Why so quiet?

I've been getting a few questions lately, so wanted to post an update.

As I'm not in a workplace at the moment, I stepped down from the various Unite committees I was on. I'm still active in Unite (though the machine doesn't make this easy!) but am contributing more via Unite Rank and File rather than posting here - this site is now largely dormant.

I'm also being asked about the long-anticipated Unite General Secretary election, as few expect McCluskey to manage a full term for the first time. It's noticeable that there are various rule changes up for discussion next week which aim to increase or close down democracy. If there is an election any time soon I won't be standing again. I stood as a rank and file candidate. I hope there will be a strong rank and file voice in any election, but given that I'm not currently active in a workplace I don't think that should be me.

I was also elected President of Manchester TUC earlier this year.

I've made a video about how workplaces can get involved with the climate strikes, an issue which we should all be getting more involved in, and where Unite should be doing much more - fighting for good climate jobs rather than backing destructive and unsustainable projects while jobs continue to be slaughtered. UCU and BFAWU have already adopted policy backing the climate strikes. The silence from McCluskey and our Executive Council urgently needs to end.

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10 May public sector strikes

After a long gap since November 30th, broken only by UCU & NUT striking in London, there is now a chance to get the fight to defend public sector pensions back on track.  UNITE members in Health, MOD and Government departments will be striking on 10th May, as will members of UCU and PCS and a group of RMT members.  UNISON health members also rejected the government's proposals in a ballot, despite strong encouragement from their leaders to accept, but UNISON's leadership shows no sign of calling action to win anything better.

The 10 May is important for all of us, not just those in the public sector.  If the government gets away with making millions of public servants work longer, pay more and get less, it can only encourage private sector employers to come back for another round of attacks on our pensions.  And of course the cuts in pensions are part of the government's wider cuts agenda - pushing the cost of the recession onto working people, tipping the economy into a "double-dip" recession and slashing and privatising our vital services.

We should all build support for members taking action on 10th May, for example:

• Sending messages of support
• Collecting money for the strikers
• Visiting picket-lines before going to work
• Joining marches and rallies

Manchester TUC has produced a helpful summary of what's going on in Manchester, where there are  marches from the north and south of the city converging for a rally.

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