At last it's Friday—but
there's still a lot to get through
Wasn't the rules debate wonderful? Isn't that
just what you came here for?
Well, this morning
looks even better and we've singled out a couple of things to
look out for. The main Scottish interest comes in the second pensions
debate.
50: UK-Wide Industrial Action in Defence of Occupational
Pensions
Scotland has always been clear that any industrial action initiatives
must come through Service groups and that is why Scotland submitted
50.2.
However this is covered
in the NEC's 50.1 and Scotland may withdraw in favour of that
to simplify the debate.
The important
thing is not to support 50 unless it is amended.
59: Political Fund Ballot
History has been made with an agreement between
Scotland, the NEC and Lambeth (yes, Lambeth) to put the amendments
together with the main motion and form a composite which unites
round the need to win a ‘yes' vote in the ballot and takes out
some of the ‘carping' in the original text. (See over…..)
121: International
Well, we might get to this yet….. The Scotland
and Monmouthshire/Sir Fynwy motion sets out principles to underpin
international work, budgets and priorities. It stresses the need
to base our work on dialogue rather than imposing views and the
importance in of UNISON's independence in fostering that.
UNISON and UNISON
Scotland have a proud history of solidarity. As the union appropriately
shapes its organising objectives and priorities this work has
come under pressure.
A clear statement
from conference can re-position solidarity work across the trade
union world.
The murderous situation
in the Middle East and particularly the Occupied Territories of
Palestine, careers towards an Armageddon with an unchecked Israel
supported by the USA. This should be the subject of an emergency
statement at conference.
44: Local Authority Funding
from Glasgow Health might also eventually get
heard.
A recent Bank of Scotland Report confirmed that
local council tax is a high percentage of housing costs with a
geared up effect on low income and social housing households.
The fact that only
20% of council revenue is raised locally has implications for
local democratic control and accountability. Even returning the
business rate to local control would only increase this to around
50%.
The NEC's draft report
will use some of the research commissioned by UNISON Scotland
from Glasgow Caledonian University. The report will be published
soon in consultation with Regions and Branches.
See more in Wednesday's
briefing
Reprioritised Motions
Have you noticed how close the priorities are
to Scotland's priorities—aren't we clever?
Iraq - Comp I
Comp I on Iraq will be preceded by a speech from
the General Secretary of the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions.
Motion 16: Offshoring
Take care with amendment
16.2. This is being opposed by the NEC, perhaps on practical grounds
and it will be worth hearing why.
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