Union’s call to protest against adult day centre closures

UNISON has secured a council debate on the future of two adult day centres after collecting 6,569 names on a petition. It is the first time the 2,000-signature threshold has been reached since RMBC lowered the number last summer from … Continue reading →

Unison: Former senior official says ” anti democratic practices” used to elect Dave Prentis in three previous contests

This is a statement that has been submitted to the tribunal examining whether Unison broke the rules to ensure that Dave Prentis was re-elected  as general secretary over a year ago. The statement was not challenged by Unison at the … Continue reading →

Council approves closure of two children’s homes

A REGIONAL agency will be used for children’s residential care after Rotherham Borough Council shuts two of its three remaining homes. RMBC commissioner Patricia Bradwell approved the closure of Silverwood in Sunnyside and Cherry Tree House in Kimberworth, saving £1.2 … Continue reading →

Children’s home closures: Rotherham Council lobbied

Union members are lobbying Rotherham Council over its plans to close two of its three children’s homes. The authority is proposing to close Silverwood and Cherry Tree House, which are both currently vacant. It wants to shut what it calls … Continue reading →

Robin remonstrates – calls us crackpots!

Received this missive of complaint from Robin Symonds, the UNISON official, remonstrating with me. I have published the text of his email together with my response as I thought readers might be interested: Rik I am becoming increasingly frustrated by … Continue reading →

Where was Robin?

As I arrived at the Town hall today I spotted Mr Symonds holding a petition, tied up with a red ribbon. With him were six or seven union supporters. As per news item on Local TV, Mr Symonds had the … Continue reading →

News from 38degrees on the SureStart Petition

“Dear Friends, Thank you for signing the petition Don’t close Sure Start Children’s Centres in Rotherham. We are a holding a family event this Saturday (March 29th) starting with a march from the Town Hall from 11:30am to All Saints … Continue reading →