More on the Pensions 'double, double whammy'

The Touchstone blog reports that public sector pension costs were stabilised even before the change in indexation from RPI to CPI:  http://www.touchstoneblog.org.uk/2010/12/nao-say-that-public-sector-pension-costs-were-stabilised-before-cpi-indexing/

Right to strike - 'no more than a slogan'

The Institute of Employment Rights has published John Hendy QC’s superb critique of Con Dem proposals to reduce workers’ rights and further erode the right to strike in the UK: http://www.ier.org.uk/node/688

The Educators by D.M. Black

In their

limousines the

teachers come: by

Aberdeenshire Trade Unions Pension Rally

Speaking at the North East Pensions Rally on yesterday in Aberdeen, UNISON Scottish Secretary, Mike Kirby said that pension scheme members face a "double, double whammy."

Labour - a political movement or electoral machine?

An interesting article in Scottish Left Review by Richard Leonard of GMB which examines the bleak prospects for the Scottish Labour Party unless it rediscovers a political ideology and purpose. Arguments which can be equally applied to Labour at UK level: http://www.scottishleftreview.org/article/looking-for-its-purpose/

More on this week's NEC

Young members representative on the NEC Graham Smith gives a no holds barred account on the first business meeting of UNISON’s new NEC, in particular the meaningless gesture politics of some individuals inside the meeting and outside of the UNISON Centre: http://grahaminunison.blogspot.com/2011/07/nec-report-12th13th-july-2011.html

Housing Benefit workers face uncertain future

If you're unemployed, or one of the millions of low paid public service workers, there's a good chance you might need a housing benefit worker to help you keep a roof over your head.

Capital....US Unions Launch Shareholder Attack on Murdoch

US unions pension and investment funds and some public sector pension funds have launched an attack on Rupert Murdoch and other executives of News International. Demonstrating the power of workers capital to challenge the people who manage the companies we own.

EUobserver / Palestine: EU bid to avoid UN vote on independence has failed

Palestinian leaders have declared that an EU-led attempt to revive Arab-Israeli peace talks has failed, leading them to go full-speed ahead for UN recognition instead. http://euobserver.com/9/32622/?rk=1

MOBILISE! Anti-cuts festival Edinburgh 13-20 August

Mobilise: A week-long Festival of Campaigning skills happening in Edinburgh from 13-20 August 2011. MOBILISE does exactly what it says on the tin - brings people together and prepares for action. The art of creative campaigning. http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/mobilise11/index.html