If you still haven't sent off your ballot paper to vote for National Chair this is your final chance to go and do it now. If you're still undecided then you know it makes sense to vote for DINO.
WHY?
- Voting for him ensures that CRC are represented on the top table.
- He is dedicated to fighting for our terms and conditions whether NPS/CRC.
- He has previous experience of representation and negotiation at National level.
- He has been, and remains a key player in bringing about the current dispute with Working Links despite their continuing attempts to ignore union representatives within the three local branches.
- Members have confirmed his tireless commitment when representing them - both via branch e-mail and posts on the Probation Blog.
- He communicates with the members and believes the top table are there to serve the interests of the members - not the other way round.
Probation Officer
NAPO JNCC & Staff Rep
Dorset Devon & Cornwall Community Rehabilitation Company (DDCCRC)
--oo00oo--
In order to try and keep a bit of impartiality here, can I remind Napo members that other candidates are standing for National Chair and Chas Berry has taken the trouble to make contact via Twitter. In response to the lively discussion over the weekend, he responded thus:-
"for the record I did speak up at the last NEC against the proposals for NNC and have argued against consistently at O&O"I also published Chas's YouTube video a week or two back, along with his article in the Socialist Newspaper. As far as I can see, the other candidates for National Chair have not undertaken any campaigning and no one has sent me any supportive emails.
"No secrecy. I have been arguing publicly against the NNC proposals for months now, including at the last NEC"
"also worth noting it was KSS motion to NEC moved by me and Alec's role at PNC that resulted in decision to debate at AGM"
Well, if Dino loses this one it won't be down to a lack of name recognition. But I have a clearer idea of where Chas stands on the issues. It seems Dino's platform is one of speaking truth to power. But this is not a case of a Mr Chips going to Washington. Dino was a Napo insider for years, he is no clean broom or cleanskin.
ReplyDeleteContrary to his cheerleaders and myth-builders, Dino has not achieved anything of substance in the South West. I would not blame him for that as the picture across the country is one of the employers behaving like robber barons – and getting away with it.
On the key issue of national collective bargaining, I know where Chas stands, but Dino is a mystery. I would say that Chas is defined by content, Dino by style.
Think Chas is guile the truth there and looking back with rosy spectacles. It might be the fight he was dreaming but certainly not the fight at all.
DeleteIt's with a heavy heart that I post for the first time. I've known (and worked with) Dino for nearly 30 years and whilst he is a fierce negotiator when he wishes to be, he also has fatal flaws and is as much a demagogue as our "esteemed" GS. Dino is a charismatic individual and as such has attracted a number of acolytes both within the Branch and more widely. There is a lengthy history of him favouring supporters and to put it mildly undermining any opposition, even if that opposition only consisted of constructive criticism intended to assist. I also know that whilst a member of Napo's national officer group he was not considered "a safe pair of hands". I'm extremely disappointed by the performance of the current joint Chairs and I don't know enough about Chas to comment, but I believe a vote for Dino would only hasten Napo's demise as an effective Union (and perhaps its very existence). Having said that democracy rules, so ultimately it's up to the membership
ReplyDeleteI know he was not considered a safe pair of hands. He can talk, but he cannot listen, he gets carried away by the sound of his own voice. If you like personality cults, Dino is your man.
DeleteNeither of these poster really know of Dino and his politics. He works for the branch and members and no one has ever asked what a safe pair of hands are. I know he was commended on his process and understanding of the worst issues that faced the officers when the general secretary was found out to be a liar. Whatever fate napo has it is not of his doing and style and commentary Dino gets your attention . Good luck to him. The poster above must have lost a case to him and are managers. heavy heart comment what a crock.
DeleteAny evidence that the general secretary told a lies?
DeleteThis opinionated arrogant post could only come from a manager who fears their future if Dino is elected. As a member from south west branch I am grateful that we have a formidable Branch Chair capable of challenging the CRC privateers. There are few with the knowledge and confidence to defend the staff position Dino's robust delivery. His work behind the scenes advising and steering those who take brave steps is never publicised and he does not seek credit. Integrity is scarce these days but this is one of Dino's greatest qualities, together with a hard work ethic and steely determination to defend the injustices many staff face in the current cut throat climate. Wishy-washy soothers are no match for the privateers who seek to rob staff of their life times employment entitlements. Lets hope Thursday's results will bring radical change and a chance to pick NAPO up off the floor.
Delete"Any evidence that the general secretary told a lies?" I think this is a reference to the previous General Secretary.
DeleteDino is the Corbyn of Napo. Smears and lies everywhere why because they fear him. If you are in the CRC you can only vote Dino our only CRC candidate. If you are in the NPS vote Dino have a conscience give us a crumb we have nothing else.
ReplyDeleteChas is useless. Nice but boring and has failed to keep Ian and Dean in check and boy do we need to keep an eye and ear on those two (it's hidden in the accoubts).
ReplyDeleteYvonne and Chris aka the invisible chairs don't waste your time voting for them they are yes women to Ian. Wouldn't dare challenge him.
Dino is the only one who has a plan and a vision he will also leash Ian and Dean. Boy do they need leaching.
What's 'hidden in the accounts'? Or is this just a slur like the sexist remarks about the current co-chairs.
DeletePeripheral point, I know, but the statement about 'the employers behaving like robber barons – and getting away with it' needs challenging. These companies are not getting away with anything. They are setting up a shedload of a reputational issues for themselves and are coming out of this looking like a shower of s***. I get that they are only in it for profit and don't have any scruples about how they go about it but, share price-wise, they aren't getting away with anything in the long run. It's all a little nuanced but these people really do look stupid, don't they?
ReplyDeleteThey get away with a lot and I don't see much reputational harm to stock value. G4S still doing very well, despite the 'setbacks'.They may look stupid to some, but they are laughing all the way to the bank.
DeleteWasn't it Mr Smith who went to Washington?
ReplyDeleteYes it was, it was Goodbye, Mr Chips. Dino as Brando in On the Waterfront would also do.
DeleteThat is funny I bet Dino will be laughing his head off Brando Best .
DeleteIf you had asked me four years ago whether I'd vote for Dino my answer would have been "absolutely no way". I had not had first hand dealings with him at that point and had bought into some of the reported negative aspects of his style and personality. I should be clear that I have been proved very wrong on my earlier view.
ReplyDeleteThis time I voted for him with no hesitation. I have watched him in action, supporting colleagues through the very difficult period that we are yet to come out of. I have seen him fight at a local and national level. I have also seen him displaying high levels of empathy and sensitively while supporting staff in crisis.
I, like many others have watched NAPO Central over the last few years with disappointment. I can not comment on corruption or lies as I do not know enough to make an assessment. More than anything, the lack of action has caused me the most concern.
We need somebody to shake things up and win back members as a Union is only ever as strong as its membership.
No you cannot comment on corruption or lies. You just slur away though. You don't even say 'alleged'. You need to be mindful of libel. I doubt whether you are fit and proper to make an assessment.
DeleteYou are correct in that I should have included the word "alleged". Had I added this word you may not have completely misjudged my intent with that line which was added to be open that I do not know enough of what the allegations are that are often referred to in people's comments let alone the details. It was certainly not an attempt to undermine any individuals.
DeleteI find your response a little aggressive and you question my assessment skills on the basis of one comment, taken out of context. I would hope that if you are a front line practitioner, you apply a more thorough approach.........
No idea what allegations you are referring to and as you don't either, it would have been circumspect not to feed such alleged rumours. Whatever your intent, any reasonable person would conclude from your comments that you were seeking to cast aspersions on unnamed individuals at Napo HQ. You created the context for your comments - in praising Dino you sought to condemn others. And this behaviour does bring your skills into question.
DeleteI will not add fuel to this fire that I had no intention of starting so I think we ought to agree to disagree on your assessment of my skills and the motivation behind my comment. Other people will make their own minds up about what they read here and I am comfortable with that. I hope that you have a good day :-)
ReplyDeleteWell put I agree with your interpretation 10:18 protests too much.
Delete10:18 over reaction the poster never slurred anyone no made a comment. Stating something that many speculate your response adds the fuel .
ReplyDelete10.18 & 12.38 burning and abusive outburst denotes a serious lack of self restraint and aggression. One can only assume your hatred is aimed at the praise 9.50 gave to Dino. Self awareness is an important tool 10.15 so perhaps you could take some guidance from subsequent posts on appropriate conduct. An improvement and training issue for yourself perhaps.
ReplyDeleteGood evening all. As, in the recent past (2015) a NEC representative and a member of various Napo Committees including the Finance sub committee I have some experience and understanding of how our Trade Union functions. It is not for me to comment hear on inderviduals within Napo leadership team, I have generally found within the Leadership team and the
ReplyDeleteemployees dedicated hard working inderviduals. Aalthough I have not always agreed with some of the decision making and outcomes, that's democracy at work.
As I understand the election process there are a number of names on the ballot form and each candidate will have supporters. I have been fortunate to have worked alongside Dino for many years and I lend my support to his campaign. Dino has his faults, which of us do not, however if Napo wants a Chair who is has the skills, the knowledge, the tenacity and the vision to guide Napo in these difficult times, I believe he is the right person to be Chair. If Dino is elected Chair he will give me the confidence to rejoin Napo.
Well said Barry. I support Dino too.
DeleteI wonder how many other ex/lapsed members would come back with significant change at the top table?
Well, short of hand delivered votes I guess the decision has already been made and all that is left is the count and notification.
Whoever is successful, I hope it brings positive change for NAPO.