EC Meeting Papers January 2018

5.6

Phil Lenton.

I am sad to report that after the loss of two great NUPE/UNISON leaders Rodney Bickerstaffe and Roger Poole, another NUPE colleague from the North East passed away, Phil Lenton. Phil achieved many great things over the years, particularly for low paid public sector workers, and was a mainstay behind the scenes of the Durham Miners’ Gala. Phil organised the first physical breaking of the Cuba blockade by organising a ship, called Salud, Health, to take a huge array of goods to Cuba from ambulances to play equipment and machinery, all donated by the trade union movement here. I was unable unfortunately to attend the funeral. I passed on our condolences to his family and union colleagues.

5.7

Training the trainers

I have worked with Leeds Beckett University and Newman University to produce the curriculum materials for the new courses.

5.8

PCS Review.

The first draft of the PCS education review has been submitted. This has been an interesting project and I drafted the report.

5.9

Project 120.

The GFTU is 120 years old in 2019 and a meeting will be held to progress work to commemorate and celebrate this.

5.10

Ethical shop.

This has not been widely advertised amongst affiliates.

5.11

Donation of books.

Former President of the Writers Guild of Great Britain William Ash donated some copies of his novels to me. I have donated these to the Education Trust. Any sales will benefit our education work.

5.12

Homelessness campaign sponsorship.

Our sponsorship of this campaign in Edinburgh was appreciated and the event was held.

5.13

Pension Scheme.

The investments remain strong. See attached.

The new deed is coming into effect with the new Trustees structure.

Bro Brian Linn will be the new Trustee.

The next meeting is on March 6 th in London.

Myself and the Head of Finance are producing a members’ newsletter.

The next valuation is not far away!

We are in discussions with the actuaries about any necessary work and costs this year.

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