When I became Interim Regional Convenor at the end of last year, I did not expect that just a few months later we would be faced by a global pandemic- the consequences of which are colossal for our whole union. Coronavirus has made the turbulence of the last few years pale into insignificance by comparison.

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As trade union officials we are often so busy supporting members in the here and now, that it can be difficult to take time out to discuss the big issues. It is crucial though that as a union, we do take time to think, to debate and to plan. That’s why I was so pleased to chair our Pay Seminar which took place a few weeks ago. There are few issues that are more important to our members than pay, and it is crucial that we work collectively to set a pro-active pay agenda for the coming years. Read more

I have begun the year by reflecting on our recruitment and retention figures for 2019. There are some exceptional statistics that are testament to the excellent work of activists and organisers across our region. Read more

This is my first blog as Regional Convenor of UNISON North West. I am extremely excited to begin this role leading the largest union in our dynamic and historic region, although I do wish that the circumstances were different...

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Last weekend, I was selected as the Labour Party's prospective parliamentary candidate for the seat of Liverpool Wavertree, the constituency I was born in. It was an honour and a privilege to receive the support of local members and I now look forward to campaigning relentlessly for a Labour Government. Read more

I recently read an excellent article by Peter Cresswell in the North West Labour History journal about the groundbreaking 1981 strike by 450 Liverpool City Council typists. At the time, it was the longest strike by white collar women workers in the UK and it became a historic fight for equal pay and equal rights for women. Read more

On Saturday I was invited to speak at North West Young Labour conference on the topic: "Ending the scourge of low pay". It was a pleasure to meet so many inspiring young activists. Read more

On Sunday, I marched with thousands of others in protest against the Tories, who had once again descended upon Manchester for their conference. Read more

It was absolutely inspirational to march with so many incredible young people last week at Liverpool's #GlobalClimateStrike rally. Read more

Last weekend, I was delighted to speak at The Great Pension Robbery, a rally organised by the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign. 

The Government has treated 3.8m women with disdain, implementing significant changes to pensions with no thought for the impact they would have on women who were born in the 1950s. Without the unrelenting work of WASPI campaigners, this unfairness would simply have been swept under the carpet.

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