UNISONScotland
positions on all the main issues
Impact of devolution wins prime place on agenda
Conference
Preview by Mike Kirby, Scottish Convenor A priority
concern for UNISON Scotland of the impact of devolution on UNISON and the trade
union movement, has secured a prime place on this year's conference agenda. The
process of regions and self organised groups prioritising issues for debate in
consultation with branches, means that the major themes and debates at Bournemouth
will focus on combating the BNP, Public Services, Pensions, Devolution and International
Policy, together with discussions and debates on how the union organises and exerts
its political influence. The conference business is structured
in half-day blocks with the main themes heading up each section. DEVOLUTION UNISON
Scotland called for a review of the impact of devolution on the organisation,
policy process and resourcing the union's activities. The NEC report (83) and
the associated rule changes are the product of a year of consultation throughout
the union. It has been debated and supported by the Scottish Committee. The
one area of contention for others may be the proposed rule change affecting the
conduct of business at service group conferences. This change is not prescriptive.
It does give service group standing orders committees the power to structure business,
subject to approval by the service group conference. It would answer UNISON's
own West Lothian question - why vote on matters which don't affect you? A delicately
balanced proposal should be supported. Scotland's motion
84 and 85 from East Midlands acknowledge the need to resource devolution of the
union's processes but that this can only be done from an agreed baseline funding
formula, which has not been reviewed during the life of the union. Other motions
in this section (86) will set conditions in support for English devolution. OPPOSE
BNP Various elections take place in the week prior to
conference. The racist BNP are heavily contesting many working class communities
in sheep's' clothing of supporting access to and quality of public services. They
are raciest violent thugs in suits, would do this at the expense of ethnic communities,
and must be opposed. UNISON anti-racist strategy is debated
in motions 68-76 with 68 and 70, 71 and 73 forming the core of the debate and
74 from the women's committee identifying a particular issue for women. PENSIONS Conference
week will kick off with major demonstrations in London and Edinburgh demanding
that we safeguard pensions. UNISON's campaigning strategy is addressed in motions
49 - 56 and amendments. The mainpoint of contention is addressed
in the UNISON Scotland and NEC amendments, that if industrial action is required
to defend pension rights, then this is best organised on a service group basis.
Motion 50 should be opposed unless amended. PUBLIC SERVICES Policy
to protect and revitalise public services will focus on a composite of motions
(38+39) from Edinburgh and the NEC. Any amendments to this comprehensive statement
merely add verbiage of little substance. Two particular
themes in this section will focus on social housing and housing for elderly people. UNISON
opposes stock transfer and PFI in favour of direct investment in democratically
controlled providers. The debate may well focus on the option of ALMO - arms length
management organisations, available in England. An option favoured as an alternative
in Scotland but denied us. Motion 47 states that any plans
to transfer elderly persons' homes should be the subject of a ballot of residents,
giving them the rights of other tenants. TWO TIER WORKFORCE The
continuing campaign to resist and overturn tiered conditions arising from service
transfer and privatisation is developed in motions 34 - 36. Motion 48 calls for
a fair wage resolution to such problems. HEALTH We
have resisted foundation hospitals in Scotland and the NEC's motion 109 would
seek to continue the fight against foundation hospitals in favour of real choice,
equity and accountability in the NHS. Motion 60 expresses similar opposition but
has the implied threat of weakening APF links if the Government's policy proceeds,
and should be opposed if debated. POLITICAL INFLUENCE The
issues of how best to influence government, through affiliated links and constructive
but critical engagement, notwithstanding the tensions of New Labour Party and
the New Labour Government, are addressed in motions 58 - 66. The
debate will focus on 66 & 67 and amendments with the simplistic call for a
resignation, which should be opposed, not for Blair sycophancy but that government
is not of, nor by one person. Critical engagement with government will secure
progress - simplistic demands will not. UNISON's ability
to resource campaigns of influence depend upon our (unique formula) political
fund. Human Rights, Gay Rights, Women's Rights, Public Services Campaign and Employment
Right Campaigns all need a Political Fund which the law requires. It
must be secured by a required ballot early next year. Motion 59 while calling
for a YES vote uses criticism of government policy to create a negative
framework, which could be misconstrued and misread by members voting (or not)
to endanger the political fund. Scotland and Yorkshire & Humberside amendments
would set the record straight and provide a clear strategy for the ballot campaign.
Support the amendments. Support the fund. INTERNATIONAL
POLICY AND SOLIDARITY 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 at
the centre of our activities (121). The South West region in motion 126 take up
the theme and recognises the role of trade unions in campaigning against exploitation
in developing countries and suggest that wage protection may be a key. 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. ORGANISING
AGENDA With such an expansive agenda the conference
will find time to consider how we best organise as a trade union. Organisation
and Recruitment (42) are linked to a vibrant democratic union. That future lies
with the organisation of young members (4) and the growing community and voluntary
sector (5) which present particular challenges. One of these challenges is appropriate
facility time for representatives (95+96) to make the most of rights and information
and consultation (98). Trade union learning and training (6) are essential to
achieving these priorities. RULES An
unusually short list of proposed rule amendments is headed up by those effecting
the provisions of the Devolution Report. Of the others
only 15+16 give cause for concern. Whether the proposals to elect the President
or Vice-Presidents are workable is open to debate. Its unusual to have the power
to nominate but not vote as provided for in 15+16. These proposals would also
provide a further elected centre of power. A more rational approach would be to
clarify what we expect of the Presidents in relation to the NEC, Committee Chairs
and the General Secretariat. Oppose 15+16. MIKE J KIRBY
MAY
2004 top Scotland
policies - Going through the motions!NATIONAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE
2004 This briefing includes UNISON Scotland's proposed amendments. It
is intended as a guide to Branch delegates. It will reflect Scottish Council
policy and will assist the two Scottish delegates in their discussions and negotiations
with other Regions, the NEC and the Standing Orders committee. The guide
cannot mandate Branches who may have different policies. However, it may assist
delegates in taking an overview of Conference. The general line is to support
motions unless listed to oppose. Comments have also been made against important
issues for support. If you need any help, advice or assistance during Conference,
do not hesitate to contact the Scottish Council delegates. Pat Rowland
Mike
Kirby
Scottish Council Delegates RECRUITMENT AND ORGANISING 1+4
Organising and Recruitment Strategy Conference notes with alarm that
union density in the public services as a whole is at its lowest level since the
end of the second world war, which means that our bargaining power is being eroded:
our credibility with other workers is being eroded and our influence with government
is declining. Conference therefore welcomes the National Executive Council
strategy and action plan on organising and recruitment to rebuild and revitalise
the union. Introduces flexible structures to reflect the new and changing
bargaining areas and levels in the public sector. This not only includes a continuous
review of union structures but also branch structures given the changes in the
public sector labour market. Ensures UNISON continues as a single union,
uniting around our aims and objectives with no federalist structure. The
motion calls on branches to adopt an active branch development plan and to use
the regional pool, which was established in 2001 to exclusively fund branch organising
and recruitment activity has been better in Scotland than other parts of the UK,
but is available for local and grouped branch or service group campaigns. That
successful campaigning/organising work led by young members around workplace issues,
for example the campaign over student nurse accommodation is a key element in
bringing young members into membership and trade union activity. The NEC
says substantial progress has been made in recent years in improving UNISON'S
membership base and organisation in the community and voluntary sector. lt
calls on the National Executive Council, in consultation with regions and service
groups to update the national organising plan to improve the recruitment, organisation
and representation of members in this sector and focus on particular issues in
Scotland. EDUCATION and TRAINING 6 Trade Union Education
and Organising The effective development and delivery of education provision
for UNISON activists and potential activists at branch, region and national level
is an essential core activity The union's organising agenda can only be
achieved if all activists and potential activists can readily access suitable
training 7 Debate Focuses on Support for Members Suffering from Mental Health
Problems and calls for a raising of awareness among employers and members REPLACEMENT
MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM RMS Motion 8 welcomes the significant progress
made in implementing a high quality union membership records and subscription
system over the last two years and calls for further work with regions to develop
the membership and financial system so that it evolves to meet the needs of the
user community in line with the union's key objectives. PARTICIPATION Motion
9 welcomes the practical support that the union and many branches give to
retired members but considers that they do not have the equal rights on which
UNISON prides itself. While motion 15 would like to see a process
introduced that increases the proportionality of women speakers at conferences
and calls on the National Executive Council to develop a positive action strategy
to increase the proportion of women speakers at UNISON conferences, meetings and
events. CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS Length of Conference Motions
(13) A brief motion from Eastern Region is concerned at the increasing
trend of very lengthy motions being submitted and calls on the National Executive
Council to consider adopting a word limit on motions. CONFERENCE ADMINISTRATION 15
Change of Date for National Delegate Conference Motion 15 calls
on the National Executive Council to look at moving the date for National Delegate
Conference so that it can be held during the summer school holidays, which may
be a response to recent (English) government directives and fines on parents,
but itself would create further problems for families and the union (oppose
15) COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Motion (16) from the
NEC is concerned that an increasing number of UK jobs are being off-shored and
calls for a continuing campaign on call centre off-shoring work; a national strategy
statement produced in consultation with DTI stakeholders, including trade unions;
early consultation between employers and staff where call centre and other private
service sector jobs are at risk. HEALTH AND SAFETY 23. The
Management of Health and Safety Regulations to include Stress calls upon Conference
to adopt this motion to press for the inclusion of all recognition of stress to
be included in regulation 3(1Xa) of The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulation 1999. Motion 25 from Edinburgh calls for a Campaign
For A Minimum Wage of £7.50 An Hour, condemns the appalling levels of poverty
pay in Scotland, condemns the appalling levels of poverty pay in Scotland and
calls for a campaign for a decent minimum wage for all workers over 16 but will
require amendment to update after Low Pay Commission recent announcement of revised
rates. 26 National Minimum Wage from the Young Members Forum notes
that UNISON'S latest submission to the Low Pay Commission provides a radical and
progressive solution to the problem of low paid young workers and calls on the
National Executive Council to press the government for: -
(a) the abolition
of the age rates within the national minimum wage
(b) 16 and 17 year olds
to be given full coverage under minimum wage regulations
(c) the extension
of the national minimum wage to all those on modern apprenticeships
(d) the
commissioning of ongoing research to monitor the pay, conditions, duties and financial
responsibilities of young workers. 28 Regional Pay from London area
congratulates those members who have taken part in the last two years in the London
Weighting dispute both local government and higher education, and resolves to
campaign for regional pay and push for national agreements on the basis of the
zones, London, South East England in the case of the police service. EQUALITY Supporting
Equality and Diversity from East Midlands Region (3) Welcomes the work
done by UNISON branches, regions and at national level to promote equal opportunities
in employment, wider society and our own organisation. It agrees on the
central importance of UNISON pursuing an integrated approach in promoting initiatives
to further our equalities agenda and welcomes the leading role that UNISON has
played in campaigning against the British National Party (BNP). However,
our campaign against racism must move beyond opposition and build upon the work
we already do with black, Asian and minority ethnic communities to promote and
strengthen community cohesion. 33 Challenging Homophobic Harassment
from South East Region notes that The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation)
Regulations 2003. which protect workers against discrimination, specifically including
harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation and calls for clarification on
the impact of the Sexual Orientation Regulations on harassment by third parties
and issue guidance to branches, to ensure that they have negotiated effective
policies and procedures on tackling homophobic harassment, which comply with best
practice as well as the legal requirements of the Sexual Orientation Regulations. REORGANISATION.
RESTRUCTURING AND PRIVATISATION 34 Privatisation Two-Tier Workforce
from Barnsley thanks the government for its proposals on the two-tier workforce
on transferring staff to the private sector under TUPE but calls on the government
to protect pensions in the same way any new contracts awarded in the future will
allow all transferred to stay in their present pension scheme. While 36
End the Two-Tier Workforce from Royal Hospitals notes that despite government
promises, a two-tier workforce is still operating in our public services and calls
on the National Executive Council to urgently use the resources to its disposal
to put pressure on government to end this exploitation. Northern Ireland,
in European Union and Privatisation (37) opposes the polarisation and liberalisation
of public services currently being actively promoted by the European Commission
and calls on the National Executive Council to: - Initiate and support a vigorous
campaign and programme of action by the European Federation of Public Service
Unions (EPSU) across Europe which: seek to mobilise trade unions; builds alliances
with community groups, MEP'S and relevant non- governmental organisations. PUBLIC
SERVICES 38 The Future for Public Services, the NEC regrets that
the future for public services in the UK is unclear as a result of constant change,
re-organisation, reform, polarisation and political battles, believes that public
investment in the existing staff is the key to public service improvement and
Labour winning a third term. Therefore in 2004 and 2005 Conference resolves
to reinvigorate public services by: - Promoting the benefits of directly provided
services accountable to democratically elected representatives; continuing to
oppose all forms of magnetisation and polarisation; exploiting the recruitment
and retention potential; successful local anti- privatisation campaigns; promoting
locally, nationally and internationally the UNISON vision of high quality services,
tax funded, collectively provided free on the basis of need. 39 From
Edinburgh Improving Public Services shares the government's ambitions
of a future fair for all, delivering to all citizens world class public services
based on need and not the ability to pay. It calls upon the government to:
- Fully review its public sector finance regulatory framework that debars the
in-house options from many PFI and PPP routes; compels all contractors carrying
out public sector contracts to adopt minimum contract standards on workforce training
equal pay, profit capping and profit sharing; finance public services in such
a way as to allow them to plan strategically rather than through short term and
ring-fenced quick fixes. 41 Tory Spending Plans and Gershon Review
from Manchester notes with great regret but little surprise the Conservative party's
announcements in February of plans to cut public expenditure by £ 35 billion and
calls upon the National Executive Council to campaign against any form of public
spending cuts and promote existing UNISON policy during the current round of CSR
negotiations. Glasgow Health and our Local Authority Funding (44)
notes with concern the double figure average annual council tax increases in 2002,
2003 and 2004 in England and Wales. Conference also notes with concern the above
inflation rises in average annual council tax increases in Scotland during the
period. Local democracy thrives where finance is locally raised, thus Conference
believes that the only way to alleviate current funding problems is for local
authorities to rely less on central funding and have greater financial freedom. Local
government should be given a broader tax base, whereby councils raise more than
half their revenue locally. Council Tax itself must be made more income-related. Business
rates must be returned to local control to play an active role in the negotiations
surrounding the new local government funding system currently being developed
in England and Wales. Support for UNISON Scotland to input into the independent
review of Scottish local government finance. Branches to be encouraged to
highlight local funding issues and investigate the cause of recent problems. In
45 the NEC sets out A UNISON Agenda for the Future Provision of Affordable
and Social Housing and condemns the government's failure to tackle the country's
housing crisis; believes that the country needs investment in decent, affordable.
secure and democratically accountable housing to provide first class homes for
all who need them; the Treasury gives local authorities new borrowing powers to
allow them to invest directly in a wide-ranging programme of council house building
- National Executive Council. PENSIONS 49 Occupational Pensions
from the NEC notes the growing retreat by employers from the provision of good
quality occupational schemes, and argues that unless the above trends are reversed,
the results will be increased pensioner poverty and reduced levels of economic
prosperity in future. It reaffirms the importance of providing sufficient
protections to ensure the members of private sector schemes receive the benefits
they are entitled to. Conference welcomes many of the measures announced by the
government in order to improve the security of final salary schemes in the private
sector. The service groups negotiating to protect and reform public sector
schemes. Mount a high profile UNISON-wide campaign to highlight the decline
of occupational pension provision and its future consequences, working in partnership
with the TUC, the National Pensioners' Convention and other groups. Produce
information guidance and campaigning material on pensions issues for individuals
for and branches. However, Motion 50, UK-wide Industrial Action
in Defence of Occupational Pensions calls for a ballot of members for lawful
industrial action up to and including strike action in autumn 2004. Question
over legality of such action. (Oppose) 53 Restoration of The
Value of The State Pension Condemns the introduction of the pensioner credits
scheme and calls to continue to campaign for the restoration of purchasing power
of the state pension and the reintroduction of the earnings links in relation
to future annual increases. 55 Access To Pension Benefits (City of
Edinburgh) Welcomes the government's commitment to put in place legislation to
allow same gender couples access to works pensions benefits equal to those enjoyed
by married couples but notes this provision is not to be extended to heterosexual
couples who are not married. 56 Fair Pensions and Care Services from
Yorkshire and Humberside urges the government to give priority to addressing the
current inadequate and unjust pension provision for millions of people in this
country to work to safeguard occupational pension schemes and for the restoration
of the earnings link with an updating of the basic rate. POLITICAL INFLUENCE
(58 - 66) A cluster of nine motions would seek to determine how the
APF operates, finely mask calls for disaffiliation or seek to interfere in Labour
Party business with regard to affiliation (or not) by other means and should all
be opposed. 58 Affiliated Political Fund notes the decision of last year's
Conference on the political funds debate and in particular that section which
called on the National Executive Council to consult with the National Affiliated
Political Committee (NAPC) with a view to bringing forward proposed measures,
including any necessary changes to UNISON rules. It reaffirms our view that
our union's political funds exist position on political matters of importance
to our members to promote UNISON's. 59 The forthcoming Political Fund
Ballot and Funding New Labour Instructs the National Executive Council to
devote sufficient resources to a vote yes campaign, in conjunction with regions,
branches, service groups, self-organised groups, young members and retired members.
This campaign should emphasise the need for trade unions to have an independent
political voice rather than implausible claims about the benefits of UNISON Labour
Link and is a masked disaffiliate motion to be opposed as is. 66
calls for the resignation as Prime Minister of Tony Blair and we thought that
it was a cabinet collective decision to go to war. RACISM 68
UNISON'S Anti Racist Strategy Notes that the National Executive Council as
part of its overall objectives for 2004/2005 has identified a number of priorities
that inform UNISON'S race equality work. These are: - 1) Developing and
implementing an anti-racist strategy across the union
2) Tackling racism in
the workplace
3) The effective implementation of the Race Relations (Amendment)
Act
4) Promoting respect for asylum seekers and fighting for humane immigration
rules
5) Combating the far right and promoting community cohesion. Consequently,
Conference welcomes the new anti-racist strategy. Calls on the National
Executive Council to ensure that the race equality strategy is implemented at
all levels of UNISON. 70 Campaign to destroy the BNP from West Midlands
Region believes that racist and fascist organisations have no place in a democratic
and pluralistic society, calls for a Campaign to expose the evil nature of the
BNP and other fascist bodies, and condemns without reservation any political party
or group or individual that seeks to make any formal or informal deal with the
BNP. ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION Asylum Seekers (77) from
West Midlands notes that the government is determined to introduce still another
round of asylum/immigration legislation. These proposals will mark the firth
major piece of Asylum/immigration legislation in the space of a decade and come
in the wake of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 that trade unions
should be to the fore in opposing attempts to scapegoat refugees for a range of
social problems and the government's drive to criminalise asylum seekers through
the use of arbitrary detention. CIVIL RIGHTS 82 End the
Detention of Suspects Without Trial agrees that the issue of terrorism needs
to be addressed but is concerned that civil liberties have become a victim of
the current war on terrorism. Calls on the UK Government to secure the release
of all British citizens and British residents held by the US in Guantanamo Bay
for freedom or fair trial in the UK and to work to ensure that the situation is
not repeated or compounded by the internment of further suspects DECENTRALISATION 83
Policy Development, Bargaining and Devolution from the NEC approves the recommendations
contained in the National Executive Council's report on Policy Development, Bargaining
and Devolution. The need for a clear set of basic values and actions to
underpin the relationships between the UK level union and UNISON regions. A
devolution impact assessment procedure should be established. Information
and communication procedures manual. Continue work to ensure that the union's
structures and decision-making processes reflect political devolution and developments
in regional governance. In order to provide a context for the work on these
issues to go forward and for UNISON to adopt a culture that recognises the implications
of devolution. 84 Devolution and Trade Unions from Scotland
notes that UNISON has been at the forefront of campaigning for devolution to the
nations and regions of the UK. That the regional level is becoming an appropriate
spatial scale for the delivery of its broader economic social and political policies
The task for the trade union movement is to acknowledge that engagement at regional
level represents an historic opportunity to both influence the future direction
of public policy and renew the role of trade unionism within the UK's evolving
political economy. Welcomes the work undertaken in the past year to promote
debate in UNISON and the building of a framework approach to policy development
that recognises devolution. The impact of devolution may have resource implications
for the union. However, current baseline funding and resorting of regional organisation,
administration and lay activity is that inherited by UNISON and bears little relation
to current needs. Instructs the National Executive Council, in conjunction
with the regions, to review and assess current resource needs and devise a baseline
formula. 85 Devolution (East Midlands) Welcomes the recent consultation
exercise conducted by the National Executive Council policy development, bargaining
and devolution. In doing so, it also reaffirms the policy established by Composite
L carried at the 2003 National Delegate Conference which agreed that UNISON's
continuing commitment to regional democracy relied on the government precluding
the abolition of county councils and district councils and subsequent changes
to imposed unitary authorities. Agrees that as political devolution progresses
it is even more urgent that UNISON addresses devolution of our own internal operation
to ensure that decision making and service delivery take place as close to the
embers as possible. 86 English Regional Assemblies (Northern Region)
states that 2004 is likely to be a significant year in determining the future
governance of England. The current UNISON policy is to support the principle
of directly elected assemblies in England. However, this policy must be reinforced
by a regional decision based upon the need to safeguard members' interests by:
- 1) Safeguarding jobs
2) Promoting Public Services
3) Ensuring better
governance 87 Regional Assemblies from Manchester Believes that
the plans for elected regional assemblies in England currently offer the worst
of every world. Instructs the National Executive Council to campaign within
the union and the wider political movement and amongst our own membership for
the forthcoming draft bill to include: - Additional money for the costs of reorganisation
with no precept on council tax bills. 2) Greater strategic powers to include
strategies for the NHS to end the post code lottery on health care within the
NHS. 3) Greater strategic control of the transport infrastructures including
the right to re-regulate local bus services. 4) Protection of local democratic
accountability within our communities. 88 The Proposed Elected Regional
Assemblies Resolves to consider favourably individual financial support for
legitimate organisations campaigning for a no vote in the currently proposed referenda
reflects the divergent views across parts of England, when perhaps we should abstain. EDUCATION 89
Workforce Development from St Helen's believes that the Labour government
has identified a huge deficit in the skills base of the country and has made positive
efforts towards raising the skills levels of the workforce; calls on the Labour
government to instruct the learning and skills council to increase funding for
work-based learning and to ensure that the learning and skills councils move closely
with further education colleges to determine the needs of the community and employers. 90
Lifelong Learning, Yorkshire & Humberside welcomes the Labour government's
decision to legislate to give paid time off for union learner representatives
to train colleagues and urges an extension to paid time off to those who want
to participate in learning in the workplace. 92 Black children: Educational
Needs says that black children are being treated unfairly in schools throughout
the UK with higher levels of expulsions and poor exam grades. Calls on the
National Executive Council to address this issue urgently by ensuring that the
government provide appropriate resources Calls upon the NEC to establish a working
party within UNISON which would report to the NEC. Make a final report to
the Development and Organisation Committee before National Delegate Conference
2005. EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS 95 Access to Paid Time Off and Facilities
Welcomes the government's new employment relations bill which contains many
useful proposals including the right of unions to make it possible to uphold our
rule books and elements of the far right from union membership. However,
regrets the bill leaves workers in the UK with less rights than those enjoyed
in the rest of Europe. Calls on the government to: - Revise the ACAS
and LRA codes of practice so that trade union representatives have the right to
take time off work with pay for the purpose of carrying out their duties as an
official that are concerned with the industrial relations with their employer
and between any associated employer and their employees. 97 Employment
Rights in the UK from the North West Region resolves to continue to campaign
for real and substantial improvements in trade union rights in Britain in conjunction
with the TUC and the wider labour movement to include: - 1) The definition
of trade disputes to be widened significantly to include associated employers
and to include employer plans to transfer and privatise services to another employer.
2)
The end of the ban on solidarity action.
3) The establishment of further positive
rights to protection from victimisation of trade union members and activists. 98
Information and Consultation Directive Calls upon the National Executive Council
to: - 1) Lobby. including through the Labour Link and the TUC to ensure
that the regulation implementing the Directive are fully in line with the Directive's
legal requirement and that they cannot be used to undermine existing information
with recognised trade unions. 2) Develop a UNISON strategy to utilise the
bargaining, recruitment and retention opportunities offered by the Directive. ENVIRONMENT 99
UNISON Against Generically Modified Crop Production The power and effectiveness
of the campaign of lobbying and direct action by environmental groups, trade unions
and other which has prevented the commercial production of genetically modified
(GM) crops in Britain resolves to: - 1) Continue to lobby the government
to ensure that no GM crops are commercially grown within the UK until its effects
on human health, the environment and the local economy have been fully and independently
investigated and proven to be safe. 2) Take active steps to ensure that
all employers or its members avoid the use of GM food, ingredients and derivatives
in workplace catering. 3) Ensure that any catering used for branch activities
is GM free 4) Actively promote the idea of GM free areas amongst members
and support similar campaigns. EOUALITIES 103 Young Lesbians
and Gay Men - The need for a National Strategy Welcomes the repeal of
Section 28 as the single most effective step to reduce suicide among young lesbians
and gay men. Conference believes schools must be at the heart of a national
strategy to support young lesbians and gay men. Instructs the National Executive
Council to support this work in all appropriate ways, including working with the
NLGC and National Young Members Forum, Labour Link, relevant service groups and
sectors, and wherever possible, other unions and campaigning organisations to
campaign for a national strategy for young lesbians and gay men. 109
Choice, Equity and Accountability in the NHS Conference applauds the
work of the lesion in campaigning against the introduction of foundation trusts
and highlighting the magnetisation of the NHS, and recognises the important role
played by our partners in the campaign, including MPs, campaign organisations
and community groups. Reaffirms its opposition to the introduction of foundation
trusts and calls upon the National Executive Council, together with the Health
Service Group Executive to support branches in campaigning and their individual
fights against the introduction of foundation trusts and continue to work to prevent
the potential negative effects of foundation trusts. SOCIAL POLICY 115
The Mobility Component Of Disability Benefits National Disabled Members Committee
agrees that all members of society who are disabled and aged 65 or over should
have the same entitlement to mobility benefits as disabled people under 65 years
of age. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 121 International
Policy, from Scotland & Wales International developments, whether economic,
social or political, affect all areas of UNISON's membership. Conference notes
that one of the founding principles of the union was that of international solidarity
and friendship with trade unions overseas and in particular with unions struggling
against the forces of oppression, polarisation and injustice. Notes the
historic role played by UNISON and its predecessor unions in the struggle against
apartheid in South Africa. The continuing and necessary support given to
the people of Palestine in their fight for self-determination on the basis of
United Nations Resolution 242. The help given to trade unionists in Colombia. The
assistance necessary to Cuba. The support called for at conference last
year given to trade unions in Burma where the military dictatorship has suspended
the normal democratic processes and where the use of forced labour is common. Instructs
the NEC to: - 1) Prioritise its international work and budgets based on
these principles. 2) Continue to carry out UNISON's international work through
trade union internationals such as European Public Services Union and Public Services
International. 3) Base its work on genuine dialogue between partners, rather
than seeking to impose our views or solutions on others. 4) Retain our independence
of government and the Foreign Office. 122 HIV/AIDS from the NEC notes
that to date 22 million people had died from AIDS and 42 million people are living
with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Continue support for ACTSA'S HIV/AIDS work, especially
their campaigning to fund the fund. Put pressure on the UK government pharmaceutical
corporations and the WTO to ensure that people with HIV/AIDS in poor countries
get the medicines they need. 123 Globalisation and Labour Migration
Conference notes that globalisation is a major factor in the acceleration of the
rate of growth in migration in recent decades. Measures need to be adopted
to ensure that migrants receive equal treatment and are not victims of abuse and
exploitation. The need for a greater understanding of all the issues associated
with migration and its role in an increasingly globalised world. Legislation
on equal treatment between persons in accordance both with UN and International
Labour Organisation conventions and with the legal instruments of the Council
of Europe. An educational programme to set out the value of migrant works
to British society and which challenges the images from the press and politicians. Urges
the National Executive Council to develop a strategy to promote these objectives
and to work closely with the TUC, ETUC, PSI, EPSU, ITF, SOLIDAR and other appropriate
bodies on issues related to labour migration, international trade union rights
and fair trade to create a coherent trade union position. 126 International
Minimum Wage (SouthWest Region) raises the novel issue of an International
Minimum Wage and recognises that the most effective method of ending exploitation
in the developing world is the establishment of strong and effective trade unions. It
calls upon UNISON to ensure that its international solidarity work is focused
specifically on providing support and assistance to the development of strong
and effective trade unions in the developing world. 131 IRAQ from
a London Health Branch Notes that: - Over a year after the illegal occupation
of lraq the alleged weapons of mass destruction used to justify the invasion had
still not materialised. The invasion and occupation of Iraq have been and
continue to be a threat to international justice and peace. Calls for a
planned withdrawal of all British troops from Iraq to be initiated immediately. 134
Solidarity With Workers in Iraq Calls on the National Executive Council to
initiate, in collaboration with other interested trade unions a trade union solidarity
committee which will liaise with trade Unions in Iraq, facilitate direct links
between trade union organisations in Iraq and in Britain. Reflects support
of Scottish Council in December. 139- 141 Call for Solidarity and Support
for Trade Unionists in Colombia Notes that in Colombia hundreds of trade unionists
have been assassinated and in this year alone 7,000 people have been victims of
the political conflict. Calls for: - A negotiated solution between the state
and the guerrilla movements which is essential for peace and social justice. All
UK military aid to Colombia should cease. Continue to support SINTRAEMCAU
and SINTRAUNICOL and the CUT. Support for the Justice for Colombia campaign
to stop UK military links with or aid to the Colombian military. Affiliation
to Justice for Colombia whilst maintaining links and cooperating with all other
relevant non-government organisations and initiatives. 142 UNISON and
Cuba Endorses the motion on Cuba unanimously adopted at the TUC in September
2003 which condemned "the intensifying and hostile attempts by the United States
to undermine the self-determination and economic position of Cuba". Agrees
to encourage all regions, local branches and individual members of UNISON to do
so and support the Cuban people. DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF STAFF Staffing 145
NEC Staffing Committee Calls on the National Executive Council to review the
functioning of the Staffing Committee and to make appropriate changes to ensure
that they undertake a strategic rather than operational role. IMPROVED
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 148 Branches with Excess of Fifty Per Cent Membership
Instructs the National Executive Council to examine the possibility of ensuring
branches in excess of 50 per cent receive extra resources. RULES Rule
Amendments 2, 4, 10, 18, 19, 25, 26 and 27 all flow from Devolution
Report and should be supported. 6, Rule C.2.5.2 Becoming a Member
Re-entry clause for BNP Fascists, Racists, Fraudsters or Trade Union anarchists
should be opposed. 15 Rule E.1.4 President Would we need to determine
relationship of General Secretary, NEC and Committee, all Chairs. Further elected
power base in the union should be opposed. 16 Rule E.2.2 Vice-presidents
Further elected power base in the union should be opposed. 29 Schedule
E: Political Fund Ballot Procedural motion to facilitate political fund ballot
required by law every 5 years. top | 
