GMB Magazine GMB25 Fusion Summer 2016 | Page 3

In this issue… Paul McCarthy etary GMB Regional Secr GMB started building a 21st century union at Congress 2016 Page 8 4 Bedblocking in the NHS 18 Standing up for H&S GMB research shows that bedblocking is on the rise but better social care funding could solve it Our health and safety protections are taking body blows, and it’s time for us to fight back 6 Political update 20 GMB financial report GMB comes to the fore at Northern Ireland Committee Irish Congress of Trade Unions Plus some pensions advice for GMB members 7 We will remember It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 with our special offer 23 Building a branch website GMB members across the Region pay their respects on International Workers’ Memorial day. Plus, the Tolpuddle Festival 2016 24 UNIONLINE 8 Our Region at Congress 25 Golden Rules It was a great success in Bournemouth for North West and Irish Region 9 Congress report Jeremy Corbyn, Blacklisting, Hillsborough and more… The summers are getting hotter, here’s how to deal with hot workplace conditions 26 Equalities update Poverty is becoming a key equalities issue, says Lisa Ryan 28 End of an era 11 Tim Roache speaks GMB reps Bobby Daniels and Arthur Moss retire from Liverpool City Council. Also, have a laugh at Fat Cat Boss Why trade unions are a force for good 14 Tax dodgers 30 Notice board Paul Routledge on tax avoidance and the Tories GMB sponsors Ballyclare boxing club. Switch to direct debit with our handy form 16 Pull-out map! GMB members in every region are keeping the UK’s power stations up and running On average union members are 16.7% better paid than nonmembers GMB members’ own legal service GMB membership covers you wherever you work GMB’s victory against the blacklisters page 12 UNIONLINE Your trade union law firm: 0300 333 0303 Not a GMB member? Join today www.gmb.org.uk/join/join-online GMB25.Fusion_03.indd 3 No-one can stop you joining GMB Current Vacancies @GMB See www.gmb.org.uk/ about/gmb-jobopportunities Welcome to the summer edition of Fusion. Delegates have just returned from another successful GMB Congress, which was held this year in Bournemouth. As usual our delegation played their part in moving and debating motions put forward by branches across the Region. Work has already started on preparations for Congress 2017 and details of how to get involved are inside. I was especially proud of the Gold Badge presented by Mary Turner to Margaret Aspinall on behalf of the Hillsborough Family Support Group – this