G36 Branch News

GMB Political Fund

Dear Branch Members

Voting to keep our Political Fund will open on 11 October. The Political Fund is our union’s campaign fund. It allows us not only to have a strong industrial voice, but a strong political one too.

And through the Political Fund, we have achieved so much.

 

We brought ambulance workers to Parliament, to speak to politicians directly about their dispute and why it mattered.
 
We put ASDA bosses in front of select committees to be questioned on their unfair working practices.
 
We are raising the voices of women workers to put pressure on local politicians to fix equal pay scandals across the UK.
 

There is so much more to do. And that’s why we need you, our members, to vote YES in the Political Fund ballot.

To find out more, go to: www.gmb.org.uk/voteyes

GMB Political Fund Read More »

National Equalities Summit

We’re pleased to confirm that we are running five online National Equality Summits this Autumn – giving our underrepresented members the chance to come together to develop their knowledge of workplace organising and campaigning.

 

All Regions are invited to send attendees who belong to the five equality groups to the summits, with no limit on how many members can attend and no requirement for any level of experience. This learning and development opportunity is open to all members who identify with the relevant group, and members new to campaigning are most welcome.

 

Please see more details here: gmb-equality-summits-2023 (gmb-southern.org.uk)

 

As a result of there being no limit to the number of attendees, it has been agreed that we will advertise the summits to all GMB Southern Region members. However, Branches like yours will be informed of who has applied to attend and asked to raise any concerns.

 

Please share this information with your members and ask them to apply for a place using the links below:

 

Race Summit – Black, Asian and minority ethnic workers: Saturday 4 November 

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Bu2-fmudXk67ViAZWkPyhriQyUvAyDdBi3-telC_Bz9UMUdNM0gxSU9KUTEyN0k1NThMSzNGVFNGSi4u

Disabled Workers Summit: Saturday 18 November

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Bu2-fmudXk67ViAZWkPyhriQyUvAyDdBi3-telC_Bz9UMU5YN1ZYWTdPSzRaVThKQ1pKMldJSUZUMC4u

Young Workers Summit – Workers age 30 & under: Saturday 25 November

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Bu2-fmudXk67ViAZWkPyhriQyUvAyDdBi3-telC_Bz9UQkZTMDNKU1A0NjBSMENJVUVVRkNYSEkyTS4u

Women Workers Summit: Saturday 2 December

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Bu2-fmudXk67ViAZWkPyhriQyUvAyDdBi3-telC_Bz9UNUZURjFHMDUyMlNCR1dZTlI3TEVPRUYyVi4u

LGBT+ Workers Summit: Saturday 9 December

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Bu2-fmudXk67ViAZWkPyhriQyUvAyDdBi3-telC_Bz9UMjM5QU5VN0lCWVNINzZXT0xZVkFOSENYNS4u

 

The deadline for applications to be received by the Region is Thursday 5th October at midday.

 

National Equalities Summit Read More »

Creating a Robust Profession: Improving the Perception of Security Workers

Security workers play a crucial role in our society, ensuring the safety and protection of individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure. However, the perception of security workers has often been negative, with many considering it as a stop gap job rather than a respected profession. It is time for the security industry to unite and work together to change this perception and create a robust profession that attracts dedicated individuals.

One of the key factors in improving the perception of security workers is to offer better terms and conditions. Currently, many security jobs are low-paid with long working hours and limited career progression opportunities. This not only discourages talented individuals from considering security as a profession but also attracts workers who are not truly interested in security but rather see it as a temporary source of income.

To address this issue, security companies should strive to offer competitive salaries and benefits to their employees. This would not only attract skilled professionals but also incentivize them to stay in the industry for the long term. Additionally, providing opportunities for career development and progression within the security sector would give workers a sense of purpose and motivation to excel in their roles.

Another important aspect of improving the perception of security workers is to enhance their training and education. Currently, the training requirements for security workers vary widely.By establishing enhanced standardised and comprehensive training programs, security workers can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively and professionally.

The current professional certification system (SIA) for security workers does add some credibility and legitimacy to the industry. This certification serves as a good start but needs enhancing further. Although SIA certification is mandatory. more needs to be done to raise the overall standard of the industry.

The security industry also needs to actively engage in public outreach and education to change the perception of security workers. This can be done through various means such as community events, educational campaigns, and collaboration with other industries. By showcasing the importance and professionalism of security workers, we can challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that have plagued the industry for far too long.

In conclusion, it is imperative for the security industry to come together and improve the perception of security workers. This can be achieved through better terms and conditions, enhanced training and education, and active public outreach. By creating a robust profession that attracts dedicated individuals, we can ensure the safety and security of our communities while offering fulfilling careers to security workers

Creating a Robust Profession: Improving the Perception of Security Workers Read More »

Tolpuddle Cancelled

Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival 2023 – CANCELLED

 
Event details
Date
Fri, 14 Jul 2023 – 12:00 to
Sun, 16 Jul 2023 – 18:00. 
 

Today, organisers of the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival have made the very difficult decision to cancel the remaining festival programme because of the extreme adverse weather conditions, and in the interests of everybody’s safety. 

Organisers have heeded Yellow Weather Warnings from the Met Office and have this morning closed the site to all new entrants. Access to the site is now impossible.  

In the interests of clarity, even though the weather is set to improve tomorrow, the rest of the festival will not be going ahead due to the logistical demands of safely resetting the site.   

TUC South West regional secretary Ines Lage said: “It is with extreme disappointment we have taken the difficult decision to call off this year’s festival but, with high winds predicted to reach 45mph today, the site is now unsafe for campers and visitors.  

“Our festival is a celebration of solidarity and unity. And this year we saw such solidarity in abundance as we sought to keep the festival going in adverse conditions. The kindness, patience and overwhelming support from festival attendees, and our wonderful crew and volunteers has brought home what the union movement is about. We are eternally grateful and will endeavour to extend that solidarity as we go forward as a community and a movement.”  

“It’s the first time extreme weather has caused the festival to be cancelled and I really hope it will be the last. I thank people for their understanding and look forward to welcoming them back in 2024.”  

Festival organisers confirm that all ticket-holders will be refunded over the next few weeks, and to await further instruction.

Tolpuddle Cancelled Read More »

The Next Branch Meeting

The Next Branch Meeting

The next branch meeting will be held on Friday 8th Septembe 2023 The venue is GMB Welling Office, 3 Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY with a 10.00am start. All members welcome Dates for 2023 branch meetings all to be held at GMB Welling Office Friday 8th December 2023 Please be advised that parking at the Welling office is limited, you should therefore park in the side streets - Roseacre Road (to the side of the office) has free parking. 

The Next Branch Meeting Read More »

Congress 2023

The GMB Congress is a platform where delegates come together to discuss and shape the future of the GMB. Among the attendees were Dave, Derek, and Tony, who attended as visitors, driven by their shared commitment to advocating for workers’ rights. This blog post focuses on their experience at the GMB Congress and the significant motions that were passed, shaping the GMB.

Dave, Derek, and Tony eagerly participated in the GMB Congress, fully aware of its significance as a rule change congress. They were thrilled to witness firsthand the democratic decision-making process and witness discussions that would shape the GMB’s future. The congress provided a unique opportunity for members to propose motions and discuss critical issues that affect workers across various industries.

The GMB Congress was a bustling arena of passionate debates, as members from different branches and backgrounds shared their perspectives. Dave, Derek, and Tony were inspired by the diversity of motions presented, which covered a wide range of subjects including workers’ rights, the environment, and equalities.

Throughout the congress, they witnessed motions being proposed, seconded, and passionately discussed on the congress floor. The atmosphere was electric, with delegates expressing their viewpoints, sharing personal experiences, and seeking support for their proposed changes. It was a true demonstration of democracy in action.

As visitors, Dave, Derek, and Tony were fascinated by the rule change process at the GMB Congress. They observed how these motions would impact the way the GMB is governed and managed. The congress provided a platform for members to voice their concerns and propose reforms that would shape the future direction of the GMB.

The motions passed at the congress represented the collective voice of GMB members. They reflected the aspirations, challenges, and vision of the labor movement. Dave, Derek, and Tony were impressed by the level of engagement and dedication exhibited by delegates in shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for workers.

Attending the GMB Congress as visitors proved to be an enlightening and empowering experience for Dave, Derek, and Tony. They witnessed firsthand the democratic process of proposing and debating motions that will shape the future of the GMB. The congress provided a platform for members to voice their concerns and contribute to the development of policies that address the needs and rights of workers.

As the congress drew to a close, Dave, Derek, and Tony left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. They were inspired by the collective efforts of the delegates and the commitment to creating positive change within the labor movement. The GMB Congress demonstrated the power of unity, collaboration, and democratic decision-making, reminding us all of the importance of advocating for workers’ rights and equality.

Congress 2023 Read More »

GMB Labour

GMB is a founder member of the Labour Party and is its third largest affiliate. Since the 28th February 1900, GMB has been active at all levels of the Party including ward, constituency, local authority district, regional, national and European level.

Tens of thousands of GMB members are also members of the Labour Party, and thousands of these GMB members represent GMB in the constituency bodies of the Party. There are over 2,000 GMB members who are Labour Party local councillors. Over 80 Labour MPs are GMB members as are 3 Labour MEPs. There are GMB Members in the elected Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.

There are also GMB Members in the Greater London Assembly. GMB is represented by elected lay members and relevant full time officers at all the democratic policy conferences that take place throughout the year.

The GMB’s Political strategy with regards to the Labour party can be found in the resources tab on the right hand side of the page.

GMB members in the lead up to the 2015 General election took part in a huge amount of political campaigning on behalf of GMB candidates in the election. These were candidates who were GMB members and shared the GMB’s values.

GMB Labour Read More »