Len McCluskey's election campaign spirals into the gutter.

Right now many of our members are facing cuts in their pay, losing their jobs, they are witnessing our NHS getting privatised and many are punished by the Bedroom Tax. Unbelievably  the Labour Party bigwigs decided not to oppose Workfare and defend the rights of the unemployed.

I believe that we should be putting all our energy into fighting this rotten government rather than having this election. However, the Union called for one, so I had to respond. I'm doing this not to stand against Len McCluskey, but to stand for the position of General Secretary as our members need a different approach, with strong action not more of the same. 

I'm experienced enough to know of the knockabouts and the shadowy tactics that get used in these elections. But I've been personally shocked by some allegations that have swirled around McCluskey's camp towards me, I won't list them here but there is one bit of mud being thrown at me that I cannot let stick.

A Unite Branch Secretary from Plymouth City Council and Regional Sector Committee Chair tweeted. I have voted for@Unite4Len for GS. I want a GS who doesn't condone sex crimes against women.  This libellous message was then shamefully repeated by Steve Turner, Director of Executive Policy at Unite and I understand is Len McCluskey's campaign manager.

As this is a two candidate election, this clearly refers to me. It is also clearly untrue. I do not and never have condoned sex crimes against women. Bro Turner knows this, as do the others, and they have posted this maliciously in order to slur my name.

Let me be clear, the idea of violence against women makes me sick. I support various women's movements including the One Billion Rising protests that took place across the world last Valentine's Day. There is no space for sexism or racism anywhere and especially not in our movement. I am intolerant of all forms of discrimination, I am proud of the Equalities Campaigns by our union. We will continue to build on them if I am elected as General Secretary. 

A few people have tried to link the support I have received from the Socialist Workers' Party to my attitude towards women. I received and accepted support from them well before I became aware of the recent allegations about sexual misconduct. I am not a member of their party, and I do not condone how its Central Committee has dealt with the allegations that were brought to them. Ironic though given that Len McCluskey met with the Socialist Workers Party asking for their support.

I see Feminism as an essential part of our movement. But let's not throw the baby out with the bath water, there are both former and current members of the SWP that I will continue to work with, as long as they are principled anti-sexists and anti-racists.

Solidarity is the bedrock of our movement, it is the source of our strength and our victories. When one of our members is attacked, we all respond because we see it as an attack on all of us. So if our female members are under attack, we all must fightback. We can't win against this government with one-hand tied behind our back. This is what my years as an elected representative at Rolls Royce have taught me.

When any of our members win, we all win. I'm standing to bring the experiences of the rank-and-file committees like the Sparks and the Blacklist Support Group into the heart of our union. We need change, as more of the same isn't delivering for our members or our country.

Jerry Hicks 22/03/13

Labour MPs give cover to Con Dems attacks on the unemployed

Press release: Press release: Press release: Press release: Immediate 20/03/2013:

Labour MPs give cover to Con - Dem attacks on the unemployed.

Many Unite members will have been outraged by Labour’s decision to offer support to Tory attempts to overturn court decisions on their workfare programme. The Tories are out to introduce retroactive laws to save their blushes and £130 million that should be returned to claimants who were forced onto slave labour schemes.

Unite general secretary, Len McCluskey, condemned the Con Dem moves: "This is a cynical move by the Tory-led government to avoid giving rightful compensation to jobseekers who have fallen foul of the incompetence of the Department of Work and Pensions. When will they learn that rushed law is bad law?

Jerry Hicks the challenger to McCluskey in the current election for Unite General secretary and only other candidate went further saying. Every Labour MP should have voted against the workfare programme. If they abstain in parliament next week then they will be allowing this injustice to happen without any opposition. I would say to those that failed to do that, you will not funded by Unite”.

Jerry Hicks added “Of course we should condemn the Con - Dems behaviour but surely we have to expect far, far better from Labour. Liam Byrne should be leading the opposition to Ian Duncan Smith not giving him covering fire”.

Jerry hicks pointed out that Len McCluskey said there would be ‘no blank cheque for Labour’ from Unite. But continues to hand over £millions of our members’ money into their coffers when they can’t stand up against attacks on the unemployed. We need real jobs, education and training, not slave labour schemes.

Ends;

 

1.5 million members of Unite are voting in the union’s general secretary election which started on 18 March and continues until 12 April.

 

Jerry Hicks has stood twice for general secretary. In 2008 and 2010 he finished runner up. In 2010 he received when beating two assistant general secretaries with 52,527 votes.

 Jerry Hicks can be contacted by mobile 07817827912

or email jerryhicks4gs2010@yahoo.co.uk

For more information visit www.jerryhicks4gs.org

 

Labour MPs give cover to Con Dems attacks on the unemployed

Press release: Press release: Press release: Press release: Immediate 20/03/2013:

Labour MPs give cover to Con - Dem attacks on the unemployed.

Many Unite members will have been outraged by Labour’s decision to offer support to Tory attempts to overturn court decisions on their workfare programme. The Tories are out to introduce retroactive laws to save their blushes and £130 million that should be returned to claimants who were forced onto slave labour schemes.

Unite general secretary, Len McCluskey, condemned the Con Dem moves: "This is a cynical move by the Tory-led government to avoid giving rightful compensation to jobseekers who have fallen foul of the incompetence of the Department of Work and Pensions. When will they learn that rushed law is bad law?

Jerry Hicks the challenger to McCluskey in the current election for Unite General secretary and only other candidate went further saying. Every Labour MP should have voted against the workfare programme. If they abstain in parliament next week then they will be allowing this injustice to happen without any opposition. I would say to those that failed to do that, you will be funded by Unite”.

Jerry Hicks added “Of course we should condemn the Con - Dems behaviour but surely we have to expect far, far better from Labour. Liam Byrne should be leading the opposition to Ian Duncan Smith not giving him covering fire”.

Jerry hicks pointed out that Len McCluskey said there would be ‘no blank cheque for Labour’ from Unite. But continues to hand over £millions of our members’ money into their coffers when they can’t stand up against attacks on the unemployed. We need real jobs, education and training, not slave labour schemes.

Ends;

 

1.5 million members of Unite are voting in the union’s general secretary election which started on 18 March and continues until 12 April.

 

Jerry Hicks has stood twice for general secretary. In 2008 and 2010 he finished runner up. In 2010 he received when beating two assistant general secretaries with 52,527 votes.

 Jerry Hicks can be contacted by mobile 07817827912

or email jerryhicks4gs2010@yahoo.co.uk

For more information visit www.jerryhicks4gs.org

 

London meeting 18th March Unite General secretary election

Jerry Hicks 4 Unite General Secretary - London 18th March 2013: http://t.co/IeF6OiY2NJ via @youtube Two candidates: One vote: Big difference

Jerry Hicks for Unite General Secretary - London meeting 18th March 2013

youtu.be

www.jerryhicks4gs.org

Unite the union: "Inclusive and tolerant where fear plays no part" Unless you stand against the establishment that is.

Unite the union. “Inclusive and tolerant where fear plays no part”?

I did not call this election. All I have done is stand for the position of General Secretary so that Len MCluskey would not be unopposed, for that would have marked an historic low point in the history of our union and it’s predecessors. I have pointed out that Len McCluskey’s strategy with the Labour Party is bankrupt politically, of massive cost to us financially and worthless in  returns as Labour fails to promise to reverse the Con-Dem cuts. And I stand to offer Unite members an alternative.

 And for that, myself and many of those who support me are pilloried

We knew that we were the outsider in this two horse race. We knew we would not match Len McCluskey’s machine or his spending power. But we did not know just how vile his campaign would become in his and his supporters increasingly desperate bid to cling on to power.

Over the last few days I have been made aware of unsolicited correspondence to members all over the country, quite possibly in every region and every sector.  More often than not, it appears to have been paid out of members pockets by using the union’s resources, in clear contravention of the election guidelines. If you have been sent such a thing please send it to me [Jerry Hicks 10 York Road, Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5QE]
These letters and emails promote one candidate and make scandalous remarks about the other. Can you guess which way round it is?
The attacks upon myself are without foundation and completely unwarranted, while the level of abuse is unprecedented.
One of the rabid remarks is that I am a political opportunist? That’s rich given that it was McCluskey who called the election 3 years before it was due. Having planned it all during the summer of 2012, sprung it on 1.5 million members last December and fast tracked the process. All in an attempt to remain in power and extend his time in office to beyond his normal retirement age. 
Another claim is that I would ‘wreck’ the union? If, as I suspect, he means that I would support unofficial action where necessary, isn’t it ironic then that as General Secretary, Len McCluskey made a speech in Hyde Park calling for a General Strike, which would in its execution be illegal. As General Secretary Len McCluskey echoed the TUC calls for ‘civil disobedience’. Therefore, either McCluskey did not mean a word of what he said or he would be prepared to ‘wreck the union’ as they see it, in some illegal action.
It wasn’t me who invited political ‘left’ groups including the Socialist Workers Party [SWP], to meetings to offer cash support for their causes in return for support in the General Secretary election. The SWP only became an enemy when they refused the offer.
If any of the statements against me were true, the easiest [and cheapest] way to make members aware would be for Unite to hold a ‘Husting’ where both candidates could be subjected to full scrutiny on all matters and televised and published on Unite’s web site, so that every member can make their own minds up.  So why is it Len McCluskey embarks on his ‘Grand Tour’ yet fails to reply to every request for a ‘Hustings’. While I am willing to meet anytime, any where, any place.
It’s not me that as I write is spending pot loads of members’ money directly contacting them to promote Len McCluskey whilst besmirching my good name. Never mentioning that I, when an elected convener was unlawfully sacked by Rolls Royce in 2005 for ‘trade union activities’. Or that I am illegally blacklisted by the employers [blacklist file obtained in 2012]
Nor that I have twice stood for General Secretary both times coming runner up. “2009 with 40,000 votes and again in 2010 with 52,527 votes  
It isn’t me that has overseen as General Secretary £millions of members money spent on ‘paying off’ officials to leave the union, nearly a quarter of a million to a failed candidate in the last election.
It wasn’t me who has offered jobs to people and promoted others. Indeed I could not, nor ever would do, as I believe in members electing their officials.
Let’s see how many appointments are made and to whom after this election?! Should I not win.
I make one prediction, that should Len McCluskey win the election, up to £10 million will be funnelled into the coffers of the Labour Party before the 2015 General Election.
So there alone is £10 million reasons to vote for me.  Along with the chance to have not less - not the same – but more. More democracy, more say and more member control.
After all it’s only the little clique who presently control the union who have anything to lose! While the majority, currently disconnected have everything to gain.

Ballot papers will begin arriving at the homes of 1.5 million members on Monday 18^th [last date to be returned by 12th April] Two candidates: One vote: Our chance:

To quote the Queen [not Liz] “ We will rock you”!

Solidarity, Jerry [078 178 279 12]

Unite General Secretary Meetings……………………

London Monday 18^th 6.30pm Marchmont Room, Hughes Parry Halls of Residence, 19-26 Cartwright Gardens, WC1H 9EF:

Northampton: Wednesday 21th 7.30pm Cotton Club, Main road, Far Cotton, NN4 8EN   

Birmingham: Tuesday 26th 7pm The Priory rooms, 40 Bull Street, B4 6AF

Then on to Scotland before coming back down to the North East & Yorkshire & Humberside: details to follow.

 

The main priority of a Union is to protect its members and their representatives. So what’s gone wrong at BAA Heathrow?

Press release Press release Press release: Immediate 13/03/13

The main priority of a Union is to protect its members and their representatives. So what’s gone wrong at BAA Heathrow?                                       

It appears that all is far from well at Heathrow between BAA and Unite. It has come to light that a number of Unite reps have over the last couple of years, been suspended then prior to any industrial tribunal, there is an out of court settlement for tens of thousands of pounds.

None of the reps of course ever get their jobs back, and are even encouraged by Unites solicitors to sign confidentiality clauses ‘gagging orders’ by any other name.

But surely if there was a succession of union representatives suspended or dismissed by BAA who then ‘pay up’ would you not think that a pattern was developing? These would appear to be the actions of an anti Union company, and in those circumstances you would think that Unite would go on the offensive, wouldn’t you?

 Maninder Saini (Unite shop steward) is one of the many Unite reps to be involved. He said “I was dismissed by my employer (BAA) for matters relating to my trade union duties. My case was so obviously and blatantly wrong that at an interim relief hearing the employer (BAA) admitted ‘Full liability’ in unfairly dismissing me.”

Mr Saini, however unlike other similarly mistreated reps has refused to go quietly. He has rejected ‘eye watering offers’ from BAA to settle his case. He is adamant that he has done nothing wrong and is demanding his job back.

In a surprising twist to the proceedings Mr Saini has begun to have grave misgivings as to the kind of support, or not, that his union, Unite is providing. His Unite Branch has asked that Unite embark on an industrial action ballot, but nothing has happened. Mr Saini has been contacting Unite General Secretary, Len McCluskey directly asking that he personally intervene, but all to no avail.

Mr Saini’s full Tribunal hearing is set for April 24^th to be held at the tribunal offices in Reading, after the election for Unites General Secretary which concludes on April 13^th. Both the Tribunal and Unites election will be certain to create a lot of interest.

Mr Saini has been in touch with Jerry Hicks who is standing in the election for the position of Unite General Secretary and is the only challenger to Len McCluskey. He said “Jerry Hicks responded straight away when I contacted him, which is so different to what I have experienced.

Jerry Hicks said “I’ve been saying for months that all of Unite’s time, energy and resources should be used to defend our members’ jobs, pensions, terms and conditions and fight the Con Dem cuts, instead Len McCluskey called an election when he still had half his term to go.”

Jerry Hicks thinks that this is one of the most disturbing cases he has come across. Indeed Jerry Hicks is not without his own experience of such matters, as in 2005 Rolls Royce unlawfully sacked him, on that occasion too, the then General Secretary Derek Simpson was nowhere to be seen either.

Jerry Hicks said “Members and reps must get 100% support when they are most in need and this is easily one of those times. What the hell is going on here, Maninder [Mr Saini] must be re-instated and Unite must do all it can to achieve that.

I will give Maninder my personal pledge that’s precisely what I fight for if elected General Secretary on April 13th.”  

Ends:

Notes to Editor: Maninder Saini can be contacted by email:  gurman@talktalk.net

Jerry Hicks can be contacted either by mobile 07817817912 or email jerryhicks4gs2010@yahoo.co.uk  

Jerry Hicks has twice stood for General Secretary coming runner up on both occasions. In 2010 he beat two Assistant General Secretaries by securing 52,527 votes.

Jerry Hicks candidate for Unite General Secretary [& Elvis presley] say's "A liitle less conversation, a little more action please"

Unite General Secretary Election.

 'One week to the ballot papers being sent to 1.5 million Unite members.'
Two Candidates: One Vote: Our Chance: 

Visit our web site www.jerryhicks4gs.org for: Videos: Press releases & Section leaflets inc the new Finance & Legal A5 leaflet on resources page. 

Is it me or do you also think it strange how Unite is playing very coy with the media over the fact that 1.5 million members will be voting for the General Secretary of the UK & Irelands biggest and 'potentailly the' most powerful Union.  

Odd that? Well here's my theory........The more members that know, then the more will want to find out who the [two] candidates are, and then after comparing the 600 word election addresses, they vote! I reckon it's as simply as it will be difficult, but the bigger the turnout the greater our chance. 

So, whats been happening since the last update? A great week of campaign meetings, big and small happening all over the place, discussing, deciding and doing stuff! Getting the message out that an election is actually happening. Leafletting Unite members everywhere....Bus drivers, High Street banks, street cleaners & refuse collectors [they even come to your house!] Workplaces large and not so large.  

I did a video interview [It lasts 23 mins, so put the kettle on] http://youtu.be/s6J-RYVIe5A   

And an article for a paper, a couple of errors, not bad though for over the phone. http://www.cpgb.org.uk/home/weekly-worker/952/jerry-hicks-interview-not-more-of-the-same It's not the Morning Star, seems they may have lost my mobile number?!! Let me know what you think of these? 

Every City, every Town has Unite members all will be getting a ballot paer, most will vote within the first week or two..................Never leave home without some leaflets to hand out. [Campaign A5 attached]. Print off and get it out there pease: Or Email or text me if you want some sending by post jerryhicks4gs2010@yahoo.co.uk  07817827912 with a name and address to send them. 

This week we are in Southampton: and south coast. Come along to any of the meetings below, or just set one up yourself. 

Bristol: Thursday 14th 7.30pm Shakespear Public House, Victoria Street, BS1 6AY [The room in Transport House was cancelled by Unite!]: 

Manchester: Friday 15th 6.30 - 8pm Upper Hall, Friends meeting House, Mount street, Manchester M2 5NS  

Next week it's London 18th Marchmont Room, Hughes Parry Halls of Residence, 19-26 Cartwright Gardens, WC1H 9EF: Northampton & Coventry: details to follow. 

Birmingham: Tuesday 26th 7pm The Priory rooms, 40 Bull street, B4 6AF 

Then on to Scotland before coming back down to the North eat & Yorshire & Humberside: details to follow.

And now the latest of my song quotes 'Elvis Presley' "A liitle less conversation, a little more action please"......

 Oh & ENJOY THE ELECTION! [After all, without us there would be no vote at all] 

Solidarity, Jerry [078 178 279 12]

Ballot papers will begin going out to 1.5 million Unite members from 18^th March [last date to be returned by 12th April]

 

Unite’s Health Sector Committee vote shows a lead. Let’s take to the streets to save the NHS

Unite's Health National Industrial Sector Committee has voted for their union to call a national demonstration in defence of our health service.

This decision follows a wave of massive protests, including 25,000 marching recently in Lewisham, south East London, against health cuts.

Jerry Hicks the Rank and file member candidate challenging Len McCluskey in the election for Unite General Secretary said “this is absolutely brilliant, the vote will give heart to everyone who wants to fight to stop the destruction of our NHS”.

He added “this decision highlights the willingness of Unite members in health to fight to defend the NHS at a time when the union is fighting against attacks on ‘agenda for change’, and while our members are leading the resistance to the South West pay cartel”.

He was also keen to stress the need for urgency "We haven't a moment to lose. The NHS is the jewel in the crown of the post war welfare state. The Con-Dems, led by the Tories want to privatise that service and it's working people who will pay the price, just as we are paying the price for the banking crisis”.

Jerry Hicks believes that sometimes you just have to judge what is right over wrong despite what the law may state, saying “The first strike action I ever took was in support of the NHS, since then due to anti-union laws brought in by the Tories under Thatcher, left unchanged by Labour Government that would be called ‘secondary action’. But attacking the NHS doesn’t just affect those that work in it, it affects everyone. I say that makes it legitimate for everyone to act to support it. Let's take to the streets to save our NHS”.

Ends: 

Notes to Editor: 

Unite is the biggest union in the UK with 1.5 million members. 

Unite is currently holding an election for its General Secretary, in which there are only two candidates, Jerry Hicks and Len McCluskey.

Jerry Hicks was runner up in Unites General Secretary election of 2010 beating two Assistant General Secretaries and securing 52,527 votes.