Gail Cartmail blog

Unite GS election – starting gun fired

The executive committee of Unite today fired the starting gun for the election of the next General Secretary of the union.

This is an absolutely crucial election for our future as the person who takes over from the current joint General Secretaries must be someone who can bring a unity of purpose that the union so desperately needs.

Overcoming "apathy"

I was struck last week, when talking to Unite workplace representatives about their fight to defend decent final salary pension schemes, by their principled stance and commitment.

Yet it’s obvious from the discussion that leading workplace campaigns can be an uphill struggle. One rep complained of members “apathy”. Despite his best efforts too few members seemed willing to get involved.

'INDEPENDENT PROGRESSIVE' WOMAN ENTERS RACE TO BE UNITE'S GENERAL SECRETARY

First of all, I would like to wish all my readers Happy International Women's Day. As part of that celebration, I have chosen today to formally announce my candidacy for the post of General Secretary of Unite. The following is the press release that I have sent out today. 

Equality delegates up for the challenge

I have just come back from Unite’s Equality Conferences in Eastbourne at the weekend.

It was a real privilege to have been there. The only problem was trying to decide which of the five conferences to attend - for women; young members; disabled members; black, Asian and minority ethnic members; lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people. On top of that there was a plenary.