Help from the union

Published: 28 April, 2011

• I WRITE to correct inaccuracies in your article (Readers help to pay for Jackie’s funeral, April 21).

I am the chair of Camden Unison and Maddy Cooper is the Unison shop steward representing housing workers in the Gospel Oak area including Angie Barrett. While Maddy and I are very pleased to have been able to support Angie with an application to Unison Welfare neither of us was involved in the decision-making process.

Unison Welfare is an independent charity with independent trustees, set up to provide assistance to Unison members during difficult times, it is the trustees who decide the outcome of applications and levels of support. While it is true that I have, along with other Camden Unison members, raised funds for Unison Welfare we do not determine how it is paid out. Angie has clearly had a very difficult time over the last few months following the tragic death of her daughter. I am therefore very pleased that our union has been there for her and been able to offer this support.

BARRY WALDEN
Branch Chair (job share)
Camden Unison