Secretary: Gordon Glassford, Corby, Northants, NN17 2LL
Phone: 07792208229
Email: [email protected]
www.gmbnorthants.org
Summary of the branch meeting held on 30.03.16
The secretary had proved his popularity in the region by coming bottom of the poll for regional delegates to congress. Jackie had not been elected for congress by the regional committee under the 10% appointment rule. Although this is of no great concern to the branch it does make it particularly difficult to get any motions accepted for debate.
Progress has been slow with the organisation of the Workers Memorial Day commemoration. We have got Tom Beattie leader of Corby Borough Council and Lee Barron Midlands TUC regional secretary as speakers. Martyn said he might be able to help. There has been no response from Youth Brass 2000 about playing at the event which we didn’t feel was acceptable considering the amount the branch has given them over the last few years. Instead we will be entertained by Gordons (not the secretary) Volunteer Band.
We will increase the donation to the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund. We have received substantial donations from Regional GMB and a local branch of UNITE.
There is to be a demo on Saturday April 2nd in Corby Town Centre in support of Pen Green Sure Start Centre which is facing cuts to its budget. The details will go on the website.
We are still financially healthy. Quarterly standing orders have been set up for seven foodbanks in Northants. Adrian will send the secretary contact details for the Irthlingborough foodbank.
Jackie talked about the decision by the government to make all schools academies no matter how successful the schools are. This is a direct attack on local democracy and is intended to undermine and privatise public services especially education, the NHS and local government.
Traffic is continuing to improve on the website and Adrian is always looking to find items to go on it and make it more interesting. The latest item was on the NHS and the negative impact TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) will have on it. 26% of members had opened the summary of February’s meeting that Adrian had sent out, apparently this is quite good.
Lily reported that the OECD had rated the UK 32 out of 34 countries regarding pensions. It was agreed that we re-affiliate to the National Pensioners Convention and that she attend the Pensioners Parliament in Blackpool. It was agreed that we pay her expenses.
There is to be a meeting in April between Kier and Corby Council over Kiers contract with a decision to be made in June. It is unclear at the moment what the councils position is but the feeling is that Kier will be allowed to take up the option of a two year extension.
The meeting closed at 8.15pm. The next meeting will be on April 27th.

summary_300316.pdf |