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.
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