Marxist. Trade Unionist. Socialist-feminist. Author. Poet. Speaker. Tutor. RMT ex-Exec. Workers' Liberty. Autie. Bi. PUFC fan.
Changing the world for the better
Joe Booth was arrested, bailed, rearrested, bailed again ... all for campaigning against climate change. There was no evidence against Joe, and yet he had restrictions on his movements and his right to protest for 18 months. Joe is Janine's son.
A rewrite of Philip Larkin’s ‘This Be The Verse‘: They fuck you up, Conservatives They mean to, and they really do They take away what progress gives And add some extra spite for you But they were fucked up in their … Read More
South East Region Trades Union Congress Creative and Leisure Industries Committee Conference “The future of arts and culture in Britain” ** Including Workshops 1 – 6pm (followed by social event 6 – 8pm, including Janine performing poetry!) Venue: Congress House, 23-28 Great … Read More
A poem on the occasion of the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Royal flag at half-mast flies Forgotten victim sadly sighs Only another despot cries When a bloody tyrant dies The great and good will eulogise Sing loud … Read More
An article published in Workers’ Liberty no.66 in 2001, which turned out to be a precursor to my 2009 book, Guilty and Proud Of It. In Hackney, east London, the Labour/Tory coalition administration – the first in Britain since World War … Read More
Meeting in Brussels, the European Transport Workers’ Federation Women’s Committee will share information and reports from women trade unionists across Europe’s countries and transport sectors, and agree on a publicity campaign to tackle violence against women transport workers – it’s not … Read More
Just mucking about recording some poems on the iPad at home. So here I am, hating Tories in my bedroom. Mostly.
Conway Hall, London Janine will be giving a presentation about London Underground during the day, and performing poetry in the evening. The organisers say: On 17 January, 2015, join us for an exciting and unconventional new event organised by people … Read More
I only have one resolution I can’t be arsed with diets or owt If we can’t have a revolution At least let’s kick the Tories out
Shahrokh Zamani and Reza Shahabi are imprisoned in Iran for organising trade unions. Tragically, Shahrokh died on 13 September 2015 They hold in prison those whom power fears Shahrokh and Reza, Rajai Shahr’s closed doors Lock up these men but … Read More
Merry Christmas, City Link Your idea of goodwill stinks Write your cards in poison ink Merry Christmas, City Link Asset-stripped and all wrapped up Bought a firm, sold us a pup Paid a quid then cut and run Once your … Read More
The Union Tavern, 52 Lloyd Baker Street, London WC1X 9AA I will be performing alongside Attila the Stockbroker, Michelle Madsen, Tim Wells, Emily Harrison, Sam Dodd, Chip Grim & more to be confirmed. Shahrokh Zamani has been in prison in Iran since 2011, … Read More
A lunchtime poetry set from me at: Brighthelm Centre North Road BN1 1YD Brighton === A citizens’ conversation about democracy, cuts and resistance. Why does a crisis of the banking system mean that we have to have our benefits and services … Read More
On 11 October 2014, I was the guest speaker at the Disability Conference of the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU), held in Leeds. I addressed the conference about Autism in the Workplace, and got great feedback from delegates!
Country Reports Spain From 2007, the socialist government introduced equality legislation and a framework to demand action against sexism and harassment. But since then, the situation has been worsened by economic crisis, with equalities driven off the agenda, curbs on … Read More
KURDISH FOOD – LIVE MUSIC – STAND-UP – POETRY Institute of Education Bar – 21 November at 7pm – £5 entry – all proceeds to International Federation of Iraqi Refugees On 21 November, join the International Federation of Iraqi Refugees … Read More
Autism in the Workplace is a course being run at the Workers’ Educational Association – WEA, Luke Street. This briefing is for union reps, officers and members of all unions on Autism in the Workplace. Fill out the form to register here. The … Read More
I wrote this poem in support of Hush Ainebyona. You can read her story and donate to her fundraising appeal here. My friend Hush is good and kind And fair and just – and going blind From boy to woman, … Read More
On 23rd June 2012, Steven Simpson, a gay autistic student, was verbally abused, stripped, and his body scrawled with offensive slogans. He was then doused in tanning oil and 20-year-old Jordan Sheard set fire to his crotch with a cigarette … Read More
from Solidarity 338, 1 October 2014 Save the Independent Living Fund The Independent Living Fund provides funding for severely disabled people to live independently in their own homes and participate in society — so it’s an obvious target for the Tory-LibDem … Read More
from Solidarity 339, 8 October 2014 Campaigners fear that government “pilot schemes” to “help unemployed people with mental health problems find work” will lead to people being bullied off benefits and will not address the causes of mental ill-health. Some … Read More