisely that.
It is about our members feeling empowered to organise themselves in these groups and feeling that they have a meaningful role to play.
Support is always given to assist the building of SOGs and to individuals within those groups. Jane has attended the BMG and women's group offering support and advice when needed.

Andrew R is absolutely correct when he says that personal oppression or hardship aide the candidates in understanding oppression. On this we agree 100%.

It has to be said that Jane understands issues of oppression and disability both as a woman and  from an ethnic minority, and as someone dealing with disabilities on an everyday basis.
Jane has had to struggle against the system on these issues and is well known as a fighter.

When the Welfare Rights Unit were up for review Jane involved Yvonne Blackwood, a black woman member in being the key organiser between the team based at Goswell Road, and the Branch officers.

Yvonne sent a message supporting Jane in which she comments:

"When I needed assistance Jane helped me. She encouraged me and signposted me. It was Jane and Cliffe (Obaseki) who told me about the BMG, about national delegate conferences and black members conferences.
Jane made me feel as if I could take on the world.
Jane pushed the agenda of self organisation in a really human way arguing for black women to become central leaders of the branch."

Jane is a woman, a mother and a carer. Jane is well equipped through her life experiences, her trade union and labour movement committment to be able to lead all the members of this Branch through the difficult times that lie ahead.

Message from John Philpott, Libraries Convenor

"We are very pleased at all the excellent work that Jane put in to prevent the Council introducing a Libraries Trust in this Borough.

Thank you for all that hard work and it should be put on the record how important your work has been in preventing this Trust."

New video link!

Jane has a new video up and running.
Please see

Union Democracy and Blogs

We have been asked on YouTube about comments being blocked from the blog and is this democratic and accountable?

To be absolutely clear: our blog is not a "discussion forum" but our chance to put our views of Jane and why we believe that UNISON members in Islington Local Government Branch should support her.

In that respect we put on it what we choose and will not respond to an attempt to derail us with side issues.

Trade unions are about members meeting together and making collective decisions, they are about leaders who can carry the entire membership with them. They are about the members putting their trust in the leaders they elect and knowing that they will do their best to defend their terms and conditions.

not those who can shout the loudest.

Trade unions exist as a result of the working class coming together to defend their own interests, and not the agenda of management.

jane has a track record of leading this branch, and our members, selflessly over thirty years. She knew when she became Branch secretary that her "career" was over but was not interested in elevating herself above the membership.

The issue in this election is what sort of Branch Secretary does Islington UNISON need?

We need an inclusive and experienced candidate. In the words of former Branch Secretary, Tony Madden (still a member of this Branch) with an active union membership of many years:

"As someone who has held the position being contested I can speak directly about what qualities I feel are needed to lead a trade union during periods of financial pressure and uncertain employment. The need for balance, measure, and an understanding of how members really feel is equally as important as to how to deliver campaigns which will fight and oppose government policy. What is needed now right now is experienced and measured leadership. A leadership that understands the need for action but which also has an understanding of what our members are facing. That is never solely about the larger political agenda, as they must face the pressures of today as well the battles of tomorrow. The successful candidate must be able to take our members on this journey.

Jane Doolan has been an active trade unionist for many years and has been at the forefront of many of the largest disputes this branch has ever seen.

That experience is needed right now and we will also need her experience and her leadership in campaigning. We will need her experience of communicating to members, to explain the need to be strong and to take action. We will need her to demonstrate those years of leadership and have the strength to take this branch forward on an unprecedented journey and demonstrate a true understanding what that means for members.

Anyone who knows Jane will know she is someone of true fighting spirit, someone who is courageous and someone who is responsible with and to the branch membership. She has shown those qualities in abundance both professionally and personally over many years.

However right now in April 2012 a choice has to be made and I firmly believe this is a time to trust to the candidate with proven leadership experience and I believe that is Jane Doolan and I urge you to vote for her."

We respectfully suggest that all of you who seem to think Andrew is the better candidate would do well to heed Tony's wise counsel.

If you wish to criticise Jane then we suggest you do so on Andrew's blog.

Denise Facey: Message of support

Denise Facey comments on Jane's record as follows:

"Jane has always supported me in my role as HFI convenor, and I am aware of the advice and support that she gives to other stewards.

Nothing is ever too much trouble for Jane.
She takes the time to explain the issues and advise on strategies for supporting our members.

Jane connects with our members.
She understands their concerns and that's what makes her such a good leader and negotiator."

Why vote for Jane Doolan?

Why vote for Jane Doolan?
A message from Tony Madden, former Branch Secretary of Islington UNISON

Most of you reading this will have received your ballot paper and will have read the impressive Election Statements of Jane Doolan and Andrew Berry. Islington Unison is lucky to have two such fine and committed candidates, both of whom have experience of branch officer positions and who will both have experienced the huge pressures such office can bring.

In their statements they both reference their commitment to key fights and their willingness to continue in these fights in the future; it would be a strange election statement that did not demonstrate such willingness to defend member’s jobs and fight Tory cuts.

As someone who has held the position being contested I can speak directly about what qualities I feel are needed to lead a trade union during periods of financial pressure and uncertain employment. The need for balance, measure, and an understanding of how members really feel is equally as important as to how to deliver campaigns which will fight and oppose government policy. What is needed now right now is experienced and measured leadership. A leadership that understands the need for action but which also has an understanding of what our members are facing. That is never solely about the larger political agenda, as they must face the pressures of today as well the battles of tomorrow. The successful candidate must be able to take our members on this journey.

Jane Doolan has been an active trade unionist for many years and has been at the forefront of many of the largest disputes this branch has ever seen. That experience is needed right now and we will also need her experience and her leadership in campaigning. We will need her experience of communicating to members, to explain the need to be strong and to take action. We will need her to demonstrate those years of leadership and have the strength to take this branch forward on an unprecedented journey and demonstrate a true understanding what that means for members.

Anyone who knows Jane will know she is someone of true fighting spirit, someone who is courageous and someone who is responsible with and to the branch membership. She has shown those qualities in abundance both professionally and personally over many years.

I have already said I think we are lucky to have two such highly qualified candidates and I know that if elected either candidate will not be faulted for their commitment to do what is best for this branch and for its members. Whatever happens in this election I am sure they will both continue to represent the membership with their traditional commitment.

However right now in April 2012 a choice has to be made and I firmly believe this is a time to trust to the candidate with proven leadership experience and I believe that is Jane Doolan and I urge you to vote for her.

Best regards

Tony

Local Government Service Group election : support John McLoughlin and Marshajane Thompson

Jane says:

"You should be receiving your ballot papers for the Local Government Service group elections anytime now. It is vitally important that you vote.

Contrary to what you may have heard, the Islington UNISON Local Government Branch Committee did nominate John McLoughlin of Tower Hamlets and Marshajane Thompson of Havering.

I will personally be supporting and voting for both candidates and would urge you to make sure that you use your vote."

150 and rising...

We would like to thank everyone who has voted already and all of you have put your names to our blog.

We now have passed 150 people on the blog and obviously many more of you than that will vote for Jane.

We also thank those who have pledged your support to Jane but are not on the blog.

Please ensure that you all cast your votes in this very important election.

Committee to Re-elect Jane 2012

Brett Rose, Mechanised Services (former HFI)

Brett says:

"I left another trade union to join UNISON and have to confess that what Jane doesn't know about industrial relations isn't worth knowing.

Jane has also kept industrial relation with other unions in the front of her mind.

I am astonished that anyone has the bare faced nerve to stand against her.

She has represented us so well since we became UNISON members, nobody else is capablee of that.

My shop all have voted for her and urge all of you to vote for her as well."

Dave Bredon, Caretaker HFI (recently retired)

Dave says:

"I left another trade union and joined UNISON. I got unswerving support from Jane and the HFI convenor, Denise.

I couldn't have asked for better service and better representation.

Why anybody would stand against Jane astounds me completely.

Vote for Jane."

Disability support

I was a member that forgot the values of being a Unison Member and wanted the all the services in the world for my monthly payment. I can't believe how busy Jane and her team are.

SO 1st .Sorry for not chip-in to support the great work you lot do and 2nd'y I will get more involved this year.

I have been talking with Jane to build some kind of Specialist Disable Rep Services.
I have been talking to some very impressive services who want to come on broad to build on the work that Jane has been building. However with Cuts, everyone going though change and demands the  Branch   services its time for members like me to get off my "dairy air' and chip-in.

Again Sorry for not stepping up and thanks to all the others that have.

I don't know Jane personally but over the years I have see her take on a lot that has benefited me as an employee.

please note that I am Dyslexic so any spelling above that wrong, i think your work it out.

Lez Quinn

Jane says:

"Thank you for taking the time to view this Blog. I hope that you find it useful. Please sign up, and ask us any questions you may want answered. 

We will do our best to answer them."

Jane's video

Welcome HFI and Cambridge Education staff

The re-elect Jane Doolan 2012 Committee welcome all HFI and Cambridge Education staff back in-house.

Jane will be campaigning hard to defend and improve your terms and conditions  and to defend your individual employment rights, and those of all LBI and partner staff in 2012-13

Why Re-elect me?

Jane Doolan says:

"I have over thirty years experience as a trade union activist. I have held a number of posts in the union inluding Chair and Assistant Branch Secretary.

I have been involved  in strikes and disputes so numerous over the thirty years that I cannot recall them all.

I have been involved in many national and local campaigns. This branch initiated the Birmingham 6 campaign, and on his release from prison, after 14 years of wrongful incarceration, Billy Power worked for the Joint Trade Union Committee of which I was Secretary.

I supported the Guildford Four campaign and the Maguires. I have helped formulate this branch's policy on Ireland over the years. I have also formulated the branch policy on the struggle of the Palestinian people against Zionist oppression.

I was active in the Miners Support Group when this branch was twinned with the Tower colliery in South Wales.

I organised fundraisers and arranged for speakers-both miners and their wives-in and around London.

This branch also launched the Time to Go campaign at conference in Blackpool in 1989.

Over the past 13 years I have been Branch Secretary and built this branch up in term of membership and organisation, and financial viability.

Of our 2,462 members 72% are women.

We have an inclusive, well attended, democratic Branch Committee where representatives are encouraged to raise their concerns.

Our Branch Chair Fiona Monkman ensures that every delegate is given the opportunity to speak on any issue (including on policy issues where they may diagree).

I have a proven track record in dealing with disputes and my proven track record on personal representation is second to none.

Even my opponent once told me that if he were in trouble the only person he would want to represent him was me!

I have led on the negotiations to bring HFI in-house, the negotiation with Kiers (where I am the only woman on the Combine Committee (Joint Union Committee).

I have also led on the UNISON side of the discussions between the Counil and the staff side over the bringing back in-house of Enterprise(the waste and recycling contract)

I led the negotiations when ITNet came back in house, and on many other negotiations as well.

I believe that my track record as your Branch Secretary is outstanding- and I am asking you to re-elect me for another year."

Jane Doolan: the leading woman trade unionist in Islington- her proud 30 year record

• Jane is the leading branch critic of the Pension "Heads of Agreement" deal
• Jane led the UNISON negotiations in the Community Alarms Dispute
• Is currently the lead negotiator for UNISON with all 50 plus "partner" organisations with Islington such as NCP, TMO's, Enterprise, Kiers, Aquaterra etc
• Lead UNISON negotiator on the HFI transfer back to LBI
• Negotiated the introduction of the Career Grade for the Mechanised Services operatives in HFI
• Led dispute in HFI Direct
• Led on the following disputes: ASW pay parity dispute between Islington and Camden;
• Led on the TUPE transfer of ITNet staff back into LBI in 1999 and harmonisation of their Terms and Conditions
• Lead negotiator for UNISON with Hyde
• Became Branch Secretary in 1998
• Jane is a member of the Greater London Employment Forum and the Greater London Provincial Council
• Jane has been on UNISON Greater London Regional Council for many years and the Regional Committee
• Has been the main trade union side Job Evaluator since 1993
• Jane was lead negotiator on harmonisation of staff from ILEA to LBI in 1991-1993
• Served as elected staff side chair until 1992
• Jane was elected Secretary of the Joint Trade Union Committee (covering all trade unions) from 1991-1993
• Elected a Assistant Branch Secretary in 1990
• Been elected to and member of the Branch Committee since 1982
• Became steward in libraries in 1981
• Became Branch Chair in 1986
• Worked for Islington Council since 1974

Karen Lucas from the Housing Aid Centre says:

"I knew who I wanted to vote for the minute that I received my ballot paper. So I did it and posted it straight back."

Jane is the "Only candidate for Branch Secretary"

Francis O'Brien, former HFI employee says:

"In spite of management's efforts to stack up a case against me, which could have resulted in my dismissal Jane acted with the utmost professionalism.

She is persistant and leaves no stone unturned. Which is why I had no case to answer.

She is the ONLY candidate for Branch Secretary."

Comment from Mick Ryan, Mechanised Services, HFI

"Jane Doolan is simply the best, always has and always will be.

Jane has done brilliantly to get active career grades for all the staff at a very difficult time in Mechanical Services.
Jane gets our vote everytime."

Comment from Geraldine Grizzle, BWG and HFI

"I Support Jane.

I have known janee for many years. She has always been very hard working and polite and have found her very helpful, understanding and full of empathy."

How Jane Fought Caterlink and stood up for women workers

A Page from our history Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER Published: 20 April 2007

Trouble on the menu School catering deal angers unions UNION chiefs are already heading for conflict with Cater Link, Islington’s new school dinner provider, just a week after it was announced that the firm were being given the prestigious contract. Unison, the main Town Hall union, accused Cater Link of lack of consultation with up to 100 dinner staff who will be providing the new service in the autumn. Branch secretary Jane Doolan is angry that Cater Link has even published its new menu for schools on an education website without liasing with the people who will be preparing and cooking the food. It follows the decision to dump previous school dinner provider Scolarest after a catalogue of complaints from parents and teachers about the service. Cater Link will take over the lucrative contract from September for an undisclosed sum and have pledged to include up to 90 per cent fresh produce in their menus. But Ms Doolan says she has studied the new menus and there is no information about the ingredients or recipes. “On the face of it the menus look fine,” she added. “But there’s no point in providing exciting healthy food if they are, for example, using bulking agents or other unhealthy ingredients. ” Ms Doolan added that none of her members had been involved in discussions, despite the new service having to be up and running by September 1. She added: “This was meant to be a brand new dawn in school catering with parents, teachers and dinner staff involved. Yet so far the new firm have not talked to us. But they are going to need the goodwill of our members.” Another potential source of conflict could be a clause in Cater Link’s contract for “robust training” with “zero tolerance for absence”. Ms Doolan added: “What does that mean? Are they planning to sack people who become ill?” The situation is complicated by the fact that many schools will be cooking their own meals on site and a few are planning to stay with Scolarest on an independent basis. Cater Link was founded in 1993 and provides school meals for more than 200 schools across the country. Tony McKenna, who founded the company and continues to run it, said: “We’ve only just been told that we’ve been appointed. We’re still waiting for the official letter to formally proceed. “I’m obviously keen to follow up with talks with everyone involved. “As far as the menu is concerned there’s a commitment that 90 per cent of all food will be fresh and the menu will be repeated only once every six weeks. Menus will also vary seasonally. He added he didn’t know where the “zero tolerance” for absence came from.

We are against cuts wherever they come from!

Mike Calvert writes:

"I fully support Jane who has always argued and acted in defence of the interests of the members. Under her leadership the branch has taken a firm position against cuts wherever they come from. Jane has also argued - and rightly so - that the current pensions negotiations should be rejected and that our scheme is non-negotiable.

Thanks to the efficient organisation of the branch our participation on November 30th was important and an inspiration for us all.

Changing the leader of a team for it own sake is always a mistake and will be in this case as well."

Diana James Vote4Jane

Jane works for the collective membership on the big issues and for the individual members encountering problems in their workplace. She is not self-serving. Jane serves the Branch. VOTE 4 JANE Diana James

A personal letter from Diana James to members

Dear Member

Re: Islington UNISON Branch Election

From Monday 26th March to Monday April 23rd you should be receiving your ballot papers at your home address) from Regional Office) for the election of the Branch Secretary of your branch - the Islington UNISON branch.

I am writing to you in a personal capacity to tell you why I recommend voting for the re-election of Jane Doolan as the Branch Secretary. (You may be aware that Andrew Berry ex-Deputy Branch Secretary who stood down 3 years ago and who is currently Vice Chair and Labour Link Officer is standing against Jane.)

Jane has a proven track record of successfully managing our Branch.

She was elected as our Branch Secretary 13 years ago and and the Membership have had every confidence in her year on year because she is effective in managing and organising Islington Branch and fights for the right reasons: -

• for those who are on low pay;
• implementation of Equalities
• for minimising redundancies
• for maintaining terms and conditions
• the membership collective
• the individual member encountering difficulties in the work place.

(these are just a few).

Jane took over Islington UNISON when it was in great financial difficulty.

She turned it around and made it financially viable so that year on year it grows stronger.

Jane took over Islington UNISON when it was in inner political turmoil.

She turned this around because she has the skill and ability to understand people.

Jane has enabled Islington UNISON to be strong, solid, stable - effective in challenging the employer.

Jane is loyal to the Membership - she delivers on Branch Democracy.

She has the skill of being able to listen and hear the diverse range of views of members.
The monthly Islington UNISON Branch Committee, where issues are discussed and debated and strategy formulated on behalf of the members with convenors and stewards is well attended because it is run democratically.

Jane is a strong leader - Islington UNISON has a membership of 2462 and 70% are women.

You can read Jane's annual report to be published this week and see what she has been able to achieve this year.

Best regards

Diana James

Enter Jane's blogspot address into Google http://vote4jane2012.blogspot.co.uk

A Personal Letter to all School Support Staff

To all Schools Support Staff

From Rosemary Plummer

Writing in a personal capacity

Dear members

From Monday 26^th March to Monday 23^rd April you will be receiving your ballot papers at home in the election for Branch secretary of Islington UNISON branch.

In a personal capacity, I would urge you to vote for Jane Doolan. Jane has mentored me over several years. Jane is the best Branch Officer I have worked with.

Her qualities include empathy with people, she is non-judgemental, is one of the best negotiators who is able to fight her corner on behalf of all members of the branch.

Jane has been a branch officer in Islington for many years and branch secretary for thirteen years.  In that time she has stood up for ordinary low paid members whether in schools or other places. She is the leading woman branch officer in this branch. Our membership in Islington is 2459 strong and 70% of those members are women. This in itself is a good enough reason to re-elect her.

When Jane took over in 1999 this branch was in chaos. We were nearly bankrupt and Jane brought it back from the brink of collapse.  Therefore given her proven track record I am urging you all to vote for Jane Doolan in the election.

If you want to know more about Jane her annual report will be sent out soon, and there is a blog you can look at on the internet at:

http://vote4jane2012.blogspot.com/

 Please can you put this up in your staff room so that everyone can see it

Yours Sincerely

Rosemary Plummer

Why We are supporting Jane in 2012

Jenny Densham says:

"I have known Jane for several years. She has been an excellent mentor and guided new stewards helping offer them training both provided by the Region and the branch.
Jane always goes above and beyond the call of duty in aiding and assisting our members.
She is the best Branch Secretary I have known!
Jane is from Islington and understands Islington better than anyone I know"

Mike Calvert says:

"Jane is the best candidate for the job. She comes from a poor, Islington working class background just like I come from a poor housing estate in Norfolk. She shares so much in common with her members that she is the ONLY candidate who speaks up for the members of Islington.
Jane understands what it is like to not have enough to live on, she understands what being poor is.
Most important of all, she is a woman. 70% of our 2462 members are women.
Only Jane can empathise and represent them!"

Rosemary Plummer says:

"Jane Doolan has been Branch Secretary for a few years now due to the fact she connects with the membership has empathy for people and is non judgemental.Islington Unison has gone through many Organisational reviews over the past couple of years, what ever department they are in Jane gets involved and does her utmost to prevent redundancies it has been far from easy.
Jane is a stickler for making sure all Organisational responses are completed.
Jane works way beyond her call of duty supporting members. 
 As an Islington girl born and bred she understands poverty, she understands discrimination coming from an Irish immigrant background
VOTE JANE DOOLAN!"


Diana James says:

"Jane works for the collective membership on the big issues and for the individual members encountering problems in their workplace. She is not self-serving. Jane serves the Branch.
VOTE 4 JANE"

Report from the Speak up for Libraries Rally

Alan Wylie writes:

I attended the ‘Speak up for Libraries’ Rally on Tuesday 13/03/12 held at the Central Methodist Hall in Westminster.

‘Speak up for Libraries’ is a coalition (a dirty word nowadays!) made up of Unison, The WI, VTFL, CILIP, Campaign for the Book, The Library Campaign and library campaigners Mar Dixon and Elizabeth Ash.

The day started off with watching Ed Vaizey giving evidence to the parliamentary inquiry into library closures on a large screen in the main hall, great joy was had when two of the SOS Brent library campaigners sat right behind him with there bright red sloganed t-shirts clearly on view!

300 or so campaigners then listened to passionate speeches in support of libraries and library staff by;

Alan Gibbons

Kate Mosse

Philip Ardagh

Ian Anstice (Public Libraries News)

Ian Clark (VFTL)

Dave Prentiss

Dan Jarvis (Shadow Culture Minister)

Andrew Coburn (Chair of the Library Campaign)

And others

I with other members of the VFTL team staffed the ‘pop up’ library, shook hands and answered questions from MPs.

At around 2pm the protest moved over to the House of Commons where groups and individuals lobbied their MPs and waved banners outside.

All in all it was a very positive and worthwhile day and will hopefully be used as a catalyst for further action!

Alan Wylie is a Libraries steward at Central Library and a supporter of the Re-elect Jane 2012 campaign

100 and still counting: from Teaching Assistants to Mechanised Services

We have now got 100 members to come forward along with many more pledged to support us.

100 members have agreed to publically identify with our campaign and with Jane as the best candidate for Branch Secretary from all across the sections of the council and partner organisations.

Cliffe Obaseki  and Dwayne Coggins of the Black Worker's Group are amongst the latest to add their names.

Manual workers from Mechanised Services, caretakers from HFI, parking officers from NSL, and school support staff from all over the borough are among the most prominent of our supporters.

They all say with one resounding clarion call: 

"Re-elect Jane Doolan! A working-class woman trade union official for a branch with 70% women members.

Vote for Jane Doolan-the only real choice"

A fighting response over libraries

Jane says the following:

At last years budget setting meeting Councillor Catherine West vowed that there would be no library closures. Instead they would explore the option of  Trust status. Apart from being contrary to UNISON policy. It was clear that councillors had done little or no research into what this could mean for the service.

Staff and buildings would have been transferred out of the council and this would have had far reaching implications for the service and the terms and conditions of Libraries staff. Staff also had concerns that a Trust could impact on their professionalism in terms of policy and stock selection. I arranged a series of departmental meetings and along with Library stewards we did our own research and attended the public consultation meetings. I raised a number of questions and points that clearly could not be answered and we used the local press to highlight these issues.

Some slight pressure was applied from one or two local Labour party members for me to drop our campaign against the Trust option but UNISON members were very clear and I had a clear mandate.

It was also clear that the public were not keen on going down the Community Library route and certainly did not like the idea of volunteers. The cost of volunteers did not appear to be taken into consideration when the council prepared its public consultation document. However, this was another area that we researched and the expense along with that of CRB checks should make use of volunteers prohibitive.

A previous restructure twinned or paired up Libraries and management are currently looking at staff rotas, proposals on opening hours and self service machines,

I have met with members in Libraries to discuss the implications of these cuts on staff and services and a number of site meetings are planned over the coming weeks. We are currently proposing to hold a public meeting (details to be confirmed at a later date) on this prior to any changes to opening hours and the introduction of self service machines which are scheduled for later this year.