Defend Glenn Kelly

Rush in Protests at Bromley’s suspension of activist:

Defend Glenn Kelly

BROMLEY COUNCIL in south London have suspended Glenn Kelly, UNISON branch secretary, chair of the Campaign for a Fighting Democratic UNISON and Socialist Party member.

Bromley acted after Glenn, as secretary of the public-sector union UNISON, played a leading role in campaigning to save the Night Care service for the elderly living in the council’s sheltered accommodation.

The council plans to cut the service, which currently provides two members of staff on site in each unit to give support from 9pm-7am. They want to replace it with two mobile workers covering all residents in the borough.

Glenn was invited to speak to residents in their homes after taking up the campaign. An hour later, management phoned Glenn at home, instructing him not to go into the homes. He was subsequently banned from having any contact with the tenants and their relatives.

Glenn told The Socialist: “This is a blatant attempt to stop the trade union, tenants and relatives fighting to save an essential service. In the past Bromley council has proposed some despicable things but this one is frankly sickening. They’re gambling with elderly people’s safety to cut costs.

“If implemented, these proposals could put tenants’ lives at risk and the council are trying to cover it up by trying to silence me. But we will fight this and have no intention of being silenced.”

Glenn has received many letters of support from tenants and their relatives. Other UNISON branches throughout the country have already sent in letters of protest about his suspension.

  • A public meeting organised by UNISON, tenants and relatives will be held at 3pm on 3 September, HG Wells Hall, Masons Hill, Bromley.
  • Letters/faxes of protest to Jeremy Ambache, Director of Social Services and Housing, Bromley Council, Civic Centre, Bromley BR1 3 UH. Fax: 020 8313 4620 or the Chair of Social Services on 020 8290 0608.

Solidarity messages to Bromley Unison, Civic Centre, Bromley. Tel: 020 8313 4405 or fax 020 8313 4885.