ROBIN HOOD TAX - WILL THE UK SIGN UP TO THIS TAX NEXT WEEK?

WHAT WILL DAVID CAMERON DO NEXT THURSDAY?

When David Cameron meets other world leaders on Thursday November 3rd, will he sign up to a Robin Hood Tax, which would raise billions for the world's poorest people and reduce reckless gambling by the banks? Or will he try to block it.

It looks like the issue could go either way. So far David Cameron has opposed a Robin Hood Tax. But more and more Governments are signing up - Cameron does not want to look isolated on the international stage.

A big petition in the UK this week could help tip the balance globally. Over 100 organisations, including 38 Degrees, Oxfam, Save the Children and the RSPB, are working together to deliver as many messages to David Cameron as possible.

Help add to the pressure in 30 seconds by adding your name to the petition:
http://secure.38degrees.org.uk/robin-hood-tax-david-cameron

The Robin Hood Tax would rein in the Banks reckless gambling with our money. And the money raised could reduce poverty, improve public services and help get climate change under control. Its backed by millions of people across the world, dozens of world leaders, and over 100 organisations in the UK.

British bankers have been leaning on David Cameron to block the tax. But together, we can make sure that the UK doesn't stop these plans going forward. If enough of us tell David Cameron we want the UK to play a positive role, he will think twice about blocking the Robin Hood Tax at next week's global meeting. 

Make sure that you are part of making that message as powerful as possible add your name to the message.

38 Degrees members first decided to support the call for the Robin Hood Tax over a year ago. We know that the banks played a massive role in causing our economic crisis. We need new measures to rein in their riskiest habits and make sure that they make a fair contribution to the economy.

Since then, around the world the pressure has grown. In more and more countries people power has helped persuade leaders to sign up to the plan. Now we have an important role to play here in the UK. We need to make sure that our Prime Minister is not the one who blocks progress at next week's global meeting.

RIGHTS IN RETIREMENT - LOBBY OF PARLIAMENT OCTOBER 26TH 2011

THE NATIONAL PENSIONERS CONVENTION SAYS THANK YOU TO ITS SUPPORTERS.

National Pensioners Convention (NPC) says thank you to all those who participated in yesterdays successful rally and lobby in support of our rights in Retirement campaign. A brief report has been posted on the NPC website. 

Printed below is the statement made by Dave Prentiss, General Secretary of UNISON, in support of our Action.

Neil Duncan Jordan, National Officer (NPC).

UNISON CHIEF CALLS FOR PENSIONER MANIFESTO.

UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentiss, speaking at the National Pensioners Convention rally and lobby of Parliament today (Wednesday October 26th, 2011) called for a "pensioner manifesto based on rights, and not means tested benefits."

He pledged the union's support in the fight for decent pensions for all to ensure dignity in retirement:

"We stand against the ideology of this Government that says that markets and big business know best. We stand against the ideology of Government ministers who want to take away our pensions - the pensions that our members worked for, the pensions they saved for every week of their working lives."

"Those pensions don't give them luxury, but some BASIC security in retirement, putting away a little each week for dignity, so that they do not have to rely on benefits in old age. They are not gold-plated, but just enough to get by. Now they are told that they must work longer, pay more and get less."

"Our fight is for a decent state pension and decent pensions for all, wherever they work. Our fight is for a pensioner manifesto based on rights, not means tested benefits."

"Our fight is for the right to dignity and respect; a warm home; the right not to have to pay exorbitant food prices and energy bills; the right to a world-class NHS which you fought for and paid for with your taxes."

"UNISON stands shoulder to shoulder with the National Pensioners Convention to fight for the rights of pensioners in retirement." 

Note! The sentiments expressed above by Dave Prentiss General Secretary of UNISON, are very similar to the views which were expressed on behalf of the GMB union at the rally. 

THE LOST LESSON OF JOHN STUART MILL

MANY MP'S SUPPORTED THE MOTION IN THE COMMONS THIS WEEK ON THE ISSUE "SHOULD WE HAVE A REFERENDUM".

So Parliament has has a vote on the EU regarding "should we have a referendum." Have I missed something? 112 MP's voted against the Government, of whom 82 were Conservatives, 19 Labour, 1 Liberal  Democrat, 1 Green party, 8 Democrat Unionists, and 1 Independent Unionist from County Down, Northern Ireland.

We pride ourselves at having an enlightened democracy. The process we have adopted is to elect representatives as professional politicians, MP's. They should make it their job to be familiar with all the nuances surrounding a subject before voting. This includes "referenda." The enlightened believed that referenda would frequently throw-up some gastly decisions like public hanging. It was argued that the public would make decisions, if asked, without any knowledge. I am not about to go down to the pub and let the locals have a vote on my symptoms and prescribe my cure. Surely the MP's that voted for a referendum should not be taking a salary as an MP. If the public in their ignorance, can make decisions on such an important and complicated subject as the EU surely all other subjects should be well within their compass for making a decision. Why do we need MP's? We now have legislation which has embedded within it referenda on the EU.

Voting is but a small part of democracy. If voting solves everything lets vote ourselves out of the present crisis, double our pensions, all have a new car and have paid holidays abroad.

 Keith - Loughborough.

REPORT OF THE MIDLSNDS TUC PENSIONERS NETWORK HELD ON OCTOBER 21ST

THIS NETWORK REPORT CONCENTRATES ON JUST SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT WERE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING.

Discussion on the development of the Network: - It was agreed that the Network should concentrate in future on pensions and related issues which in the main directly concern retired people. It was pointed out that receiving reports from the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) was normal practice as we are two main organisations that represent pensioners, TUC, and the NPC. The NPC which is an  umbrella organisation represents approximately one and a half million pensioners, and makes representations to Government Ministers on issues revelant to pensioners. The Network has close links with the NPC as many of its branches are affiliated to the Regional NPC.

On organisation and information: - There was considerable discussion on the Network retired members blog, which was set back in February thanks to the active assistance of Alan Weaver from the Midlands TUC. It was set up for the purpose of being developed into an informational and organisational tool. Alan Weaver has expressed the view that it has developed into a useful tool and is kept up to date on a regular basis, which is essential. The Chair of the Network indicated that he was frustrated because up to date he has had to supply almost all of the articles for the blog himself, which in his was limiting and unsatisfactory. If we are to develop the full potential of the blog, then it is essential that all the network activists submit reports of what is happening in their area's, and to submit articles on relevant issues. It was agreed that the Secretary and Vice Chair would receive training from Alan Weaver, thus ensuring that we now have three members in a position to run the blog. It was agreed that advertising the existence of the blog was essential and must be a priority.

November 30th Trade Union day of action: - This issue was discussed at length, its importance for both the people still in employment and for those who are retired was stressed. It was agreed that we should encourage all of our retired members to get involved and give whatever support they can to the day of action. It is also essential that we work hard to build bridges between present and future pensioners; every opportunity must be taken to build strong alliances, around the issue of pensions and related issues. Leading retired members activists should get in touch with their local strike day co-ordinating committees, become involved in the preparations for the day, and ensure that we have at least one speaker on the platform of the local rallies that will be taking place on November 30th. In giving our support to the day of action, we must ensure if possible that the speakers that we provide are able to represent both the TUC pensioners network and Regional NPC. It was agreed that the Chair must write to the Midlands TUC regional Secretary and submit a list of names of our speakers for the different locations, and request that they are passed on to the appropriate local co-ordinating committee.

Report submitted by Mike McLoughlin - Network Chair.

REPORT OF A RECENT DEBATE HELD AT THE AGE SCOTTISH ASSEMBLY

On September 28th the Scottish Age Assembly Held a Debate on the Issue of Ageing and the Care of Older People.

I was present at this debate, which was addressed by Nicola Sturgeon, who made a very positive speech, some of her main points are as as follows: - The Government in Scotland is determined to push the issue of older people higher up its agenda, they intend to push their ideas forward, both in health and social care. Their intention is to take this responsibility away from the NHS and the local Councils and to put it firmly in the hands of the Central Government, who will develop a plan which will ensure the same level of care is available to all older people right across Scotland. This will be a positive development and will ensure that everyone is treated fairly.

Oder people are frequently not cared for either correctly or with any dignity, this situation has to change, we need to change the present culture of care, better training must be provided, we must ensure accountability  is in force and that adequate financial support is provided. At the moment the number of people being cared for who suffer from dementia is roughly 83000 and this number could double within the next 10 years, this is a big job, a lot of help is and will be required, what we need is for a  dementia champion to be appointed within the Government. ,

It is the firm intention of this Government to provide better care for the elderly and to give them some dignity in old age. Its important that the Government appoints a person to champion this cause, to keep it under the spotlight, look for the best way in which to provide this service to older people. This Government is committed to ensuring that all older people get the best care possible, this is the commitment of this Government.

Report from Alan Sidaway - Unite National RMA Vice Chair

Support Your Union and Vote in Favour of Action on November 30th 2011.

Appeal to Members of the UNISON Leicester Health Branch.

UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentiss is working very hard on behalf of all our members, and in particular he is anxious to secure a big yes vote (Photo: General Secretary Dave Prentiss with Mina Rodgers) in the ballot now taking place for strike Action on November 30th indefence of pensions. On the local level the Retired Members of the UNISON Leicester Health Branch would like all of their working colleagues to vote yes on the ballot paper for Industrial Action on November 30th. We would also ask that all retired members from the public service unions and branches, will support the working members in whatever way that they can.

Please get involved in your union branches, and where possible on local committees which will be co-ordinating trade union strike activity on the day. Many cities and large towns will in all probability be holding marches and rally's, retired members should get involved in those activities, and be seen to give their support. It is important that we all work together to save our public services, from the changes that are forced upon us by this Government, which seriously damage the standard of living of those still in work, and will have a hugely detrimental effect on their future pension rights.

Together we stand - together we achieve.

Mina Rodgers - UNISON Retired Members Secretary - Leicester Health branch 

             

Public Toilet Campaign championed by the NPC

Posted on the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) Website on September 30th 2011.

This campaign has been launched by the NPC because it effects everybody, both the young and the elderly, especially the elderly, no matter where you live in the country. The law currently allows, but does not compel Local Authorities to provide toilets. The situation is getting worse, 40% of public toilets have been closed during the last decade. Many people lead restricted lives because they cannot rely on access to a public toilet, in the places, and at the times required. There are rarely sufficient toilets for women, resulting in lengthy queues; elderly and disabled people cannot always find accessible toilets. 

The provision of toilets for babies and children is also inadequate; many toilets close at inconvenient times and usually at normal shop closing times. Lack of toilets can lead to street fouling; a Major public health issue. "Community toilets" (toilets in private business premises) do not meet everyone's needs. Good public toilet provision will enable everyone to participate fully in civic life and will attract visitors and boost local economies. We want a law requiring Local Authorities to provide and maintain, suitable, safe, clean and appropriately located Public Toilets with realistic opening hours.

Add your support by signing the online petition at

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/15258

Retired Members Should Become Involved in the preparations for the Day of Action on November 30th 2011.

The Midlands TUC Pensioners Network and the East Midlands NPC asks that all Retired Members Should Support the Day of Strike Action on Pensions - November 30th.

Twenty Unions are now in the process of making preparations for holding a strike ballot of their members, seeking their support for the strike action in defence of pensions, scheduled to take place on November 30th, a small number of these unions have never before taken industrial action. It does illustrate the effect that the Coalition Government's cuts are having on the Public sector workers. The Midlands TUC pensioners Network and the East Midlands National Pensioners Convention are fully in support of the proposed day of Industrial action in support of pensions, and want as many retired people as possible to show their solidarity, by either visiting pickets lines, if there are any in the local area's, or by participating in march and rallies taking place in the larger towns and cities.

It is very important that we as retired trade unionists, do not just pay lip service and say that we support the day of action, and then do nothing in support of it. We pensioners are under attack from this Government, and having our living standards lowered just as surely as are the public sector workers, and its in our interests to give them every possible support. Its crucial that the unions win this battle with the Coalition Government. It is important that all our RMA branches and Pensioners groups get involved with their local trades council's, local day of action Co-ordinating Committee's, which will be set up in the various localities, to organize activity on the day, Rallies etc. We need to get ourselves involved in these Committee's and more importantly stress that we as retired members should have a speaker on the platform, where Rallies are organized.

We must show our solidarity with those who will on strike, and lift our own organisational profile, just because we are retired we must not be shy, when it comes to standing up and defending our corner; if we do not stand up and shout the odds in our own defence, nobody else will do it for us. I would remind everyone that campaigning to defend our own interests is vital, we have an opportunity here to make an impact, we made a start in Birmingham, Leicester, Derby, and Nottingham, on June 30th, we must now build on those beginnings. Lets get stuck in and get some of our people on those platforms on November 30th, and get the TUC Pensioners Network and the NPC message across to as wide an audience as possible. I want to kept up to date on all that is going to be happening in the Midlands on November 30th, please send me your comments, photographs, and articles for this blog.