loud &clear The Newsletter for UNISON Members October 2020

School Report 2 – 3 Welcome Back to Loud and Clear Notes from a Case Worker 5 May I take this opportunity to thank each and Fifteen to 3? LG Re-organisation 8 every one of you for your hard work during A warning from history 12 – 14 the pandemic. Our sympathies go to the

INSIDE Mandela My67 campaign 15 many that died looking after us. No going back to normal

s we start to return to the workplace, It is important to Ait has become apparent that things remember that as have changed and will continue to do we now return to the so with the constant ever changing new normality, we do Government guidelines and restrictions. not allow the crucial Change is something that we’ve all mistakes of the past had to embrace and manage. This has to be repeated in

The clapping might have stopped but The clapping might have stopped but the support shouldn’t. Join us in the fight The clapping might have stopped but involved temporary changes in job our workplaces. We the support shouldn’t. Join us in the fight to rebuild public services and support the support shouldn’t. Join us in the fight to rebuild public services and support the people who provide them at to rebuild public services and support the people who provide them at unison.org.uk/nobacktonormal the people who provide them at duties, workplace closures and the need to let our local unison.org.uk/nobacktonormal unison.org.uk/nobacktonormal introduction of the furlough scheme, politicians know that decreased income and not to forget they can no longer personal difficulties such as: the effect on people’s mental health. undervalue our Public Services or the • being off work with a long-term people who have kept this country illness. Our commute to work on public running during this pandemic. As we • domestic violence or abuse. transport, cars or cycling has changed start to return to the workplace, we • living on the breadline and needing with the introduction of face masks must remember that all employers to pay for a major bill or vital item. and cycle lanes. Many of us have had have a legal duty to ensure that they • recovering from surgery. to set up new workplaces within our do everything in their power, to make • looking for advice in dealing with homes, which has included juggling your workplace Covid safe. your debts. childcare and embracing technology with Zoom being the new way to Employers should consult with all For more information contact ‘There communicate with our colleagues, workers before they return to the for You’ on 020 7121 5620 or email managers and supporting members at workplace. Employers must consider [email protected] or contact various meetings. any risks to staff who are vulnerable, the Branch to speak to our Welfare and this includes B.A.M.E., disabled Officer on 01772 533072. What we need to remember in the and the over 70s with an underlying last 10 years of spending cuts and health risk. If you are in one of these As we move forward we will continue Austerity, they have caused major categories your employer should to support and guide our members damage to our vital services up and undertake a risk assessment. and colleagues in these ever changing down this county. These cuts have unprecedented times. been at the very heart of every UNISON UNISON provide a confidential member from Schools, Emergency service for members over the phone Mark Evans Services and Local Government. or in person if you are experiencing Assistant Branch Secretary 2 loud & clear

An international School Report Update: perspective Welcome back to the new norm? Earlier this year I was voted into the role of International Officer. Schools have I am passionately against any form of ill treatment and already now returned School did take notice of events around the world, Palestine and Yemen and everything to name but a few. is different from Report With this in mind I attended a seminar at Croyde Bay which last year. Since ended up being a real eye opener. returning I have been receiving I attended each day and met a good number of fellow unionists, several emails about the following the films I watched were concerns: thought provoking and in a lot of cases very sad. There’s me moaning about my lot and then Redeployment Quarantine I soak up all the information If staff are redeployed to There is no right to be paid during given that weekend and I undertake other Key Functions the period of self-isolation. thought we do not know how in the school, then appropriate lucky we are just to be able to training and PPE would be If I am particularly at risk from air our views. If you had a few given. No member of staff will coronavirus do I need to return hours and I could type really fast be required to undertake work to work? I would relay everything I learnt of a higher grade without the from this. If a member is at risk from necessary pay increase. If coronavirus they can return to staff are asked to do additional I have since attended the annual school if the safe systems of cleaning duties that are not meeting with the international controls are put in place. This covered in their contract, then group, via Skype, and the needs to be in discussion with the they should object. Ask yourself is stories that were shared can school and the member of staff. this a reasonable request? Have overwhelm you. they asked teaching staff to also If I feel unsafe can I refuse carry out this job? If you need any I am still at an early learning to do my job? further advice please contact the stage but hope this year to feed If a member feels unsafe, they Branch and speak to a rep. back to our branch stories bad should raise their concerns with and hopefully good because their immediate line manager. If a Maternity Leave there are some positive member still has anxiety around outcomes as well. I have just Employees can amend their start returning to work, then they can completed a trafficking, modern date for maternity by notifying be given time off but this will be slavery course which is also school 28 days in advance. If an unpaid leave. useful in my job. employee takes sick leave within 4 weeks of their due date, then they Mark Evans Tommy Morgan would be expected to commence School Convenor Steward and International Officer their maternity leave early. 3

Stewards and what they do Glen Harrison

I have been an activist for 15 I have seen outcomes that as opposed to those who are not years, firstly becoming involved would not have occurred without unionised is a fully trained, well when my terms and conditions the intervention of a workplace briefed colleague who can deliver where under threat. I had no representative. For example, they the outcomes that would certainly expectations coming into the have the local knowledge that not be possible without a union’s role, other than the desire cannot be taught in any classroom, intervention. to help others and myself if such as a working knowledge of All of the workplace rights we needed by being empowered to the working environments in which enjoy were hard fought by the represent. our members operate. union movement. Colleagues not in You get out of the role what I have been employed by the union will have benefitted from you put in as an activist. It is a Lancashire UNISON for a matter of a union’s existence from the paid voluntary role and largely down to months after being an activist for holidays they enjoy, to collective how much time you can give and many years largely in the public bargaining rights, or maternity also how much facility time your sector. rights, all delivered by the union employer allows. I have found a stark difference in movement. There is a great deal of private and public employers. The A union is your insurance policy satisfaction in helping members managements lack of knowledge, and it is a fact that unionised and what I’ve found is that especially in the private sector employers have better terms and we often assume by virtue of managers acting with impunity conditions. a manager’s position, is that and with very dogmatic attitudes Why is that? Because they they will be very efficient on to the workforce. Some managers have rights to collectively bargain understanding process. are often nervous in engaging through recognition agreements The first thing you realise is that with activists as this may and are well trained to deliver the nobody understands process better expose the lack of knowledge best outcomes. than a representative and often and can lead to a combative or this gives you a great advantage adversarial approach adopted by Glen Harrison as being underestimated regards management. Case worker, our knowledge is commonplace. However what our members gain Lancashire UNISON

Building NW H&S Capacity at Pace #BeOnTheSafeSide

This is more important than ever the first instance to find out more given the Covid-19 pandemic. about how your union will support you: Health & Safety representatives have the most legal rights and Schools protections than any other trade [email protected] UNISON is working hard to union role. identify members who are Social Care interested in becoming Health & We encourage any members that [email protected] Safety representatives for their are interested in becoming more workplace. active to contact the following in 4 loud & clear

Learning From The Past Paul Morley

ver the years I have attended Oa number of trade union courses and in the main these courses were geared up to giving me the skills to represent members. These courses have been fantastic in increasing my confidence but I felt perhaps it was time to learn for personal interest.

When I saw that UNISON were putting on a ‘Trade Union History’ course I jumped at the chance.

The course was set over 8 weeks on Tuesday evenings and was held at the iconic ‘Working Class Movement Library’ in Salford. The trainees were representatives from various workplaces dotted around the North Looking back at the course, one Following the course, I ensure West and I was pleased to see a particular week resonated with me, I walk past the Preston Martyrs fellow Lancashire Branch member which was when we discussed the Memorial on my way to County Hall Pam Bromley on the course. Corn Laws of the 1800s. to remind me that many workers have paid the ultimate price for Under the expert tutelage of Bob Government imposed tariffs caused standing up for themselves. Kelly, Regional Education Officer, the cost of food (and living) to rise, the course covered a variety of which led to workers protesting I use this to spur me on, under different topics and we made in pursuit of a fair day’s pay. In the realisation that any issues I progress through the centuries. We 1842, under the influence of the face as a representative pale into touched on the Peterloo massacre chartist movement, there was a comparison to those brave and and learnt about the effects of the General Strike. Locally this led to courageous workers of yesteryear. industrial revolution and how the mill workers going on strike and approach to work changed in this protests took place around many Overall, I really enjoyed the course period. towns including Preston. and I learnt a lot about the past.

Amongst other things we looked at This civil unrest in Preston resulted I set out to do the course for the formation of the Labour Party in the military being called in and personal interest knowing my moving through the 1900s, looking unfortunately four protestors lost skills, as a representative probably at significant trade union events their lives. This is commemorated would not improve. However, I have along the way. We discussed by the Preston Martyrs Memorial to say this course has done a lot in the rise and fall of trade unions at the Corn Exchange located on terms of my awareness but more drawing on a number of social, Lune Street just a short walk from importantly has got me fired up to political and economical influences. County Hall (see photo above). get more involved and active. 5

Notes from a Case worker Ian Mountain

I was appointed to the role of meetings using technology, rather of the casework as part of their case worker in March this year. than physically attending meetings training. I will also try and get out, I have been a UNISON workplace or catching up with colleagues. when restrictions are lifted with steward for 5 years previous to I still prefer to meet members my colleague Glen to meet some that and also a Union Learning in person and there are several of the reps we have in the private Rep for 3 years in Halton, where disadvantages to holding important sector. We have a well organised I worked in their Virtual School. meetings, such as disciplinary and structured framework here in hearings online, but there were Lancashire. Very impressive. I was an activist and really enjoyed also a few advantages, travel time standing shoulder to shoulder with and cost being the most obvious. I am also looking to try and UNISON colleagues on marches, organise around certain work demonstrations and picket lines, Since starting, I have been busy areas around issues that members locally, regionally and nationally. every day, there is a lot of work are raising. Some of this is in It’s really nice to come and work in and learning but I am enjoying conjunction with Region, who my own community after 11 years the challenge. Working within the launched a campaign recently for of working outside of Lancashire. private sector, rather than for a workers in one of our employers to Local Authority has been a real get the correct leave entitlement My first day in the office was the eye opener in how procedures for all members. We are now day lockdown started so I was and legislation is interpreted. seeing certain issues arising given a laptop and phone and have There have been some really from Covid that will start to affect been working in this new way for good results and a couple of larger amounts of members in several months. Luckily, the branch disappointing ones along the way, Lancashire, such as redundancies, team have been supportive and but I have met some amazing cuts to terms and conditions as are very good at what they do, so people and it does feel great well as large restructures that will it has made what could have been standing alongside them. allow us to organise and recruit a really difficult time a lot easier. new members so that the branch I have also tried to organise when can remain strong. The early part of the lockdown the opportunity arises and also was difficult as we were trying try to look for new reps. We are Thank you for giving me the to keep on top of daily changes always looking for more. opportunity to work on your behalf, in legislation and this led to a lot I really look forward to meeting of enquiries that we had to find Since I started, I have been asked you all at some point. answers to and this continues as to mentor a couple of the new the government still don’t seem stewards, which I really enjoy as Ian Mountain able to provide clear guidance. part of the learning rep in me. I will Case worker We also had to try and adapt to try to get them to shadow some Lancashire UNISON

Contributors: Thanks go to the following who have contributed to this edition of Loud & Clear:

Sarah Braebaum, Stephen Cliffe, Elaine Cotterell, Mark Evans, Glen Harrison, Jason Hunter, Damian Isherwood, Richard MacSween, Tommy Morgan, Paul Morley, Ian Mountain, Sara Murphy, James Rupa, Caroline Wolf 6 loud & clear

Fifteen to Three? Local Government Reorganisation

You may have seen recently some sits above them over a larger learn a lot more once this White news that Lancashire might geographical area and they give Paper is published. be getting something called some of their existing powers to a Combined Authority and an the combined authority. Often a At this point there is no firm timeline elected Mayor. You may have also devolution deal also goes with a on when any reorganisation might seen that this is conditional upon Combined Authority and devolution happen in Lancashire or any definite there being some form of Local is where Government give some plan for what this will look like. Government re-organisation (LGR) of their powers to the Combined There was a suggestion this may all – that is a change in the number Authority along with funding. happen over the next two years with of Councils and their boundaries. the new Councils being created and So what has happened recently? ready from May 2022 along with the Currently in Lancashire there are Lancashire may now be moving Combined Authority. This would be a fifteen Councils, the largest is toward a Combined Authority huge amount of work even without Lancashire County Council (LCC). as it’s seen as important in any the Coronavirus Pandemic. This Then sitting underneath LCC there recovery plan after the coronavirus timeline was on the basis the White are twelve District Councils; these pandemic. It is also more of a Paper would be published in Autumn are Wyre, Fylde, West Lancashire, priority for the current Government 2020 – there are reports the White South Ribble, Chorley, Preston, than it was for the previous one. Paper might be delayed until 2021. Lancaster, Ribble Valley, Hyndburn, Councils in Lancashire have had , Pendle and Rossendale. This some discussions about what any The current ruling Conservative is known as a two tier system where LCA will look like but if the stories administration at Lancashire County the top tier County Council provide in the news are to be believed then Council seem particularly keen for some services (such as social Councils agree with the concept of this all to happen sooner rather than care, highways) and the second a Combined Authority for Lancashire later. They have submitted an outline tier District Councils provide other although not all are fully supportive business case to Government on services (such as refuse collection, of a Mayor. what they think Local Government planning). Reorganisation should look like. The Government have made it clear Lancashire also has two Unitary that permission for a Combined This is important for UNISON Councils and these are Blackpool Authority for Lancashire will only be members working for Councils Council and Blackburn with granted if Local Government is also because any reorganisation will Darwen Council. These are single reorganised. This is where many of have a direct impact on your tier Councils which provide all the the disagreements begin because employment, who you work for services in their local area. most Councils have different views and how you work. This will also on what a potential reorganisation of impact UNISON members working The concept of a Lancashire Local Government should look like for the Police because it is likely Combined Authority (LCA) has been and there is disagreement on how any newly created Mayor will take around for the last 4 years. However quickly this should all happen. over the role of the Police and Crime full agreement on how this could Commissioner. work between each Council could The Government had been expected never be reached. Areas like Greater to publish what is called a White The LCC proposals Manchester and Liverpool already Paper in early Autumn 2020 – this An outline bid has been created have Combined Authorities and an would set out the Government and submitted by LCC alone, they elected Mayor. strategy and policy on Devolution, are not supported or endorsed by A Combined Authority is where Combined Authorities and Local all Councils across Lancashire. Councils group together and agree Government. It is believed that this Some Lancashire Councils have to have a layer of local government is a core part of the Government’s taken a formal position that no (the Combined Authority) which “levelling up” agenda and we should decision should be made until the 7

White Paper is published and fully understood.

The Conservative administration at LCC have submitted these proposals to Government without them going through any formal process, for example Cabinet or Full Council. They say there was not time to do this if Lancashire were to be in the first group of new Combined Authorities to be announced. Lancashire is not currently going to be in the first group and the LCC Tory Administration hoped this bid would get them into the first group – this is stated in the document. If Lancashire was put in the first group then it is likely that local elections across Lancashire could be cancelled in May 2021 with any new Councils Fylde, Blackpool, Wyre, Lancaster things will get better by arranging being created from May 2022. and Ribble Valley. the deck chairs on the Titanic. The report does little to address There has been some speculation • Central Lancashire will cover the the fundamental issue of properly as to why there is a rush to do areas of West Lancashire, Chorley, funding public services which are this during a pandemic. Does the South Ribble and Preston. currently stretched to breaking point. Conservative administration want to be in the first wave because they are • East (Pennine) Lancashire On finances the bid does say that worried they may lose the elections will cover the areas of Blackburn, the proposal to have three Unitary in May 2021 and want to cling on to Hyndburn, Burnley, Rossendale and Councils would generate savings power at a crucial stage in creating Pendle. of £60-£80m over a three year the new Combined Authority and period and that Unitarisation is a new Councils? Or do they genuinely The bid states that this model will catalyst for much more substantial believe now is the best time to do help deliver the ambitious recovery transformation that would improve this and it is in Lancashire’s best and levelling up plans because the services and deliver greater savings. interests? That political debate is current Local Government structure UNISON recognise there can be taking place. does not enable Lancashire to do efficiencies of scale but such savings this. It states that three Unitaries are not likely unless there are also Three New Unitary Councils will be fit for purpose and unleash job losses. The report also talks Regardless of rumours and stronger growth, deliver economic about selling off Council buildings. speculation as to reasons behind this renewal and levelling up and provide an outline bid has been submitted high-quality, integrated public The bid mentions in passing the to Government which calls for the services for healthier and better cuts to Local Government funding creation of a Mayoral Lancashire connected communities. but at no point does it suggest any Combined Authority and three new increase in funding to ensure that Unitary Councils to replace the UNISON’s concern is that these public services are properly funded existing fifteen Councils. bold statements whilst sounding in Lancashire nor does it recognise attractive to win Government favour that Local Government may be The three new proposed Councils are; to try to get into the first group of struggling precisely because of the new Combined Authorities are based • North West Lancashire will cover more on opinion and assertion the current geographical areas of rather than hard evidence that Continued overleaf 8 loud & clear

Fifteen to Three? (continued from page 7) cuts Conservative Governments that UNISON can see other than that Local Government will be have inflicted on Lancashire over the the suggestion of a Democracy reorganised. For UNISON members last 10 years. The bid suggests that Commission to look into it, which this will mean major changes as savings from Unitarisation can be re- could be admission in itself that you may end up working for a new invested and new Unitary Councils the proposals are less democratic Council. It will be a huge task to will be more financially sustainable. for those who live in Lancashire as map existing staffing, structures and In UNISON’s view any savings will larger Councils are more remote services to new Councils and will not fully replace money lost to 10 from the communities they serve. inevitably mean changes to roles, years of austerity and cuts. jobs, places of work and ways of So what happens next? working. There will almost certainly There are some parts of the bid which LCC’s outline bid is clearly an be jobs lost as a result. How will all have some logical sense; for example attempt to seduce the Government the different terms and conditions delivering Public Services in a better into letting Lancashire be in the of employment be managed and will and more joined up way, taking first round of new Combined this be resolved by picking the best strategic approaches on a Lancashire- Authorities and a lot will depend on available and levelling up? wide basis and greater collaboration when the Government White Paper across Lancashire and public services. is published. Government’s plans UNISON will keep watch on Devolution and greater collaboration will be clearer once it is published developments and keep you fully is not necessarily a bad thing if there and ultimately the Government informed. are genuinely better ways to do will determine what changes if things – it is more a case of why do any will happen in Lancashire. The You can see the full outline bid here: this now rather than why not? Government may or may not let www.lancashire.gov.uk/ Lancashire into the first round and media/919064/proposition-for- The bid also suggests that it will if they do the Local Elections may local-government-reorganisation- hand power back to people. No detail be suspended in May 2021. in-lancashire.pdf or evidence is provided as to how any of this will be more democratic Ultimately it does seem certain Jason Hunter

VOTE SAFELY – VOTE FROM HOME

There will be elections across live outside Lancashire but still over several days as well as the Lancashire in May 2021. have elections. possibility things will be done as normal on one day. You will, no doubt, be aware that These are important elections all 84 divisions of Lancashire that affect the public services In either case, the best chance of County Council will be contested. we provide and those that we ensuring you can exercise your say However, due to the Covid-19 rely upon. They give members safely and at your convenience is pandemic, there will also be an opportunity to have a say on to sign up for a postal vote. elections delayed from 2020; important issues and to send Lancashire-wide elections for the messages to government. You can get the form to sign up Police and Crime Commissioner for a postal vote by contacting and in some areas elections in Due to the pandemic, it remains the elections office of your local your local District Councils. Your unclear how elections will be District Council. vote is based on your postal conducted. There has been talk of address, so some members may all postal, or of extending voting SIGN UP FOR A POSTAL VOTE! 9

Maintained Nursery Schools – An Update

The campaign to address • 33% of MNS were in deficit at b) Be transparent and easily the funding issues facing the end of 2019/20; understood. Maintained Nursery Schools • Pre pandemic expectations c) Be sustainable to allow MNS (MNS) continues. Government for 2020/21 were that 34% of and local authorities to plan. have recognised the crucial MNS would have an in year d) Be fair between local authorities role of MNS and that the Early deficit and 10% had a recovery and between providers within a Years National Funding Formula plan for a pre-existing deficit; local authority and be clear on (EYNFF) does not provide for the • 76% have reduced their value for money and the wider full costs of MNS. teaching staff to the minimum role of MNS. number; e) Avoid volatility across the sector. Supplementary funding, introduced • 56% are at their minimum because of the inadequacy of the staffing ratios; The real test is whether this EYNFF, however has been frozen • 70% have frozen vacancies translates into enough cash to fund at 2016/17 levels which when and only made temporary MNS properly for the long term. factoring in cost increases amounts staffing appointments; The Government need to correct all to a 14% cut. The supplementary • 45% have a head teacher that the things that are wrong with MNS funding, which is only temporary, is less than full time. funding. on average represents 31% of an MNS budget. It is hoped that these The impact of Covid-19 has MNS are schools and must have a issues may be addressed in the made matters worse with survey head teacher, qualified teachers, a upcoming Government spending responses stating; SENCO, a governing body and an review. admissions policy to prioritise the • 30% now expect to be in deficit most vulnerable. They also employ The MNS sector was struggling at the end of the year where their staff on Local Government before the coronavirus pandemic they believed they could have terms and conditions. None of this but matters have become even balanced their budget before is recognised in their funding. worse as a result of the pandemic the pandemic; and particularly in the most • 34% now expect a higher In 2009/10 3.5% of MNS were in disadvantaged and poorer areas. deficit than budgeted; deficit and this has risen to 17.7% MNS have remained open during • 8% will not meet their recovery in 2018/19. Child to teacher ratios the pandemic looking after the plan targets; have increased from 16 to 23. most vulnerable children and the • Only 17% were able to make children of key workers. They use of the furlough scheme; MNS have a higher proportion of have continued to provide a vital • 23% feel at risk of closure; children with SEND compared to role in the communities across • 40% expect to have to make cuts; the rest of the early years sector Lancashire where they are based. • Only 10% feel confident about and are more likely to provide a Nationally more state nurseries their current budget. greater range of specialist services have remained open in lockdown and yet this is not accounted for compared to the early year’s sector The Government Minister with the their funding. in general. responsibility, Vicky Ford MP, has set out her principles for any new MNS are often instrumental in The organisation Early Education funding formula and that it must; diagnosing the needs of children recently conducted a survey of MNS and putting Education and Health which paints a very clear picture of a) Preserve services for the most Care Plans in place but they often the serious funding challenges. The vulnerable including children in survey showed that; need and those with SEND. Continued overleaf > 10 loud & clear

Maintained Nursery Schools (continued from page 9) don’t see the funding that follows Facebook discussing these issues. • , as it often generally benefits the Conservative MP for Burnley receiving primary school with the UNISON recently wrote to MPs (8 MNS) MNS receiving little to no extra again in Lancashire that have a • , Conservative MP funding. MNS in their constituency. The for Hyndburn (3 MNS) number of MNS they have in their • , 98% of MNS have at least one constituency is in brackets for Conservative MP for Pendle child in receipt of the early years information. Here is who replied in (5 MNS) pupil premium compared to 30% in support; • , Conservative MP for the rest of the sector – in addition Rossendale and Darwen (2 MNS) the pupil premium is around £302 • Mr , Conservative • Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP for in early years compared to £1345 MP for Ribble Valley and Chorley and Speaker of the in primary schools. Deputy Speaker of the House House of Commons (2 MNS) of Commons (1 MNS) • Rosie Cooper, Labour MP for Early Education have made a • Sir Mark Hendrick, Labour MP West Lancashire (1 MNS) submission to the Spending Review for Preston (1 MNS) and suggests that around £100m • Cat Smith, Labour MP for UNISON urge members to contact of additional funding is required. Lancaster and Fleetwood their MPs to ask that their The submission can be viewed (1 MNS) MPs make representations to online www.early-education.org. Government to ensure fair funding uk/all-party-parliamentary-group- And here is who didn’t reply at for MNS in the Spending Review. nursery-schools-nursery-and- all. Disappointingly those with the reception-classes and you can also most MNS in their constituency James Rupa watch a recent online meeting on appear to not be bothered; Regional Organiser

Check out the UNISON YouTube channel www.youtube.com/unison 11

“Applause on a Thursday night doesn’t pay the rent” says Angela Rayner

Some members will remember election, but we Angela Rayner speaking at our are determined to Branch AGM. She has been our climb it. We must UNISON North West Regional – and we will – wage for their work. Ministers have Convenor and Stockport Branch restore the British people’s trust in fallen over themselves to clap for our Secretary. Labour as a party of government.” She had stood in for Keir Starmer carers. But applause on a Thursday Recently she faced Boris Johnson at Prime Minister’s Questions as night doesn’t pay the rent.” in Prime Minister’s Question Time. the leader was self-isolating while However, she does not just In doing so, she took the authentic waiting for the results of a Covid test seek to speak up for key workers. voice of working people around the for a family member. She is leading the charge to get country directly into the centre of As a former care worker who key workers stepping forward to power. was also a UNISON rep before being have more influence and speak for Speaking as a former care worker elected to parliament, she used yourselves. She recently used online she exposed his bluff and bluster PMQs to highlight the low pay of care training sessions to encourage about social care so important to our workers amid the coronavirus crisis key workers across the country families and our society. that has seen many risk their lives. to consider standing as local Angela was overwhelmingly She returned to this in opening the councillors ahead of the May 2021 elected as Labour’s Deputy Leader in Conference, in her comments about elections and in the run-up to the April 2020 and will lead on Labour’s Labour’s key message she said: “This next general election. campaigning going forward. crisis showed us that the people our She has argued today that Labour She is also National Chair of the economy and our country cannot values are key to the UK’s recovery Labour Party and on Sunday 20th survive without are our key workers. from the pandemic, saying: “The September, she opened the virtual “The NHS and social care staff coronavirus crisis has changed national Labour Party Conference, who have put their lives on the line everything for all of us, for our giving a lead on where the party to save others. The posties, the bus country and for our party. But our see us going forward amidst the drivers, the shop workers, the delivery values haven’t changed. chaos and confusion of Government drivers and so many others who “And it is those values of management of the pandemic. have kept us all cared for, fed and fairness, compassion that are seeing She declared that “At this time connected. our country through this crisis. These of national crisis, we are offering “Your service, your sacrifice and are our values, Labour values, and the country the leadership it needs. your bravery will never be forgotten. they must be the foundation of our We will act in the best interests of Our whole country owes you an country’s recovery. Out of this crisis, the British people, and in our shared enormous debt of gratitude. After we can build a better, fairer, more mission to defeat this terrible virus.” all the sacrifice and hardship, we equal society.” “And we will call this failing can’t go back to business as usual, If you would be interested in Conservative government out for its where the very same people who finding out more about taking your serial incompetence that is holding have risen to this challenge continue expertise as public service workers Britain back. to be underpaid, undervalued and to influence local politics, contact “We know that we have a exploited. And we will fight to make Jason Hunter on mountain to climb to win the next sure every worker earns a decent [email protected]. 12 loud & clear

Auschwitz: A Warning From History Last January a group of UNISON members went on a NW Regional Holocaust Educational Tour to Poland. They visited Auschwitz concentration camp in the seventy-fifth anniversary year of its liberation in January 1945. Richard MacSween reports on the visit.

I’m staring at a shoe, a young were shot after the briefest of woman’s shoe probably, and it’s ‘trials’; that bunker you could easily made of dark red leather with a overlook and which turns out to be simple pattern of small oval holes where the gassing of prisoners first along each side, repeated round took place. the front. It’s for a right foot, the foot of a person who was The scale of the brutality becomes pleased with these shoes as she apparent: rows of photographs of tied the laces. But who knows the children who were destroyed what happened to the left shoe? here; the huge display cases filled There’s not much doubt what with prisoners’ belongings – their happened to its owner. suitcases, clothes, spectacles, and Just one shoe from a mountain shoes. That red shoe. Ordinary of prisoners’ shoes It’s in a display case in Auschwitz. everyday objects which were I’ve been aware of this place- personal to their owners, who name most of my life. It calls up a Polish army barracks before the touched them with their fingers – uniquely terrible event in history war. We enter it, like the people putting on their glasses, buttoning and now, with a group of other who were imprisoned here, through up their shirt – and which had UNISON members from North a gate with the words ‘Arbeit macht been stripped from them to erase West England, I’ve been given the frei’ over the top. Work sets you their humanity. A huge glass case chance to visit. The group leader is free. Work didn’t do that of course full of hair, cut from the heads of Glen Williams from Sefton UNISON for the thousands who walked prisoners to be woven into cloth for branch, and he’s given us plenty of under that slogan every day to the German army. information about the place – but undertake forced labour until they however much you know about dropped dead from overwork, The ‘final solution’ the Holocaust beforehand, it’s malnourishment or disease. Or, We are shown the cell of the impossible not to be deeply moved from August 1941, by being gassed. priest, Maximillian Kolbe and told when you’re here. his story: a prisoner managed to Our Polish guide takes us round escape, so in revenge ten random Auschwitz covers a huge area, like the solid, brick-built buildings, and prisoners were told they would a vast, ruined industrial estate. And with the midwinter sun shining be starved to death. One of them, it isn’t just one camp, there were down it could be a neat housing Franciszek Gajowniczek, cried out: actually over forty camps here, estate we’re wandering around. Bit ‘But I have a wife and children!’ built by the Germans during World by bit though, the truth behind the at which point Kolbe, who hadn’t War Two. innocent-looking objects emerges. been selected, offered to take his That crossbar you wouldn’t notice place. He did so but was still alive Everyday objects till you’re told it’s where prisoners after starving for a fortnight so The first camp we visited, now were hanged; that wall which we they killed him by injection. But called Auschwitz l, had been a learn is where many prisoners Gajowniczek did go on to survive 13

in good condition. However, we gas chamber, this had four, two were unable to obtain conclusive of them with huge underground results because they died during structures. experimentation. We would kindly request that you send us another They were blown up by the Nazis in group of women to the same an attempt to destroy the evidence number and at the same price.’ just before the Soviet Red Army Human lives destroyed as a mere liberated the camp in January 1945, item of transaction between a but they’re still there plain as day. company and a supplier. And it I look down into what’s left of should be remembered these Crematorium III, a mess of collapsed companies continued to operate brickwork and concrete with its after the war unhindered and for below-ground structure now exposed the most part without penalty. to daylight. How did it function?

Auschwitz I was the second day of our visit. On the first day we’d already toured Krakow, where we The gateway into Auschwitz I were staying, and been shown the camp. It reads ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ old Jewish quarter where Steven or ‘Work sets you free’ Spielberg had filmed some of Schindler’s List and then Oscar the camp, be reunited with his wife Schindler’s factory itself which he and live to be ninety-three. used to help Jews to escape. But that’s a rare happy ending. Spielberg’s film fairly accurately portrayed real events, but too often Later, standing in the dark bunker fact and fiction become entangled. where gassing prisoners was first The guide told me about the done was to be reminded of the shocking number of visitors who worst horrors of the place. It was asked her for more information the start of the Nazis’ so-called about the boy in the striped ‘final solution’, the systematic pyjamas – a story and film which Blown up in an attempt to disguise killing of around six million people, was fictional but for many seemed what it was, this is Crematorium III. These are the steps down which mostly Jews, but also many non- to have become real. Given there thousands of victims went. They Jewish Poles, Soviet prisoners, are Holocaust deniers who say none of it happened, we have to be were told they were going to the trade unionists, gays and gypsies. showers. clear about what is true and what Oscar Schindler is made up. German companies such as IG New arrivals came to the camp in Farben, Bayer and Krupp were Fake showers trains, to be let out of the carriages heavily involved in Auschwitz. The last day of our visit was to the where they’d been confined for They were given tax exemptions to part of the camp called Auschwitz- days without food or water. They build factories and operate here, a Birkenau, or Auschwitz II. The area were glad to breathe fresh air. big bonus being the cheap labour it occupies is vast, the result of They were quickly inspected, provided by the camps. Often a decision by Himmler that the and a decision made about each inmates were used for medical original camp wasn’t killing people person. If they were thought fit experimentation. Here’s a Bayer fast enough and everything had for work they were sent in one manager writing to Rudolf Höss, to be scaled up. Auschwitz I feels direction, to the barracks. The the commandant of Auschwitz: ‘The pretty big with 28 barracks, this transport of 150 women arrived one had 174. The original had one Continued overleaf > 14 loud & clear

A Warning From History (continued from page 13) others, the majority – children, figures of fun, or reasonable people pregnant women, the sick, the who can be debated with. weak, the handicapped and the elderly – were sent in the other Auschwitz tells us this is a direction. Told they were going to mistake. have a shower, to clean up after their journey, they had no reason to They only present themselves suspect otherwise. as ‘fun’ or ‘reasonable’ or ‘respectable’ before they have They were led down the steps of power. Hitler was a ridiculous one of the crematoriums into the figure when he started out. As first chamber and told to undress. soon as they actually have power, Then they were herded into the next their only debating method is the chamber. The doors were bolted and butt of a rifle or the gas chamber. instead of the shower the victims That’s why UNISON urged expected from fake showerheads, opposition to the far-right founder Jewish children in the Krakow Zyklon B pellets were dropped in, of the EDL, Tommy Robinson, and ghetto. The people forced into releasing hydrogen cyanide. In 15 the ghetto were made to build why we celebrated when he failed minutes, they were dead. the wall round it themselves. to be elected as an MEP in the North West last Summer. The doors were opened and a group of prisoners called remind us that resistance, however It’s a lesson we owe to the millions sonderkommandos removed hard, isn’t impossible. of men, women and children who the bodies, cutting off hair and died in camps like Auschwitz. To removing gold teeth and jewellery This bunker was where a group the owner of that red shoe. such as rings, before loading them of sonderkommandos staged a into the ovens. The remaining ash revolt in October 1944. Having was dumped in the river or spread accumulated stolen gunpowder over on the fields. several months, they blew up the bunker, attacked the guards, killing The prisoner’s revolt three, and escaped into the woods. Up to 6,000 people daily were In the end the revolt failed, they destroyed this way in Auschwitz, were rounded up and killed, but something like 1.1 million altogether they made an attempt. We stood in between 1941 and 1945. This was silence by the remains of Bunker IV killing organised as an industrial and lit candles in memory of those process, destroying altogether brave people who even in their the equivalent of the population hellish situation fought back. of Birmingham. Though there have been terrible massacres Never again and attempted genocides at other We must never forget what times and places, the industrialised happened in Auschwitz. It’s a slaughter of people in Nazi-run lesson from history that has camps like Auschwitz was unique. to be constantly refreshed: the knowledge of what the far-right We pay tribute to the many But then Glen Williams led us to do when they get power. Too often prisoners who were summarily shot at this wall another ruin, Crematorium IV, to modern day fascists are treated as 15

Mandela My67 Campaign

We had over twenty nominations include: social groups, for our campaign. These came exercise classes and in from UNISON members from home help. across the county, back in July. Our intention is to donate to Preston Salvation all of these very worthwhile Army runs an beneficiaries. emergency food provision, which hands Mandela Day is celebrated each out up to 1,000 bags year on 18 July, Nelson Mandela’s each month to people birthday. The day encourages in need across the city. COVID-19 Aspired Futures based in Blackpool individuals to make an impact and has increased the demand for their change the lives of hard to reach help transform the world, through services. children and young people. They volunteering and community provide long-term, life-changing service. Trinity Baptist Church in Bacup therapeutic services. provide a food bank to the residents The 67 refers to the number of of the town on a regular basis. Wade Hall Centre in Leyland years Mandela spent fighting for is a venue for many community social justice and human rights. Artz Centre in Skelmersdale groups these provide services to all There are four themes to the provides the local community with sections of the community on and day which are: food security, access to weekly creative classes around the Wade Hall Estate. education and literacy, shelter and and workshops in dance, music, infrastructure and service and film, singing and drama. These are FEW (Furniture for Education volunteerism. These themes are available to all ages. Worldwide) are a national charity reflected well in the nominees who based in Burnley. They send surplus have benefited so far: Burscough Community Farm is a and redundant furniture from the small holding set in 18 acres. They UK, to be reused in some of the Pendleside Hospice are based in run a veg box scheme and host a poorest schools across the world. Burnley. Their aim is to enhance the variety of activities throughout the quality of life for people with life- year. One of their aims is to improve Many thanks to everyone who has limiting illnesses, and support their the health and wellbeing of their been involved in our Mandela My67 families and carers. members. Campaign.

St Catherine’s Hospice cares Civic Arts Centre in Oswaldtwistle Stephen Cliffe for people in Chorley, Preston are currently rebuilding their Communications Officer and South Ribble who have life programme of events, which include shortening illnesses. Their services comedy, music, family shows and touches about 2,000 patients and theatre. families each year. Nightsafe’s mission is to work Walton Lane Community Centre with young people in the Blackburn in Nelson is a Lancashire AgeUK area, who are homeless or at risk service which enables older people of being homeless. They provide to remain independent and live accommodation, as well as advice fulfilled lives. Some of their services and help with emergency needs. JOINJOIN UNISON UNISON Please return your form to: Room Chg:42, County Hall, ESSENTIALESSENTIAL COVER COVER WHEREVER WHEREVER YOU YOU WORK WORK Fishergate Hill, Preston, Lancashire PR1 0LD

WeWe use use this this address address to sendto send 1 Tell1 Tell us us about about you you ThisThis information information tells tells 4 Campaign4 Campaign fund fund contribution contribution youyou information information core core to yourto your us uswhether whether you you wish wish to to membershipmembership such such as asyour your TitleTitle FirstFirst name name contributecontribute an anadditional additional UNISONUNISON stands stands up up for for its itsmembers members and and speaks speaks out out publicly publicly on on the the issues issues membershipmembership pack, pack, UNISON UNISON 5%5% toward toward UNISON’s UNISON’s thatthat affect affect them. them. To Tocontinue continue this this work work we we ask ask for for a voluntary a voluntary 5% 5% campaign campaign electionelection information information and and LastLast name name campaigncampaign fund fund contributioncontribution when when you you join. join. Please Please tick tick your your preference preference below: below: anyany information information relating relating to to ballotsballots if relevant if relevant HomeHome address address  Campaign Campaign Fund Fund  UNISON UNISON Labour Labour Link Link  No No thank thank you you TheThe campaign campaign fund fund LabourLabour Link Link campaigns campaigns I doI do not not wish wish to tocontribute contribute promotespromotes better better public public forfor UNISON UNISON policy policy on onthe the to tocampaigning campaigning at theat the services,services, enables enables the the union union NHS,NHS, your your employment employment moment.moment. Those Those who who PostcodePostcode to talkto talk with with politicians politicians of anyof any rightsrights and and for for quality quality choosechoose not not to toopt opt in willin will partyparty about about the the work work our our publicpublic services services within within the the notnot be bedisadvantaged disadvantaged in in WeWe use use this this to contactto contact you you EmailEmail membersmembers do do and and supports supports LabourLabour Party Party locally locally anyany way way as ascompared compared with with aboutabout trade trade union union activities activities thethe union’s union’s equalities equalities work. work. andand in Parliament.in Parliament. membersmembers who who do do opt opt in. in. andand services services PhonePhone number number (indicate (indicate home, home, work work or ormobile) mobile)  If youIf you selected selected ‘No ‘No thank thank you’ you’ – by – by ticking ticking this this box box you you are are giving giving consentconsent for for UNISON UNISON to tocontact contact you you in futurein future about about our our campaign campaign funds. funds.  Email Email  Text Text  Phone Phone WeWe will will do do this this using using the the contact contact details details you you provided provided on on this this form. form. ByBy ticking ticking these these boxes, boxes, you you are are giving giving your your consent consent for for UNISON UNISON to tocontact contact youyou by bythese these means means about about how how we we campaign campaign on onyour your behalf. behalf. ThisThis information information is is InstructionInstruction to to your your bank bank or or building building society society NationalNational insurance insurance number number DateDate of ofbirth birth ThisThis information information helps helps us usto to standardstandard direct direct debit debit toto pay pay by by Direct Direct Debit Debit seesee if you if you were were previously previously mandatemandate information information a membera member PleasePlease complete complete the the form form and and send send to: to: UNISON,UNISON, 130 130 Euston Euston Road, Road, London London NW1 NW1 2AY 2AY ThisThis information information helps helps us us 2 Tell2 Tell us us about about your your job job NameName and and full full postal postal address address of ofyour your bank bank or orbuilding building society society findfind the the best best UNISON UNISON branch branch to supportto support and and represent represent Employer’sEmployer’s name name PleasePlease go goto to To Tothe the manager manager bank bank / building / building society society youryour needs needs unison.org.uk/privacy-policyunison.org.uk/privacy-policy YourYour job job title title or oroccupation occupation to seeto see how how we we will will protect protect AddressAddress andand use use your your personal personal WorkplaceWorkplace name name and and address address informationinformation PostcodePostcode

Name(s)Name(s) of ofaccount account holder(s) holder(s)

PostcodePostcode AccountAccount BranchBranch numbernumber sortsort code code

OfficeOffice use use only only OfficeOffice use use only only 3 3 YourYour subscription subscription rate rate is is What What you you will will pay pay each each month month ServiceService 970050970050 MembershipMembership determineddetermined by byhow how much much useruser no. no. numbernumber PleasePlease tick tick the the appropriate appropriate box box for for your your earnings earnings before before deductions deductions youyou earn earn PleasePlease pay pay UNISON UNISON Direct Direct Debits Debits from from the the account account detailed detailed in thisin this Instruction Instruction AnnualAnnual pay pay CoreCore subscription subscription £14,001£14,001 – £17,000 – £17,000 £9.70£9.70  subjectsubject to tothe the safeguards safeguards assured assured by by the the Direct Direct Debit Debit Guarantee. Guarantee. I understand I understand £0,000£0,000 – £2,000 – £2,000 £1.30£1.30  £17,001£17,001 – £20,000 – £20,000 £11.50£11.50  WeWe are are legally legally required required to to thatthat this this Instruction Instruction may may remain remain with with UNISON UNISON and, and, if so, if so, details details will will be be passed passed £2,001£2,001 – £5,000 – £5,000 £3.50£3.50  £20,001£20,001 – £25,000 – £25,000 £14.00£14.00  keepkeep your your information information up upto to electronicallyelectronically to tomy my bank/building bank/building society. society. £5,001£5,001 – £8,000 – £8,000 £5.30£5.30  £25,001£25,001 – £30,000 – £30,000 £17.25£17.25  date.date. You You can can amend amend your your £8,001£8,001 – £11,000 – £11,000 £6.60£6.60  £30,001£30,001 – £35,000 – £35,000 £20.30£20.30  detailsdetails via via My My UNISON UNISON at at SignatureSignature DateDate £11,001£11,001 – £14,000 – £14,000 £7.85£7.85  £35,001£35,001 – and – and over over £22.50£22.50  www.unison.org.uk/my-unisonwww.unison.org.uk/my-unison BanksBanks and andbuilding building societies societies may may not acceptnot accept Direct Direct Debit Debit instructions instructions for some for some types types of account of account

24882_Recruitment_form_CORE_DD.indd24882_Recruitment_form_CORE_DD.indd 2 2 07/03/201807/03/2018 15:39 15:39 24882_Recruitment_form_CORE_DD.indd24882_Recruitment_form_CORE_DD.indd 3 3 07/03/201807/03/2018 15:39 15:39