[OccupySheffield] [Unions] Re: Unite Community membership/Unemployed/pensioners/disabled/single parents union.

[Denisafernando]

Hi all

Tend to agree that encouraging union membership /participation is a good thing regardless of what is decided about the other occupy network, as we share many common causes with unions, and they have a specific purpose/ and legal standing in the work place that we should not try to
Emulate.

The idea of a network sounds much more like what occupy should aim to set up?



On 27 Dec 2011, at 23:14, "Mark Barrett" <marknbarrett at googlemail.com> wrote:

> Hi Gareth
>  
> Thanks for this.. while it's a good endeavour, speaking only for myself of course this isn't what I had in mind.
>  
> Although I am no expert on how Unite is organised internally, I was thinking more of an Occupy-driven ( ie horizontal/direct democratic ) union, rather than asking people to sign up to Unite. And then, considering where it might go in terms of local organising, developing political content around the future of work and of course strengthening the Occupy network (Anna's post was inspiring on this, for example)       
>  
> But maybe the two aspects ( a horizontal union and also a recruitment drive for Unite's Community membership scheme) could be explored together. I know we have made contact with Unite in London so maybe that could be explored here if not elsewhere. Mike mentioned TUC funding  so maybe he is coming at it more from your angle. 
>  
> What do others think ?
>  
> Mark  
> 
> On 27 December 2011 18:25, gareth lane <gareth50lane at googlemail.com> wrote:
> Hi all people involved and supporters of Occupy Sheffield
>  Id like to add to the discussion regarding recent discussions within occupy Sheffield. Unite the union has initiated a Community membership to ensure the most marginalised in society benefit form collective power. for 50p a week. The intention is to build a branch/branches within Sheffield communities and nationally. Unite have stated 
> "Unite’s new community membership will offer the unemployed, students and all those not in employment the opportunity to become part of one of the most powerful forces for equality in the country.  For just 50p per week, community members will have access to financial and legal expertise, as well as the support of up to one and a half million fellow members when standing up for their local services." 
> I think we can take this further here in Sheffield by building a branch of activists supported by Unites finances,  educational facilities and expertise. We can build a movement that really makes a difference to peoples lives. By offering skilled support in the job centre active support at atos interviews. We can run English classes for migrants we can offer support to pensioners. A union branch that utilises all the skills we have as individuals for the collective good of the whole community. Based on democracy and each member being equal we can build a real force for good in this city and nationally. We want to be a union where the members represent the intrests of themselves and the 99% as a whole.
> 
> An organising meeting is planned for the second week in January. Details will be announced here in the new year. membership forms will be available and everyone is welcome to bring ideas about ways to build a strong active branch. I have a few ideas about initial activity but everything is open to discussion and debate.
> 1. City centre stalls to introduce ourselves recruit new members and explain why people should join the union.
> 2. Job centre leafleting for the same reasons as above.
> 3. Community stalls to take the union into communities.
> 4. visiting potential supportive institutions such as libraries, sure starts, community groups and charities.
> 5. To build an Initial Sheffield branch with elected positions whilst ensuring accountability to all members.
> 
> if you cant wait till January to join? you can see some of the benefits being a unite community member can offer by visiting the unite website.
> 
> http://www.unitetheunion.org/pdf/006-foldout-v2.pdf
> 
>  I really hope we can take this fantastic opportunity to build something great together. To build a union that represents everyone and something we can really be proud to be a part of.
> 
> Solidarity
>  Gareth Lane
> gareth50lane at googlemail.com
> 
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