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
