Why I am standing?

Why am I standing?
The most important issue facing our union is how we face up to the worst economic recession for decades. Many members face job cuts, short-time working or attacks on pay and conditions. Defending our members must be the top priority for every union officer and activist.
Instead we have an election for General Secretary of the Amicus section. This is a complete distraction. So why is this election taking place? Because if Derek Simpson is to defer his retirement for a year, until he is 66, under law he must face an election.
Back in 2002, I supported Derek Simpson when he stood against Ken Jackson and won the General Secretary election in the old AEEU. He was then committed to an activist union where lay members came first. Derek challenged Ken Jackson for wanting to go on beyond retirement age.
Support my nomination
· Shop stewards and workplace reps can nominate if their nomination is endorsed by their members. Nomination forms are available from Regional Offices. Please nominate me and ask other reps to do the same.
· Branches can nominate at their November or December meetings. Please attend and support my nomination.
· Make a donation to my campaign – cheques should be payable to “Laurence Faircloth 4 GenSec”.
· Invite me to your branch or workplace meetings.
Please feel free to contact me on 07790 006 260 or email Laurence.faircloth@gmail.comFaced with a similar legal challenge, Derek Simpson has put his own personal ambition before the interests of the union membership and forced this election.
Unite can be a great union. Members from Amicus and TGWU sections have been inspired by victories like the Shell tanker drivers, and by Unite flags and banners on protests and picket lines. It’s urgent that we complete the merger of Amicus and TGWU to build a strong union that delivers for all its members.
Nomination details
Address:
36 Burnham Road, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 3JH
Branch: Plymouth 0738
Membership number: 30835343It’s a tragedy that Derek Simpson has over the last year obstructed the integration process time and again. The integration of union structures, officer assignments, education, and organising have all been obstructed. It’s a tragedy that he’s continuing this by insisting on the election – delaying the launch of a single united union by at least six months.
I believe passionately in the merger. We cannot afford to have Derek re-elected if it is only to strengthen his personal ambition and further hinder integration. We need to move forward with building a strong union now.
As Regional Secretary for the South West Region, and for the North West Region before that, I have a track record on building strong union organisation. I’ve made sure the resources are there when members need them. A strong union also means an integrated union, where Amicus and TGWU members work together. Our interests are exactly the same. I’ve worked hard with activists from both sections to progress the merger and build a union we can be proud of.
I make the same commitment, to drive forward to build a strong united union, if elected as Amicus General Secretary.
I am proud to have the support of Amicus Unity Gazette.