UNISON National Delegate Conference Update

It has been an interesting week so far at Conference with many things discussed and debated both in main conference and the various fringe meetings.  The debates have included Health & Safety, Fair Pay and the links between UNISON and the Labour Party.

We have had 3 new young delegates to conference this year; Emma, Jodie & Kirsty.  They are pictured below with UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis and other members promoting the Hope not Hate campaign around racial equality and the fight against racism.

In Conference, Dave Prentis put forward the arguement about how we need to fight the Public Sector pay freeze and plan for the biggest ever demonstration in London on 20th October this year. He also went on the offensive and put forward that it is no longer acceptable for the Labour Party to follow the austerity arguments put forward by the ConDem Government, only not as quick and not as severe.  The support of UNISON for the Labour Party could be in question if this is the best they can offer.  Paul Kenny from the TUC has today backed up these comments with a similar view.

 

Today is also a day that sees debates on Rule Changes, in particular internal disciplinary rules and Branch finances.  These debates will have major implications for UNISON members and individual branches.  Details of the outcomes of these debates will be relayed later.

 

Tomorrow will see Pensions debated once more, this time with all service groups in attendance.  Again the outcome of this debate will be relayed to you at a later date.  The Branch emergency motion in support of the "68 is too late" campaign has, unfortunately, not been accepted on to the agenda for debate.  Although this is a disappointment the point will be put over in the pensions debate.