Marxist. Trade Unionist. Socialist-feminist. Author. Poet. Speaker. Tutor. RMT ex-Exec. Workers' Liberty. Autie. Bi. PUFC fan.
Examining mental distress and ill-health and the (lack of) support available
Published in Solidarity 562: Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Home Office on Friday 4 September to demand that Osime Brown not be deported to Jamaica. Led by Osime’s family, the protest was supported by Autistic Inclusive Meets (AIM), … Read More
Last year, I wrote a poem (a pantoum) called ‘This Place’ about visiting my son in the adolescent psychiatric unit where he spent four months (read it here). He now has his own flat, living independently with support. So I … Read More
Call centre working is a danger to your mental health. Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, high blood pressure, sleeping problems and even suicidal thoughts are common among call centre workers. More than 4 in 5 respondents to a Unison survey said … Read More
As call centre workers face a mental health crisis, Janine advocates organising for workplace change.
I come to see you in this place A train, a bus, a longish walk A mask of growth veneers your face We picnic, catch up, laugh and talk A train, a bus, a longish walk They brought you here … Read More
Janine proposing a motion condemning deaths of autistic and learning disabled people in care, at TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference in May 2019. *** On 21 March this year, an inquest ruled that the death of Colette McCulloch was avoidable. Colette … Read More
I saw a poster the other day that said it’s OK to not be OK I was sitting in a waiting room while others sit or just exist on a waiting list for months or years Worsening trauma, growing fears Not … Read More
Published on PCS blog, 17 May 2018: In Mental Health Awareness Week, Janine warns that we need to be more than just aware, but prepared to take action on mental health. Many organisations are now promoting ‘mental health awareness’. That is … Read More
Work hard, be conscientious, be afraid Your life won’t be worth living if you fail The only thing that matters is your grade Feel guilty for each error you have made Learn quotes by rote and don’t stop to exhale … Read More
Published in Solidarity 468 Disabled transport workers discussed issues from workplace representation to the role of charities at their two-day RMT conference in Southend on 26-27 April. This was only the second annual RMT Disabled Members’ Conference, after the union’s … Read More
1. TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference, 24-25 May, Bournemouth Motions – The Committee agreed to to support all motions and amendments, except: Unison’s amendment to Unite’s motion on Universal Credit (oppose) – the motion opposes UC; the amendment wants to change this to … Read More
TUC DISABLED WORKERS’ CONFERENCE 2018 Venue accessibility: We noted our success in getting the TUC to change the conference location to an accessible venue. We looked at the detailed access statement for the venue, and I asked that a relaxation … Read More
The fourth meeting of RMT’s Disabled Members’ Advisory Committee was the best-attended yet. The Committee continues to grow in size, and all members attended the meeting and contributed to our lively discussions. We confirmed that at our last meeting, … Read More
The government’s consultation on transport accessibility has extended its deadline to Wednesday 22 November. Anyone can submit their views. RMT has made a submission and leafleted everyone at the recent Disabled People’s Summit asking them to submit evidence in support of retaining … Read More
Harvey Weinstein is an addict Harvey, he just has to have it Harvey’s checked into a clinic Not convinced? You heartless cynic Harvey can not help himself Please pray for Harvey’s failing health Poor Harvey, he is sex addicted Please … Read More
It’s World Mental Health Day, so … SNAP OUT OF IT Snap out of taking orders Snap out of blame Snap out of ‘disorders’ Snap out of shame Snap out of austerity Snap out of stressors Snap out of poverty … Read More
RMT’s Disabled Members’ Advisory Committee met for the second time on Wednesday 13 September. 1. Committee membership We welcomed new members to the Committee, and completed the election of our Liaison (conference arrangements) Committee. 2. Guest speaker: Transport … Read More
My contribution to the debate on mental health at TUC Disabled Workers’ Conference 2017: I’m speaking in support of all the motions on mental health, but especially the one from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists, as that is the one … Read More
The Summer 2016 issue of unionlearn’s ‘Learning Rep’ magazine includes an article on ‘Changing the way we work’, arguing that “Identifying the real roots of workplace stress is the best way to genuinely promote mental and physical health at work.” RMT … Read More
Published in Solidarity 435, 12 April 2017 On 28 March, transport union RMT held its first ever Disabled Members’ Conference. Rank-and-file activists had called for the establishment of this conference for several years, but repeatedly met with rejection by the … Read More